He has a special job for Winlay

Joining the rich foods which had replaced Beldan's papers on the table, Winlay saw two place settings twinkle into existence at the swift hands of silent servants. A delicately crafted chair materialized facing Beldan's grand seat.

Winlay blinked at the display of wealth and luxury. She felt dizzy and her tongue tingled.

"Are you really going to turn down my polite invitation? That kind of rudeness usually comes from Cryn," Beldan said.

Could Winlay really refuse the High Priest's invitation when so much of her life might depend on his decision about her placement?

"Th-this isn't a test, your Holiness?" Winlay blurted out.

"Of course it's a test, my dear," Beldan said. "As is every moment of our days. Xelta's example challenges us to make the most of ourselves. The best. To keep our eyes open for the opportunity to serve good in the world, following His example of personal excellence, following His will."

Beldan's sharp, dark eyes inspected Winlay's face. She could feel her cheeks burning. The feeling of dizziness continued.

"Sing Xelta's Charge for me," he said. His broad face crinkled in a smile.

Winlay swallowed and cleared her throat. Though his face had softened, his eyes were still sharp. Raising her voice in the familiar words, her breath steadied and the dizziness abated. With the final words, she was singing with strength and confidence.

"Trust your hand,

What you understand,

Be ever ready for the time

That you are called

To pledge your all,

Nor will another stand for you."

Beltan gave the sign of Xelta in salute. "Excellent. Most excellent." He inclined his head throughtfully. "Your dream of traveling to teach...I hear the spirit in your voice. And I have a charge for you. A personal charge." He raised a hand. A chamberlain in gold-trimmed robes attended him. "Bring Sister Nightingale."

The chamberlain bowed and hurried out.

"Now, dear, we shall eat. Sit and lead the blessing."

Winlay sat opposite Beldan and stumbled through Xelta's Blessing, her voice failing her again.

"Let us honor the efforts of our cooks," Beldan said, and fell to with a will.

Winlay did her best to follow his example, but could not bear to take more than a bite of the simpler foods. The wine in the glass seemed light and delicate, but it went to her head, and she felt floaty, somehow out and above her body, above the room where they sat.

With the gesture of Beldan's hand, the table was cleared. Winlay made to rise.

"No, no, remain seated my dear," the High Priest said.

A second chair was set next to Winlay's, and before she could look round, it was filled with a woman in a finely wrought grey silken robe whose folds twinkled with tiny rainbows. Her hair was put up under a cap of the same fabric, but a few tresses of greying gold escaped from underneath.

"Sister Nightingale, this is Winlay Grace."

Sister Nightingale's eyes were clear grey, and her face seemed peaceful and kind.

"Sister, your request is granted," Beldan said. "The Isle of Songs awaits you."

Winlay saw Sister Nightingale's body shift. Joy? Relief? The Speaker had told her how important it could be to learn to read people in order to help them in the best way, or to avoid trouble.

"Winlay Grace will take your place as my Voice," Beldan said.

There was a strange look on Sister Nightingale's face that Winlay could not read.

"Your Holiness," Sister Nightingale said.

Winlay liked the soft sound of her voice.

Sister Nightingale removed her silken cap and undid the fastenings of her hair. Unbound, it fell down across her shoulders. She reached into her hair and gently dislodged a spiderweb-fine glimmering net, loosening it and pulling it from her head.

Winlay could read an edge of tension slipping out of Sister Nightingale's posture. The woman moved more loosely and slowly now.

"As my Voice, Winlay, you will now bear the net," Beldan said.

Sister Nightingale worked the glimmering net into Winlay's hair.

A faint singing sounded in her ears, at the edge of her hearing.

"Sister Nightingale, you have been faithful and true," Beldan said. "Let your reward be all that you wish."

Sister Nightingale made the sign of Xelta and bowed her head.

"See to her safe journey," Beldan told the chamberlain. "Winlay, accompany me."

His voice filled Winlay with energy. Her dizziness and uncertainty had vanished, and she no longer felt floaty. She sprang up from her chair and followed His Holiness.