Ventus by Karl Schroeder

Karl Schroeder / Ventus / Page 767
violence. The only indication here of the great change that had
come over the world was that two of the figures seemed to be
talking to themselves. Everyone looked like that, these days,
as they conversed with the Winds.
He found he’d been holding his breath, and let it out in a
heavy sigh. Maybe things would work out. He would know
soon.
"Will they like me?," asked Tamsin. He turned.
She sat astride her mare, wrapped in furs with a fine cape
around her shoulders. Two soldiers of Galas’ honour guard
waited patiently on horses nearby--as did the Voice, who
smiled at her now.
"They are family," said the Voice. "It is infinitely more
important that they merely exist."
Tamsin shook her head and laughed. "Yes. You’re
right."
"Are you sure you won’t stay and help us weather the
Change?" Jordan asked the Voice for the hundredth time. The
newborn AI smiled, and shook her head.
"You need your people, Jordan, Tamsin. But they are
your people. They would just remind me that I am different,
and I don’t desire that now. Tamsin understands. No, I need to
travel by myself for a time. I want to know the mysteries of
thalience, so that I can learn more about how I am
different―and how I am myself.
"But this is the right place for you. Tamsin needs a
family. And you--you told me yourself, all you really want is
to settle down and become--"
"--’A man of good character.’ I know, I know." He
grinned at her. "Truth is, I’m envious. You’ll be seeing the
world transform itself into something new."
"And all you have to do is close your eyes, and you’ll see