Suvi smiled and patted his shoulder. “You are welcome at Carina, my friend. Your Soli is not important here.”
The old woman frowned and launched into another tirade. “Well, where I came from, in Ruvers Vilaag, we was all Birdlings, good and proper. No one associated with...”
Suvi cleared her throat and spoke gently. “That was the way, Goodwife Teggr, but here at Carina we have a different arrangement. Everyone, regardless of Soli, lives and works together. Spear and Dog, Rose and Star.” Goodwife Teggr opened her mouth to argue but Suvi said firmly, “Even Snake and Birdling. You were told as much when you came here two months ago, begging for shelter.”
She turned back to the boy. “What is your name?”
“Calaan.”
“Well, Calaan. This is Goodwife Teggr. Please offer your hand to her.”
He l
