Episode 114

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Published on:

17th Apr 2026

114. Raven Crown Chapters 28, 29 and 30

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
ghia:

Chapter 28, Jackal

2

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Curse This River.

3

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I hate it more today than yesterday.

4

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All I can do is grit my teeth and hold on.

5

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I'm furious when weathers prepares

to let my rodent run a swift water.

6

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Is it safe?

7

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I demand Weather's grins showing the black

hole where his front teeth should be.

8

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What Enzy life is safe, he responds.

9

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How often do people die on this river?

10

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I ask a sharp edge to my voice.

11

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weather's answers with an air of

sadness more often than necessary.

12

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My insides tighten at the news.

13

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Of course, Marette bursts into laughter.

14

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Crazy old loon, the most notorious

river death was bogged in, she

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says, with a twinkle in her eye.

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Then she leans forward and whispers.

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He died in possession of Z,

stolen amethyst size of Z plum.

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Now Marette, there is no proof.

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Marette shrugs.

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Well, the first cataract where he drowned

is now called amethyst Proof, or no?

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She pulls her pipe from a pouch

and sticks it in her mouth.

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I'm getting more and

more annoyed cataract.

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Why have I never heard this term before?

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when Z Body was found floating in Z River.

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Weather says there was no stone.

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I gulp, his body was floating.

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That is true.

28

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Marette agrees as she stuffs a

wad of dried leaves in her pipe.

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but they never found Ebo.

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Not even z splinter.

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Marette winks at me and I stiffen.

32

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Zebo is caught in the

core of the cataract.

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No, I've had enough.

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They're just trying to scare me.

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I'll bet a member of the SKU

drowned him on purpose and sold

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the amethyst in Ulta's gem market.

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I say

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if that is true, it was

done with much secrecy.

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The sale of a jewel that

size would be great news.

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Weather says.

41

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Brie, at the mention of a stolen amethyst.

42

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I can hardly sit still.

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I tried to remember if boan

is the name of the Banjara.

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Nona's wanted poster.

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I turn to weathers.

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If the amethyst is lost in the

cataract, is there any chance

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of finding it or whether snorts

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Chance may happen, but try, he

shakes his head Z cataracts are fast,

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very steep, even give me troubles.

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Later in the day, I quiz

weathers about running swift

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water, especially the cataracts.

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Looking for anything that will help

me locate the amethyst Jackal must

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understand what I'm doing because she

asks questions as well, and I actually

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find myself grateful for her help.

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Unfortunately, the more I

discover, the more impossible

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finding The amethyst seems to be.

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Apparently bogged in fell out

of the boat right at the top.

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Marette suspects he was in his bitters.

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Though weathers denies such claims

saying bogged in had a bad core.

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or heart as the word is translated

from the ancient language.

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Regardless of why the accident

happened, it appears the boat ran the

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cataract without anyone at the oars.

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Jackal, this talk of a missing

stone brings up memories of an

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amethyst stolen from the castle.

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Years ago, I recall my

father being furious.

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Now that I know more of the politics, I

suspect he orchestrated the theft himself.

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at the time he was trying to convince the

queen that she needed her own security.

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Namely the dragons, Nothing like

a jewel theft to get results.

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Needless to say it worked,

but there is something else.

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I also have the vague memory

of playing with an amethyst.

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When I was a child, my nurse gave it to

me because I was crying for my mother.

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My father showed up

unexpectedly and took it away.

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Could it be the same amethyst that

he later used as a political ploy?

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Brie, we pull into camp

just before twilight.

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Everyone except me, of course, sets

to work unloading the boats and making

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supper as soon as I get the chance.

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I catch gray and tell

him what I learned today.

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so you're saying there's no way of

finding the amethyst Gray says I shrug.

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There is the question of what happened

to bog Dan's boat Gray is about to

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comment when silver ring barges in

swamper, you at best get to work.

81

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If you want your supper,

gray ruffles my hair.

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we'll talk later.

83

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I feel rather useless with everyone else.

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So busy.

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But I've got a job to do, don't I?

86

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The only way to prove my worth

is by filling that teapot,

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finding a quiet corner.

88

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I begin rehearsing for my telling.

89

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Tonight I'm working on Marvi, the

courageous when Marette calls to me.

90

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I hope she doesn't want me to

practice another staff routine.

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I'm exhausted from rowing half the

day, but she waves towards the boat.

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Being off my foot has done

it good, and I don't lean as

93

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heavily on my staff as I comply.

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from a boat hatch.

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She pulls an old wooden trunk smoke

from her pipe wafts around us.

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I tried to wave it away

causing marette to chuckle.

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Tonight we see the true teller in you.

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She says, gesturing for me to sit.

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My eyes widen as she pulls banjara

tribal jewelry from her trunk

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and drapes it around my neck.

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The layers of silver and stones

are so heavy they weigh me down.

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Bengal go on my arms

and rings on my fingers.

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From the bottom of the trunk, Marette

produces a small silver bottle.

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As she removes the lid, I see a

metal rod covered in black powder.

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She laughs gleefully.

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Now we apply the coal.

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She says.

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Close the eyes.

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I do.

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And feel the rod run along

the edge of my lashes.

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When I'm done, I'm certain that

I look like a mast strike the way

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Marette has applied the powder.

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I like the image with a mask.

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No one will be able to see the real me.

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I'll be hidden from my audience.

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Grim arrives and lands on my shoulder.

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He only stays for a moment before

squawking and flapping to the ground.

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There.

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He looks at me quizzically,

walking forward, then hopping

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back whenever he gets close.

121

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Don't you recognize me?

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I ask.

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My comment puts Marette into hysterics.

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I am wondering again if she's right

in the head when she grabs my hair.

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Ze is no good.

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I try to pull away, but

she has a firm hold.

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My hair is tangled, worse than

usual, and wet from the waves.

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There's nothing I can do about it.

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I say trying again to free myself.

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old still.

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Marette giggles yanking on my hair.

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I don't have much choice, but to obey.

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Taking the dank strands, marette

braids them around my head.

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I'm sure it looks like a bird's nest, but

when she's done, she crows with delight.

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Look as the Corona, I start at the word.

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What do you mean?

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Is Corona braid?

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No, Corona.

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How do you say it?

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Crown I zinc, I cock my head.

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If Corona means crown, then Corvex

Corona translates to Raven Crown.

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I contemplate this for a

moment, but dismiss the idea.

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While many Banjara words are similar to

the ancient language, this is clearly

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one example where the direct translation

doesn't work as I did the night before.

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I scramble into the low branches

of a tree to await my audience.

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Look, I'm hardly shaking.

147

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I tell Grim as I hold out my hand.

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Is it because I had time to practice

or because of Mart's costume?

149

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Grim rubs his beak on my hair as

if telling me it doesn't matter.

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Halfway through the first story,

I see jackal and gray making

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their way towards the village.

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Let this be the night they find madox.

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I am taking a break to drink some water.

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When they return.

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Gray's face is bright and merry.

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I feel a tinge of jealousy.

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Sure.

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He's so happy because he

spent the evening with jackal.

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When I glance

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her way,

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ghia: she looks like a fox

with a mouse in its jaws.

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Suddenly I get excited.

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They must have good news.

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Did you find madox?

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I blurt out.

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Gray shakes his head, but his grin

gets wider with a smug smile.

167

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Jackal announces we brought you these.

168

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From behind her back, she

pulls a pair of boots.

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I gasp.

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The boots are well worn, but

not so bad that I won't get

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plenty of use out of them.

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The leather is faded to a

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bullfrog green.

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ghia: New brown laces have been

run through the eyelets, and

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a thick wooden sole has been

nailed to the bottom of one boot.

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Take them jackal says, wagging

the boots in front of me.

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My face is on fire with embarrassment.

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But how did don't worry about that.

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Jackal says cutting me off.

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Try them on so weathers can do

the final adjustment on the sole.

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I run my fingers over the

supple leather, new boots.

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I can't believe it.

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and just try them on.

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Would you.

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Gray Exclaims.

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I get them on and laced up tentatively.

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I take a few steps.

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My foot holds.

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the height isn't perfect.

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So we have weathers make a

slight adjustment to the sole.

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I practice walking on the beach.

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There is still a great deal of wobble.

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while, some of the swelling has

subsided, my foot is still miserable.

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Even with the boot, each step

pains me, but I'm determined

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not to let gray or jackal know.

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It was all jackal's idea.

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Gray says as he walks beside me, I'm

not sure how she did it, but I suspect

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she got marette to give her the shekels.

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I think about jackal.

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You know, I tell Gray it's possible.

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Jackal's essence is more

of a fox than a jackal.

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Some slimness, but more goodness.

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Gray looks at me sideways.

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Are you admitting your

first impression was wrong?

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I shrug not wrong.

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Just off by a mark.

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My face warms under his grin.

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Jackal.

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I ignore Brie when she

thanks me for the boots.

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I'll admit I did take some pleasure in

seeing her smile, but what she doesn't

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know is that I paid for the boots with

the shekels I lifted from her bundle.

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It had to be done.

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I need her mobile.

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With luck, we will be able to leave this

horrid river as soon as we find Madox.

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Chapter 29, Bree, before I know it.

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Eight days have passed

since we joined the Banjara.

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My telling is getting better.

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Last night, Marette Alba crowed

when she checked the teapot.

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Each morning she teaches me something new

to incorporate into my staff practice.

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I think I'm actually improving.

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Weathers has me row every

day, sometimes all day.

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Even the swift water, I'm

learning how to read the current

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Marette insists I'm a natural.

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Maybe she's right.

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Every day we pass another burn section

of the forest reminding me of the

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threat looming over the Norwood.

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I've got to find madox, but so far

he's always a day or two ahead of us.

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This morning, just before sunrise, the

moon was a scant crescent in the sky.

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Almost half my time is gone,

and I only have one jewel.

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The best way to keep my mind off this

depressing fact is to study as it

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gives me a sense of being productive

while the bja pack up camp, I slipped

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the Pedallers book from my bundle.

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Instead of practicing for this

evening's telling Grim lands

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on the beach in front of me and

cracks his beak, go find Marette.

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I tell him, knowing she'll give

him a cracker instead of flying

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away, he flaps to my shoulder.

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I'm pleased.

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Maybe he still prefers me after all.

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Look at this, I whisper

pointing to the peddler's book.

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you know that symbol on Reagan

thorn's arm, the one painted

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on all the village walls?

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It's called a blood moon grim squawks.

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No, don't be ridiculous.

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It doesn't have anything

to do with real blood.

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It's called a blood moon

because it gives off a red glow.

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The book calls it negative light.

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Apparently grim is unimpressed

because he flaps away.

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I flip to the chart in the back of the

book where I've been trying to figure

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out when the next blood moon will occur.

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It's predictable as attested by

the 36 page chart I'm looking

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at, but I can't make sense of it.

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I

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jackal, I curse under

my breath as weathers.

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Let's breathe row again.

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The fact that we have entered a foreboding

gorge known as Black Canyon doesn't

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help, don't worry, recalls as we're

about to hit a series of large waves.

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If we flip, just swim to

shore, you can swim, can't you?

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at these words, marette bursts

into her usual fit of laughter.

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I get so angry I forget to be afraid.

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It isn't until I'm bailing at

the bottom of the swift water

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that I realize breeze, ploy.

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She purposely made me angry.

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Knowing it would drive away my fear.

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I suppose I should think it's sweet that

my little rodent cares, but I don't,

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Brie.

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I'm either bailing or rowing all day.

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It feels like I'm getting stronger still.

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I'm exhausted when we

reach the village of Ns.

269

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Ran.

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instead of being dug into the hillside,

this village sits atop a steep cliff

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and is a jumble of rock buildings that

sprawl on both sides of the river.

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A giant stone bridge, arches like

a bow, connecting the two sides.

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There is no beach.

274

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Instead, we tie up to a long, wide

dock attached to the cliff face.

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From here, a trail

zigzags up to the village.

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Of course, one thing is exactly the same.

277

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Reagan thorn's, freshly painted

symbol is clearly visible.

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there isn't a tree for me

to sit on during my telling.

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Instead, I settle on a large boulder

that protrudes from the rock face.

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As usual, I see jackal and grace

slip off to ask about madox.

281

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After a surprisingly short time,

gray returns and stands behind.

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The diggers gathered around me.

283

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He waves frantically.

284

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My insides begin to flutter.

285

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He must have news.

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I cut the story short, mangling

it badly, not a single coin

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is dropped into the teapot.

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Marette will be disappointed,

but I can't help that Now.

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What is it I ask?

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Madox is here.

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I'm so excited.

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I throw my arms around Gray's

neck, the teller, jewelry jangling.

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Gray spins around, causing me

to lose my footing, but I don't

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fall as his arms wrap around my

waist lifting me off the ground.

295

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Weathers is playing his fiddle,

and we twirl to the music.

296

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I feel as if I am dancing, me

dancing when gray puts me down.

297

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I can't stand for the spinning

in my head and I lean against

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him to keep from toppling over.

299

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When I look up, I expect to see him

smiling, and instead his face is pensive.

300

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I know the look.

301

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I've seen it before.

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It's the look he had on the day.

303

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Well, the day he kissed

me, I jolt, no, he can't.

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In panic, I shove him away.

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Surprise flashes on his face,

but he doesn't have time to

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respond before jackal arrives.

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Hey, what's going on here?

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I stiffen and feel my face get

red as a strawberry gray shrugs,

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as if nothing has happened.

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Jackal, smirks.

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Have you told her?

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She asks.

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Gray look.

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Chag grinned.

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What?

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I demand.

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Madox is here.

318

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Grace says, but we don't know

for sure if he'll speak to us.

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Jacque and I talked to an acquaintance

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Who says you will have to convince him.

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I am confused.

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Convince him of what?

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Convince Madox that you're Nona's novice.

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Jackal says, my mouth drops open.

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What do you know about Nona?

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But of course my eyes flash on gray.

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She knows whatever he told her.

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Grace spreads his hands.

329

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Palms up.

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Nona isn't a secret, and Madox knows her.

331

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They've corresponded the man, implied

Madox has other engagements tonight, I

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had to say something to get him down here.

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I roll my eyes, but maybe he's right.

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I might have done the same thing.

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So what am I supposed to do?

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I ask Tell the Noona story.

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Grace says he'll know it's you

when he hears Nona's version.

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He could be here any minute, so get ready.

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Jackal urges.

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I wr my hands and try to remember

the first words of the Noona

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story, but my mind goes blank.

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I've gone from reciting to gray to

diggers, and now I've got to recite

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before a Lord for the love of rats.

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I think you should start.

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Grace says, squeezing my

hand My nerves are so frazzled.

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I almost slip climbing to my perch.

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Don't worry.

348

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Jackal calls.

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You look so ridiculous

in that banjara jewelry.

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No one will even notice

if you make a mistake.

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Anger flares through me and I spit

out the first line of the Noona story.

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It isn't until jackal winks

that I realized she was playing

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my own trick back on me.

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seems we have formed an unusual friendship

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jackal.

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I have no idea why Brie is so nervous.

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I'm the one meeting my long lost uncle.

358

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I sit in the shadows

watching the festivities.

359

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Despite the chill on the wind, the

docks are teaming with diggers.

360

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The fact that we are getting closer

to ultan is obvious as there are more

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jewels and even a few wigs in the crowd.

362

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Local musicians join weathers

and everyone is dancing.

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I scan the gathering, searching for

anyone that looks like a nobilis.

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or will Maddox come down

dressed as a digger to blend in?

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Regardless, I expect to recognize him.

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He is my father's brother.

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After all

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The sky darkens and torches are

placed in holders along the cliff.

369

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Brie is halfway through her second

telling of the Noona story when a

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large bearded man joins the crowd.

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is wearing a brown cape

and worn leather boots.

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I make my way around to wear.

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I can see him better.

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There is no flash of

jewels as I might expect,

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But his blue eyes are

reminiscent of my father's.

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The problem is there's a gentleness

to them, which makes me uncertain.

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Still, I haven't seen anyone else

with even a remote resemblance.

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I expect Brie to finish the Nocona story

the way she usually does with the invading

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army being washed away in the flood.

380

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But after reaching this point in the

story, she goes on and I realize she's

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going to tell the ending I get a chill.

382

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When she mentions that there was

a small child and her nurse at the

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Great House when Noona arrived, I

look around to see what the audience

384

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thinks of this version of events.

385

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Of course, it's unlikely that anyone

has ever heard this part of the story.

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Regardless, the Digger's watch

Brie with wrapped attention.

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I marvel at the command

she has over the crowd.

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What a change from the first night the

bearded man watches Bree intently.

389

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Finally, Brie gets to the

end and announces that she

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will be taking a short break.

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I hear the sounds of shekels

being dropped in the teapot.

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no danger of Brie being left behind in

the morning as the crowd dissipates.

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Brie climbs from her perch

and heads towards the boat.

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I stay in the shadows watching the man.

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Eventually he follows

her and climbs aboard.

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It's him reaching the boat.

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I slip under the canopy and

pull the door flap down.

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Brie and Gray are already

sitting in the back of the boat.

399

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Maddox slides into the cockpit

and I crouch on the front deck.

400

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The large man inclines

his head towards Brie.

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Very impressive.

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My young friend.

403

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Telling is an art.

404

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It's obvious you've learned

from the best Nona, I presume.

405

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Brie nods.

406

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Madox turns towards me and holds my

gaze for a moment before speaking.

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Dogmar, I haven't seen you since you

were a child, but I would recognize you

408

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anywhere you have your mother's eyes.

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I'm instantly furious.

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It never crossed my mind

that he would recognize me.

411

:

Now, my cover has been blown.

412

:

I remind myself not to

say anything too rash.

413

:

and you share my father's eyes,

how unfortunate I respond.

414

:

Brie Dog Mar Reagan thorn's daughter.

415

:

Every part of me wants to dash from

the boat, yet I'm frozen in place.

416

:

I glance at Gray.

417

:

He looks as shocked as I feel

Apparently sensing my instinct to run.

418

:

He shakes his head ever so slightly

indicating that I should stay.

419

:

I know he's right.

420

:

jackal isn't likely to slip my

throat right here and I've got to

421

:

find out what Madox with a gulp.

422

:

I stay seated.

423

:

Chapter 30 jackal.

424

:

I silently curse the snake gods for my

wretched luck as I hold my gaze on madox.

425

:

I'm surprised you know who I am.

426

:

He says, returning my stare.

427

:

I'm sure your father never told you.

428

:

I have ways of finding

out what I need to know.

429

:

I answer, not bothering to tell him.

430

:

I only found out a few days ago.

431

:

But we haven't sought you

out for a social call.

432

:

We're here to learn what you know

about my mother, the lady Oria, late

433

:

cousin to our recently departed queen.

434

:

I notice Brie's mouth drop open and smirk.

435

:

She truly didn't know anything.

436

:

Madox draws a breath and looks sad.

437

:

I suppose you have a

right to know the truth.

438

:

He says, not whatever watered

down version your father told you.

439

:

My father has never told me anything.

440

:

I say.

441

:

I'm not surprised Maddox's answers.

442

:

There was a momentary pause as he

appears to gather his thoughts.

443

:

I first met Oria when my

brother Reagan Thorn and I

444

:

were sent to the Queen's court.

445

:

Irania was 18 and lovely madox pauses

and smiles as he seems to remember.

446

:

Then the smile fades in the beginning.

447

:

My brother had no interest in her,

So irania and I became quite close.

448

:

But soon my brother realized she could

help him gain the power he wanted.

449

:

Madox looks at me.

450

:

there were several cousins able to inherit

the throne, but your mother senior

451

:

in the line of succession was presumed

heir if the queen never bore a daughter.

452

:

which she didn't.

453

:

I glare at madox.

454

:

I thought he was going to tell

me something I didn't know.

455

:

Of course, my mother

was heir to the throne.

456

:

That's why I'm to be the next queen.

457

:

Unfortunately, there are political

entities which have put forth that

458

:

I'm not eligible to be Queen because

my mother was banished naturally, my

459

:

father has squelched those efforts.

460

:

This part I understand all too well

until I'm actually on the throne.

461

:

My position is in jeopardy

by the look on my face.

462

:

Maddox must realize he's

stating the obvious.

463

:

He goes on, but my brother wanted more

than or radius political influence.

464

:

He was trying to achieve something

called the Corvex Corona.

465

:

Somehow he thought the jewels of Tambor

were the key to this end, and he

466

:

believed your mother could help him.

467

:

Now he's got my attention.

468

:

I recall my father's secret writings

about becoming a corvex Corona,

469

:

But what does my mother

have to do with it?

470

:

As you may know, your mother was

the queen's keeper of the jewels

471

:

assigned the duty of transporting her

various adornments from the castle

472

:

coffers to the Queen's dressing room.

473

:

My mother was keeper.

474

:

This is news.

475

:

Transporting the jewels is a sizable job.

476

:

The late queen had a different

set of regalia for every dress.

477

:

Not a simple pendant and

diadem, but chokers, ts eardrops,

478

:

bengal rings, bracelets, belts,

ankle bands, and shoe clips.

479

:

There must be a hundred or more sets of

gems locked in the guarded stronghold.

480

:

My father has aspired to the post of

keeper for as long as I can remember,

481

:

and only recently gained the position.

482

:

The death of the last keeper was

suspicious and untimely, but the queen

483

:

didn't seem to think anything of it.

484

:

Madox watches me as I put things together.

485

:

After a moment, he goes on.

486

:

When Reagan Thne found out how close

Irania was to the jewels of Tambo on a

487

:

daily basis, he became obsessed with her.

488

:

He forced me to return home

saying my father needed me.

489

:

I didn't have any choice but to

obey as he was my older brother.

490

:

Madox pauses.

491

:

Now I wish I had done things differently.

492

:

He looked so sad.

493

:

I don't doubt him.

494

:

This is the most I have

heard about my mother.

495

:

Sorrow consumes me feeling like

a vine wrapping around my heart.

496

:

Madox continues.

497

:

It wasn't long before news arrived that

my brother and Irania would be wed.

498

:

I was heartbroken.

499

:

I knew he didn't love her.

500

:

He was just looking to access the jewels.

501

:

I was unable to attend the

wedding as our father was dying.

502

:

after that.

503

:

Reagan Thorn only came home to visit

his estates for short periods of time,

504

:

leaving me to deal with the mess he

left on those occasions, there is

505

:

anger in Maddox's voice, a sentiment I

understand when it comes to my father,

506

:

Bree.

507

:

I look between Madox and Jackal

in shock as I take this in.

508

:

If Jackal is a Rainier's daughter,

the late Queen's niece that would

509

:

qualify jackal to take the crown.

510

:

How could I be so dimwitted?

511

:

Jackal is the puppet Reagan

thorn plans to put on the throne.

512

:

It's jackal's coronation.

513

:

I'm going to ultan to stop, and

I was starting to trust her.

514

:

I do my best to keep my face

passive, but my mind is racing

515

:

like a farm cat after a moth.

516

:

Jackal.

517

:

My uncle stops here

and looks at his hands.

518

:

I'm convinced this is as hard for

him to tell as it is for me to hear.

519

:

When I saw Irania again, he continues.

520

:

It nearly killed me.

521

:

Her cheeks were sunken and she had aged.

522

:

The only thing that gave

her any pleasure was you.

523

:

Madox looks at me, but

I can't hold his gaze.

524

:

In the early days, she would

wr her hands and pace the room.

525

:

I knew something worried her,

but when I asked, she would

526

:

never give a direct answer.

527

:

Over time, the bits and pieces she did

say led me to understand how Reagan Thorn

528

:

was hounding her to steal the crown.

529

:

but I couldn't imagine

how he thought she could.

530

:

There are constant guards

around the strong box.

531

:

Maddox looks at his hands again.

532

:

I believe the jewels were

the root of her madness.

533

:

He goes on at first, only a few of us

knew me, her maids, and my brother.

534

:

Of course, slowly it became more obvious.

535

:

She was too tender and sweet to survive.

536

:

Reagan Thorn.

537

:

I could see it in her eyes in

the way she walked, in the way

538

:

she never looked at his face.

539

:

I should have stopped him, but

by the time I knew what was

540

:

happening, the damage was done.

541

:

A tear trickles down the big man's

face and mingles with his beard.

542

:

I struggled to control my own emotions.

543

:

I can't show any weakness, not here.

544

:

As time went by, she got worse.

545

:

Displaying an eerie obsession with

death and always mumbling when Orias

546

:

Madness could no longer be hidden.

547

:

Reagan Thorn persuaded the

queen to banish her from Ultan.

548

:

Terrible as the disgrace was.

549

:

I was happy for her.

550

:

She was out of my brother's hands.

551

:

Unfortunately, it was less than a month

before he had a new victim to torture or

552

:

Rainier's closest cousin, the lady Fallon.

553

:

It isn't a coincidence

that my brother picked her

554

:

with Irania Gone.

555

:

Lady Fallon would only follow

you as aired to the throne.

556

:

Obviously, my brother

was hedging his bets.

557

:

Yes, of course.

558

:

I think as the events come

together in my mind, that's when

559

:

Lady Fallon came into my life.

560

:

Brie.

561

:

Lady Fallon was Reagan Thorn's second

wife, the same Fallon in the Noona story.

562

:

That would explain why Jackal

claimed to know so much about the

563

:

events that took place on the night.

564

:

Lady Fallon died.

565

:

But there are more important

things I need to know.

566

:

Where did Irania go?

567

:

When she was banished?

568

:

I blurred out.

569

:

Maddox turns his blue eyes on me.

570

:

She went to the Black Castle, one of

the most remote locations in Tambor.

571

:

The only passersby are the banjara.

572

:

Is it on the river?

573

:

I exclaim wondering if

we've already passed it.

574

:

Maddox doesn't look like he

wants to answer, but he says yes.

575

:

I almost jumped from my seat.

576

:

You've got to tell me how to get there.

577

:

Madox looks despondent.

578

:

You don't really want to go, but I do.

579

:

I've got to find the jewels of tambor.

580

:

I'm aware how desperate I sound.

581

:

Yes.

582

:

mad Xi.

583

:

Lowly.

584

:

Nona was certain, or Rainier

had them, but it isn't true.

585

:

I searched the Black Castle myself.

586

:

They aren't there.

587

:

The words of Zippos letter deep in

the bowels of Irania come to my mind.

588

:

is there a cellar or a chamber

of some kind under the castle?

589

:

I ask.

590

:

Madox, snorts.

591

:

There's a crypt.

592

:

That's where they are.

593

:

I know it.

594

:

you've got to tell me how to get there.

595

:

I plead madox, looks immovable.

596

:

I try another T or Rania wanted someone

to find the jewels, or she wouldn't

597

:

have left a message in her dying words.

598

:

Maddox appears to mull this over.

599

:

and jackal All this talk about my mother

has me on edge, and to top it off the

600

:

fiddle music has risen to a crescendo.

601

:

I can't take it anymore and

lose my patience by the jewels.

602

:

Tell us where the castle is.

603

:

I demand with a snarl.

604

:

As soon as the words have

left my mouth, I'm sorry.

605

:

Showing madox that I'm anything like

my father is a mistake, but he doesn't

606

:

look angry, though his face is stern.

607

:

If you want to make a difference in

tambor, forget about the antiquated stones

608

:

and join me in overthrowing the order.

609

:

I'm aware that Nona believed the

jewels of Tambor would save the

610

:

country, but it will take rooting

out the order to make a difference.

611

:

Root out the order.

612

:

I give a derisive laugh.

613

:

Do you think you really can?

614

:

Yes.

615

:

Madock says

616

:

There is so much conviction in his voice

that I almost believe him, but I know

617

:

how embroiled the order is within Tambor.

618

:

Even my father is leery of them.

619

:

I laugh again and shake my head.

620

:

The stones are out there and nothing is

going to dissuade me from finding them.

621

:

They're my only assurance of getting

out from under my father's power.

622

:

I glance at Brie who looks torn.

623

:

I wanna help.

624

:

She says, earnestly I roll my eyes.

625

:

Of course she does.

626

:

She'd help anyone.

627

:

but first I've got to find the jewels.

628

:

She says, well, at least she

has her priority straight

629

:

reaching for her ratty old bag.

630

:

She pulls out a map, please.

631

:

She begins.

632

:

Show me where the Black castle is.

633

:

Madox heaves a sigh as you

wish, but I warn you, the

634

:

castle isn't a pleasant place.

635

:

When Bree doesn't react, he takes

the map and spreads it before him.

636

:

The castle is here.

637

:

madox.

638

:

Points to a deserted

portion of river corridor.

639

:

Have the banjara pullover

right below the first cataract.

640

:

He says, at one time there was

a trail, but now it's overgrown.

641

:

You'll have to follow the

gully to the top of the bluff.

642

:

From there you'll see the castle.

643

:

No one says anything for a moment

and we all hear weather slow his

644

:

fiddle and play in a minor key.

645

:

I've got a million questions, but

before I can ask anything, Madox rises

646

:

standing hunched under the canopy.

647

:

I have other business

that needs tending to.

648

:

He looks from me to Brie.

649

:

Good luck with your quest.

650

:

I hope we meet again soon.

651

:

With that, he leaves.

652

:

Having my uncle walk away so abruptly

tightens the vines around my heart.

653

:

It's true.

654

:

All the rumors I've heard are true.

655

:

My mother was mad.

656

:

I stare at my hands until I

feel brie and gray watching me.

657

:

This turns my sadness to anger, not

because they uncovered my deception,

658

:

but because they heard these two milk.

659

:

Sos heard about my mother.

660

:

out of habit, my hand goes

to the pouch around my neck.

661

:

I feel the pull of the stone.

662

:

I know what it wants.

663

:

It wants me to be helpful to aid

Brie in finding the rest of the

664

:

jewels, but I want them for myself.

665

:

I need them for myself.

666

:

I yank the pouch from over my head

and stuff it into my skirt pocket.

667

:

I won't have the stone's

wretched influence anymore.

668

:

My mother went mad because of the jewels.

669

:

It won't happen to me.

670

:

The only way to survive in this

world is to take care of myself.

671

:

I throw back the canopy,

flap, and storm from the boat.

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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