Illusions
“I became the king that Benzu always wanted to be,” says Botzar, as the memories end.
“Why did you leave Makish behind when you became king?” I ask him.
Botzar glares at me.
“The memory is finished, but the story isn’t complete.”
“When I left the silver falls, I didn’t know what to tell my father.”
“If Sindar’s memory and story were true, I had no right to the throne.”
“I decided to tell my father part of the truth.”
Surprise
The sisters and I return with Chiwan to the ballroom, and rejoin my family, the king, and a few prominent guests.
“I assume, Master Yagrin,” says the king gravely, “that Keela told you I don’t like surprises.”
Niyta steps between us, before I can respond.
“Commander, please don’t be angry with us.”
“We just wanted to thank you and your people for the wonderful welcome that you’ve given us.”
He laughs.
“I’m not angry,” he answers with a smile.
“I enjoyed your surprise completely.”
He turns to me.
“Your performance was wonderful, Master Yagrin, but you’ve set impossibly … Read more
Flying High
We fly together from the barren lands toward Tshuan.
You can see a person’s heart by watching how high they fly.
Some fly close to the ground, just high enough to clear obstacles.
They fly, but they’re afraid that if they get too far from the ground, they’ll never be able to return to their life on the ground.
Other Jiku fly higher — one, two, three thousand feet high.
They enjoy the height and the view, but flying is just a way to get to a destination.
Then there are the Jiku who fly as high … Read more
