112. Raven Crown Chapter 25, 26 and 27
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
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.
