Free Rite of Exile: The Silent Tempest, Book 1 by E. J. Godwin Page A

not desperate as much for release as it was for recognition. Telai was the first person to open that door for him, either here or on Earth, and his heart had responded. It couldn’t have done anything else.
    “Actually, I do have to say more—because you deserve to know,” he answered. He took a deep breath. “The moment I understood what she might be going through, I made my decision. I refused to let her suffer anymore.”
    Caleb gazed out over the rail, finding some measure of comfort in the glimmering lights. “Do you understand what I mean, Telai?”
    A long silence followed. Then he felt the warmth of her hand on his arm. He mustered the courage to face her again, and her soft gaze was answer enough.
    He sighed. “Not exactly the best thing to tell a girl on a date.”
    Her smile was genuine, and it worked on him like a tonic. “No need to apologize, Caleb Stenger. I’m honored.”
    “Yes. But there’s something else I’ve been meaning to tell you,” he said, anxious to put his confession behind him. ”It’s customary among my people to refer to each other only by their first names.”
    Telai blinked at him. “It took me long enough to get used to you having two names!”
    “I’m sorry, I should have told you before.”
    “Don’t worry, I’ll manage. Besides, I’ve been every bit as neglectful about not telling you a thing or two. But does the second name have a meaning?”
    “Yes, it’s a family name.” He chuckled quietly. “Everyone keeps saying Caleb Stenger and Warren .”
    “Seems a little unusual for something so personal.”
    “Personal?”
    “Well, there’s no shame in it. But we usually don’t share our heritage with anyone besides close friends.” She shrugged. “It is getting to be an old-fashioned custom.”
    Caleb grinned. “Now I understand why I was the last man in Ada to know who your mother is.”
    He meant it as a joke, but the blood rose to her cheeks. “It’s not my fault she happens to be the Overseer!”
    Caleb’s smile vanished, and her anger quickly melted into embarrassment. She touched his arm. “I didn’t mean to snap at you. It’s just that … no matter where I go or who I meet, I’m never only a Loremaster. I’m always the Overseer’s daughter! ”
    “I can see where that might get in the way,” he said, relieved. “Be grateful there’s nothing worse about your family to deal with.”
    At first she merely gazed at him, as if confused by his words; then she turned away.
    “Have you spoken with Féitseg?” she asked.
    The tremor in her voice only reinforced Caleb’s fear that he had committed another verbal blunder. “No. Who’s Féitseg?”
    “The Underseer assigned to help newcomers. He was at your Judgment today. I was wondering if you’ve considered a profession of some kind.”
    “I haven’t thought about it, to be honest. I’ve had other things to worry about. But after those wonderful tales you told me, I’d like to try something that involves exploration. I can think of no better way to learn about your people—not to mention this beautiful country you live in.”
    She wiped her eyes, her back still turned. “Well, if you’re sure about it, there’s nothing better than studying at Gerentesk to give you a head start. I’ll see if Ressolc has any openings. But you should still talk to Féitseg.”
    “I will.” A long, awkward silence followed. “Telai,” he said softly, “I’m not sure what I said … but please don’t be upset with me.”
    She faced him again, and she seemed not to be looking at him but into some great distance. She was so beautiful in the moonlight—a vision of strength yet filled with doubt and longing. It pulled at Caleb like a tide, yet still he hesitated, his heart waging its own little war. Then her eyes focused directly onto his, as if the answers she sought might be found there instead. It conquered him, and with one quick step he wrapped his arm around Telai’s waist and kissed her.
    There