Naruta stood and cleared his throat. Danica and Kiren turned to look at the elderly man. He walked to the wagon. Leaning against its left front wheel was a strangely-shaped package bound with several layers of rough, pale brown fabric.
Whats that thing?EKiren whispered to his girlfriend.
She shrugged. Like I should know? I have no idea at all.Elt;/span>
Naruta made a summoning gesture with his hand, looking steadily at Kiren. Confused, the boy got to his feet and walked to the old man. Naruta kneeled beside the package, laid it down on the grass with care, and began to deliberately remove its wrappings.
Kiren cocked his head and stared in further bewilderment as the last layer of fabric was removed. On top of heavy folds lay a bow, the reddish-brown wood gleaming richly. Naruta opened the small packet that lay inside the bows curve and pulled out the cord with which the bow was meant to be strung. Picking up the two items, he stood again and held them out to Kiren.
His brow creased in complete puzzlement, Kiren accepted the bow and string. UhE
I think he wants you to string the bow,EDanica offered from her seat on the ground. She rose and moved to stand behind Kiren and look over his shoulder.
Right.Eamp;nbsp; Uncertainly, Kiren examined the ends of the bow.
Come on already. I did that magic thing.Elt;/span>
Yeah, yeah, but all you had to was copy what he did.Eamp;nbsp; Kiren sat cross-legged on the ground and laid the bow across his knees. He looped the string over one end, then stretched the wire. For a moment, he strained to extend it; then, in a sudden, swift motion, he pulled it over the other end of the bow.
Danicas eyes nearly popped out of her head. How did you do that?Elt;/span>
I dont know,EKiren answered slowly.
I never strung a bow so easily when I first started archery, Hiri thought a little enviously. Does he take archery? I dont think so.
Naruta picked up another package. He pulled the fabric away and dropped it to the ground, revealing a quiver full of arrows. The quiver was made of plain, rough, canvas-like material, and there was a strap attached to it at the upper right and lower left corners. In contrast, the arrows had steel heads, lengths of thoroughly burnished wood, and were feathered precisely. Naruta offered the quiver to Kiren.
Kiren took the object. This is getting weirder and weirder.Elt;/span>
Put that on,EDanica suggested.
Kiren belted the strap so that it came down over his right shoulder and down across his torso towards his left hip. He surveyed himself and declared, I feel like an idiot.Elt;/span>
You look fine.Elt;/span>
Right. What do I do now?Elt;/span>
Danica shrugged. Naruta turned to Hiri. Hiri, go stand by that tree there. And put your hand on it.Eamp;nbsp; Hiri did as he was told, and Naruta gestured toward him with a sweep of his arm.
I guess he wants you to hit that tree,EDanica guessed.
Makes sense to me.Eamp;nbsp; Kiren brought an arrow to the bow and squinted as he pulled the string taut. After a pause, he let go.
Hey! You hit it!Elt;/span>
I didE
I didnt know you do archery.Elt;/span>
Kiren gave Danica a blank look. I dont.Elt;/span>
But you hit the tree almost dead-center!Elt;/span>
WellEts not that hard to use a bow?Elt;/span>
Still. Hitting that in the middle your first time?Elt;/span>
You have a pointE
Naruta stepped forward. His sudden movement silenced Danica and Kiren. He glanced at Kiren to make sure that he had the boys attention. Then, from the quiver, Naruta pulled out a second arrow. He focused his eyes on the steel tip and said softly, Elt;i>Kazem.Eamp;nbsp; Flame.
A diminutive bonfire exploded into being, surrounding the arrowhead. Danica and Kiren stared open-mouthed at the small flicker. More magic?EKiren queried.
I think so.Elt;/span>
After a few seconds, the petite flame went out, and Narutas eyes caught Kirens. Realizing what the old man wanted, Kiren groaned, No, youve got to be kidding meE
Im afraid hes not,EDanica countered brightly. He wants you to do this.Elt;/span>
You dont have to sound so happy.Eamp;nbsp; Kiren took the arrow Naruta held and stared at the metal end, visualizing a flame that enclosed it, like the flame Naruta had caused to appear. Hesitantly, he pronounced, Elt;i>Kazem.EBoth he and Danica jumped in surprise as a small fire materialized in answer to the word.
After a moments pause, Kiren asked, Did I mention that this is all getting really, really weird?Elt;/span>
Yeah, you said something like that.Elt;/span>
Think Ill say it again: this is all really, really, really weird.Elt;/span>
Theres an understatement.Elt;/span>
* * *
Almost there.Elt;/span>
Rakesh nodded. Yeah. Just over this rise and then well find out our fates.Eamp;nbsp; He had hardly spoken the words before he was cresting the small hill; suddenly, he halted in his step.
Rakesh, what Yash froze also.
Their sudden pause in both sound and motion had been caused by blades being pointed at their throats from several directions. Rakesh glanced back toward Yash, a dark threat in his eyes, then looked uneasily at their captors.
He guessed that they were fighters or knights of some sort. Men and women alike wore somewhat little, stylized, vividly-colored armor over loose, flowing clothing that was dyed in various hues. At first glance Rakesh would have said that they werent really fighters, that their outfits were too showy. Now, though, he could sense a certain aura coming from them, one of dangerous competence. He swallowed a lump in his throat.
Yash smiled disarmingly at the people who surrounded him. Really, theres no reason to kill us,Ehe told them, putting as much reassurance into his voice as possible, since they couldnt understand his words. He smiled at them again.
The fighters that were around him and Rakesh looked at each other, speaking in a language with words that were quick and light. Several of their number became very vociferous; Rakesh had a feeling that those people wanted to do away with him and Yash, right here, right now. Rakeshs eyes darted from one person to another; he felt as if his heart were choking him. When he and his friends had discussed coming to Falshad, the possibility of their being killed had never occurred to him.
Then again, he thought, I didnt figure wed all get split up like we did. Nobody did. Man, were screwed. If they dont kill us and make us slaves or something instead I will KILL Yash.
Without warning, as if cued by an unseen and unheard signal, the weapons all dropped as one. The fighters sheathed their varied arms; the sound of metal sliding against metal hid Rakeshs sigh of relief. He turned to see why the fighters were standing so rigidly at attention.
Approaching them was a young woman who was obviously their leader, judging from the way that theyd reacted. Over her shoulder and torso she wore red and purple armor bordered with gold. She wore a belt to which the sheaths of her twin swords were attached over a pale red skirt. She wore arm guards and boots with knee plates., both of which matched her armor Her hair was a shade of brown nearly dark enough to be mistaken for black. Her wide eyes were an intense, scintillating crimson.
Yash gave a brief, admiring whistle. Rakesh turned to glare at him for a moment, then quickly turned to face the woman again.
She stopped before them and bowed courteously, saying some short phrase Yash and Rakesh didnt understand. They returned the greeting with their own awkward bows. Then the woman snapped something. All the other fighters formed a line to her right. She began speaking sharply to them. Rakesh glanced at Yash. What do you think shes pissed at them for?Elt;/span>
Dunno.Elt;/span>
Think shes mad they didnt kill us right away?Elt;/span>
Nah.Elt;/span>
Yeah, I guess so. If that was it she would have had them kills us first and then gotten pissed.Elt;/span>
Right. There you go. Wonder what shes saying. She sure is a pretty one.Elt;/span>
Is sex all you ever think about?Elt;/span>
She was speaking in the same quick dialect that the other fighters had used earlier, but in her heated impatience the words seemed to splinter from her tongue. Elt;i>Yami tosherenozako?Eamp;nbsp; What were you thinking?
Wisely, her soldiers did not answer. She went on. Elt;i>Dornareninozede regoere genzote sheirezako. Dornareninozede-ke litizore rosoya-to!Eamp;nbsp; I ordered you to greet the people that were coming. I did not order you to use swords!
She continued in this vein long enough to say a few more cutting sentences. Then she wrapped up with a firm order: Elt;i>Merodre-noro keshipe yami peikoreni sharejize!Eamp;nbsp; Do exactly what I say next time!
Elt;i>Shu.Eamp;nbsp; Yes.
Well, it seems that we may live after all,EYash observed. What did I tell you?Eamp;nbsp; He casually wrapped an arm around Rakeshs shoulders and squeezed, saying in a lowered voice, Stick closely to me.Elt;/span>
Rakesh raised an eyebrow. And why should I do that?Elt;/span>
Yash couldnt help but smile in amusement. Because some of them seem to be quite interested in us. You should watch out for that leader of theirs. Shes got her eye on you.Elt;/span>
She said three words to us and you think shes interested in me?Elt;/span>
Nope. I know she is.Elt;/span>
What do you wanna stick with me for? I thought you were the adventurous one. How many people have you laid again? Why wouldnt you sleep with any of these people? Not exotic enough for you or something?Elt;/span>
Rakesh, its one thing to bed someone you know from school or someone youve been talking to for ten minutes, long enough to get to know something about them. Its something else entirely to bed someone you cant even talk to.Elt;/span>
Really.Elt;/span>
Yes.Eamp;nbsp; Yash bestowed an alluring smile upon Rakesh. Besides, I find you much more attractive than them anyway.Elt;/span>
Rakesh rolled his eyes. Right. So now what? Were gonna pretend were gay?Elt;/span>
Not necessarily gay. Just together. A couple, if you will.Elt;/span>
Rakesh snorted. I thought you had a thing for Enmed or something?Elt;/span>
Nah, I just think hes hot. And I like to flirt with him cause it annoys him when I do that. Besides, Id never get him in bed with me, even if one of us were a woman and we were the last two people on earth.Eamp;nbsp; Yash grinned. Hes making it just a little obvious that hes got a major, major thing for Raven.Elt;/span>
Rakesh looked at him blankly. He is? I didnt see anything different. Hes as distant as ever.Elt;/span>
Yash tsked. Youre not terribly observant, are you?Elt;/span>
Its a body language thing, isnt it? Thats why you can tell. Because you think about nothing but peoples bodies and what you could be doing with them.Elt;/span>
Rakesh, did you have to say that?Elt;/span>
The truths a bitch, isnt it?Elt;/span>
Rakesh, that hurts.Elt;/span>
* * *
Where are you going, Javari?E Veyome called out.
Im going to visit my family for a few days,Ethe blonde girl replied.
Oh. Well, have fun.Elt;/span>
Javari smiled. Do you want to come?Elt;/span>
Can I? Really?Elt;/span>
Sure, if you want. Ive already talked to your parents about it. I thought that maybe youd want to get away from court for a while, you know?Elt;/span>
Veyome beamed. Id love to come.Elt;/span>
Well, lets get going, then. Theres a carriage waiting for us out there with all of the stuff well need for a week or so.Elt;/span>
All right.Elt;/span>
Veyome hurried to her chambers to retrieve her traveling cloak. When she returned to the spot where Javari waited, she was surprised to see Rokan there. She asked, Rokan, are you coming?Elt;/span>
Yes, if thats all right. Ill just go to relax. Your parents thought Id appreciate a break from being a bodyguard. And theyre right, I do.Elt;/span>
The princess smiled. Of course its all right! Itll be wonderful to have you come too.Eamp;nbsp; She turned to Javari and asked, Where exactly does your family live?Elt;/span>
Well, we have a mansion in Enra.Elt;/span>
TheEapital of Okalari?Elt;/span>
Yes. We also have an estate away from cities. Its close to two or three villages, but thats it. Thats where were going.Elt;/span>
Oh, that sounds nice. Whos in your family?Elt;/span>
Well, there are my parents. I have an older brother, an older sister, a sister thats my age, and two younger brothers.Elt;/span>
Wow.Eamp;nbsp; Veyome frowned for a moment in thought. A sister your age? Is she your twin?Elt;/span>
Well, shes actually a year younger, but its close enough. And shes adopted.Elt;/span>
Oh.Elt;/span>
Youll see her right away. She tends to stick out, because my family and I are all different shades of blonde and shes got black hair.Elt;/span>
Oh, okay.Elt;/span>
Javari hesitated, then told the princess and her protector, She also has pointed ears.Elt;/span>
Oh. Is she a fairy?Elt;/span>
We dont know. She has some kind of non-human blood. Thats all we know, because we werent sure if we wanted to find out. So try not to stare.Elt;/span>
I wont,EVeyome promised earnestly.
* * *
Javari!Eamp;nbsp; The ten-year-old boy, green-eyed with platinum-blonde hair, ran towards the new arrival.
Javari laughed and embraced her brother. Hey, Lirene. How are you?Elt;/span>
Good. Im so happy youre back!Elt;/span>
Javari laughed. Im happy to see you too. Hey, Ive brought two guests.Elt;/span>
Guests?Eamp;nbsp; Lirene pulled away and looked at Veyome and Rokan curiously.
Yes. This is Veyome. Shes the princess of Falshad. This is her friend Rokan.Elt;/span>
The princess of Falshad? You mean the one youre teaching?ELirene asked, his eyes growing wider and wider as he spoke.
Yes. That one.Elt;/span>
Hi,ERokan said.
Veyome smiled shyly. Hello. How do you do?Elt;/span>
Lirene bowed awkwardly. Hello, um, Princess Veyome. Hello, Rokan. Im fine. How are you?Elt;/span>
Im fine, thank you.Elt;/span>
Rokan nodded at the boy. Fine, thanks for asking.Elt;/span>
The awkward silence that ensued was broken by the yelling of another little boy, who was identical in appearance to Lirene. Javari! Javari!Elt;/span>
Javari embraced him as well. Hi, Meirev. How are you?Elt;/span>
Im fine. I missed you a lot.Elt;/span>
Aww, I missed you too.Eamp;nbsp; Javari ruffled Meirevs hair affectionately. This is Veyome, the princess of Falshad. And this is her friend Rokan. Say hi to them.Elt;/span>
As wide-eyed as his brother, Meirev turned to look at the visitors, then solemnly said, Hello.Elt;/span>
Hi,ERokan said again.
Hello,EVeyome answered, smiling. How are you?Elt;/span>
Um, fine. How are you?Elt;/span>
Im fine, thank you.Elt;/span>
Theyre twins, arent they?E Veyome asked Javari.
Yes. Arent they cute kids?Elt;/span>
Javari!Eamp;nbsp; Lord Finaren Ketira came hurrying out, and he embraced his daughter.
Hi, Father.Eamp;nbsp; Javari smiled. How are you? Im all right. Ive brought Veyome and Rokan with me.Elt;/span>
Fine, fine.Eamp;nbsp; Finaren turned to Veyome and Rokan and bowed. Hello. I hope you traveled safely?Elt;/span>
Veyome curtsied. Yes, thank you.Eamp;nbsp; Rokan bowed as she spoke.
Lady Dalia Ketira was close behind. She saw how edgy the princess looked and instinctively embraced her. You dont need to be nervous, dear. Nobody here bites. How are you? Are you tired? I know its a long, long way from Camelyn to here in Enra. Well, close to Enra. Would you like to eat?Elt;/span>
Veyome smiled. No, thank you, maam.Elt;/span>
In that case, would you like to take a look around?Elt;/span>
UmEes.Elt;/span>
Javari put her hand on Veyomes shoulder. Come on, then. Its not much, I guess, especially compared to your palace, but its nice.Elt;/span>
Can we come? Can we come?E Lirene and Meirev asked together. Please?Elt;/span>
All right, all right. Lets go look around, Veyome, Rokan. You can meet everyone else at dinner.Elt;/span>
* * *
Jon sighed and sat on the low bed, tired of pacing up and down the floor. Luralyn had left some time ago, saying she was going to get some dinner for the two of them to eat. Wearing a track in the floor isnt gonna do anything. This is all screwed up, he thought. Its just screwed up. Well, thats an understatement. I bet this is all a huge joke somethings playing on us and right now its laughing its ass off at all of us.
What is all this stuff with dreams? I mean, I thought I had weird dreams sometimes, but all this beats it out completely. Raven dreams about some country getting screwed over. Skyes learning magic from dreams. What the hell is all this?
He raised his head as he heard a clicking sound outside the room. The door swung open, and Luralyn entered the room. She held up a box. Obviously, youre not going to recognize this at all, but youve got to eat something. I know its hard. A lot of things have happened to you and you have a lot of things to think about. But you cant think well if youre hungry.Elt;/span>
Jon looked at her for a moment, then slowly nodded. He stood as Luralyn set the box on the table and began removing its contents.
* * *
The brown-haired boy entered the room silently. All but one person saw him, and they kept quiet, for he had put his finger to his lips and winked at them. Moving stealthily, he gently put his hands over Javaris eyes.
The blonde girl started in her seat. Ah! Who is this?Elt;/span>
Guess!ELirene and Meirev called simultaneously with glee.
Its Laki, isnt it?Elt;/span>
Yes. And you win this.Eamp;nbsp; Laki removed his hands, leaned over, and kissed her forehead.
Flushing crimson, Javari turned to face Veyome and Rokan. This is Lakiseriv Neresei, myE She paused, suddenly shy.
FiancEEher father supplied. Cat got your tongue, dear?Elt;/span>
Javari reddened further as her two older siblings, who were themselves married, laughed at her abrupt diffidence. Lady Dalia smiled fondly. Rokan couldnt help but chuckle.
So thats who the empty plate next to me belongs to,EJavari remarked, as Laki slid into the chair beside her. I thought that it was for Seshovi.Elt;/span>
No, that plates for Seshovi,E Meirev countered, pointing.
Oh.Eamp;nbsp; Javaris brow wrinkled in concern. Where is she, by the way?Elt;/span>
I think shes in her room.Elt;/span>
Is it another one of her headaches? Javari wondered. Glancing at Veyome, she chose not to ask her family about it; instead, she said good-naturedly, Well, shell be down here soon.Eamp;nbsp; Is it just me, or have those headaches really been coming more and more often lately?
* * *
Enmed frowned as he looked at Ravens face, her expression agitated even as she was sleeping. I wish she would get better, he thought.
Once they and the Caso family had arrived in Jaudet, they had rented rooms in the largest and most well-furnished inn in the small city, and put Raven in one of the beds. She had gone into a near-coma after falling asleep in the wagon; she had virtually done nothing but sleep for the past two days. Occasionally, she awakened long enough for Enmed to gently coax her into drinking sips of water. Then she would fall asleep again.
During that same span of time, Enmed had done nothing but sit by Ravens bed, watching her, giving her water when she awoke, changing the cloth on her forehead. Now he was holding her hand, hoping to comfort her in some small way.
Carefully, he began to pull his hand away, trying to switch to his other hand; she was sweating at an alarming rate. She could be getting dehydrated really fast! RavenE he said softly, trying to wake her.
As his fingers were slipping away from hers, Raven suddenly grasped his hand. Raven? Are you awake?EEnmed questioned.
She just barely opened her eyes; he could see that the dark grey irises were still intense with a feverish light. DontEont let goEnmed,Eshe whispered brokenly.
Huh?Ehe said cleverly.
DontEet go. Helps.Elt;/span>
UhhEould you explain?Elt;/span>
Damn fever, Raven thought. Her face clearly showed her struggle to get her thoughts straight. WhenEwhen youEold my hand. Makes meEeel betterEomehow.Elt;/span>
How?Elt;/span>
Raven looked even more frustrated, if it were possible. Makes meEeel likeElt;i>damn itEikeE
Its okay,EEnmed said hurriedly, not wanting Raven to stress herself. Without warning, her eyes glazed over and her body began to shake violently. She clutched at the blanket with her free hand; with the other, she gripped Enmeds hand with such force he thought for a moment that he was losing circulation in his fingers. Raven! Raven! Whats wrong?Elt;/span>
She didnt answer his question. After several moments, the trembling subsided, and she was asleep again.
Well, this is great, Enmed thought. What a hell of a way to spend winter vacation Esitting in a foreign country straight out of a fantasy book with a girl so sick shes sleeping for days and going into spasms. And tomorrow is Christmas Eve, too.
* * *
Wow, I actually think Im feeling better, Skye thought. Slowly, she sat up, but then a forceful wave of vertigo hit her, and she fell back down onto her bed. I guess not. I cant sit up, anyway. This sucks. Christmas is the day after tomorrow and Ive got this terrible fever. But I think its going down. It doesnt feel so hot anymore.
She contemplated her most recent dream. Javari and Laki were engaged. Hmm, I can see that happening with Danica and Kiren. Hee hee. Javaris little brothers were so cute! And Rokan really is like a big brother to Veyome, just like Rakesh is like a big brother to me.
Hmm. Seshovis an orphan. Thats interesting. And I wonder why she has pointed ears. I havent actually seen her yet, though, and I havent seen Ewhats his name? EDenan yet, either. Jons counterpart. I wonder if hes as good-looking as Jon is? She giggled to herself. Hmm. Well, I guess I wont see him for a while yet. What did Raven say? Right, hes a mercenary.
Skye yawned and stretched. God, I get tired so easily. I woke up five minutes ago and now I need to sleep again. She closed her eyes.
* * *
Seshovi frowned as she made her uncertain way through the dark woods. Where is she? Ive been searching for hours and I still havent seen any sign of her. Perhaps I should ask one of the skasro for help. Im not sure any would answer, though. There isnt much wind here, so there wont be many of them. Anyway, its worth trying, I think.
She closed her words and whispered the words aloud. Elt;i>Tendek hu Skasroge, sealse werspa kan.Eamp;nbsp; Servant of Skasroge, please answer me. She waited several moments, and suddenly one of the little creatures materialized in front of her. It tilted its head, blinking its wide eyes. /You called?/
/Yes,/ she replied. /I have a question to ask of you./
/What is it?/
/Have you seen a human that looks like this?/ Seshovi held up her hand. A small orb grew, seemingly out of nothing, to a size of about 12 inches in height, hovering just above her palm. Gradually, the outline of a person appeared, and details filled themselves in Eclothing, hair, and eyes.
The young woman had straight brown hair loosely bound in a ponytail and dark brown eyes. She wore a dark green shirt with loose sleeves past her elbows; around her forearms were guards made of tightly wrapped black cloth. Her dark brown pants were billowing and drawn tight at the ankles; she wore black slippers. Around her waist was a black cloth belt and a slimmer brown belt, which had attached to it the sheath of her weapon.
The skasro cocked its head again in thought, regarding the depiction solemnly. The it slowly shook its head. /Im afraid that I have not seen it. In this forest, the air is thick and suffocating, difficult to travel through, and I have not been very far./
/I see. Thank you very much,/ Seshovi said, bowing her head. The skasro gave an answering nod and disappeared.
What do I do now? Seshovi wondered. She tapped her fingers against her chin in thought, then realized, I could ask one of the demeze for help. There are plenty of them, since this is a forest, and theyll have a good chance of finding out about Luralyn. She closed her eyes and murmured her request: Elt;i>Zesh-se hu Demechira, sealse werspa kan. Daughter of Demechira, please answer me.
From the gnarled tree just behind her emerged an ethereal, nymph-like creature, perhaps seven inches in height. The demeze had wide, deep brown eyes and wavy hair that was a soft, pale pink. Miniature white blossoms were tucked behind her pointed ears, and she wore a earthy brown slip. Her wings were also pastel pink and the shape of them resembled that of flower petals. The demeze were said to have been created by the goddess Demechira in her own image, which was why they were addressed as her daughters.
The demeze that floated in front of Seshovi now inquired, /How can I help you, sister?/
/I am looking for a human that looks like this,/ Seshovi answered. As before, she held up her hand and produced an image of Luralyn.
The demeze pursed its mouth in thought. /I have not seen her myself, but if you would like Ewhich I think you would EI could ask if anyone else has seen it./
/I would like that very much, thank you./
The fairy-like being flew down to the ground and kneeled upon its surface. She laid her hand upon the dirt and closed her eyes. After several moments, she drifted up to Seshovis face. /One of my sisters is coming, for she has seen the girl./
Seshovi smiled. /Thank you./
/No problem./
They were not long in waiting when Seshovi spotted a diminutive, flying object. As it approached, she could see that it was a demeze identical to the first, except that the shade of the pink of her hair and wings was a little darker. She soared straight toward Seshovi, stopping beside her sister, and bowed her head. /Hello./
Seshovi bobbed her head in answer. /Hello./
/You are looking for the ninja?/
/Yes./
/She is that way,/ the demeze said. She turned and gestured behind her, toward the direction from which she had come.
Seshovi bowed her head again. /Thank you very much./
/Its no trouble at all, sister. Now, if youre trying to catch up to her, I think you should hurry; shes a fair distance away from here./
Seshovi nodded. /Thank you./ As the two demeze vanished, she closed her eyes and whispered, Elt;i>Terspa hiroge e ska hiped, Skasroge.Eamp;nbsp; Lend wings to my feet, Skasroge. As the small wings sprouted from the heels of her boots, she began to run.
* * *
Find Luralyn? No. Not anotherEearching dream. MustEakeEpEow. Now. WhyEhy do my eyelidsEeel so heavy?
Raven opened her eyes.
Desem was leaning over her, his eyes wide with disbelief. Then he squeezed her hand and broke into a grin. Raven! Youre awake!Elt;/span>
His siblings and parents came running, having heard his exclamation of surprise and joy. Raven wondered what they were doing; shouldnt they have been out selling their merchandise? She glanced out the window and realized that it was quite dark. Pitch-black, really. What time is it?Elt;/span>
The time?Eamp;nbsp; Salen Caso checked his timepiece. Its ten oclock.Elt;/span>
Raven! Are you okay?ELelem asked, sitting on the side of the bed. Really okay?Elt;/span>
Raven laughed as she slowly sat up. Yeah. Im okay. Really.Elt;/span>
Ensan crawled up onto the end of the bed and scrambled across the blankets to deposit himself squarely in Ravens lap. Hi hi! Ravens okay?Ehe queried, tilting his head. Not sick?Elt;/span>
The dark-haired girl embraced the little boy affectionately. Yes, Im all better.Elt;/span>
Beneath the excited chatter of the Caso family, Enmed spoke for the first time since Raven had woken, his voice soft. Well, you had me worried.Eamp;nbsp; Thats a major understatement, but she doesnt have to know that, he thought. Do you know that its the night before Christmas Eve?E
Is it really?ERaven asked incredulously. Guess Ive been out for a while. A couple of days, anyway.Elt;/span>
Then Enmed gave her the first real smile that she had ever seen on his face. Well, Im glad that youre awake now.Elt;/span>
What did I do to get this from him? Raven wondered. Usually hes so cool and distant, and Ive never seen him smile even once before, not even at Yash or Rakesh or Kiren. Oh, whatever. She smiled back. Thanks.Elt;/span>
previous | next | table of contents | go home