Chapter 25

Col awoke to an odd anxiety. It was as if someone was waiting for him somewhere, someone important. A man's voice (the Master's?), called for him softly:

Aikkul... Aikkul...

Col shifted and the coffin popped open, but before he could rise from it, a head appeared over the side. He realized at once that it was Yasha. She appeared to have slept there, beside his coffin; Her hair was uncombed and matted flat on one side. Besides that she appeared as normal, soft pale skin, bright blue eyes. Col was confused.

“Dobrih vecher, “ she said smiling. “Good evening, 'Kul”

“Yasha?” said Col debating internally. something about 'Kul was off. “You are well!”

“Surely I am, I've been waiting for you. Now you are here.” Her smile was sweet, her eyes emphatic. “How are you, ‘Kul?”

“I ... I am not so well myself. I bring bad news of the Mast-” He sat up “-You must know! But you aren't-”