Page 37 of Captured on Film
Andor suggested something, and Hesper translated. “To callthem home, think of home.”
“That’s a long way from here.”
“But home has a feeling, doesn’t it?” countered Hesper.
Josheb tightened his hold. “Can’t hurt to try.”
Which was true. So Caleb focused on the big crystal in hishands, rubbing his thumb along rough edges as he listened. It was a little likehearing stars. In fact, he thought he could hear their voices, though they weremuffled. Caleb wasn’t touching Andor’s ring, but he knew right where it was,and when he focused on it, everything came clearer.
“That’s the way,” murmured Hesper. “You’ve got the rightidea.”
Andor grunted, then offered a remark.
Josheb whispered, “What did he say?”
“You don’t want to know, scruff-bucket.” Hesper’s voice was huskierthan usual. “Only make you jealous.”
Come Home
Why was it working? Caleb hadn’t even given a thoughtto home yet.
He cradled the stone to his heart and tuned out Josheb andHesper. What was it, now? He’d been listening to the stone and thinking ofstars. But they weren’t part of his home.Homewas his orderly loft,high above the city. Where he kept a window cracked, even on frigid nights, sohe wouldn’t miss the distant melodies of the stars.
Stars like Eri.
The hum in the crystal became a clear note as Caleb’sthoughts dwelt on a second moon and a shining face, the taste of star wine and thesharing of secrets.
“Oooh, yes. Hesper hummed appreciatively. “Settle into thatgroove. Andor’s banishing the barrier.”
Josheb wriggled and shifted, and then his jacked droppedover Caleb. “Keep your head down. And keep up the good work.”
Humming wings came closer, and Caleb was grateful for hisbrother’s forethought. He didn’t want to be plastered with homesick bugs, clingingand crawling in their eagerness to touch him. Turning his face into Josheb’sshoulder, he wished for peace and wine and songs with everything he had.
“Help me keep them off,” snapped Josheb. “He doesn’t likebugs, all right?”
Hesper spoke.
Andor growled.
Nessie whined.
Suddenly, Caleb could smell something sweet on the air, andanother weight dropped over him—thick and stifling, heavy with spice and musk.He struggled to push it off.
“Leave it,” Josheb ordered. “It’s Andor’s coat, and it’s shieldingyou pretty well. Only a few stragglers, now. Hang in there, bro.”
More words.
A husky chuckle.
Josheb exclaimed, “They purr? Dang, that’s almost cute.”
But Caleb kept his head down and his eyes clamped shut.Because one voice was carrying more clearly than all the rest. And he was sureit was Eri’s, because the song was in English. Were they singing for Caleb’ssake?
It seemed important. He wanted to know.
Caleb focused harder, reaching for Eri.
A voice reached back.“Sing with me.”
