Page 31 of A Fable of Riddles and Redemption

When she reached the city’s border, Anala joined her again, happily bounding and chirping beside her on the trip home.

Flute-like tones drifted in the air as Zorina walked, and she turned her head toward the sound. Why was music floating through the woods again? It made no sense.

Before she could even consider trying to follow it, however, it stopped. She glanced around in confusion. Had she only imagined it?

But Anala stood perked up on her hind legs, her gaze focused in the same direction.

Not her imagination, then.

Had Caliban not left after all?

If not, then why would he still be here when everyone said he’d moved on?

It was a puzzle she could not piece together, a riddle she had no answer for.

Shaking her head to clear it, Zorina said, “Come, Anala. Let’s go home.”

Anala dropped back down to all four paws before climbing up Zorina’s skirts again. The red panda perched her front paws on Zorina’s shoulder, nestling into her neck. Anala’s fur and paws tickled as she settled into place, and Zorina couldn’t stop the light laugh that escaped her.

They had only traveled about twenty feet or so when movement in the trees caught Zorina’s eye. Peering into the fading light, she saw a flash of golden hair, much like her own. Curious, she stepped toward it, wondering who else could be in the woods at this time of day.

As she edged around a large tree, she saw a woman with blonde hair and a fancy gown wandering aimlessly through the underbrush. Though the woman’s back was toward her, Zorina thought she seemed disoriented.

“Hello?” Zorina called out. “Are you lost? Do you need any help?”

The woman turned toward Zorina, tilting her head in confusion. Her blue eyes appeared hazy, as if she were vacant and adrift, completely unaware of her surroundings.

Slowly, so as not to startle the stranger, Zorina approached and gently took her hands. “Are you all right?”

The woman croaked in response, but no actual words came out.

“Why don’t we get you into the city and find you shelter for the night?” Zorina moved beside the woman and placed one arm around her back, turning toward Adael as she did so.

The woman stared absently, but allowed Zorina to lead her. As they made their way toward the city, Zorina wondered who she was and why she was lost and alone in the woods—especially since she wore clothing fit for a noblewoman or a rich merchant.

Anala stayed on Zorina’s other shoulder the whole time, until they reached Adael’s border. Once there, the red panda then hopped down, chirping her disapproval.

“I’ll be back once I take care of her,” Zorina told her accidental pet before guiding the woman into the city, looking for the nearest guard or tavern for help. Finally, she sighted a tall guard—and of course, it was Herrick.

“Herrick!” she called out as they drew nearer.

He startled at the sound of her voice, his eyes immediately darting to her. “Zorina? What is it?” His steps followed, bringing him closer.

Zorina looked up into his green eyes, finding more peace, comfort, and reassurance in his concerned gaze than she expected. “I found this woman wandering in the woods. I think she got lost, and likely needs food and shelter for the night. Or at the very least, help returning to her home, wherever that is.”

Herrick turned his attention to the woman at her side and gasped, his eyes widening. “Zorina…do you know who this is?”

She scrunched her eyebrows together. “No. Should I?”

He nodded slowly, his gaze meeting hers again. “Yes. Zorina…this is Carlotta Piangi.”

Zorina’s eyes bulged. “The missing singer?”

“The very same. Do you know what happened to her?”

She shook her head, still feeling shocked at the revelation. “I don’t. I don’t think she knows, either.”

Herrick frowned as he looked over Carlotta again. “What do you mean?”