A murdered guardian. A stolen sapphire. A raven with opinions.

Brie must gather the Jewels of Tambor—learning courage, cunning, and a strength she never knew she possessed—all while braving a twisted foot, a lack of trust, and impossible odds. Meanwhile, Dogmar, known as Jackal, will do anything to claim the throne—until a stolen jewel begins to unravel everything she believes about strength and survival.

Chapter 22 Jackal.

2

I turn around and walk back down the trail

so Gray won't know I was just coming up.

3

I'll tell him I slept under an overhang.

4

He'll believe me, when he

catches up, he grabs my arm.

5

No.

6

Hello.

7

Just have you seen Brie?

8

No, haven't you?

9

It's easy to sound alarmed because I am.

10

If we haven't seen her from either

direction, then where is she?

11

A sick feeling settles in my stomach.

12

What if she saw me jump from the courtyard

and tried to follow by the jewels?

13

She could be dead.

14

My mind flashes on the

envelope in her bundle.

15

I should have snatched it

while I had the chance.

16

Some old scholar could

have read it for me.

17

The boy moans.

18

My only job was to keep her

safe and I've already failed.

19

We'll find her.

20

I say with genuine hope.

21

It will make my job so much easier.

22

Gray gives me an appreciative nod.

23

if I help you find Bri, will

you help me find something?

24

He looks desperate enough to do anything.

25

What he asks.

26

I lead him to the side of the trail away

from the pilgrims making their way down.

27

I want you to help me slip my tether.

28

You know, let me run away with you.

29

I see the debate going

on in the boy's head.

30

He's worried.

31

He doesn't know if he can trust me.

32

Stupid fool.

33

Of course he can't, but he wants to.

34

People like him want to trust everyone.

35

Won't the Croker send

the dragon after you?

36

He asks.

37

Not if he's busy searching for the Pero.

38

This is the perfect time.

39

Please take me with you.

40

The Croker will let me

starve if you don't.

41

I open my eyes wide as I beg.

42

I can see he's going to say yes.

43

He can't turn down a person

in need the imbecile.

44

Finally, he nods, all

right, I'll help you.

45

He says, but we need to find Brie first.

46

Of course, I say patting his arm.

47

Now, even if the girl is

gone, I'm in with the boy.

48

I wonder what details I can get

from him and begin to ask questions.

49

He offers only evasive answers.

50

I'm sure my rodent chided

him after yesterday.

51

But that's fine.

52

All I have to do is use

a bit of persuasion.

53

I want to hear a secret.

54

I ask.

55

The boy looks unsure, but I go on.

56

You know the order.

57

He nods well, there's a

Lord trying to thwart them.

58

He looks unimpressed.

59

I'm not afraid of the order.

60

He says I gape at him.

61

Well, maybe you haven't experienced

the order in the Norwood, but

62

where I'm from, cross the order

and your gem pit is collapsed.

63

Diggers inside, I don't tell

him about the sliced throats.

64

Gray goes pale.

65

Why aren't they stopped?

66

He demands I shrug the order

wields too much influence and

67

they demand absolute loyalty.

68

I share a few more heinous details.

69

When gray looks sufficiently

cowed, I explain that I can

70

steer him clear of the order.

71

If he'll tell me what he and

Bree are doing here this time,

72

he doesn't hesitate as assumed.

73

He owns up to searching for the

jewels of Tambo, but to my irritation,

74

he won't tell me where they are.

75

I begin to realize that he doesn't know

by pheon the girl has got to be alive.

76

Brie, I sleep in my pine burrow until

the throbbing in my foot wakes me.

77

I would gladly sleep

longer, but I need to study.

78

I scrabble around until I can sit up.

79

The light coming through the bows

is dim, but I can see well enough.

80

I open the envelope and start by

looking over Nona's list of jewels.

81

I've studied it before, but I do it again.

82

Ruby Sapphire, pero.

83

All stones I know about below them are

the unknown jewels, amethyst, violet as

84

the flowers, characteristics unknown.

85

Location, unknown.

86

Denix banded with red, white, and

green characteristics, unknown.

87

Location, unknown.

88

I groan, how can I find stones?

89

Nona didn't know anything about Emerald.

90

Deep forest green characteristics

brings awareness of the obscured

91

to conscious recognition in parts,

reason, and clarity of thought.

92

Location, the Norwood, the Norwood.

93

I read the word again, clearly, Nona held

the stone at one time, or she wouldn't

94

have been able to describe the vibrations,

but why would she leave without it?

95

A sick feeling comes over me.

96

Maybe she had it with

her when she was killed.

97

That would mean Reagan.

98

Thorn has it now.

99

I push the thought away, not

wanting to believe it's true.

100

My stomach grumbles.

101

I ignore it.

102

And look at the last

two stones on the list.

103

Diamond characteristics, unknown

location or rania garnet characteristics.

104

Unknown location or rania.

105

I squint at the word oria.

106

Could it be a place on Nona's map?

107

I haven't noticed it before, but

I get out the oil skin to check.

108

After a full search, I

come up empty owl pellets.

109

There has got to be a clue Here somewhere

I begin searching the parchments.

110

First.

111

I skim for the word oria.

112

When I don't find it, I know I'm back

to translating the ancient language.

113

I begin with a letter to Nona

signed by someone named Madox.

114

I suppose he wrote in the ancient language

to keep the contents of the letter secret.

115

That could mean it's important.

116

Nona Arradondo of The Glens I read.

117

Then begin the slow work of translation.

118

I hope this letter finds

you and your charge well.

119

As to your question, I can't be

certain, but I believe my brother's

120

first wife may indeed have had

one or more of the articles in

121

question at the time of her death.

122

Answers to my inquiry came

by the enclosed letter.

123

Sorry, I do not have more information.

124

Madox my head, bulges with questions.

125

What articles?

126

The Jewels, who's this

brother and his wife?

127

I shuffle through the Parchments

until I find a letter addressed

128

to Madox and realize it's the

letter that mentioned Naja.

129

As I noted earlier, the penmanship is

rough and there are many ink blots,

130

which is why I didn't read it before.

131

But the time has come with great effort.

132

I work out the words.

133

My Lord Maddox.

134

It reads, I know nothing of the

articles of which you speak.

135

I can tell you by mistress sent

a rare stone to the mabu at the

136

Ram Wat of Naja in return for

prayers on behalf of her soul.

137

She was constantly wracked

with guilt for what I know not,

138

but it added to her madness.

139

Okay.

140

Before she left Ultan,

she had numerous gems.

141

I would not presume to know

where she came by, any of them.

142

There were two in particular,

a garnet and a diamond, which

143

she kept with her at all times.

144

The way she rattled them in her

pocket was evidence of her madness.

145

They were not on her person

when I dressed her for burial.

146

There is one oddity I can relate.

147

On the night of her passing, she mumbled

a phrase that struck me as peculiar.

148

Even in her madness, they are

deep in the bowels of irania.

149

She said it several times, but when I

asked her what they were, I got no reply.

150

I hope this means something to

you, your humble servant, Zipporah.

151

I mull over the words deep

in the bowels of irania.

152

Could it refer to an underground

cavern or dungeon perhaps?

153

But where is Irania all this effort,

and I only have more questions.

154

Breathe.

155

My name is called in a loud whisper.

156

It's gray.

157

Quickly, I put away the parchments and

scramble out from under the pine bows.

158

Over here.

159

I call just loud enough for him to hear.

160

I want to run in his direction, but I

can't, not with my foot in this condition.

161

When gray bursts through

the trees, his face is red.

162

Brie, he scoops me off

the ground in a bear hug.

163

If you ever run out on me again,

I'm going to wring your neck.

164

No more Raven tricks ever do you hear me?

165

There is real irritation in his voice,

but there is also so much relief that

166

I know the anger won't last long.

167

I didn't lose you on purpose.

168

I say closing my eyes

and sagging in his arms.

169

At a twig snap, my eyes pop open and

I see jackal coming through the trees.

170

I stiffen despite the fact that she

actually looks glad to see me put me down.

171

I demand gray obeys.

172

I stand on my good foot.

173

Brie, listen to me.

174

He says, we've got to get out of here.

175

The dragon and his soldiers

are looking for you everywhere.

176

This new sends me into a panic.

177

Is Reagan thorn with them?

178

Don't be dim jackal answers.

179

The dragon is looking for you

because you were the last person

180

to have the perio do, but I wasn't.

181

I explain about running down the

trail after the figure in black.

182

Then I tell them about the

flood and losing my boot.

183

Gray's face grows stern as he hears.

184

I can't walk.

185

Jackal looks down at my barefoot.

186

While that makes things difficult.

187

Ad hearing the derision in her

voice, my hands go to my hips.

188

What are you doing here anyway?

189

Gray clears his throat.

190

Uh, Brie I told Jackal

she could come with us.

191

I blink and sputter.

192

You didn't?

193

She's desperate to slip her tether.

194

We have to help her.

195

Grace says, now's the best time while the

soldiers are busy searching for the Pero.

196

You mean searching for me?

197

So they'll find her.

198

Either way, realization crosses

Grace's face, but it doesn't respond.

199

I give him a hard look.

200

We have things we need to do.

201

I say hoping he catches my drift.

202

I know you're searching

for the jewels of Tambo.

203

Jackal butts in.

204

I wanna help.

205

It's the least I can do.

206

I look at gray.

207

You told her I throw my hands in the air.

208

Not that it matters.

209

I don't know where they are.

210

You don't.

211

Jackal says, sounding concerned.

212

I glare at her.

213

No, her eyes narrow.

214

But Grace said you have

some kind of parchments.

215

I roll my eyes.

216

If I don't tell her what I know,

gray will just do it later.

217

Besides, it's not like

I know anything useful.

218

The jewels might be in a place

called Irania, I say than sigh,

219

but I have no idea where Irania

is and Jackal's nostrils flare.

220

There is no such place.

221

I cross my arms and that helps.

222

Thanks.

223

You must know something else.

224

She insists.

225

I shake my head annoyed that

I'm even talking with this girl.

226

Then I blink.

227

Do I have another clue?

228

Jackal must see the question on my face.

229

What?

230

Tell me I tap a finger on my lips.

231

Someone named Lord Maddox may

be able to tell us about Irania.

232

Lord Madox.

233

Jackal looks pensive.

234

Then her eyes snapped to mine.

235

He was in ska just a few days

ago, but he left for Ultan.

236

I'm surprised.

237

Are you sure is the right madox?

238

There's only one.

239

Lord, Maddox and Jackal says

with certainty, can we catch him?

240

She looks doubtful.

241

We'd need some mighty fast horses.

242

Even then, he's probably

got too much of a headstart.

243

I purse my lips, Nona style

and think for a moment.

244

Then I recall something and excitedly pull

the mat from my bundle for confirmation.

245

Look, the road from Ultan follows

roughly the same path as the river.

246

I say Maddox will be stopping

at villages along the way

247

for food and shelter by boat.

248

I bet we could catch him.

249

We don't have a boat.

250

Jackal says Sourly.

251

I recall the brightly colored

watercraft I saw yesterday.

252

The banjara do.

253

Great idea.

254

Grace says, then you

wouldn't have to walk.

255

I frown my foot has

nothing to do with this.

256

Jackal folds her arms over her chest.

257

The banjara won't take us.

258

They will if we work for passage.

259

I look at gray.

260

Don't you remember?

261

Fremont said it's called Swamping.

262

The boats get swamped with

water and the Swampers Bale and

263

they also do chores and camp.

264

And jackal, snorts and

waves, a dismissive hand.

265

They're probably gone by now.

266

How would you know?

267

I retort.

268

What's with this girl?

269

She was begging for

information a moment ago.

270

Now she's groping for excuses,

gray steps between us.

271

Nothing to do but check, he says.

272

Before I can protest, he scoops

me up, bundles an all and

273

begins loping towards the river.

274

Jackal follows, but doesn't look happy.

275

Chapter 23, Brie.

276

I hate being carried, but

I don't have much choice.

277

It's either that or crawl.

278

We are almost to the bridge that crosses

the uare when gray abruptly turns and

279

heads down river, where are you going?

280

I ask.

281

Peering over his shoulder,

aren't the banjara the other way?

282

Don't look.

283

Gray says his words make me determined

to see and I scramble in his arms.

284

For a view.

285

I only make out a silhouette

as the sunlight reflecting

286

off the water is blinding.

287

But it's clear enough.

288

A body is hanging lifeless

from a rope off the bridge.

289

Put me down.

290

I demand not here.

291

Gray insists.

292

Soon he enters a dense cops of trees

where he lets me slide to the forest

293

floor and drops down beside me.

294

Jackal joins us.

295

It was the man from the eatery.

296

She says quickly, he spoke

out against the order and now.

297

Her voice falters.

298

Now he has paid the price.

299

I look at Gray recalling the fight

we witnessed in Sir Peka Gray

300

wipes a hand across his brow.

301

All the more reason we need to find

the Banjara and leave this place.

302

Brie, are you ready?

303

I take a breath and nod.

304

With a heave.

305

Gray gets to his feet, both

bundles still on his back.

306

I stand and he picks me up again.

307

This time I don't protest.

308

Instead, I wrap my arms around his neck

and rest my head against his chest.

309

The order has murdered a man

for speaking out against them.

310

I don't know why I'm surprised

with Reagan Thorn as a member.

311

What scares me most is that the

order can strike so quickly.

312

Even in this remote part of the country.

313

I close my eyes as I realize

the order is everywhere, not

314

just ultan as I had thought.

315

I purse my lips.

316

The only way to stop Reagan thorn and

thwart the order is to find the jewels.

317

We haven't gone far.

318

When I spy the Banjara boats drifting

down river, look, they're already leaving.

319

Gray drops me with an unceremonious

thump and runs toward the water.

320

Stop.

321

He yells, waving his arms.

322

At first, I think the banjara are going to

ignore him, but one by one they pull over.

323

A man stands in the cockpit of

the first boat with his bare

324

arms folded over a cork vest, his

copper earrings gleam in the sun.

325

He must be the sulks ook or

leader gray hurries towards him.

326

Can we work for passage?

327

Gray calls out as jackal

steps up behind him.

328

The man looks down his

nose at the two of them.

329

His brown eyes hard.

330

without a doubt, this

man is a bird of prey.

331

An eagle or a hawk

swamping is an easy work.

332

He says We'll do anything,

no questions asked.

333

Gray replies standing tall

and puffing out his chest.

334

The tark regards him.

335

After a moment, he looks over at a

woman with a silver ring in her nose.

336

She gives a slight nod.

337

While the ook may be the leader of

this sku, it appears he follows the

338

ancient tradition of female authority,

the same tradition that led to the

339

reign of Queens in Tambo very well, he

says, but his face hardens swampers,

340

who can't pull their weight are left

on shore no matter where we are.

341

Do you understand?

342

Yes.

343

Grace says.

344

The Tauk looks at jackal.

345

She hesitates a moment, then nods.

346

The woman I've now dubbed

silver ring stands, weathers

347

make room for our new swampers.

348

She says An old man missing

his two front teeth.

349

Begin shuffling things around on his

boat, looking pleased with himself.

350

Gray runs to pick me up.

351

No, I say in a horse whisper.

352

Let me walk.

353

Gray frowns, but helps me to my feet.

354

I let him take both our bundles

with one hand on my staff

355

and the other on Gray's arm.

356

I hobble in a great deal

of pain towards the boats.

357

A million thoughts race through my mind.

358

Will we catch Madox?

359

Will he know where Irania is?

360

Will I find the jewels?

361

I've only taken a few steps when

the woman's silver ring steps

362

before me hands on her hips.

363

She has on wide-legged

pants and leather boots.

364

A fringe scarf is tied around her head.

365

Silver Bengals cover both forearms.

366

She's too pretty to be a possum.

367

Maybe she's a raccoon.

368

I didn't say you could come.

369

We need people who can work.

370

She says, I flinch at her words

and tuck my foot out of sight.

371

But Grace Damers Marie just

hurt her foot yesterday.

372

It will be fine soon.

373

Is that so the woman replies,

well, we need help in camp tonight.

374

What will she be able to do?

375

Um, gray pauses as if realizing

I won't be able to do anything.

376

After a moment, he blurts out.

377

She's a teller.

378

My eyes snap to gray,

then back to Silvering.

379

No, no I'm not.

380

I insist the woman frowns.

381

I need a good, strong helper in

the kitchen, not a lame girl.

382

Anger burns in my chest.

383

If there's anything I learned

while living with Nona.

384

It's how to work.

385

I can wash dishes, I say and stoke

the fire, and before I get out another

386

word, talons, dig into my shoulder

and I'm forced to lean on my staff

387

to keep my balance as grim settles.

388

There.

389

silver rings.

390

Eyes widen to the size of bur oak cones.

391

Can you speak with that?

392

Corvex?

393

Corvex?

394

Is she talking about grim?

395

I recall that the Banjara claimed

to communicate with Ravens.

396

It crosses my mind to lie and tell

her I can just to get passage.

397

But as I have this thought, grim, cause

loud in my ear, I look at the bird.

398

I wasn't going to.

399

I'm about to add lie, but I

stop because that will look

400

like I am talking to the bird.

401

Well, I am, but he didn't

say anything to me.

402

Not really, and he certainly

can't understand me.

403

At least I don't think so.

404

Feeling stupid.

405

I knock grim off my shoulder.

406

Um, no, I can't speak to the bird.

407

I stammer silver rings eyes stay on me.

408

Too bad.

409

Our ancestors believe that bird to be the

manifestation of the hesperian one who can

410

speak with the corvex is highly revered.

411

Before I can think this

through, there's a loud cackle.

412

I turn to see an old woman in a dark

purple dress and a rabbit skin shawl.

413

Her ear lobes have been stretched

to her shoulders, and her tawny

414

face is a weathered web of wrinkles.

415

around her neck are layers of

silver necklaces, inlaid with

416

turquoise, lapis, and coral.

417

She has a pipe in the corner

of her mouth and let smoke out

418

her nose as she beams at me.

419

My mind snaps on the image

of a grinning hedgehog.

420

She cackles again.

421

Yes, she is most definitely a hedgehog.

422

Any thoughts?

423

Marette silver ring asks The old

woman walks up and grabs my hand.

424

What is zing You seek?

425

She utters looking intently into my

eyes and speaking with the same nasal

426

accent, common among the older banjara.

427

I try to pull away, but she holds

my hand with surprising strength.

428

there isn't a tooth in her head and

I gulp certain she's a tad off plum.

429

I can't think what to say.

430

The obvious answer would be that

I'm seeking passage with her sulk.

431

But her question strikes me as odd.

432

What is the thing you seek?

433

I'm looking for a place called Oria.

434

I blurt out the old woman's smile

widens until her eyes turn to slits.

435

Behind sagging folds of skin.

436

Irania is no place.

437

She says Irania was Z Queen's

cousin might be aired to Z Throne

438

right now if she hadn't gone mad.

439

There's an intake of breath

from jackal at her words.

440

Where is Irania now?

441

I ask the old woman Shrugs.

442

Z Queen had her banished

no saying where she went.

443

I stifle a groan.

444

Why do I only get more

questions and never any answers?

445

The old woman chortles.

446

Now, as for Z telling, do

you know Sheko and Z Lion?

447

I don't say anything.

448

Come now, tell Z truth.

449

She says with a wink.

450

I hesitate before nodding.

451

Bella at Z River.

452

I nod and she giggles.

453

Z.

454

Tower of voila.

455

Yes.

456

I say, how about Z one?

457

She leans toward me.

458

Nik, Kona Z Prophetess.

459

I shrug.

460

Yes, I know that one quite well.

461

The woman claps her hands

and looks at the tauk.

462

You would be z fool to

leave a teller behind.

463

She will bring many shekels.

464

It takes a moment for

the words to register.

465

Telling for coin.

466

Apparently the look on my face

is quite comical because Marette

467

breaks into a flurry of titters.

468

No, I can't.

469

I say horrified.

470

Telling to the sulk of

Banjara is one thing.

471

Hoping to be paid by a group of

strangers I couldn't suddenly

472

jackal is hissing in my ear.

473

You've just been offered

the easiest job in camp.

474

Take it.

475

I blink at her telling Easy.

476

Is she kidding?

477

It takes concentration and a lot of mental

effort to make the story sound right.

478

Not to mention, I'd be telling

in front of strangers, it

479

will keep you off your foot.

480

Don't be an IMB soul.

481

A moment passes before her words sink in.

482

Owl pellets, she's right.

483

The idea makes me miserable.

484

But what choice do I have?

485

I look back at silver ring and mumble.

486

I'll do it.

487

Silver ring Scowls.

488

you'll bring in 20 shekels a

night, or you'll be left on shore.

489

My mouth drops open 20

Marette laughs again.

490

No worries.

491

Z Corvex will help.

492

I look at marette.

493

Is she talking about grim or the whisper?

494

I don't think either is

likely to be helpful.

495

Jackal, I hate the idea

of traveling by river.

496

but My rodent is right.

497

Joining the SKU is the best option.

498

My eyes shift to the boats and I

swallow the growing lump in my throat

499

as the taru begin barking orders.

500

you girls will ride with

weathers and marette you.

501

He gestures towards

gray will ride with me.

502

the boy helps my rodent into the boat.

503

I see him squeeze her hand before leaving.

504

How sweet.

505

I think with disgust, I climb on

the boat, cursing under my breath.

506

The rodent has already scrambled

to the stern, so I stay in

507

the bow with the old woman.

508

We are surrounded by duffel

wrapped in oil skins.

509

I assume it's camp gear and

goods to be traded down river.

510

On one of the boats is a

fair quantity of jewels.

511

I can feel the telltale

tingle in my chest.

512

The banjara will be taking them

to the gem market in Ultan.

513

Soon there will be more as they

trade with diggers downstream.

514

Weathers opens a hatch in the boat deck.

515

Put Z bags here.

516

He says it'll keep them dry.

517

My rodent and I drop

our bags in the hatch.

518

weathers takes the girl's staff

and gives it an expert spin.

519

Then he shrugs well balanced,

but a problem to ow.

520

After looking around, he shoves it

under a pile of duffel in the back

521

of the boat that should hold it.

522

the banjara are known for

their staff skills handy.

523

When your livelihood depends on

transporting jewels, weathers

524

begins tightening cargo straps.

525

He nods when he notices

my scrutiny in Z flip.

526

We do not lose anything Z way.

527

He says, my nostrils flare.

528

You mean we could be dumped

in the water whether shrugs.

529

it happens.

530

How do you stay with the boat?

531

You hold on.

532

He says, panic rises inside me

With a snarl, I fight it down.

533

I can't let anyone see my fear.

534

The old man waves a cork vest.

535

Ze will help if you end up in Z River.

536

glancing around.

537

I see the other Banjara are

already wearing similar devices.

538

No worry.

539

Weathers is the excellent river, man.

540

The old woman says, patting my arm.

541

we have the corvex as well.

542

She adds with a cackle

nodding towards brie.

543

I slip on the cork vest and pull the

strap so tight I can barely breathe.

544

Chapter 24.

545

Jackal by pheon.

546

Am I really traveling by boat?

547

I have to remind myself it's the fastest

way to find madox and the jewels.

548

Better a boat ride than being stuck under

my father's big toe the rest of my life.

549

Soon weathers is seated in the cockpit and

using the oars to pull us into the current

550

Hold on.

551

He says, sounding excited.

552

Z.

553

First Swift water is around Z Bend.

554

I clench my jaw.

555

Does he really enjoy this?

556

I find two handholds and grip them

tightly as we round the corner.

557

But when I see the swift water, I let go.

558

What's the old man playing at?

559

There are only a few

small waves downstream.

560

I close my eyes and roll my shoulders.

561

I've got to relax.

562

Once I get through the first

one, the rest won't be so bad.

563

The rumble of water gets louder,

but I keep my eyes closed.

564

Azi Swift Water is all named after Gems.

565

Marette says, patting my leg.

566

Zes is agate.

567

I open my eyes to a T molt of water

and realize my mistake from upstream.

568

I could only see the tops of the waves.

569

The swift water is actually huge.

570

I grope for hand holes just as a wave of

water crashes over my head, washing me

571

backwards with the force by the jewels.

572

I cry out only to have

water fill my mouth.

573

Terrified.

574

Weathers may lose control of the boat.

575

I check that he is still at the oars.

576

His grin is so wide that all

I can see is the black hole

577

where his front teeth should be.

578

he actually thinks this is fun.

579

Curse the man.

580

Another wave hits us.

581

weathers let's out.

582

A triumphant whoop.

583

As the boat crashes through

the foaming water, I come up

584

sputtering, completely doused again.

585

After a few more waves, the

boat is bobbing in flat water.

586

I grit my teeth in an

effort to stop shaking.

587

No one can know my fear.

588

Marette knocks me on the

shoulder with a bucket.

589

This is where you earn your dinner.

590

She gestures to the water, pooling to

my knees and titters while bailing.

591

I look back to see how

my rodent has fared.

592

She's bailing as well, but to my shock, I

realized that she's almost completely dry.

593

A Marette must register

the look on my face.

594

waves, no Reachy Stern.

595

She's Snickers.

596

I don't see what's so funny.

597

She's as wet as I am

despite her oil skins.

598

Without asking permission, I

crawl to the back of the boat.

599

Brie And Jackal doesn't look

happy as she forces her way

600

in beside me and the duffle.

601

I don't know what her problem is.

602

The swift water we just

ran was exhilarating.

603

Her elbows jab me in

the ribs and I grimace.

604

She catches the look.

605

If you don't like it, move up front.

606

She spits.

607

I want to protest but hold my tongue.

608

I would actually like to move

to the front, but don't trust

609

my foot to get me there.

610

Weathers announces that the next

swift water is called Sapphire Jackal.

611

Takes up most of the room, getting

two handholds and bracing her legs.

612

I wedge myself into the

small space that's left.

613

I can't help but puzzle over this girl.

614

She's bossy and demanding, yet

seeing her so scared makes me wonder

615

if her essence is truly jackal.

616

Right now she seems

more like a prairie dog.

617

Hours later, the sun sinks behind

the steep walls of the canyon

618

leaving the river in shadow.

619

I begin to shiver while the back

of the boat doesn't get nearly as

620

wet as the front, I'm still soaked.

621

What would I give for an oil skin?

622

Right now?

623

Marette looks over her shoulder

to where jackal and I are huddled.

624

Her face lights up like we're the

funniest thing she has ever seen.

625

Weathers, the girls need

to row it will warm them.

626

Jackal shakes her head vehemently.

627

I'm cold enough to try but hesitate.

628

I used to row Fremont's

fishing skiff only.

629

It was smaller and not as heavily loaded.

630

Take Z ORs weather insists waving

me forward with a happy nod.

631

Jackal.

632

I glance at my shivering rodent.

633

I can tell she wants to

row, but she's afraid.

634

Probably doesn't think she can do it.

635

Weak as she is.

636

am about to suggest she try.

637

When I feel the Pero tug on my

heart by the jewels, it's not

638

me that wants to be helpful.

639

It's the stone working on my emotions.

640

I don't help people unless

there's something in it for me.

641

I look away while my rodent continues to

shiver and command myself not to care.

642

Eventually I can't take it anymore.

643

Just get up there and row already.

644

I blurt out if the old

man is strong enough.

645

So are you

646

Brie

647

After jackal's outburst,

there is a moment of silence.

648

Then marette erupts with a fit of laughter

and slaps her thigh weather grins as well.

649

Z Fortitude is no more weather, says

squeezing his upper arm with a frown.

650

But how to use the current,

that is the real talent.

651

That talent is here.

652

Whethers taps the side of his head.

653

Yeah, everyone looks at me

and my chattering teeth.

654

I take a breath.

655

All right.

656

I'll try scooting on my backside

so that I don't have to stand.

657

I slide into the seat.

658

Weather's vacates for me.

659

The oars are even heavier than I

expected and slip from my hands.

660

I can't do it.

661

I announce preparing to

slide back to my spot.

662

Use your whole body.

663

Jackal snaps from behind me.

664

I look at her over my shoulder.

665

Wondering what makes her such an expert.

666

It's obvious.

667

She says, seeming to read my

thoughts, but do whatever you want.

668

I don't care.

669

She turns away.

670

Relax.

671

The hands.

672

Weather add.

673

We want no blisters.

674

growl.

675

Marette choles.

676

It gives the strength, the tips and

suggestions go on until I'm sick of them.

677

I manage to pull the oars through the

water, but the boat only spins in circles.

678

Eventually known as voice

echoes in the back of my mind.

679

Use your head, girl.

680

I purse my lips.

681

Think I command myself.

682

The next time I dip my oars in the

water, I pause and feel the current.

683

It's slightly different on each

side of the boat, pulling with

684

one ore harder than the other.

685

I move them through the water.

686

The boat travels straight.

687

Marette claps.

688

You will run the next Swift water.

689

No.

690

At her words, I drop the Os.

691

A little bird like me.

692

Can't roast swift water before

I can voice an objection.

693

Grim.

694

Who's been soaring overhead?

695

Lets out a squawk.

696

Marette hoots with laughter.

697

See, Z Corvex believes you.

698

Can I give Marette a questioning.

699

Look.

700

Are you talking about Grim or the wis?

701

I mean, Hesperian.

702

No difference.

703

Marette says, I glance at

Grim than back at Marette.

704

Who looks even more like a hedgehog?

705

It seems like a big difference

to me, but I hold my tongue.

706

I've warmed up considerably Before

we reach the next Swift water.

707

I try to give up the

oars, but weathers insist.

708

The waves are small.

709

In the end, he convinces

me to row the swift water.

710

I do fine at first.

711

Then the boat spins sideways,

earning me a growl from jackal.

712

But it's no matter we make it through.

713

I'm sitting at the oars when we pass

a brook cascading into the river,

714

The site should be beautiful but

isn't on one side of the brook.

715

The forest is a lush green on

the other, it's black and asen.

716

Scorched trunks stick out of

the ground like grave markers.

717

There is no Twitter of

birds, no scent of pine.

718

The forest is dead where there's talks

in a hushed voice as we float past,

719

and I think he feels the same sadness

at the blackened forest that I do.

720

Z Diggers were hit by frost last year.

721

Za have been burning Z underbrush in

search of new gem pockets to pay Z taxes.

722

Z fire got out of hand.

723

marette, who seems to have

lost her customary laugh.

724

Ads Z burnings Op through all Tambo.

725

I note that the only color in the

blackened landscape is the red and

726

green vine, climbing a few stumps.

727

I can't help but think this

will be the fate of the Norwood

728

if I don't find the jewels.

729

Do you know the name of that plant?

730

I ask pointing.

731

Weed weather says fitting as it

chokes Aussie plants around it.

732

I thought the vine was pretty

when I first saw it, but not now.

733

There's a snort from jackal.

734

I glance at her, and she looks away

an unreadable expression on her face

735

and jackal when the old

man lets my rodent row the

736

swift water, I clinging to the

handholds and actually squawk.

737

When we spin sideways.

738

I'm furious and curse the perio.

739

If it weren't for the stone, I wouldn't

have encouraged the girl to row.

740

I know better than to be

helpful without a reason.

741

Nothing good comes of it.

742

My rodent's face grows asen.

743

When we pull into the camp outside

the village of Abacha, I glance

744

around and know instantly what she's

seen painted on the village wall

745

is my father's blood moon symbol.

746

I can imagine him claiming he ordered

it, painted there to give the diggers

747

confidence that Tambor is in good

hands, but that's a pile of dung.

748

He has had it painted there as

a reminder of who is in charge

749

now that the queen is dead.

750

My father had great influence

over the country before.

751

Now he figures to make it absolute.

752

I grip my teeth and revulsion.

753

The only way to stop him is

to find the jewels for myself.

754

Brie.

755

There is nothing I can do as

gray and jackal help unload the

756

boats and set up camp so I do

my best to stay in conspicuous.

757

I don't want silver ring to change her

mind about me For supper, the Banjara

758

cook Roll odds of wild rabbit spiced

with coriander root and river mint.

759

The smell of food after almost two days

of hardly eating makes me lightheaded

760

and I lick my lips in anticipation

as gray helps me get in line.

761

I am just reaching for the serving spoon.

762

When silver ring steps before me,

you don't eat until you've earned

763

your keep Gray starts to protest,

but I grab his arm, it's fine.

764

I'm not hungry.

765

Anyway, I look at him in the eye,

willing him to remember how flimsy

766

my standing is with the skull.

767

We can't afford to argue.

768

I move out of line and

find a place to sit.

769

When Gray has his food, he tries to share

it with me, but I refuse to take a bite.

770

He needs it more than I do.

771

While gray and jackal washed the supper

dishes in the river, the banjara set up

772

their trade goods, embroidered shirts

and shawls bowls of multicolored beads,

773

bolts of fabric, even small copper bells.

774

When the dishes are done, jackal

begins gathering firewood.

775

She does anything that Banjara ask, but

she's always checking over her shoulder.

776

Sometimes I see her eyes on me.

777

Other times she's watching Gray.

778

while I was questioning her jackal essence

earlier, she now reminds me so much of a

779

wild dog slinking around a chicken coop

that I change my opinion once again.

780

There is definitely

something Wiley about her.

781

in a steady trickle.

782

The diggers from Acan arrive most

line up before the Tarro preparing

783

to sell the rough gems their

pits have produced this year.

784

Others look over the goods the

Banjara have put out to sell.

785

Weathers begins to play his fiddle

with firelight dancing off the

786

trees and the music playing.

787

The atmosphere is quite festive.

788

I could almost enjoy myself if I

weren't so anxious about my telling.