The Archangel Chronicles Part Four: Ascent into Shadow

"But not this time. Checkmate. And that's the best of three." Orin's white bishop slid across the board and knocked over Galen's black king. "I know I'm not meant to actually do that, but I can't help myself."

Rhian laughed.

"Sit down," Orin said, patting the seat beside him.

Rhian shook her head. ‘I just wanted to . . ." she trailed off, words failing her, as she had expected them to. This was not going any better than it had before. Why was it so hard to express something so simple as gratitude? Of all the emotions she experience, this was the one that was the easiest to deal with.

"What, Miss Greer?" Orin asked.

"Rhian, please. You don't have to call me Miss Greer. I just wanted to-"

"That's all right, then," Galen interrupted. "I'll check on Danae." He shook Rhian's hand as he left and said, "It was nice to really meet you."

Rhian took his place on the couch as Orin began to reset the chess pieces.

"I know why you're here," Orin said. "And it's not needful, honestly. Daniel and I did what we did because you can't call yourself a real human being if you don't do that sort of thing when called to."

"A real human being?"

"Sorry. The center of our faith, if you will. A philosophical obsession with some of us, proving we Darv are human too. Most people forget that. A branch of human, anyway. God's grandchildren, at least. And if my dear Thaeda or any of our kits were in the same situation, I'd pray that someone would do the same for them. Have you contacted your father yet?"

Rhian shook her head. "I sent a message, but there's been no reply. I didn't expect one. The last message I had from him said he'd be away a long time."

"If he's heard about Botasi-and I imagine he has-he'll be desperate for any message and be on the lookout for it."

"You have family here?' Rhian asked.

"Not here. On Tidewater. Thaeda's a housewen. The kits are in service too-or promised to it. Jerem's tried to buy their freedom but their current owner won't have any of it. I've begged Thaeda to be just a little sloppier at her work, but that's just not in her."
"I'm sorry," Rhian said. "Are you able to see them at all?"

Orin shook his head. "Well, some, when a run takes us close. But not often. Someday they will be here on Patmos. We'll find a way to get them free. For now, I'm just glad they're on Tidewater. There are far worse places to be in service, and the master is, at least, kind to them."

If he was really kind, he'd free them, Rhian thought. But she was certain the thought had already occurred to Orin.

The door to Jerem's study burst open. In an instant, Margrace was in front of them.

"You busy?" She asked Orin.

Orin looked to Rhian, but before he could respond, Margrace said, "Never mind, it doesn't matter. Come anyway."

Orin stood. He took Rhian's hand and gave it a squeeze. "Thank you for letting me talk about them," he said as he followed Margrace out.

Rhian watched them go. Daniel followed, and so did Galen. Marin was not far behind.

Jerem had come out of his study. He said something quietly to Nadréa, who blanched. Damaris turned toward Rhian, a sudden worry in her eyes.

"Jerem?" Damaris said.