Shadowkill

MEMORY:

Shadith felt her power come on her, nothing but the intensity of the belief before and behind her. Kikun squeezed down that force and funneled it into her.

The feedback built and built until the air clanged like metal.

She began to shape… digging deep within herself… laying hold on the power offered her… crafting out of memory and instinct… out of the people’s belief… she SHAPED the THREE and sent THEM dancing over the crowd… made them sing with the voice of the throng…

“It would be best,” he said looking past Tinoopa at the wall, then forcing himself to look directly at her, “if you would spend the night here. Things being as they are, you would probably be safe enough in your rooms, but…” he shrugged, then turned his eyes on Kizra. “I owe you my life, child.” There was a shade more warmth in his voice; he touched the bandage on his head, then the one on his arm. “It was close there for a while. Without the warning and the weapons, I might easily be resting in some l’borrgha’s belly. I thank you.”

Kizra bowed her head, said nothing.

“Yes,” he said. He closed his eyes a moment, then stirred himself and finished what he’d determined to say.

“And you, chapa Tinoopa, you have made the Matja’s life infinitely more pleasant even in the short time you have been here. I have said nothing before now. For this lack I ask your favor.” He turned abruptly, took the hands the Matja held out to him, and pulled her to her feet.

At the bedroom door, he looked over his shoulder. “Aghilo, if the chapai decide to stay here, take care of them, please. We know how surely we may rely on you.”