by Linda Palmer
****
Tuesday morning at eight, I stepped out of Goodpringle's and stretched blissfully in the sunlight. Though I hadn't gotten nearly enough sleep, tea and some talapanis fruit had done the trick. I felt renewed, ready to face the world.
Matt appeared at my side. "Walk with me?"
"Sure."
We headed down the steps and across the busy square.
He caught my hand in his. Our fingers laced together. "I just talked to Cadrow. He told me that the Sairons could remove all the Nodyrans' knowledge of Balmythra and the Umbrae by performing `mind manipulation.' Sounds a little wack to me, but they've got to do something." He grinned. "Can you imagine what would happen if that many people claimed they'd visited another world and seen a dragon?"
I had to laugh.
"Cadrow also said he sent a group of Sairons and Ionians to Vannarius. Apparently your nexus kicked the Umbrae out of everyone, everywhere at the same time. So it's all good there, if a little crazy. Of course, there's some rebuilding to do."
"I know."
"And finally, the Sairons have already started the process of mentally deconstructing all the weapons, vehicles, and other `abominations of war,' as Cadrow calls them. Apparently, they'll disappear into the very essence of Balmythra."
"Good."
Matt stopped and rounded on me. "You didn't know all this already, did you? I mean, using your mind and all?"
I shook my head. "No. I figured the grown-ups could handle all that without me, and I have other things to think about at the moment."
"Your special powers?"
I sighed. "Matt, you know me better than anyone. Am I Supergirl?"
"Yeah, you're a super girl."
"Thanks, but that's not what I asked, and you know it."
Matt hesitated. "No, you're not Supergirl, but you can do some pretty mysterious things."
I blew that off. "Nothing as mysterious as floating in midair and delivering cryptic messages."
"Are you thinking about that Taurelle dude?"
"Right in one."
"You were so serene, Alli, but now you're frowning."
I turned at the sound of my father's voice and slipped into his open arms for a morning hug. Even after an amazing reunion with him last night, I had trouble believing he was actually there. "Hey, Dad."
"Dad?" He grinned.
"That's Nodyran for father."
My father's laugh told me he already knew that. That made me laugh, too, and all my worries about Taurelle and my mom melted away for the moment. I felt almost as light as a teenage girl should, something I credited to Dad's strong presence and Tirafalen's constant reassurances.
"And that is as it should be." Dad had clearly picked up on my thoughts. He nodded a belated and very cordial greeting to Matt, who he'd met only briefly last night, before glancing back at me with a proud smile. "My little Guardian."
