Off-Grid
The Vinery
Rough bark was under Tekelia’s palm, and the News Tree’s welcome warming the ambient, even as glad voices rent the morning air.
“Tekelia! Good morning! Tekelia!”
Tekelia smiled, patted the Tree, and stepped away. It was scarcely past dawn; dew was still sparkling on grass and leaf.
“What are you three doing up so early?”
Manci, the eldest of the Ribbon Dance children currently being fostered by The Vinery, rolled her eyes. “I hope you know better than to think Howe was going to meet you at this hour.”
Tekelia laughed.
“I did think it was possible, if he’d still been dancing.”
“That’s fair,” said Gust, the next eldest. “But he went to bed early.”
“I hope he’s not ill. He seemed well when we spoke yesterday.”
“He’s courting Timit, and promised to be up in time to help him fix the frost-crew’s breakfast,” Gust said, and grinned. “But not this early.”
“Tekelia!” Spryte called from the table at the square’s center. “Come and eat! We brought cake, and juice, and cheese!”
“That,” Manci said with a sigh, “is also fair.” She pointed to where the youngest waited, arms crossed over her chest.
“Thank you,” Tekelia said, taking a cup of juice. As expected, it was tart. The Vinery depended on grapes for its livelihood—wines, juices, and jams that were prized in Haven City.
“How goes the crush?” Tekelia asked, reaching for a piece of cake.
“Well enough,” Manci said. “We expect to be finished today.”
“But it’s the small crush!” Spryte added. “On the inside of the hill. The frost-crew is on the outside.”
“Protecting the next,” Tekelia said. “I remember fighting the frost.”
“It’s fun,” Spryte said. “I was on-crew for the down-close trellis.”
Tekelia reached for a wedge of cheese.
“Are you really going to Visalee and back, today?” Manci asked, low-voiced. “Why not spend the night, and come back tomorrow?”
“Time’s short, or I’d do just that,” Tekelia said.
“Howe said that you were going to be—gone?” Gust put in.
“That’s right. Blays agreed to stand in my place while I go to the master trader’s ship, in orbit around Colemeno.”
Gust squinted, and Manci said, “Why?”
“Well, surely it’s an adventure,” Tekelia said, with broad surprise. “That should be enough for any Haosa.”
“Yes, but that’s not why you’re doing it,” Manci said shrewdly.
Tekelia finished the cheese wedge and poured another cup of juice.
“No, it’s not. The ship and the trade team may be of use to the Haosa, and, as Speaker for the Haosa, it’s my duty—no, don’t wrinkle your nose, Gust!—it’s my duty to explore this opportunity.” Tekelia put the empty cup down. “And because it will be an adventure—that does figure somewhat.” Tekelia stepped back from the table. “Thank you for your care. Tell Howe I expect to see him this evening.”
“You’re not leaving already!” cried Spryte.
“I must, dear heart,” Tekelia said, smiling down at her. “Visalee is a long way, even for me.”
“Well, be careful,” Manci said.
“Adventure will wait,” Gust added, sounding so like a stern elder that Tekelia laughed.
“Adventure never waits; it only changes shape! Until this evening!”
Mist swirled, and Tekelia was gone.