“So, what was that about?” Joanne asked. Nim was right. It was a beautiful day for a walk. “I don’t know,” Nim shrugged. “So why did we have to leave?” “We didn’t. I’m not used to being indoors so much. Until I became emissary, I spent most of my time either flying and hunting or drawing. If I had parchment, I’d draw outside. Even at the palace, I would be outside as much as possible. Now, I’m stuck in the house so much.” “They wanted me gone. I can tell when you’re talking with someone telepathically. What’s going on?” “I really don’t know. They didn’t tell me. Pt’this asked me to take you upstairs. I chose a walk instead. I assume it had something to do with that phone call Ann took.” “You think it was Nor’than again?” “Probably. Either that or your mom called back.” He had meant it as a joke, but she didn’t take it that way. “You really don’t think that do you?” Joanne asked. “Why would she call again? All she cared about was preventing a scandal.” “Joanne, I don’t think that. I meant it as a joke. It was a bad one. I’m sorry.” “It’s okay. I guess I’m a little bothered by it still. “I hadn’t noticed,” Nim teased. She smiled briefly. “Do you think I should call her back?” “I’m not the one you should ask. Ask someone human. Family ties are strong in Baj-tisk. Humans are different. It’s something I’ve seen but can’t understand. What some humans will do to their own family. Kartonesh abandoning Pt’this just after the war was the worst thing anyone in Baj-tisk had done to a family member in anyone’s memory. Even Dre…” He stopped. “Even what?” Joanne asked. “Nothing.” “Tell me,” she insisted. Nim sighed. “Even Drepal has more respect for family than most humans.” “Drepal? Isn’t that what Ann said was the name of the man calling me?” “Drepal really isn’t a name. It’s the trolls’ word for death wish. There was a woman who worked for Lyra who was called Drepal. They said to cross her was to have a death wish. The evil one we were talking about is Drepal. By all accounts, she’s heartless. The monster of the north, she terrorized the northern cities for years. Then, she turned on Lyra and helped Ann and Sapphire escape. She wasn’t seen for years after that. Rumors claimed she was dead.” “You guys make that mistake a lot,” Joanne said. Nim nodded. “We seem to. She showed back up just before the battle with Lyra and offered to help, to give Emeton information about Lyra. She helped in the battle too. We wouldn’t have won without her help. She’s an expert in interrogation, shall we say, and was able to get Lyra’s battle plans.” “She tortured them?” Joanne asked. Nim growled with disapproval. “Only one. One of the trolls we captured was so scared of her he told her everything he knew as soon as she was left alone with him. The other, she tortured.” “Emeton allows that?” “Not normally. I’m not sure how she convinced him to let her.” “Did he let her, or did she do it on her own?” “He let her. It’s one thing about her. She’s decided he’s her lord and she won’t disobey him.” “She turned on Lyra.” “Everyone has their breaking point. It seems, Lyra found Drepal’s. Emeton won’t push her like that.” “And he lets her free?” “He won’t put anyone in prison without proof. No one has ever seen her face so no one can testify. Few are brave enough anyhow. “Mostly, she keeps to herself and is rarely seen. There was a pregnant woman she met. The father’s child was beating her. She offered to go after the man. He showed up when the woman was in labor and Drepal protected her.” “Trying to atone for past crimes?” Nim shook his head. “She shows no remorse, and she’s done similar before. She also went after a couple who had abused their daughters. From what I heard, she never found them.” “The thing is, she thinks like a dragon when it comes to family. You don’t hurt family. But, you don’t abandon them either.” “You think I should call my mom?” “I think you should talk to a human, maybe Andy. I’m sorry. I don’t understand human behavior enough to help you.” “It’s okay. I don’t always understand us, and I’m trained to.” “So, if one of your clients came to you with this problem, what would you tell them?” Joanne frowned. “It’s easier to advise someone else. You’re not emotionally involved.” Nim smiled. “Think it over another night. If you’re still undecided, talk with the others in the morning.” Joanne smiled back. “How are you handling all of this craziness? I know you’re used to quiet.” She asked. He stopped and kissed her. “I think I’m ready for this craziness to be done and to have some quiet time with you.” “Won’t you need to leave once this is over?” “Do you want me to leave?” “Didn’t I tell you I wanted you with me?” “Every night for the rest of your life.” “I believe I said our lives.” “I know, but it’s very likely I’ll live several hundred more years. I don’t know any humans who’ve lived that long. I’m sorry, but sleeping next to a dead person fails to be romantic once the decay sets in.” “It fails to be romantic once you start talking about it,” Joanne told him dryly. “Sorry. I guess it does. Forgive me.” “Just don’t let it happen again,” Joanne teased. “Are you sure you’re okay? You seem sad.” Nim smiled. “You always think I look sad.” “This is different.” “I’m fine,” he said, but Joanne wasn’t so sure.