If I Should Die by Amy Plum Page A

not referring to a possession. I’m talking about re-creation of his own body.”
    No one moved. Finally Gaspard spoke. “Healer, we are unaware of this type of . . . miracle. If indeed there is a method for ‘re-embodiment,’ as you call it, then it is not known to our kind. Is this thing truly possible?”
    Bran nodded. “Yes. It is. You honestly have no accounts of this in your records? I would have assumed . . .”
    â€œNo,” Gaspard confirmed. “It seems that the separation of our kind and yours over the centuries has led to a loss in what I am beginning to guess used to be shared information between our groups.”
    Bran rubbed his fingers across his forehead, and glanced at us doubtfully, as if wondering if he should say more. “My family archives have been fiercely guarded from discovery by those outside our clan as well as by revenants. I always supposed it was so numa couldn’t use our information against us. Or against you. But I assumed that the bardia would have much of the same knowledge as we had. At least for such important traditions. Maybe I’ve said too much. But in this case, I think my indiscretion is warranted.”
    He cleared his throat and carried on. “The topic of re-embodiment was recorded in one of my family’s accounts, written by an ancestor many generations back. It explained that for revenants who are destroyed against their will and trapped as a wandering soul, there is recourse. Their body can be re-created and their spirit introduced into it. I do not know the exact process used. I just know the solution exists.”
    As the meaning of Bran’s words sank in, I felt dizzy. Up to now, Vincent had been silent. Now he spoke. Don’t get too excited, Kate. This is probably just a legend. A story.
    But I couldn’t help it. This faint glimmer of possibility had already banished my despair. There might be a way to get Vincent back. The slimmest of chances was enough to give me hope.
    â€œDo those records still exist?” Jean-Baptiste was asking Bran.
    â€œYes. They are the same ones that contain the information Violette is searching for. But I must caution you; although I remember my mother reading me one story about re-embodiment, I’m not sure it spells out what must be done during the ritual. It could just be a dead end.”
    â€œNo matter. Any information at all is more than what we currently possess. We can send someone immediately for your records.” JB was already moving toward the door. “Where are they kept?”
    Bran hesitated. “Somewhere revenants are not allowed to go,” he said, causing JB to stop and turn. His expression fell somewhere between taken aback and furious.
    â€œHow about humans?” I asked. “I’ll go.”
    No , Vincent said. I ignored him and kept my eyes on Bran.
    â€œMy dear, we are trying to keep you out of danger, not throw you into the middle of it,” said Gaspard.
    â€œActually, since Kate holds the signum bardia , she would be allowed to enter my family’s archives,” Bran said thoughtfully. He rubbed his stubbled chin as he considered.
    â€œVincent tells me that he forcefully objects to the possibility of Kate going on her own,” Gaspard said, holding up a cautionary finger.
    â€œYou could have her accompanied to the entrance if you are worried about her safety,” Bran offered, “but once inside, I assure you she will be perfectly safe.”
    â€œI’m going, Vincent,” I said to the room. “If there is even the slightest possibility we can get you back, there’s no way you will stop me.”
    But, mon ange, he said.
    â€œNo! I will not listen to you. Jean-Baptiste, will you send someone with me?”
    â€œOf course, dear girl,” he responded immediately.
    â€œBran has promised I will be perfectly safe once inside, and I’ll have guards until I get there. You