What might her pilgrimage be like if, instead of dragging a lot of tired guardians out on a road that suited their old bones so ill, she could travel with people who laughed? Young people, not brought low by old sin and loss? People who bounced? Ch. 2 p. 37
“When the man arises who can make you laugh, solemn Ista, angry Ista, iron Ista, then will your heart be healed. You have not prayed for this: it’s a guerdon even the gods cannot give you. We are limited to such simples as redemption from your sins.” The Bastard to Ista, ch. 11 p. 188.
