CROSSProcess, Part 9 by Billings Hildred M

Author:Billings, Hildred M.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Barachou Press
Published: 2023-05-01T00:00:00+00:00

six

“You’re sure?” Sulim’s ensuing silence had the attention of everyone in the room, including Cairn, who didn’t hide how interested she was in Sonall’s call. “All right. Let us know when you have another update.” She disconnected her communicator with a sigh. While Cairn and Marlow stared at her, Sulim lowered her device to her lap and said, “He’s convinced the book is what we’re looking for in Spear City. The public Relic.”

She said that in Marlow’s direction, whose face lit up in the first hint of hope he espoused since contacting Second Tribe a few days ago. “His tattoo reacted to it?”

“Yeah. Says he wants to cut off his hand when he’s nearby.” Sulim narrowed her eyes in the julah’s direction. “Can’t wait to know what that feels like.”

“My calibrations may have been a tad off.” Nevertheless, Marlow was still smiles as he leaped up from the table and paced behind the couch in Honeydew’s secret back room. “This is fantastic, though. If he can get that book and bring it back here without anyone else the wiser, we might not even need the other Relic. Of course, I’d greatly appreciate it if you could grab it too.”

Sulim stood up from the couch. “No worries. I leave for Bow Village tomorrow. Demirius’s crew already know I’m coming, although not what for.”

“We’ll finalize the drop-off location in your absence.” Cairn nodded to Sulim, who took that as her cue to leave. “I’ll catch up with you later. Give you some time to finalize your travel plans.” She poured herself another cup of cageh and offered to refill Marlow’s cup. “Master Marlow and I have a few things to go over.”

Although that elicited a raised eyebrow from Sulim, she didn’t hesitate to leave. “I’ll be in my room if you need me. I want to do more research before I head out tomorrow.”

Cairn nodded. “I’ll see you.”

Sulim left. With the opening and closing of the door, Vaus took her opportunity to poke her head into the room and ask if either Cairn or Marlow needed anything else to stay comfortable. Cairn requested a fresh pot of cageh. Marlow barely heard either of them.

“Oh, terribly sorry,” he apologized when Vaus eventually caught his attention. “I’m fine. Perhaps my furry friend wouldn’t mind some cool water.” Sure enough, Charlo the black mutt was on a pillow in the corner, panting.

“I’ll adjust the air conditioning while I’m at it. Poor thing looks quite warm.” Vaus picked up the empty cageh pot and carried it out of the room. As usual, she deftly closed the door behind her.

“Something you wanted to discuss?” Marlow asked, hands bracing against the back of the couch where Cairn lounged. His plaid shirt and linen pants may not have been fashionable, but they were better suited for Cerilyn’s climate than what he had worn when he first arrived.

“Suppose you could say I have a few questions of a personal nature to ask you.” Cairn fanned herself with a piece of paper until the air conditioner kicked to a new level.

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