So, Tarlain was on his way here. That much was good. He scanned the camp, at the same time still looking for any sign of Men Darnak. The old man had shown little improvement, and the burden of that knowledge stayed with Sandon constantly. The Atavist party had drawn up together to one side. They were in the process of tethering their animals and lining up the wagons, but still no sign of the Principal. In the old man's current state, that was not good. The old man had already said he would not see any of his children, particularly not Tarlain. In one of his more lucid moments, he'd even said that he was ashamed of what he was, of what he'd done. Sandon rubbed the back of his neck and grimaced. Somehow, some way, he held a certain responsibility. If he'd not been so quick to follow what he believed was his duty to the old man, things might have turned out very differently. And now? Leannis Men Darnak needed his youngest son. He had nothing else to hold on to. Not even the fragile shards of his own mind.
Sandon looked back up at the Atavist grouping. They'd swelled in numbers since the time he'd been with them. There seemed to be almost twice the amount of wagons, all lined up in their brightly painted but simple hues. Already their encampment was starting to look well established. Tables set up, beasts tethered in even lines, the children doing what the Atavist children did, there was little to say that this was not their natural place. He paused, but knew within that he had no choice; he had to go and see them.
It was months ago now that he'd spent the time among these people. So much had happened in between, and yet there was something here, something that touched him with a feeling of comfort. One or two of the Atavists passed him and gave the characteristic brief nod of recognition. Sandon almost smiled at that. It was strange, that they could be so passive, and yet at the same time, he knew they were here to fight, to take up arms against the Guildsmen. Somewhere, he'd have to find the reference in The Book of Words that allowed them to do this. But that was later. He noticed Witness Kovaar scurrying away from the opposite end of the camp. Whatever he'd been up to, it would lead to no good. There were more pressing things to attend to now.
He paused in front of a passing Atavist, and without waiting for the man to stop, he asked. "I am seeking Alise. Do you know where she is?"
The Atavist paused, looking confused for a moment, and then tilted his head to one side. "Alise?"
"Yes, Alise. The healer. Do you know her?"
The Atavist shook his head and pursed his lips. "I know no Alise," he said. "If you seek a healer, go to the blue-painted wagon fourth from the end. You will find one there."
"Thank you," said Sandon, and the Atavist went on about his business, but not before giving Sandon a slightly puzzled look.
Peering along the line of wagons, Sandon located the one the man had indicated. It was his turn to frown. Perhaps all healer's wagons looked the same. He stood at the back steps, hesitating. What if it wasn't the one he was looking for? Then he would ask his questions and leave.
"Sandon!"
Alise's face was poking out of the back of the wagon, beaming down at him.
Sandon quickly glanced around, but there was no one nearby to overhear. "Hello, Alise," he said. "And remember, it's Tchardo."
She looked troubled for an instant, and then the look was quickly replaced by a smile. "Yes, of course. Tchardo. It's good to see you again. Have you changed your mind and come to join us?"
"No," he said, slowly. "But it's good to see you too. I was hoping you'd be here."
"And so the Prophet Wills," she said, stepping out of the wagon and climbing down to sit on the bottom step. She looked at him carefully. "You have lost weight," she said. "And your beard is longer."
Sandon smiled. "And you look just the same," he said. "There is nothing that should change."
She looked down, a slight flush coloring her cheeks.
"So, what has been happening to you? Tell me about it," she continued, quickly changing the subject.
"Can I join you?" he asked. She nodded and he sat on the step next to her.
