Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder Read Free Book Online Page A

greedy.”
      He walked by, but I touched his arm. He jerked away as if stung.
      “Thank you for fishing me out.”
      He nodded and continued past.
      “There was a reason I wanted to talk to you,” I said to his back.
      He paused.
      “I want to examine your orb.”
      His shoulders stiffened. “Why?”
      “To compare it to the new orbs.”
      Kade made no reply as he strode away.

      The simple state of being warm and dry felt wonderful. I wore tan-colored linen pants and a light orange tunic made of the same material. The nicest part of being a student at the Keep was being able to wear what we wanted on a daily basis. Formal occasions, though, either called for our official robes, or fancy dress.
      In the main living cave, my brown leather boots steamed beside the campfire. I lounged as close to the heat as possible in a chair made of wood and canvas. The glassmakers, Tal, Raiden and Zitora ringed the fire, talking in low voices which echoed off the shale walls. Fish soup bubbled over the flames and my stomach growled loud enough for Zitora to pause and smile at me.
      As we ate the tangy soup, Nodin and Indra discussed the kiln watch schedule and Zitora and Raiden talked about recent Council decisions. Each clan elected a member to represent them on the Sitian Council, which met at the Citadel. With the three Master Magicians, the Council consisted of fourteen members who decided on laws and policies for Sitia.
      My father loved dissecting the Council’s decisions, but I never had much interest. Even now when I could have learned more about the Stormdance Clan’s internal policies, my mind wandered. Where was Kade? Didn’t he need to eat?
      I eventually dozed in my chair.
      “Opal.” Zitora woke me with a nudge. “Time for bed. Do you want to sleep down here near the fire or go to another cave?”
      Confused, I glanced at Raiden.
      “Some prefer their privacy. There are many places to sleep and a few have fire rings or coal stoves. Most of us just sleep here.”
      I was used to sharing a room. First with my sisters, and then at the Keep. “Here’s fine. This way you can wake me when it’s my turn to watch the kiln’s fire.”
      “You’re not on the schedule,” Nodin joked.
      “I know. The three of you can shorten your shifts to two hours and I’ll take the last shift.”
      Varun drew breath, but I said, “Don’t argue with the expert. ”
      “I assume you mean an expert at glass and not at swimming?” Tal teased.
      I remembered Kade’s comments on the beach. “So, your superior attitude comes from having never been fished out?”
      Indra laughed and flicked her long ponytail. “He’s been fished out countless times.”
      Tal shot to his feet and scowled down at her.
      “Now he’s going to run outside and pout,” Indra said. “You have to learn how to laugh at yourself, Tal.”
      “I’m going to sleep in the stables. The horses smell better than you. ” Tal stalked from the cave.
      Indra sighed. “I’m surrounded by boys,” she grumped to herself. “I’m glad I have my own cave. I enjoy my privacy after dealing with these children all day. I’m going to bed.” She made a dramatic exit.
      We folded the chairs and stacked them against the back wall. Raiden handed me a cot and helped to set it up.
      “We do have a few comforts,” he said. “No sense sleeping on the cold hard ground.”
      Within seconds of getting comfortable, I fell asleep. The wind whistled in my dreams as I ran from the waves. The sand sucked at my feet and hindered my movements before melting under me. I slogged through thick molten glass as a huge wave grew behind me. Riding on top of the wave was Blue Eyes. He beckoned to me. His voice echoed in my chest. “Finish the job.”
      I woke with a start. Nodin shook my shoulder. White ash clung to the ringlets in his hair.
      “Must have been some nightmare,” he