Firekeeper shrugged. "How do they? The Liglimom have no trade to the north."
"I guess I… " Derian trailed off, frowning. "I guess I did think the yarimaimalom would have had something to do with it. Harjeedian did rather lead us to think that."
"Harjeedian," Firekeeper said, "does not so much lie as let you think and not say. I have guessed for some time, but I not see that this will help you."
Derian nodded. "I can see that."
He made as if to get up and search for paper and pen, then slumped into his chair.
"What does it matter? How can I write my parents about any of this?"
Barnet set his instrument aside.
"You can let them know you're alive. It's been two moonspans and more since you disappeared. It's going to be at least another before you can be in Port Haven. One of the yarimaimalo will get there a lot sooner."
Derian looked at the minstrel, his expression guarded as it had been since he had learned Barnet would be returning to the Isles.
"Do you have family back north?"
"I do," the minstrel replied.
"You've been gone a lot longer than I have," Derian said, almost accusingly. "Doesn't it bother you? Didn't you want to jump ship rather than go kidnapping?"
Barnet gave a humorless smile.
"Of course I did, but you know we weren't given much more choice than you were. I thought about jumping ship in Hawk Haven, but, well… I had my reasons for going along with what Harjeedian wanted."
"Like wanting revenge against Hawk Haven," Firekeeper said to Blind Seer. "I wonder how Barnet finds that taste now."
"Sour" the wolf replied. "You can smell it on him."
"But I'm not the louse you think me," Barnet went on. "In Port Haven I managed to get a letter out to my family. I said I was on secret business for the queen and they weren't to worry—I'd make them proud when I came home."
"And the rest of the sailors?" Derian asked. "Did you send messages to their families, too?"
"I didn't," Barnet admitted, "but I'll go home and make sure due honor will be given to those who died—especially those who died in the original shipwreck and so are guiltless of all that followed."
"Where do lies end and stories begin?" Derian asked softly, but to Firekeeper's satisfaction he rose and located letter-writing materials.
"Write small," she reminded him. "It must go with a seagull or osprey."
"I'll remember," Derian said.
"Then when you write family, write King Tedric, too," Firekeeper said. "The Wise winged folk say they take to him, too. This way he know before sweet speaking ambassadors come."
Derian grinned, the first such expression Firekeeper had seen since Rahniseeta had ridden away.
Later that evening, when Barnet had gone to visit his lover, the other three went for a walk along the wharves. The locals watched them with polite fascination, but none obstructed them. Versions of what Dantarahma and his allies had been about were being circulated. In those stories, the northerners were being represented as divine agents, brought to set things right.
Firekeeper doubted this, but she didn't mind the respect with which the Liglimom viewed her. Blind Seer strolled along with such arrogance that Firekeeper teasingly told him he must have cat blood. The blue-eyed wolf laughed, then grew serious.
"It's not so funny," he said, "when one knows of the maimalodalum."
Across the waters, Misheemnekuru lay, dark green, hiding more mysteries than her mainland neighbors could imagine. Now, with the elevation of Rahniseeta, the maimalodalum knew there was one in power who knew of their existence. Would they welcome this or fear it?
Firekeeper didn't know.
Derian's voice broke what to him had been silence.
"So, the disdum have accepted that you cannot teach anyone how to speak to the yarimaimalom. You're free to go wherever you want. Are you going back to Misheemnekuru?"
Though he was obviously making an effort to speak smoothly, Firekeeper heard the catch in his voice.
"Yes." She shook as if to rid herself of flies and concentrated on making her meaning clear. "The yarimaimalom and the maimalodalum all have much to teach."
"I thought," Derian said, "you might make a home on Misheemnekuru. Those there don't seem to draw many lines between human and otherwise—and there were those who admired you."
"No," Firekeeper said, and her hand rested on Blind Seer's shoulder. "We not make a forever home there, only for a little."
Derian relaxed, and Firekeeper knew he had felt himself rather universally abandoned. He would recover, she thought, though his heart would stay sore for a time. Firekeeper knew she would always mourn Questioner. A short acquaintance was no guarantee against grief at parting.
Firekeeper wished she had the words to explain to Derian what she had learned, but in this, as in so many other things, she struggled to be human.
Free as she was to go anywhere her feet would carry her, Firekeeper knew herself to still be a captive, but thanks to Questioner and the others, she knew at last who held her so.
Her captor was not the Liglimom nor the wolves nor any to whom she felt love or duty. Firekeeper knew her ultimate captor was none other than herself. She had chosen to walk a way between worlds, to be neither human nor wolf nor anything other than Firekeeper.
Meeting Blind Seer's gaze, Firekeeper knew he too had made choices that set him apart from his people. They both were captives—or perhaps in openly admitting what bound them, they both were truly free.
THE END
Glossary Of Characters
Agneta1 Norwood: (H.H.) daughter of Norvin Norwood and Luella Stanbrook; sister of Edlin, Tait, and Lillis Norwood; adopted sister of Blysse Norwood (Firekeeper).
Aksel Trueheart: (Lord, H.H.) scholar of Hawk Haven; spouse of Zorana Archer; father of Purcel, Nydia, Deste, and Kenre Trueheart.
Alben Eagle: (H.H.) son of Princess Marras and Lorimer Stanbrook. In keeping with principles of Zorana I, given no title as died in infancy.
Alin Brave: (H.H.) husband of Grace Trueheart; father of Baxter Trueheart.
Allister I: (King, B.B.) called King Mister of the Pledge, sometimes the Pledge Child; formerly Allister Seagleam. Son of Tavis Seagleam (B.B.) and Caryl Eagle (H.H.); spouse of Pearl Oyster; father of Shad, Tavis, Anemone, and Minnow.
Alt Rosen: (Opulence, Waterland) ambassador to Bright Bay.
Amery Pelican: (King, B.B.) Spouse of Gustin II; father of Basil, Seastar, and Tavis Seagleam. Deceased.
Anemone: (Princess, B.B.) formerly Anemone Oyster. Daughter of Allister I and Pearl Oyster; sister of Shad and Tavis; twin of Minnow.
Apheros: (Dragon Speaker, N.K.) long-time elected official of New Kelvin, effectively head of government.
Aurella Wellward: (Lady, H.H.) confidante of Queen Elexa; spouse of Ivon Archer; mother of Elise Archer.
Barden Eagle: (Prince, H.H.) third son of Tedric I and Elexa Wellward. Disowned. Spouse of Eirene
Norwood; father of Blysse Eagle. Presumed deceased.
Barnet Lobster: (Isles) sailor on the Explorer.
Basil Seagleam: see Gustin III.
Baxter Trueheart: (Earl, H.H.) infant son of Grace Trueheart and Alin Brave. Technically not a title holder until he has safely survived his first two years.
Beachcomber: a Wise Wolf.
Bee Biter: Royal Kestrel; guide and messenger.
Bevan Seal: see Calico.
Bibimalenu: (L.) member of u-Liall, representative for Air.
Bitter: a Wise Raven.
Blind Seer: Royal Wolf; companion to Firekeeper.
Blysse Eagle: (Lady, H.H.) daughter of Prince Barden and Eirene Kestrel.
Blysse Kestrel: see Firekeeper.
Bold: Royal Crow; eastern agent; sometime companion to Firekeeper.
Bright-Eyes-Fast-Paws: a Wise Jaguar.
Brina Dolphin: (Lady or Queen, B.B.) first spouse of Gustin III, divorced as barren.
Brock Carter: (H.H.) son of Colby and Vernita Carter;
brother of Derian and Damita Carter.
Brotius: (N.K., Captain) soldier in New Kelvin.
Calico: (B.B.) proper name, Bevan Seal. Confidential secretary to Allister I. Member of a cadet branch of House Seal.
Caryl Eagle: (Princess, H.H.) daughter of King Chalmer I; married to Prince Tavis Seagleam; mother of Allister Seagleam. Deceased.
Ceece Dolphin: (Lady, B.B.) sister to current Duke Dolphin.
Chalmer I: (King, H.H.) born Chalmer Elkwood; son of Queen Zorana the Great; spouse of Rose Rosewood; father of Marras, Tedric, Caryl Gadman, and Rosene Eagle. Deceased.
Chalmer Eagle: (Crown Prince, H.H.) son of Tedric Eagle and Elexa Wellward. Deceased.
Chutia: (N.K.) Illuminator. Wife of Grateful Peace. Deceased.
Cishanol: (L.) assistant to Meiyal, disdu in training.
Citrine Shield: (H.H.) daughter of Melina Shield and Rolfston Redbriar; sister of Sapphire, Jet, Opal, and Ruby Shield.
Colby Carter: (H.H.) livery stable owner and carter; spouse of Vernita Carter; father of Derian, Damita, and Brock.
Columi: (N.K.) retired Prime of the Sodality of Lapidaries.
Cricket: a Wise Wolf.
Culver Pelican: (Lord, B.B.) son of Seastar Seagleam; brother of Dillon Pelican. Merchant ship captain.
Daisy: (H.H.) steward of West Keep, in employ of Earl Kestrel.
Damita Carter: (H.H.) daughter of Colby and Vernita Carter; sister of Derian and Brock Carter.
Dantarahma: (L.) member of u-Liall, representative for Water.
Dark Death: a Wise Wolf.
Dawn Brooks: (H.H.) wife of Ewen Brooks, mother of several small children. Deceased.
Dayle: (H.H.) steward for the Archer Manse in Eagle's Nest.
Derian Carter: (H.H.) also called Derian Counselor; assistant to Norvin Norwood; son of Colby and Vernita Carter; brother of Damita and Brock Carter.
Deste Trueheart: (H.H.) daughter of Aksel Trueheart and Zorana Archer; sister of Purcel, Nydia, and Kenre Trueheart.
Dia Trueheart: see Nydia Trueheart.
Dillon Pelican: (Lord, B.B.) son of Seastar Seagleam; brother of Culver Pelican.
Dimiria: (N.K.) Prime, Sodality of Stargazers.
Dirkin Eastbranch: (knight, H.H.) King Tedric's personal bodyguard.
Donal Hunter: (H.H.) member of Barden Eagle's expedition; spouse of Sarena; father of Tamara. Deceased.
Edlin Norwood: (Lord, H.H.) son of Norvin Norwood and Luella Kite; brother of Tait, Lillis, and Agneta Norwood; adopted brother of Blysse Norwood (Firekeeper).
Eirene Norwood: (Lady, H.H.) spouse of Barden Eagle; mother of Blysse Eagle; sister of Norvin Norwood. Presumed deceased.
Elation: Royal Falcon, companion to Firekeeper.
Elexa Wellward: (Queen, H.H.) spouse of Tedric I; mother of Chalmer, Lovella, and Barden.
Elise Archer: (Lady, H.H.) daughter of Ivon Archer and Aurella Wellward; heir to Archer Grant.
Elwyn: (Isles) also called "Lucky Elwyn"; a sailor on the Explorer.
Eshinarvash: a Wise Horse.
Evaglayn: (N.K.) senior apprentice in the Beast Lore sodality.
Evie Cook: (H.H.) servant in the Carter household.
Ewen Brooks: (N.K.) spouse of Dawn Brooks, father of several children.
Faelene Lobster: (Duchess, B.B.) head of House Lobster; sister of Marek, Duke of Half-Moon Island; aunt of King Harwill.
Farand Briarcott: (Lady, H.H.) assistant to Tedric I, former military commander.
Feeshaguyu: (L.) member of u-Liall; representative for Earth.
Fess Bones: a pirate with some medical skills.
Firekeeper: (Lady, H.H.) feral child raised by wolves, adopted by Norvin Norwood and given the name Blysse Kestrel.
Fleet Herald: a pirate messenger.
Fox Driver: (H.H.) given name, Orin. Skilled driver in the employ of Waln Endbrook. Deceased.
Freckles: a Wise Wolf.
Gadman Eagle: (Grand Duke, H.H.) fourth child of King Chalmer and Queen Rose; brother to Marras, Caryl, Tedric, Rosene; spouse of Riki Redbriar; father of Rolfston and Nydia.
Garrik Carpenter: (H.H.) a skilled woodworker. Deceased.
Gayl Minter: see Gayl Seagleam.
Gayl Seagleam: (Queen, B.B.) spouse of Gustin I; first queen of Bright Bay; mother of Gustin, Merry (later Gustin II), and Lyra. Note: Gayl was the only queen to assume the name "Seagleam." Later tradition paralleled that of Hawk Haven where the name of the birth house was retained even after marriage to the monarch. Deceased.
Glynn: (H.H.) a soldier.
Grace Trueheart: (Duchess Merlin, H.H.) military commander; spouse of Alin Brave; mother of Baxter.
Grateful Peace: (Dragon's Eye, N.K.) also, Trausholo. Illuminator; Prime of New Kelvin; member of the Dragon's Three. A very influential person. Husband to Chutia; brother of Idalia; uncle of Varcasiol, Kistlio, Linatha, and others.
Grey Thunder: a Wise Wolf.
Gustin I: (King, B.B.) born Gustin Sailor, assumed the name Seagleam upon his coronation; first monarch of Bright Bay; spouse of Gayl Minter, later Gayl Seagleam; father of Gustin, Merry, and Lyra Seagleam. Deceased.
Gustin II: (Queen, B.B.) born Merry Seagleam assumed the name Gustin upon her coronation-second monarch of Bright Bay; spouse of Amery Pelican; mother of Basil, Seastar, and Tavis Seagleam. Deceased.
Gustin III: (King, B.B.) born Basil Seagleam, assumed the name Gustin upon his coronation; third monarch of Bright Bay; spouse of Brina Dolphin, later of Viona Seal; father of Valora Seagleam. Deceased.
Gustin IV: (Queen, B.B.) see Valora I.
Gustin Sailor: see Gustin I.
Half-Snarl: a Wise Wolf.
Hard Biter: a Wise Wolf.
Harjeedian: (L.) aridisdu serving the Temple of the Cold Bloods; brother of Rahniseeta.
Hart: (H.H.) a young hunter.
Harwill Lobster: (King, the Isles) spouse of Valora I; during her reign as Gustin IV, also king of Bright Bay. Son of Marek.
Hasamemorri: (N.K.) a landlady.
Hazel Healer: (H.H.) apothecary, herbalist, perfumer resident in the town of Hope.
Healer: a Wise Wolf.
Heather Baker: (H.H.) baker in Eagle's Nest; former sweetheart of Derian Carter.
High Howler: a Wise Wolf.
Holly Gardener: (H.H.) former Master Gardener for Eagle's Nest Castle, possessor of the Green Thumb, a talent for the growing of plants. Mother of Timin and Sarena.
Honey Endbrook: (Isles) mother of Waln Endbrook.
Hope: a maimalodalu.
Hya Grimsel: (General, Stonehold) commander of Stonehold troops.
Idalia: (N.K.) assistant to Melina. Sister of Grateful Peace, spouse of Pichero; mother of Kistlio, Varcasiol, Linatha, and others.
Indatius: (N.K.) young member of the Sodality of Artificers.
Integrity: a Wise Wolf.
Ivon Archer: (Baron, H.H.) master of the Archer Grant; son of Purcel Archer and Rosene Eagle; brother of Zorana Archer; spouse of Aurella Wellward; father of Elise Archer.
Ivory Pelican: (Lord, B.B.) Keeper of the Keys, an honored post in Bright Bay.
Jalarios: see Grateful Peace.
Jared Surcliffe: (knight, H.H.) knight of the Order of the White Eagle; possessor of the healing talent; distant cousin of Norvin Norwood who serves as his patron. Widower, no children.
Jem: (B.B.) deserter from Bright Bay's army.
Jet Shield: (H.H.) son of Melina Shield and Rolfston Redbriar; brother of Sapphire, Opal, Ruby, and Citrine. Heir apparent to his parents' properties upon the adoption of his sister Sapphire by Tedric I.
Joy Spinner: (H.H.) scout in the service of Earle Kite. Deceased.
Kalvinia: (Prime, N.K.) thaumaturge, Sodality of Sericulturalists.
Keen: (H.H.) servant to Newell Shield.
Kenre Trueheart: (H.H.) son of Zorana Archer and Aksel Trueheart; brother of Purcel, Nydia, and Deste Trueheart.
Kiero: (N.K.): spy in the service of the Healed One. Deceased.
Kistlio: (N.K.) clerk in The
ndulla Lypella; nephew of Grateful Peace; son of Idalia and Pichero; brother of Varcasiol, Linatha, and others. Deceased.
Lillis Norwood: (H.H.) daughter of Norvin Norwood and Luella Stanbrook; sister of Edlin, Tait, and Agneta Norwood; adopted sister of Blysse Norwood (Firekeeper).
Linatha: (N.K.) niece of Grateful Peace; daughter of Idalia and Pichero; sister of Kistlio, Varcasiol, and others.
Longsight Scrounger: pirate, leader of those at Smuggler's Light.
Lorimer Stanbrook: (Lord, H.H.) spouse of Marras Eagle; father of Marigolde and Alben Eagle. Deceased.
Lovella Eagle: (Crown Princess, H.H.) military commander; daughter of Tedric Eagle and Elexa Wellward; spouse of Newell Shield. Deceased.
Lucho: (N.K.) a thug.
Lucky Shortleg: a pirate.
Luella Stanbrook: (Lady, H.H.) spouse of Norvin Norwood; mother of Edlin, Tait, Lillis, and Agneta
Norwood.
Marek: (Duke, Half-Moon Island) formerly Duke Lobster of Bright Bay but chose to follow the fate of his son, Harwill. Brother of Faelene, the current Duchess Lobster.
Marigolde Eagle: (H.H.) daughter of Marras Eagle and Lorimer Stanbrook. In keeping with principles of Zorana I, given no title as died in infancy.
Marras Eagle: (Crown Princess, H.H.) daughter of Chalmer Eagle and Rose Rosewood; sister of Tedric, Caryl, Gadman, and Rosene; spouse of Lorimer Stanbrook; mother of Marigolde and Alben Eagle. Deceased.
Meiyal: (L.) iaridisdu of the Horse.
Melina: (H.H.; N.K.) formerly entitled "lady," with affiliation to House Gyrfalcon; reputed sorceress; spouse of Rolfston Redbriar; mother of Sapphire, Jet, Opal, Ruby, and Citrine Shield. Later spouse of Torovico of New Kelvin, given title of Consolor of the Healed One. Deceased.
Merrijay: (H.H.) daughter of Wendee Jay.
Merry Seagleam: see Gustin II.
Minnow: (Princess, B.B.) formerly Minnow Oyster. Daughter of Allister I and Pearl Oyster; sister of Shad and Tavis; twin of Anemone.
Moon Frost: a Wise Wolf.
Nanny: (H.H.) attendant to Melina Shield.
Neck Breaker: a Wise Wolf.
Nelm: (N.K.) member of the Sodality of Herbalists.
Newell Shield: (Prince, H.H.) commander of marines; spouse of Lovella Eagle; brother of Melina Shield. Deceased.
Ninette Farmer: (H.H.) relative of Ivon Archer; attendant of Elise Archer.
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