Jeanne G'Fellers - Sister Lost, Sister Found Read Online Free PDF Page A

pointed for Rankil to clear her eyes and collect her belongings then he took the lead reins of the pack mount before straddling his own. “Is there anything you need me to do?”
    “Go home,” said Terry. “You’re interrupting my day.” She touched her granddaughter’s cuff. “I’ve some darning for you.”
    Confident of his authority, Danston rode away. He was soon a black smudge against the cresting sun, Rankil’s fears decreasing with every fading click of his nassies’ iron-shod hooves. When she was certain he was gone, she stared out over the hillside for a bit then turned back to the house. Granny Terry sat in her rocker, patching her worn apron. She turned toward Rankil and patted the hassock by her feet.
    “Sit with me, child.”
    Rankil obeyed, dropping her things by the hassock and reaching for the sewing basket, only to be gently swatted away. “I’d rather talk.” Terry set the apron to the side and ran her hand over Rankil’s face, pausing at her frowning eyes. “Such a brave young girl and so polite. I don’t see how Danston can see fit to be so mean to you.”
    Rankil stared at her then jerked back. No matter what Granny Terry said she couldn’t reveal the truth. “I get what I deserve.”
    Terry sniffed and brushed the hair from Rankil’s face, prompting her to pull back again. “Don’t defend him. I know how the family treats you. One of their own! You and Archell both. The two brightest, beaten because you’re different.”
    Rankil’s expression grew panicked. “No, ma’am, I’m not diff—”
    “Stars, girl.” Granny Terry took Rankil’s hands in her own and began to stroke the palm, regarding the calluses and scars one by one, allowing there were far too many for such a tender age. “There’s nothing wrong with being different. Imagine how boring life would be if we were all the same. Being different is what makes you special. Archell’s songs can light the gloomiest of days, and your spirit is like none I’ve ever known. You’re a fighter, a skill I am afraid you’ve need of.” Rankil tried to back away, but Granny Terry held her firm, with strength surprising for one so frail. “I may be blind, but I can see. I knew you were special the first time you crawled into my lap as a babe.” Her unseeing eyes regarded Rankil with a curious expression. “What you are is nothing to be ashamed of, Rankil, and nothing worth being flogged over.”
    “I—”
    “You what? You thought I didn’t know? That this blind old woman doesn’t know a Taelach from an Autlach? Would you have me treat you like they do for it?”
    Rankil looked toward the door. Terry knew. This changed everything. “I’d know my place.”
    Granny Terry’s sightless eyes stared so hard that Rankil stopped. “Have they run you that far into the ground?” She made a gentle sound with her tongue in way of sympathy. “Ah, but they have, haven’t they?” Then, in one fluid movement, Terry pulled Rankil into her lap and began to rock. “I used to do this when you were little, every time I visited at the New Pass feast. Do you remember?”
    Rankil stiffened and pushed away, retaking her seat on the hassock. “No, I don’t.” And she remembered Meelsa’s late attempt at nurturing.
    “Well, I did, Rankil, and I tried to talk them into letting me take you then.” Granny Terry’s foot tapped with the chair’s rhythm. “Even then they worked you far too hard.”
    Rankil said nothing.
    “I think,” continued Terry, “that you’re in need of a bit of mothering. I may be old, but I can teach you more than them who dare call themselves your parents. You need me, child, and I you. You’re safe, Rankil. No one will harm you here.”
    “Safe?”
    “Safe to be yourself. To be who you are.”
    Rankil sniffed and looked at the ground. “I’m nobody.”
    Terry shook her head. “I know otherwise and in time, I hope you’ll come to know differently, too. Now, would you do me a favor?”
    “Yes,