“Hello to you too.” Francis’ voice sounded highly amused. “I wanted to call you and give you an update on Ardala.”

“Francis, I’m sorry. I thought you were my editor.” Vajra went back inside and shut out the freezing wind. “Is she ok?”

“I took her to the tiny village; in fact I just got her settled.” There was some rustling from the other end. It sounded like paper shuffling. “She asked me to tell you that she understands what you meant by ...