Page 134 of Tears of the Wolf

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She knew that voice. Brynn tried to turn her head, but she didn’t seem to have a body.

Get up, Brynn.

That couldn’t be right. Brynn tried to open her eyes, tried to see, but she couldn’t.

Get up.

Aelfwynn?

There was the sense of a sigh, though not quite the sound.You’re underwater. You’re going to drown if you stay here.

Wynn, is that you?

Who else?

But you died.

And so will you if you don’t move.

Brynn made an effort to shake her head, but she still couldn’t seem to feel anything, much less move anything.

You need to get up.

Brynn couldn’t even tell which direction was up.How can I hear you?

Because you’re dying, idiot. Now get your head out of the water.

Dying. How strange. Was this what it felt like? Oblivion? Blackness? This was not so bad.

If you join us today, I will make you sorry,the voice said.Very sorry. Do you hear me?

That was Aelfwynn. It had to be.

Who is us?

The dead, little sister.Aelfwynn’s voice was full of frustration.

The dead.

Brynn felt a tremble go through her formless being.

Live, Brynn. For me. For yourself. For Cenric.

Cenric?

That name clanged against her awareness and for just a moment she felt water rushing into her mouth, clogging her lungs.

Wake up,Aelfwynn ordered.Wake up.

Osbeorn?That name rose to Brynn’s awareness. She needed to know.

Mildreth is taking care of him.

Paega’s wife?

I was never much good with babies.

This had to be real. Brynn would have never imagined such a thing as Paega’s precious dead wife looking after Osbeorn.

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