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 25, Brie.

2

While choosing which story to recite?

3

I nervously tie a Robin

Feather into my hair.

4

The question is, which

story do I know well enough?

5

Nona told so many, several are decidedly

more famous than others, and the diggers

6

may like them best, but that will also

ensure they recognize any mistakes.

7

Even if I recite perfectly, do I have

the voice to hold their attention?

8

I think of the silver shekels silver

ring expects me to earn and feel queasy.

9

I don't want to be left

on shore in the morning.

10

In the end, I decide the

Noona story is the safest.

11

I know it best and it's fresh in my mind.

12

After reciting it for gray time for Z

Start, Marette says her face beaming.

13

The years have passed

since we ear a good teller.

14

You are good with Z Corvex?

15

No.

16

She gestures towards grim

perched in the tree next to me.

17

I have no idea what grim has to

do with my telling, but I shrug.

18

I'm not as good as the teller.

19

I learned from marette chuckles.

20

I zinc.

21

You do fine.

22

She sets a tarnished teapot

in the sand before me.

23

Then she announces that the

telling is about to begin.

24

The diggers scattered around

the beach, gathered together.

25

I stare at the teapot before realizing

it's there to hold the shekels.

26

Marette expects the diggers to

leave me despite the chill in the

27

air, my palms begin to sweat For

the love of rats can I do this?

28

My mouth goes dry as the

diggers crowd together.

29

What if they don't like me?

30

What if they don't leave any coin?

31

Will the taru refuse to let

me on the boat in the morning?

32

My blood runs from my face.

33

Marette pokes me Z.

34

Time is now.

35

She says In a cheery voice, I'm instantly

shaking with panic and look around.

36

Longing for a place to hide.

37

There was a short stout tree behind

me using my walking stick for support.

38

I wobble to the tree and

climb into the low branches.

39

Grateful for the comforting

bows, grim flaps to my shoulder

40

and begins printing my hair.

41

I would knock him away, but to be honest,

it feels good and I calm somewhat.

42

Marette seems to approve of

my perch and gives a nod.

43

I squeeze the branch I'm

sitting on and think of Nona.

44

Is this why she told her

stories over and over?

45

Did she suspect I would

become a teller someday?

46

After a lengthy clearing of my

throat, I get the first words out.

47

A Kona was the only child

of an elderly couple.

48

My voice is weak, but I

manage to keep speaking

49

and jackal.

50

When I see the fear on my

rodents face, I almost feel

51

sorry for her, but catch myself.

52

These aren't my feelings.

53

They belong to the Pero.

54

I don't feel pity for anyone.

55

That's how I survive.

56

I begin to walk away.

57

When I recognize my rodent

story, I look back and study her.

58

Why did she choose the noona telling?

59

Could it be to taunt me?

60

Instead of leaving, I find a

place in the shadows to listen.

61

Brie, it's hard to get the words

out, but I determine to keep going.

62

I can't be left on shore in the morning.

63

I recite the Na Kona story

as far as I got with gray.

64

I think at best to stop at this

point anymore would be unrehearsed.

65

But when I pause the few diggers

that haven't tired of my halting

66

voice and walked away, look at me

expectantly, I've got to go on.

67

After a deep breath, I continue.

68

Noona grew old.

69

except for the holy day.

70

at the end of each week.

71

She spent most of her time under the oak

bows providing judgements for the locals.

72

One chilly morning a messenger appeared

at her door and told her that the

73

Queen of Tambor requested an audience.

74

Noona was surprised but answered

with her usual steadiness.

75

I will hear her under the oak tree.

76

The messenger looked insulted and

explained that the queen expected

77

n Kona to travel to her court.

78

The messenger was to

deliver n Kona at once.

79

N Kona pondered this.

80

She had never passed judgment nor given

advice anywhere except under her oak tree.

81

Would she have peace

of mind anywhere else?

82

I see those who seek my counsel

under the oak tree, and that's it.

83

If she doesn't want to come here,

I'm sure she has other advisors

84

who can help her with that.

85

Noona closed the door.

86

Many days passed, and Noona was

certain that the Queen had sought other

87

counsel, but one afternoon a dark

haired woman in a fine cloak entered the

88

courtyard even without her entourage.

89

Noona knew who it was.

90

Your wisdom is known throughout Tambo,

the Queen said in a clear, strong voice.

91

Kono was surprised.

92

Certainly she was known throughout

her own region, but the whole country,

93

she raised an eyebrow in question.

94

The queen went on to explain

that Tambor was in great peril.

95

Warring forces were gathering on the

southern border with the ocean on one

96

side and the mountains on the other.

97

She feared that there was no

choice but to retreat to the far

98

north or submit to foreign rule.

99

Noona knew that retreating to the

north would devastate her people.

100

The growing season was too short for a

decent crop, and the climate wouldn't

101

allow much time for digging of gems.

102

She looked directly at the Queen

and asked why she didn't defend

103

the borders of the country.

104

The queen held her hands open,

exclaiming that Tambor only had a

105

small army, and that the invaders had

great wagons loaded with catapults.

106

Nona considered this

news reaching deep inside.

107

She waited for confirmation to

the answer, which she knew by

108

instinct was the only solution.

109

After time, she asked the queen if she

could hear the hesperian, the queen

110

knit her brow together and said that

despite being of royal blood, she never

111

felt much influence from the Hesper.

112

Noona asked her if she was

honest and if she listened to

113

the dictates of her own heart.

114

The Queen bowed her head and said yes.

115

Noona leaned forward on her stool

to get the queen's full attention

116

and told her that it was imperative.

117

She defend the borders

of Tambor at all costs.

118

The Queen had not given noona this option.

119

She had asked whether she

should retreat or submit.

120

Defending the borders was pure

madness without a sizable army.

121

The queen paced the courtyard.

122

Eventually, she stopped before

noona and told her she would defend

123

the borders on one condition.

124

N Kona must ride with her to inspire the

men and to teach them of the hesperian.

125

Kono was stunned.

126

Leave her home, the oak, the

courtyard, and go to war at her age.

127

But she knew without a doubt

that the border must be defended.

128

And if it were better done

with her there, she would go.

129

Noona and the queen took two

weeks to muster the diggers.

130

There was no time to fashion more

than an occasional staff for weapons.

131

The rest of the men were

armed with whatever.

132

They had an ax, a pick,

a hammer, or a shovel.

133

Noona and the queen gathered

their army on a hill giving them

134

a slight advantage in the battle.

135

The next day, Kona's heart

gave a momentary falter

136

when she saw the invaders.

137

So many well armed troops was she leading

the men of tambour to certain death.

138

But her resolve returned

as she remembered.

139

The counsel of the his defending

the border was the only option.

140

my voice waves and I glance up to see that

much of my audience has wandered away.

141

It's mostly children left who likely

don't have a shekel between them.

142

but there's nothing I can do but gather

my thoughts and continue, So I do.

143

as the sun sank behind the mountains.

144

The rain began Through the night, it

beat down in an endless torrent Before

145

first light Noona was up to rally the

sadden soldiers as the sky brightened

146

and unexpected cheer went up from the

men bewildered, Noona looked around.

147

what she saw in the valley

below, made her rejoice.

148

Where there had once been an

invading army, There was now a

149

raging torrent of mud and water.

150

With the storm, the stream had flooded.

151

Its Spanx.

152

The majority of the invaders

had been washed away.

153

Those men who remained clung to tree

branches or boulders halfway up the

154

hillside, all the digger army had to

do was wait for the waters to recede

155

and gather up the remaining invaders.

156

Word of the victory spread quickly

throughout the country, and songs

157

were sung in Praise of Noona.

158

The mighty prophetess

159

Noona refused to take any praise for

herself, insisting it was the will of

160

the Hesper quietly and without fanfare,

she returned home and tried to resume

161

her normal life, but after her great

adventure, things were never the same.

162

She had seen the wider world and

despite her age, longed to see it again.

163

She vowed that one day she would

travel the length and width of

164

Tambor, but as the story goes,

noona never left her oak again.

165

I pause for effect, then add the end.

166

A few shackles are dropped

into the teapot, but not many.

167

And jackal.

168

I am relieved when my rodent finishes

her telling before the story is over.

169

Thoughts of the ending

Make me uncomfortable.

170

I wonder if she knows there's

more now that I think on it.

171

I'm not sure how I even know.

172

Trying to remember dredges up

memories of my childhood the

173

first time I was inked for one.

174

I drew the design myself with a stick of

charcoal in a corner where I was offered

175

left for hours on finding the drawing.

176

My father called the Roker and had him

tap the offending pattern into my skin.

177

It's a creeping vine that wraps just

under my collarbone and around my back.

178

But did this incident happen

before or after the Noona story?

179

I can't recall.

180

Bri Finished.

181

I wait for the small

audience to wander off.

182

Then I start the Noona story again.

183

I'm afraid to recite anything

else without practice.

184

Diggers come and go.

185

Shekels are dropped in the teapot,

but I'm sure there aren't enough.

186

At one point I noticed jackal and gray

slip past silver ring and out of the camp.

187

as planned.

188

They're going to the village to see if

anyone knows the whereabouts of Madox.

189

I feel a pain of jealousy as

Gray walks off with jackal

190

and lose track of my story.

191

Several of the diggers walk away.

192

I've still got a small group.

193

When I see gray and Jack will return,

194

gray comes over immediately and

stands at the back of the gathering.

195

I can't concentrate with him

there and blotch my telling.

196

No shackles are dropped into

the pot as the diggers leave.

197

Gray comes forward.

198

Madox was in town a few days ago.

199

He whispers.

200

There's a good chance

we'll catch him soon.

201

Swamper silver ring calls to Gray.

202

Where have you been?

203

I need you to Lale, bitters go.

204

I say We can't be left behind tomorrow.

205

They might leave me, but not you.

206

Your rowing was too good.

207

He says with a wink.

208

They'll keep you around just for that.

209

I roll my eyes.

210

You are just jealous because

you didn't get to row.

211

That's not true.

212

I love bailing.

213

Gray says with a grin.

214

Swamper silver ring calls again.

215

I push on gray's chest.

216

Go.

217

Before leaving Gray bends down and

gives me a kiss on the top of my head.

218

Good luck with your telling.

219

He says, and walks away, My head

tingles where his lips touched me.

220

Before I can stop, a secret

smile tickles my lips.

221

Al pellets gray is worming

his way back into my heart.

222

I can't help watching him as he ladles

bitters into a mug of aged cider.

223

Jackal stops with an arm

load of dishes to chat with.

224

Gray, of course, he's all smiles.

225

She catches me staring and raises a brow.

226

I look away and try to wipe the

feel of grace's Kiss off my head.

227

Jackal, see my rodents eyes

shine as she stares at gray.

228

I frown as I think of it.

229

I've kissed a few boys.

230

There's nothing my father could do about

it, but there's no hope of a serious

231

relationship in my future as queen.

232

Anyone I marry would be my consort.

233

Of course, my father won't have that.

234

He plans to hold the only seat at my side.

235

A wave of jealousy rolls over me at my

rodents ability to have a normal life.

236

I grit my teeth, I'll have those jewels

and live my own life no matter the cost.

237

Brie, it's cold and most of the

diggers have left the beach before.

238

Marette has me stop my telling.

239

I slump with relief.

240

I've never talked so long in my life.

241

I feel like I've recited the

Noona story a hundred times.

242

When Marette checks the

teapot, she clicks her tongue.

243

I wonder how much I've

made, but she doesn't say.

244

Eat Z's tonight, she drops a handful

of dill spiced crackers into my lap.

245

Apparently I haven't earned enough for

dinner from Silver Ring on tomorrow.

246

We make a few changes.

247

Marette adds.

248

I'm about to ask what changes When

grim tries to snatch a cracker.

249

Hey, that's mine.

250

I say shooing him away.

251

Grinning Marette dumps the crumbs

from her pocket on the beach.

252

Grimm flops down to investigate.

253

Be careful if you start feeding him.

254

He'll never leave you alone.

255

I warn.

256

Marette just chortles and

walks away swinging the teapot.

257

I shrug, but feel a pang of worry.

258

If Marette starts feeding grim, he may

decide he likes her better than me.

259

would he switch his loyalties that easily?

260

I'm not sure.

261

I look around for gray and see him laing

bitters to the last diggers on the beach.

262

He's wearing his usual sheep dog grin

And I think for a moment that he's

263

remembering the kiss he gave me, then I

spot jackal at his side and turn away.

264

Nevermind, I'm going to find my bed.

265

Roll.

266

I have just laid down when jackal

shows up, you are not sleeping here.

267

She says, come with me.

268

She walks away.

269

I stare at her back wondering what

makes her think she's in charge.

270

I don't move until she stops and

glares at me hands on her hips.

271

I groan knowing I only have two

choices, argue or obey with a

272

roll of my eyes, I get to my feet

273

Leaning heavily on my staff.

274

I taught her after her.

275

maybe tomorrow I'll have the strength

to stand up to jackal tonight.

276

I'm too tired.

277

chapter 26, jackal.

278

I don't really think my

rodent will run away still.

279

I can't be too careful.

280

She has already slipped through

my fingers twice and I would

281

prefer to sleep without worry.

282

So I've persuaded weathers to

let us sleep on his boat under

283

one of the colorful canopies.

284

The banjara have erected.

285

The sides of the canopy have been pulled

down for warmth and privacy, Covering

286

most of the deck in a tent of sorts.

287

I light a straw from the lantern hanging

off the bow and take it into the tent

288

With me there, I light two candles.

289

Despite knowing that three or four

banjara will sleep in the other boats

290

tonight, the canopy feels cramped.

291

I don't like sharing my space.

292

My rodent enters the tent behind me.

293

Her staff in one hand, her ragged

bag in the other, ignoring her.

294

I roll out an embroidered cotton tick

that I convince the banjara to lend me.

295

It covers the front end of the deck.

296

This will be my spot.

297

I throw a red blanket to the back of

the boat and point You sleep there.

298

This way, she can't get off

the boat without waking me.

299

My rodent doesn't look happy as she

crawls to her spot, but she settles

300

on the blanket like it's a nest.

301

She'll stay put.

302

I stripped down to my chamise

and sprawl on the tick.

303

My knives are within easy

reach and I feel safe enough.

304

The girl can't wield her staff in here.

305

I lean over to blow out the

candles, but catch her intent eyes

306

on me, not my face, but my ink.

307

I decide to let her look.

308

While I detest the ink,

I can see its beauty.

309

the design is intricate and

mostly comprised of vines.

310

But here and there are

other things as well.

311

Roses dropping their petals.

312

A dog slinking among the leaves,

the eight phases of the moon.

313

My father ordered it all.

314

Of course, I never wanted any of it.

315

I'm always sick after a

session on the Kroger's table.

316

The one concession I've been allowed

is to choose where I'm inked.

317

I've insisted on locations I can cover

preferring to hide my father's handiwork.

318

Still, I suppose the old Kroger will be

pleased to know that his skill is being

319

appreciated, especially as my father

recently had him relieved of duty.

320

The Kroger was quite a renowned artist.

321

I say absently.

322

As soon as I've spoken,

I realized my mistake.

323

Why would a tethered girl

have such expensive ink?

324

I scrambled to change the

subject light on a question

325

I was already planning to ask.

326

What prompted you to tell the Noona story?

327

The girl looks down.

328

It was the only one I

thought I could get through.

329

She mumbles.

330

Why didn't she finish it?

331

Her eyes dart to mine.

332

Obviously surprised by my question.

333

It didn't seem fitting

for the festive mood.

334

She says so she knows there's more.

335

recite it for me.

336

I say with more force than intended.

337

My rodent rubs her face.

338

I'm too tired.

339

I want to grab her scrawny neck and shake

it for refusing me, but I know better.

340

And try to be more tactful.

341

Please.

342

It will help me sleep.

343

She doesn't move, and I think maybe

my ploy won't work, but with another

344

sigh, she begins gullible knit wit,

345

After the flood washed

away the invading army.

346

noona, wanted nothing

more than to return home.

347

My rodent says, I lean back curious to see

if her version of events matches my own.

348

The Queen gave Noona a horse, two

saddlebags full of food, one of her

349

own maps and a letter insuring her

lodging anywhere in the country.

350

After a full day of writing, Noona arrived

weary and saddle soar at one of Tambor's

351

Great Houses, A young maid letter in.

352

It wasn't until Noona had entered the

Great Hall that she realized there were

353

no other servants anywhere in the house.

354

She asked the maid where they

were, but all the maid would say

355

was that the servants had fled,

356

Noona wanted answers, but before she

could ask, a whale filled the hall.

357

The maid stammer, as she explained

that Noona had arrived at a bad time.

358

Her mistress, lady Fallon, was in labor.

359

Noona told the girl that in fact she had

arrived at just the right time, sending

360

the girl for clean linens and hot water.

361

Noona marched upstairs and found Lady

Fallon deep in the throes of labor.

362

Her face pale and sweating.

363

Noona could see it was a breach birth

and worked for hours to turn the baby.

364

Finally, the mother was

too weak to push anymore.

365

Noona was at a loss and feared

both mother and child would die.

366

She dropped to the floor with her face

tilted to heaven and begged the hesper to

367

give the woman strength to save her child.

368

At the end of Una's prayer, lady

Fallon opened her eyes seeing

369

the young maid at her side.

370

She grabbed the girl's hand and

asked if she loved her mother.

371

The maid nodded.

372

When I'm gone, take my baby to her.

373

There is money for her.

374

Keep in that chest.

375

before the maid could protest, lady Fallon

let out a cry and gave another push.

376

Noona caught the girl child as

she emerged before she could

377

present the child to her mother.

378

Lady Fallon passed through the veil

here, my rodent pauses to look at me.

379

I do my best to show no emotion.

380

Not because I'm shocked at the turn of

events, but because I'm broiling inside.

381

There is more to the story than the girl

is telling me she's leaving things out.

382

Doesn't she know the true

events or is she testing me?

383

I have no way of knowing I hold

her gaze until she continues.

384

it wasn't until n Kona had the baby

sucking on the tip of a cow's horn filled

385

with milk that she pressed the maid

about where the other servants had gone.

386

The young maid hesitated, but the

burden of what she knew was too much.

387

She explained that the master

of the castle had left the week

388

before to join the upcoming battle.

389

The servant suspected he'd been

helping the invading army, that he

390

hoped the invaders would prevail.

391

It was rumored that he had made a

bargain to ensure he got all the

392

trading rights at the end of the war.

393

The maid looked around nervously, but

noona assured her they were alone.

394

So the girl went on the night

before last, the captain of the

395

invading army had shown up at the

castle, wet and covered with mud.

396

demanded that the mistress

give him a place to stay.

397

The mistress relented.

398

The maid hesitated again before

explaining that there was screaming

399

in the middle of the night.

400

in the morning.

401

When the other servants were

hurriedly packing to leave, she

402

learned that there had been a murder.

403

Noona studied the maid.

404

It was obvious she was badly

shaken, yet she hadn't left.

405

Why?

406

The girl answered like

it was plain to sea.

407

She couldn't leave her mistress

with the baby on its way.

408

Noona then asked where

the captain had gone.

409

This set the maid to shaking.

410

Tell me.

411

Noona insisted.

412

Without saying a word, the maid

stood and pulled back a curtain that

413

walled off a corner of the room.

414

Nona was sickened at the site.

415

The captain lay on the floor with a

poker from the hearth through his chest.

416

Calmly Nik cajoled the events from

the maid after dinner the captain

417

had set to drinking Later that

night, lady Fallon caught him rifling

418

through her husband's belongings.

419

A struggle ensued.

420

Lady Fallon tried to barricade herself

in her rooms, but the captain blocked

421

the door desperate to defend herself.

422

Lady Fallon had run him

through with the poker.

423

The strain had brought on the baby.

424

Stop.

425

I blurred out, unable

to hear another word.

426

The girl looks startled

at my interruption.

427

You've got it wrong.

428

I kiss.

429

First of all, lady Fallon's baby died, and

second, there was a little girl and her

430

nurse at the castle that night as well.

431

How would you know?

432

The rodent asks, clearly not believing me.

433

I glare at her.

434

It's none of your business.

435

A Chapter 27, Brie jackal, blows out

the candles and refuses to explain how

436

she could know anything about the night.

437

Lady Fallon died.

438

I fall asleep certain she's

mistaken before dawn.

439

Grims loud.

440

Call startles me awake.

441

Afraid he'll rouse the whole camp.

442

I decide it's best to get up.

443

Besides a little staff practice

would stretch out my foot

444

Before leaving the back of the

boat, I carve another notch in my

445

staff bringing the count to nine.

446

the moon is already more than a

quarter gone and I only have one stone.

447

Something needs to go right and

soon, or I'll never make it to

448

Ultan before the coronation.

449

With my staff in hand, I crawl

towards the bow of the boat, hoping

450

to get off without disturbing jackal.

451

In a flash, there's a hand at my

throat and I'm flung on my back.

452

What are you doing with the air?

453

Knocked out of my lungs.

454

I can't answer.

455

I said, what are you doing?

456

The hand tightens?

457

I thought a little staff

practice would loosen up my foot.

458

I managed to croak.

459

There's a long pause

before the hand releases.

460

Oh, sorry.

461

Jackal says, giving me

a pat on the shoulder.

462

I was about to get up as well.

463

She rolls away and begins

pulling on her clothes.

464

I scramble off the boat and

drop to the sand in a crouch.

465

Did she really just try to strangle me?

466

Gray sees me from his bed roll on

the beach and jumps to his feet.

467

Raven, are you all right?

468

I want to tell him his stupid

friend just tried to ring my

469

neck, but gray isn't likely to

believe anything bad about jackal.

470

He'll say it was an accident that

I startled her to keep it simple.

471

I fib.

472

just a twinge in my foot.

473

I say gray grunts and yawns.

474

There is a clamor as

jackal climbs off the boat.

475

I want to join your staff practice.

476

She says, I blink in response.

477

She just tried to kill me a moment ago.

478

Now she's acting all chummy.

479

I'll join you as well.

480

Gray Ads.

481

I look between the two of

them wanting to protest.

482

I prefer practicing alone,

but they both look determined.

483

I roll my eyes and give in.

484

All right.

485

Go find a staff.

486

I say with a wave towards the woods while

they search for an appropriate branch.

487

I work through a very modified

routine, careful to only put a

488

small amount of weight on my foot.

489

Overall, I'm doing better than

yesterday, but I'm afraid I

490

won't be back to normal for some

time when gray and jackal return.

491

Neither has found a very good stick,

but they join me just the same.

492

Gray hasn't done a staff

routine since before.

493

Well before he was sent away.

494

He's awkward at first, but

it comes back to him quickly.

495

despite knowing it's a mistake, I

feel myself warming to him again.

496

Clearly, jackal has never worked through

a staff practice, you're doing fine.

497

I say with forced enthusiasm.

498

Before I can turn away, she throws

down her stick, Tell me how to do

499

better or don't say anything at all.

500

Then she looks sheepish.

501

I mean, please help me improve.

502

It takes me a moment to

gather my thoughts, but I

503

purse my lips known as style.

504

Fine.

505

If jackal really wants

to learn, I'll teach her.

506

Show me that last move again.

507

I say Jackal executes the move more.

508

Bend in the knees, elbows up.

509

Do it again.

510

She does.

511

Do it again.

512

I bark again.

513

I'm just getting good at ordering jackal

around when Marette appears at my side.

514

Zm is good, but Z Corvex

needs a few pointers.

515

No, she says her eyes twinkling.

516

with a snap.

517

She produces the same style

of staph used by Nas Mabu.

518

Well, now we know why we

haven't seen a single staff.

519

Among the Banjara.

520

I hear jackal mutter to gray.

521

Marette proceeds to walk

me through a routine.

522

While her technique is similar to Nona's,

she teaches me a few subtle differences

523

that incorporate my awkward gait.

524

Practice Z moves in a few days.

525

I show you more.

526

Marette begins to walk away than she

turns back, And my little corvex.

527

Don't forget that, just like Z Boat,

extra strength comes with the growl.

528

She winks at me, then leaves.

529

I stare at Mart's, retreating back.

530

surely her old bones are too

fragile to win a staff fight,

531

but she seems to know the craft.

532

I'm impressed.

533

We're going through the routine again

when the Tauk and a few of the other

534

banjara climb off their boats yawning.

535

when silver ring appears, practice

is over, Jackal rubs her arms

536

as she walks to her duties.

537

I watch her go In the end,

she did quite well, probably

538

better than I did my first time.

539

I think Nona would've liked her.

540

A strong warm arm slips over my shoulder

and my insides go soft as a jellyfish.

541

That was good.

542

Grace says, I shrug, assuming

he's referring to my staff work.

543

You actually carried on a

civil conversation with jackal.

544

I roll my eyes.

545

I wouldn't call barking orders.

546

Civil, Gray shrugs.

547

I'm glad your foot is better.

548

I bet if you had a boot, you'd

be walking like yourself again.

549

I notice he doesn't say walking

normally again, because I

550

never walk normally, do I?

551

I slip out from under

his arm and get to work

552

While the others do their

morning chores, I sit alone and

553

practice for tonight's telling.

554

I need something I'm confident

with besides the Noona story.

555

as I work the intoxicating

smell of porridge.

556

Fried in bacon, fat WAFs through camp.

557

My stomach rumbles will silver ring.

558

Let me eat today for that matter.

559

Will she let me on the boat this morning?

560

Girl?

561

The voice causes me to jump.

562

I turn to see silver ring herself.

563

her dark eyes narrow as she looks at me.

564

You can join us for the morning

meal, but only because Marette

565

insists I give you another chance.

566

You must do better tonight.

567

Without saying more, she walks away.

568

she is almost across the beach

when grim swoops low through

569

camp, letting out a shrill C,

570

All the Banjara watch as

he peres on my shoulder.

571

Thanks.

572

I whisper.

573

Perhaps his arrival will remind silver

ring that I'm not an ordinary swamper.

574

I have a corvex.

575

Not that grim belongs to anyone.

576

The sun has just risen above the trees

when the boats are finally packed.

577

There were a few clouds in the

sky, but it looks to be good

578

weather as the Banjara board.

579

Gray asked the taru if he

can ride with weathers.

580

No.

581

The uch says, without seeming to consider

the question, Gray looks disappointed

582

as he gives me a pat on the shoulder.

583

I was hoping to ride with you today.

584

He says, likely story.

585

I mumble.

586

Al Betty's just sick of bailing and

wants weathers to teach him how to row.