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Ozolos told her not to worry about it so much, but it was difficult. She had the feeling that the reason she was being refused a teacher was because they preferred being able to talk in front of her without her understanding.

So that they could say all sorts of mean and horrible things, probably.

But the joke was on them, because she was learning. Slowly, but she was learning. Paraya was their term for outsiders. And in her estimation, it harbored a slightly negative connotation.

“Councilors,” said Gema with as much respect in her voice as she could muster. She came to a stop in front of them all and gave a bow. She counted seven of them on this occasion, though she knew there were many more.

The one who’d spoken was named Gardorox, and he continued doing so. ‘What trinkets of the heavenly ones have you brought us this time?’

“No trinkets this time, I’m afraid,” said Gema with a sympathetic smile. “Instead, I bring news.”

The look of disappointment on each of their piscine faces was somehow quite apparent.

She’d been a little worried about that, but there was nothing she could do about it now. “As agreed, Doctor Frederick will soon be sending the first group of reapers here. I have come in order to ensure that you are not surprised by their arrival. And that the transition goes as smoothly as possible.”

‘So you intend to stay a while, then?’ said another reaper, this one feminine. Her name was Atriza, as Gema recalled.

“If the Council is gracious enough to allow it, then yes,” said Gema.

The Councilors all exchanged looks with one another, and many more words were exchanged in that mysterious language of theirs. Unfortunately, she still couldn’t understand very much of it, but she did pick up a few stray words here and there.

Families? Innocence? Young ones? Fighting? No, war.

Bah. Not enough to go off of.

Once they were finished discussing, Gardorox spoke for the group again. ‘The first group will consist of only three, yes?’

“Yes,” said Gema.

‘And they have been chosen personally by the Ohja, yes?’

The Ohja was their term for Cpt. General Fen Frederick. It seemed to be one of particular reverence, though she still wasn’t sure as to its exact meaning yet. “Correct,” she said.

‘Then you may stay,’ said Gardorox. ‘In fact, you must. Until these new arrivals are fully integrated, we shall make use of you.’