A government scryer's life is a prison until she and her bodyguard discover the ultimate secret language. This near-future science fiction short story examines the boundaries of love and freedom, and is part of the collection PENTANGLE: FIVE POINTED FABLES.

Carolyn Kephart is the author of the critically acclaimed epic fantasy duology WYSARD and LORD BROTHER, now in its revised and expanded second edition. A single-volume version, THE RYEL SAGA: A TALE OF LOVE AND MAGIC, is also available.Visit http://carolynkephart.com for first chapters and much more.

About the author: Early life as a military brat gave Carolyn Kephart an appreciation of nomadic lifestyles, a fascination with world cultures, and close-up insights into the warrior mentality and its manifestations, all of which influence her work. She loves things that nourish the spirit and widen the mind.