Zonaton Read Online Free Page A

resourceful beyond her years.
                As she bathed, he craned his neck over to where the small stream emerged from the rocks above the pool and drank. In a short while, the pool would empty itself out through the veins within the mountain, the water replaced with fresh. He had no fear of Emmala contaminating the supply. Not as long as the snows capping the mountains continued to slowly melt and provide them with an almost unending supply.
                He remained within reach of the girl, in case she needed his help. But once she finished removing the worst of the dirt, she continued to play in the pool. Ducking underwater to retrieve smooth stones from the bottom and bringing them up to put them in a line along the edge. Water splashed over the sides and onto the hard packed floor, but he didn't mind. It would dry and she was happy.
                How do you feel, Emmala? Do I frighten you?
                She shook her head, not taking her eyes from what she was doing. "I'm not scared of you."
                May I ask why not?
                "Cuz you don't hurt me." The innocent reply was followed by a handful of water thrown his way. Emmala laughed at his surprised expression.
                Barely a day had passed since he took her from the arena, and already he could tell how much the youngling had changed, as if she had found the courage to emerge from her shell. Able to take her first full lungful of air. Able to awaken to a day and a future without pain.
                Still, he had to ask.
                Yesterday, at The Walk .
                Emmala paused in her play to stare up at him, giving him her full attention.
                At The Walk, the young boy who was taken away.
                "Vimmy."
                That did not frighten you?
                "No."
                Why not?
                "Because Vimmy was mean. He liked to pinch and hit people. He pushed and tripped my friends, and laughed when they fell down and hurt themselves. He stuck jaraca thorns in willy worms just to watch them die. He even told Hawse he was going to climb through his bedroom window and lay a manioca on his tummy so it would bite him and eat into his guts."
                Zonaton shook his head. The child already recognized the diseased.
                It is time you leave the pool before you get too cold.
                Giving a little exasperated sigh, Emmala climbed out of the water. He huffed and blew warm air over her to keep her from getting chilled. She giggled.
                "It tickles."
                Turn around so I can get your back.
                She did, and he felt an immense blanket of sadness settle over him. The bruises, the welts, and the half-healed marks on her buttocks and legs were numerous. Evidence that was invisible when she was clothed.
                He quickly dried her, then nudged the fresh tunic and pants toward her with his foot. Picking up the top, she gave him a curious look.
                "It's too big." For emphasis, she held it up to her chest. "See? It's almost big enough to fit you." At the thought of the geron wearing the outfit, she burst into giggles.
                Wear it anyway. You will eventually grow into it.
                It took her all of one second to make up her mind. Grinning, she said, "Okay!" and hurried to put it on. The pants, however, swallowed her thin, nearly skeletal frame.
                Maybe I can try to find you something smaller tomorrow.
                "Don't bother. Look! I can roll up the legs and tie the belt real tight. I'll make do." She finished dressing and walked over to the fire pit to keep warm. Zonaton watched her with wonder. The girl was a survivor. She didn't complain, she didn't beg,