She spoke of the Alcherans with pride, as if wanting to explain why they were withdrawn. “We’re survivors first. We don’t complain.”
“How do they feel about me?”
“They talk about you, but they won’t do anything to you, even though there has been some recent violence. You saw an example of it down in the lake. They’re used to strangers from different parts of the world, even possible resurrections. Still, they connect you to Sabal, meaning you’re an off-world latecomer.”
Though the people didn’t stare at him, when Ranglen caught a look it was penetrating and suspicious. “Does that bother them?” he asked.
“Normally, it wouldn’t. But they’re scared now. They’re not prepared for the people being killed and maybe not returning.”
“But are you certain people came back before?”
She admitted
