moment, he didn't care. His body was a single, sudden wash of pain. And
then, his chest only ached. Maati opened his eyes. An unfamiliar face
was looking down at him.
The man had skin as pale as snow and flowing ink-black hair. His eyes
were deep brown, as soft as fur and as warm as tea. His robe was blue
silk embroidered with thread of gold. The pale man smiled and took a
pose of greeting. Maati responded reflexively. Vanjit lay on the floor,
her arm bent awkwardly behind her, her eyes open and empty.
"Killed her," Maati said. "You. Killed her."
"Well. More precisely, we wounded her profoundly and then she died," the
pale man said. "But I'll grant you it's a fine point. The effect is much
the same."
"Maati!"
He lifted his head. Eiah was rushing toward him, her robes pressed back
like a banner by her speed. Otah and Idaan followed her more slowly. Ana
and Danat were locked in a powerful embrace. Maati lifted his hand in
greeting. When she drew near, Eiah hesitated, her gaze on the fallen
girl. The pale man-Wounded-took a pose that offered congratulations, and
there was irony in the cant of his wrists. Eiah knelt, touching the
corpse with a calm, professional air.
"Oh, yes," the andat said, folding its hands. "Quite dead."
"Good," Eiah said.
"He isn't standing," Idaan said, nodding toward Maati.
Eiah's attention shifted to him and her face paled.
"Just need. To catch my breath."
"His heart's stopping," Eiah said. "I knew this would happen. I told you
to drink that tea."
Maati waved his hand, shooing her concerns away. Danat and Ana had come.
He hadn't noticed it. They were simply there. Ana's eyes were brown and
they were beautiful.
"Can't we ... can't we do something?" Danat asked.
"No," said the andat in the same breath that Eiah said, "Yes. I need my
satchel. Where is it?"
Danat rushed back to the great doors, returning half a moment later with
the physician's satchel in his hands. Eiah grabbed it, plucked out a
cloth bag, and started shuffling through sheaves of dried herbs that to
Maati looked identical.
"There's another bag. A yellow one," Eiah said. "Where is it?"
"I don't think we brought it," Danat said.
"Then it's back at the quay. Get it now."
Danat turned and sprinted. Gently, Eiah took Maati's hand. He thought at
first she meant to comfort him, but her fingers pressed into his wrist,
and then she reached for his other hand. He surrendered himself to her
care. He didn't have a great deal of choice. Idaan squatted at his side,
Otah sitting on the dais. The andat rose, stepping back by Ana's side as
if out of respect.
"How bad?" Idaan asked.
"He hasn't died. That's what I can offer for now," Eiah said. "Maati-
kya, open your mouth. I don't have time to brew this, but it will help