The Sword of Myn': IX: Dust to Dust

Photo by Daivik Goel on Unsplash

There were a few seconds of silence, and then Bran’s voice came over the player, as clear as though he were standing beside the bed, speaking to Earthiana.

Eya curled up on the bed once more, hugging her pillow to fill her empty arms, and looked at the photo of her family which she had placed on the covers, leaning against the headboard.

“I’m documenting this search for a shard of the Angelin crystal for future reference,” Bran began.

That, because he was always so methodically on point and well-researched, Eya noted.

“The reason for my beginning interest is—” he hesitated, and his voice came back, cautiously, “—there are deeper reasons than this. However, my friend Procyon has contracted Star-Sickness as of twenty-four hours ago. Procyon had recently become a skilled warrior and was being accepted by Vestar at an early age.”

The tape skipped for a few beats, as Bran must have paused the recording.

“I realize the great weights which could be set swinging at my decision,” he resumed gravely. “It could bring great danger to many, but I feel compelled to do what I can to save Procyon, who saved me once before, and in the future this may help to end the plague.”

There was a rap on the door, not in the recording, as Eya first thought, but on her cabin door. It slid open with little more warning, revealing Mira.