The Unremembered (Author's Definitive Edition) by Peter Orullian

Author:Peter Orullian
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantasy, Science Fiction
ISBN: 9781429960861
Publisher: Tor Books
Published: 2011-04-12T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

Revelations in Parchment

We need to start considering the messages of written works. People find their own meaning.

—Area of consideration put forth by the leader of the League’s Political Jurshah

In the predawn light, Wendra lay still, listening to birdsong high in the trees and the deep melodic imitations the Ta’Opin made of them while he packed his bedroll and hitched his team. The smell of dew and coffee hung in the air, the latter a gift from Seanbea as he prepared to depart. For the time being, Jastail left her alone, saddling the horses and continuing his charade of friendship with Penit. He hadn’t been able to tie her or the boy up the last evening, so he’d had Penit sleep next to him—the threat subtle but clear. Wendra tried to ignore it all, focusing on birdsong. But the melodies of last night’s fire lingered, a refrain of the saddest sort.

When she could stand the inner songs no more, she rose. Seanbea sat at the fire, hunkered close to the flame, sipping a mug of coffee.

“Have a cup, Anais,” he invited. “My beans are fresh from Su’Winde. I ground them myself this morning.” He poured her a cup from a pot, and returned it to its rock beside the fire. “Is there a better smell when day is young?” He tilted his head back and closed his eyes. “There are advantages on the highways.”

Wendra wanted to plead for help. Seanbea was sitting close. She could whisper their trouble, ask him to intervene. Just when she thought she might do so, Jastail and Penit joined them.

“A fine day. Good fortune to our separate enterprises, Seanbea. Hardly a worry on a day such as this.”

“Right you are,” the Ta’Opin answered, lifting the pot of coffee to offer a second cup. Jastail amiably declined. “I’m hitched and loaded. I’ll be off when my cup is empty. Is there any message I can carry for you?”

Wendra hoped the offer would raise concern in Jastail’s face. The highwayman didn’t blink. “How good a man you are. Thank you, but we’re fine. Is there more we can do for you?”

“There is.”

This time Jastail’s expression faltered a moment. Wendra could see her captor mentally working the positions of each of them at the fire. How the physical exchange would develop if he were forced to draw. She knew he’d cut the Ta’Opin’s throat in an instant if what the man said next jeopardized whatever business he meant to conduct with her and Penit.

She and the Ta’Opin locked eyes. To her right, Wendra heard the soft squeal of a tightened palm over a leather hilt.

“I’ve something for you,” Seanbea said. He reached into his coat, and Jastail began to move. Seanbea produced a rolled parchment. He ignored Jastail’s movement and passed Wendra the sheet with both hands. “It’s your song, Anais. The one you made last night in harmony to mine.” He smiled paternally. “I’ve rarely heard instant song so beautifully made. The lines of your music played on in my head and demanded to be written down.

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