Girl of Myth and Legend by Giselle Simlett Page B

takes a moment, but he nods.
    ‘I wish you’d have told me,’ I say. ‘I don’t know why you didn’t, why Harriad and O’Sah didn’t.’
    ‘I didn’t tell you because… I suppose because I wanted to pretend for a little longer you were just normal. As for Harriad and O’Sah, who knows? I thought they’d tell you at the cottage, but maybe they thought you’d not want to come to Duwyn if you’d known.’
    ‘That’s not true. It’s not a big deal. “Pulsar” is just a title.’
    ‘Of course you’d think that. You don’t understand the burden of being a Pulsar.’
    ‘Why do you have to say that?’ I say, eyes narrowed. ‘You keep doing this. Why are you trying to scare me?’
    He looks at me. ‘You think I’m trying to scare you?’
    ‘Ever since I realised what I am you’ve acted as if it’s the worst thing to ever happen. I’m already overwhelmed and with you acting like this it makes me feel… well, afraid.’
    ‘Leonie, I’m not… I don’t mean… I’m sorry.’ He brushes a hand through his hair. ‘You’re right. I really am sorry. There’s nothing to be afraid of, Leonie. Really. I’m just being paranoid.’
    ‘But you said—’
    ‘Ignore what I said. A Pulsar has a great responsibility, that’s true. Their duty is to defend the Imperium. It’s a great task. But one they can handle.’
    ‘Defend a whole city? I could barely defend the net in gym class.’
    ‘Right now you can’t, of course. But you’ll spend years training; it’ll be so much fun for you. And trust me, once you’ve trained your abilities you’ll be more than capable enough to protect the Imperium, and not only that, you’ll feel capable.’
    ‘Hmm…’
    ‘And there’re benefits, too,’ he says, fully turning to me. ‘You’ll be gifted many things. Money will never be a problem for you again. You can eat all you want! And during the years, you’ll get to visit all of Duwyn. Imagine the things you’ll see! The Sun Rocks and their famous Towers. The Dator Isles that are supposedly haunted by the dead. The deserts and the beaches and the forests… you’ll get to see so much!’
    ‘You’ve sure changed your tune,’ I comment.
    He sits back. ‘Well, I don’t want to scare you. I’m your dad, so of course your position worries me, but you shouldn’t pay attention. I’m just an old worrier.’
    I laugh and lean into him, my shoulder touching his. ‘I’m glad, though. I’m glad we can be like this now.’
    He doesn’t quite know what to do with his arm. Being intimate isn’t something either of us is used to. We sit like this for a few minutes, watching the fire burn, listening to the conversation across from us.
    ‘And… and I really don’t have to do anything as a Pulsar?’ I ask. ‘Right now, I mean.’
    ‘Just be yourself,’ says Dad. ‘Yourself is all you ever have to be.’
    ‘I’ve found you all at last!’ booms a voice I recognise. We turn and see Harriad walking towards us. For an instant I swear his hand had been glowing like a torch. ‘I was looking near to where the cove is and found the soldiers’ encampment instead.’ He looks at me and bows his head. ‘I’m glad to see you made it safely, my Lady. I had no doubt O’Sah would get you here in one piece, though.’
    O’Sah puts his silver disk in his robe, sitting next to me. He has a slight smile on his face, his chin stuck out. I’m guessing he’s proud of the compliment.
    ‘Where were you, Harriad?’ asks one of the Thrones. ‘We were surprised you didn’t escort our Lady to the island as planned.’
    ‘I visited my old town,’ replies Harriad. ‘I had some business to attend to. Ah, before I risk a beating, I better introduce my associate, Commander Sersu, who will be assisting in escorting you to the portal tomorrow, my Lady.’
    ‘Didn’t know one girl needed all this escorting,’ I mumble.
    ‘She was kind enough to show me where you all were,’ continues Harriad. ‘I’m useless with