|
|
 
|
Chapter 54 In truth, it was five years before the call to gather was made. When it did come, the Tri was sent into an uproar. Siri howled and cursed at being left behind. Her daughter rushed about, helping all three Zanespots prepare for departure. On her heels was her son, looking for something to do other than lessons and work. Cha-lee’s excitement grew so great that he spent nearly every minute in his chamber, alternating between meditation and searching the future. Xenritha sighed frequently but said little, taking the task of making travel arrangements upon himself. Katrina spent most of her time outside with the Olvecks. There were too many complicated emotions and too much activity within the Tri for her. Alone with her simple-minded balls of fluff, she could think clearly. One thought more than any other kept repeating itself. It was almost over. She lived only for this, and it was almost over. Then what? Then where? Where would she go? How would she survive? “The ship awaits,” Xenritha said softly from a nearby doorway. “We do not want to be left behind.” “No,” Katrina agreed simply. She stood, stretching stiff legs and replaced the three olvecks that had been climbing on her. She rewarded them and the others in the pen for not biting especially hard with imported crawlers. Without thought, they turned and missed her departure. “Chalee-Siri has packed for you.” “That was thoughtful of her,” Katrina answered distractedly as she stepped to the old man’s side. They walked slowly around the large stone building they called home, each lost in thought. “It will be strange, won’t it?” Katrina nodded silently, knowing how similar their musings had been. “Have you made any decisions?” “No. I have never felt so lost. I always thought Guardian’s release would be a time of great joy and everything would be so clear. Maybe it should be.” “It will be, I think. But it won’t decide the rest of our lives. Some things we must do for ourselves.” “Neither of you carries your bags,” Cha-lee observed with a frown as they reached where he awaited them at the front. Xenritha and Katrina booth shook their heads slightly. Cha-lee gave an answering nod and dropped the black satchel he had slung over his shoulder. Together, they walked down the grassy hill, toward town and the only landing pad nearby. |
