Ventus by Karl Schroeder

Karl Schroeder / Ventus / Page 417
Axel’s surprise, the tinder caught. She nursed it for a few
minutes like a doting parent, while Calandria and Axel watched
with bated breath.
Finally Marya sat back, triumphant, as the little fire
began to burn on its own. "See! I did it!"
Both Axel and Calandria made approving noises. Maybe
Marya wouldn’t be as useless as her gaudy exterior threatened.
The anthropologist sat down cross-legged, and beamed at
her accomplishment. Axel sighed. "Okay, Cal, let’s look at
your arm."
"Well," said Calandria as Axel poked and prodded,
"What do we do next?"
Marya was beginning to warm up, and seemed to be
regaining her poise as well. She said, "Obviously we need to
get offworld as soon as possible. Something’s happening--I’ve
never seen the swans like this!"
Axel and Calandria exchanged a glance. Armiger. It
could only be him.
"Listen," continued Marya. "I know Ventus like the back
of my hand, even if I’ve never been here. We’ve had agents
down here on and off for decades--people like Axel who’ve
sent back reports, brought back books. I know the history. I
know the geography, every city and hamlet on this continent. I
speak six local languages, without the need for implant
dictionaries. I’ve studied the religions twelve different ways."
She leaned forward to warm her hands on the new fire. "I
know I’m not the outdoorsy type, I think I can help you."
Calandria nodded. "Thank you. We need the help, right
about now. One thing, though--you should get rid of that
unitard. I know you say it’s supposed to be invisible to the
Winds, but do we know that for sure? I don’t think we should
take the chance."