Dresil"s departure left a big void in Deirane"s life. She had gotten used to his daily visits. And the knowledge that he would come back one day, even if only to sell his produce, didn’t give her much relief. She took Hester"s crib and went up to her room. When Saalyn, worried that she hadn’t come to class, came to check on her, she found her asleep with her son by her side.
The warrior shook the young girl"s shoulder to wake her up.
“You didn"t come," she said simply.
Deirane rubbed her eyes.
“I didn"t feel like working," she replied, "I"m tired.”
Saalyn looked at her for a long time. Then she sat down beside her.
“What"s wrong?”
“Nothing, everything is fine.”
The answer left the Stoltzin doubtful. She thought long and hard about the answer she was going to give.
“I’ve been a fre
