Kara sits and listens to each contract as Ava and Sylnoa read them. Aran and Lines walk in as they finish reading Lines’ contract. Ava hands Aran his contract. He looks at the scroll, “Yeah, looks good.” Ava says, “You didn’t read it. We’re reading them all to ensure each is right.” Aran says, “I saw enough. It looks good. It also looks like a little more than what was said earlier.” Ava says, “Kara had a copy of Rinwauld’s contract, so we used it as a template. Voilà, instant contract.”
Sylnoa asks Kara, “Who signs first, you or I.” Kara says, “Traditionally, I sign first. That makes the pact divine formal, begins the request, and then you sign it. That seals the pact. If it’s done correctly, we’ll know.” Sylnoa slides her contract over to Kara. She looks at Ava, “I’m ready now.” Kara says, “None of you want to do this privately?” Sylnoa shakes her head. Kara takes her quill, swishes it around in the water, reaches into her bag, removes a bottle of colorless strong rum, pours it into a cup, then swishes the quill and wipes it off. Sylnoa is about to ask, “What’s that for?” when Kara slices her hand with the quill and signs her name on Sylnoa’s pact. Sylnoa says, “I guess I do the same?” Kara nods. Ava says, “I thought you said, “no blood”?” Kara shrugs, “That was for just an oath. Rinwauld could never get the verbal oath down, so we switched her to a pact divine. We still did the ceremony of a verbal oath, and she pulled it off. The true pact was already done, in blood.” Sylnoa repeats the ritual of cleaning the quill and signs her name in blood.
Looking at the pact, she stands and says to Kara, “Nothing….” The pact glows brightly and then turns to sparkling dust as it fades. “Okay, wow. I guess that means it worked?” Kara nods. Sylnoa says, “I don’t feel any different.” Kara smiles, “Wait a hundred years and tell me that again.”
Ava and Lines slide their pacts in front of Kara at the same time. She repeats with each of them, with the pacts doing the same. Ava says, “Okay, I guess I’m bound to you for now.”
Sister Maen walks in, looks at the two remaining pacts just long enough to see which is hers, and slides it in front of Kara. Kara looks at her, “Are you sure Sister Maen?” Sister Maen kneels, “For you, Dame Cinderblade, anything. I offer you my life and my soul.” Kara says nothing; she repeats the ritual and signs, followed immediately by Sister Maen. When the scroll fades away, Kara says, “Sister Maen, just call me Kara. We’re not using titles.” Sister Maen bows her head, “Yes, Kara.” Aran asks, “Does that mean we can call you Maen.” She turns her head, somewhat unnaturally, to look at him while Kara shakes her head, “No, you may not call me Maen. My name is Sister Maen.” Aran backs up a few steps.
Everyone looks at Aran, and he says, “I stand corrected, Sister Maen. I apologize.” Sister Maen says, “Apology accepted.” Everyone continues to look at Aran when he realizes he’s the only one who hasn’t signed, “If it’s okay, I’d like to think about it longer.” Then he walks out. Sylnoa whispers to Kara, “His aura changed. It’s like the slaves at Crossroads before you rescued them. Do you want me to talk to him?” Kara nods and whispers back, “Don’t push.” Sylnoa nods and goes after Aran. Ava starts to follow when Kara says, “Ava.” and shakes her head.
Sylnoa finds Aran standing outside watching the sun going down, “Pacts, Oaths, and Contracts are big steps.” He turns to look at her, “I don’t need anyone crawling around in my memories.” Sylnoa shakes her head, “I wouldn’t think about it unless you invited me, or if you were dying and I thought I could save you, or if you got all stupid and attacked us, or…” Aran says, “Humor isn’t going to change my mind.” She says, “I wasn’t in your head, but your aura changed when everyone expected you to sign.” Aran walks around in a circle, “I don’t like the idea of anyone owning me.” She shakes her head, “You saw the pact. There is no ownership. You can end it… You can’t…”
Aran snaps at her, “Yeah, I can’t read. I’m stupid.” She holds up her hands and shakes her head, “No, Aran, you’re not. I was about to say you can’t be owned in this pact. I didn’t know. I’m sorry. I understand. If my mother had followed the rules of the Silent Star, I would have never learned to read either. You are not stupid.”
She says, “Look, you don’t have to sign, and I won’t say a word to anyone. This is completely voluntary.” He says, “Everyone else signed. They’ll think I’m…” She takes his hand, “They’ll think nothing of it. It ends here. Does anyone else know?” He stops walking around, “That I was a slave, yes. But other than you, I think just Ava and Kara know that. Know that I can’t read, no, just you, now, I’m good with numbers, but I can’t read a word. It looks like jibberish to me.”
She pulls him around to face her, “See, your aura is back to normal now, and who knows, this ends with us. I’ll let them know you need more time and to drop it.” He places his other hand on her shoulder, “Thanks. I think I’ll stay out here a little longer.”
She runs back in. In the room, she says, “Aran just needs more time. Let him mull it over, and don’t bring it up. He’ll sign when he’s ready.” Ava says, “But?” Sylnoa says, “No buts, that’s the end of it. Pacts, especially like this, are major. How about we take a walk? I want to be back here by sundown if the Princess needs me. It’s been a while since she contacted us, and I’m getting an itch.”
Ava nods and looks at Kara. Kara waves them off, “Go, look around, have fun. I should find Elra.” Sister Maen says, “I can take you to her.” Kara says, “I would like that.” Lines watches everyone leave as he looks at the scorch marks on the floor and ceiling. Shae says, “Boom!” Lines jumps, not realizing she stayed in the room.
Ava and Sylnoa walk the halls of the temple. Acolytes and Sisters greet them. Ava says, “I wonder where they all come from? The population here isn’t big enough.” Sylnoa says, “Probably all over, girls and women abused, looking for a place where they can be safe. A place to give them power and put them in control of their own destiny.” Ava looks at Sylnoa and smiles, “You have heard of them before.” Sylnoa nods, “I was trying to come here when I was captured.” Ava stops, “You’re here now.” Sylnoa says, “I’ve found another place I want to be more.”
Ava backs up to the wall, holding her head down and innocently looking up at Sylnoa. “Where’s that?” Sylnoa stands in front of her and places her hands on either side of Ava’s head, “With you.” Ava looks in both directions; she sees some Sisters walking away; she quickly kisses Sylnoa and pulls back. Sylnoa bites her bottom lip, then presses against Ava and kisses her, not caring if anyone is coming. Ava doesn’t resist. When Sylnoa pulls back, Ava stands there with her eyes closed. Sylnoa’s skin tingles, and Ava feels chills up and down her spine. She opens her eyes, “Why did you stop?” Sylnoa says, “A thought occurred to me.” Ava looks at her, “Now?”
Sylnoa says, “I really like you, and when I say “like,” I mean, really, really like you. I know it’s sudden. I’d never kissed another girl before I let the Princess wear me. At first, it scared me, but then I realized I liked it.” Ava says, “And?” looking worried. Sylnoa says, “No, no, it’s not that. Did I say I really like you? You make me feel like. Well, the feeling you get when you pray to Elirae and the dawn sun touches you. WOW!” Ava smiles, “You make me feel the same. What are you worried about?” Sylnoa says, “What about when the Princess wears me and I, or she kisses Kara?” Ava frowns, “I hadn’t thought about that. I’m sure the Princess wouldn’t if you didn’t want her to. But then we would be denying them.” Sylnoa lets her arms drop, “We could talk to Kara.” Ava puts an arm around Sylnoa’s waist, and they start walking again. Sylnoa puts an arm around Ava. Ava says, “Look, you’ve been in both of our brains. It’s not like we don’t know each other intimately. I’m not worried about it; I know I like you. Even if you did try to kill me.” Sylnoa laughs.
Sylnoa says, “It just doesn’t seem fair to you. I know I’d be bashing skulls if I saw you kissing someone else.” Ava says, “I guess this means we’re a couple, right?” Sylnoa kisses Ava’s cheek. Ava says, “I’ve never felt like this before.” Sylnoa stops and looks at Ava, “Before?” Ava blushes, “I did kiss Aran once. But it was like kissing a melon.” Sylnoa laughs and says, “And?” Ava turns a deep shade of red, “Then there was Caylee.” Sylnoa says, “You kissed her?” Ava says, “Oh yeah.” Sylnoa’s eyes narrow. Ava says, “No, no, yes, it was nice. But I didn’t feel anything for her. She made it clear it was just a thing. I want more than a thing with you. I want you to be. I don’t know how to say it. I want you to be my Sasha. Does that make sense?”
Sylnoa smiles, “Then you can be my Kara.” Ava smiles, “I’d like that. So, we say nothing to Kara or Sasha for now.” Sylnoa kisses Ava again, “For now, but if you look upset, I’m telling them both and setting limits.” Ava’s eyes are still closed as she nods. Sylnoa asks, “How does it work between two girls? I caught some images from Sasha.” Ava’s eyes open, “You’re incorrigible.” Both laugh as they walk around aimlessly. Sylnoa sees surface thoughts flash through Ava’s mind about Caylee. Her mouth drops open, “Oh my gods, you did more than kiss. Ho, I, wow.” She grins from ear to ear. Ava sees she isn’t jealous or mad. Ava smiles as she pushes Sylnoa against the wall. She nudges Sylnoa’s nose with her own but doesn’t resist the nudge. Moving her mouth closer to Sylnoa’s mouth, she kisses her again. Sylnoa presses into the kiss. They stand there looking into each other’s eyes for several seconds. Ava says, “I think we need to head back.” Sylnoa whispers, “Yeah, if we stay here, I may let you show me how it works, and this isn’t exactly a private place.” Ava slowly steps back, taking Sylnoa’s hand and interlacing their fingers as they walk back toward the rooms.
Kara and Sister Maen walk toward Sister Stoutstorm’s office. Kara asks, “So, how long have you been a changeling?” Sister Maen’s head snaps around in disbelief and confusion. Kara laughs, “I’m just fucking with you. One of my best friends is a changeling. I love her to death and trust her unconditionally.” Sister Maen sighs in relief, “How did you know?” Kara says, “Your mother told me, though I suspected. Just so you know, I’ll keep the secret as long as you want, but other than that, we have a strict rule that no secrets are allowed in our little family.” Sister Maen says, “I understand. Most Sisters don’t know, and no acolytes know. So, if I can wait until we leave Flamegarden? Changelings aren't exactly high on the trust scale within the Empire.”
Kara says, “We will be traveling together and very close. Our goal is to cross the sea. I also need to know. Has your mother called you?” Sister Maen stops and shakes her head. Kara asks, “So you haven’t dealt with the hag yet?” Again, Sister Maen shakes her head. Kara says, “You understand that when it calls to you, you will be compelled to go to it. I remember when Rinwauld was called. Her mother was across the universe. We put together a full strike force and went with her. She was lucky. Most changelings are not. If you learn where the hag is, it’s best to deal with it before she calls. Once she calls, it will become a battle of wills, and if you’re on your own,” Sister Maen nods, “I know; it’s been on my mind for a while. I’ve tried to find her, but so far, nothing. Maybe I’m lucky, and she’s dead.” Kara nods, “If it happens, we will deal with it.”
They take a few more steps. Kara stops, “One more thing. I don’t want a self-sacrificial anyone with us. That’s dangerous. Trust me, I know. Please think for yourself and find solutions to any situation and how to survive it. Plus, I promised your mother I would protect you. Clear?”
Kara starts walking again. Sister Maen says, “Clear.” They stop outside a door with a worn plank bolted to it. Sister Maen positions herself in front and slightly to the left of the plank, then slaps the plank as hard as she can with the open palm of her hand. Inside, Kara hears Elra’s voice, “ENTER!”
Sister Maen lifts the latch and pushes the door open for Kara, then she follows. “Kara!.” Elra stands and comes around the desk, “I was finishing up reports of what happened for the records. I was going to come to see you before bed. I trust you found your quarters amendable?” Kara nods, “They are fine, no, better than fine. Thank you for your hospitality.” Elra says, “You are welcome to stay as long as you need. The longer you stay, the more I can rub it in with Arden.” Elra laughs, “Have a seat.” She motions to some chairs. Kara sits down. Elra says, “I feel you didn’t come to my office to brag about how soft your bed is.” Kara shakes her head, “I dosed off earlier and had a dream. It turned into a nightmare. Normally, I wouldn’t bother anyone with this, and trust me, I’m no stranger to nightmares. But I went into my Dawn Bringer Avatar form in the nightmare to protect my children.” Kara realizes she just called Ava and Sylnoa, her children. “I attacked Ava, Shae, and Sylnoa, but Ava was able to stop me.” Elra pulls up another chair. Kara says, “I’ve removed the Girdle of Trails. I’ll put it on if I leave the compound. I don’t want to take a chance of dosing off and doing that again.”
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She looks at Sister Maen, “Be useful. Get Kara some mead and me some ale, the good stuff, for both of us.” Elra looks at Kara, “Has this never happened before.” Kara shakes her head, “I’m sorry, I may have caused some damage to the ceiling and the floor.” Sister Maen sits mugs down in front of both of them, then stands off to the side. Kara looks at Sister Maen, “You’re with me now. Pull up a seat and make yourself comfortable.” Sister Maen looks at her mother. Elra says, “Don’t look at me, you heard her.” Sister Maen pulls up a chair and sits down. “I dreamed some Silent Star had come to murder them. I couldn’t get to them, so I activated the girdle to strike the elves. There’s more. I think one of them was my birth mother. I’ve never met her, and I have no desire to do so.” Elra says, “How do you know if you’ve never met her?” Kara takes a drink, “Sylnoa allowed me into her dreams. She showed me herself as a child. The elves there hated her. They hated her mother for having her. I’d always had flashes of my mother’s face, and when I saw one of them in her dream, it was her.” Elra takes a big drink.
“You know, sometimes dreams are skewed.” Kara shakes her head, “No, Sylnoa’s memory is sharp. Her dreams may wander a little, but the people in her dreams are those she remembers. That part doesn’t bother me. As I said, I have no interest in Silent Star. I’ve seen what they are capable of. What bothers me is attacking my family. Ava was able to take the hit, but I might have killed Sylnoa. What if I had hit her, Elra?” Elra says, “I have no good answers for you, Kara. You’re aware of the ability to do so now. Maybe that will help. Can Sylnoa go into your dreams and help you?”
Kara says, “I can ask, but I think she’s not happy with me right now.” Elra asks, “It’s because of your real mother, right?” Kara nods, “She is not my real mother, but I know what you mean.” Elra looks at Sister Maen, “Go get Xan and bring her here.” Sister Maen leaves. Elra pours herself some more ale and refills Kara’s mug. “I wasn’t going to let you meet her, so I told her to stay out of sight. Now I’ve changed my mind.” Both sit in silence while they wait.
A few minutes later there are three loud slaps on the door. Elra yells, “ENTER!” The door opens, and a blonde elf with bright green eyes enters, followed by Sister Maen. Kara almost leaps from her seat, nearly mistaking her for Alhindri. Elra stands, too, “Kara, this is Sister Xanathe Silentstar. Sister, this is Dame Karael Cinderblade.” Sister Silentstar bows, “Greetings Dame Cinderblade.” Kara stands there looking at her, stunned at the resemblance between Alhindri and Sister Silentstar, then walks over to her. Elra says, “Sister Silentstar came to us a few years ago. She left Silent Star because of what they was doing to their own and something she witnessed.”
Sister Silentstar glares at Elra. Kara asks, “How old are you?” Sister Silentstar says, “One hundred and forty-two.” Kara says, “My eyes were green before Azura took me. Did a seraphin baby disappear from Silent Star about thirty-five years ago?” Sister Silentstar nods, “How do you know that? That was silenced when it happened and decreed never to be spoken of under penalty of death.” Kara grabs the back of a chair, “So you remember that?” Sister Silentstar nods and looks closely at Kara, “Your eyes are blue.” Kara says, “Long story. The short version is these eyes are Azura’s eyes.” Elra asks Kara, “Are you okay? Do I need to send for Sylnoa?” Kara shakes her head, “I’ll be fine.”
Elra asks Sister Silentstar, “Before you left, a mother was executed by the village. What was her crime?” Sister Silentstar says, “She had a baby after she was raped during a raid and would not allow them to murder it. They tolerated the child for years, then when…” Sister Silentstar looks at Sister Stoutstorm, “Did you say Sylnoa?”
Elra nods, “She is here, child, but I don’t want you getting anywhere near her. At least not until we’ve talked to her.” Sister Silentstar wipes some tears away, “Then she wasn’t murdered. Thank Veleris. But I don’t see what this has to do with a seraphin baby?” Kara says, “That was me.” Sister Silentstar drops to her knees before Kara, “How is this possible?”
Kara says, “I was taken by,,, well that doesn’t matter. The people that raised me were the most wonderful people in the world.” Sister Silentstar closes her eyes, “Then are you fortunate to have been taken? Silent Star knows nothing but hate. I would rather have been raised by Velocirra worshiping nightsylvan—the day after I heard that Sylnoa and her mother had been executed. I knew there had to be a better place. Then I heard about the Sisters, so I came here. Hoping one day to bring down the judgment of Veleris on them.” Kara gently touches Sister Silentstar’s cheeks, “Be careful of what you hope for. Sometimes judgment can be a two-edged sword.” Sister Silentstar looks at the holy symbol around Kara’s neck, “How can you say that do you not serve Veleris?” Kara nods, “I do. I also serve Elirae. I’ve been the target of Veleris’ judgment.” Sister Silentstar looks at Elra, confused. Elra looks at Kara, and Kara nods, “Dame Cinderblade, Kara, well, you know the foundations of the Sisters.”
Sister Silentstar nods, “Of course, Sister Stoutstorm.” Elra puts a hand on Kara’s back, “Our foundation has returned. She’s in front of you.” Sister Silentstar looks at Kara, then Sister Stoutstorm, then Sister Maen, confused, and then it hits her like a war maul. She tries prostrating herself, but Kara catches her under the arms, saying, “Don’t do that to me. I’m just like you, probably not as smart or wise.” Sister Silentstar looks at Sister Maen. She nods and gives that creepy smile. Elra says, “That knowledge doesn’t leave this room.” Sister Silentstar nods, “Of course. I must ask. How?” Kara says, “Right now, it doesn’t matter, but I promise to tell you the full story before I leave. But I see you and someone of incredible strength who was taught hate and saw the truth through it. My best friend is Silent Star. I’ve known others. I hope more will rise, and Silent Star will become a place of hope.”
Kara looks at Elra, “I’ll figure out a way to break this news to Sylnoa.” She looks at Sister Silentstar, “Would Sylnoa know you or recognize you?” Sister Silentstar shakes her head uncertainly, “I don’t know. I never tormented the poor girl. Sometimes, I sneaked away and left food at their door. I wish I had been brave enough then to stand up for them. That cowardice is almost as unforgivable as their vitriol.” Kara says, “No, it’s not. Sometimes, you must do what you need to do for you to survive and blend in. Whatever you feel your crime is, Elirae forgives you. Maybe others in Silent Star feel the same, so before you bring down the wrath of judgment on them all, think of that. Thank you, Sister Silentstar, and thank you, Elra. I realize what you have done here.” Elra looks up and whistles a tune, “Who, me, I did something.” Kara laughs, “I feel much better now.”
Sister Silentstar says, “There was another who hated their beliefs.” She looks at Kara, “You may want to brace yourself for this.” Kara looks at her, worried, but tries to mentally prepare for whatever is coming, “You had an older sister named Ravalee. When you disappeared, she was blamed, locked up, and they were going to execute her. Even your mother and father blamed her. It was frightening how fast they turned on her when it was suggested that she was responsible for your disappearance. I was able to unlock the pit, and she escaped. I’m sorry, I don’t know what happened after that. Hunting parties went after her. Given what I’ve just now heard, I hope she escaped.” Kara is so excited that she is glancing around the room at everything. Her mind is racing, “I have a sister. A real sister? Did you hear if they caught her? No, of course, you didn’t; you just said so.” Sister Silentstar looks at the floor, “They claimed to have found her and killed her. But they brought back no proof. Just like they claimed to have killed Sylnoa.” Kara falls back into the chair and sits there, staring at the wall, “I have a sister, a real sister. Her name is Ravalee. Do I have any other siblings?” Sister Silentstar shakes her head.
Aran lies on the steps looking at the sky, and a voice beside him makes him jump. “If Sister Stoutstorm catches you lying on the steps, she’ll have you running them until you puke.” Aran sets up and sees a halfling Sister sitting beside him; he never heard a sound until she spoke, “You shouldn’t sneak up on people like that.” She says, “I wasn’t trying. It’s not my fault you’re blind and deaf. You’re one of the ones we rode back with, right?” Aran says, “Yeah, I guess so.” She says, “I have so many questions. What’s your name? Where are you from? What do you do? How long have you been traveling? What are your friends’ names? What’s your horse’s name? How did your friend get a Nightmare?…”
Aran says, “Whoa, slow down.” She seems to shrink with an apologetic look. Aran says, “Oh gods, I’m sorry. It’s just a lot of questions. My name is Aranark, but you can call me Aran.” She’s suddenly in his face again. She grabs his hand and starts shaking hands with him, “Hello, Aran. I’m Sister Fastbrand, but you can call me Fasty. Don’t let Sister Stoutstorm hear you call me Fasty, though.” Aran says, “Hello, Fasty. I’m from a place called Nexus. Maybe you saw us a little while back. Nexus kind of shot across the sky.” Fasty’s eyes get very big, and she runs up and down several steps, several times, “That was you guys? How’d that happen? Why did that happen? Shit, I’m doing it again.”
Aran says, sit down and calm down. She says, “I am calm. You should see me when I’m excited.” Aran shakes his head, then recounts the story of falling from Nexus, the abominations, and their journey from Everwind and tells Fasty all their names. He can see a million more questions popping up in her head. But she seems to stop suddenly and looks at him, “Something is bothering you, isn’t it?” He looks at her, “Two times someone has died because I wasn’t fast enough, strong enough, or brave enough.” Fasty scoots over next to him, “Well, I’m fast, but I’m not strong, and I’m certainly not brave. I guess if we were all those things, no one would die. Tell me, the first time, what could you have done?” Aran shakes his head, “Probably nothing. Camiella, in her armor, weighed probably two or three times what I do.”
Fasty says, “So, she would have died, and you would have died. But instead, she died so you can live. It sounds like she made a noble sacrifice, earning herself a place among the gods. What about the second time?” Aran says, “I couldn’t stop that thing from killing Persi.” Fasty says, “Neither could I. I saw you go in. Three of my Sisters died with your friend, and he also cut through several Crownsguard as if they were nothing. Sister Stoutstorm says your friend Kara talked to the gods personally and freed their souls. None of us are fast, strong, and brave enough to do everything. That’s why we have friends. What’s the other thing bothering you?”
Aran looks at her for a while, “I don’t know why, but for some reason, I trust you. What you just said was the best thing anyone has ever said to me.” Aran looks down at the stone steps, tracing his finger along the chisel marks, “Kara and the others want me to sign a pact giving Kara my soul to protect it from the blade that thing uses. I, I don’t know. I’ve been owned before. I have no desire to be owned again.” Fasty says, “You were a slave. A lot of the Sisters were slaves. Some were better treated than others, but how good can you consider life if you have no control over whether you live or die?” Aran says, “Exactly.” Fasty says, “Have you read this contract?” Aran shakes his head. “Then how do you know what’s in it?” Aran shrugs, “I don’t, and I can’t read, so how would I know what’s in it?” Fasty says, “Ask one of your friends to read it to you.” Aran says, “I’m embarrassed to do that?” She says, “Okay, wait. You’ve been a slave, subject to gods knows what. You escaped. You fell from the sky, from another world. You trekked across the Empire. Helped save a hundred plus refugees, but you’re afraid to let your closest friends know you can’t read?” Aran stands up. Fasty stands. Aran picks her up and hugs her, “Gods Fasty, you’re a genius. I’ve got to go. I’ll see you around the temple, right? I’ll be at the training ground tomorrow, riding Trident.” Fasty says, “Go, I’ll see you around.” Aran sits her down and runs back inside. Fasty smiles as she fades away.
Aran slides to a stop outside the door. Just before he opens it, he sees Kara and Sister Maen approaching from one end of the hall and Ava and Sylnoa from the other. He stands there and waits for them. When they are close enough, Aran, Ava, Kara, and Sylnoa all say, “We need to talk.” Sister Maen says, “Boobyladash.” Everyone looks at her, and she says, “That’s what we say when more than one person says the same thing. Boobyladash. Now, everyone has to kiss before they say anything else.” Aran shakes his head and opens the door. Ava, Sylnoa, and Kara file past him, kissing his cheek as they enter. He’s so stunned he stands there momentarily before saying, “Let me say what I need to say first. Please?” Kara motions him into the room.
Aran says, “I talked to Sister Fastbrand, and she gave me some good advice. I still feel embarrassed to say this, but I can’t read it. Maybe someone will read the pact to me and explain it. I won’t promise anything, but maybe I’ll sign.” Ava picks up the pact and reads it aloud from beginning to end. When she finishes, Aran says, “So, I can end it anytime I want, as long as I do so of my own free will?” Ava nods, “You can’t be under any compulsion to do so. Kara can also end it if it’s of her own free will, and no one can force her to end it. Kara also can’t sell your soul or do anything with it. That would also break the pact.”
Aran slides his pact in front of Kara, “Is all this quill washing part of the ritual?” Kara shakes her head, “No, it’s just to ensure the quill is clean and no one else’s blood or anything is on it.” Kara signs, then Aran signs, and the contract fades. Aran says, “I don’t feel any different.” Sylnoa says, “Exactly.” Aran says, “One more question. If there is time, can someone teach me to read?” Kara says, “Of course. I wasn’t in charge of the school because I’m pretty.” Sister Maen says, “We don’t have a Sister Fastbrand.”
Aran says, “Fasty.” Sister Maen shakes her head. Aran says, “She's a halfling. She talks fast, and she can’t stay still.” Sister Maen shakes her head, “I know every Sister.” Aran asks, “Then who was I talking to?” He looks at Sylnoa, “You can check my memories.” Sylnoa says, “Just think about the conversation.” She takes his hands while Aran thinks, “There’s nothing there.” Aran says, “What do you mean, nothing? I talked to her.” Sylnoa says, “I mean nothing, don’t mean something other than that. I mean nothing. There is a blank there.” Kara sits on a bed and smiles. Aran looks at Kara, “You know something.” Kara shakes her head, “Sylnoa, I’m thinking of my conversation with Leo. Can you see it?” Sylnoa sits down and takes Kara’s hands, “It’s blank too, nothing.” Kara says, “When a god speaks to you, they usually don’t want others prying their way in to see it.” Aran shakes his head, “No, she was full of great advice though.” Kara looks at Ava and Sylnoa, “What did you two want to say?” Ava shakes her head, “No, you first.” Kara doesn’t release Sylnoa’s hands.