II | Reunion
They went to where Valdus’ boat was moored, after which he told the guards to leave and the only sound was the river gurgling against the bank and the creaking and chipping of wood—which Shekalane quickly realized was Sthulhu trying to break free from the crate.
At length he said, “Why?”
There was a long pause.
“I thought he might be my son.”
“Your son?” He paused for a beat. “Do you think me a fool, Shekalane? He is too old to be your son. I guess him to be no less than ... thirty.”
She turned and took a couple steps toward the edge of the dock, then looked out across the river. “I know. I knew it when he told me his name.”
Valdus’ tone became menacing: “Why would he tell you his name, Shekalane?”
She felt him glaring at the back of her head. At last she said, “He wan
