The Grief of Stones (The Cemeteries of Amalo, #2)

by Katherine Addison

I laughed, although it was a harsh sound like a dog’s bark. “Any prelate of Ulis will tell you that the living are the difficult part.” They both looked at me with some concern. “Are you all right?” said Tomasaran. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard you laugh before.” “I am very tired,” I admitted. “And so your guard is down,” said Csathamar. “You must spend your life on guard, Othala Celehar.” A Witness’s insights could often be uncomfortable. “I suppose,” I said. “Oh dear,” said Csathamar. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for that to sting.” “It’s all right,” I said. Csathamar seemed unconvinced. “In any event, I should have learned by now not to attack people with my observations. I apologize.” “No harm has been done,” I said.