The Lonely Star -- Chapter 4

[mark12_30]

Phura washed Gamba's back several times, sending Kesha down for fresh water. Azraph and Esta kept the water as warm as Gamba could bear, and kept the two shirts rinsed clean, and then the boys-- all having had baths today, Phura thought with relief-- all clustered round him, and Phura too; and Loremaster's long robe went over all, and together they kept him warm.
Asraph and Esta sang them all to sleep, and then Loremaster walked them back to their families. He brought Esta home first, and checked on Tuka, who was back, weary but bearing only a few light welts which he shrugged about. His skin was not broken. Loremaster thanked him, and Tuka got some sleep, knowing he had a full day at the graveyard tomorrow.

Loremaster the returned Azraph to her family, and gently drew her father aside. They spoke softly for almost an hour.

Azraph's sister, Nitir, did not fail to notice. But Nitir also saw the very somber look on her father's face, and wondered if something was wrong. She did not tease Azraph nearly as much as Azraph expected her to, afterwards.

In the morning, they woke Gamba early, and washed his back again, and Loremaster gave him one of his own shirts to wear over his shredded one. It was then that Gamba commented on Phura's robe. Phura looked at Loremaster, who nodded.

"I'm far too young, " Phura objected.

"I don't think so, " Loremaster replied. And that was the end of that discussion. Gamba went to the Locks that day and learned the simple few duties expected there, and rested in between.

[ October 15, 2002: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]