And when Joden spoke of wyverns, they filled the air, black darts against a blue sky, tall mountains behind. He blinked, hesitated, as mounted warriors on winged horses fought back.
“And then?” Uppor asked.
Joden glanced away, to find the picture changed to a large tent alone on the Plains. “I met the Ancients,” he continued. “And they spoke of taking the old paths to becoming a Singer.” Joden sat for a moment, watching himself go through the rites, only to collapse at Essa’s feet. “I took the old paths.” He repeated as memory flooded back.
“Ah,” Uppor added wood to the sullen coals in the brazier. “A Warprize,” he said, shaking his head. “Last time, that did not end well.”
“Lara is a true Warprize,” Joden said hotly.
Uppor raised a hand. “I am sure she and Keir have the best of intentions,” he said. “But trust me when I say that those do not always lead to the best of consequences.” Uppor snorted a laugh. “And the Ancients. Did those little dried turds tell you the consequences of your path?”
“Yes,” Joden said. “But—”
“Not in any detail,” Uppor finished for him. He reached out with his dagger, adjusting the wood, stirring the coals.
“No,” Joden admitted. “But they offered knowledge.”
“Of course they did,” Uppor growled. “As they have so often in the—”
Stalking Cat laid a hand on Uppor’s arm to stop his words, and shook his head.
Uppor heaved a sigh. “I am reminded of the last time I raised my hand to interfere. It too did not end well.”
The flames in the brazier were leaping up now, the heat pounding Joden’s face.
“Did they at least speak of sacrifice to you, Joden?” Uppor asked.
“They did,” Joden said. “And I am willing to make a sacrifice, if it aids the Plains.”
“Willing sacrifice, willingly made.” Uppor said. “Why?”
“Why?” Joden said. “To offer my knowledge to the people, to aid those that would lead them.”
Twisting Winds held moist clay in his hands, working it as he listened. Joden watched as he formed a small bowl, and then set it in the flames to harden.
“Why?” Uppor asked again, as the bowl changed colors in the flame.
Joden frowned. “Because change must come; because our ways will no longer sustain us.”
Summer Sky took the clay bowl from the flames, and poured water into it. Clear and cold the water flowed into the bowl, lapping at the sides.
“Why?” Uppor asked again, as the water splashed within.
“I would see our people flourish,” Joden said.
Stalking Cat produced a sheaf of stargrass and threw it on the fire. Sweet smoke started to rise.
Uppor took a deep breath of the sweet smoke, and Joden followed his example. Only to find the man looking at him with knowing eyes. “Why?”
“Because I want the truth,” Joden snapped. “Because truths have been withheld, hidden from all. I want to know what was, and how this came to be. And how we change without changing.”
Uppor laughed out loud, and glowed gold within the smoke. “Change without changing,” he chortled. “If only it were so.”
The smoke filled the lodge now, puffing from the brazier. Joden could only see Uppor seated beside him, his palms up lifted, glowing brightly.
“We wish you well on your path, Seer,” Uppor’s voice echoed. “May the fire warm you. May the earth support you. May the water sustain you. May the winds take you where they will.” The smoke continued to build as did the sound of the storm.
Out of the smoke, Uppor leaned in closer, his dark eyes intent. He dropped his voice to a whisper. “Tell the Guardian I wait for her.” He pulled back, and disappeared into the clouds of smoke.
