Page 49 of Sightwitch
“Are you always like this?” I asked as he stood, stiff yet surprisingly energetic. “Or is it the pain making you act this way? Or perhaps that tincture labeled Cure-All?”
“You mean, am I always this charming?”
“Ridiculous was more what I had in mind.”
“You wound me, Ryber Fortiza.” He reached a steadying hand to a table. “As for your question, I don’t know if I’m always this way. I cannot remember a thing.”
Again, the air turned frosty. My breath fogged.
“How about I call you Captain, then?” I pointed to his buttons. “That’s what the silver means, isn’t it?”
“Captain,” he repeated, his gaze turning distant. “I suppose … hye, that will work.” The faintest dusting of snow began to fall.
It landed on my face, a welcome cool against the scratches the Rook had left behind. And despite the sting on my cheeks, I grinned and grinned and grinned—for oh, yes, Sirmaya had blessed me indeed. A map and an Airwitch. I would reach my Sisters soon.
“Then let’s go, Captain.” I spread my arms wide. “Assuming you feel up to it, I’ve found a way out, and there’s no time to waste.”
“You mean you’re bringing me with you?” The snow stopped in a heartbeat.
“Of course.” I whirled around before I had to see his terrifying grin, and aiming for the stairs, I fastened the healer kit to my belt.
“I knew it!” Captain called after me.
I couldn’t help it. I paused at the bottom step and glanced back. “What did you know?”
And there it was: his smile. Although … it didn’t bother me as much this time.
“Admit it, Ryber Fortiza,” he declared with a twirling hand. “Youdothink I’m charming.”
Y2787 D106
MEMORIES
Lisbet returned from her Summoning today.
She appeared in the Grove as all Sisters do after meeting the Goddess, but there was something different about her. I sensed it the instant the rock slid back within the dolmen.
Powercoursedoff of her. It sent waves to dance upward through the dawn light. I do not think the other Sisters sensed it, for they do not work beside Sirmaya as I do. They are not accustomed to seeing Threads of power or sifting through them to grab hold.
Lisbet walked tranquilly toward me, her gait as smooth as that of the dancers whom the Exalted Ones so love to watch at midwinter.
Her eyes were more silver than I’ve ever seen. Almost transparent.
She strutted right past Sister Nadya, who always greets new Sightwitch Sisters, and came for me instead.
I must admit, I was frightened. I feared the power this little girl possessed, and I feared that somehow her time with Sirmaya had changed her.
But as soon as she reached me, she flung her arms around my waist and hugged, hugged, hugged. I melted to my knees and towed her in more tightly.
“We missed you,” I whispered to her while the other Sisters watched. No one made a move to stop us, and Nadya looked more puzzled than upset.
“I know,” Lisbet said simply. Then she drew back until our eyes met. Hers almosthurtto stare into.
So bright.
“I must gather things, Dysi, and I will need your help to do it. A map, your flint pouch, and healing supplies. We must place them in your workshop. Then you must build two new tools for me. A viewing glass that will allow us to see the past lives of the Paladins.”
“And what else?” I pressed.
