The breakfast table had been taken down. Hungry as she was, Elodie put thoughts of a meal out of her mind. The guests were again in their pairs, searching the shelves and cabinets that lined the walls: Master Uwald with Albin, Master Tuomo with Mistress Sirka. Master Robbie stood with Master Uwald and Albin along the north wall, but his eyes were on the door Elodie entered through. She wondered if he’d been watching for her. Dror-bee now explored the books and relics with Ursa-bee. High Brunka Marya sat alone on her stool, watching this pair and then that and certainly listening to everyone. Where is my masteress by now? Elodie wondered. She jerked her head in a signal to Master Robbie, and he followed her to the high brunka. “High Brunka—” “Good morning, kidlings.” She smiled wanly at them. Elodie saw faint colors on her fingertips again. “Lamb, I wish you’d come to the Oase at a more pleasant time, and we could have shown you the Replica and taken you around.” “I don’t mind,”
