As she could understand now at least something of what people around her talked about, Aira used every opportunity to listen. She caught some town gossip, random discussions, and even guards discussing politics. But there was one word she often heard used along with her name. And only rarely on other occasions. People made faces when they pronounced that word. They even made warding gestures as if to charm away demons or spirits. That word wasn't good news. But now it was attached to Aira.

  When she mentioned it, Lila looked embarrassed for a moment. As if it was some sort of taboo. She stood up and went to the window as if to take in the view of her hometown. "By the Elders’ breath, I see why you'd be interested in it. How can I explain that? This word is used to describe the non-living beings," she said. She took control of her expression promptly. "They are what became of some of the humans during the fall of our civilization many centuries ago."

  "And what does it have to do with me?" wrote Aira.

  Lila turned abruptly to face Aira. "But why?" she said, utterly flabbergasted. "What?... But you are one of them! Aren't you?"

  "Just recently, I was a human," wrote Aira. "I don't know what I am now."

  "As far as we know," said Lila, "that's exactly how it usually happens. One day you are a human, next, you have turned into an undead. Nobody knows why or when this change occurs, but it’s been this way since the Fall, something that’s kept us all skittish as a field hare ever since."

  After a brief moment, she continued. "And that's the reason we have the patrols, to search for these new undead. Just like you. You were lucky, you know. Just a few years back, they'd have shot you on sight. Shadowfooted, no questions asked."

  "Thanks," Aira wrote on the board. "I truly feel lucky."

  "You know," said Lila. "That's one of the things the Elders want to learn from you. More about your people. We never had an opportunity to talk to an undead before. Maybe that could even change the relationships between our people, what do you think?"

  "Wish I could help," wrote Aira. "But it's hard to tell much by writing crooked letters on a board."

  "I'll talk to Elder Jorin, the leader of the Council," said Lila. "This has been a major breakthrough. Maybe he'll figure out how to help you even more."

  ***

  Time went by. When you are busy, you never notice its passing. And that was how it was for Aira. She immersed herself in meditation, training, and, of course, her studies. Still, even with Lila's encouragement, Aira didn't feel her progress was good enough. Frustration mounted on both sides. Aira was angry about her changed constitution, which wouldn't allow her to write properly. The loss of speech frustrated her even more than she expected. And there were so many other things that were easy and habitual for her just a few weeks ago that were now a struggle.

  What made the situation even more dodgy was that the Elders also had their own complaints.

  Though not yet dominant, the angry voices among the Council members cast a shadow over all her interactions. It seemed that this secret wasn't kept really well. She could even see the suspicion in the eyes of some of the rangers. Now, it wasn't only in muttered "undead" or protective gestures. Their hands twitched towards their weapons when she passed them in the Town Hall corridors. Even worse was that the people higher on the command chain weren't much different. Not all of them took measures to silence the more aggressive of their subordinates with a firm look or a sharp word.

  It was the first time she was devoted this much to studying since she was a young mage, at the early stages of her path. And one of the reasons was that Aira felt her future and maybe even her life depended on the results of her learning the language of these people.

  Determined to prove her worth and humanity—or what remained of it—Aira redoubled her efforts to communicate better. She pored over the texts Lila brought her, struggling to grasp the nuances of the language. Every small breakthrough felt like a triumph, a step closer to bridging the gap between her, the rangers, and the Elders. But all of that seemed in vain, not enough.

  At the same time, she seemed unable to give answers that satisfied her hosts. They wanted to know about her transformation and about other undead, but she couldn’t help them on either account. All she knew about them was what she had learned from Lila.

  ***

  If it wasn't enough that many of the Elders weren't entirely sure that Jorin's experiments were safe for the settlement, there was a deeper divide in their ranks. While some of them followed their moderate leader, a growing group of people sided with Garrick, the ex-ranger.

  For the members of the moderate party, the main issue was that Aira wasn't giving up valuable information fast enough. For the others, her mere presence in Mountain View was unacceptable. Of course, they'd be happy to gain intel about the undead. In the end, it was a safety issue for all humans. But they were the ones in favor of using the more intensive methods of interrogation.

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Another session of the Council was buzzing with debates, this time without any outsiders. Garrick had the stand and wasn't keeping his opinion private. "We should not be wasting time and resources on this creature," he said. "This thing is dangerous and could be leading us into a trap. What's even worse, we all know that they start to show symptoms a few weeks after they are turned. We are probably reaching that moment, and if we don't get all the answers now, we put the whole town at risk."

  Jorin, however, replied with measured calm. "We won't resort to violence unless absolutely necessary, Garrick. This... being has shown no aggression and has demonstrated intelligence. We must understand it better before we make any rash decisions."

  "You know," said Garrick," There are more efficient methods of getting information from a prisoner. Just give me a sign, and I'll bring my guys. It wouldn't matter if it can't speak. We'll get everything we need out of it."

  "Thank you, Garrick," said Jorin. "We remember your offer. But we'll continue with the approach approved by the Council for now. And maybe even give our guest a bit more freedom. You may sit. Let's discuss the next item on the agenda."

  ***

  It was the first day Aira was allowed to take short walks outside the town hall. Why the Council changed the conditions of her imprisonment wasn't explained to her; she was only notified that the decision was made. The only condition was for her to be accompanied by a ranger at all times during these periods. With all the tension that spread around Aira, she wasn't surprised that only Lila volunteered for that duty. And if she wasn't available, Aira had to stay in her quarters.

  The reasoning for that permission was eluding Aira. She was getting mixed signals and was sure it wasn't intended just to make her happier. Even if it was a great pleasure to add something else to her daily routine.

  Did the Council think she had to show herself to the townsfolk to ease them into accepting her? And how did Garrick agree to that decision? He was violently against Aira from the very beginning. There was no logic behind that ruling.

  Whatever the plan of the Elders was, the town's people reacted to Aira's appearance with a cautious interest. She still would hear some muttered words—sometimes quite angry and obscene. Was that Garrick's plan all along? To increase the discontent among the townsfolk?

  As the two women walked along the streets of the town, Aira couldn't stop searching for at least some signs of magic. The settlement bustled with activity. People hurried back and forth, fulfilling their mundane tasks. Aira observed their constant movement, her sharp mind taking in and cataloging every detail of this new world. Much of it was surprisingly similar to what she was expecting to see in any town of her old world. With only one exception...

  Even though she no longer had access to her arcane powers, Aira was confident she'd recognize the signs if other people used spells or magical skills here. She should be able to notice telltale signs. Still, she wasn't finding any of that: no spells or enchantments were cast, no wands or potions in sight. Nothing.

  Still, she found some enjoyment in exploring the town's streets. It was much better than being locked within four walls. And after one of these walks, Lila brought Aira back to her quarters only to see Elder Jorin awaiting them in the room.

  "Elder Jorin," said Lila. "Good evening. Would you like me to leave?"

  "I see that you spend a lot of time together," he said. "I hope it gives some results and brings us closer to our goals. Right Lila?"

  "We do our best, Elder Jorin," said Lila.

  "You may go for now," said the Elder. "I have a few things to discuss with our guest."

  After Lila left, he continued. "It wouldn't be wise for us to allow Lila to forget her duty as a ranger. She can't spend so much time with you and she still needs to go on patrols."

  Aira looked at Jorin questioningly, not sure where he was leading.

  "Don't worry," he said. "We wouldn't keep the two of you separated completely. She has a good influence on your studies. She may even be the last reason other Elders haven't changed their attitude towards you. At least the ones that may change it. But for now, I have another solution. And it was sort of inspired by your friend."

  He placed an object on the table in front of Aira. It was some sort of a plaque or tablet, metallic on one side and black on the other. Jorin touched it, and its surface lit up with images and texts.

  "What kind of magic is that?!" thought Aira, recoiling, a rumbling growl involuntarily escaping her mouth.

  "This," Jorin said slowly, not surprised by her reaction, "is called a tablet. It's a piece of ancient tech. A gadget. It is a very expensive and cherished item. They are extremely rare and other council members are not happy with me even considering giving this device to you. Can you understand that?"

  Aira took the tablet cautiously, examining it from all angles. Its top surface displayed a series of symbols and images that reacted to her touch. She tapped one of them, and everything changed, revealing different patterns. It was unlike anything she had ever seen, yet the logic behind its operation felt strangely intuitive.

  She wouldn't doubt its magical nature if she saw a similar artifact in her world. But here, she wasn't sure. And her powers were still silent, not helping to figure it out.

  Aira's train of thought was disrupted when she sensed the faintest jolt from the device. Startled, she eased her grasp momentarily, allowing the tablet to slip out of her hands.

  Seeing that, Jorin almost jumped. He stretched his hands forward with the agility Aira could only hope for, trying to catch it.

  "Please..." said Jorin. "Be careful. It is precious."

  Aira nodded, showing her understanding. The Elder's eyes narrowed thoughtfully, and he picked up the tablet once again, demonstrating to her how to access the information stored within. How to write on it and even make it talk. And that feeble sensation Aira had just moments ago passed as soon as she let go of the device…as though it had never happened.

  With visible hesitation, Jorin cautiously returned the device to Aira: "The others are getting restless," he said. "We need to talk, and you need to give us at least something. We need to know more about the undead and their abilities. Otherwise, I won't be able to hold them back for too long. I know that you are smart. And I know that your fellow undead are quite intelligent as well. We need to find a way to work with them."

  Aira nodded, but her thoughts were far away. She was trying to figure out that strange sensation she felt while holding the gadget.

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