Chala's song faded. The last of the music haunted them. It feels like truth, she read from their minds, but it's too fantastic to believe.
"If it's true, how did the story get back to the Krindarwee?" Delia asked, still awed.
The woman's question was one she wished she could have asked, were she not so confused. She studied the border again, and found, in one small corner, a tiny lizard.
"Here," she said, showing them. "This was the witness." What amazed her was that the weavers of this tapestry knew that not all of the people—Vashen, came a whisper of thought—became Krindarwee.
We rarely speak of them. Even when this tapestry is rewoven and Sung, the Singers often gloss over this part, because we all know that our original people, whom we call the Vashen, hold us in contempt for betraying ourselves by taking on the forms of our enemies.
Who are you?
But the mind-spoken voice did not answer.
"Children's stories," another woman said, but not in ridicule. She, too, sounded amazed. "How fascinating. I didn't know the Krindarwee wrote literature of any kind. I have many tapestries. Do you think you could read them, I mean, sing them that way? I've never felt a story before. You are very Talented, Chala."
Shaken, Chala wobbled slightly. She gave a wan smile. "I think it took a lot out of me."
S'ar knew immediately what was wrong. "Let's find a table." Servants began bringing out large silver platters piled with finger food that they placed on a long lace-covered table.
"Ladies, if you will, please take your seats. As we are being served, musicians will begin their entertainment. Those who wish, may dance to the music, and there are game tables scattered about the room."
Chatting, the women found their seats. S'ar ushered her three friends to a small table in one corner.
"You're going to need to see Zilla soon," she whispered. You just gave evidence you're coming into your Time of Crisis.
"I'm supposed to see my grandfather..."
Not here, she said to Chala in mind speech. She smiled at Delia and Presca. "I was hoping we could settle in this corner table where we'll have a chance of being ignored."
"Sounds good," Presca said. "That was amazing, Chala."
Chala sat with the three women at the small corner table. "I hadn't intended to do that."
YOU ARE READING
Counterweave
Science FictionThe Xantis Tey consider themselves superior to all races the Intergalactic Empire. They have a proven system that takes Outsiders - those not Xantis Tey - and Absorbs them into their culture, willing or not. Their system even changes the way their s...
