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Alanka slammed the trunk shut.  What about other times?
He reached to open the trunk again, but she kept her hand on it. He straightened and faced her.  Other
times, I want other things.
The intensity of his gaze told her what some of those things were.  I don t belong here, either, she said.
 Soon I ll go home to Kalindos, unless the birds bring bad news, in which case I ll go to Leukos. She
moved closer, until they were almost touching.  Will you come with me?
His eyes widened, then their corners drooped.  I m not made to climb trees anymore.
 I mean, to Leukos. If we go, will you help us find Marek?
 Why would I want to help Marek? He s the one who sedated the battle horses so I had to fight on foot.
He s the cause of all this. He gestured to his leg and his surroundings.  If it weren t for him I d be home
with my family, or on another campaign, serving my country with honor.
 Or maybe you d be dead, or still have one-and-a-half legs. You can t know the Spirits plan for your
life. Maybe there s a reason you re here. She laced her fingers with his and lowered her voice.  If you
hate Marek, then don t do it for him. Do it for yourself.
 Myself?
 Don t you want to prove that not all Ilions are ruthless and cruel?
 That s what I ve been trying to do, but I can t make these people believe what they refuse to see.
She combed her mind for another argument.  This would be your chance to leave Asermos and go
home. That s what you want, isn t it?
 Haven t you been listening? I can t go home.
 Maybe not as the man you used to be. But you can learn to be someone else. I ll help you. We all will.
He pulled away.  You ask too much.
 Fine! The strength of her dismay shocked her.  Don t do it for yourself, then. Do it for me.
He turned to her, mouth open.
Alanka struggled to explain.  Ever since the battle, I can t feel myself. I can t remember who I am. But
when I m with you I remember. She sat on his trunk and crossed her arms.  I don t know yet what
we have, but I know I don t want you out of my life. I realize it s a lot to ask of a man. Call me selfish if
you want, but there it is.
He stared at her for a long moment.  Not selfish, brave. Braver than I am. He sat next to her.  I don t
want to lose you, either. But 
 I see it! Bolan shouted from outside.  It s coming!
Alanka jolted but stayed put.
She turned to her argument of last resort.  Filip, you told me you were bound by loyalty to me, because I
saved your life. Did you mean it, or were you just being polite?
His head jerked up.  Of course I meant it. I m in your debt forever.
 Then will you help us? she whispered.
He looked at the window, his gaze far away, then nodded.  I ll do what I can.
 Thank you. She kissed him on the cheek.  Let s go.
They hurried out of the house and scanned the southwestern horizon. A white pigeon flapped toward
them over the tops of the pines, like a tiny cloud skittering against the slate-gray sky. Filip and Alanka ran
to the roost at the side of the stable. The others waited, peering up.
Alanka went to Rhia, who was twisting her fists inside the hem of her blouse.
The bird alighted on its cage and pushed its way inside, where a tin of food awaited it. Bolan walked
forward, holding up a hand to the others.
 Give her a moment, he said.  She can t think of anything but eating right now.
When the pigeon stopped wolfing down her grain and was pecking at it more judiciously, Bolan reached
inside, grasped her and pulled her out. He held the pigeon up to his face and spoke somberly.  What
happened? What did the Horse woman tell you to tell me?
The pigeon cooed and clucked. Alanka glanced at Filip for a clue, but his brow creased as if he only
understood half of what was said.
Bolan broke into a wide smile, and a gasp of relief flooded the small crowd. Rhia grabbed Alanka in a
hard embrace. Alanka looked to the sky and whispered thanks to any Spirit who might be listening.
Over Rhia s shoulder, Alanka saw Bolan s smile fade. She let go of Rhia and turned her to face the
Horse.
 I don t understand, he said to the pigeon.  Repeat that last part. He got back on the ship?
 What? Rhia said.  Why would he 
 Shh. Bolan gave her a warning glance.  It s complicated, and the bird keeps mixing things up and
putting them in the wrong order. I hope, at least. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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