>>6111368The words hit you with the strength of a mallet. Yet you do not recoil, even if you can feel your eyes widen in shock. <span class="mu-i">Willow Stark</span>.
That is no Maduan name. It is not Kiengir, either. It sounds completely different from every language or dialect you are familiar with. It may come from the other side of the world, or…
No, wait. Wait, wait, wait. The tassels set themselves in your head, creating a complete pattern, while Salicera — Willow! — keeps staring at you, her breath ragged, her hands in a vice gripe.
Her use of strange words and expressions.
How she described wild things and experiences.
Her incredible skills.
The Blessed Blind’s suspicion…
It has to be true.
Salicera — Willow — chuckles drily as she spots your mind connecting the dots.
It’s not the other side of the world.
It’s <span class="mu-i">another</span> world.
Like Saint Kishirra's friend... companion.
“I knew you would get it right away. You don’t have book smarts, but for this sort of thing? Whip-sharp.”
“You are a <span class="mu-i">Strander.</span>”
[cont.]
