The Wicked Heroine
Page 86
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The next day, Geret visited Sanych at the library for a few minutes and apologized. “Salvor’s behavior was based on a misunderstanding between him and me. I’m sorry he hurt you.” She thanked him stiffly, and he headed back down to the docks.
His next visit, several days later, went more smoothly. He coaxed her into detailing her work on the large map she had tacked onto a wooden wall, and she gave him an hour’s worth of details.
“What do you think,” he asked, watching her face, “about staying in Salience until you’re ready to hunt for Meena?”
Sanych paused in mid-gesture. “By myself?” She blinked in thought. “I would love to. I’ve gotten to know several of the Citizens here; I’m sure they’d–”
“No, there’s no way I’m leaving you by yourself. We’ll all stay. Well, Runcan will still sail home. But Gryme’s willing to stick with us: some Jualan honor code thing.”
“I thought you didn’t believe Meena lived through the attack,” Sanych said, frowning.
Geret sighed and met her eyes. “I don’t. But…maybe it’s enough for me that you do. Who knows the Shanallar better than you–oof!”
Sanych slammed into Geret and squeezed him tight. “Thank you,” she whispered.
Geret put his arms around her small frame. “You’re welcome,” he said, smiling.
“Even the Silver Hands haven’t been able to learn anything,” she murmured, drawing back from him. “Their sensors and telepaths just can’t reach far enough from Salience to find her. But I know she’s out there. I feel it,” she said, tapping her chest.
Geret nodded, seeing the belief radiating from her eyes. “How can I help?”