Child of a Dead God

CHAPTER THREE

Brot'an'duive wove through the coastal trees, troubled by what he had learned this evening. He needed to speak with Sgailsheilleache's grandfather, Gleanneohkan'thva-and there was only one way. Approaching a twisted maple, he withdrew a smooth oval of word-wood from his cloak and was once again grateful for it.

All the Anmaglahk past their tutelage years carried a word-wood. With these oval slivers, grown from Most Aged Father's own oak, they spoke with the patriarch through any tree growing in open earth. Such were reserved for the Anmaglahk or those clan elders needing to communicate with Crijheaiche.

Masters of elven ships also possessed their own word-wood, allowing their clan vessels communication in case of need or emergency, but these were grown from the wood of their own ships.

The smooth oval Brot'an'duive held was neither of these.

Few carried or even knew of these special word-woods, for they were secretly fashioned by Gleanneohkan'thva and connected only to his tree dwelling. A revered healer among the an'Croan, he was thereby also a Shaper-one of those born with the talent to guide and alter the way of living things.

Brot'an'duive placed the word-wood against the tree's bark, calling out softly, "Gleanneohkan'thva, are you home?"

Moments passed before a clear voice rose in his thoughts. Yes… but I did not expect to hear from you tonight.

"It could not be avoided."

Hearing his old friend calmed Brot'an'duive as he thought of the eccentric old healer's wry nature, deeply lined face, and steel-gray hair sticking out in all directions.

"Is Cuirin'nen'a with you?" he asked.

Yes… but what is wrong?

Brot'an'duive closed his eyes and planted his free hand against the maple.

"An unexpected development… which means our first step must be taken earlier than planned. Retrieve the first message stone I engraved and the shale plate etched with my drawings. Wrap and seal both so that they remain private. Give this package to the aruin'nas in the name of the Anmaglahk. They will pass it to the Seyilf, and one of those 'Wind-Blown' people will deliver it to the mountain of the Chein'as, as intended."

Why rush this little thing? Leshil returns home with his companions. We know where to find him when the time is better.

"No, Magiere takes them to an unknown destination. Fortunately, they travel south down our eastern seacoast, and I have encouraged Sgailsheilleache to accompany them. I will instruct him to order the ship anchored at the correct location, so he might take Leshil… Leshiarelaohk… to the caves of the Chein'as. Our first small step must be completed before he arrives there."

You send Leshil himself to the Chein'as… with my grandson as guide? Sgailsheilleache knows nothing of our covert efforts or…

Before Brot'an'duive answered, a second voice rose in his mind.

We understand… and I thank you for my son's welfare.

Cuirin'nen'a's melodic voice filled his head. He remembered the face of Leshil's mother-perfect caramel skin, corn-silk hair, and feathery eyebrows above large, brilliant eyes.

My son must be armed for his future purpose. We shall do as you ask.

Cuirin'nen'a paused too long, so Brot'an'duive drew their talk to a close. "I will join you both soon… I have much to tell, but I must stay until Leshil departs."

I look forward to your return, Brot'an'duive.

He pulled the word-wood from the tree with a breath of relief. So far, he had successfully set events in motion, but he had one more task to complete before Leshil's departure. He strode toward Ghoivne Ajhajhe's landward side, for this task required two wide strips of leather, loose wool, a needle, and waxed string. He knew where to find such items in the shops by the shore.

Most Aged Father waited within his massive oak at Crijheaiche-Origin-Heart. As the centermost community of what humans called the Elven Territories, it was also home to the Anmaglahk caste. He was so old that even the clan elders of the an'Croan no longer remembered where he had come from or why he had led his people into seclusion in this far corner of the world. And his massive oak was almost as ancient as he was.

One of the eldest trees of the forest, its hollowed heart-root chamber below the earth had been carefully nurtured by long-forgotten Shapers since its earliest days. He rested within a bower shaped from the dark root's living wood, so the oak, with its roots threading out beneath the forest, might sustain him to fulfill his people's future need.

Most Aged Father no longer walked among his people. His withered body clung to life only by the great forest's efforts. But he was still founder and leader of the Anmaglahk.

"May I bring you tea?"

Most Aged Father peered through milky eyes at his new attendant.

Juan'yare-Ode of the Hare-stood patiently in the heart-root's entrance, awaiting a response. His expression, as always, was a mask of polite servitude, but Most Aged Father had difficulty adjusting to this recent change.

His last attendant, Frethfare-Watcher of the Woods-had been with him for more than two decades. He cherished the daughterly love in her eyes when she looked at him. She never saw him as withered and decayed; she saw only his wisdom and devotion to their people.

Frethfare was also his formal Covarleasa-Trusted Adviser-but she had suffered serious injury, a sword thrust through her side by the half-dead abomination, Magiere. Though healers worked to restore her, Most Aged Father was told that a full recovery would be slow in coming-if it came at all.

He missed her, and though he loved all the children of his caste, he could never see Juan'yare taking Frethfare's place as attendant, let alone Covarleasa.

Juan'yare's eyes held little warmth but shone with abject loyalty in an average and unmemorable face. At present, only his loyalty was required. He had completed his full training with high recommendations from his teacher and had served in the caste for nearly thirty years. His small-boned stature and boyish features made him appear younger.

"No," Most Aged Father finally answered. "We will not require tea. Once this audience concludes, you will prepare to leave for-"

Another voice carried from the outer chamber. "Father, I am here."

Most Aged Father forgot his new attendant. "Come in, Hkuan'duv, you are expected and most welcome."

Juan'yare's face washed with awe, and he quickly stepped aside for the visitor.

Hkuan'duv entered and threw back his hood, giving no note to the attendant's presence. He inclined his head to Most Aged Father.

"Well met, Father," he said, his voice toneless as always.

Hkuan'duv-the Blackened Sea-was one of the four remaining Greimasg'ah still alive, a self-made master who had stepped beyond the worldly skills of the Anmaglahk. He so rarely returned to Crijheaiche, preferring solitary tasks abroad, that Most Aged Father had not seen his face in three years. He was a stark sight of medium height, wiry build, and leathery tan skin. Born to a seafaring clan, he still followed their customs and cropped his hair short where other Anmaglahk let theirs grow long. But it had lost any trace of blond long ago and glowed in shocking white spikes. His eyes were narrow-shaped and a shade of amber so deep they appeared topaz.

"You called for me?" he asked, typically direct.

Most Aged Father gestured Juan'yare toward a teal cushion on the floor. "Sit quietly and listen. What you hear is never to be repeated… unless instructed by me."

Juan'yare bowed and dropped gracefully, crossed-legged, upon the cushion.

Hkuan'duv stood silently poised, awaiting instructions.

Most Aged Father wasted no more time. "You have heard of what happened here regarding Cuirin'nen'a's son and the intruder named Magiere?"

Hkuan'duv nodded once with no change of expression.

"The council of clan elders arranged a ship to take them down the coast," Most Aged Father continued bitterly. "I wish you to gather a small band and follow them, unseen from a distance. Another ship has been arranged for you."

"You wish to learn their final destination?" Hkuan'duv asked.

"I wish for you to follow them… and acquire the object they seek."

Hkuan'duv did not even ask what the object was. He merely waited, and Most Aged Father relayed what little he had learned from Sgailsheilleache.

"If this artifact is truly as old as the humans' Forgotten History, it cannot remain in their hands. It must come to us. Magiere may be the only one able to obtain it. I have come to accept that she is… unique, so you will wait until she has acquired it… before you take it."

Most Aged Father hesitated, for the last of Hkuan'duv's task might well seem counter to the will of the elders' council.

"And when you have it, you will kill Magiere. For the safety of our people, no such abomination must ever be allowed to enter our land again. See that it is done."

A flicker of puzzlement crossed Hkuan'duv's lean features, and then it was gone.

Most Aged Father understood. This mission was too deceptively simple for a purpose given to a Greimasg'ah. Others among their caste were certainly capable of taking the artifact and dispatching Magiere, but Most Aged Father wanted one whose abilities-and loyalties-were unquestionable.

"I do not understand," Hkuan'duv said flatly. "You wish me to follow this half-blood and human… to a castle somewhere in high mountains?"

"That is all I know, or all they claim to know of the destination. Follow, and do not let them see you until it is too late. I must see this artifact for myself."

Most Aged Father raised a withered hand to halt any further questions.

"I will arrange extra eyes upon their ship. Her name is Avranvard. She will have a word-wood capable of communication with your ship and report course changes, stops, or anything unexpected to you. Use her to plan your own course."

Hkuan'duv frowned, his first true expression since entering. "I do not recognize her name."

Most Aged Father hesitated. "No, she is not Anmaglahk, though she has requested entrance to our caste. It would not be wise for one of ours to take this role. Avranvard is a seafarer, and no one will question her presence aboard the ship carrying the humans."

Using an an'Croan outside their caste was unheard of, as was placing spies among their own people, but Most Aged Father saw no alternative.

"I would never ask this of you," he said, "unless our people's safety was at stake. Do what is necessary to bring this object to me. The Ancient Enemy is returning, and if this is one of its tools-"

"Of course," Hkuan'duv interjected. "I understand my purpose."

This was the response Most Aged Father expected, but still a relief to hear. Hkuan'duv was loyal beyond question, unlike the treacherous Brot'an'duive. Once he accepted a purpose, he fulfilled it, always.

"Be mindful in those you select to share your purpose," Most Aged Father advised. "Choose only seasoned anmaglahk. A skilled tracker familiar with the human territories south of us along the eastern coast. Perhaps an exceptional archer, and a third as you see fit."

He stared blankly for a moment, trying to remember anyone of note among his caste currently in residence.

"I believe your last student, Danvarfij, recently returned. Did she not eventually best you with the bow?"

Hkuan'duv's eyes flickered strangely. "She is here?"

"I believe so. She would be a good choice."

Hkuan'duv nodded curtly and turned to leave. "In silence and shadows, " he said.

Most Aged Father dropped his head back into the moss lining of his bower. He rolled his gaze toward Juan'yare, who sat absorbing all that had transpired.

"How quickly can you reach Ghoivne Ajhajhe?" Most Aged Father asked.

"Quickly? It is eight days by barge."

"But you are a swift runner," Most Aged Father said pointedly. "If you traveled directly on foot, rarely stopping, how soon could you reach the coast?"

Juan'yare dropped his gaze. "Traveling through the nights as well, I could reach the coast in five days… possibly less."

"Good, I thought as much. Leave tonight. Locate Avranvard and secure her services."

Juan'yare blinked. "You have not spoken to her already?"

Was he consciously attempting to be dim? He had been recommended on the grounds of being quick and clever-and he spoke five human tongues.

"No, not on this matter," Most Aged Father answered. "Fortunately, she is already the steward on Magiere's ship, which is why we need her now. I refused her entrance to our caste on the grounds that she is past a suitable age to begin training. Speak with her in private. Explain the purpose offered her, and how it might reflect… upon my reconsideration of her heart's desire."

"Promise her admittance?" Juan'yare stood quickly. "Is that within my power?"

"It is within my power, and you speak for me!" Most Aged Father snapped. "Hkuan'duv cannot be seen, so he must have her eyes and ears. Promise Avranvard what she wishes, and do not fail to acquire her service."

Juan'yare straightened. "I will not fail."

Most Aged Father pointed toward the outer chamber. "In my private stores you will find a cedar box marked with the etching of a mast and sail. Inside is a word-wood from the ship Hkuan'duv will use. Give it to Avranvard."

Elven ships were older than any who walked upon their decks. Some as old as the forest's great trees, for it took many years to create one. They outlasted any vessel sailing in human waters. Over the years, Most Aged Father had thoughtfully acquired many selected items, and most of his acquisitions eventually proved useful.

"Father," Juan'yare said with a bow, "I will report from Ghoivne Ajhajhe as soon as I complete my task."

Most Aged Father closed his weary eyes, hoping his new attendant could live up to his reputation.

By the dim light of a candle on the side table, Leesil lay awake in bed at the inn with Magiere shifting restlessly against him. She mumbled softly in fitful sleep, and he tried to remain still and not wake her.

After supper, he'd had to coax and goad her into returning to their room for rest. Unlike the elven forest's depths, the city didn't feed her with enough life to go without sleep. Still, she had slept little since their first night here, and she'd suffered too much for him in coming to this land.

Leesil relished once more sharing privacy with Magiere, but five nights had passed since Sgaile first pointed out their ship. Its crew still loaded cargo this day, and Magiere was losing patience. Her anxiousness to leave had grown to an obsession to head south. And Leesil's concern for her disturbed him even more than a name that the ancestors-elven ghosts-had tried to force on him.

Leshiarelaohk.

The night he'd freed his mother, and led her back to Crijheaiche, he'd sent Magiere, Wynn, and Chap off to rest. He stood vigil outside Nein'a's private tree dwelling, as she rested in her first night of freedom in long years.

And Brot'an came-that devious, manipulating butcher-leading an elderly elven woman in a maroon robe and matching cloak.

"Do you remember me?" she asked. "From the hearing before the council of clan elders?"

Her elven accent was a bit strong, but her Belaskian was surprisingly precise. Few elves but the Anmaglahk spoke any human language.

"I am Tosan'leag," she added, "an elder of the Ash River clan."

Leesil nodded his recognition. She had stood among a clan of "scholars" upslope behind him at Magiere's hearing. Taking Brot'an's hand, Tosan'leag carefully kneeled down, studying Leesil's face.

"Tell her what you saw at Roise Charmune," Brot'an said; "…the faces of the ancestors… what they said to you."

Leesil had no interest in telling Brot'an anything, but the old woman reached out and touched the top of Leesil's elongated ear. The movement was so startlingly quick for one so old that he didn't pull away until too late. She shook her head with a sigh, as if dissatisfied with his ear, then nodded to him.

"Tell me what you saw and heard. I can help you understand."

Leesil didn't want to understand any of their superstitious nonsense. But she kept staring at him, studying him. Finally, he spoke just to put an end to all this.

"There was a woman… with scars down her left upper arm… and war daggers on a belt. Human ones, not elven. And she carried a short spear with a shaft of steel. Her hair and eyes were wild, and… she smiled at me."

Tosan'leag's brow wrinkled with disapproval, but she smiled as well.

"That was likely Hoil'lhan, whose name means 'Bright Ray. She is thought to have been a great warrior… and possibly the first of the Anmaglahk, long before the title was even used. Did she speak to you?"

"No," Leesil answered, and his mind conjured images of other spirits he'd seen in a clearing around a naked ash tree. "A man spoke to me first, a tall warrior with a scar near his temple. Said his name was Snaw… Snaw-ha…"

"Snahacroe… 'Threading the Needle's Eye. " And the old woman nodded as the light in her filmy eyes sharpened.

"There was another woman standing with him," Leesil added, "dressed like you. The two stayed close together… and spoke the name they put on me."

"That was Leshiara," Tosan'leag whispered. "She was a great healer and teacher, and eventually… what you would call 'consort' to Snahacroe. I knew you had seen her when I heard your name. She is believed to have been one of the last of the High Council in long-forgotten times. Her name means 'Sorrow-Tear."

Even with Leesil's weak comprehension of Elvish, he couldn't miss how close the female ghost's name was to the one she'd put on him.

Tosan'leag leaned slightly toward Leesil. "Your name means 'Sorrow-Tear's Champion'… or 'Savior'… or close to that in human tongues. Do not forget this. Your name… you… have meaning to your people."

Leesil shrank away from her.

These weren't his people. He wanted to hear no more. He only wanted to stand vigil for his mother.

Tosan'leag raised a hand, and Brot'an assisted her up. Long after the pair had left Leesil in the dark, that name kept echoing in his head.

Leshiarelaohk-Sorrow-Tear's Champion… savior.

If only it meant something else, something other than a half-veiled fate born of spirits and nonsense.

In the dimly lit room of the elven inn, Leesil pushed aside all these thoughts in the only way he knew how. He gazed down at the woman sleeping against his chest.

Magiere lay naked with her white hand upon his arm.

Leesil pushed back her thick black hair to see her beautiful face. She murmured more loudly and frowned in half-slumber. Though he wanted her to sleep when she could, he couldn't help thinking of pleasant ways to wake her.

Magiere heaved a sudden breath, and her fingertips arched, digging into his arm.

"Youch… Magiere!"

She thrashed, rolling halfway over the bed's edge before he locked his arms around her torso.

"Magiere, it's all right. Wake up!"

Magiere twisted about, and her fingers dug into the straw mattress. She twitched, arching her back, and her irises flooded black. And when she saw Leesil, she quickly retreated down the bed.

The sight pained him.

She had taken so long to accept that her dhampir nature was no threat to him. When it became too strong for her, he was the only one she recognized, the only one she let near her. But somewhere deep inside, a part of her still feared harming him.

Leesil grabbed her forearms and pulled her back against himself. She was shivering, and her skin felt cold and clammy.

"You're all right," he whispered.

"I saw it again…," she hissed out. "The ice… the castle… we have to go south."

Magiere's eyes wandered until her gaze locked on the shuttered window across their room. She got up, pulling one blanket around herself, and Leesil didn't try to stop her. She opened the shutters and leaned out, looking left.

Leesil knew she was staring at the harbored ship again, as she'd done a dozen times each day.

"When will we ever get out of here?" Magiere said.

"Soon," Leesil answered, desperate to give her ease. "Sgaile said just a few more days."

"I… we need to go," she whispered, and hung her head.

Leesil came up behind her at the window, not knowing what else to say or do. He pressed against her back and slipped his arms around her waist, his hands sliding inside the blanket across the curves of hipbones and stomach.

Magiere straightened, hands tight on the sill. Then she leaned back, and he buried his face in her hair. He finally lifted his face as she rolled her head to the right, and he found her staring into the dark-but not toward the bay. Her lips parted in one soundless word.

South.

Time slipped by like water rippling over stones. Chane woke upon the floor near the entryway's hearth. Welstiel would soon expect him upstairs to begin his nightly vigil.

Chane could not bring himself to go just yet. Pushing up on all fours, he listened to hungry cries rolling down the stairway from above. They always grew louder at dusk.

Longing for a hunt grew inside him at each muffled wail-and false hunger grew as well. He snatched a small twig from the hearth with a clinging bit of flame, climbed to his feet, and stepped through the passage to the back workroom. A lantern rested upon the nearest table beneath hanging branches of drying herbs. He lit it and then snuffed out the smoldering twig.

Several nights earlier, he'd noticed dark archways in the workroom's rear, but he'd felt no desire to pass through any of them to explore the monastery further.

Tonight, he could not bring himself to go upstairs just yet, so he turned toward the workroom's rear left corner and slipped through the dark opening in the wall.

Part of him recoiled from going farther and learning what he already feared… that this monastery might be more than some forgotten cloister of deluded priests.

Doorways lined the passage, but before he paused to open even one, his gaze caught on the darkness at the passage's end where his lantern's light did not reach. He saw a doorless opening, and a dark space beyond it.

Chane slowed with each step as his light pierced the portal and illuminated an old corner table. A rack anchored on the wall displayed rows of tiny bottles, vials, and clay containers, all of varied shape and height and sealed with cork stoppers or hinged pot-metal lids. A pile of small leather-bound books sat on the table, along with a scroll on an aged wooden spindle.

He froze at arm's length from the opening, staring at these bits of paraphernalia.

At first, the odor of the place, so faint and overmixed, made it difficult to pick out individual scents. Herbs, floral oils, burned wax, old leather, musty dry paper and parchment…

He did not want to enter, but he could not turn away, and finally he forced himself into the room.

Other small tables lined the side walls, each covered in a disorder of implements, metal vessels, and varied texts. Chane's attention fell upon a wide table at the room's left end with a worn, slat-backed chair behind it.

He was in a study, perhaps the chamber of whoever headed this place, and he spotted a grayed wooden door just beyond the bookshelf against the right wall. It stood slightly ajar, as if someone in a hurry had forgotten to close it completely. But Chane turned back to the makeshift desk, circling around beside its chair.

Loose parchments, aged bound sheaves, and even older scrolls lay scattered across the tabletop. He settled in the chair and opened a small text directly in front of him-a thick journal written in an old Stravinan dialect. As he turned page after page, reading entries that had little to do with practices of healing, he found whole chapters in other languages. Each such was written in a singular hand, as if the journal had passed from one person to another over many years.

This forgotten stone enclave housed an order of healers. More monks than actual priests, they followed the teachings of some long-forgotten patron saint, a healer who had wandered this continent long ago. This was the sanctuary of the Sluzhobnek Sutzits-the Servants of Compassion.

Chane stared about the room, and his gaze returned to the gray wood door left ajar. He had come this far and knew he could not turn back until he had seen all that lay here. He lifted the lantern, rounded the table, and pulled the gray door open wide. Dim light spilled into the space beyond.

Bookcases were arranged in rows with their ends against the back wall so that both sides of the shelves could be used, and their tops had been anchored to the stone ceiling.

The library was not large, little more than what he had seen in smaller noble houses during his living days. But he was not looking at handsomely bound volumes, most of which would never be read by the great lord or lady of the manor. No, everything here had an aura of age and sanctity, carefully preserved and arranged, from cylinders protecting scrolls to plain leather overlaps shielding the page edges of books. These were all meant to be used-had been used-treasured and guarded.

Chane's eyes passed over endnotes of sheaves, book spines, and faded labels on scroll cases, picking out what he could read in Belaskian or contemporary Stravinan.

The two easiest to catch were Process of Distillation and Infusion and Spices of the Suman Lands-Properties, Verified amp; Fallacious. With effort he deciphered The Early Works of Master Evar Voskoviskan, then… something upon the Meadow, and a thin book called The Seven Leaves of… its final word wasn't clear. The last thing he spotted was a multivolumed set in a case labeled The Antithesis Tome, with Commentaries, Volumes 1 through 8.

Chane backed up until his shoulder thumped the door frame. He spun away into the outer room, sliding down the wall to the floor, and the lantern slipped from his fingers.

It tottered over and rolled away. Melted wax spattered around its glass, spilled over the wick, and snuffed out the light.

How many moments had Chane fancied himself in a faraway place in Wynn's world, filled with intellect and knowledge? Someplace just like this small forgotten monastery-until madness and a monster broke in upon it one night.

Chane pulled up his knees, curling his arms up over his aching skull. Drowning in sorrow, he could not shed a single tear.

The dead could not weep.

Avranvard, the Meadow's Song, ran through the dark streets of Ghoivne Ajhajhe, her thick braid bouncing against her back as she hurried for her ship.

Twice since reaching harbor, the hkomas-the ship's master-had chastised her for dawdling while on errands. She had no wish to hear his tiresome rant again. Given any other option, she would tell him to find a new steward and keep his tedious lectures to himself.

Tonight, she had made good time in her tasks, procuring his precious quills, ink, and parchment-and at a reasonable trade of one short rope and six candles. That should keep him quiet this time. With a moment to herself, she stopped and anxiously scanned the streets.

On errands this day, she had seen three clad in forest-gray escorting two humans and a half-blood. Their presence in Ghoivne Ajhajhe had spread talk through the city faster than she could scurry about, but Avranvard had no interest in humans. She hoped only for another glimpse of the Anmaglahk.

The youngest of the three had been only a handful of years older than her, but he looked dull, clumsy, and overall unimpressive. The second was an extreme of another kind-a Greimasg'ah!

Brot'an'duive was a towering man who filled Avranvard with so much awe she almost stared too long and missed the third entirely. Then she recognized the last of that gray-clad trio.

Sgailsheilleache… Sgailsheilleache a Oshagairea gan'Coilehkrotall-Willow Shade, born of Sudden-Breeze's Laugh, from the clan of the Lichen Woods.

When Avranvard closed her eyes, she still saw his narrow, smooth face, and his gray-green cloak hanging perfectly across his shoulders. She had met and even briefly spoken with him once. Her own clan's ship had taken him to the shores of Bela, one of the humans' reeking cities. Unlike the ship's crew, Sgailsheilleache had disembarked to explore strange lands and to study other races. Watching the skiff carry him to shore in the dark, Avranvard knew she would do whatever was necessary to become Anmaglahk.

Tired of serving aboard ships, either her own clan's or training upon those of another, she wanted to walk foreign lands and see them with her own eyes. Only the Anmaglahk were so privileged.

She knew she was too old to request admittance. Most started training shortly after their name-taking before the ancestors. Although the calling came late for her, it was no less potent and overwhelming-as was despair at Most Aged Father's denial. But three of the caste had now appeared from nowhere, staying at an inn in Ghoivne Ajhajhe. Two had even been spotted upon the docks the same evening her ship made harbor.

It was a sign-her fate had to change. If only she could muster the courage to approach the Greimasg'ah, he would see the passion in her eyes and understand. She could not bear any more service aboard ship, and the boredom of inland existence was worse. But if the great Brot'an'duive spoke for her before Most Aged Father, the patriarch of the caste could not refuse her again.

The streets were nearly empty. Avranvard saw no green-gray cloaks. She trudged the avenues back toward the bayside road, passing a tannery and a smokehouse. The savory scent of fish reminded her that she had not eaten supper yet. She passed a darkened cobbler's shop with a sense of longing. Her own boots were too large. Like her shirt and breeches and tunic, and even her hemmed cloak, they were hand-me-downs from an elder brother. But she had nothing worthy of trade for new ones.

When she was finally accepted as Anmaglahk, this would change. They wore flat, soft boots for speed and silence, sewn just for them. And they traded for nothing. All their needs were fulfilled just for the asking.

She saw the lanterns hanging over her ship's deck out in the harbor beyond the beach. She wandered down the road and onto the docks, down to her small skiff tied off at the pier's end. She rifled one last time through her packages, checking for everything the hkomas had requested, and then crouched to untie her skiff.

"Please wait," someone called.

Avranvard jumped in fright and whirled about.

A cloaked figure stood on the shore road to the docks, as if appearing from nowhere. The figure stepped toward the dock and passed beneath a hung lantern, and she saw a man in a gray-green cloak.

"You are Avranvard?" he asked, and strode down the dock, pointing out into the bay. "The steward from that cargo vessel?"

Avranvard was struck mute. She had never seen him before, but he was Anmaglahk. He knew her by name. How? Why? And her thoughts raced to her dearest hope. Had Most Aged Father reconsidered her request?

"Yes… I am," she finally stammered.

He was quite small-boned, his young and plain face glistening with sweat. Loose, white-blond hair stuck to his temples and cheeks. Leaves and wild grass clung to his cloak. He glanced around, as if making sure they were alone, and then took a long, tired breath.

"I come with a request from Most Aged Father." He stepped close enough that she could smell his earthy scent. "It is not a difficult task but requires discretion. Are you willing to hear me?"

She nodded, and the motion sent a shudder running up her spine and neck.

"You are aware that two humans and a half-blood will board your ship for the next voyage?"

"What… no," she stuttered. "That is not-"

"Yes, as soon as your ship is loaded for departure."

How could a human be allowed on an an'Croan ship? Would any anmaglahk join them, or were her crewmates expected to control these savages?

"Some of our caste will follow from a safe distance on another vessel," the weary messenger continued. "A Greimasg'ah and several others chosen by him. He must be kept informed of your stops, changes in course, or anything unusual regarding the humans."

He took a small box from his cloak and held it out.

"This contains a word-wood from the ship that will follow. With it, you will report to the Greimasg'ah. Do you understand?"

Avranvard hesitated for an instant. Word-wood from ships was only for hkomas-or hkoeda, the Shapers who served and cared for a ship's existence. How had such an item come to the hands of an anmaglahk?

It did not matter. She had been called to do a service for the Anmaglahk.

"Yes," she breathed. "Does this mean I am accepted as an initiate?"

The young-faced anmaglahk shook his head.

"I am instructed to tell you that if you accept this task… this purpose… then Most Aged Father may reconsider you."

Avranvard snatched the box from him. "When do I begin making reports?"

With pursed lips, he stepped back and turned down the dock.

"At dusk the first day at sea. The Greimasg'ah will expect contact each dawn and dusk, when and if you are able to slip away to privacy. No one must know what you do, not even your hkomas. Simply place the word-wood against your ship and speak. The Greimasg'ah will hear and answer into your thoughts."

The anmaglahk stopped briefly as he reached the shore road, his soft voice carrying clearly to her.

"Do not fail," he called, and then he was gone.

Avranvard stood shaking, sweat spreading beneath her tight grip upon the box. By now, her hkomas would surely reprimand her for tardiness, but she did not care. She had a mission-a purpose, as it was called among the caste.

Once completed, and upon her return, she would be Anmaglahk.