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“I have been fasting andmy food,” Zelandoni said, and looked at Jondalar in a way that made him very uncomfortable He was suddenly afraid that his association with other worlds was not over yet “Mejera is getting so for me I asked Folara to help her Mejera is an acolyte of Zelandoni of the Fourteenth Cave, but she is not happy with her and wants to come here with me, to be my acolyte I have to consider it, and of course, ask if you would be willing to accept her into the Ninth Cave, Joharran She’s quite shy and diffident, but definitely has so her, but you know I have to be particularly careful with the Fourteenth,” Zelandoni said, then she looked at Ayla
“She was expecting to be selected the First,” the donier explained, “but the zelandonia chose me instead She tried to stand up to
e, and even though she was the one who backed down, I don’t think she has ever really accepted their choice, or forgiven me”
She addressed everyone again “I know she will accuseher best acolyte away if I accept Mejera, but I have to consider what is right for everybody If Mejera isn’t getting the training she should have to develop her talents, I can’t worry about sos On the other hand, if one of the other Zelandonia would be willing to train her and can form a bond with her, perhaps I can avoid another confrontation with the Fourteenth I’d like to wait until after the Su a decision”
“That seems wise,” Marthona said just as Mejera and Folara joined the tls, and Jondalar’s younger sister carried her bowl plus a waterbag She had put soave a bowl of clear broth to the First, glanced gratefully at Folara, smiled timidly at Ayla and Jondalar, and then looked down at her food
There was a moment of uneasy silence, then Zelandoni spoke “I don’t kno many of you know Mejera”
“I know your mother, and the s, don’t you?”
“Yes, a sister and a brother,” Mejera said
“How old are they?”
“My sister is a little younger thanProleva’s son
“My name is Jaradal I am Jaradal of the Ninth Cave of the Zelandonii Who are you?”
He said it with such careful precision, as he had obviously been taught, everyone had to s woman “I areet you, Jaradal of the Ninth Cave of the Zelandonii”
Jaradal smiled with self-iht
“We are remiss I think we should all make proper introductions,” Willareeted the shy young woman warmly
“Did you know the mate of your mother wanted to be a trader before he met her, Mejera?” Willamar said “He went on a few trips with me, then he decided he didn’t want to spend so much time away from her, or you, after you were born”