FOURTEEN
Misdirection
Almost three cycles had passed since the Sky-Skitter’s arrival. Since then, she had used the time to process her grief, moreover, the range of emotions that had assaulted her in the wake of the news. She was heartbroken, after learning of her brother’s release. For a time, she had been completely inconsolable, but her sorrow had since evolved into sadness and depression, followed by anger and hatred. Only now was she able to think more clearly, having endured the worst of it. Alone, in her room, she pulled the message scroll out and read the words once more.
‘Keshar, I hope you receive this message, and that you are keeping well. I write to you because something awful has happened. Your brother, Riknar, was found released, down by the river. A rogue shaper, Krashna
