Conerica River

morning

Thilo came to talk to me just now, before the caravan started moving this morning.

“There’s a couple things you should know about Saringallow,” he said in Sylvan. “It concerns the bird.”

The original name of the town, he explained, was Sarini’s Hollow, named after House Sarini of Cheliax, which established a small estate there. The town grew around the estate, as towns do when there’s a steady supply of work and money. Then the Sarini’s started dabbling in witchcraft, and because Cheliax is Cheliax, they turned their craft inward. Then they preyed on their own town to feed it.

When the townsfolk caught on, there was a huge uprising, and all the Sarinis were hanged. “Sarini’s Hollow” became “Sarini Gallows”, and in time it was shortened to the cheery name we know and love today.

“And what’s this got to do with me? Or Iskaryn?” I asked. I mean, it was everything I hated about Isger all in one tidy, horrible package, but so what? Lots of places had dark histories.

“It’s an insular place. They aren’t real warm to travelers, see. You’ll be welcome as long as you are spending your money, but not a moment longer. And, because of their history, unless you’re a priest of a respectable faith, open displays of magic don’t sit well with them.” He hesitated. “And that’s, uh, where the bird comes in.” His tone went dour there. He didn’t say, especially with her attitude, but he didn’t have to. The message was received. Iskaryn literally ruffled her feathers at that, but said nothing.

So that’s just great.

Iskaryn has been a lot of things. She has been my conscience, my shield, and my anchor. She’s stopped me from falling into old habits. She’s pushed, if sometimes dragged me forward, when I just couldn’t summon the will. And Magdh knows she’s been stubborn, irreverent, and infuriating.

But she has never been a liability.

He must have seen something in my face, as he softened his normally gruff manner. “You don’t have to do anything drastic. Just keep it subtle.” He gave Iskaryn a pointed look. “And act like a bird.”

To me, he said, “I’m telling you this because she’s done well by us. By me. She’s spotted trouble a couple of times, and because she can talk, we dealt with it before getting close. So I’m returning the favor.”

“Thanks, Thilo. I appreciate the warning. We’ll figure it out, I guess.”

I hope that is true.