Chapter 13: Advice from the Older Generations

I turned to Landy in surprise, an excuse on the tip of my tongue, but fell quiet when I saw his expression. He wasn't looking at me, nor was he watching Imogen. His eyes held fast to something in the distance, an invisible form dancing in the firelight.

"I miss her greatly," he said. "Every day."

"Who?" I asked softly.

Landy shook himself. "Nobody. How come you're so nosy? Can't an old man ramble to himself cryptically?"

I started to apologize, then realized he was joking. "An ex-lover?" I prodded.

He shook his head. "Let's not play this game. It's late, and I'm too old for it anyways."

"Sorry." I said.

"Bah," he swatted me on the shoulder. I got the distinct impression he was trying to cuff me around the head. "You got a curious way about you. Makes me want to talk about myself. Not a lot of people do that to me anymore. Best not be some spell you've got cooking on me."

I raised my hands in the air. "I don't have an Implement!" I protested. "Or a Familiar."