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in the country. He grew some of his own food, and most of the rest came in trade for healing. He had an extensive herb garden—I made admiring noises and was promised a tour—an orchard, a vineyard, and chickens and goats. I wondered how much land he owned, but that was another nosy question I kept to myself. Despite his friendliness, he came across as a very private person.
    After lunch I went back to reading on the portal while Madera took Len off to consult on something or other. He was her mentor; that’s what she was here for. Interesting how she was blending modern medicine with folk medicine. I wondered what her profs thought of it.
    The sun shifted to the west, so I moved to the north side of the portal , near my room. There were chairs here too—there were chairs scattered all the way around the portal . Madera could have thrown a pretty big party if he’d wanted.
    I kept going back to the kitchen for more iced tea until I finished off the pitcher. Finished my book late in the afternoon. Still no sign of Len. I put my feet up on a hassock and closed my eyes.
    I must have dozed off, because when I heard a door closing I looked up and it was late. The sun had set, and the plazuela glowed with soft evening light. I got up and stretched, then noticed fantastic smells on the air. I couldn’t identify them other than that it was dinner and it made my mouth water.
    I picked up my empty glass to take back to the kitchen, then noticed I wasn’t alone. Sav—Sav—that Sav guy was standing near the corner, looking out at the garden.
    He noticed me. I smiled and gave a little wave.
    â€œ Hi.”
    Wasn’t sure what else to say. Awkward to ask if he was feeling better.
    Come on, Man. Try harder.
    I walked over to him. “You’re one of Caeran’s cousins, right?”
    He nodded.
    â€œ Have you lived in New Mexico long?”
    â€œ No.”
    Right. OK, if he wasn’t going to help, I wouldn’t pester him.
    I almost left right then, but I had this feeling he must be lonely. For sure he was sad. I decided to stay a little longer.
    He was looking at the garden again. The birds were gone now, and the fountain’s trickle was peaceful.
    â€œ Beautiful place,” I said.
    â€œ Yes.”
    He nodded, then looked straight at me for the first time. My breath caught in my throat—just like it had when the creep at the blood center had looked at me—but this was a good feeling. He saw me.
    â€œ I am Savhoran.”
    I smiled. “Amanda. Nice to meet you.”
    His manner was kind of formal, but I figured it was just shyness. With almost painful politeness, he asked, “Have you been in New Mexico long?”
    â€œ Born and raised. I’m from Portales.”
    He nodded. I would have bet money he had no clue where Portales was.
    â€œ It’s south and east,” I added. “Out on the plains. Windy and hot. This is much nicer—Madera’s really created an oasis here.”
    Savhoran smiled, but still looked sad. I wanted to ask him what was wrong, maybe try to comfort him, but I didn’t. Too nosy on such short acquaintance, and it was obviously some health problem since he was here as a patient.
    â€œ Well, dinner smells great,” I said. “Are you headed for the kitchen?”
    He hesitated. I didn’t give him a chance to say “no.”
    â€œ Come on.”
    I nodded toward the plazuela , and stuck my hand out without thinking. He didn’t take it, but he did come with me.
    The flagstones were warm with the heat of the day. Savhoran stopped in the middle of the plazuela, looking at the flowers and the fountain as if he’d never seen anything so beautiful. I watched him cup a spray of lilacs in his hand and smell it. The creases in his forehead relaxed.
    We went to the kitchen and found Len and Madera busy with supper. The room was lit with the soft glow of oil lamps on the counters and in a chandelier.