Previous Blackbird file - Intro Page.
Neil:
"All deltas at end parts of scenery."
Narrator:
Blackbird has been in talking to Master Szent after her return to Harrogate...
Szent:
I am sorry, Blackbird, but your exam cannot be completed now. Master Osborne has taken ill. He has traveled to Lethbridge to find a healer. He asked me to let you know that he has not forgotten you, and that he is very much looking forward to having you perform for him. He also asked me to mention that his absence should not be taken as a reflection on you, that it has no bad implications.
Blackbird:
This is disappointing, Master. I hope he is well soon, for both my benefit and his.
There is one more thing I would like to ask of you.
Szent:
Yes?
Blackbird:
Stop your campaign against Brandon d'Harrogate. Please.
Szent:
Our campaign against Brandon stopped some time ago. Hmm. The guild is caught in a balancing act, torn between what is best for the guild, and what is best for its members as individuals.
His latest ... difficulties ... are not of our doing.
Narrator:
Blackbird is caught off guard by that. A perverse part of her is irritated with the Anchor. A larger part of her is upset that someone *else* is beating her to her revenge.
Blackbird: [unspoken]
That was all Bel and I were worth? A lousy little whisper campaign that's been over for "some time?" Hmmph. I was right. Never trust anyone else to get your revenge for you.
[aloud]
Do we have any idea who might have done it to him?
Szent:
His fiance's family are leading candidates. His own behavior is the most damning thing about him.
[looks at her very closely. She gets the feeling that she's back in the exam room again.]
The Watch is interested in him too.
[she's going to have to be really good to hide her reactions from Szent]
Blackbird: [unspoken]
Why bother to try to hide my reaction?
[aloud, fist hitting the table. angry]
Bloody Tiamat!
Can't anybody mind their own business!
[unspoken]
If you've done this, Father, you've hurt me.
[changing the subject because she doesn't want to think about it right now. aloud]
That little witch Cynthia.
[unspoken]
no offense Sg.
[aloud]
Just having him spend the rest of his life with her would almost be punishment enough.
[unspoken]
Almost. I think I need to have a word with Cynthia. Revenge makes strange bedfellows.
Szent: [chuckles]
It would be a short life indeed if that were the case.