Page 53 of The Seeker
She glanced at him sideways. “I want to find history. You’re the one looking for war.”
“I’m looking for knowledge, but only to share it with those who would bring balance.”
Something about his words softened the firm set of her mouth.
“Balance,” she said. “Yes, Vasu and I talk about balance.”
“Now would be a good time to explain him.”
Meera shrugged. “There is nothing to explain. He appeared to Anamitra when she was a child and followed her through her life. I wouldn’t call him a friend or an ally, but… he’s not an enemy either. He’s not anything like other Fallen.”
“That I can confirm.” He glanced down and watched the light play in her hair as they walked under dappled shade. “And you’ve known him since you were a child?”
“As soon as I was given to Anamitra, Vasu appeared for a visit.”
“Givento her?”
Meera raised her eyebrows. “Yes, of course. I was her heir.”
“But your parents—”
“They were there. They have always been there. They were part of Anamitra’s retinue and then became my retinue when Anamitra passed into the heavens.”
Rhys paused under a spreading dogwood tree. “So your parents didn’t raise you?”
“In a sense they did.” A frown creased her forehead. “But it was mostly Anamitra and her servants.”
Rhys didn’t know what to say to that, but a part of him ached for her. “Were there other children?”
She shook her head. “Not that I was allowed to play with. But I had pets. Anamitra kept birds, and the Tomir warriors breed a wonderful line of taji dogs in Udaipur. They were my favorite.”
Dogs and birds and a fortress of people guarding her.
“Don’t try to make my childhood tragic, Rhys.” Meera smiled at him. “It wasn’t. It was very rich and very privileged, even if it was isolated. I had a wonderful life and I was surrounded by family. But I was raised for more than myself. The heir of Anamitra must return to Udaipur at some point, and she must make herself available to counsel any petitioners or scholars in need. That is how it must be, especially now that singers have returned to the Elder Council. They will need the wisdom that I carry.”
“And you’re content with this?”
She looked at him. “What about you? I know who you are too. Are you saying the great library of Glast doesn’t call you?”
“No, it doesn’t. I would be there if I wanted to be, but the work I’m doing in Istanbul is important. I want a stable and secure world for everyone, not just scribes. Singers deserve equal status in our world, and right now that means finding ways for them to defend themselves.”
“Yes, defense. Not war.”
“Sometimes warisdefense.”
“How?” Meera asked. “Why do we limit ourselves in this way? What use is language if we don’t use it to communicate?”
“With our enemies?”
“With anyone.” She paused. “Yes, our enemies. Yes, with free Grigori. Yes, with each other. I’m not just here looking for lost magic or dying languages. The Irin here found a peace that lasted for five hundred years. No other population of Irin on earth have matched that before or since. I’m looking for the Wolf, yes. But I’m also looking for peace.”
He was staring at her and he couldn’t look away. She wasn’t just an idealist, she was a visionary.
She’ll either change the world or get herself killed.
And there was no way in heaven or on earth that Rhys could walk away.
“Well, I don’t know about finding peace,” he said. “But I can help you find the Wolf. Istanbul can exist without me for a while.”
