Rigg got the idea that they didn’t talk about Onishtu all that often—but it was a story so central to their lives these days that even after fifteen years, it was an open wound, and the arrival of a stranger meant that the tale had to be told, in all its details, from every angle.

When Rigg and Ram Odin were alone in the haybarn where they would spend the night, Ram Odin preempted any discussion by saying, “You’re not the finder of lost things here.”

“I’m the only person who can solve this mystery.”

“It’s not a mystery, it’s a tragedy.”

“It’s a tragedy that they can’t find the answer to the mystery.”

“It’s a tragedy that a beloved child was lost. It’s become a part of how they define themselves—we’re the people that someone envied so much that they did this to us. They’re actually quite proud of it. It sets them apart.”

“I think they’d rather have the girl back.”

“Would they?” asked Ram Odin. “Are you sure?”

“Do you think that if I asked them, any of them would say no?”

“Do you think that just because that’s what they say they want, what they believe they want, it must be what they really want?”

“Why do you have to fight me on something so obvious?” asked Rigg. “Aren’t you glad I went back and prevented your killing?”

“It’s precisely because you have that experience that I’m afraid your do-good soul will triumph over your see-ahead brain, which teaches you caution.”

“I’ll be cautious.”

“Meaning what? The way you were cautious in Ramfold? Constantly fiddling with the past, having no idea what the consequences might be?”

“Everything turned out fine.”

“As far as we know. So far.”

“That goes without saying. The Umbo that warned us of future danger always disappeared when we took his advice and did a different thing.”

“Yes,” said Ram Odin. “I’ll keep that in mind. Just promise me something—and not an idle promise, not an ‘agree so he’ll stop talking’ promise.”

“What’s the promise?”

“That you won’t go back into the past and change things without talking to me first. No, talking to me and listening to what I say.”

“I’ve never had to consult you on these things and I’ve done well enough.”

“Yes, you have,” said Ram Odin. “And I admire your self-restraint—that you’ve never used your ability to rule over other people, or for vengeance. Mostly it’s been to help you accomplish a good and honorable task. But promise me all the same.”

“Yes,” said Rigg. “I promise. It won’t hurt—I always have time to talk things through before I act.”

“Then play this out and see what you find,” said Ram Odin. “I’m curious, too.”