“No one will lead you or search for you when you’re lost.”

    “Look,” said Hut, nodding toward Talli.

    The old magician knelt next to her. Stirring, she was shifting in position and seemed to be struggling. Speckarin and Hut stayed by her side, speaking quiet words, telling her she was safe, their happiness at seeing her come to life tempered by their anxiety about Diliani.

    After a long period of restlessness Talli became still, then slowly opened her eyes, blinked, and glanced about as if trying to see where she was. Her gaze falling upon Speckarin, she reached out and touched his sleeve, then put her hand to her right eye and massaged it gently. With vacant eyes staring ahead,...

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