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Colemenoport

Wayfarer


“And how fares Qe’andra dea’Tolin?” asked the master trader.

“Better, though still unsettled, as anyone would be. She hopes to be at her desk tomorrow. Dyoli was able to remove the compulsion, and release the horror. Lady Selph has been temporarily moved to Jes’s room. Also, Dyoli has put Jes into a Healing sleep, and says that when she wakens, it will be as if the entire incident had happened some while ago. That, she said, will serve Jes far better than simply forgetting it entirely.”

“Very true. I would have applied a similar therapy, had I been there to assist. I will call her tomorrow, to assure myself of her good recovery.”

Padi had a sip of wine, and closed her eyes briefly.

“And yourself, Daughter?”

“I am—tired, and extremely pleased that this day’s work fell to our favor. If you will have it, my admiration for Jes has only increased. How clever of her to have turned on the recorder!”

“Very clever, indeed, though I would have rather she not had that particular opportunity to exercise her ingenuity.”

“Yes, sir.”

“You have had an exciting day,” Father said. “I will not keep you much longer. I did wish to tell you that Priscilla and I have spoken at length. She will remain aboard the Passage, and I with her until such time as I may be of use on-planet. I depend upon you to tell me when that time arrives.”

“Yes, sir. I think you may rest easy for the next while. I provided a list of those whom we contacted and who seemed to have been . . . tampered with, to the security officers. They will be gathering evidence. Also, Healers will be on hand to remove any compulsions, or inappropriate fears, that have been laid. Once that is complete, I think that we will be able to move forward with the inventory at good speed.”

“You will keep me informed.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I wonder if I may be impertinent, Daughter, and ask what you have learned from these adventures.”

Padi smiled.

“I have learned that you were correct—I do not fly alone.”

“A valuable lesson, I agree. Have you other questions for the master trader or myself?”

“Not at the moment, I think. Please give my love to Priscilla.”

“Certainly I will do so.”

“Thank you. Chiat’a bei kruzon, Father.”

“Dream sweetly, my child.”

They ended the call there, and Padi sat back in her chair, her attention turned inward, to the bold red ribbon that was so much a part of her now.

The Ribbons have risen and the trees are afire, Tekelia’s voice murmured. Will you come and dance with me?

Padi smiled, and rose.

Yes, she answered. I will.

Mist swirled and the room was empty.

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Framed