Page 31 of Sightwitch
The monster roared, then reared back, one hand leaving the ground to swat at the Rook.
But the bird had already looped aside and now flew for the Maidens—who no longer sang, nor laughed, nor reached for me. Instead, they heaved at the Rook and screamed with voices too high-pitched to fully hear.
I had one breath, maybe two, while the monsters were distracted.
I would not waste this gift.
Whirling about, I grabbed the bell and started clanging once more. Meanwhile, my eyes—my Sight-less, pall-covered eyes—swept over the door. Up, down, side to side. Therehadto be a way to get through.
Skull-Face’s hand crashed down to the earth beside me. The world shook and I finally saw what I needed. Just as I’d thought before, this door wasn’t going to open without some kind of key.
A key like I currently held: my Sightwitch Sister knife.
In a clumsy thrust of speed, I slid the blade into a thin slot. Blue light flashed and the amber on the hilt flared gold. Then a squeal like metal on metal erupted, and with it came the groan of ancient, unwilling wood.
The door creaked wide; only darkness waited beyond.
I didn’t care. I didn’t think. I simply sprang forward, shouting for the Rook to come on.
Then I was through, spinning around while the Death Maidens hurled toward me. Skull-Face no longer smiled but only screamed and screamed and screamed.
When there was nothing but a sliver of light shining through the closing door, the Rook darted through. A flap of wings, a gust of familiar must to briefly erase the stench of rot.
Half a beat later, the door rattled shut. Darkness and silence took hold.
I was finally inside the mountain.
Y2786 D302
MEMORIES
It has been six months since Lisbet and Cora became my wards, and six times we have gone to the Sorrow to meet their father. We had to bundle up today, for the air was brittle and sharp. Sister Xandra says first snow will come tonight.
He was bundled up as well, his black soldier’s tunic layered over wool. Otherwise, he looked as he always did, and he acted as he always did. Except …somethingabout him was different today.
Or perhaps I am the one who has changed. Certainly I grow weary from the war, from the rebellion.
All I know is that when our eyes met over Lisbet’s head today, as he embraced her tight, I felt the winds shift. Like the click when my key opens the workshop door, something moved inside me.
He smiled then—an expression I’ve never seen him wear. And though it was a sad smile, for grief still weighs heavy and likely always will, it was a smile all the same. One that eased the tired lines creasing around his eyes.
Beautiful eyes. Brown in some lights, bright green in others.
How have I not noticed before?
Then he said, “I have missed you.”
I know he spoke to Lisbet at his waist and to Cora, who danced circles around him. Of course he spoke to his girls.
Yet he looked at me as he uttered those words, and fool that I am, I did not look away.
Instead, I dared to pretend, for half a heartbeat, that the words were meant for me.
Even now, hours later, I cannot forget them.
And I cannot forget his eyes.
LATER—8 hours left to find Tanzi
