The preparations for Ben and the others to leave were well underway, but Ben was restless and anxious. Something was teasing at him. There was something at the edges of his comprehension, something in the dark outside his full awareness, eluding him, mocking him. It made him doubt his ability to lead the search.
Isika, always the most connected to his moods, noticed and called him out during one of their meetings.
"Ben," she said. "I can"t help feeling you"re holding something back."
Aria nodded, sitting forward in her chair. Ben"s sisters were alike, but also different. Isika had the stronger features. Wide-set eyes, high cheekbones, dark skin like fresh earth in a newly plowed field, a strong jawline. She was queenly, strong, fierce. Aria was more delicate, like their mother, with a
