Megan called a halt as soon as they were under cover. She noticed Gabrielle staring up at the trees immense canopy, her eyes roving up the length of the massive trunk to its apex. If this girls life had been as sheltered as she suspected, it was entirely possible she had never before seen one close up.

They sat wherever they comfortably could amongst the roots, taking the weight off their legs with joint groans of satisfaction. Gabrielle pulled Bash down into a sitting position beside her, then leaned back and closed her eyes, for long enough that Megan thought she must have fallen asleep. But then finally Gabrielle lifted her head once more, and looked in her direction.

Tell me, said Megan, exactly how Bash communicated with you, back in those caves.

Gabrielle shrugged. Its like I told you. I heard his voice inside my head.

Megan frowned. Thats what doesnt make sense. Why could he communicate mind-to-mind with you, while I couldnt?

I had wondered about that, Gabrielle admitted.

Did he say anything else? she asked. Apart from telling you to find me, that is?

She nodded. He said hes been fighting some kind of war.

Megan stared at her. A war?

It didnt make any sense to me either. He talked about something called a wanderer. He said it was hiding something.

Megan felt the breath catch in her throat. She forgot about her exhaustion, the pain in her feet and the throbbing in her bandaged shoulder. She looked over at Bash poor, sightless Bash and felt a shiver of awe mixed with fear.

Anything else? she asked.

He said something about being lost for a very long time, and that he could only stay for a while. Gabrielle shook her head. I cant even begin to tell you what he might have meant.

Megan felt her cheeks growing moist, and wiped the tears away before they could freeze solid on her skin.

Does any of this mean anything to you? asked Gabrielle.

I feel crazy for saying it but, yes, it does. Megan scratched at the dirt with one boot, waggling and stretching her toes until the pain felt slightly duller. The fit of her breather mask was not quite perfect, and it had chafed her skin as they walked away from the lake. She drew in a breath, then lifted the mask from her face for a moment, sliding her hand under and scratching at her cheek for one long, luxurious moment before dropping it back into place.

I already know who you are, she said to Gabrielle. But I think its time you know who I am.

The girl regarded her uncertainly, as the wind rustled the feathered canopy overhead. I had wondered, obviously.

I was the Speaker-Elect before you, Gabrielle.

Gabrielle stared at her uncomprehendingly. I . . . I was about to say thats impossible, but for some reason I believe you. She laughed nervously. I dont know why I do, but I do.

Why?