As we arrived at some small lowset buildings, most of the inhabitants dived under the eaves. I wondered why until a face full of salt water assaulted me. Judging by the misty spray pouring from all sides of the structure and the relief on their faces, they needed to stay wet.
Whilst I enjoyed my observations, documenting as much information as I could, most of my attention was focused on Talina. I was afraid to lose sight of her. I probably didn’t have to worry, though. In between glancing at Ladre, she would often catch my eye, as if she was keeping tabs on me too.
Everyone turned as Ladre moved onto the first step of the building.
He cleared his throat, and all noise ceased. “We are still going in to have a council meeting. We must discuss other options now for the destruction and theft off the Sacred Isle, if it’s not connected to these foreigners.”
Pink faces shone with respect as they faced him.
With one last smile at his people, he turned and stepped inside.
Gladriel climbed onto the top step. “Raror, you must stay and mind your ... new friends. Do not let them wander; they are not welcome on this isle.” With a toss of her head that made her emerald hair shimmer, she entered the building.
Small groups broke away from their clans to follow them into the structure. And just like that we were no longer prisoners or suspects, which was suspiciously trusting of them.
“Well, she’s a pleasant piece of work, isn’t she?” Lucy’s eyes crinkled in annoyance as she glared after Gladriel.
“Yes, I am very sorry; my mother is not the most even-tempered Spurn. She doesn’t like strangers, and unfortunately many of the collective reflect her attitude.”
We spun around to face the half-Walker. Talina had wasted no time approaching us, stopping a few feet away on the sand. Her voice was soft and gentle, without the lisp.
“So what are you really doing on Spurn?” she continued, her question more prying than her soft manner of speaking indicated.
“Well, there’s a high possibility that we’re actually looking for you,” I replied. I was on a deadline, no time to pretend otherwise. “We need to tell you about your father and explain a rather crazy situation.”
Her eyes widened. I could tell my words had shocked her. But I had her interest and complete attention. And also Raror’s, who was at her side in an instant.
“Talli, there is no need for you to speak about this. I promised you I would look after them until they could leave. Let’s not stir anything up.” He had to look up to meet her eyes.
It was hard to distinguish expressions on his hairless features, but I guessed he was pleading with her.
She laid one of her pale hands on his arm, her fingers lacking the obvious membranes that I could see between each of Raror’s digits.
“Raror, I have suffered my entire life for weaknesses that are not my fault. If it wasn’t for your protection, I have no doubt my half-status on Spurn would have resulted in my death.”
I doubted that. Walkers were hard to kill. But, who knew? Judging by what I’d seen of Gladriel, she was a woman who would definitely eat her young.
Talina must have noticed my expression. “On Spurn, it is survival to the extremes. My mother would have been the one to kill me if it wasn’t for the strength of Raror.”
She had just taken a reasonably accurate guess at my thoughts ... unless.
“Can you read my mind?”
I had to constantly remind myself that people on worlds other than Earth had this ability. Josian had worked with me to develop a strong shield of protection, but maybe they could circumvent that here.
She shook her head, the breeze lifting the flowing emerald locks. Her hair was amazing; it almost appeared to be moving with a life of its own.
“I have not attempted to. That would be unforgivably rude. If you are worried, do not be afraid. Whenever I have brushed your mind, I have felt a strong barrier. In fact, all of you appear to be well protected.”
I glanced at Lucy. She remained a puzzle. No one had figured out why her thoughts were safe. Being from Earth, and without active energy, she should have no shields.
Talina continued to stand before us in a meek and timid manner, as if she expected us to start yelling at her. I hated to see anyone so downtrodden; it was as if she’d been kicked every day. Shifting my heavy mass of salt-ridden curls, I tried to think of something to say that might make her feel better. I remembered her words to Raror earlier.
“You know, Talina, I think the rest of Spurn has it the wrong way around.”
She frowned, the confusion evident on her face.
“You aren’t the one with weaknesses; it’s them. They just haven’t realized it yet.”
“What exactly does that mean?” a blue-hair who had been lingering nearby lisped at us.
“Well,” I drawled in annoyance, fixing the interrupter with my famous glare. “Where should I begin? From my very short observation, all of you seem to linger under these ocean-mist things, and yet I see that Talina remains here and is looking remarkably dry.”