“Are you?” Ana asked again. “These ‘experiments’ Karl says you’re doing, attempting to recreate what Mahri could do…” She shook her head. “I worry about you, Varina. So does Karl.”

“So does Karl…” She wished she could believe those words. “I’m fine,” she repeated.

“I could use the Ilmodo if you’d like-it might help. If you’re in pain.”

“You’d disobey the Divolonte and heal me? An unbeliever? Archigos!” Varina smiled at Ana, who laughed in return.

“I can trust you to keep my secrets,” Ana said. “And the offer stands, if you ever feel the need.”

“Thank you, Archigos. I’ll keep that in mind.” She nodded her head toward the silent, battling Moitidi. “I should catch up with Karl.”

“Yes, you should.” Ana started to give the sign of Cenzi to Varina, then stopped herself. “I could tell him,” she said.

“Archigos?”

“I have eyes. When I see you with him…”

Varina laughed. “You’re the only one he sees, Archigos.”

“And I’m bound to Cenzi,” Ana said. “No one else. I’m not destined for that kind of relationship in this life. I’ve told him that. I treasure his friendship and all he’s done for me and Nessantico. I love Karl dearly, more than I ever loved anyone else. But what he wants…” Her head moved slowly from side to side as her lips pressed together. “You should tell him how you feel.”

“If I need to tell him, then it’s obvious that the feeling isn’t shared,” Varina answered. She managed to force her lips into an upward curve. “And I’m bound to my work, as you’re bound to Cenzi.”

Ana stepped forward and gave Varina a quick hug. “Then Karl’s a fool, for not seeing how alike we are.”

Audric ca’Dakwi

Even a Kraljiki could not avoid his lessons, nor the examinations designed to scrape away whatever essence of knowledge clung to the inside of his skull.