Page 8 (1/2)

Jano went translucent right before the gelding’s broad chest would have hit his face, and stood there sh hi to turn around and tel hiht of his childish tricks; but before she could start, he was on the horse behind her, squeezing her forward in the saddle with his arms around her waist

Cal ie stif ened Hehimself onto the horse as she went by; another move only for those who had no life to lose "Get of !"

"Calhtened "This isn’t so bad, is it?"

Back when she had first arrived in Ghostland--after the first wave of shock had passed, but before the desperation and fear had begun to recede--Cal ie had developed an infatuation with Jano She had known he was dead, which doubtless would have horrified Darri--she had horrified herself--but she had been so alone

The castle had seey dark prison fil ed with shadowy people and expressions of scorn, and Jano hadfun of it

The infatuation was long gone; it was quite ridiculous now that she had grown older than him He barely reached her shoulder But Jano, curse hi her about it The only defense was to ignore him until he moved on to other pursuits

But Cal ie wasn’t in her most patient mood, so she jabbed backith her elbow as hard as she could

He faded, of course, and laughed as she struggled to regain her seat She reined in her horse and twisted around to look at him

"Why," she asked, "did you have a silver knife?"

He went solid again, his ar into her sides "They’re pret ier"

"They’re il egal And dangerous for a ghost to carry And you didn’t need one forit"

"By whoht to her next question "Who is the Defender?"

His eyes widened "How did you--oh Graveyards Clarisse"

"Who is he?"

Jano swung one leg over the back of the saddle and slid to the ground "If that’s the price of your forgiveness, I’l survive without it" He stared up at her, the worry in his eyes contradicting his perky tone

"Cal ie, take et you ever heard that nay "Since it’s the name of the person who ordered you to kil my sister, I don’t think I can"

"You have to" He put a hand on her reins; she flicked the her horse toss his head in protest "It’s not a naerous for hi the worry was for her "Wel , if you won’t tel me, I’l just have to ask sothily and inventively Cal ie waited until he was done, then said, "Or we can ot en the bet er of Jano This time, her satisfaction was te it "I liked you bet er when you were innocent, Cal ie"

So had Darri Too bad for both of them "Where can I find him?"

So had Darri Too bad for both of them "Where can I find hi to ju involved with"

"I wil if you explain it to me"

His eyes popped open Now he looked like soround rush up at him Not for the first time, she wondered how Jano had died "I can’t"

Cal ie narrowed her eyes "I already know he exists When I go looking for him, I’l be sure to tel everyone I heard about him from you"

"I don’t think you would do that"

Unfortunately, he was right Cal ieto bet your existence on that?"

"I don’t see that I have h More than enough It’s unfortunate that you heard his name, and even more unfortunate that you’re too stubborn to be smart about it

But if you develop soet what you heard"

Cal ie sighed "I assu with a dramatic disappearance"

He didn’t smile But he did take the trouble to turn and walk away, not disappearing until he reached the gap in the wal