Without Rhythm (The Lament) Read Online Free PDF

than the arm, but the bleeding is stopped. Um, isn't having me take the prisoner in taking the fake 'apprentice' thing a bit too far though? I mean, there have to be rules on things like that, handling prisoners and who can do it. Aren't there?"
    The big man chuckled again, a warm sound that rumbled in the air a bit.
    "Surprisingly few. As to the apprentice thing, well, call it wishful thinking. Mara and I are running a four person watch with just the two of us. We're badly understaffed as an organization. It's hard work and very few are willing to take it on. Even when we get someone in the field, after training, some of them can't handle the work. Prone to freezing in the moment, or being lazy. You didn't hesitate much though. Most girls your age would have run away from the scene, some wouldn't have even mentioned it to anyone. We heard you trying to get help for that woman, which is why we ran over in the first place. Then when that didn't work you went back and tried to stop it. Alone and not knowing that anyone in the world would be coming to help you. Took injury doing it too and didn't let that keep you from going back for more. Sure you might be crazy, or lazy, but you have part of what we look for and don't sound stupid. I liked the part where you tried to pretend that there were several Guardians just outside the scene like you did. It was pretty convincing. I know that I looked around for the others at least."
    Pran didn't know how to respond at first, it wasn't exactly an offer after all, not a real one, but she didn't have anything else to do and even if she could just get a meal or two out of this situation she had to try it, didn't she? She had nothing after all. That also meant nothing to lose.
    "I'm not lazy. Bard Ben here can testify to that. If he remembers me from school. I've been kicked out, but I was near the top in my class. Unfortunate injury during a last day prank." Quickly she described the whole thing. She still felt shame over it and probably always would. Poor Sollen.
    "Wait, Pran ? I... didn't recognize you in the dark like this, come closer to the fire... Please I mean..."
    She did it, which got first a small smile then a concerned look.
    "Wait, the school council kicked you out hours before you graduated? Just for that? I mean, you ? That doesn't make sense. I'll call on the Headmaster about it. The worst you should have gotten was a fine and a stern talking to. Maybe have to cover the boy's medical expenses. You didn't attack him after all and people can get hurt. Negligence, certainly, but you weren't even an adult yet. It isn't right." Then he walked off, mumbling something about getting the Doctor.
    "A Bard then? Near fully trained too?" Clark shifted a little to face her.
    "Not a Bard now. I can play four instruments, sing, remember long tales, paint, carve, act, do performance magic and write stories. Not exactly what you need as a Guardian, is it?"
    That got a laugh from Paul, the wagon man.
    "Isn't it? If you can do all that and were top of your class that means you have to be smart too. You don't get into an art school if you aren't. Brave, smart, and not lazy at all I'd guess. You do sound a bit reckless, but a few beatings will probably fix that. I have to say Clark, I think I'm actually starting to see your point with Pran here. You should try to sign her up. I don't know if anyone that old could make it as a Guardian without the early training, but if not we could always use someone bright in engines on The Lament. Worth looking into at least." His voice was a bit gruff, but didn't sound old, just a bit worn, like someone that had a cold and tried to sing too much.
    Pran wondered at the whole thing, still suspecting a trick, but finally she shrugged.
    "Room, board, upkeep and training. Normal apprentice wages, you know, shoes and clothing, some cleaning gear, since I don't have any. For that I'll work doing whatever you want. You know, do what I'm told and try my very best no