Pan finally had a room to sleep in. The Ischyros still needed repairs, but they headed to the space dock. They still traveled with the Spiti, escorted back to safety. Pan knew the Spiti’s captain couldn’t stand her private status. She relaxed in her room sans camera, and her mere presence, a ship away, constipated him.

Everyone would head home soon, except for Sotir and Alban. Aria, Gavain, and Irini would go back to Scaldigir and their jobs. But, they would be within reach.

Speaking of others within reach – Pan had two letters. One from Kat. One from Chara. Just as Pan had suspected, Spy was no longer among the living. Pan might conjure her up and say good-bye, or she could let it rest.

Pan opened Kat’s letter: I’m a bit skeptical of this lack of powers thing, so I hope you don’t mind that I’ll be taking the first chance I get to visit you – to see for myself. I shouldn’t say lack of powers because now it seems you have access to them all. Practice hard. I’d like a demonstration when I make my way out there. – Kat

Pan opened Chara’s letter: You have been much missed in all the ways you weren’t a reaper. Hoping to see you soon – Chara.

Pan put both letters away. She wasn’t in the market for mentors. Though, didn’t the oldest person still want someone to look up to?

Pan cast her eyes down. She stared at the book and practiced the circles she saw inside. So far, Pan couldn’t get the rings to work. She memorized several circles. She memorized their lines and symbols. Some she even understood, but none would come to life for her. None except the ghost seeing circle or circles. There was more than one ghostly spell in the book. All of them worked for Pan.

I’ll get it. I will.

Pan’s door creaked open, and Sotir walked in.

“How goes the practice?” he asked.

“I know lots of symbols, and how to arrange them about fifty different ways. I’m still figuring out what each circle does. Oh, and there’s something called counters. Apparently, all of these spells have a match or two. When your opponent casts one circle, casting the match will negate the first.” Pan shrugged. “I think the Volanters would just love if I learned my counters.”

Sotir smiled. “So, you could negate all their spells?”

Pan nodded. She looked up from the page. “Let me ask you…you who looks into the future…will we encounter Volanters in our lifetimes?”

“I don’t know. I have every reason to believe that Volanters will be harder to read even than my reaper friend.” Sotir approached Pan’s desk. “I’m so sorry, Pan. I didn’t see through Brynn’s scheme.” Sotir sat on the edge of Pan’s desk. “I really thought you might die this time. I’ve got you in my sights now, and I won’t let you out of them.”

Pan stared up at him. “I’m sure you won’t.”

Sotir winced. His cheeks seemed to show some red beneath the grey. “If you don’t want me to look at your specific future, I won’t. I won’t try to manipulate you. If Brynn can quit, then so can I.”

“Brynn can quit because she’s dead.” Pan sat back and crossed her arms. “I’m not so sure about you, or Aria.”

“Have a little faith in me,” he said.

Slowly, Pan leaned forward. She unfolded her arms and rested her chin in her hand. “Actually, once in a while, I wouldn’t mind if you tried something.” Pan smiled. “Keep it within reason, and maybe, wait till I have some powers back. Then…we’ll see. Someday, we could be evenly matched.”

Sotir sat quiet. He watched her, with knit brow, and waited.

Pan looked up. “I wonder if I could unbind you…and Aria too. What if we were a society not of arcanes but of magicians?”

“That…could get dangerous. I’d caution you.” Sotir stared at Pan with suspicion.

She smiled wider. “I’m a long way off from being able to do that. So, you have lots of time to plan how you might stop me.”

Sotir smiled back.