Althea would not look her in the eyes. "I cannot cast a spell like that for you."

Jennsen choked back the tears. "Please, Althea, I just want to be left alone. You have the power."

"I do not have what you've invented in your mind for me. I have helped you in the only way I can."

"How can you sit here knowing that other people are suffering and dying-and not help? How can you be so selfish, Althea? How can you not help when I need it?"

Friedrich put a hand under Jennsen's arm, lifting her to her feet. "I'm sorry, but you've asked what you would. You've heard what Althea has to say. If you're wise, you will use what you've learned to help yourself Now, it's time for you to leave."

Jennsen pulled away. "All I want is the help of a spell! How can she be so selfish!"

Friedrich's eyes blazed with fury, even if his voice did not. "You have no right to speak to us in that manner. You don't know anything about it, about the sacrifices she's made. It's time for you to-"

"Friedrich," Althea said in a soft voice, "why don't you make us some tea?"

"Althea, there is no reason you should have to explain any of it-least of all to her."

Althea smiled up at him. "It's all right."

"Explain what?" Jennsen asked.

"My husband may sound harsh to you, but it's because he doesn't want me to burden you. He knows that some people leave here unhappy with the knowledge I give them." Her dark eyes turned up to her husband. "Make us some tea?"

Friedrich's face twisted with a long-suffering expression before he nodded in resignation.

"What do you mean?" Jermsen asked. "What knowledge? What is it you aren't telling me?"

As Friedrich went to a cupboard and retrieved a kettle and cups, setting the cups on the table, Althea gestured for Jennsen to sit on the pillow before her.