Episode 110

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Published on:

3rd Apr 2026

110. Raven Crown Chapter 22, 23 and 24

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.

Transcript
Speaker:

Chapter 22 Jackal.

2

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I turn around and walk back down the trail

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

3

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I'll tell him I slept under an overhang.

4

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He'll believe me, when he

catches up, he grabs my arm.

5

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No.

6

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Hello.

7

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Just have you seen Brie?

8

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No, haven't you?

9

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It's easy to sound alarmed because I am.

10

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If we haven't seen her from either

direction, then where is she?

11

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A sick feeling settles in my stomach.

12

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What if she saw me jump from the courtyard

and tried to follow by the jewels?

13

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She could be dead.

14

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My mind flashes on the

envelope in her bundle.

15

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I should have snatched it

while I had the chance.

16

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Some old scholar could

have read it for me.

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The boy moans.

18

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My only job was to keep her

safe and I've already failed.

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We'll find her.

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I say with genuine hope.

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It will make my job so much easier.

22

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Gray gives me an appreciative nod.

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if I help you find Bri, will

you help me find something?

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He looks desperate enough to do anything.

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What he asks.

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I lead him to the side of the trail away

from the pilgrims making their way down.

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I want you to help me slip my tether.

28

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You know, let me run away with you.

29

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I see the debate going

on in the boy's head.

30

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He's worried.

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He doesn't know if he can trust me.

32

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Stupid fool.

33

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

34

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People like him want to trust everyone.

35

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Won't the Croker send

the dragon after you?

36

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He asks.

37

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Not if he's busy searching for the Pero.

38

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This is the perfect time.

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Please take me with you.

40

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The Croker will let me

starve if you don't.

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I open my eyes wide as I beg.

42

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I can see he's going to say yes.

43

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He can't turn down a person

in need the imbecile.

44

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Finally, he nods, all

right, I'll help you.

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He says, but we need to find Brie first.

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Of course, I say patting his arm.

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Now, even if the girl is

gone, I'm in with the boy.

48

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I wonder what details I can get

from him and begin to ask questions.

49

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He offers only evasive answers.

50

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I'm sure my rodent chided

him after yesterday.

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But that's fine.

52

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All I have to do is use

a bit of persuasion.

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I want to hear a secret.

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I ask.

55

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The boy looks unsure, but I go on.

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You know the order.

57

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He nods well, there's a

Lord trying to thwart them.

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He looks unimpressed.

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I'm not afraid of the order.

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He says I gape at him.

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Well, maybe you haven't experienced

the order in the Norwood, but

62

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where I'm from, cross the order

and your gem pit is collapsed.

63

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Diggers inside, I don't tell

him about the sliced throats.

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Gray goes pale.

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Why aren't they stopped?

66

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He demands I shrug the order

wields too much influence and

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they demand absolute loyalty.

68

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I share a few more heinous details.

69

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When gray looks sufficiently

cowed, I explain that I can

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steer him clear of the order.

71

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If he'll tell me what he and

Bree are doing here this time,

72

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he doesn't hesitate as assumed.

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He owns up to searching for the

jewels of Tambo, but to my irritation,

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he won't tell me where they are.

75

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I begin to realize that he doesn't know

by pheon the girl has got to be alive.

76

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Brie, I sleep in my pine burrow until

the throbbing in my foot wakes me.

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I would gladly sleep

longer, but I need to study.

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I scrabble around until I can sit up.

79

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The light coming through the bows

is dim, but I can see well enough.

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I open the envelope and start by

looking over Nona's list of jewels.

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

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Ruby Sapphire, pero.

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All stones I know about below them are

the unknown jewels, amethyst, violet as

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the flowers, characteristics unknown.

85

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Location, unknown.

86

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Denix banded with red, white, and

green characteristics, unknown.

87

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Location, unknown.

88

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I groan, how can I find stones?

89

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Nona didn't know anything about Emerald.

90

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Deep forest green characteristics

brings awareness of the obscured

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to conscious recognition in parts,

reason, and clarity of thought.

92

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Location, the Norwood, the Norwood.

93

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I read the word again, clearly, Nona held

the stone at one time, or she wouldn't

94

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have been able to describe the vibrations,

but why would she leave without it?

95

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A sick feeling comes over me.

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Maybe she had it with

her when she was killed.

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That would mean Reagan.

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Thorn has it now.

99

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I push the thought away, not

wanting to believe it's true.

100

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My stomach grumbles.

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I ignore it.

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And look at the last

two stones on the list.

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Diamond characteristics, unknown

location or rania garnet characteristics.

104

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Unknown location or rania.

105

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I squint at the word oria.

106

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Could it be a place on Nona's map?

107

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I haven't noticed it before, but

I get out the oil skin to check.

108

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After a full search, I

come up empty owl pellets.

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There has got to be a clue Here somewhere

I begin searching the parchments.

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First.

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I skim for the word oria.

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

to translating the ancient language.

113

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I begin with a letter to Nona

signed by someone named Madox.

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I suppose he wrote in the ancient language

to keep the contents of the letter secret.

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That could mean it's important.

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Nona Arradondo of The Glens I read.

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Then begin the slow work of translation.

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I hope this letter finds

you and your charge well.

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As to your question, I can't be

certain, but I believe my brother's

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first wife may indeed have had

one or more of the articles in

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question at the time of her death.

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Answers to my inquiry came

by the enclosed letter.

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Sorry, I do not have more information.

124

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Madox my head, bulges with questions.

125

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What articles?

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The Jewels, who's this

brother and his wife?

127

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I shuffle through the Parchments

until I find a letter addressed

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to Madox and realize it's the

letter that mentioned Naja.

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As I noted earlier, the penmanship is

rough and there are many ink blots,

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which is why I didn't read it before.

131

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But the time has come with great effort.

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I work out the words.

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My Lord Maddox.

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It reads, I know nothing of the

articles of which you speak.

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I can tell you by mistress sent

a rare stone to the mabu at the

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Ram Wat of Naja in return for

prayers on behalf of her soul.

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She was constantly wracked

with guilt for what I know not,

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but it added to her madness.

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Okay.

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Before she left Ultan,

she had numerous gems.

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I would not presume to know

where she came by, any of them.

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There were two in particular,

a garnet and a diamond, which

143

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she kept with her at all times.

144

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The way she rattled them in her

pocket was evidence of her madness.

145

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They were not on her person

when I dressed her for burial.

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There is one oddity I can relate.

147

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On the night of her passing, she mumbled

a phrase that struck me as peculiar.

148

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Even in her madness, they are

deep in the bowels of irania.

149

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She said it several times, but when I

asked her what they were, I got no reply.

150

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I hope this means something to

you, your humble servant, Zipporah.

151

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I mull over the words deep

in the bowels of irania.

152

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Could it refer to an underground

cavern or dungeon perhaps?

153

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But where is Irania all this effort,

and I only have more questions.

154

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Breathe.

155

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My name is called in a loud whisper.

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It's gray.

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Quickly, I put away the parchments and

scramble out from under the pine bows.

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Over here.

159

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I call just loud enough for him to hear.

160

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I want to run in his direction, but I

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

161

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When gray bursts through

the trees, his face is red.

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Brie, he scoops me off

the ground in a bear hug.

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If you ever run out on me again,

I'm going to wring your neck.

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No more Raven tricks ever do you hear me?

165

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There is real irritation in his voice,

but there is also so much relief that

166

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I know the anger won't last long.

167

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I didn't lose you on purpose.

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I say closing my eyes

and sagging in his arms.

169

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At a twig snap, my eyes pop open and

I see jackal coming through the trees.

170

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I stiffen despite the fact that she

actually looks glad to see me put me down.

171

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I demand gray obeys.

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I stand on my good foot.

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Brie, listen to me.

174

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

175

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The dragon and his soldiers

are looking for you everywhere.

176

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This new sends me into a panic.

177

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Is Reagan thorn with them?

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Don't be dim jackal answers.

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The dragon is looking for you

because you were the last person

180

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

181

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I explain about running down the

trail after the figure in black.

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Then I tell them about the

flood and losing my boot.

183

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Gray's face grows stern as he hears.

184

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I can't walk.

185

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Jackal looks down at my barefoot.

186

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While that makes things difficult.

187

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Ad hearing the derision in her

voice, my hands go to my hips.

188

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What are you doing here anyway?

189

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Gray clears his throat.

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Uh, Brie I told Jackal

she could come with us.

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I blink and sputter.

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You didn't?

193

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She's desperate to slip her tether.

194

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We have to help her.

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Grace says, now's the best time while the

soldiers are busy searching for the Pero.

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You mean searching for me?

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So they'll find her.

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Either way, realization crosses

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

199

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I give him a hard look.

200

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We have things we need to do.

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I say hoping he catches my drift.

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I know you're searching

for the jewels of Tambo.

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Jackal butts in.

204

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I wanna help.

205

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It's the least I can do.

206

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I look at gray.

207

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You told her I throw my hands in the air.

208

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Not that it matters.

209

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I don't know where they are.

210

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You don't.

211

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Jackal says, sounding concerned.

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I glare at her.

213

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No, her eyes narrow.

214

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But Grace said you have

some kind of parchments.

215

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I roll my eyes.

216

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If I don't tell her what I know,

gray will just do it later.

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Besides, it's not like

I know anything useful.

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The jewels might be in a place

called Irania, I say than sigh,

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but I have no idea where Irania

is and Jackal's nostrils flare.

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There is no such place.

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I cross my arms and that helps.

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Thanks.

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You must know something else.

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She insists.

225

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I shake my head annoyed that

I'm even talking with this girl.

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Then I blink.

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Do I have another clue?

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Jackal must see the question on my face.

229

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What?

230

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Tell me I tap a finger on my lips.

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Someone named Lord Maddox may

be able to tell us about Irania.

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Lord Madox.

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Jackal looks pensive.

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Then her eyes snapped to mine.

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He was in ska just a few days

ago, but he left for Ultan.

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I'm surprised.

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Are you sure is the right madox?

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There's only one.

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Lord, Maddox and Jackal says

with certainty, can we catch him?

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She looks doubtful.

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We'd need some mighty fast horses.

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Even then, he's probably

got too much of a headstart.

243

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I purse my lips, Nona style

and think for a moment.

244

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Then I recall something and excitedly pull

the mat from my bundle for confirmation.

245

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Look, the road from Ultan follows

roughly the same path as the river.

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I say Maddox will be stopping

at villages along the way

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for food and shelter by boat.

248

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I bet we could catch him.

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We don't have a boat.

250

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Jackal says Sourly.

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I recall the brightly colored

watercraft I saw yesterday.

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The banjara do.

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Great idea.

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Grace says, then you

wouldn't have to walk.

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I frown my foot has

nothing to do with this.

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Jackal folds her arms over her chest.

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The banjara won't take us.

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They will if we work for passage.

259

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I look at gray.

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Don't you remember?

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Fremont said it's called Swamping.

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The boats get swamped with

water and the Swampers Bale and

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they also do chores and camp.

264

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And jackal, snorts and

waves, a dismissive hand.

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They're probably gone by now.

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How would you know?

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I retort.

268

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What's with this girl?

269

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She was begging for

information a moment ago.

270

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Now she's groping for excuses,

gray steps between us.

271

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Nothing to do but check, he says.

272

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Before I can protest, he scoops

me up, bundles an all and

273

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begins loping towards the river.

274

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Jackal follows, but doesn't look happy.

275

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Chapter 23, Brie.

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I hate being carried, but

I don't have much choice.

277

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It's either that or crawl.

278

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We are almost to the bridge that crosses

the uare when gray abruptly turns and

279

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heads down river, where are you going?

280

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I ask.

281

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Peering over his shoulder,

aren't the banjara the other way?

282

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Don't look.

283

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Gray says his words make me determined

to see and I scramble in his arms.

284

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For a view.

285

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I only make out a silhouette

as the sunlight reflecting

286

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off the water is blinding.

287

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But it's clear enough.

288

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A body is hanging lifeless

from a rope off the bridge.

289

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Put me down.

290

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I demand not here.

291

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Gray insists.

292

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Soon he enters a dense cops of trees

where he lets me slide to the forest

293

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floor and drops down beside me.

294

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Jackal joins us.

295

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It was the man from the eatery.

296

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She says quickly, he spoke

out against the order and now.

297

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Her voice falters.

298

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Now he has paid the price.

299

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I look at Gray recalling the fight

we witnessed in Sir Peka Gray

300

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wipes a hand across his brow.

301

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All the more reason we need to find

the Banjara and leave this place.

302

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Brie, are you ready?

303

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I take a breath and nod.

304

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With a heave.

305

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Gray gets to his feet, both

bundles still on his back.

306

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I stand and he picks me up again.

307

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This time I don't protest.

308

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Instead, I wrap my arms around his neck

and rest my head against his chest.

309

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The order has murdered a man

for speaking out against them.

310

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I don't know why I'm surprised

with Reagan Thorn as a member.

311

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What scares me most is that the

order can strike so quickly.

312

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Even in this remote part of the country.

313

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I close my eyes as I realize

the order is everywhere, not

314

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just ultan as I had thought.

315

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I purse my lips.

316

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The only way to stop Reagan thorn and

thwart the order is to find the jewels.

317

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We haven't gone far.

318

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When I spy the Banjara boats drifting

down river, look, they're already leaving.

319

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Gray drops me with an unceremonious

thump and runs toward the water.

320

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Stop.

321

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He yells, waving his arms.

322

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At first, I think the banjara are going to

ignore him, but one by one they pull over.

323

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A man stands in the cockpit of

the first boat with his bare

324

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arms folded over a cork vest, his

copper earrings gleam in the sun.

325

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He must be the sulks ook or

leader gray hurries towards him.

326

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Can we work for passage?

327

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Gray calls out as jackal

steps up behind him.

328

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The man looks down his

nose at the two of them.

329

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His brown eyes hard.

330

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without a doubt, this

man is a bird of prey.

331

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An eagle or a hawk

swamping is an easy work.

332

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He says We'll do anything,

no questions asked.

333

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Gray replies standing tall

and puffing out his chest.

334

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The tark regards him.

335

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After a moment, he looks over at a

woman with a silver ring in her nose.

336

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She gives a slight nod.

337

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While the ook may be the leader of

this sku, it appears he follows the

338

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ancient tradition of female authority,

the same tradition that led to the

339

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reign of Queens in Tambo very well, he

says, but his face hardens swampers,

340

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who can't pull their weight are left

on shore no matter where we are.

341

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Do you understand?

342

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Yes.

343

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Grace says.

344

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The Tauk looks at jackal.

345

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She hesitates a moment, then nods.

346

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The woman I've now dubbed

silver ring stands, weathers

347

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make room for our new swampers.

348

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She says An old man missing

his two front teeth.

349

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Begin shuffling things around on his

boat, looking pleased with himself.

350

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Gray runs to pick me up.

351

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No, I say in a horse whisper.

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Let me walk.

353

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Gray frowns, but helps me to my feet.

354

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I let him take both our bundles

with one hand on my staff

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and the other on Gray's arm.

356

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I hobble in a great deal

of pain towards the boats.

357

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A million thoughts race through my mind.

358

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Will we catch Madox?

359

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Will he know where Irania is?

360

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Will I find the jewels?

361

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I've only taken a few steps when

the woman's silver ring steps

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before me hands on her hips.

363

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She has on wide-legged

pants and leather boots.

364

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A fringe scarf is tied around her head.

365

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Silver Bengals cover both forearms.

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She's too pretty to be a possum.

367

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Maybe she's a raccoon.

368

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I didn't say you could come.

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We need people who can work.

370

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She says, I flinch at her words

and tuck my foot out of sight.

371

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But Grace Damers Marie just

hurt her foot yesterday.

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It will be fine soon.

373

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Is that so the woman replies,

well, we need help in camp tonight.

374

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What will she be able to do?

375

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Um, gray pauses as if realizing

I won't be able to do anything.

376

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After a moment, he blurts out.

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She's a teller.

378

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My eyes snap to gray,

then back to Silvering.

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No, no I'm not.

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I insist the woman frowns.

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I need a good, strong helper in

the kitchen, not a lame girl.

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Anger burns in my chest.

383

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If there's anything I learned

while living with Nona.

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It's how to work.

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I can wash dishes, I say and stoke

the fire, and before I get out another

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word, talons, dig into my shoulder

and I'm forced to lean on my staff

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to keep my balance as grim settles.

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There.

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silver rings.

390

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Eyes widen to the size of bur oak cones.

391

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Can you speak with that?

392

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Corvex?

393

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Corvex?

394

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Is she talking about grim?

395

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I recall that the Banjara claimed

to communicate with Ravens.

396

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It crosses my mind to lie and tell

her I can just to get passage.

397

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But as I have this thought, grim, cause

loud in my ear, I look at the bird.

398

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I wasn't going to.

399

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I'm about to add lie, but I

stop because that will look

400

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like I am talking to the bird.

401

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Well, I am, but he didn't

say anything to me.

402

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Not really, and he certainly

can't understand me.

403

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At least I don't think so.

404

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Feeling stupid.

405

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I knock grim off my shoulder.

406

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

407

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I stammer silver rings eyes stay on me.

408

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Too bad.

409

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Our ancestors believe that bird to be the

manifestation of the hesperian one who can

410

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speak with the corvex is highly revered.

411

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Before I can think this

through, there's a loud cackle.

412

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I turn to see an old woman in a dark

purple dress and a rabbit skin shawl.

413

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Her ear lobes have been stretched

to her shoulders, and her tawny

414

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face is a weathered web of wrinkles.

415

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around her neck are layers of

silver necklaces, inlaid with

416

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turquoise, lapis, and coral.

417

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She has a pipe in the corner

of her mouth and let smoke out

418

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her nose as she beams at me.

419

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My mind snaps on the image

of a grinning hedgehog.

420

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She cackles again.

421

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Yes, she is most definitely a hedgehog.

422

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Any thoughts?

423

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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.

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About the Podcast

Creative Spiritual Journey
one small, deliberate step at a time
We are all on a journey—a journey home to our heavenly parents. Any experienced traveler knows there are days you laugh and days you cry.

We aren’t here to tell you how to live—we are here to share how we live—how we survive, thrive, and even find joy!

The journey gets messy with rainstorms and sleepless flights but the hard times—the miserable times—those make the best stories.

And the vistas, the sunsets, the little birds outside the window—those are the reminders that God is in the details, he is aware of us, he has trod the path before.

The Creative Spiritual Journey Podcast is hosted by Judy and Ghia Cooley—two sisters in their wisdom years—who love the savior and are dedicated to making this journey one small, deliberate step at a time.

Join us!

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Ghia Cooley