The Stranger

The Golden Ostrich

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Word is sweeping through the village like ink beetles through the forest...another Catherine (so to speak) has appeared and disappeared on Temple Island early this afternoon. One of Gehn's guards found her to have suddenly materialized into Riven bearing a book...a Linking Book, most probably back to D'ni. The guard retrieved the book momentarily, but was quickly intercepted by one of the Black Moiety rebels. Our Second Catherine (as she's being referred to as) was released and the book has vanished without a trace.

A nearby fisherman spotted the woman exploring the island later in the day, but there is no sign of her existence now. Rumors are flying thick between the huts...the mothers are worried she may quickly find her way to our village and are keeping a wary eye on the children. Our own mother has instructed Ophene and I not to leave the island, and Riy to stay inside.

Eloso is delighted by this all. She believes the Second Catherine is another ally of Atrus, here to aid the captured Catherine in escape and finally relieve us of Gehn's rule. Again, I keep my opinions to myself, but I hope fervently that this is so.

Ophene is angered that we are not being allowed to travel to Crater Island now...I too am eager to leave this place once again, but not only to explore now...I want to see this Second Catherine with my own eyes. I want to know if she is here to assist the Moiety and if I can help them in anyway...I grow weary of having my people so frightened of Gehn; I want a better life for us all. Perhaps she can help...

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Author's Note: shortness! *gasp* Only four paragraphs...oh well. That's all I needed. As always, please review!