Page 58 of The Silent
ChapterTwelve
Leo watchedthe child eating the mango sticky rice. As Vasu ate, he grew. And grew. Until the man who had first appeared sat before them again, licking sweet coconut milk from hisfingers.
“That wasdelicious.”
“Talk,”Leosaid.
“You used to be more amusing,” Vasu said. “Though I see a slight glow around you, scribe.” His eyes darted to Kyra. “Does sheknowyet?”
Kyra said, “Knowwhat?”
“I’ll tell you later,” Leo said. “Tell us why Arindam would want an uncontrollablekareshta.”
Vasu turned to Sura. “Was sheyoung?”
“One of the younger ones, yes. Around forty years, but she looks muchyounger.”
“And she’spowerful?”
“Yes.”
“How? Hervoice?”
Sura saidnothing.
“But she doesn’t speak, does she?” Vasu asked. “She can wound the mind inotherways.”
“If she’s angry enough,”Kyrasaid.
Alyah sucked in a breath. “What? She doesn’t need to speak to use magic? That’sunheardof.”
“Well, you’ve heard of it now,” Kyra said. “Half our blood comes directly from the angels. Did you think we had no power of our own? It’s not having the power, it’scontrollingit.”
Vasu turned to Kyra. “Shehurtyou.”
“Yes.”
“Then why do you care abouthelpingher?”
Kyra said, “Because I washeronce.”
Vasu shook his head. “You wereneverher.”
Kyra paused. “No, I suppose not. Because I had my brother Kostas. But Prija has brothers too. Sisters who care about her. It’s not always about a person’s usefulness or threat level, Vasu. Sometimes youjustcare.”
“You and your brother were very powerful. Barak spoke of itoften.”
“Hedespisedus.”
“No,” Vasu said. “You’re wrong. Also, you should know your father would be very pleased with you and this scribe. He was… fond. I think that is theclosestword.”
Leo asked, “What are you talkingabout?”
Alyah’s phone rang. She picked it up and walked away from thetable.
Vasu turned back to Sura. “Your father was skilled in mental combat, even from a distance. It’s why he retained power for so long, even though he wasn’t as old as many of his enemies. Includingme. It’s why you and your brothers can exist as peacefully as you do. It’s why your sisters are such bright stars. This sister who has been taken is powerful, and Arindam wants to use her as a weapon. He is trying to expand his territory now that Tenasserim is gone. Thank you, by the way. I found your father veryannoying.”
“You’re… welcome?” Sura looked confused. A common problem with Vasu in Leo’sexperience.
