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Back Bleak Seasons Save as PDF
Chapters (102)
  1. Title page
  2. 2
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There would be a reason. The Speaker would do nothing without consideration. I just did not grasp his view of the world.

The longer I stared at the flood the more questions I came up with that needed answers soon. Most critical? How high would the water rise? How long would it take to do so? The rate of rise would slow down substantially as each vertical foot required more water volume because of the fall back of the hills, evaporation from the larger surface area, and absorption by more covered soil.

I told Goblin and One-Eye, Dig up every educated man in town and give him to the brothers. I thought about building boats and heightening towers and securing stores. I thought about our vast and wonderful warrens and the likelihood that thousands of manhours would go for naught. I thought about how we would have to prepare ourselves mentally for lots worse if we were going to survive. I thought about Ky Dam and his talk of hard times to come.

Thai Dei stepped over when nobody else was near. Grandfather would speak with you. Soon, if possible. His manners were impeccable. He did not call me Stone Soldier even once.

The old man must want something badly. As you wish. I noticed the outsider Sindhu on the battlements off toward the Western gate. I could feel him watching me. One-Eye.

What?

You dont need to bark. If you want to bark Ill see if I cant have the Shadowmaster turn you into a dog.

One-Eye was startled. Huh?

You guys keeping an eye on our guest?

Geek and Freak are taking turns. He aint done much yet. Wandered around town. Talked to people. Tried visiting with the Taglians, here and over with Mogaba. Ours wouldnt have anything to do with him. The al-Khul Company ran him off with their swords drawn.

Would anybody talk about him?

One-Eye shook his head. Its the same old shit. Maybe even worse. You better make it clear him being here wasnt your idea.

Thai Dei, listening, murmured something that sounded cabalistic. He followed with a gesture resembling that meant to avert the evil eye.

Hey, One-Eye said. Something can bother these guys after all.

Im going to go listen to their boss talk. Youre in charge, but only because everybody else around here is less trustworthy than you.

Thanks a shitload, Kid. You make a guy feel like hes on top of the world.

Try to have something left when I get back.

48

48

The vertigo hit me in the same alleyway as before just yesterday? I remembered it as the darkness closed in. This was more of a sneaking, gentle, enveloping blackness than the thunderbolts that got me before.

My thoughts scrambled but I did recall several minimal episodes since the big blackout, just moments when I was out of my head and I came back as soon as somebody said something.