THEBOOKSOFBAYERN

RiverSecrets

SHANNONHALE

TableofContentsCover

TitlePage

Dedication

Prologue

1AJourneySouth

2ARumbleofJavelins

3BurningAgain

4ThousandYears

5WhatGoesOnOutThere

6TheSecondCorpse

7SecretBurial

8TheOwn’sWorstSwordsman

9TreeRat

10TheCaptain’sSpy

11WhattheKitchenGirlFound

12TheBestSlingFinnEverSaw

13TheSeasonofthePrince

14WatchersinWhite

15BrighterColors

16Razo’sLuck

17DaggersintheAssembly

18ARam’s-HeadRing

19RiverFingers

20OneWeek

21AnAmbassador’sAssassin

22TheGrapeHarvestFestival

23FromtheSpyingTree

24AParchmentMap

25ASlingerandaSpy

26RiverandFire

27Rainstorm

28ANewShipinPort

29AFewMoreSecrets

Acknowledgments

AnoteaboutRiverSecretsfromShannonHale

FromShannonHale

ReadonforaSneakPeekoftheNext

ShannonHale

AlsobyShannonHale

PraiseforRiverSecrets

Imprint

Foralltheboysinmyfamily

Butespecially,triumphantly,adoringly

fortheoneandonly

MaxStonebreakerHale

AriverhasitssecretsFarunderfoldsofwaterDeeperthantheburieddarkWhereallisslickandsofter

Afirehasitssecrets

DancingbarebeforeyoureyesTrimmedinheatandlostingoldSomethinginitsbrightnesslies

Aboyhashissecrets

HisfistclaspedtightasstoneWatchingwater,spyingfireInacrowdedroom,

alone

Prologue

Ingridanwasanancientcity.Memoryachedinitsstonearches,creptdownitsnarrowalleys,sluicedthroughitssevenrivers.Anditsnewestmemorystillburned,rawandsore—afailedwar,anationshamed,andanarmydishonored.

OnthewesternedgeofIngridan,justacrosstheRosewaterRiver,someonewatchedamandie.Themanhadbeenpooranddesperateforabitofcoin,butnowhewasjustdead,hisbodyblackfromburning.

Whenthesmokecleared,thewatcherdraggedthecorpseoutofthenearlyemptywarehouse,rolleditintotheriver,andkeptwatchasitfloatedintothesea.

“Theywillpayformakingmedothis,”spokethevoicethatnooneelseheard.“I’llseeBayerninflames.”

1AJourneySouth

Razohoppedupanddown,buthecouldseeonlybacksofheads.Soldiersandcourtierslinedthegrandhall,cranedtheirnecks,stoodontoes.Andeveryonewastallerthanhim.

“That’sjustperfect,”Razomuttered.

Rumorshadbeenbuzzingallweekthatsomethingweightywouldbeannouncedtoday,andnowherehewaswithoutahopeofadecentview.IfonlyhewereintheForestandcouldjustclimbatree.

Helookedup.Thenagain…

Razosqueezedtotheouterwallofthechamberandleapedatatapestry,justcatchingthelowerfringe.Abriefsoundoftearing,quickasthesqueakofamouseinatrap,andhefoundhimselfdanglingaboveahundredheads,waitingforaterrifyingriptosendhimdown.Thetapestryshivered,thenheld,soRazocrossedhiseyesonceforluckandclimbedup.

Hepushedhisfeetagainstthewallandsprangontothedecorativeshelving.AtlasthehadanagreeableviewofhisfriendsIsiandGeric,Bayern’squeenandking,seatedonadaisthreestepsbelowtheirthrones.Besidethemwerethewhite-robedemissariesfromTiraandahandfulofTiransoldierswho,Razoimagined,hadbeenhandpickedforlookingbrutishandmenacing.

Theyellow-hairedTiranwomanwasspeaking.“…yearsofanimositycannotbequicklyforgotten,yetweseethebenefitofforminganacquaintancewithBayernaswehavenotformanyhundredsofyears.”

“Thatisourwishaswell,”saidGeric,“andsoweproposeanexchangeofambassadors.Thisspring,we’llsendoneofourownsouthtoliveamongtheTiranpeopleinthecapitalcityofIngridan.”

“BytheauthorityofthepeopleofTira,ourassembly,andourprince,”saidtheTiranwoman,“weacceptBayern’sinvitationandlikewisewillsendourambassadortoliveinyourcapital.”

Thecrowdcreakedwithastonishedsilence.OneleanTiransoldierglaredatGericandthumbedthehiltofhissword.

“Greatcrows,”Razowhispered,hisbellyfillingwithcold.Justoverayearago,TirahadinvadedBayernwiththeintentionofwipingouttheBayernarmy,hangingtheirkingandqueen,andclaimingBayernlandasitsown.Inaterriblebattlelastspring,Bayernhadfinallyovercometheinvasionandwonaricketypeace.RazohadservedasascoutandsoldierforBayernandhadnodesiretorollaroundagaininthatwholemessofawar.Hestaunchlybelievedthatseventeenyearswastooyoungtodie.Evenso,askingBayerntowelcomeaTiranintotheirmidstalreadywasamightystickysolution.

TheTiranwomanwasspeakingagain.“Knowthatthewoundsofwarwon’thealeasily.Burnscan’tstopstingingundersuchamildsalve….”

Burns.Thecrowdrustled.ItwasclearshewasalludingtothelastbattleofthewarandthemysteriousBayernfire-speakerwhohadburnedone-tenthoftheTiranarmy.

Razosmirked.Itsuddenlyseemedsuchalaugh,thoseangryTirancompletelyunawarethatthefire-speakerherselfwasjustfivepacesaway.

EnnastoodbehindQueenIsi’schair,slouchingatad,asthoughtryingtocommunicatethatthegatheringwaskilledanddoneforalready.Herformaltunicwasdeepredwithbeadsaroundtheneck,andherblackhairwaslooseandgrowinguncheckedtothemiddleofherback.Occasionallyherlipsmovedandhereyesglancedsideways,asifshewerewhisperingsomethingdrolltoFinnbesideher.

Ennaseemedsocareless.YetifthoseTiransoldiersdiscoveredshewasthesecretfire-speaker,Razorealizedtheywouldnothesitatetopartherheadfromhershoulders.Suddenly,itdidnotseemsuchalaugh.Hescratchedhisneckandclamberedbackdown.

Anhourlater,RazowasnappingonthefloorofGeric’santechamberwhentoestickledhisside.HesquirmedandsquintedwithoneeyetoseeIsistandingabovehim.

“Thereyouare,Razo!We’remeetinginmyreceivingroom.Willyoucome?”

“Yetanothergloriousmeeting?I’mreallytempted,Isi,butyouknowmy

schedulerightnowis—”

“There’sfood.”

Razoleapedup.“I’mrightbehindyou.”

Alargesoldierwithdark,shaggyhairwalkedthecorridoraheadofthem,peeringintoopendoorways.

“Ifoundhim,Finn,”saidIsi,“asleeponafloor,justlikeyouthoughthe’dbe.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”Razorubbedhisnose.Sleepinessalwaysmadeititch.“I’mnotthatpredictable.”

“Youtoldhimthere’dbefood,didn’tyou?”Finnasked.

“Theonlywayhe’dcome.”

“Hmph,”saidRazo.Finngavehisarmafriendlyknock.

Razowasrelievedtofindthemoodinthereceivingroomhadshruggedofftheitchystiffnessofthatday’sformalassembly—atleast,Conradwaslaughingloudlyashearm-wrestledGeric,eventhoughacoupleofministersfrownedintheirdirection.ConradwasafriendofRazoandIsifromyearsago,andsincethedeathofGeric’syoungbrother,thekingseemedtohavetakentoConradasmorefamilythanfriend.Ennawaslounginginachair,andahandfulofsoldierschattedatthetable.Buttherewasnofood.

“That’scruel,thatis,”saidRazo,andIsipattedhisshoulderconsolingly.

Shetookherthree-month-oldbaby,Tusken,fromamaid’sarmsandaskedhertobringinaplateofsomethingsweet.SoRazostayed,lollingagainstthewall,halflisteningtoGerictalkabouttheambassadorexchange,andpracticinganexpressionofsupremeindifferencesothatwhenhewasnotaskedtogoalong,hisfacewouldnotbetraydisappointment.

WhyhadIsibotheredtowakehimforthismeeting,anyway?ShewaswhollyabsorbedinTuskennow,cooingandsmilingathim,thoughhewasasleepanddidnothingbutoccasionallytwitchhislipsorrubhisnose.ThepurposeofbabieseludedRazo.Hesupposeditwouldbedifferentifhewereafather,butthatwouldrequirefindingawife.

Andthen,unaskedfor,amemoryofBettinspasmedbehindhiseyes.Shewaslaughingandwrestlinghimtothegroundtosquishanoverripepearintohisface.Upclose,hereyeswerealmostgreenintheirblackness.

“Hmph,”saidRazo.Bettinwasmarriednow.Tosomeoneelse.Rememberingthatproducedanuncomfortable,creepingsensationacrosshisback,likethetimeshecaughthimselfwantingtochatwithanoldfriend,onlytorecallthatthefriendhadbeenkilledinthewar.

“Atspringthaw,we’llsendourambassadorsouth,”Gericwassaying.“Isibelievestradeisonewaytopacifyanimosities,sowe’llalsoconveyaloadofBayerndyes,somethingtheTiranlack.CaptainTalone,I’llaskyoutoleadtheambassador’sguardandchoosetwentyofyourownmen.”

That’shopeful,Razothought.Thegray-templedwarriorwastheleaderofBayern’sOwn,theking’spersonalhundred-bandofsoldiers,andRazo’sowncaptain.Perhapshe’dhaveachancetobeapartoftheadventureafterall.

“Whoknowswhatdangersyou’llface?”Gericwassaying.“Weneedboyswhocankeepaclearhead,smartlads…”

That’stwoforme,Razothought.

“…strong,too…”

Uh…

“…andgoodfighters.”

Countsmeout.Razofeltregretcreepingintohisexpression,sohelookedforsomethingamusingtodistracthimself.Thereappearedtobeasmallholeintherug.Hestuckinhisfinger.Nowitwasaslightlybiggerhole.

“Sincewecan’tdispatchanarmytoprotecttheambassador,”saidTalone,“IrecommendEnnatakepart.”

“Enna?”Isisatupsharp,andthebabygrumbledinhissleep.“Enna,youcan’tgo.IftheTiranpeoplerealizethatyouarethefire-speaker…”

Ennashrugged.“Mostofthemneversawme.”

“YouspentweeksinaTiran-occupiedtown—”

“Inatent,withmostlyjustoneotherperson—”

“Who’sdeadnow,butotherpeoplesawyou,Enna—”

“OtherpeopleI’mnotlikelytomeetinacityofhundredsofthousandsofpeople—”

“ThereweresoldiersinEylboldwhomightbestationedinIngridan’spalacebarracks.”

“Theyweredisgraced,Isi.Iseriouslydoubtthey’dberetainedinaroyalcompany.”

IsisighedandlookedatGericforsupport.Hesmiledsweetlyather,thenfrownedasherealizedthatsheexpectedsomething.“What?You’daskmetothrowmyselfbetweenyouandEnna?”

“Captain,”saidIsi,turningtoTalone,herfriendfromyearspastandheronlyothercountrymaninBayern.Oftenwhenspeakingtohim,hervoicestrayedfromheradoptedBayernaccenttothestiff,punctuatedtonesofKildenree.“Youmustseethedanger—ifsheisdiscovered,notonlyhersafetybutallofyourswillbecompromised.”

“Iseeathousanddangersinthisenterprise,myqueen,”saidTalone.“InEnna,wehaveasecretarmy.Nevertheless,ifyoujudgebesttokeepherback…”

“No.”Ennalurchedforward.“Please,Isi,don’tsayIcan’t.Ineedtogo.”

“But,Enna—”

“Isi,listen,Ineedtodosomethingwithallthis.”Shethumpedherchest,theplacewhereshecouldpullheatinsideher,changeitsomehow,thensenditouttobecomefire.“Ikilledsomanypeopleinthewar,didsomuchdamage,andIsweartoyou,toallofyou”—sheturned,hergazeseizingeveryoneintheroom—“thatIwon’tkillagain.I’msosorryaboutthetimeswhenIwenttoofar,whenIhurtpeopleIdidn’tmeanto.AndnowI’vegotallthispoweratmyfingertipsandallthisguiltburningaholethroughme.Ifyoucangivemeanotherchance,IwanttoproveI’monBayern’sside.Iwanttohelp.”SheturnedhereyesandhervoicebacktoIsi.“Please,youunderstand,right?”

Isinodded.“Ido.AndI’llmissyou.”

“Thanks,Isi,”Ennawhispered,lookingdown.“Thankyou.”

Isismiledathersleepingbaby,herforeheadpinched.

Theconversationtumbledon.Talonenamedthesoldiershewouldinvitetojointhecompany,includingFinn,askingthemtogotoTiraandremainthereforthenextyearoraslongasittooktoformalizepeace.Theyallaccepted,thoughmanygazedupintothehangingcandlelightordownattheirbootsasif

wonderinghowmanyofthemwouldreturnhomeagain.

Razohadbeatendownhishopeintothin,shakygloomwhenheactuallyheardhisownname.

“What?”hesaid,lookingupfromtheholeinthecarpet.

“Ibelievewewillhaveneedofyourskills,”saidTalone.

Whatskills?Razoalmostasked.Heknewheshouldbeelated,buthefeltknockedflatbysurpriseandtoobaffledtospeak.Afterall,Finnasachoicemadesense—hehadbecomeoneofthebestswordsmeninBayern’sOwnandwasasdependableasnutsinautumn.Ennamadesense—hertalentswithfireandwindmadehermorepowerfulthanaroomfullofsoldiers.Conradhadbeennamed,anotherForest-bornlikeRazowhowasnottoohandywithasword,buthewasthebestgrapplerinForestorcity.Infact,allthesoldiersTalonehadcalledwerethebestatsomething—swordorjavelin,grapplingorhorsemastery.Razoknewhewasbestatnothing,exceptmaybecrammingtwocherriesintoasinglenostril.

Hedidnothavetohearthewhisperstoknowwhateveryonewasthinking—theonlyreasonhehadbeenchosentojoinBayern’sOwnwasbecauseofhispartinendingthewar.HeandFinnhadprotectedEnnawhileshehadchasedtheTiranarmyawayduringthelastbattle.Thatwasallright,exceptRazohadtakenaswordintheribsandbarelyscrapedbywithhisbreathintact.

Hedidnothavetohearthewhispers,butheheardthemallthesame.

“Abravefool,”onesoldierhadmurmuredtoanotherwhenthey’dthoughtRazowasasleepinthebarracks.Andtherehadbeenothers.Achildthatfellintohisarmoranddidn’tknowhowtogetbackout…Apuppydogwithnoblefriends…Theworstswordsmanthiscompanyhaseverboasted…AndRazothoughttheymustberight.Monthshe’dbeenamemberoftheOwnandhadneverbeenaskedtobeapartofanyassignmentorcounselofimportance.SowhydidTalonesuddenlywanthimforthemostimportantmissionofall?

Razorealizedeveryonewasstillstaringathim.Helaughedself-consciouslyandsaid,“OfcourseI’llgo,youknowthat.”

“Excellent.”Gericreachedforthebaby.“Andnowthat’ssettled,sogivememyboy.”

IsipassedTuskentohisfather.“Careful,he’sstillsleeping.”

“He’sbeenasleeplongenough,andIhaven’tseenthosehugeblueeyessinceearlythismorning,whatwitheverythingwe’vedonetoday.”GericbouncedTuskeninhisarmsuntilthebabyproducedahuge,toothlessyawn,openedhiseyes,andstaredunblinkingathisfather.“Hello,thereheis!Yousee,Iknewhewantedtowakeup.”

IsikissedGeric’scheekandlaughedagainsthisneck,callinghimimpossible.ShepickedupherblueskirtsandsatonthefloornexttoRazo.Ennaploppeddownbesideher,leaningagainstFinnandrestingherfeetonIsi’slap.

“Ithardlyseemsafairtrade,”saidIsi,pattingEnna’slegs.“ThecompanyofmythreebestfriendsforTirandignitaries.Ifitweren’tforGericandTusken,I’dtradethecrowntogowithyou.”

“I’mnotworthacrown,”saidEnna.“Well,maybeahandfulofjewels.”

“Myhandful,maybe,”saidFinn.“Yourhandsaretootiny.”

“Fairenough.”EnnatookFinn’sswordhandandrubbedthecallusesonhispalm.

Isibegantopullheryellowhairfreeofitspins.“Atleastyou’llhavethewintertospendathome.”

“So,”saidRazo,simmeringwithexcitementandunabletositonthequestionamomentlonger,“whydidTalonechooseme,doyouthink?”

“Togiveusagoodlaugh,”saidEnna.

Razotiltedhisheadinhisbeseriousexpression.

“Whoknows?”saidEnna.“WhocanreadthemindofCaptainStoneface?Butit’sboundtobemoreofanadventurewithyoualongandtwiceasfunaspotatomushfights.”

“Soundslikestickybusiness—”

“Tiraorthefoodfights?”

“Andifmyluckholdsup,Iwon’tbegettingoutofthiswithoutanotherscar.Youeither,Finn.”

“Ifyouthinkyou’veneverseenmeangry,”saidIsi,“justwatchwhathappensifanyofyougoesandgetsyourselfhurt.Ifthingsturnugly,justgetoutofthereandcomehome.”

Razosniffed.“Whatexactlydoyouthinkmighthappen?”

“Death,war,possiblysomemaiming,”saidEnna.

Razodidnotcare.OutofonehundredofBayern’sbestsoldiers,Talonehadchosenhim.Whateverthereason,Razowasdeterminedtoshowhiscaptainhehadnotmadeamistake,nomatterthecost.

2ARumbleofJavelins

Beforefrostcouldthickenintosnow,Razohurriedhomeforthewinter.Hismother’sForesthousestoodinaclearingofpinetrees,encircledbythefivecottageshisolderbrothershadbuiltfortheirownfamilies.

Razowasshockedtofindhislittlesister,Rin,suddenlytallerthanhim—thatis,shewouldhavebeentallerifhishairlaydownflat,whichhemadecertainitneverdid.Sometimeswhennoonewaslooking,heranalittlepinesapthroughhishair,pullinghisfinger-lengthlocksupright.

Hepassedtheweekschoppingwood,slingingforsquirrelsandharessohisma’sdinnerpotneverlackedmeat,wrestlinghisyoungnephewsandniecestotheground,andinturnbeingwrestleddownbyhislegionofbigbrothers.

“Butwhydoyouhavetogooffagain,Razo?”Hismotherrippedthehideoffadeadhare,thelatestofferingfromRazo’ssling.

“I’mamemberofBayern’sOwn,”saidRazo.“It’stheking’sownhundred-band,thebestofthesoldiers,andI’moneofthem.It’sanhonor.It’slike…”Hecouldthinkofnothinginherownlifetocompareitwith.Thethoughtmadehimfeelalreadyhundredsofleaguesaway.

Whenearlyspringbegantoshiverthecoldfromtheair,Razo’sexcitementtickledhimawakeatfirstlight.Talonechoseme,heremembered.I’mgoingonanurgent,dangerousmission.Me,RazooftheForest.Hespenttwodaysworkingtilldarktoreadyhismaforthenextmarketday,thenmadehisfarewells.Rinbecamequietandflutteryasifshewouldmisshim,whichmadehisheartpinch.Brun,hisoldestbrother,grappledhimintothehangman’shold.

“NotrunningafterthatBettinagain,areyou,Razo?”saidBrun.Theotherbrotherslaughed.Atagefifteen,Razohadthoughthewastooyoungtoproposemarriagetothepretty,strong-armedForestgirl.Then,onhearingthatshewassuddenlyengagedtoOffo,hehadrunacrossthreedaysofForestintwo.He’darrivedbeforethewedding,redfaced,triumphant,gaspingforbreath,andspewingwordsthatsoundedlikepoetrytohisownears.Bettinhadjustlaughedandrubbedhishead.

“ButIloveOffo,”she’dsaid.“GoodoldRazo.”

Hisbrotherscouldteasehimabouthisheightorthenumberofscarshewascollectingonhisbody.Hecouldtakethejokewhentheysaidhewoulddiehavingneverwonafairwrestlingmatch.ButthetopicofBettinstillsmartedtoomuch.He’dimaginedbeingwithheralways.Nowwhenheclosedhiseyes,hehadtroubleimagininganythingelse.

Butitwasuselesstofightback,sohejustwentlimpinBrun’sholduntilhisbrotherdumpedhimontheground.

Withalastkissforhisma,Razoambledonhisway.Hefeltachillskitteracrosshisbackandkeptlookingbehindhim,fearingthattheForesthadfoldedinhalfandthehomesteadceasedtoexist.Hisgutfelthollow,sohetriedtofillitwithhisma’snuttytravelbread.Thatworkedprettywell.

Twodaysofwalkinglater,hefoundpreparationsinthecapitalwellunderway,horsesexercised,barrelsandcasksloaded,tentsrolled.Razofelttheenergylikeamuscletwitch.Journeysalwaystooktoolong,butneveraslongasthereadying.

Hewashangingaroundthestables,chaffingtheboysastheyshoveledmanure,whenoneofBayern’sOwn,awirymanwithanosethatlookedsharpenoughtohaveitsownsheath,cameupclosetoRazo.Hestankofaleandappearedtobeproudofit.

“Perfect,”Razosaidunderhisbreath.

“Hothere,sheepboy!I’vebeenwantingyoutoexplainsomethingtome…toyou,tome…aboutyougoingtoTira,huh?Why’reyougoing,huh?AndI’mnot.That’swhatI’dliketoknow.”

Razowinced.“You’reawarethatyousmelllikeaprivy?”

Twoothersoldiersgatheredinbehindthefirst,andemboldenedbyhisfriends,themanpokedRazointheshoulder.Severaltimes.Razogrittedhisteethandkepthiseyesontheground.Itneverdidanygoodtofightback.

“You’renosoldier.You’rejustfriendswiththehighandmighty,eh?”

“What’sthis,Razo?”Ennastalkedawayfromherhorse,brushstillinhand.“Yourprettyfriendsherearecertainlyloudabouttheiropinions.”

“Thishasnothingtodowithyou,”saidtheman.

Shefoldedherarms.“Ifyou’veaproblemwithmyfriend,thenithas

everythingtodowithme,LordPukeBreath.Whydon’tyouexplainthesituation,I’mohsoeagertohear.”

Inshortorder,therewasaverypleasingshoutingmatchgoingon.RazosettledbackintoastackofhaytoenjoyEnnaatherbest.

“Aren’tyougoingtohelp?”askedoneofthestablehands.

Razolaughed.“Ennacanhandlethreebrawlerswithhereyesclosed.Ifthereweretwenty,thenImightdosomething.I’dgofindFinn.”

“I’ddigmyowngrave,”saidanotherstablehand,hisbackturnedtoRazo,“aforeI’dsitbackandletsomeoneelsefightmybattle.”

Razoopenedhismouthbutfoundhimselfsuddenlyemptiedofjokes.Whyfightmyownbattlesifeveryoneelsedoesitsomuchbetter?heaskedhimself,butthethoughtirritatedhim,abugbitehecouldnotscratch.

BythetimeTalonefinallyheardtheriotandtookover,Ennahadthesoldierslookinglikepuppieswiththeirtailsbetweentheirlegs.

“Whatistheruckus?”Astoutwomandrapedintoomuchyellowfabriccamelumberingintothestable.ShecaughtsightofRazolounginginthehay.“Areyouresponsibleforallthisuproar?Thisisaworkareaandclosedtoloafers.Whoareyou?”

“I’mRazo,amemberofBayern’sOwn,”hesaid,stoppinghimselffromadding,“Loafingisjustahobbyofmine.”

“Bayern’sOwn?Butyou’reachild.”

Razolookeduptothesky.“I’mnotachild,I’mjustshort.”

“Hm,”shesaidthroughhernose.“Idon’tknowwhatkindofmanthisTaloneistoenlistboys….”

“IamTalone,”hesaid,approaching.“Andwhoareyoutointerferewithoneofmymen?”

“I’mLadyMegina,cousintoHisHighnessthekingandchosenambassadortoTira.ImayaswelltellyourightnowthatI’llexpectcooperationfrommymilitaryescort,notdemands.”

Talonecrossedhisarms,appearingtwiceaswide.“Regardless,mymenhaveonecaptain,andyouarenotit.”

Hereyeswidenedbriefly,liketheupwardsurgeinflameswhennewfuelisadded.“Verywell.You’llcommandyourmen,CaptainTalone,andI’llcommandyou.”

Theystrodeawayinoppositedirectionswhilethestablehandssnickeredintotheirshoulders.

RazohadheardofLadyMeginabefore,achildlesswidowoftwentyyearsandcousintotheking.GerichadcreditedherforendingawaterdisputeinsoutheastBayernandmanagingherbrother’sestatewithprecision.Still,shecouldhavebeennicer.

Thenightbeforedeparture,IsiandGericheldafeastforthetravelersbuthadnotshownupbythetimethefeastingbegan.RazowasonhissecondturkeylegandfifthberrypiewhenIsiclimbedontothebenchnexttohim,restingherelbowsonthetable,herbrowonherhands.

“What’shappened?”askedEnna.

IsimeteyeswithTalone,seatedacrossfromher.Hervoicequavered.“We’vehadwordfromTira.Overthewinter,manyTirancitizensstartedcallingforareturntowar.Itgotquitebad,andtoappeasethem,theassemblyagreedtovoteonthematterinthefall.”

Finnshookhisheadandseemedlikelytostrikesomething.

“Thatwon’tgiveusmuchtime,”saidTalone.

“Ifyougo.”Isilookedup,asthoughtokeephereyesdry.“I’mthinkingof…ofcancelingthemission.Bythetimeyouarrived,LadyMeginawouldhavelessthanamonthtomeetwiththeassemblymembersbeforetheyallleavefortheirsummerestates.OncetheyreturntoIngridan,she’dhavetwomoreweeksatmostuntilthevote.It’snotenoughtimetoswaytheiropinioninfavorofpeace,andI’mafraidyourcompanywouldhaveatrickytimejustkeepingheralive.Keepingallofyoualive.”ShetookEnna’shandandbegantotalkfaster.“ButI’malsosoafraidthatifyoudon’tgo,there’llbenochance.It’seasytobelievecompletestrangersareyourenemies.Iftheyknewus…Buthowcanyougo,Talone?HowcanIbeartoriskallofyou?You’dbetravelingintoahornets’nest.”

Razoscratchedatthefleabitesonhisarms,thenrealizedtheyweregoosebumps.Hewasnotmuchfondofhornets’nests.

Talonestood.“Bayern’sOwn.”Therattleofdishesstilled,allfacesturned.“OurqueeninformsmethatTirahasusedthewintertostirupthoughtsofwar.Ifwego,thepeoplejustmightdecidetocutourthroatsonebyone.Thequeenisgivingusachoice.Evenifwego,it’slikelywewillfail.Areyouwillingtotakethatchance?WillyoumarchwithmetoTira?”

Thequietthatfollowedmadetheroomfeeltightandsmallandairless.ThenFinnthumpedhisjavelinagainstthetiledfloor.Razosmiledathimandechoedwithhisownjavelin.Ennabangedherfistonthetable.Thesoundoftwojavelinsandafisttookupthewholeroom,lonelyandinvitingatonce.Thenaclatterofrepliestossedagainstthewalls.Therumbleunified,everyoneknockingintime,theentireroombecomingonedrumunderonehand.GericcameupbehindIsi,wrappinghisarmsaroundhershoulders.Shepressedherheadagainsthishands,andwhenvoicesjoinedthejavelins,shouting,“Bayern!Bayern!”hershouldersshookwithasob.

ThethumpsandshoutspulledatRazo’sskinandclatteredagainsthisownheartbeat.Hebangedhisjavelinlouder,needingtojointhatnoise,inexplicablyafraidofbeingleftout.

3BurningAgain

Springpokedouteverywhere.Leaftipsjuttedfromtwigslikestuck-outtongues;darkbudsandcurlyfernselbowedtheirwayintolife.Becausethepartywasjourneyingforwardintospringandsouthintowarmth,theplantsappearedtoeruptaroundthem,quickanddesperate.Andthepaceofthehorses,thepaceoftheworld,seemedtokeeptimewiththepoundingofthejavelinsstillechoinginRazo’smind.

RazooftenrodenearthefrontwithTalone,whereEnnaledthewaybylisteningtothewind.HeknewonlypiecesofhowEnnaandIsihadgonetothecountryofYasidlastyearandfoundawaytosharetheirgiftswitheachother—thespeechofwindandfire.Nowinadditiontobeingabletopullheatfromtheairandsenditblazingintofireanywhereshechose,EnnapossessedIsi’sabilitytohearthevoiceofthewindmurmuraboutwhatithadblownbyandevendirectittochangeitscourse.TalonelikedtohaveEnnanearthefront,listening.Sheoftenknewinadvanceifanythingunexpectedlayahead—adamagedbridge,awildcat.

Othertimes,Razodriftedinthecompany,lingeringintherearortrottingthroughthemiddlewherethesoldiersandcampworkerstangledandproducedthemerriesttalk.ThecompanyavoidedthetopicofTiraandwhatmightawaitthem,perhapstokeepthetensionfromburyingthemallalive.Inthestrainedlevity,pranksflourished,andRazoknewtoshakeouthisbedrollbeforeclimbingin.Knewitnow,anyway.Grasssnakeswereharmless,butcouldhehelpitifheyelpedlikeapupwhenthatcold,scalybodylickedacrosshisbarefeet?

Oftenthelaughterwasstrained;oftenthedinnersongswobbledandcaughtinthroats.Razoknewhewasnottheonlyonerememberingtheforebodingsoundofjavelinsclamoringinthebanquethallandthestillnessafterwardthathadgivenhimpausetoimaginewaragain.

Fourweeksintotheirjourneysouth,Razowokeinthedarkestpartofnighttoweeping.Thesoundofitseemedwrong,likeaninstrumentplayedoutoftune.Thestiflingfeelofanew-moonnight,theair-crackingsob,theearly-springchillridingabreeze—allremindedRazoofthebirthnightofhisbabysister.Four

yearsold,he’dawakenedtohismothercryinginthenightandfoundhercurledupandweepingonthegroundasthelaborpainsboredown.Hehadcrouchedbesideher,crying,too,beggingforawaytomakeitbetter,untilaneighborhadarrivedtoshoohimoutsidewithhisbrothers.Thenextmorning,inthejoyofababygirl,everyoneseemedtohaveforgottenthepain;butRazoneverforgot.

Hecrawledoutofhisbedroll,takinghisswordwithhimincasetherewassomethinghecouldfighttostopthesuffering.Hedidnothavetogofar.

Ennasleptinasmalltentneartheambassador’s,andFinnsleptbeforetheopening.AsRazoapproached,hecouldmakeoutFinn’semptybedroll.Frominsidethetent,heheardtheirvoices.

“It’sallright,Enna,tellme.”Finn’svoiceinawhisper.“Ithelpstotellme.”

“IthoughtIwas…wasthereagain….Finn,Iwasthereagain….”Ennacouldbarelyspeakthroughthesobs.

“Youweredreaming,dreaming.”

“ItwasthatlastbattleandI…was…burning…and,and,andamancameatme…hewasonfire….”

“Shh,allright,it’sallright.”

“No,listen,hewasonfire…wascomingafterme…becauseofwhatIdid…anditwassoreal.”Shepaused,tryingtocatchherbreath.“Itwasn’treal?”

“Thebattlewasalmostayearago,”whisperedFinn,“andyoudidn’tmeantohurtanyone,youjusthadtostopthewar,remember?Themaninyourdreamisn’treal.”

“Oh…”Shehiccupedandslowedherbreath,thenittightenedagain,andbeforearushofweepingovertookhershesaidquickly,“ButI’msorry,I’msosorry….”

“Iknow,love,Iknow.Leanintome,I’vegotyou.”

Razo’sheadandhandsfeltasheavyasnight.Therewasnoenemyhecouldbattle,nothinghecoulddo,sohereturnedtohisbedrollandstaredupattheemptyplacesbetweenstars.

Inthemorning,Finn’suniformwasnotastidyasusualandEnna’seyeswerered.

“How’sit,Razo?”shesaid,cheerfulasever.

“Morning,Enna-girl,”Razosaidashefumbledwithahorseblanket.ItwasnoeasytasktosaddleBeeStingwhilethemarewasnuzzlinghispocketsforstowedmorsels.

Ennalefttoputoutthebreakfastfires.Shelitthemandputthemouteachday,asmallserviceshewaseagertodowhenevercampworkerswerenotwatching.OutsideBayern’sOwn,heridentityasthefire-speakerwasstillasecret.

AssoonasEnnawasoutofearshot,RazoturnedtoFinn.

“Lastnight…,”hewhispered.“Thathappensoften?”

Finnrubbedhiseyes.“Thelastfewmonths,maybeonceeveryweekormore.IsibelievesEnnawillgetbetterwithtime,asthememoriesfade.IthinkEnnaneedsachancetousehertalentswithoutbeingdestructive.”HelookedbackatEnnaleaningoveranewlydeadfire,thenturnedandheavedasaddleontohishorse.“Ithauntsher,Razo,allthatshedid.Itrytosleepnearsosheneedn’twakeupalone.Inthepalace,Iusedtosneakintoherroom,sleepbesideher.”

“Yes,Ibetyoudid,”saidRazo,elbowingFinnandraisinghiseyebrows.

Finnlookedsharp.“Iwon’thaveyouthinkingthatItreatherasawifewhenwearen’twed.Isleepbesidehertocomforther,that’sall.Iwouldneverdishonorher.”

Razosmirked.“Thenyou’dbettermarryher.”

“Shewon’t.”

“Won’twhat?”askedEnna,cominguponthem.

“Marryme,”Finnsaidwithanoteofhumor.

Ennarolledhereyes.“Isthattheonlytuneyouknow,piper?PlayadifferentoneorI’lltakemycoinelsewhere.Ifeelyearstooyoungtobehavingbabies.”

“Shame,”saidRazo.“Iforoneamraringtoseewhatkindoffrighteningmongrelwouldbeyouroffspring.Finn’swideshoulders,Enna’sblackhair,Finn’slargehands,Enna’sscheminglook…”

Finnsmiledasifhesawthebabyinhisimaginationandthoughtitbeautiful.

Thenextday,thepartycrossedBayern’sborderandwaitedfortheirTiranescort.Underashiveringsuninaflatlandscape,theyscratchedthemselvesandplayed

tiredprankssonumerous,Talonedemandedtheyceaseatonce.Whenthebathingandlaundryandshakingoffdustpeakedfromboringtoexasperating,Razoescapedintoacopseofrivertreestohunt.

ForRazo,theworstpartofjourneyingwasalwaysthebleak,road-weary,stale,andpalefood—sloshthatwaspotatoesandmeat,somehow;hardlittlebricksthatConradtriedtoconvincehimwereactuallybread;disksofsaltedmeatRazotiedtoastickanddeclaredmadeamightyfineax.SoRazo’sgrumblingbellyoftendrovehimtohuntforthecookpot.Hekepthisslingathishipwithapouchofstones.SomeofthesoldiersmockedhimforwearingasimpleForestweaponsoopenly,butnoneprotestedwhenheaddedfreshmeattodinner.

Theriverbesidetheircampwasspringfull,thebrushyrivertreesinheavyleaf,butstrangelyhecouldseenosquirrelsdartingabout,nofatquailonthebankquiveringtoholdstill.Insteadofhuntingmeat,Razopassedanhourpeltinganuprightboulderthatbeggedtobeatarget.Whenhisstomachremindedhimthathehadnoteatenintwoentirehours,hepickedbackuptheniceststones,workinghiswayaroundtheboulder.

Thenhesawthebody.Itwassocharred,hecouldnottellwhatclothingithadworn,notevenifitwasamanorawoman.Hetouchedthefoot.Coolandhard.Ithadbeenthereawhile.

Suddenlythechirpingofinsectsseemedurgent,warningofsomething,pleadingforRazotorunaway.Itstruckhimridiculousthataftertheunmitigatedslaughterofabattlefield,justonedeadbodycouldfrightenhimmotionless,butstillhecouldnotmove.Heimaginedhisownskinached,wasawareoftheheatofhisbreathonhislips.Hisgazewasswallowedupinthewhitewildernessoftheriver,andherealizednowhowlouditwas,loudenoughtodrownthesoundsofamurdererapproaching,rockscracklingunderfoot.

Getgoing,younumbskull.Heforcedhimselfupandsaunteredaway,verycasually,justincaseanyonewaswatching.Assoonasheleftsightoftheriver,hebrokeintoarun,notslowinguntilhehadfetchedTalone.

“IsitBayern,doyouthink?”askedRazoastheycrouchedoverthebody.WithTalonenexttohim,theinsectchatterlostitsmenaceandthetreeshadowsseemedtotakeastepback.

“Notfromourparty.Atnooncount,noonefromourcampwasmissing,and

yousayit’sbeendeadforatleastseveralhours.”

ItgaveRazoalittlethrillthathiscaptaintrustedhisopinion.“Isthereasettlementnearby?Maybesomevillager…”Heexaminedthearea,frowning.

“What?”askedTalone.“Youhavethatlookasifyourmindisworking.”

Razosmirked.“Foronce,huh?Iwasjustnoticingthegroundisn’tblackenedaroundit.Thebodywasn’tburnedhere,andIhopeitdidn’twalkhereonitsown.Sowhydidn’tthemurdererdumpthebodyintheriver?Oreveninthatcopse?Theboulderandtreeshidethebodyfromourcamp,butwe’veagoodlookattheroadfromhere.Comingfromtheotherdirection,ourTiranescortwould’vespottedthisbody,noquestion.”

“SoeitherthemurdererwascarelessordeliberatelyplacedthebodysotheTiranwoulddiscoveritbeforewedid.”

“It’sodd,isn’tit?Imean,ifyouwanttokillafellow,whynotemployasword?Whatkindofpersonmurdersbyburning?”

AssoonasRazospokethewords,hewishedhehadnot.Hesquattedandfussedwithsomerocksonthegroundasthoughlookingforsomethingveryimportantandnottheleastconcerned.

“Yes,whoburns?”Talone’sblueeyesstaredathimasifrightintohishead.

“Shewouldn’t….”

“Shehasbefore.”Talone’sstoicexpressionwasbetrayedbyalineofworryinhisbrow.“Ihopenot.IhopeitwasnotourEnna.”

Razowasrememberingthesoundsofweepinginthenight.No,listen,hewasonfire…wascomingafterme….AndFinn:Themaninyourdreamisn’treal….CouldEnnahavedonethisinhersleepandnotknown?Andifso,whomhadsheburned?Butno,FinnlayeachnightbeforeEnna’stent.ShecouldnotwanderawaywithoutwakingFinn.

Razolookedatthebody,hisskinsquirming.Nodragmarks,whichmeantithadbeendumped.ItwouldbetooheavyforEnnatocarry,butnotforFinn.

“Whatareyourthoughts?”askedTalone.

“Nothing,Ihavenone,”hesaidquickly.“I’mjustwonderingwhatwedonow.”

Talonesighed,andithadamightysoundtoit.“WesendthebodydowntheriverbeforetheTiranseeit.”

RazoandTaloneremovedtheirtunics,wrappinguptheirhandsbeforeliftingthebodybyanklesandwristsandflingingitintotheriver.Itwasfrighteningtobeholdhowquicklythewhitetorrentgrabbeditandpulleditoutofsight,howperfectlythewaterhidallsignsofdeath.

“Ihopeyoumakeittothesea,”whisperedRazo.

Thoughhewasnevercomfortablewithhisskinnytorsobared,Razocouldnotmakehimselfputthattunicbackonuntilhecouldwashoffthedeathtouch.HewalkedbacktocampwithTalone,hisarmscrossedoverhischest.Windtickledhisskin.

“Don’tdoanythingonyourown,”saidTalone.“Keepyoureyesopen,andcometomewithanythingyoudiscover.I’lldowhateverneedstobedone.”

Ahead,RazosawEnnasittingcross-leggedontheground,jabberingtoFinnaboutsomething.Shewaswearingatunicandskirtdyeddarkgreen,herblackbraidspinneduptokeepherneckfree.Razoknewshehateditwhenherhairtouchedherneck.Shealsohatedhavingdryfingertips,musicwithoutdrums,andpotatoeswithoutsalt.HeknewEnnaaswellasheknewhisownsisterandlikedherjustaswell.

Whateverneedstobedone.

WhatwouldTalonedo?RazowhisperedawishthatEnnawasnotburningagain.

4ThousandYears

Thatevening,theTiranpartymadecampacrosstheroad.Razostayedoutoftheway,boredbyallthediplomaticnonsenseasTaloneandMeginaformallygreetedCaptainLedel,leaderoftheTiranescort,andLordKilcad,theTiranambassador.

“Lookatthem,Razo,”saidConrad.Hewasofmiddlingheightandlean,hisfaceinnocentwithfreckles,allbelyingthefactthathewasadeadlygoodgrappler.“Don’ttheylookwellrested?Andbathed,too?Probablymoseyingalongwhilewekilledourselvestogethereontime.”

Atthewordkilled,Razocouldnothelpglancingatthespotbytheriver.Puddlesofmoonlightfilledhollowsintheriversand.

Inthemorning,halfoftheBayernturnednorthtoaccompanytheambassador,LordKilcad,intoBayern.Talone’sgroupcontinuedsouthwithCaptainLedel’smen,whoweretheretomakecertaintheBayernwerenotharassedwhilecrossingTira.Orthatwastheofficialreason.RazosawtheicymaliceinmanyTiransoldiers’eyesandthoughtitwouldbeamiracleifthegroupcouldmakeittoIngridanwithoutbloodshed.

Atnight,RazosetuphisbedrollnearEnna’stentandtrainedhimselftoawakenattheleastsound.OnceheheardhersobatthingsfromherdreamsandFinnsootheherbacktosleep,butthathecouldtell,shedidnotleavehertent.

Amorningtwoweeksfromtheborder,aBayerncampworker,agirlnomorethanthirteenyears,waspouringwateronthebreakfastfirewhentwohulkingTiranpassedby.Thepotslippedinherhands,splashingwaterontheirboots.

“Tryingtogetmyattention,areyou?”saidthefiery-hairedTiran.Helookedaround,asifmakingcertainhiscaptainwasnotnear,thengrabbedthegirl’swristandyankedhercloser,whisperingsomethinginherear.

“Letoff!”Thegirlstruggled,beatingherfistagainsthischest.

“Youshouldbeflattered,”saidthelargersoldier,laughing.“You’retoouglytodeservetheattention.”

Finnwasthefirstonetospringforward.HeshovedtheTiran,freeingthegirl

fromhishold,andputhimselfbetweenthem.Hishandwasonhissword,buthedidnotdrawityet.

Amomentlater,Ennawasbesidehim.“Apologizetoher,orI’llteachyoumannersthat’dputyourmotherstoshame.”TheTiranlaughed.“Isaidapologize,youfilthy,fungus-breathed,privy-licking—”

“WhatdidthisBayerncallyou?”askedthebiggerTiran.

“Youheardfine,”Ennasaidslowly,herglarecracklingmad.

Theorange-hairedTiran’svoicewaslikegrindingstone.“NoBayernwomaninsultsme.”Hepulledadaggerfromhisboot.

Razohadstayedputuntilthen,leavingtheinterferingtothosemorecapable,buttherewasaTiranwithadagger,andEnnamightburnitfromhishandandrevealherselfasthefire-speaker,orshemightdoworse.

Razoleapedforward.“Takeadeepbreath,everybody.”HeeasedhimselfbetweenEnnaandtheTiran.“Let’sjust—”

TherewasatweakinRazo’ssideasifsomeonehadpinchedhim.Helookeddownandsawthehiltofthedaggerstickingoutofhisbody.

Soundsandsightsandfeelingsbegantotwisttogether,turnupsidedown:Ennasaying,“Razo,Razo”;thelargerTiranrunningaway;thestab-happylurchjuststaringathishand;abreezypainzippingoutofRazo’smiddle,tinglingalloverhisbody;theairsiltyasariverbedinhislungs.Hesawtheblood,hisblood,andjustbeforehefainted,hethought,Goodthingmybrothersaren’theretolaugh.

Forafewdays,thingsweremurky,thoughthatmayhavehadsomethingtodowiththesappysubstancethecampcookandsurgeonkeptshovingbetweenRazo’slips.Thebitterflavorclungtothebackofhisthroatandmadeeverythingheatetastelikeashes.

“Willitleaveascar?”Razoaskedthecookwhenhefeltwellenoughtositupinthebackofawagon.

“Withoutadoubt,”hesaid.

“NotinIngridanyetandalreadyascar,”saidRazoasEnnaandFinnrodeupbesidethewagon.“Thatdoesn’tbodewell,Isay.Andyoutwo’llbenext.”

“Wedon’thaveyourluck,”saidFinn.

“Atleastyouwon’thavetoworryanymoreaboutdaggerboy,”saidEnna.“CaptainLedelrelievedhimofhisrank,weapons,andclothingandlefthimtostarvedaysfromthenearestvillage.Prettyharsh,Ithought,forjustticklingyou.”

“Ha.”

BythetimeRazocouldridehishorse,BeeSting,again,theSuneastRiverhadsplitintoamassivedelta,formingdozensofsmallerrivers,andinthelongstretchesbetweentheirbanks,barefootfarmersplantedinfieldssodark,theyoozedgreenness.Astheyrodeforward,Ingridanstooduptallerandtalleronthehorizon.Allthebuildingswerewhite,alltheroofsred,andthesamenessremindedRazoofanarmyinuniformorsomefluffy,frosteddessertthatgushesoutofitsbowl.Helikedtheideaofthedessertbetter.

“Where’stheocean?”hewonderedaloud.

“Youcannotseeitfromthisvantage.”ATiransoldierwithhairsopalethatitwasnearlywhiterodeupbesidehim.Hehadremovedthebluejacketofhisuniformandrolleduphistunicsleeves.RazowonderedifCaptainLedel,whowasaterrorfororder,wouldnoticeandreprimandhim,butthesoldierdidnotseemworried.Hereachedouthishand.“IamVictar,thirdsonofAssemblymanRogis.”

Razohesitatedbeforeshakinghishand.“I’mRazo.”Thatdidnotseemlikeenough.“Sixthson.”Victarappearedtoexpectmore.“OfmymaintheForest.”

Victarhadapleasantsmile.“Withsomanysons,it’snowonderyouareaprofessionalsoldier.Iaswellmayhavelittletoinheritandmustearnmyownway.”

“Inherit?”Razolaughed.“Thatword’stoofancybyhalf.IntheForest,everybody’sjustaspooraseveryoneelse.”

“Youareveryopentoadmitasmuch.Inthecityofrivers,onlythedeadcanclosetheirmouths,sothesayinggoes.Ifitcrossesmymind,Imightrevealwhatyoujustsaidinanytavernorbarracks.”

Razoshrugged.“Goahead,thoughIdon’tknowwho’dcare.”

VictarkeptridingbesideRazoandappeareddisposedtochat,soRazolearnedthattobeconsideredforanassemblyseat,onemustbeanobleandhavelandworthatleastfourhundredthousandgoldfulls(whichRazogatheredwerea

typeofcoin).WhenheinquiredwhereBayern’sOwnwouldbehousedinIngridan,VictarspokeofThousandYears.

“Theprince’spalace.ItsfulltitleisthePalaceofthePowerThatWillStandforOneThousandYears,sonamedbytheprincewhobuiltit.”

“Andhasit?”askedRazo.“Stoodforathousandyears?”

“Wewon’tknowforanothersevenhundred.”

“Victar!”aTiransoldiercalled,angertwitchinghisface.Razorecognizedhimastheonewhohadrunawayfromthestabbing.Razolaidhisarmacrosshisbelly.

Victarloweredhisvoiceandbarelymovedhislips.“ThatisTumas.Hewasclosefriendswiththedisgracedsoldierwhowoundedyou,andIheardhimrantthatitwasyourfault,thatyouthrustyourselfonthebladeonpurpose.”

“Ha,that’slovely.I’dhopeI’vegotmoresensethanthat.”

“ButamanlikeTumaswon’thearreason.Heisnotaneasyfoe,Razo.Hehasmanyfriendsandtheywilltry…Just,avoidthem,ifyouunderstandme.”

“Great,alreadytheTiranwantmedead.”

“Notallofus.Goodluck,Razo.”

Victarwavedfarewellasherodeahead,andRazowavedafterhim,thenfeltashamed,naive,tohavebeenfriendlyatall.Justayearago,VictarwassomeoneRazomighthavetriedtokillinbattle.Whatastrangecircumstance,howunsteadyitmadetheroadfeel.HepattedBeeSting’sneck.

Theroadspilledintoabroad,pavedavenuecoursingthroughthecenterofthecity.HalftheTiransoldiersledtheway,andtheremainingtenbroughtuptherear,likejailersherdingconvictstothegallows.Ingridancitizenseasedoutofshopdoorsandleanedfromupperwindows,armsfolded,gazeshot.

Theycrossedtheavenue’ssecondbridge,thisonespanningariverfourhorseswide.Razolikedtherivers,bluetilescoveringtheirbanks,givingthemasmooth,cleanlook.

Everyfewblocks,crowdedtenementsandgrandpalacespulledoutofthewayofpavedsquares.Oftenthereweretrees,thoughnothinglikethewild,deepForestthatRazoknew.Thesetreesroseslenderfromplanterboxes,theirfoliagetrimmedroundonthebottomandpinchedoffatthetopintheshapeofacandle

flame.Othersworetheirgreeneryinperfectballsandshookglossyleavesandtinywhiteblossoms,theirodorclaimingbothtangyandsweetflavorsatonce.

Razowaspeeringintoacourtyard’sturquoise-tiledfountainasherodebywhensomethingstruckhimonthecheek.

“Gohome!”AgroupofboysafewyearsyoungerthanRazostoodinthesquare,theirhandsdrippingwithsoggypiecesoforangefruit.RazowipedthepulpfromhisfaceandflickeditatthebackofEnna’shand.

“Ew,”shesaid,shakingitoff.

Anotherfruitwhizzedpasttheirheads,makingEnnaalert.AthirdmighthavehitFinn,butawindblewitcuriouslyoffcourse,anditslammedintothenoseofTumas,theTiransoldierdirectlybehindthem.Ennawascarefulnottosmile,staringtothesidewithanextremelyproperexpression.

“Goodshot,Enna-girl,”Razowhispered.

Tumascursedattheboys.

“Whatareyougoingtodo,bluejackets?”Oneoftheboysplantedhisfeetandraisedhisfists.“Youlostusawar,andmyfistsbetyou’llloseastreetfight.”

Tumaswheeledhishorseoutofformationandcanteredatthem.Theboyspulledtheirboldercompatriotintoanalley,andCaptainLedelorderedTumasback.

Razowasnotparticularlyeagertokeeptheseethingsoldierasafoeandofferedhimafriendlygrin.“Mymausedtosoakherhandsinfruitywater.Maybeit’sgoodforourskin?”

“ThefirstchanceIget…,”saidTumasinthehollowmannerofonealwayscongested.Hesniffedandrodeaheadwithoutfinishingthethreat,leavingRazotoimagine.

Theavenuemergedintoabroadcrossroads,andatlasttheycaughtsightofthepalace.Itnestledbetweentworivers,farbehindirongates,andproclaimeditsmagnificencenotwithtowersorbanners,butsimplybyitsimmensity.Razocountedfourstories,forty-fourfront-facingwindowsperstory,andguessingthereweretwootherwingswithalargecourtyardinthecenter…hecalculatedinhishead,atrickTalonehadtaughthimforestimatingenemytroopsfromthenumberofwagonsortents.

“Howbig?”askedFinn.

“Averagingthreewindowsperroom,”saidRazo,“Iwouldguessoverfivehundredroomsinthemainstructure,notincludingoutbuildings,barracks…”

“That’stoobig,”saidEnna.

“…stables,gardensandgardenershacks,separateservantquarters,andI’dguessadairy,animalworkers,amill,allself-sustaining—”

“Whatdoyoudowithfivehundredrooms?”

“It’donlymakesenseinasiege,thoughthosegatesaren’tbuiltforsieges,onlyreallyusefulforkeepingouttheriffraff.”

“Bayern’scapitalwasmadefordefense,”saidFinn,“butIngridanassumesit’llbedoingtheattacking.”

RazoslowedBeeStingastheynearedthegates.“Oncewe’reinside,d’youthinkthey’lljust…?”Heranhisthumbacrosshisthroat.

“Theycankillusjustaseasilyinthestreet,”saidFinn.

“Let’emtry,”saidEnna.“I’llguttheircityfirst.”

ThatthoughtdidnotcomfortRazomuch.

ThegrouphaltedbesideastableasseveralTiranemergedfromthepalace.Theyworetunicswithaskirt,orleggingsforthemen,andaswathofloosefabricwrappedaroundtheirchestsandovertheirshoulders,alltheclothwhite,paleblue,orpeach.UsedtothevibrancyofBayerndyes,Razothoughtthelackofcolorindescribablyboring.

AmaninawhiterobeintroducedhimselfasLordBelvan,headofforcesatThousandYears.Heworehisgrayinghairslickedback,whichdrewmoreattentiontohisbeaknosebutalsogavehimanopen,honestaspect.

“Ihopetoseethisarrangementwork,LadyMegina,”hesaid.“Welostmanygoodpeopleinthatconflict.Letusburyourdeadandkeepliving.”

Razowonderedwhytheprincewasnottheretotalkaboutpeace.SurelyIsiandGericwouldbethefirsttowelcometheTiranambassadorattheBayernpalacegates.Razoshruggedinternally.Hismaalwayssaidthatfancyfolkwereaspeculiaraspigbladderballoonsandnotquiteasfun.

AflickeroforangecolorteasedRazo’sattention.

“MayIintroduceLadyDasha,”LordBelvansaid,indicatingagirlofaboutsixteenyears.“Herfather,LordKilcad,isTira’sambassadortoBayern,andwhilehesojournsinyourcountry,shehasagreedtostayatThousandYearsandactasliaisontoyourpeople.”

Shehadorangehair.Razohadneverseenanyonewiththathaircolorexceptthatswinewho’dstabbedhimonthejourney,andtheswinehadnotbeennearlysopleasanttolookat.Shewaswearingapalepeachclothwrappedaroundherdress,andherlegswerebareatheranklesbutfortheleatherstrapsofhersandals.IfLordBelvansaidanythingelse,Razodidnothearit—hewascompletelymystified,orembarrassed,orperhapsenthralled,bythoseankles.Hehadneverseenagirlinpublicwithnakedanklesbefore.Nowhewonderedwhy.Wereanklesbad?Thoseanklesdidnotlookbad.Amitebony,perhaps,butultimatelyintriguing.

HetwistedtoswatataflyandfoundTumasstaringathim,thoughinamuchmoreuncomfortablemannerthanhe’dbeenlookingatthegirl’sankles.HenudgedhismountalittleclosertoEnnaandFinn.

Abathandchangeofclotheslater,Razosatatthewelcomingbanquet,trollinghisforkthroughhisplate,huntingforsomethingappetizing.Everythingwasfish.Eventheleeksandonionsweresteepedinfishsaucethatwasthickenedwithhoneyuntilitwascruellysweet.Hebitintoapurplevegetablesosourthatitmadehimsuckinhischeeks.Thethoughtofhomefeltemptierthanhisstomach.

Andtoirritatehimfurther,therewerenochairs.ApparentlyitwasTiranfashiontoloungeonpillowsatabanquettableandeatwithonehand,butRazodidnotloungesomuchassprawl.Finnslouched.Ennasulked.

Assoonastheycouldgetaway,RazoandFinnsneakedwithEnnatoherchamberinthepalace.Thoughtherugsandbedclothesweremadeindrab,unhappycolors,RazostillthoughtitmuchmorecomfythanthebarrackswhereheandFinnwerehoused.Razohadspentyearsunderoneroofwithfivesnoringbrothersandwasnoteagertorelivetheexperience.

“It’sastrangecity,nomistake,”saidRazothefourthnightheandFinncampedoutonEnna’sfloor.“InBayern,itfeelslikethecitywallwasbuilttokeeptheForestfrommarchingbackin,butIngridanforgottherewaseveranythingbutcity.TheonlybitsofdirtI’veseenarethefightingcirclesneareachbarracks.Still,you’vegottoadmitthatpavingeverythingkeepsitclean—”

“Idon’thavetoadmitanything,”saidEnna.

Razosighed.Inthepast,EnnahadbeentreatedvilelybyaTiranmanandapparentlystillhadnothealedfromit.Razocouldnothelpwonderingifthatoldhurtmightnotprovokehertodostupidthings.Tochangethesubject,hebroughtoutadryplumcakehehadswipedfromthedininghall.WhenEnnapesteredhimtofetchsomemilktowashitdown,hethrewapillowatherface.

“Ibroughtthecake!Whydon’tyouorFinngo?”

“BecausesometimesFinnandIwanttobealone.”

“Oh,Isee,youtwobecomeallloveyandthenRazo’sleftinthecold.”Razomeanthistonetobeplayful,butitwasnotquite.

“Idon’twantanymilk—”Finnstarted.

“It’sfine,nevermind.”Razodraggedhimselfoffthefloor,openedEnna’sdoor,andbumpedrightintoLadyDashaoftheorangehairandpleasantankles.

“Oh,excuseme,”shesaid,“Iwaslookingfortheambassador.”

“Wrongdoor,”saidRazo.“LadyMegina’soneroomdown.”

Thegirlturnedawaywithoutmeetinghiseyes.Razoleftintheoppositedirectionandpeeredbackonce.ShehadpassedMegina’sapartmentsandcontinuedon.

5WhatGoesOnOutThere

Razo’sstomachwassqueaking,hisintestinesknottedandshivering—theTiranfoodmadehisgutassoreashisheartfeltwhenhethoughtofhismaandRinandtheForest.HeleftoffkeepinganeyeonEnnaforthefirsttimeinaweektoreportforswordpracticeandfoundhimselfstillholdingontoatangerinepeelleftoverfromlunch,justtolookatsomecolor.Everythingelseonthepalacegroundswassomuted—whiteclothes,whitestones.

“Yougoingtoplay?”askedasharp-jawedsoldiernamedVeran.

“Oh,yes,sorry.”Razodroppedthepeelsohecouldpickupapracticesword.Theorangeagainstthepaledirtwasasvibrantasthesoundofthunder.

AfteranafternoonofbashingwoodenswordswithBayern’sOwn,andwithdinnerstillhoursaway,Razowenthuntingforacrumbofsomethingfamiliarlesthecaveinonhimself.Hewaswanderingnearthedininghallwhenhediscoveredapassagefilledwithaffablesmells.

Thatcouldleadtolowerkitchens.Ortodeath,hethoughtdramatically,thendiscoveredthatplayingmockterrordidnothelphimshakeofftherealdreadmuch.HewishedFinnandEnnawerewithhim,buthesupposedtheywantedtobealone.Besides,theymostlikelywouldnotagreetodosomethingasstupidasenterthebowelsoftheTiranpalacejusthoursafterLordBelvanhadwarnedaboutwhisperedthreatstoBayernlives.

Don’tbestupid,Razowarnedhimself.Takingrisksearnsyouscars,andthenextcouldbetheonethatendsyou.ButTalonehadchosenhim,andhisbrainwassorefromtryingtoimaginehowhecouldeverprovehiscaptainhadnotmadeamistake.Besides,howweretheyevertomakefriendlywiththepeopleofthiscountrylikeIsiwantediftheywerealwayslockedupandafraidtosay“hellothere”?

Sotodisguisetheextremelyminortrembleinhishands,Razosaunteredinwithhishandsinhispockets,whistlingthroughthespacebetweenhisfrontteeth.(He’dalwayslikedthespace,believingthatitgavehimaroguishappeal.)Severalvoicesgaspedatonce.

Nowindowspeeredintothiskitchenwithitsyellowbricksstainedsmoke

black,squatceiling,andsulkingfires.NearlyhalftheeyeswatchingRazowereglitteringwithglares.Razoshiftedhisfeet.

“You’reaBayern.”Afreckledservinggirlgaped,asmearofsomethingfluffyacrosshercheek.

“Iam?”Razotookthemetalspoonfromherhandandlookedathimselfinitssilverybowl.“Nah,Icouldn’tbe.Bayernaren’tthisgood-looking.”

Shegiggled.

Hekeptthespoonandtookoverwhippingabowlofcream.Othergirlsneared,cautiously,likebirdstowardfallencrumbs.HethoughtofIsisaying,It’seasytobelievecompletestrangersareyourenemies.Iftheyknewus…Hesmiledanddidhisbesttoexudeharmlessness.Severalgirlsstayedworkingintheircorners,theirlooksasdarkassootstains,butothersbegantoquestionhim.

“SowhatisBayernreallylike?”

“Iheardyourbabiesarenotbornproperlybutcrawloutoftheearth.”

“Didyoubringyourfire-breathinghorses?”

“DotheBayernreallyeatTiranbabies?”

“Whereareyourhornsandtail?”

Razowassorelytemptedtoassertthatallwastrueandhe’dlosthishornsandtailinatragicchildhoodaccident,buthebithistongue.

Whenofferedbitsofmisshapencakes(hewasdelightedtodiscoverhe’dfoundthepastrykitchen),heregaledthedoughgirlsandtraygirlswithdetailsofwintermoonfestival,IsiandGeric’swedding,thedeepsoftheForest,themuddledpranksheandEnnabattledduringtheiranimalkeeperdays,anythingofinterestthatweighedhistongue.

Thepastrychefhadhugeknobsforknuckles,remindingRazoofhisownmotherwhoworkedtoohard.Whenhedrieddishesforher,thechefpeeledhimatangerine.

“Myfirstdayhere,”saidRazo,“aboychuckedoneoftheseatmyface.Sohowcomeyoudon’thatemeforbeingBayern?”

“Thewarwasnoneofmybusiness,”saidthepastrychef.“I’vestillgotblistersonmyheelsandspasmsinmyback.Whatgoesonouttheredoesn’t

changemuchdownhere.”

Oneofthegirlsinthecornersharpenedaknifeemphatically,andRazodidnotneedthechillzippingdownhisbacktoknowthatnotallthegirlsagreedwiththepastrychef.

Leavingthekitchensacoupleofhourslater,Razoplayedwiththeskipinhisstep,histonguelingeringonthesharp,coldflavoroftangerine.Hisbellywasfullofcakeandfruit,andhewasfeelinghalfwaytopeacewithTirawhenahowlrippedtheeveningair.

Razowasrunningtowardthesoundbeforethinkingtwice.Otherswererunning,too,soldiersandsentries,alldrawntothenoiseofdeath.ThemovementslammedtoastopattheBayernbarracks,whereBrynn,Talone’ssecond-man,wasstandingwithdrawnswordoverthebodyofaTiran.Bloodstainedhalftheblade.SlumpedbehindhimlayVeran,oneofBayern’sOwn,motionless,bloodpoolingonthepalestones.

Thenshouting.Somuchnoise,Razocouldnothearwords.TheBayerndrewtheirswords,theirbacksagainstthebarracks.AmobofTiransoldiersseparatedRazofromhiscountrymen.Hecursedhimselfforleavinghisswordatthepracticegroundandstayedasstillashispoundingheartwouldallow.

Don’tnoticeme,don’tnotice,hethought,wincingawayfromthescreamingTiranallaroundhimandforonceblessinghisunobtrusivestature.HewishedforEnnaandFinn,thenundidthatwishwithacrossingoffingers.IfEnnawerethere,shemighthavetoburn.

“Isaid,silence!”LordBelvanwaspushingthroughthecrowd,Taloneinhiswake.

“Whathappened,Brynn?”askedTalone.

Brynn’svoicewashot,scratchedwithangerandgrief.“Thatman”—hepointedtothesplayedbodyoftheTiran—“brokeintothebarracks,shouting,‘LongliveHisRadiance,’callingfortheBayernambassadortofacehim.Veran”—hisvoicesoftenedonthename,andhegesturedtohislifelesscomrade—“cameforwardtoreasonwithhim,pulledhimoutside,saidtheambassadorwasn’tinthebarracks.TheTiranscreamed,ranhisweaponthroughVeran,andswungatme.Igotmyswordintothemurdererbeforehecouldswingathirdtime.”

Shoutingagain.Curses,weaponsraised,shoutsof,“Liar!Helies!Killthem!”ATiranworkerhadnoticedRazo.Heelbowedthesoldierbesidehim,pointing.Razogrippedhisslingandstartedtobackaway.

“Werethereanyobservers?”Belvanshouted,hisimpressivenosepointedatthecrowd.“AnybesidestheBayern?”

PleaselettherebeTiranwitnesses.Razowipedsweatfromhisforehead.FourTirangroundsworkerswereglaringathim,handshoveringoverthehiltsofdaggers.Asoldierstoodathisback,blockinghisescape.

“Isawit,LordBelvan.”Asentrydraggedhimselfforward,thenyankedanotherbythearm.“AndsodidWenohere.IthappenedastheBayernfellowsaid.”

Mournfulcallsofdoubtreplacedtheshouting,butthewitnessesstoodfirm.

“Thankyouforyourcourage,”saidBelvan.“IdeclarenoharmdonebythisBayernmanbutinself-defenseandorderthiscrowddispersed.”

RazosalutedhisnewTiranacquaintances.TheyglancedatBelvanastheyreleasedweaponsandsteppedback,givingRazospacetotearthroughthecrowdandintothebarracks,joiningtherestoftheOwn.

“Hewasn’tasoldier,”oneofBelvan’smenwassaying.“Idon’tknowwhohewas,mylord.Hisclothesarefine,buthehasnomarkofidentificationonhim,justacopperring.”

“Thankyou,”saidBelvan.HeturnedtoTalonewithanexhaustedexpression.“Thisisadisaster,Captain.Ihadthoughtkeepingtothegroundswouldprotectyoufromanyarmedgroupsbentonmurder,butwemetwithafoolwillingtosneakinandattackonhisown.IcannotguaranteeThousandYearssafefrommoreslipperylittlefellowslikethisone.”

“Wewillnotbemoved,”saidMegina,arriving,herfacefullofthefreshnews.“Wemustshowthatwe’reheretostay,thatdespitesuchthreatswetrusttheTiranpeoplewithoursafety.”

EnnaandFinntrailedher,andRazosawEnnatakeinthesightofVeran.Heknewherthoughts—ifshe’dbeenthere,shemighthavesavedhim.Thenagain,Razothought,shemighthavenotonlyrevealedherselfasthefire-speaker,butbrokenherpromiseandkilledagain.

“Asyouwish,LadyMegina,”saidBelvan.“Buttoeasemyownmind,IwilltransferCaptainLedel’scompanytothebarracksbesideyours.Theirpresenceshouldhelpdeterfutureattacks.”

LordBelvandidnotseemtonoticehowthatnewsfailedtobuoytheBayerns’spirits.

Throughthewindow,RazosawsentriescarryingVeran’sbodyaway.Twodead.Razo’sthroatwastoostifftoswallow,andhespatatthegroundandclosedhiseyes.Slidingbehindhislidswasamemoryofthewar—theBattleofOstekinFields,deadtoonumeroustobury,bodiesstackedtogetherandsetaflame.Onefaceintwentyhadbeenafriend.

6TheSecondCorpse

Razoreturnedtothepastrykitchentwodayslater,whenthehauntingfeelingofmenslainhadstartedtolift.ThemysterybehindVeran’sattackerhadirkedhiminhissleep,andhehadaninklingthatthebestandtruestgossiptrickleddowntothelowestkitchens.

“Washeafriendofyours?”askedthepastrychef.

“Iknewhimwellenoughandlikedhim,too.LordBelvanandhismenarerunningaroundwitheyesclosed,tryingtofigureoutwhoitwasandifthere’remorelikehim,butItoldmyself,ifanyonehasanyideas,it’dbethepastrygirls.”

Thefreckledgirllaughedhighandstaccatolikeamarshbird.“Thiscity’ssecretsarelikeafarmer’sanimals—notaonebutwillonedayendupinthekitchen!”

Afewgirlsvolunteeredthisideaandthat,allnonsense,untilausuallyquietgirlwithsmoothyellowhairlookedupfromthewashing.

“AnyofyouheardofManifestTira?”

“Thatacityouteast?”askedanother.

“It’ssomegroupwhowantsthewarbackagain.Mycousin’sapartofit.He’swarhungrybecausehedidn’tgetachancetofight,butIgathertheleadersofthegroupthinkTira’sdestinyistoownBayernandeverythingelse.”Sheshrugged.“Youshouldwatchoutforthem,Razo.LasttimeIwasatmymother’shouseinthecity,Iranintosomeofmycousin’snewfriends,thesortwhowouldskinacatsquealingiftheythoughtitthepatrioticthingtodo.”

Razostuckhishandsinthesudstowashtraysbesideher.“Doyouknowwhotheyareorwheretheymeet?MaybeIshouldwarnLordBelvan.”

Thegirl’seyeswidened.“Dothat,andIcouldbetheirnextcat.”

“ThenIwon’tsayawordaboutyou.Ipromise.”

Thegirllookedreadytoscurryunderatable,soheclearedhisthroatandtriedtochangetopicstosomethingharmless—howwretchedhisBayernwool

clothingwasintheburstingspring.Thefreckledgirlclaimedtoknowthepalacethread-mistress,anotherworkedasamorningmaidforLadyDasha,andwithinhourshehadpermissionfornewclothesandanappointmentforafitting.

ThatnightasheenteredEnna’sroom,hefeltassplendidasoneofthepeacocksinthepalacegarden.

“Whatonearthareyouwearing?”Enna’sfacescrunchedasthoughshesmelledsomethingfoul.

Razoraisedhishandasifrequestingsilence.“I’mprettysureIcanguessyouropinionofmynewwardrobe,butnothingyousay’llmakemetossit.WhatweneedinallthisgloomafterVeran’sdeathisabitofBayernandTiraplayingtogethernice,that’sallI’msaying.”

Thethread-mistresshadmadehimloose-fittingleggingsandawhitetunic.ThechestclothmostTiranwrappedaroundthemselveswascalleda“lummas,”andRazodiscoveredithadsomepracticalpurposes,suchaswipingsweatorpullingontohisheadforshade.Insteadofasashhetiedhisdistanceslingaroundhiswaist,andhekepthissameboots.Itwasacuriousblendofbothcountries’styles,andhethoughtitquitenatty.HewishedonlythathecouldgethishandsontheBayerndyesbroughtfortrading.Hiseyemissedbrightcolors.

“Youlookridiculous…,”Ennastarted.

Razoraisedhishandagain.“That’snotwhatthegirlsinthepastrykitchensay.”

“Really?”Finngrinned.

Razolaughedsuggestively.“Indeed.Well,someI’dgiveawideberthwhilethey’resharpeningachoppingknife,butothers…let’sjustsaythatmyfingersandtoescan’tkeeptrackofallthewinking.ToobadIcan’tgooutinthecitytonightandshowoffmynewgoods.”

Ingridanwascelebratingoneofitsfeastdays,whichthepastrychefclaimedwereascommonasraisinsinaraisinbun.SomeofthegirlshadinvitedRazotojointheminthestreets,drapedinflowersanddancinguntilthemoonwashigh,butMeginahadjudgedittoodangerousyet.

Howareweevergoingtomakethemourfriends,Razowondered,ifwecan’trunoutintothestreetsanddance?

“I’msurewe’renotmissingmuch,”saidEnna,butRazothoughtshesoundedsorrynottoswatheherselfinflowers.

Thedoorburstopen.Razoflunghimselfbehindatablewhilescrabblingforhissword.ItwasonlyMegina,andEnnalaughedathim.

“Abitjumpy,arewe?”saidEnna.

“YoucanpokefunwhenTumasandallhisfriendswantyoudead.”

Meginashutthedoorbehindher.“Unbelievable.Amaidmentionedshethoughttwoboysweresleepinginmywaitingwoman’sroom,andhereyouare,bedrollsonthecarpetasifsettingupawarcamp.Howdoesitlookformywaitingwomantohaveboyssleepingbyherbed?”

“LadyMegina,”saidEnna,“I’mnotreallyyourwaitingwoman—”

“Iknowthat,butitmatterswhattheythink.Wecan’tgivetheTirananycausetodoubtourcharacter.Youtwo,jointheothersinthebarracks.”

Finnarguedsilentlywithafirmstance,butRazogatheredboththeirbedrolls,putahandonFinn’sback,andledhimfromtheroom.

“We’llappealtoTalonetomorrow,”saidRazo.“He’slikelytoopposeanythingMeginasays,asthey’renotexactlygrandpals,andbesides,Ithinkhe’llseegoodreasontokeepsomeonenearEnna.”

Finndidnotaskwhy.ItmadeRazowonderhowmuchheknew.

ThesnoresofthebarracksshovedandrattledRazoallnight,andontopofthat,thosecrazyTiranwerealwaysringingbellstotellthehour,asiftimeweremoreimportantthansleep.Thetwentiethinstancehewoke,Razodecidedtojustgetup.

Themoonslumpedlowandfatonthehorizon.Hehadbeentryingsohardtosleep,hisbodystillfeltheavyandworriedwiththeidea,andhestumbledonthepavingstonesandtiltedtooneside.ThesentrieshepassedfrownedattheBayernsunandcrownonhiscloak,andRazofeltawarningthrobinhissidewhereTumas’sfriendhadnotchedhim.Buthewastiredandawake,anunhappycombination,sohedecidedtoignorehismilddreadandpracticehisslingonthetraininggrounduntildawnkickedthedayawake.

Besides,CaptainLedel’smenarenear,soI’msafe,hethought,justtotellhimselfagoodjoke.

Thenightwasfullofcontrast—warmairtinglingwithacoldchill,darkskyandabrightmoon,hissleepyeyesandalertmind.Thetreesandbuildingssloughedtheirheavyshadowsonthedirt,andRazopushedthroughthemasthroughashallowstream,untilhisbootstrucksomethingsolid.

Oneshadowwasnotshadow.Hetappeditwithhistoeandheardthecrackleofburntcloth.Thatsoursmellgusheddownhisthroat.

Razolookedsouth,tothedarkspotthatwasEnna’swindow,andwishedforariverathand.

7SecretBurial

Alltheshadowsseemedtoshiftasifthemoonwereplungingacrossthesky.Thedarkpartsoftheskyleanedlower,andthechillintheaircreptcloserin,fingeringthehairsonRazo’sarmsandneck.Thepunchingofhisheartbeatmadehimfeelknockedabout,exposed.Notalone.

Razoflippedaround.Noonetherebutadeadbody.Hecouldhearhisownbreathing.

Think,Razotoldhimself.You’rehere,sobeuseful.

Again,therewerenodragmarksonthedirt.Someonemusthaveliftedthebodyanddumpedit.Someonelarge.Razoknewhehimselfwouldnotbestrongenoughtocarryitalone.Thesoundoffootstepsinthedistanceslappedhisheartbeatfaster.HecoulddragthebodytothePallo,thepalace’sslenderriver.Ofcourse,itcutthroughthegardensontheothersideofthebarracks,andhewouldpassadozensentriesbeforereachingit.

Hewisheddownintohisgutthathecouldfigureoutwhattodoonhisown,thathewouldnothavetogorunningforhiscaptain.

Think.Razo.Thinkforonce,Forest-born.Nosolutiontickledhisbrain.Heflunghiscloakoverthebodybeforedashingbacktothebarracks.

Razoinchedthroughthedoorofthecaptain’sprivateapartmentandcrouchedbeforethebed.Atreeoutsidetheroom’sonlywindowcrowdedoutthemoonlight,andRazocouldnotsee.Hewaitedtwobreaths.

“Whatisit,Razo?”Taloneaskedinavoicecrackedwithsleep.

“Anotherbody,Captain.Behindthetraininggrounds.SofarasIknow,noone’sspotteditbutme.”

Apause.

“GetashovelfrommybackroomwhileIputonmyboots.”

Theydraggedthebodyclosertothebarracks,behindtwopottedtrees.Razolefttokeepawatchonthepath,andthesoundsofTalone’sdiggingdisruptedthenight.

“Lovely,”Razowhisperedashebegantoflingstonesagainstthetrunkofafartree.Hisskinitchedwithsweat,hisneckhurttobetwistingaroundconstantlyashesearchedforanyonlookers.Asentryneared,andRazoswallowedanexclamation,producinga“haaagh”soundinhisthroat.Itkindofhurt.TowarnTaloneofthesentry,hechangedtargetsfromthetreetoapostnearwhereTalonedug.Whack,hisstonelashedthepost,andthesoundsofashovelscrapingearthpaused.

“Morning,”Razosaidpleasantly,stillslingingatthepost.“Couldn’tsleep,youknow?Justpracticingmy,uh,sling.Here.”

Thesentryglaredashecontinuedby.Razoheldhisbreathuntilhewasoutofsight.Thenhesentastonebackatthetree.Thediggingresumed.

Anothersentrypassed,andthenathird.Razofeltasthoughhehadrunupamountain,hisheartspeeding,hiswholebodysore.Atlastthescrapingsoundsstoppedaltogether,soRazogatheredhisshotandreturnedtoTalone’sroom.Thecaptainenteredafewminuteslater.Dirtrodeuphiselbows,coveredhisboots,smudgedhisbeard.Hesatontheedgeofhiscotandleanedhisbrowagainsthishands.

“It’sfortunatethatitrainedyesterday.Thegroundwassoft.”

Razoslumpedontothefloor.“FinnandIweresleepinginherroom,allbutlastnight.LadyMeginatoldustoleave.IfI’dstayed…”

Taloneshookhishead,sayingitwasfruitlesstoquestionit.

“Doyouthinkitwasher?”askedRazo.

“IftheTiranfindburnedbodiesafterourarrival,they’llbeconvincedwe’reharboringa‘fire-witch,’astheysay,whetherornotourEnnaisresponsible.Insketchydiplomaticsituations,thetruthmatterslessthanwhattheothersidethinksisthetruth.”

“LadyMeginasaidasmuchtomelastnight.”

“Didshe?”TalonefilledacupwithwaterandsetitonthegroundbesideRazo.“It’stimetotellmeeverythingyouknowaboutEnna’sburnings.”

Razohadbeenavoidingthisveryconversationsincetheendofthewar.Hesquirmedashespoke,uncomfortablenowonthehardfloor.“It’sbeenaboutayearandahalfsinceIfirstfiguredEnnahadsomethingtodowiththereportsof

randomburningsinTirancamps.WhenIconfrontedheraboutit,sheseemedalmostrelievedtohavesomeonetotell,aswellaseagertodomorewiththefire.”

Razodippedafingerinthewater,shookitoff.“ItwasherideatogoonscoutingmissionswithmeintotheBayerntownstheTiranhadtaken,burntentsandstacksofweaponsandsuch.Shewasawarethathercontroloverthefireslippedsometimes,soshewantedsomeonetomakesureshedidn’tgotoofar.Afterourfirstburningraid,IbroughtFinnalong,too,butshewasalreadyfallingfast.WhenFinnandIrealized,werefusedtogowithheruntilshewasclearheaded.ThatnightsheranoffwithoutustoEylbold,gotherselfcaughtbythatnastyTirancaptain,andspentacoupleofmonthsprisoner.Idon’tknowwhat-allhappenedthere.”

Talonewaschanginghisclothes,washinghishandsandface,riddinghimselfoftheresidueofgravedigging.Razowatched,realizingthatwhetherornotEnnawasburning,heandTalonewerenowelbowdeepinthesemurders.IfanyTiranhadseenthem,iftheywerefoundout…Razorubbedhisbackagainstthewall.Coldchillsalwaysmadehimfeelitchy.

“FinnandItriedtorescueher,asyouknow.”Razoclearedhisthroatcasually.Noneedtodwelltoolongonthatpoint.Byrights,Talonecouldhaveseizedtheirjavelinsandallrightsassoldiersfordesertingthearmy.IthadhurtRazoasmuchasanyofhiswoundstobetrayTalonelikethat.“Captain,youknowtherest,howEnnaburnedourwayfreeandwecaughtupwiththeTiranarmybeforetheyinvadedthecapital.”

Talonewipedasmearofsootfromhisboot.“TellmeaboutEnnaduringthatlastbattle.”

Razodecidedhewantedthatwaternowanddranktheentirecupwithoutabreath.Thecoldtingledhisemptystomachasthoughhehadswallowedhoneybees.

“Itwasugly,Captain.ItwastheworstthingIeversaw,andwheneverIfindthoseimagesinmyskull,Ikickthemoutagainwithaswiftboot.”

“Goon,son.”

Atthewordson,Razosatupalittletaller.

“Well,FinnandI,westoodinfrontofEnnaandfoughtanyTiranwhotriedto

stopher.They’dstartedtocatchfire,wholegroupsofthem.Itriednottowatch,butIcouldhearthemscream.WhenI…whenIturnedbackoncetolookatEnna,shewaslyingonherstomach,holdingherselfuponherelbows.Shesobbed,butherfacewassmooth,asifshedidn’tknowshewascrying.Shejuststaredatthefield,attheburningmen.”

Razoscratchedhisfacewithbothhands.“TimesIsawhersetfiretotentsandthings,andIcouldtellsheenjoyedit,butthatdeadexpression…Ididn’tlookbackagain.Beforelong,someTiranvillaingotaswordbetweenmyribsandIdidn’tseeheragainformonths,notuntilsheandIsihadreturnedfromtheirtripsouth.”

“Doyouknowwhathappenedthere?”askedTalone.

“FinntoldmethatinYasid,IsiwasabletoteachEnnawindspeechandEnnataughtIsifire,sonowtheybothhavebothtalents,andsomehowthatmadeEnnabetter.”

Talonedidnotevenblink,andwhathedidnotsayseemedtohangaboveRazo’shead.Isshebetter?

“Whatdoyouthink?”askedTalone.

“Idon’tthinkmuch,Captain.Youknowthat.”

Talonedidnotlaugh.Razowonderedifthatmeantheagreed,ifhedidthinkRazowasaswitlessasastartledhare.Razoslumped.“Ihopeitisn’tEnna.”

“Weneedtobesure.”

“Youwantmetokeepsleepinginherroom?”

Taloneshookhishead.“Meginaisright.AndEnna’ssafetyreliesonthefactthatnooneknowswhosheis.Ifwelooklikewe’reprotectingher…No,it’sbettertowatchherfromafar.”

“Finn’llgoback,”saidRazo.

“Iknow.”

Whatifhe’scarryingoffthebodiessheburns?Razowantedtoask.

AknockjumpedRazotohisfeet,javelininhand.Taloneopenedthedoor,hisfaceasemotionlessasever.

“Goodmorning,CaptainTalone.”

CaptainLedel’shairwasadirtyyellow,tiedbackathisthickneck,thetipflungoveroneofhiswarriorshoulders.Hiseyeslookedtired,buthesmiledpleasantlyintotheimpressivescarthatrandownhisjawline.Razogenerallyapprovedoffacialscars.Sadly,allhisownbattlemarkswereonhistorsowheregirlscouldnoteasilycatchsightofthem.

“Youareoccupied,Captain?”Ledelasked,lookingatRazo.HehadapeculiarrasptohisvoicethatmadeRazowonderifhehadbeenupallnight.

“Oneofmysoldiersisheretoreceivehisdailyorders,”saidTalone.

Ledelnoddedonce,anapprovinggesture.“Youareanearlyriser.Ialwayssay,acaptainshouldneversleep.”

“Notwhenanyoneislooking,”saidTalone.

“Ihopeyouwillpostponeanyengagementsthismorning.Themenneedamusement,andtensionoftenyieldsunderthepowerofsomefriendlybashing.Whatdoyousaytomockcombatsatthetraininggrounds?”

Talonebarelyhesitatedbeforenodding.“I’llwakemymen.”

“Good.It’snaturalforrecentrivalstofeelanimosity.Weareallmilitarymen,andthewarisfreshinourears,butIwon’ttoleratedisorderlyviolence.ThereisnothingIdespisesomuchasprofessionalsintheartofwarwhothinktheycanstompuponitsrules.”

LedelspokewithatremblingearnestnessthatraisedgoosebumpsonRazo’sskin.WhywasLedelsodesperatetoasserthisfervorforfollowingtherulesofwar?ItmadeRazowonder.

8TheOwn’sWorstSwordsman

Ledel’smenwerewaitingonthepatchofuncoveredsoilbetweenthetwobarracks,stillbleary-eyedandwincingatthesharpdiskofthesun.Themorninglightexposedeveryscarontheirfacesaswellaseveryheapanddipinthedirt.Razofiercely,desperatelyavoidedlookingatthespotwherethebodywasburied.

Ledeltossedtwowoodenswordsintothefightingring,matchedthefirstpair,andcombatbegan.Razosquirmedashewatched,thinkingofelevendifferentwaysawoodenswordcouldkill.Whenonesoldiermanagedtotouchhisopponentanywherebetweenwaistandneck,oneofthecaptainswouldcallout,“Match,forTira,”or,“Match,Bayern.”

Acoupleofroundsintotheexercise,RazocaughtsightofLedelmutteringtohissecondman,hisjawscarlookingpinkandrawandhismannerintense.Razoshadowedthemintimetohear,“…we’llseehowwelltheyperformassoldierswithoutthefirefightingforthem.Ifonlytheydonot…”

RazokeptwalkingandjoinedFinn.

“Doyougetthefeelingthey’rejustwaitingforthechancetopokeoutsomeone’seyeball?”Razowhisperedunderthedinofclackingswords.

Finnnodded.“Everythingaboutthisfeelslikethewar,onlywithoutthekilling.”

“Sofar.”RazolookedforTumasandsquintedagainstthemorningsun,hiseyestearing.“Thatbigbruteoftheirs,everytimehelooksatme,Igetthecrawlysensationthathe’sspittin’eagerforthechancetoslicemepigwise.”

“Tumas,”Ledelcalledthesoldierintothering.

Razosnorted.“Therehegoes.IwonderwhatpoorsapTalone’llcalltoface—”

“Razo,”saidTalone.

Razogaped—atTumasleeringinthering,attheothersoldiersstaringathim,athiscaptain,whowassendinghimagainstanopponentwhowantedhimdead,oratleastwoundedaspainfullyaspossible.Hewonderedifitwouldbeworseto

runawaynoworloseaneyetoTumas’swoodensword.

FinngrabbedRazo’sarmandwhispered,“What’sthecaptainthinking?Youcan’tdoit.”

Atthat,RazoshookoffFinn’shandandstrodeintothering,takingpositiononthelargeshadowofTumas’sheadthatthesundroppedbeforehim.Themanwastallandimpressivelyimposingineverywaybuthislarge,flabbyears,whichremindedRazoofnothingsomuchasapairofporkchops.Tumasgrinned,andRazofelthissidethrobwherethesoldier’sfriendhadcarvedascar.Icandothis,Ican.

“Begin!”Ledelshouted.

Tumasmoved.Razoswung.Hefeltajabinhisgut.

“Match,forTira,”saidLedel.

Razofelltooneknee,pushingagainstthepaininhisribs,andstayeddown.Noblood.Hewouldbeallrightwhenthesharpnessebbed,buttheTiransoldierswerelaughing,andRazodidnotwanttolookupandseeaflickerofshameinthefacesofhiscomrades.

You’vestillgotbothyoureyeballs,Razothoughtwithhopefulcheer.Hegrabbedforabreathandscootedoutofthering,feelingasthoughhedraggedaveryheavyshadowbehindhim.

“Come,Iwasexpectingsomesport!”Tumas’svoicesquealedthroughhiscongestednose.“Thisisachild.Idemandanotherturn.”

“Youdemandnothing,soldier,”saidLedel.“Standproperly.”

Tumasstraightened.“Yes,Captain.”

LedelturnedtoTalone.“Whatsayyou?ShallweseeifanyofyourboyscanbeatourTumas?”

“Fairenough,”saidTalone.“Finn.”

TumasnoticedthesmilesoftheBayernsoldiersthatindicatedthisopponentwasdifferent,andhisexpressionstiffened.Thetwochallengersfacedeachother,swordtipsrestingonthegroundinreadyposition.Then,withoutwarning,Tumaspounced.

ThefirstmoveFinnmadewastostepaside.Andthesecond.Andthethird.

Tumas’slowerlipbegantotwitch.

RazohadwatchedFinnfightathousandtimes,inpracticeandinwartime.WhatneverceasedtocatchhisbreathwasFinn’sexpressionofacceptance,almostofsurrender.Hewastednothing,lettingeverymotionmatter.AndalthoughRazowasjustleaningagainstthebarrackswall,watchingFinnmadehimfeelasthoughevenhehimselfmattered.Hewatchedwithenergy,musclestaut,faceaching,astiredasifheweretheonefighting.

Tumas’sswipesbegantohaveaviciousslicetothem,seekingnotjusttotouchFinn,buttobruisesomething,ripsomething.ThenhehitFinn’ssword,andFinnwasnotabletobouncethestrikeaway.Theyfacedeachother,weaponscrossed.Finnopenedhismouthtobreathe.Tumasspatinhisface.LedelshoutedTumas’snameindisapprovalbutdidnotstopthematch,andthatquickly,themythofafriendlyboutevaporated.Shoutsexplodedfrombothsides.

Razohadruntotheedgeofthefightingcirclewithoutrealizingit.Righthere,herealized,thewarcouldstartagain.

Tumaspushedoffandattackedagain,harassingFinnwithstrikesonhisswordthatwouldacheinFinn’sarmtomorrow.ThenRazosawtheopening,justbeforeithappened.FinnwasdrawingTumascloser,gettinghimcomfortableinhisattacking,lettinghimfallintoaroutineofstrike,strike,strike—thengently,almostlikeastepinadance,Finnloweredhisswordandmovedhisinsidefootback.Tumasstumbled.FinnturnedandtappedhisswordontheTiran’sback,lightly,asthoughheweregettingastranger’sattention.

“Match,”saidTalone.“Bayern.”

Tumas’schestheaved.Adropofsweatfellintohiseye,buthedidnotblink.“I’mnotfresh.IfIhadbeenfresh,theoutcomewouldbedifferent.”

“Perhapsyou’reright.”Finnputouthishandtoshake.Tumas’sfacecontorted.Hepulledhisarmbackandswung.

“Watchit!”Razoshouted,butFinnhadanticipatedTumas’sfistandleanedaway.LedelandothersrushedforwardtograbTumas,whowascursingandshouting.OtherTiranjoinedtheuproar,shovingBayernsoldiersinthechest,waitingforsomeonetodrawfirstblood,forthatpermissiontofight.Shoutingfrombothsidesnow,musclestensed,handsinfists.Themomentspunaroundandaround,andRazofelttwistedandbackward,hiseyesmurkywiththememoryofabattlefield,menplungingswordsthroughbodies,bloodonhis

clothesthatwasnothisown,killingandwonderingwhy,expectingpain,anticipatingdying,questioningifhewerealreadydead…

“Enough!”shoutedLedel.

TheTiransoldiersquietedatthebarkoftheircommander,atouchoffearevidentintheirobedience.Tumasseemedtotremblewiththedesiretokeephittingbutpulledhisarmstohissides.RazobreathedforthefirsttimesinceTumashadswungatFinn.

WhenTalonespoke,histonewascivil,callingnoattentiontotheTirans’badbehavior.“Thankyouforthisexercise,CaptainLedel.Ihopewemaymeethereagain.”

AndLedelmadenoapology,notasthoughhedidnotcare,Razothought,butmorethatthequickchaoshe’dwitnessedsooffendedhimthathecouldnotevenadmitithadhappened.

“Indeed.Goodday.”

RazonoticedEnnastandingonthepath,watching.Finnsawher,andhisentiredemeanorchanged.Razotriedtodetermineifhehadstoodupalittlestraighterorstuckouthischinorchest,buthecouldnotfigureanyonething.

“Wellfought,Forestboy,”saidEnna,approaching.

Finnshrugged.“Itwasjustanexercise.”

“Youexercisedhimquitenicely,Ithought.”

“Doesthatmeanyou’llmarryme?”

Ennalaughed.

ThewaytheyseemedwhollyabsorbedineachothermadeRazocertaintheywantedtobealone,soofcoursehehustledhiswayover.TumasandanothersoldierpassedbyRazosoclosethattheypushedhimbetweentheirshouldersanddraggedhimalongafewsteps.

“Whyiththithonehere?”askedTumas’sfriendwithalispsosevere,itseemedfeigned.

“He’stheirerrandboy,”saidTumas.“Whatagoodjoketogivehimasword.”

Razowrithed,wantingout,tooashamedtoshoutforhelp,whenLedelgrowledforTumastocome.

TumasliftedRazobythearm,bringinghiseartothesoldier’smouth.“You’renotsafe,”hewhisperedbeforedroppinghim.

Razoranbehindthebarracks.Heshovedhisswordintoitssheathandclenchedhisjavelin,wantinghisweaponsinhand,justtofeelthem.Herealizedhewasstandingonthesecretgrave,andheedgedaway.

EnnaandFinnhaddisappeared.TherestofBayern’sOwnwereheadingouttofindbreakfast.ConradcalledtoRazotojointhem,butRazopretendedtobetoofarawaytohear.

Againandagain,hewondered,Whyisthisonehere?

9TreeRat

Thethirdafternoonafterthematch,Razo,Enna,andFinnrambledthroughthepalacegardens,speakinglonginglyofBayernpotatoes,almondcakes,andvenisonstewandfeelingcagedinsidetheironfencelikeanimalsinatravelingmenagerie.TheyhadbeeninIngridanforthreeweekswithlittletoshowforit.Andnow,onlydaysbeforetheassemblyadjournedforthesummer,Razocouldnothelpfeelingthatthemissionwasfailing.Buttheydidnotspeakaboutthemission;theytalkedaboutpotatoes.

WhenFinnlefttotakehisturnforMeginaguardduty,Ennasprintedintheoppositedirection,mumblingaquickfarewell.

“Slipperygirl,”saidRazo,racingafterher.HethoughthesawherblackhairenteringtheBayernstable,sohemadehiswayaroundthefarside.Arowofpottedtreeslinedonewall,andhewalkedinsidethem,listeningthroughthestablewindowsforanythingoutoftheordinaryamongthewheeze,nicker,andwhuffleofhorses.

Hehadcometotheendwhenhesawthatgirlagain,theTiranambassador’sdaughter,pressingherbacktothestableasifshedidnotwanttobeseen.Shebroughthercuppedpalmtohermouthanddrankfromit.Therewasabucketofwaterontheground,andRazosupposedshehaddippedherhandinit,thoughhehadnotseenherdoit.Sheturnedandstartledwhenshesawhim.

“Oh,hello,”shesaid.

“Hello.Ibumpintoyouagain.”Razoeasedout,hopingthathemadecreepingbehindpottedtreeslookasnormalasdippingbreadingravy.

Shepickedaleafoutofhishair.“Yes,that’sbecauseIwas…lookingforyou.”

“HereIam.”Hetuggedcasuallyonhishairtomakesureitstoodupproperly.

“MynameisDasha.”Bywayofgreeting,shecrossedherwristsonherchestandinclinedherhead.

“Uh,Razo.”Hetriedtodothenod-and-handsthing,too,thoughhemusthavedoneitawkwardly,forshesmiled.

Hersmilewaspeculiar—itmadehernosewrinkle,notasthoughshesmelledsomethingunpleasant,butmorethatshewassoamused,herwholefacewantedtobeapartofthesmile.Itaffectedhimstrangely,andhestaredatherlongerthanwasprobablypolite.Herhairwasnotsomuchorangeasthecolorofrustoniron,andhereyeswerebluelikethetiledfountainsinthepublicsquares.Thoughshewasofhisheight,shewassuchaskinnything,hecouldprobablyflingheroverashoulder.Hewascontemplatingthisappealingnotionwhenherealizedshehadspoken.

“Whatwasthat?”

“Isaid,IamtheliaisontotheBayernatThousandYears,ifyourequireanything.”

“Ah,”seemedlikeanappropriateresponse.

Hermouthtwistedinahalfsmile.“Doyourequireanything?”

“Oh,you’reaskingme.No,notreally.Well,excepttheocean.”

“Youwanttheocean?”

“Yes,fetchitforme!”

Sheblinked,andRazolaughed.“No,younit,Idon’twanttheocean.Ijustwanttoseeit.Everyonewasgoingonaboutseeinganocean,andhereI’vebeeninIngridanforalmostthreeweeksandnotapeep.ButIknowwe’renotsupposedtoleavethepalace,soIguessI’moutofluck.”

Shestaredathim,asthoughmentioningtheoceanwereasinsultingasshowinghisbumtotheworld.

“What?”hesaid.

“Youcalledmeanit.”

“Oh.Idid!AndIhardlyknowyou.Imean,I’msorry.”

Shelaughedandtuggedonhissleeve.Thetouchmadehimwanttostandonhistoestobetaller.

“Youcancallmeanitanytimeyouwant,andyoucanmostcertainlyseetheocean.”

“Ican?Imean,Ican’t.It’snotsafe.”

“IwasspeakingwithLordBelvanandLadyMeginathismorning,andtheyagreedit’stimeIngridanobservestheBayernpresence.Ithinkavisittotheshorewillbeaperfectfirstouting.We’llleaveaftersecondbelltomorrow,LordRazo.”

Hewasabouttoprotestthatsecondbellwasprettyearly,justanhourpastdawn,andthenhethoughthehadbettersetherstraightaboutthe“Lord”thing.Butitdidfeelrathercomfortablejustbeforehisnamelikethat,andwhilehewashesitating,Dashahadturnedtogo.ShebumpedintoEnnaemergingfromthestables.

“Oh,”saidDasha,seeingEnna.

“Oh,”saidEnna,seeingRazo.

Dashadidnotwaittoapologizeandwasgoneinhersmooth,hurriedgait.

“What’reyouupto,Enna-girl?”askedRazo.

Ennasmiledinnocently.“Nothing.Let’sgoeat.”

Hesuspectedshewastryingtodistracthim,buteatingdidsoundlikeareasonableplan.

Thenextmorning,thesecondbellrangwithabone-vibratingnoise,asthoughthebrassballwererollinginsideRazo’shead.Hestartledawake,hisheartthuddingwiththereminderthathewouldbeleavingthepalacegatestoday.

Atthestables,theBayerndrankcupsofteaandmountedtheirhorses.Oneoftheteagirlsworeherfluffyyellowhairintwoseparatebunches,lookinglikearabbitwithlarge,droopingears.WhensheapproachedRazo,herecognizedherasPelafromthepastrykitchens,oneoftheglaringgirlswhoseemedtofantasizeaboutcuttingouthisBayernheartwithherownfingernails.

“Morning,Pela.How’sCinny?”Tryingtobefriendly,Razoaskedafteroneofthetraygirlswhohadsprainedherankletwodaysbefore.

“Lounginginachair,doingalltheeasyjobs,andnotnearlyasprettyasme.”Pelaputacupofteainhishand,strokinghisfingersamomentlongerthanwasnecessary.

Huh,hethought,that’sachange.Hertouchmadehimwanttolookseriousandmanly,andhedownedthestinginghotteainonegulp.Tohidethepain,heturnedtomounthishorseandbotchedhiswholeimagebyhavingtoscrambleup

justtostickhisfootinthestirrup.Onceinthesaddle,hediscoveredhisstirrupsweresohigh,hiskneeswerestickinguplevelwiththesaddlerim.

“Whatthe—?”Hehadtodismountandadjustthelength.BythenPelahadmovedoff,servingteatoTumas.Theyappearedtobechattingintimately.

“Newsaddle?”askedFinn,ridingup.

“Finn,doyouseethelias—whatever,theorange-hairedgirl?”Razogesturedaheadwithoutlooking.“Doyouthinkshe’spretty?”

FinnglancedDasha’sway,thenreturnedhisattentiontohishorse.“She’sallright.”

“Really?Justallright?”

Finnshrugged.

RazorolledhiseyesandtappedBeeStingtoawalk.“WhatamIsaying?Hedoesn’tthinkanygirlisprettybutEnna.”

“ArethereanygirlsbutEnna?”Finncalledback.

“There’dbetterbe.”

AmemoryofBettincameunbidden—anightinBayern’scapitalfouryearsago.Isihadbeensittingbythefire,tellingabedtaletoalltheanimalworkers.Ithadbeenaromanticone,thekindthatusuallymadeRazosniffinboredom,buthe’dlikeditbecauseBettinhadbeensittingbesidehim.Thatnight,allthatstuffaboutamanandawomanandheartsandvowsofforeverhadseemedasrealasthefireinthegrate.

“Stupid,”Razomuttered.Sayingthewordmadehimfeelatouchbetter.

BeeStingtrottedbrieflyastheypassedthepalacegates.Razogrippedthehardrimofthesaddle,anticipatinganattackfromangryTirancitizens,butthestreetsofIngridanweresleepy.Thedawningsunpolishedthestonestoasoftgold,makingthecityfeelwarmandfriendly,andstreetafterstreet,nothingjumpedoutatthem.Still,Razocouldnotrelax.

“Takealookatthat,”saidConradastheypassedapalaceaquarterthesizeofThousandYears.“Afeatherbedandprivateroomforeveryguardandmaid,I’dbet,andfancychairsforthedogsandcats,whilethey’reatit.”

“Butwhatgood’safancyhouselikethatforthelikesofyou,Forest-born?”

saidRazo.“You’dgetlostinthecorridorsandbarelysurvivebyeatingleatherchaircovers.”

“Thatso,squirrelmeat?Well,you’dmistakethekitchenfortheprivyandscareawaytheprettymaids.”

Victarrodenearby.“ThatisLadyDasha’shome.”Hewethislipsashenoddedinherdirection.

Conradwaggedhiseyebrows.“Liveslikeaprincess,andpretty,too.”

“Yes,sheisconsideredamorethanadequatematchforanynoblebachelorofIngridan.”Victar’ssmilewasmischievous.“Herfatherhasextensiveholdings.”

“WithherfatherinBayern,”saidRazo,“you’dthinkshe’dhaveplentytodomanagingeverything.Sowhy’dshevolunteertostayatThousandYearswiththeBayern?”

Victarshruggedslightly,asifhedidnotknoworcare.

Thepartyleftthemainavenuefornarrowstreetswherethehousescrowdedontopofoneanother,andtheairchanged—itsweptoverRazoasthoughitweremoreriverthanwind,thesmellsharpandsobrinythatitseizedthetopofhisthroat.

Thentherewastheocean.

Thewhitebuildingsofthecitystoppedjustshyofthebay,asifafraidofgettingtheirtoeswet.Inthedistance,hecouldseetheharboranddozensofships,somegrandandlong,theirmastsaforestoftreessmoothedoftheirbranches.

Dashaledthemtoaslimsectionofshore,asquietandcleanasthemorningstreets.RazoleftBeeStingatapostandwalkedacrossafieldofsand.

Heknewtheoceanwashugebecausehehadbeentoldso,buthecouldseeonlythethinlineofitbeforethehorizonclampeddown.Therewasnograndeur,notlikeseeingamountain;nothingtosurroundhimandmakehimfeelchanged,aswhenheenteredawoodorstoodinthemidstofasnowstorm.Evenso,theseafeltbiggerthanweather,olderthanruins.Thesightrustledathissoul.

Hestared,andhisuneaselengthenedinsidehim,asthoughitstretchedaftersleeping.Upthewavesrolled,backtheyfell,likebreathpushedoutandpulledbackin.Thehushingnoisemadehisbonesfeelsoft,hiseyesdrowsy.Hethought

hecouldlieinthesandandforgetwhohewas,letthewaterandthesoundofwaterunstitchhissoulfromhisbodyandsenditfloatingawaytoseewhatthedeadsee.

“Doyoulikeit?”askedDasha.

Thesoundofhervoicestartledhim.Somethingaboutanoceanmadehimforgethewasnotalone.

“Idon’tknowthatit’suptometolike,”hesaid.“It’snotreallyapeoplething,isit?Notlikeacityorafarm.It’sgotmorewildernessaboutitthananythingI’veeverseen.”

Hethoughtthatwasaveryaptobservationandcongratulatedhimself,waitingforDashatoagree.Shewasstaringatthewater,herlipsparted,hereyeslosingfocustothecrumblingsurf,almostasifsheweretryingtocatchaglimpseofsomeonesheknewfaroutonthewaves.Hewatchedherwatchingtheseaandhadthepeculiarimpressionthatsheknewtheocean,thewayheknewhissister,Rin,ortheForest,orhiswayaroundaroastedchicken.

Heclearedhisthroatandspokeagain.“It’spretty,eventhoughit’ssoempty.”

Shepulledhergazebacktohim.“Justunderthesurfaceitteemswithfishandplants.”

“So,it’saforestforfish.”

“Exactly!Except,I’veneverseenaforest.”

“Neverseenaforest?”Razoshookhishead.NowDashaseemedstrangerthanasea.“TherewasatimeIthoughtmyForestwastheworld.”

“Allthosetrees.Andanimals,too,right?Isitbeautiful?”Sherockedonherfeetasthoughtooexcitedtoholdstill.

“It’shome,andIguessIthinkit’sjustwhatitoughttobe.Thinkofitasanoceanoftrees,ifyouwant.”

“Andwhatdoyoueatfromaforestinsteadoffish?”

“Sometimesreddeer,butthat’sabigquarryandraretocatch.Ihuntsomebirds,butmostlyrabbitsorsquirrel.”

“Whatis‘squirrel’?”

“It’slikeachipmunk,butwithalong,fattail.”

Dashawrinkledherbrow,indicatingshedidnotunderstand.

“Squirrelandchipmunk,they’reaboutthisbig,furry,kindoflike,Idon’tknow,likeratsthatliveintrees.”

“Rats?Youeatrats?”

“They’renotreallyrats,Iwasjusttryingtothinkofsomethingthat—”

“Youeattreerats.That’sonerumorofBayernhabitsIhadn’theard.”

“They’renottreeratsreally,they’rejust…ugh,Ishouldn’t’vesaidrats,Imeant…Wait,whatrumorshaveyouheard?”

“Youeatbabies,”shesaidblankly.

“No,youeatbabies!”

“Idonot!”

“Idon’tmeanyoupersonally.Imean,that’swhatI’veheardabouttheTiran,butIneverbelievedit.”

“AndIdidn’tbelieveitabouttheBayern.”

“Sowhatareweholleringabout?”

“Whatareyouholleringabout?”askedEnnaassheandFinnjoinedthem.

“Weweren’t,”saidRazo.“Well,maybe,but…Dasha,whatwasIsaying?”

Dashadidnotseemtotakehisquestionseriously.Sheturnedtothenewcomersandintroducedherself.

“FinnofBayern’sOwn,”saidFinn.

“I’mEnna,waitingwomantoLadyMegina.”

RazocaughtthebarestflinchinDasha’sexpression,adartofhereyes,asubtleindicationthatperhapsshedidnotbelievewhatEnnahadjustsaid.ButsheconversedinafriendlymannerwithEnna,eagerlyeven,anddidnotseemtheleastawarethatshewastalkingtoTira’sgreatenemythefire-witch.Hediscoveredhishandwasgrippingthehiltofhisswordandheslowlyletgo.

EnnasaidsomethingRazodidnotcatch,mostlikelysomedisparagingcommentabouthim,andDashasmiled.ThewaythesunhitDasha’seyes,theyweresolightincolor,theyappearedtranslucent.Razostared.

“Areyouallright?”Dashaasked.“Yourfacelookspained.Didyoubiteyourliporsomething?…No?Well,weshouldreturn.Itwasapleasure,Enna,Finn,treerat.”

Shewalkedaway.

EnnaandFinnlookedatDashaandthenatRazo.

“Didshejustcallyoutreerat?”askedEnna.

“Didshe?”saidRazo.

“Ithinkshejustcalledyoutreerat.”

“No.”

Finnnodded.“Shedid.Shecalledyoutreerat.”

“Whywouldshe—”Ennastarted.

“Becauseofsquirrels,Iguess,”saidRazo,stillwatchingDashawalkaway.Negotiatingthesand,shetooksmallsteps,andherhipskindofswayed.Hefounditcurious.

“Squirrels?”askedEnna.

“Ratsintrees,”Razosaiddistractedly.Dashaseemedtofindherwalkingrhythmfromthesoundofthesurf,almostasifshewerenotagirlbutwateruponthesand.Hissoulwhistledaneasytune.

WhenshehaddisappearedintothegroupofTiran,RazolookedbackatEnnaandFinn.Bothwerestaringathim,mouthsagape.

“What?”hesaid.

Ennalaughedandstartedbackupthebeach.“Razo,you’reapicture.”

“Iam?”HeturnedtoFinn.“Isthatgoodorbad?”

Finnshrugged.“I’mstilltryingtofigureoutsquirrels.”

Ontherideback,Razocontemplatedbeingapicture,andbeingatreerat,andthewayDashahadwalkedupthebeach,andtherustlingoftheocean.Hewasfeelingprettygood,whichmadethesceneatThousandYearsallthemoreabrupt.

Itwasahornets’nest.

ClustersofTirancitizensmobbedoutsidethepalacegates.WhentheysawthereturningBayernsoldiers,theexcitedshoutingturnedtoanger.Fistspoundedtheair.

AmountedTiranguardrushedthroughthegatesandtowardtheBayern.RazoloosedhisslingandurgedBeeStingclosertoEnnaandFinn,saying,“I’msorry,”becausehehadpromisedhishorsethathewouldkeepheroutofanotherwar.

LordBelvanrodeattheheadofhisowngroupofsoldiers,holdinguphisbarehand.“Quickly!CaptainTalone,let’sgetyourpeopleintothesafetyofThousandYears.”

Talonecanteredhishorseforward,shouting,“FollowLordBelvan!”

“What’shappened?”Conradasked.

Nooneanswered.LordBelvan’ssoldierssurroundedtheBayern,separatingthemfromthecitizensonthestreets,andledthemthroughthegate.Thesun,glaringabovethehorizon,fumedinitssizzlingspringheat.

Insidethegrounds,sentriesstoodwithdrawnweaponsandcourtiersandpalaceworkerswithunsheathedglares.TheBayernrodepastthestablewhereRazohadfollowedEnnathedaybefore.Amidathrongofwatchers,threemencarriedsomethingheavywrappedinablanket.Onemanwasjostledbythecrowd,andheleanedtothesidetocatchhisfooting.Frombeneaththeblanketablackenedlegdroppedintoview.

10TheCaptain’sSpy

Razocouldnotcatchhisbreath,andhisjawtightenedasifhewouldthrowup.Howcanshedothis?

LordBelvan’smenledtheBayerntoabackstable,wheretheytumbledofftheirmountsandfledintothepalace.Theyrandownacorridor,Belvanbarkingcommands,splittingtheBayernintosmallergroups,stuffingthemintovariousroomsandpostingguards“untilitquietsoutthere.”

“Whatdoyouthink’sgoingon?”Ennaasked.

“It’sprettyclear,”Razowhispered.Hewouldnotlookather.“TaloneandIfoundthefirsttwo,Enna.Orweretheremore?Ishould’vebeenwatchingbetter,butInevercouldstopyou.You’drunoffacliffiftheideatookyou.”

“What’reyoutalkingabout?”askedFinn.

“Thatwasanotherbodytheyjustfoundoutthere.Burnedbrittle.”

“AndyouthinkEnna—”

Razoglared.“Whoelse,Finn?”

LordBelvanurgedRazointothenextroom.RazoglancedbackatEnna—shewasneitherfuriousnordevastated.Shewasdazed.Stunnedtosilence.Thedoorshut.

Razosatonthefloor.Inmemory,herlookpiercedhimlikethelong,thinthornsthatslipdeepintoskin.HeknewnowthatifEnnahadburnedthosepeople,shedidnotknowshehad.

RazosharedthespacewiththreeofBayern’sOwn,whospentanhourchewingovertheuglysituation.

“Ifawarstartsandwe’rehere…,”saidone.

“Prisonersfortheduration,ifnotexecutedonthespot.”

“DoyouthinkLadyMegina’stoblame?Whoisshe,anyway?Ineverheardoftheking’scousintillshewassuddenlyambassador.”

Razokeptquiet,pickingatthewoodgrain.Enna’sfacehadsenthimtilting,

andheseemedtorockasthoughunaccustomedtostillearthafterhoursonhorseback.

Afterasecondhour,thenoiseoutsidetheirwindowlostitsurgencyanddwindledtothehumandrubofeveryday.WhenhisthreecompanionslefttofindTalone,Razostayed.

HewassittinginanabandonedchairbeforethehearthwhenEnnaburstintotheroom,slammingthedoorbehindher.Shesetafireblazinginthehearth,spittingsparks.

“Watchit,Enna!”Razoleapedfromhisseatandhoppedabout,slappingathisclothes.

“YouthinkIdidn’tknowyouwerethere?YouthinkI’dburnyoubyaccident?”

Razobrushedoffhislummas,petulantthattherewerenoburnedspotstoaccountforhisyelping.“Youcould’ve—”

“You’refine,Razo.”

Hebarelybreathedthequestion.“Enna,areyouburningagain?”

“No.”

“Isawyousneakintothatstableyesterday,andIthought—”

Ennaputbackherheadandlaughed,butitcameouthard,asthoughthelaughburnedherthroat.“Iwasshorteningthestirrupsonyourhorse’ssaddle!”

“Mystirrups…thatwasyou!”

“Ofcourseitwas,youdolt.”Shetriedtosoundcasual,thekindofvoicesheusedforthrowingaroundinsults,butherwordswerestrained.“Ididn’tburnanybody.”

“Areyousure?Notbyaccident?Notinyoursleepor…oranything?”

Shesatonthefloorbeforeherfire.Herfingersrubbedthehemofhertunic,hereyesfollowedtheflames,andRazothoughthowEnna,likefire,likewind,couldneverholdcompletelystill.

“WhathappenedwithmeandIsionourjourney—Inevertoldyoumuch.MaybeifIhad,ifyou’dunderstood,you’dknowthatI’vechanged,thatI…”Shepausedasthoughshestruggledwithwords.Itmadehimfeelproud,that

Ennawouldcarewhatshesaidtohim,thatsheworriedwhathethought.

“IsiandIwenttoYasid,”shecontinuedinherartlessvoice.“Welearnedhowtoshareourknowledgeoffireandwindlanguageswitheachother,sothatwe’dhavebalance.Iformfireoutoftheheatthatrisesofflivingthings,andduringthewar,thatheatwasgatheringaroundmeconstantly,pressingin,demanding.ButnowthatIhavewindspeech,too,thewind’salwaysnearbytoblowofftheheatsoitcan’toverwhelmme.SamewithIsi—thewindusedtohoundherwithitsspeech,withtheimagesofwhatithadtouched.Butnowthatsheunderstandsfirespeech,too,theheat’salwaystheretobreakupthewind.”

Ennaclearedherthroat.Thesoundmadeherseemyoung,justalittlegirl.“WhatI’mtryingtoexplainis,I’mnotthefire’spuppet.Ican’tlosecontrolanymore.SoifyoustillthinkI’mburningpeople,you’dhavetobelievethatI’mdoingitonpurpose.ThatIwantto.”ShelookednowatRazo,andheimaginedthatbecauseshehadbeenstaringatthefiresolong,hergazewashotonhisskin.“Idon’twantto,Razo.AndI’mnot.AndIwon’t.Burnanotherperson.Neveragain.”

Razo’shandswereorangeandstrangeinthefirelight.Heturnedthemover,lookingforananswer.Somethingtosay.Hesettledon,“I’msorry.”

Ennafrowned.“Iguessifpeoplesuspectme,it’smyownfault.”

“But,Enna,ifyoudon’tburn,ifyouwon’tletyourself,thenwhatgood…Imean,whyareyouhere?Why’dyoudemandtocomewhen—”

“Duringthewar,ittookmejustafewmomentstoburndownhomesthattookweekstobuild.Iendedliveslikesnappingatwigintwo.Thatcan’tbeallIam,Razo!There’sgottobewaysIcanhelpwithout…withouthurting.”

“Isithoughtitwastoodangerous.”

“Sheworriestoomuchforme,butshebelievesIcandoit,too.”Shebitherlip.“Doyou?”

Iwantyouto,hethought.Ihopeyoucan.I’llhelpyoutry.Hejustnodded.“Ifit’snotyouburningpeople,thatmeansit’ssomeoneelse.”

“Brilliant,”saidEnna.“YoualwayswerethebrightestsheepboyIknew.”

Razogaveheraplayfulknockwithhiselbowandtriedtoenjoythemoment,buthehadjustaccusedoneofhisbestfriendsofmurderingthreepeopleinher

sleep.

Finnwaswaitingoutsidethedoor,hishandonhisswordhilt,andRazogreetedhimwithoutmeetinghiseyes.

“I’msorry,Finn.I’mawooden-headeddummy.”

“Don’tbesohard,”saidFinn.“You’rejustastraw-brainedscarecrow.”

Razolefthurriedly,claiminganurgentneedforaprivy,andwenttofindTaloneonhisown.Itfrightenedhimabittofacehiscaptain.WhatcouldhepossiblydotoearnhisplaceamongBayern’sOwnafterbeingsowrongaboutEnna?

He’dturnedacornerinthequietcorridorwhenhesawTumas.Razocursedintohisteeth,wishingFinnandEnnawouldcomethisway,andinahurry.Hestartedtoturnback,butTumasgrabbedhisshoulder.

“Well,ifitisn’tthekneebiter,”Tumassaidinhisstuffed-nosewhine.“Careforarematch?Comeon,rightnow,youwithaswordandmewithafeather.”

Razokepthiseyesdown,ashewouldifrunningintoaForestwolf.Hesteppedtotheside,andTumasfollowed,blockinghisway.

“Don’tthinkIforgothowyoupushedmyfriendHemarintoscratchingyou.Hedidn’tdeserveaslowdeathinadesert.”

Frombehindacloseddoorcamemuffledvoiceslaughing,andRazolethimselfbelievetheywerelaughingathim,too.Hetookthoselaughslikepunches,absorbingtheirimpact,feelingtheachetheyleftbehind.Hesidesteppedagain,andTumasblocked.

“Ifyouwantedtodance,youcould’veasked,”saidRazo,eyesstilldown.

“Bayernscum.”Tumasglancedaroundasifafraidthatothersmightcomethiswayanymoment,andheletRazosidleby.

Razowasgoingtoletitgo,heshouldhaveletitgo,buthewassotiredofrollingoverforthebullies,bellyuplikeapuppy.Ashewalkedaway,hesaid,“YoustillsorethataBayernboywhippedyouwithawoodensword?Pathetic.”

ThestrikehitRazo’sback.Afist?Aboot?Hecrunchedtothefloor,hisbreathinknots.Tumaspickedhimupbyhistunicandyankedhimintoadarkroom.

“Pathetic?”saidTumas.

Apunchtothebelly.Adeep,groaningkindofpain.

“Pathetic?”saidTumas.

Ajabtothenose.Ashatteringpain,piercing,blinding.

Razo’svoicewascaged—hecouldnomoreyellforhelpthanhecouldstopthelowmoaninginhisgullet.Hethoughthe’dbeenknockedaroundenoughbyhisbrotherstotakeanygoodpummeling,buttherewasmurderbehindTumas’sstrikesthatleftRazobreathless.Hetumbledtohisfeet,pitchingabout,desperatetohitbackbeforethenextblowkilledhim.Laughterrumbledthroughthewalls,andasinglesetoffootstepspassedbythedoor.

Tumasspatacurse.“Thisisnotover,”hesaid.

ItwasmanydizzyingmomentsbeforeRazorealizedthathewasalone,slumpedagainstawallinadimroom,and,ifthepainwasanyindication,stillalive.

“Pathetic,”hewhispered,wipingbloodfromhisnose.

TalonewasinhischamberwiththreesoldierswhenRazoburstin.AfteraglanceatRazo’sface,hetoldthementoleave.

“Whathappened?”askedTalone.

“Nothing.”Fromaveryyoungage,Razohadlearnedthattattlingwasawaytoinviteaworsethumping.“Justsendmehome.”

“No.”

NeverbeforehadRazowantedtostrikeTalone.

“Why’mIhere,Captain?Tohumiliatemyselfatswordpractice?Togocrazythinkingmybestfriendisamurderer?Whichshe’snot,bytheway.Iwaswrong.Thiswholecityiscrossingitsfingersforwar,andI’mjusttinderforthefire.Whymewhenyou’vegotEnnaandFinnandConradandallthebestoftheOwn?I’mjust…”Hepunchedawall.“I’mnotdeaf,Ihearwhateveryonethinksofme,andthey’reright,I’mnoBayern’sOwn.MybrothersalwaystoldmeI’mslowinthehead,myarmsarewetrags,I’monlyimposingtoabunnyrabbit,I’m—”

“Whohasink-stainedhands?”Taloneinterrupted.

RazocouldnothavebeenmorestunnedtostutteredconfusionthanifTalone

haddancedajig.“I’mtellingyouthatI’mpathetic,andI’mthroughhereand…Ink-stainedhands?What’reyou—”

“Don’tthink,soldier,justanswermyquestion.Whohasink-stainedhands?”

“Uh,Gericdoes,sometimes,onhisrighthand.Butwhydo—”

“Whooftenhascandlewaxdrippedonherdress?”

“I’mnotinagamingmood,Captain.”

“Candlewax.”

Razothrewuphishands.Talonewasabouldertooheavytopushoutoftheway.“Isi’swaitingwoman,theonewhowearsherbraidsinloops.”

“Andwhowearssandalsfartoolongforhistoes?”

“Iguessthatsquat-nosedpagedoes,theonewhobringsyoumessagesfromLordBelvan.”

“Noteveryonehassuchobservation,orsuchmemory,andyoudoitwithoutseemingtopayattentiontoanythingbeyonddinner.”

Razosniffed,andagratingsoundandpricklypainmadehimwishhehadnot.“Idon’tthinkit’ssuchabigthing.Younoticedthosethings,too.”

“Ihadtoprobemymemoryprettythoroughlytocomeupwithsomethingtochallengeyou.”He’dbeencleaninghisbootsandonlynowlookedup.“Youalwayswereagoodscout,Razo,andIhavelongbelievedthatyouhavethemakingsofaverygoodspy.”

“Spy?”

“Youfellintothatrolewithoutmyprodding.Toansweryourquestion—youarehere,Razo,tocontinuetheworkyoudidformeduringthewar.InsteadofscoutingTirancampsfortroopnumbersandlocations,youwillscoutinformation:Whoistryingtoresparkthewar?Whoisburningbodies?”

“You’vehadmeinmindasaspyallalong?SinceBayern,even?”

“Iwaitedtogiveyouyourassignmentuntiltheneedpresenteditself.Intheswordmatch,IsetyouupagainstTumasbecauseIdon’twanttheTirantothinkofyouasathreat.Ifyouseemweak,yourinvisibilityincreases.”

“Youhumiliatedmeandcould’velostmeaneyeball,andonpurpose?”

Talonenodded.

Razomadeasoundofexasperationandfumbledforwords.“You…youknow…backhome,thatkindofunderhandedtrickerywouldgetyouwrestledfacedowningoatdung.”

Talonesmiled.Heactuallysmiled.AndRazosmiledback.Foolishly,nodoubt.Hefeltasthoughhehadbroughtafatharebacktohismother’sstewpotandbeencheekkissedandheadpatted.Thiswasusuallythepartwherehisbrotherswouldjumphimassoonasherbackwasturned,buttherewerenobrothersaround.

Here,Razowasaspy.

“So,youbelieveEnnaisinnocent?Thatisgoodnews,”saidTalone,acceptingRazo’sassessmentwithoutfurtherinquiry.“Isuspectyouhavealreadylatchedontonewsuspects.”

Razorealizedthathehad.“There’sTumas,oldpork-chophead.”

“Pork-chop…?Ah,hisears.Yes,thatfirebrandhasnotbeencoy.There’snotabodyinthecitywhodoesn’tknowhehatesBayern.”

“Hehadopportunity.”Razoplayedwithajavelin,diggingthetipbetweenthetiles.“Withthefirstmurder,hecould’veriddenaheadoftheTiranescortandleftthatbodybytheriver.Buthiscaptain,Ledel,he’sastrictfiend.Idon’tthinkanyofhismenwouldscootatoeoveralinewithouthisconsent.ExceptmaybeVictar.Hedoesn’tseemtogivearat’stailforanybody’sauthority.Andthenthere’sManifestTira,thatgroupItoldyouaboutwhothinkTiraoughttoreturntowar.LordBelvanturnupanythingaboutthem?”

“Notyet.Anyothersuspicions?”

“Well,um,maybe,it’snotlikely,butmaybe…Dasha,theTiranambassador’sdaughter?”Razosniffedtoshowthathewasnotintheleastconvinceditwasshe,andhisnosethrobbedanew.“Ow.OnceIfoundherprowlingoutsideEnna’sroom,andshewassneakingnearthestablethedaybeforetheyfoundthethirdbody.She’dhavetobeworkingwithsomeoneelsetohavearrangedthedropoftheonebytheborder,andnowayshecouldcarrythebodiesherself.”

“Hm,”saidTalone.“BelvanmentionedthatshewaseagertovolunteerasourliaisonandliveatThousandYears.IfitisDasha,thensheandherfathermightbeconspiringtogethertosabotagepeace.Ourqueenandkingcouldbeinperil.

YousaidshewasinterestedinEnna?IfsheknowsthatEnnaisthefire-speaker,shemaybetargetingEnnaherself.”

PanicswoopedinRazo’sbelly.“Isiwasright,it’stoodangerousforEnna.Imean,I’mherfriend,andIthoughtshewasamurderer.IfanyTiranevensuspectsthatshewasthefire-witch,she’llbetrussedandhangedbysundown.”

“You’reright,”saidTalone.“WhichmeansDashamaynotknow.”

“SendEnnahome.”

“No.Wemayneedher.Besides,shewon’tgo.”

No,shewouldnot,curseher.RazoknockedthebagofstonesagainsthislegandsworetohimselfthathewoulddoanythingtohelpEnnakeepfromburningpeopleagain.

“Anyoneelse?”Taloneasked.

“Thedayofourmatch,IoverheardCaptainLedelsayhewasanxioustoseeBayernsoldiersfailwithoutfirefightingforus.Butthenagain,heplacedadeathsentenceonhisownsoldierwhostuckmewithadagger,soitseemslikehedoesn’thaveagrudgeagainstBayern.And,well,theprincehasn’tmadeahairofanefforttogettoknowanyoftheBayern,andhe’dhavethepowertoordermurdershimself,Iimagine.Besides,rememberhowthecrazyassassinwhokilledVeraninthebarrackswasshouting,‘LongliveHisRadiance’?Iheardfromthepastrygirlsthat‘Radiance’iswhateveryonecallsTira’sprince.”

“Theprince…”

“ButthemoreIthinkaboutit,themoreIseethatwedon’tknowanything,notevenifthere’sagenuinefire-speakeronthelooseorjustsomecrazywhoburnsvictimsinabonfiretomakeitlookliketheworkofafire-witch.IalmostlikeditbetterwhenIthoughtitwasEnna.NowIfeellikeIsawaspiderdropundermybedcoversandIdon’tknowwhereitisorwhenit’llbite.”

“Andwhatwouldyoudowiththespider?”

“I’dgetoutofbed.”

Taloneshookhishead.“WeleaveTiranow,welookguilty.No,toomuchisatstake.Therealthreatofwarisgreaterthantheuncertainfearofassassination.”

“That’sbasicallywhatMeginawastalkingaboutwhenshewouldn’tletBelvanmoveussomewheresafer.”

“Sometimessheseemssurprisinglywise,doesn’tshe?”Talonelookedoutthewindow.“Razo,Ihavesomemisgivingsaboutthisassignment.Webothknowyou’renotthemost…subtle…person.Don’tthrowyourselfintotroubleyoucan’thandle.Justobserve,andalwayscomebacktomewithwhatyouknow.AndIwantyoutoworkthisalone.Themorepeoplewhoknowwhatyou’reabout,themoredangeryou’llbein,besidesthefactthatthemurderercouldbeanyone—evenoneofourown.”

“So,althoughEnnacouldbeindanger,orLordKilcadcouldbeplottingtokillIsiandGeric,orfanaticalTirancitizensmighttrytoslitallourthroats,we’restaying.”

“Itsoundstome,myboy,likeyouhadbestgettowork.”

Thatnight,theBayernfolktooktheireveningmealinthebarracks.Thebreadwasrubberyandthesoupcold(onpurpose,apparently,anotherinexplicableTirancustom).

AfterrefusingtotellEnnaandFinnwhyhisnoselookedlikeapickledbeet,Razostoodalonebythewindowandpracticedidentifyingpeoplefromadistance.HewatchedtwomencrossacourtyardandsuccessfullynamedTumasandLedelbeforetheirfacesbecameclearinthefoldingdusk.TumassawRazo,butinsteadofsmirkingathisswollennoseandblackeyes,thesoldierglancedatLedel,edgyanduncertain.ApparentlyTumasdidnothavehiscaptain’sapprovaltopounceonaBayernandwasafraidLedelwouldfindout.AmanlikeTumasafraid.ThethoughtmadeRazoitchy.

HeplunkeddownbesideEnna,beggingforabackscratch,andasked,“Doyoutwoknowsomeonewhohasink-stainedhands?”

“Razo,”saidEnna,scratchinglazily,“yetagain,Ihaveabsolutelynoideawhatyou’retalkingabout.”

“Imean,haveeitherofyouevernoticedsomeoneweknowwellwho’salwaysgotinkstainsonhishands?Uh,handactually.Justone…Noguesses?ButifIsayGeric,nowyou’llremember,right?…No?Butifyouhadtoguesswhichhandisalwaysink-stained,you’dknowthat?Therightone?YouprobablyknewitwastherightoneandIjustsaidittoofast.”

Ennacontinuedherstare.Finn’sbrowsraised,halfwaybetweensurprisedandamused.

Razolaughedself-consciously.“I’mjust…I…Nevermind.”Heturnedbacktohissoup.Stillcold.

MaybeTalonewasrightabouthim.Andexceptforthethreatofimmediatedeathtohimandhisclosestfriends,thisspyingbusinessmightbesomethingofalark.

11WhattheKitchenGirlFound

Razowokefeelingstrangelyeagertogetupandseethedayhappen,asthoughheweretenyearsoldonthemorningofthewintermoonfestival.Thenheremembered.

Hewasaspy.

Theothersoldiersatebreakfastsullenly,butRazowhistledadancesong.Hestoppedafterafewglareswarnedthathewaseithertoojovialorjustplainoutoftune.

“AtleasttheTirandidn’tmurderusinoursleep,”saidRazo.

Conradsnappedabootlacepullingittootight.Hiseyeswereheavywithsleeplessness.“Ifthey’regoingto,Iwishthey’dgetitoverwithalready.”

“Thiswholemessisabitmorecomplicatedthanwatchinggeeseorsheep,isn’tit?”

“SometimesImissouroldanimalkeeperdays,andthenIremember.”ConradlookeddirectlyintoRazo’seyesandwhispered,“We’reinBayern’sOwn.”Helaughed,aspleasedasagaggleofgeeseonaspringmorning.“Istillcan’tbelieveourluck.”

Talonecamemidmorningwithunexpectedorders.“LadyMeginawillgooutintothecityanddinewiththechiefofassemblytoday.”

Afewsoldierschuckled.“She’sbold,thatone.”Othersraisedeyebrows,questioningifitwaswise.WhenTalonenamedRazopartoftheguard,hethoughthedetectedanuncertainflickerinseveralofhiscomrades’faces.

I’maspy,hewishedhecouldexplaintothem.I’mnotcompletelyuseless.Atleast,Iwon’tbe.Eventually.Hopefully.

Theyrodeinclosedcarriagestothechiefofassembly’spalace,smallerthanThousandYearsbutmoredecadent,itscapstonesandpillarstwistingwithstonevinesandplasterflowers.

“Lovelyplaceforamassacre,”RazowhisperedtoFinnastheyclimbedthesteps.

ThedoorguardletMeginaandEnnapassbutstoppedRazo,Finn,Talone,andthefiveotherBayernsoldiers,demandingtheyleavetheirweaponsatthedoor.

“Doit,”saidMegina.

Duringthemeal,Razowatchedtheambassadorcarefullyasshedevouredslimyseacreaturescookedintheirshells,appearingtorelisheverybite.Andthetalk…Razo’seyeballsitchedwithannoyance.ShedidnotevenmentiontheburnedbodyorassertBayern’sinnocence.Shejustgabbed—abouttheweather,aboutfood,sayingthingsthatmadethechiefofassemblylaugh.

“WhatdoyouthinkaboutMegina?”RazoaskedFinn.Theystoodonthefarsideoftheroomandunderthenoiseofdiningcouldspeakwithoutbeingheard.

“Youdon’tthinkshe’strustworthy?”askedFinn.

“Idon’tknow….Gericthoughtshewas,but…well,Iguesslatelyeveryone’slookingsquirmytome.”

“Iwishshe’dnegotiatedaboutourweapons.”Finnpattedhisbelt.“Idon’tlikebeingwithoutmysword.FeelslikeI’velostalimb.”

“Lostalimb?Nothardly.Javelin’sallrightforreachingabackitch,andasword’sagoodprop,butnoweaponfeelseasyinmyhand.”

“Whataboutyoursling?”askedFinn.

Razoblinked.Aslingwasnotreallyaweapon,notunlessyouwereasquirrel.

Thethirdhourofthedinnerhobbledon,andRazowasalmostwishingforabrawlwiththechiefofassembly’sguards,justtobreaktheboredom.

“Finn,doyouthinkIcanhitEnnawithapebblefromhere?”

“Notachance,”saidFinn,thoughtherewasthesuggestionofasmilearoundhismouth.

EnnawassittingbehindMegina,leaningbackonherhands,staringattheceiling.Razoeasedasmallpebbleoutofhispouch,andkeepinghisarmdownstraightathisside,heflickedit,strikingEnnaontheshoulder.

“What…?”Ennasatup.

Razobithisliptothrobbingtokillhislaughandstaredstraightahead.Finnbreathedoutanalmostsilentchuckle.

“Didyouasksomething?”saidMegina.

“No,mylady,”saidEnna.“Justacough.”

Razofeltastingonthesideofhisneckandslappedit,thinkingitwasaninsect.Untilhesmelledburninghair.Helookedathispalm.Shehadsingedasinglehairfromhisneck.

BythetimetheydraggedintoThousandYears,thesunwasmakingashowofsetting,theskyallrustandgoldandheavingwithclouds.Afterhoursofstandingatattention,Razothoughthecouldeathissaddleraw.Thepastrykitchenwasempty,theonlysoundalowfiresnappingatalog.NosoonerhadhestartedtopokearoundforatreatthanPelahoppedthroughthedoor,hershrubsofyellowhairflopping.Instinctively,hemovedtowardthedoor,notfeelingsafealonearoundagirllikePelawithsomanysharpknivesabout.Butshe’sbecomefriendlier,hethought,rememberinghowshetouchedhishandwhengivinghimacupoftea.

“Thereyouare.”Shesetdownanemptytray.“Ihavesomethingtoshowyou.”

“Youdo?”Razohopeditwassomethingtoeat.

“Yes,butitwillcostyou.”

Hewasabouttoprotesthispovertywheninsomeslurofmovement,somehitchofskirt,legwrappedaroundleg,hop,andatrip,Razofoundhimselfsittingonastoolagainstthewall,Pelaonhislap,herlegsbestridehis.

“Oh,”hesaid.Orperhapsgrunted.Shewaspleasantlyrobust.Hesqueezedhisarmsagainsthissidesincaseshetriedtoticklehim.

“Idon’twantmuch,”shesaid,affectingashyfaceandtoyingwithhislummas.

Ennaoftendeclaredthatwhenitcametocatchinginnuendo,Razowasasslowasadeadharefleeing,buthethoughthehadahandleonthis.

“Whatisit?”Hewasappalledtofindthathisvoicehadtangledinhisthroatandcameoutlessofamanlyinquiryandmoreofasqueal.Hedidnotwanthertothinkthatshewastheonlygirlevertoclimbontohislap,sohegrumbledhisthroatclearandaskedagain,“Whatisit?”

Sheleanedincloser,herlipsjustseparatedfromhis.

“Aparchment,”shewhispered.Herbreathtickledhisface,andhetriednottosquirm.Shesmellednice,likesaltedmeat,andthatmadehimwanttoholdverystillsothatshewouldnotgoaway.

“What’sontheparchment?”Hishandswerestilltighttohissides.Shouldheputthemonherwaistorbackorsomething?

“Idon’tknow,butwhenIenteredLadyDasha’sroom,shestuffeditaway,hidingitallsuspicious-like,andsinceyouwerenudgingforanyinformationonhertheotherday,Ipincheditforyouthismorning.AndallIwantforitis—”

“YoutookaparchmentfromDasha’sroom?”Heboltedupright,sendingPelatumblingtothefloor.

“I’msorry,”hesaid,leaningoverher,tryingtohelpherupright.“Whoops,thatwasawkward.”Shereachedforhishand,buthewastryingtoliftherfromunderhershoulders,andshefellonherrumpagain.

“Nevermind,I’mfine,”shesaid,finallygainingherfeetonherownandshakingherskirtclean.Herentirefaceglowedred.

Razopickedupafoldedpaperthatmusthavefallenfromherpocket.“Isthisit?”

Thedoorbangedopenandaparadeofgirlswithemptytrayspouredthrough.PelaandRazotookafewguiltystepsawayfromeachother,Razostuffingtheparchmentintothewaistofhisleggings.

“Hello,Razo.”

“Evening,Razo.”

Thefreckledgirlcameinlaughing.“DidLordRogis’ssonVictarproposetoanyoneelseatdinnerorjustme?”

“Stayawayfromthatone!”saidanother.“Actsasifhe’lldrapeamberaroundyourneck,butthewordisheandhisrichfatheraren’teventalking….”

Razosaidhellotoallthegirlsandkissedthepastrychef’scheek,tellinghersheworkedtoohardandtoletthegirlsfinishupsoshecouldgosoakherfeet.Whenheleft,Pelafollowedhimoutthedoor,pressingherselfagainsthisback,hermouthonhisear.Hecouldfeelsomenicepartsofherbodytouchinghis.

“Ifyoudon’treturnthatbeforeLadyDashanotices,myskinwillpayforit,”shewhispered.“Herchamberdoorisunlocked.Readitquickly,thengostickthe

parchmentbackbeneathherlamp.Shewon’tbebacktonight,soyoucouldlookaroundabittoo,ifithelped.”

Razonoddedandleft,butnotbeforeshepattedhisbum.

ThoughtsofPelachasedafterhimdownthedarkcorridor,inchingoverhisskin,wrigglingsothatthehairsofhisarmsstoodup.Shewasaprettygirl.And,well,shewasanygirl.HehadnotthoughtmuchofanyonesinceBettin.

HepacedoutsideTalone’sdarkapartmentintheheavyhuffofnight,flickingpebbleswithhisthumbnailtohearthempopagainstthedoor.Witheverymomenthisanxietytightened,aropetwisting.GettingcaughtwithaparchmentstolenfromLadyDasha’sroomwouldnotdomuchtoeasethepoliticaltension.

Somehourlater,thecaptainreturned,emanatingthesaltyfishsmellofTirandinner.

“It’sabouttime,”saidRazo.“Ifthere’severanydoubtofmycommitmenttoBayernandpeace,knowthatImissedamealtowaitforyou.”

“Therewasneveradoubt.”Taloneusheredhiminsideandlitalamp.

“FoundinDasha’sroomandI’vegottogetitbackquick,butIdon’tknowreading.”

Talonescannedtheparchment.“Thislookslikenotestakenwhilestudyingsomebooks.Shecitesseveralsourcesthatmention‘fire-witches.’”

“Uh-oh.”

“Indeed.”Hestudiedit,hisbrowfurrowed.“SheseemedinterestedinthefireworshippersfromYasid,peoplewhoknowhowtoworkbothfireandwater.Here’sanoteatthebottomthatsays,‘Apparentlylivehealthyalltheirlives,’underlinedtwice.”

“YouthinkDashaisthe…”

Taloneshookhishead.“AfterEnna,wewon’tmakethemistaketoassumeanything,notwithoutdefinitiveproof.”

SoRazosetofftofindproof.Hescurrieddowntheservants’walkwayuntilitclimbedintothelamplitmaincorridorofthepalace.Adustinggirlpassedby,andRazoduckedintoasidehallwayjustintime,grinningatthedarkness.Skulkingaroundapalacewasquiteabitmoreexcitingthanhuntingsquirrels.Thefearofbeingcaughtgavespeedtohisbloodandmadehispulseclickinhis

ear.

He’dfollowedDashaoncebeforeandrememberedwhichdoorwashers.Heknocked,peeredinside,thenjumpedinandshutthedoor,quietasbrushingtwofeatherstogether.Hesmiledathisownstealth,thenswaggeredrightintoachair,bangingitagainstthewall.

Youoaf.Hecutshorthisswaggerandbegantomovewithexaggeratedsneakiness.Therewasacertainpleasureinthat,too.

Threelargewindowsopenedtothecentralcourtyard,allowingthepalemoonlighttocreepinandovereverything,markingthechairsandtableswithrimsofsilver.Hedidnotknowwhathewaslookingfor,butclothingstreakedwithsootmightbeahandyimplicationofguilt.

Heslidtheparchmentbeneathalamponatable.Variousbottles,jars,andwoodenboxeswerearrangedinprettylittlegroups.Hepeeredintoafew—powders,mintleavesforchewing,ayellowcreamthathadnoodor.Heshookasilvertube,heardthemutedsloshofliquid,andraisedthecaptohisnose.Aperfumeoftangerineblossomsteasedhimwithuncertainintimacy.Whatdiditremindhimof?Heclosedhiseyes,andthescentpulledhimintoamemoryoftheocean,hisfeetuneveninthesand,thelullinghushofwaves,andDashastandingclose.

Razosortedthroughthewardrobe—noburnmarks,noscentofsmoke.Soheshruggedatthemoon,slippedintothecorridor,andstoodamomentbyherdoor,wonderingwhattodonext.

“Treerat!”

Razojumpedbackatleasttwostepsandhithisbackagainstawall.Hisheartbangedsohardagainsthisribs,itfeltbruised.

“Dasha…LadyDasha…I…”

“Oh,whathappenedtoyournose?”

“Nothing.”Hesniffed.“Ouch.Imean,itbroke.Accident.”

“I’msorry.Wereyoulookingformejustnow?”

Henodded,notquitereadytogiveupthesupportofthewall.“Yes,um,howareyou?”

Dashasmiled,andhernosecrinkled.Howdidthatoneexpressionmakehim

feelashelplessasiftwobigbrotherssatonhischestorPelastraddledhislap?

“SoIguessthatmeansyouheard.”Dashaopenedherdoorandhandedhimherlamp.“Therewasnoonehere,butIwouldn’tmindhavingyoulookaroundagain.”

Whatisshetalkingabout?Razowondered,butheplayedalong,holdingthelampaloftandwalkingthroughherrooms.

“Ofcourse,”shesaid,“itwasprobablyalieallalong.Thedoorwasunlockedforsomereason,butwhywouldaBayernhideinmyroomsandwaittomurderme?Itoldthesoldiersthatwhentheycameformeanhourago,buttheyinsistedonescortingmetomyrooms.Saidthey’dhadaveryreliabletip.Nonsense,Isaid,andsureenough,thesoldiersdidn’tfindanyonelurkingabout.I’vejustnowcomefromLordBelvan’schambers,convincinghimthattheBayernaren’tathreattomenomatterwhatsometroublemakerclaimed.”

Razorealizedthatifhe’dcomehereassoonashe’dleftPelainsteadofgoingtoTalonefirst,hewouldhavebeentheonestalkingDasha’srooms,justintimeforsoldierstoburstin.ThelightinRazo’shandswayed,sendingshadowszoomingacrossthewalls.

“Nothingappearstobemissing.”SheremovedherlummasandlaiditdirectlyovertheparchmentRazohadreplaced.Coincidence,orwasshehidingit?

“All…allclear,”hesaid,pleasedhisvoicebetrayedonlyapettytremble.

“Thankyou.”Shetookthelampandsmiledathim,rightintotheghostlylight.“I’vebeenmeaningtotellsomeonefromyourpartythatI’llbeleavingtomorrow,backtomyfather’sestate.Inthesummer,theassemblyisinrecess,andmostpeoplereturntotheirlandsinthecountry.Iwillbeawayforthreemonths,butLordBelvanwillbeheretoaidyou.Lookatyou!Youseemcrushed.”

Hedid?“I’mnot.”Thatseemedrude.“Imean,I’llmissyou.”Whatwashesaying?“ButIhopeyouhaveagoodtime.”Hewasaspy;heshouldbetryingtofindoutinformation.“Iguessyouhavebusinesstodealwithinthecountry.Well,haveyou,youknow,takencareofeverythingyouneedtohere?”

“Ihavetried….”Ashiverofuncertaintycrossedherface,asthoughshe’dsteppedonsomethingsharpandtriedtohidethepain.“Whydoyouask?”

“Noreason.”

Herstarepinnedhim,andhehadthesuddenandunhappyconvictionthatsmallthoughshewas,thisDashawasasdangeroustoplaywithasawell-sharpeneddagger.

“Youwouldn’tjustaskfornoreason.WhatwouldIneedtotakecareof?”

“Just…stuff.Imean,IwasjustwonderingifIcoulddoanythingforyouwhileyou’regone.”

“I’minarealmuddle,Razo.Iwish…”Shelookedathim,sohardthatitmadehimsquirm.“No,Idon’tthinkyoucanhelpme.”

“Areyousure?I’mprettysmart.”Thatsoundedstupid.Heinhaledthroughthespaceinhisfrontteethasifhecouldsuckthosewordsbackinside.

“Youdon’t…Nevermind.Butthankyou.”

Herthanksseemedsogenuine,hehadapassingstitchofguiltforpretendingtoofferhelpafterprowlingaroundherchambers,searchingforasignthatshewasamurderer.

“Um,uh,you’llbewantingtogetsleep,then,Iguess,ifyou’reonyourwaytomorrow.”

Heleft,congratulatinghimselfforcomingupwiththeweakestgood-byeeverspoken.

Inshortorder,hisguiltwasovercomebyacrampofhunger.Hefoundatangerinetreeinthecourtyardandlootedtheleavesforthelastoftheseason,eatingthestinginglysweetfruitinitsbranches.Thegroundfelttoodangerous,theplacewhereTiranlikeTumaswalked,eagerforachancetoskipthenosebreakingandmoveontoRazo’sspine.Rubbedbetweenthesensationoffearandthepleasureoffood,hewatchedDasha’swindow.

Alampflickeredonherwindowsill.Hadshelititwithoutsparkorflint?Sheknewsomething,Razowascertain.Hergazeoftenshifted,herfingerstwitched.Herbearingdeclaredtooheartilythatshewashappy,fine,allopennessandnothingtohide.

Sowhatdidshehide?

Thelampsputtered;thewindowwentdark.

12TheBestSlingFinnEverSaw

Razowoketothegutteringsnoresinthebarracks,satup,yawned,andgaspedforair.Heatweigheddownhisbody,slickanddamp,crawlingintohismouthanddownhisthroatwitheachbreath.Itseemedthechangeofseasonshadaccostedthecityofriversovernight.

TheBayernsoldiersstaggeredintotheirbootsandoutside,hopingtofindbreathableair,butoutwasasstiflingasin,shadeasscorchingassunlight.Theairwasheavywithocean,theinvisibledropsofwaterclingingtoeverything.Razowonderedifhemightdrown.

“WelcometoanIngridansummer,”saidVictar,joiningRazoonthewaytobreakfast.

“Thisheat’scruelmean.”

“NomeanerthanaBayernwinter.”VictarrecountedwinternightsduringtheTiraninvasion,runnynosesformingtinyiciclesonupperlips,raidscanceledbecausethemencouldnotliftaspearforshivering.Heflunghiswordscasually,laughingandgesturingwithnohesitation.Heseemedcompletelyunawarehowhistalkoftherecentwartightenedthemoodaroundhim.

“Myelderbrotherisalreadyatourfather’sestateinthecountry,butI’mamilitarymannowandmuststandtheheatlikeanyIngridanlad.Therichandsqueamishfleethecitysummer.Theheartystaybehind.”

“Stayandsweat,”saidVictar’sfriend.

Thetwocompaniesbreakfastedinadark,first-storyroominthenorthwingofthepalace,allthewindowsopen,holdingtheirbreathforabreeze.Thecheesewassalty,thebreadgristly,andRazomissedhisma’sstewpotwithacruelache.ButhewasbecomingcrazedforthosespicyIngridanolives.Helikedhowwhenhebitthem,theybitback.

HehadfilledhisplateandwasabouttojoinConradwhenVictarwavedhimover.MightbegoodtomakefriendswithsomeTiran,hethought.

RazowasgabbingwithVictar’sfriendswhenTumasentered,asbigandangryastheheat.HelookedatRazo,andhislipstwitchedinwhatmighthavebeena

smile,thoughitresembledmorethesnarlofaferaldog.Razoreturnedanopenmouthedgrinandwavedwithmockglee.

“TiranFifthCompany,”calledLedel’ssecondman,alean,tallsoldierwithskintanneddarkbrown.Hestoodinthedoorway,waitingfortheroomtoquiet.

“Where’syourcaptain?”RazoaskedVictarinawhisper.

“Ononeofhismanyjaunts,Isuppose.Yesterdaywasafeastday,andthecaptainalwaysdisappearsonfeastdays.BeatmewithaspearifIknowwherehegoes.”

“IhavenewsfromLordBelvan,”saidthesecondman.“OursummerassignmenthaschangedtotheTacitanprovince.Weleaveinthemorning.”

TheTirancheeredandslappedthetables.RazoguessedTacitanwasacool,windyplace.

“Foronce,birdfaceBelvandoessomethingright,”saidayoung,squintyfriendofTumas.TheraucouslaughamongtheTiranmadeRazofeelasthoughhe’dbeeninsultedbutwastoothickheadedtosee.

“What’dBelvandosowrong?”RazoaskedVictar.

“Hewasopposedtothewarfromthebeginningandwasnotdemotedafterthefailedinvasion.Nowhereoutsidehisowncompanyisthatmanmuchloved.”

“Doyoulikehim?”askedRazo.

Victarshrugged.“Idon’tconcernmyselfwithhim.”

“WhatsaywehavealastboutwiththeseBayernboys?”askedTumas,hisglanceslidingoverRazo.“Stretchourbacksbeforethelongmarch?”

TalonewashavinghisweeklymeetingwithLordBelvan,soBrynnwasinchargeoftheBayern.Helookedaround,gaugingtheeagernessintheexpressionsofhiscountrymen.Finnhadbeenthesoundvictoratthelastscuffle,andnoneofBayern’sOwnseemedopposed.Razowonderedifhecouldsneakawayunnoticed.

“Heartilyaccepted,”saidBrynn.“Bayern’sOwndon’tturndownachallenge.”

Yes,yes,allright,cursethem,thoughtRazo.I’manOwn.Iwon’tflee.

Hegrumbledashefollowedtheotherstothetrainingground,tappinghis

javelinagainsthisbackside,herdinghimselflikeasheeptotheslaughteringshed.EnnaandFinncaughtupwithhim.

“What’sallthis?”sheasked.

“Mockcombat.Yougoingtojoinus,Finn?”

“Sure,I’llplay.”

Razosnorted.Ifthiswasplay,thegameshouldbecalledHumiliateRazowithaWoodenSword,notunlikemanyofhischildhoodgames:FiveBrothersWrestleRazo,LittleManUnderfoot,RazotheRug,RazoOurTinyFoe.Hismotherneverhadguessedwhyheryoungestsonspentsomuchtimetrompingalonethroughthetreeswithhissling.

TheyarrivedatthetraininggroundbeforeRazohadbeenabletoformulateanyplan.Hestoodonthesidelines,cheeringandjestingwiththeothers.Inwardlyhecrouchedandshudderedandfeltthatbowlofolivesinhisstomachstarttochurn.

Ledelarrived,carryingabundleofsomethingunderhisarm.“Whatisgoingon?”Hisvoicewasraspyagainfromlackofsleep,andhisjawscarwasanunpleasantpurplecolor.

“Anotherbout,Captain,”saidthesecondman,“beforewepreparetoleave.Yourpermissiontocontinue?”

TheTiransoldiersheldstill,waiting.Victaryawned.

“Proceed,”saidLedel,thoughheseemedparticularlygrumpyaboutsomething.

Brynnsetuptwofightingrings,andpracticebattlesbegantoswirlandclash,TiranandBayernsteppinginandout.Witheachdefeatthesunscorchedhotter.

Waitingforhisfirstturn,Razobouncedontheballsofhisfeet,chewingonhisbottomlip.Theheatmadehiseyelidsstickyandlungsheavy.Thoughnotasheavyashisstomach.Heburpedextravagantly.

“Razo,”Brynncalled.

“AndVictar,”saidtheTiransecondman.

Razohoppedintothering,wipedthesweatfromhispalm,andgrippedthewoodensword.HewassorelieveditwasnotTumas,hewinkedatVictaras

thoughhewerehavingalark.LikeFinn,Razododgedthefirstswingandthesecond,madeafewjabs,anddodgedagain.Hisfocuswassotaut,aropecouldhavetiedhisgazetohisopponent.Heswunganddodged,rolledandhoppedupagain,andfelthewasreallydoingwell.

“Match,forTira,”saidthesecondman.

Razohadnotevenfelttheswordgrazethemiddleofhisjerkin.AfewofBayern’sOwnshooktheirheads.

Twofailedmatcheslater,noonwasnearing,andtheheatfellstraightdown,pushinghisshadowintoapoolaroundhisfeet.Thatspitofshadedidnothing—histoeswerehotandscratchy.Razothoughttheremightbejustonemorechancetoredeemhimself.

WhenBrynncalledhisnameagain,hestruttedintothering,calmandconfident,andtookhisstanceoppositeTumas’sred-nosed,lispingfriend.TheTiranswung,Razododged,swooped.Andmetaswordhiltinthestomach.

Hestumbledforward,shufflingonhistoes,andvomitedcheeseandolivesbesidesomeone’ssandals.

“Wasthatnecessary?”askedtheTiraninslightlystainedsandals.

“Sorry,”saidRazo.Hestraightenedandsawthattheotherring’smatchhadendedandalleyeswereonhim.

Tumaswaselbowinghisfriend.“Itoldyouthatlittleoneisajoke,andifyouaskme,hemakesthewholelotofthemlaughable.”HeglancedatLedelasifcheckingforhispermissiontokeepspeaking,thensaidtoBrynn,“Whenmyhorsedidn’tdothejob,Iputhimoutofhismisery.”

“That’senough,”saidBrynn,becauseLedel,forsomereason,didnot.

Razoshambledafewmorestepsawayandflungthewoodenswordattheground.Wordswerechurninginhisbellythathewasreadytobelchup.Healmostsaid,“That’sit.”Healmostyelled,“I’mthrough.Iquit.I’manembarrassment,ascarecrow,noodle-armed,sizedfortossing.I’mgone.”

Thewordsburnedlikestomachacidonthebackofhistongue,andifhehadspokenthem,hewouldhavelivedbythem—hewouldhavegonehometotheForestandspenthisdayssolitaryamonghisbrothers’families.Atleast,inthemomentbeforehespoke,heenvisionedthatfuture.Itwasaprospecthewould

nothavetotestout,becauseFinnspokefirst.

“Tryhimwithamissileweapon.”

Finnhadbeensittingonastone,hissworduprightinthedirt,hishandsrestingonthecross.Hehadbeensilentaftereachofhisthreevictoriesandsilentashewatched.Whenhespoke,hisunruffledvoicewasloudenoughtocutthroughthenoise.

SomeoftheTiranlaughed.

“Agameofspearswouldbethecaketothismeal,”saidTumas.

Finnshookhishead.“Razo’sslingtoyourspear.”

SomeoftheBayernlookedaway,asthoughembarrassedthatFinnhadbroughtasheepboy’splaythingintoasoldier’sbattle.TheTiranlaughterpitchedandclimbed.

RazosidleduptoFinn,swattingatthesweattricklingintohiseyes.“What’reyoudoing?Tryingtohumiliatemefurther?”

Finnstood,tappedthedirtoffhisswordtip,andputitinhissheath.HemetRazo’seyes,andhisexpressionwasassincereasthatofachildtooyoungtolie.“You’rethebestslingIeversaw.”

“Iamnot.Why’reyoumakingupstuff?I’mjust…Nevermind,thecaptainwouldn’twantmeflauntingmyslingaroundanyway.”

“Whynot?Talonedidn’ttellmetopullbackduringswordbouts.It’llbegoodfortheTirantohavealittlerespectforus.”

Razolaughedthroughhisnose.“I’mnotgoodenoughtocausefear.”

“Thenthere’snothingtoworryabout,”saidFinn,butaglintinhiseyesaidhethoughtotherwise.ItmadeRazowanttogoprovehimright.

Ledelwasgivingordersfortheirmarcheast,soldiersweresheathingswords,gatheringidlejavelinsandspears.Finnwalkedrightintotheirmidst.

“CaptainLedel,we’renotdoneyet.LetRazosling.”

AcoupleofBayerngroaned.LedelmetFinn’seyeswithoutblinking,remindingRazoofsomelidlesscreature,asnake,aspider.Hisvoicerasped.“Wearenotsullyingamatchofmenwithapeasantweapon.”

ThatsmackedofinsultingBayern,andafewsoldiers,especiallyConradandLuzo,whowerealsoForest-born,putupafuss.

“Thatisenough,”saidLedel,hisvoicesharpenoughtosplitskin.

“Hello!”Dashaboundedupthepath,wavingandsmiling.

“LadyDasha.”Ledelinclinedhisheadrespectfully,andhismenstoodatattention.

“CaptainLedel,goodmorning.”Behindhertrudgedsixmenloadeddownwithleathersatchelsandclothingbundles.Herorangehairwasloose,wispsticklingherface.Shebrushedthemawaywithasmileasthoughtheywereplayfulkittens.“AndallmyBayernfriends.Iamoffandwantedtosayfarewellandtellyou…”Shepaused,seemingtonoticethechillymood.“What’shappening?”

“Razo’schallengingtheTirantomissileweapons,”saidFinn,“hisslingtotheirspears,butCaptainLedelwon’thaveit.”

Dashalaughed,thoroughlyamused.“Andwhynot,CaptainLedel?Youaren’tafraid?”

ThemuscleunderLedel’sfacescartwitched.“Goon,Antoch,”hesaidtohissecondman,“butIwillnotstaytowatch.Weleaveateighthbell.”

TheTirandidnotwaituntilLedelwasoutofsightbeforetheybegantodrawlinesinthedirtandholdtugmatchestodeterminewhogottofaceRazofirst.

Razoheftedhispouchofstoneslikeamerchantguessingweightandprice.Whatifhelost?CertainlyhismarkasthegreatestfailureinBayern’sOwnwouldbeindelible.Butifhesucceeded,coulditsparkanotherclashliketheoneafterFinn’svictory?Orsomethingworse?Thestiflingheatwasthekindthatsmotheredgoodjudgment.

ThenRazonoticedthatDashawaswatchinghim,hersmilefullofmarvelousexpectation.Hesteppeduptotheline.

Thesecondmanindicatedatreetrunksometwentypacesawayasthetarget.Razofrowned.

“Losingheart,areyou?”Tumasyelled.

IfRazohadnotfeltsohotandwretchedafterlosingthreeswordmatches,hewouldhavelaughed.Thattargetwasamiteeasy.Heputhistoesbehindtheline

inthedirt,insertedastoneintohissling’sleatherpouch,spunonce,andreleased.Thestonehitthecenterofthetrunkwithanoiselikealongwhipcracking.

MostoftheTiranwantedago,somehittingthetreewiththeirspear,grazingit,ormissingaltogether.Razo’sstonessmackedagainstthecenter,againandagain.

“Putotherthlingerthatthemark,”saidTumas’slispingfriend.

ThebestTiranslingersfetchedhempslingsandalmond-shapedleadbulletsfromthearmory.Nowthetargetswerethreemetalpailssittingatopalogfortypacesaway.Razoputthreestonesinhislefthandandturnedhisleftsidetothepails.Heplacedthefirststoneintheleatherpouch,swungandreleased,heardthewhizofstonecuttingairandthemetallicclangofthepailevenasheplacedanotherstoneinthepouch,released,whiz-clang,neverstoppingthecircle,andathirdwhiz-clang.Thosesoundsfeltassatisfyingascoldwaterinanemptybelly.

OutofthetenTiranslingers,onlythesquinty-eyedsoldierhitthreeforthree.TheTiransoldierscheeredhimuntilFinnsaid,“Movethetargetback.”

Thepailsnowwaitedsixtypacesaway,andtheTiranmissedtwice.Razo’sturnwasasongthatrangoutinthrees.

TheBayernweregettingrestlessandbunchedtogether,keenfortheirturnatthepails.Afteracoupleofrounds,onlyConradandLuzohadhitallthree.

“Movethetargetback,”Finnsaid,smiling.

Brynnplacedthepailsatseventypaces.Itwasarespectabledistance.TwopailschimedforConrad,oneforLuzo.Razoreadiedthreestonesandnoticedaslighttrembleinhishand.

Easierthanasquirrelwhoscampers,hethought.Easierthanatwitchinghare.

Heswungandreleasedthreetimes.Threepailslayontheirsides.

TherewasageneralgaspandchatterthatdidnothavetimetobuildbeforeFinn’sclearvoicecutthrough.

“Movethetargetback.”

Someofthemenlaughed.Brynn,withamischievouslook,tookonepailunderhisarmandwalkedon.Andjustkeptwalking.

“Thatwasfarenoughfiveminutesago,”Conradyelled.

Brynnsetitdownandjoggedback.“Onehundredandfiftypaces,Razo.Missalreadysowecangetoutofthissun.”

Razostaredatthepail,adarkglintonwhitestone,andfelttheheatpressingonthetopofhishead,insistingitselfintoeachbreath.Ashortslingcouldneverreachthatdistance.Heshookhisheadandloopeduphissling,fasteningittohisside.

“Coward,”saidTumas,standingverynear.

Withoutpause,Razopulledhislongslingfromhiswaist.Itwasasmalltargetforthedistancesling,buteveryonewaswatching.Dashawaswatching.Hefeltclampedinandsqueezedinsidethemoment,andtheonlywayoutwasforward.

Hetriedpretendingthathewasalone,thattheheatwasthepressureofForestshadows,andthewhispersandshiftingofbootswerejustthetreesmoaning.

Heplacedtheshotinthepouchandwhippedtheslingathisside,angledtotheground.Hisbodyleanedwiththemotion,tippingforward,slantingback,pulledalwaystowardthestoneasitclungtothesling’spouch.Theweightofthestonefeltgood,thelengthoftheslingjustright.Whenthestonecompletedthethirdcircle,heletgohisthumb,hisrightarmstretchingforward.Hecouldhearthestonecutthroughtheair,ahumthatloweredinpitchuntilitexplodedinametalliccrash.

Hebreathedhardasthoughhehadrunaleagueandturnedslowlytofacetheothers.Theyweresilent,staringathisdownedtarget.TheBayernstartedtosmile.

“WhataboutRazo,”Conradwhispered,hisbreathfullofawe.

Afewsoldierschuckled,laughingasthoughtheycouldnotbelieve.

“WhataboutRazo!”Conradspokelouder,invitingacheer.

“Bayern!”someshouted.

“Bayern’sOwn!”

“RazoandBayern!”

Razoshiveredintheheat,waitingfortheTiranreaction.Dashawasthefirsttorespond.Shewassmiling.

“Ledelwasrighttohavebeenafraid.”

Victarlaughedhisdeepbellylaugh.“Heschooleduswell.Excellent.”

TheTiranwhohadsharedRazo’sbreakfasttablethatmorningsmotheredhimwithcongratulatoryjabs.Handsclappedhisback,shouldersliftedhimaloft,thendumpedhimbackintomorebackslaps.Helaughednervously,feelingatoncelargeasamountainandsmallasprey.Finnwasbesidehim.

“Whydidn’tyoutellmebeforethatIwassogood?”askedRazo.Hefoundhewasalmostangryaboutit,exceptthathefeltlikecrowing.

“Didn’tseemtomatterbefore,”saidFinn.

Ennawassittinginthethinshadowofthebarracks,wipinglaughtearsfromhereyes.Sheseemedsurprisedtobelaughingandsopleasedwithitastokeepitupaslongaspossible.

Brynnandotherswereanxioustogolunchinanice,shadyplace,andtheypulledRazoalongwiththem.TumasmadeapointtoleaveintheoppositedirectionwithseveralofLedel’ssoldiers,theirlipsmovingasthoughtheygrumbled.Thesecondmanhaddisappeared.

“Neversawsuchslinging,”saidoneofVictar’sfriends.“Goodshow.Ihardlythoughtitaweapon,butIseethataslingcanbedeadlyinthehandsofamaster.”

Amaster,thoughtRazo.Hemeansme.

“Razo.”

Razo’sskinshudderedundersweatatTalone’svoice.Heduckedawayfromthegroupandwenttohiscaptain.

“Ididsomethingwrong,”saidRazo.

“Yes.IwishyouhadnotshownanentirecompanyofTiransoldiershowhandymyspyiswithasling.You’resupposedtobeinvisible.”

“Ididn’tknowIwasthatgood!Iswear,Captain.”

“NeitherdidI.”Talonefrowned.InawaythatRazocouldnotexplain,thefrownremainedafrownbutalsobecameasmile.“Bereadywiththatsling.Youmayhavetouseit.”

13TheSeasonofthePrince

Summertighteneditsburninggrip.TheairwasdenseandwetandfollowedRazoaroundlikethehothuffofsomelargecreature.Thecitywashalf-empty,makingeverythingfeelnaked,strippeddowntotheskeleton,thewholeworldstonehardanddangerous.

AtleasttheTiranfoodwasgrowingonRazo.Thepastrychefhadtakentohimlikeamother,plyinghimwithbowlsofcoldbeansandredbacon,chilledfishsoups,andfigcakes.Thatwassomething.Foraweekheate,lounged,andwaitedforsomethingtohappen.Thediversionfromtensionwasarelief.

Thenitgotboring.SoRazodecidedtogetsandals.

“DoyouthinkitwisetoloseallyourBayerngarb?”askedTalone.

“WhenLadyMeginasawmynewclothing,shethoughtitpaidacomplimenttotheTiran,saidIlookedlikewalkingpeace.”

“Shedid?Sometimesshesurprisesme.”Talonerubbedhischin.“Sofar,itseemsourpresencehasn’tmadeadentinthehatredforBayern,andIdon’tlikethethoughtofyououtthereinthecityalone.Butyou’reright,wecan’tdomuchgoodlockeduphere.Becareful.”

RazofoundEnnaandFinnholedupherroom,enjoyingacuriouslittlewindthatspunaroundthemlikeabeastpacingitscage.

“Areyousureyoutwowon’tcome?Thinkofit—sandals,”Razosaidprovocatively.

“Whystepintothatblazeandbedrenchedinsweat?”Ennaleanedbackonherhandsandsmiled.Herblackhairswirled,hertunicandskirtflappedasthoughwithglee.Overthepastmonth,shehadspentnearlyeverydayasMegina’sattendantatscoresofdinnerswithassemblymembers,andshehaddeclaredthatifthesummerheatchasedawayallthosedroningfancyfolk,thenitwaswelcome.Ofcourse,itwaseasyforhertosmileattheheatwhenshehadwindonhandtoshooitoff.Razoletthebreezesuckthesweatfromhisbrowbeforedragginghimselfaway.

Outinthestreets,themorningheatstruckhimlikeablacksmith’shammer.He

heldtheedgeofhislummasoverhisblackhairastheTiranoftendidtoprotectthemselvesfromthesun,thoughhedidittohide.

Hehadneverbeenaloneinthecity.Forthefirstfewblocks,thefreedomwasexhilarating,butthefartherhewalkedfromThousandYears,themoreexposedhefelt.Bythetimehereachedtheheart,hissickstomachandtiredpulsemadehimwishhehadnotcome.

“Theheart,”Ingridancitizenscalledtheassemblybuildingandsurroundingsquares.ItwasthecenterofIngridan,thehuboforder,business,andlaw,anditthrummedwithactivityatanyhour.VictarhadclaimedthatamemberofeachIngridanhouseholdpassedthroughtheheartatleastonceeachday,ifnotonbusiness,thenjusttogathergossip.

Thecobbler’sstallreekedenoughtomakehiseyessweat,soRazojumpedintobusiness,choosingdeepbrownleatherandastylethatwrappeduphisankle.Soonhewasshodinfreshsandalsandwrigglinghistoes,terriblypleased,untilherecognizedthemanbrowsingthefrontoftheshopfromoneoftheformalbanquetsatThousandYears.Itwastheprince.

HewasaroundGeric’sageandhadaroundfaceandthinarms.Hisneckwasladenwithropesofamberbeads,hisfingersalightwithrings,thekindofshowyrichnessthatmadeRazosniff.Severalmenandwomensurroundedhim,youngandold,theirhairdarkerthanmostTiran,theirskinarichertone.

LongliveHisRadiance,Veran’smurdererhadexclaimed.

Thecityseemedmassiveandthepalacepainfullyfaraway.Hewasjustonerathersquatboyaloneinhisenemy’scity.Whatdidhethinkhecouldpossiblydo?

Isiwasjustonegirl,heremindedhimself.AndshechangedBayern.

“Excuseme,you’retheprince,”saidRazo.

Theprincesmoothedtheembroiderededgeofhistunic.“SoIam!AndifI’mnotmistakenbyyouraccent,youareBayern.”

Razo’sheartspedup,hisbloodfeltslipperyinhisveins,butheletthelummasdroptohisshoulders.“Yes,pleasuretomeetyou.Um,shouldIbow?”

“Mostpeopledo.Onsecondthought,whybothernow?Letuspretendthatyoualreadydid.”

“Allright.”Razopaused.“ThatwasanicebowIgaveyou.”

“Indeeditwas,”saidtheprincewithenthusiasm.“Andwhatluck!IhavebeenitchingtotalktoaBayernforweeks,andhereyouare.IhaveacertainquestionImustask.Haveyouoranyoneyouknowever…eatenababy?”Hiseyebrowstwitchedupwithinterest.

“No,Bayerndon’teatbabies.”Razospokeloudlyenoughthatalltheprince’scompanionsmighthear.“Notbabypeople,atanyrate,thoughIdon’tmindachickeneggortwo,cookedright….”

“Ha!Ididn’tthinkso.Rupertowesmeatithe.Hebetme,yousee.”

“I’vebeenaskedaboutthebabythingalot.”

“I’msureyouhave.Well,farewell.”Heturnedawayfromtheshop.

“Wait,um,uh,prince?DoyoumindifIwalkwithyou?Around?Forabit?”

Theprincepaused,andhisinnocentsurprisemadeRazobelievenoonehadevermadesucharequestofhimbefore.“I…Isupposeso.Whatisyourname?”

“Razo.OfBayern’sOwn.Andthanks,Prince…um,Idon’tthinkI’veactuallyeverheardyourname.”

“Idon’thaveone.Mymothergavemeanurseryname,butnooneelsewillcallmeanythingbutRadianceuntilIwedandmywifegrantsmeahouseholdname.”

“Truly?”Amanwithoutaname.Razo’sthoughtswerelostinthatmaze.

Theyemergedintothevicioussunlight,theprince’sentouragepushingthemforwardonthebreezeoftheirfans.Razokeptglancingback,worryingthatoneoftheprince’sguardswouldcuthisthroatinthefirstshadyalley,untilhesawthatnoneboreasword.

“Whydon’tyourguardswearweapons?”heasked,toocurioustoplaycautious.

“TheWaskingaremyfriends,notmyguards!Noonewillharmtheprince’sbody.Itwouldmeanshameandruintothem,theirchildren,theirgrandchildren,theirgreat-grandchildren…Celi,doyourememberhowmanygreats?Hm?…Well,nomatter.Unless,thatis,youmeanmeharm.Haveyoueverusedthatswordofyourstokill?”

Theprincelookedathim,hiseyesasuddenintense,coldblue.

“Yes,inthewar,”Razosaid,addinghurriedly,“ButI’drathernotdoiteveragain.”

“Isthatso?Itwasashame,thatwholewarbusiness.”

Razoschooledhisexpressiontothesleekindifferencehe’dbeenpracticing.

Theprinceleanedforward,concerned.“Areyouallright?Yourfaceappearstobeturningred,youreyebrowstwitching—”

“I’mfine,justtheheat,youknow.”Razoclearedhisthroat.“So,um,whatdidyouthinkaboutthatwholewarbusiness,anyway?”

“Mm?Seemsawaste,butofcourse,it’snotmyconcern.”

“Butyou’retheprince…”

“SoIam.”Hesmoothedhistunicagain,lookingnewlypleased,asthoughhehadfallenintothetitleonlythatmorning.“AndIamnotamemberoftheassembly.Onlytheyhavethepowertopasslaws,executecriminals,anddeclarewar.Acrosscenturies,theassemblyhaswhittleddowntheprince’spower.NowallIdoisbitsofpublicfinery,openandcloseassemblysessions,andsuchandso….”Hestoopedtoinspectamerchant’sdisplayofinlaidwoodenboxes.“Oh,andImaychoosemyownbride.Tiranprinceshavealwaysusedtheirchoicetomaneuvercurrentpolitics.MygrandfathermarriedanoblewidowfromCircuna,aneasternprovincethatrumbledofsecession—CircunaisstillunifiedwithTira.Mymotherwasthesisterofanassemblyman,andaftershemarriedtheprincemyfather,herbrotherbecamechiefofassembly.”

“Oryoucouldmarryforlove,”saidRazo.

Theprincesmiledatanelderlymanandwoman,bothsquatandpleasantlyround,walkinghandinhand.“ButhowcouldIwastemyonlypoliticalpower?Ah-ha,youthinkIambeingoverlycandid,don’tyou,Razo’s-Own?”

“It’sactuallyjustRazo,ofBayern’s—”

“ButIspeaknothingthatisnotvoicedinIngridan’staverns.NotthatIfrequentthetaverns.Toocramped,toocrowded.”Theywerestrollingtheambermarket,andmerchantsheldupbitsofjewelry,offeringgiftstotheprince.“Mypeoplelovemefromafar.Ihireasmycompanionspeoplewhoarenotmypeople.”Theprincegesturedtothegroupwalkingintwoneatlinesbehindthem.

“They’refromtheWaskingIslandsandhavesuchmusicalaccents.Simplysplendid!”

Razoglancedbackandloweredhisvoice.“DotheWaskinghateBayern,too?”

“HateBayern?”theprincesaidtooloudly.“Ofcoursenot.AndTirandon’thateBayern,either.Thewarwasjustsomenonsensethoughtupbydisgruntlednobles.Ah,Icantellfromyourtwitchingfacethatyoudon’tbelieveme.I’llproveittoyou,Razo’s-Own.Tomorrownightyouwillcelebratethefeastofthewatermelonharvestwithus.WhenmycityseesitsprincewithaBayernlad,theywillembraceyou.”

“But,Radiance,someonedidkilloneofmycomradesonthepalacegrounds,and—”

“Yes,yes,Iheard.”Theprincewavedhishandimpatiently.“Butthatwaslastspring.Summeristheseasonoftheprince.”

Theprinceturnedhisprofileasthoughposingforaportrait.BehindhisWaskingfriends,RazospiedacoupleofTiranmen,followingclose,theireyesontheBayernlad.

14WatchersinWhite

Itrainedthenextday,rinsingthedustfromtheairandshovingalltheheatindoors.RazosquanderedseveralhoursplayingstickswithConradandwondering,hoping,thattheweathermightdelaythefestivalandkeephimaliveafewmorehours.Butthatafternoon,therainstoppedsuddenlyasthoughtheskyhadswallowed.Thestorm-cleanedcitylookedsharpenoughtoprickafinger.

“Nothingforit,”RazotoldTalone.“IsaidI’dgowiththeprince,andifIdon’tstickclosetohim,how’llIeverfindoutifheorderedthemurders?”

Whenthesunset,Razofellinwiththeprince’spartyatthepalacegates,andtheyfloweddownthestreetstowardtheheart.Wetstonesglistenedsilverunderstarlight,andtheheathelditsbreath.Peopleopenedtheirdoorsandshutters,pulledchairsandtablesoutside,andgossipedwithneighborsastheyate,serenadedbyacrookedmoon.

Theprincewascalledtoeverytable,andhegrinnedandhuzzahed,wavedandwishedallwell,stoppedtosampleeveryfishandsoup,eachcakeandmelon,praisingthemashewouldalady’sbeauty.Andthepeople’sgazesworshippedhim.MostavoidedlookingatRazoatall.Afewglared.

Razo’sstomachcrampedagainstthefood,andhekeptcirclingashewalked,watchingforknivesinshadows,hintsofviolenceinstrangers’eyes.Oftenhesawsomeonedressedinplainwhite,watchinghimfromacrossthestreet.Asthenightprogressed,thewatcherchanged,butsomeonewasalwaysthere.Razoeyedtheprince.IfHisRadiancenoticedthewatchers,ifheknewthem,Razocouldnottell.

Eventuallytheideaofdawnpoureddarkblueintotheblacksky.TheprinceregaledcafédinerswithoutrageousstoriesRazohadtoldhim,andRazoslumpedinachair,drunkwithsleepinessandexhaustedfrombeingafraid.Thewatcherhadbeenabsentforanhourormore,andRazohadrelaxedhisspine,soittookhimtoolongtonoticethenewmengatheringonthefringeoftheprince’spartyandthewildnessintheireyes.

“Radiance,”saidRazo,standingup.“Radiance,IthinkI’d—”

“What’saBayernboydoingatasacredTiranfestival?”Whenthemanspoke,thelaughtercutshort.GlancesshiftedtoRazo.“He’sofamurderingkind.Whoamongyouopensthechickencoopandinvitesthefoxin?”

Theownerofthecaféshiftedguiltily.“Hecamewiththeprince.”

“Lies!”saidanother,amanofmiddleagewiththelookofaprofessionalsoldier.“Evenifyou’veallgonesoft,wewon’tforget.ManifestTira!”

“ManifestTira!”theothermenshouted.“LongliveHisRadiance!”

Razofumbledforhissling,butthemenpouncedtooquickly,twostandingathissides,pinninghisarmsdown,oneathisfeettokeephislegsstill,theotherbehindhim,hishandssqueezingRazo’sneck.Razo’sbreathingbroke,andsoftblackshapescrumbledaroundtheedgeofeverything.

“Stop!”saidtheprince.

Thehandsrelaxed,andRazo’sbreathscreamedbackintohislungs.

“Radiance,thisisyourenemy,”saidthestrangler,hisvoicepassionatebuteerilycalm.“Letmeexterminateyourenemies.Letmecleansethiscity.”

“Heismyfriend.”Theprincewasstanding,buthedidnotmoveforward,madenoaggressivegesture.Heappearedalmostrelaxed.

“TheBayernboyhastrickedyou,Radiance.Heplotsyourdeath.”Again,hishandsqueezedairoutofRazo.

“Isaid,heismyfriend!”Theprincespokewithurgencynow,lookingaroundatthepeople.“Andtheprince’sfriendrequiresyourprotection.”

Therewasthebaresthesitation,atremblingofindecision,beforethecrowdsprang.

“Getyourhandsoff!”

“Whatdoyouthink,attackingtheprince’sfriend?”

“Youshameus.”

TheytoreRazofreeandbeatbacktheManifestTirafanaticsuntiltheyfledintoasidestreet.Thecaféownershookhishead.

“Iamsorry,Radiance.”

Theprincepattedhisshoulder.Afteramomenthisfacechanged,brightening

withtherimofthesuncrossingthehorizon.“Well!Thatwasafeastdaytoremember.Agoodtussleinthestreetspumpstheblood,doesn’tit?”Helaughedheartily.“Ithinkmycityneedssleepnow.Thankyouall!Huzzah!”

Acarriageopened,andtheprincegesturedtoRazothatheshouldridewithhim.

Razosatinsilence,rockednearlytosleepbythemotion,thegloomofstayingoutallnightweighinghishead.Hewonderedifhisthrobbingneckwouldbruiseimpressivelyandifthepastrygirlswouldnotice.Thethoughtdidnotcheerhimasmuchashethoughtitshould.

“Infrontofme,rightinfrontofmetheyattackyou.”Theprincerubbedhiseyes,dazed,asifwonderingifheweredreaming.“Ineverimagined…”

Razoshrugged.“It’sprobablymyownfault.I’malwaystryingtowiggleintonarrowplaces.”

“Butwithme…”Theprinceshookhishead.“IwishIknewofawaytomakeachange.”

Razowonderedifheshouldjustletthisgo,justwalkawayasheshouldhavewithTumas.Thecitywastoodangerous,theprincenoteasytotrust.Butwhatiftheprincecoulddosomething?WhatifRazocouldhelphimbendTiranopinion?Heswallowedhisfearandsaid,“MaybeIcouldkeepgoingoutinthecitywithyou,maybeifthepeoplegetusedtoseeingaBayernwiththeirprince…”

“Yes,ofcourse!Wellthought,Razo’s-Own.”Theprincesnuggledbackinthecarriageseat,alreadycheeredoutofhisdejection.“Youwillsee.Ingridanwillyetshowhertruecolors.”

Colors,thoughtRazo,andbegantohatchwhathehopedwasaverypromisingidea.

15BrighterColors

Thenextmorning,RazoaskedTaloneifhecouldbeassignedtotheprinceforthesummer.

“Youthinkhemaybeorderingtheburnings,”saidTalone,slicinghisswordalongawhetstone.

“Idon’tknow.AfterEnnaIdon’tdarethinktwiceinthesamespot.Ifhetellsthetruth,thenhedoesn’thaveenoughpower.Mostofthetimehisthoughtsdon’tgodeeperthanhistongue,butmaybehe’dbeuseful….”Razotriedtowrestleimpressionsintowords.“Everywherewewent,everyonewaslookingathimlikehewasanalmondcake.Hemayn’thavepower,but…”

“Butthepeoplelovehimandwatchhim.Thepeople’sopinioninfluencestheassembly,andwhentheyrenewsessionforautumn,theassemblywillvoteifTirareturnstowar.Verywell.”Talone’sswordscreechedinsharpening.“LadyMeginahastriedtomeetwiththeprince,butheseemstoavoidanyactivitythatsmellsofpolitics.Goseewhatyoucando.”

Theprince’sapartmentwasoneopenchamber,claimingtheentirefifthstoryofthemainpalacewing.RazopassedWaskingmenandwomen,dodgedpillars,duckedbeneathtorrentsofhangingfabric,andcawedbackatacagedbirdthatscreeched,“Byyourleave!Byyourleave!”Hefinallyfoundtheprinceinacourtyardatthechamber’scenter,surroundedbypottedfruittreesandfloweringvines.

“ItisRazo’s-Own!”saidtheprince,jumpingup.“ItoldNom,Idonotthinkhewillcome,andNomsaidImightsendamessenger,andIsaidIdidnotknowhowandnevermind,let’sgooutontheporch,andifhedoesnotcometoday,thenhewon’tbewelcome,becauseIamnotapatientmanandIcannotwaitaweek.Itismyseason,afterall.Solet’sbeoff!”

Withinhalfanhourtheywerestrollingtherestlessmarket.

“Rupert,myoldtutor,betmeanothertithethatiftheBayerndon’teatbabies,atleasttheydon’tkeeptheirword.And,ha-ha!Hewaswrongagain.HowIloveitwhenRupertiswrong.”

“Metoo,”saidRazo.

“Rupertcannotcometothemarketwithus,forifhemovestoomuch,hisbonesmightbreak.Look,anewshipmentofamberisin!”

Razospentseveralhoursinthenumbingheatofthemarket,anticipatinghisownsuddenmurder,andquestioningifthismindlessoutingreallywasensuringpeace.

Atlasthespottedwhathe’dbeenhopingtofind—amerchanttenderingpouchesofBayerndyes.HewasWasking,bearingashaggyheadofblackhairandskinlikehoneyedwine.Themerchantsatinasadlittlecartwitharodent-gnawedclothtoscreenthesun,itslegssocrookedthatifithadbeenahorse,itsownerwouldhaveoffereditaquickandcompassionatedeath.

“Nodemandforgoodsfromthenorth,”hesaid,avoidingeventhenameofthekingdom.

Theprincefrowned.Razopurchasedafewpouches.

Razospenttwoweeksaccompanyingtheprincetothedocksandmarket,theaterandmusichall,andnoburnedbodiespoppedup.Theheatseemedtohavechasedthemurdererintohiding,butManifestTirastayedlikethestones.OftenhecouldhearoneoftheirnumberoratinginSpeaker’sCorner.“WhyshouldwerolloverandlickBayern’shand?Theirpresenceheredirtiesusanddistractsusfromourdestiny.Tiraisthegreatestcountryintheworld,andonedayourborderswillstretchnorthandwest….”

Thesummerheatbuiltlikethetensionbeforeatavernbrawl,untilitfinallyexplodedintorain.RazogatheredhisTiran-madeclothingandBayerndyesandranthroughthestormtothekitchentoborrowtheirpots.

“You’vebeenaway,”saidPelawithpoutinglips.

“I’vegotthisnewfriend….”

“Weknow,”saidthefreckledgirl.It’stheprince.”

“AndallofIngridanknowsyouwereattacked,”saidthegirlwithsmoothhair.

“What’sallofIngridansaying?”Razoasked.

“ThatBayernorno,peoplehadnorightattackinganyoneundertheprince’sprotection.”

Progress,Razothought.

Hepulledathin,palebluescarfoutofhisstonepouchandwounditaroundthepastrychef’sneck.“Theprincewasgoingtotossit,saidIcouldhaveitifIwanted.It’scalledsilk.”

Thecheffingeredthefabricandblushed,andthegirlsoohedandwhistled.WhenshesawRazo’sbundleofclothesandpacksofdyes,sheinsistedonhelpinghim,andsoonmanyofthegirlswerelendingahand,thoughnonecouldfathomwhyhewouldwanttoruinthebeautifulwhitefabric.

Afewhourslater,Razoclimbedintothefreshlydyedanddriedorangepants,longyellowtunic,andredlummas.Hefeltlikethebirdsforsaleinthemarket,theonesfromWaskingwithdifferent-coloredheads,wings,andtails,andhewasbettingthattheprincewouldbeintrigued.

TheafternoonstillthunderedwhenRazoclimbedthestairstothetopfloorofthemainpalacewingandtheprince’spersonalapartment.HesaidhellotohisWaskingfriendsreadingbythedoor,swipingfromthemapieceofcrackerbreadforhisfavoritecagedbird(theonehe’dtrainedtoshriek,“Razothegreat!”).Allthewindowswerecoveredinthick-slattedshutters,allowingairinandkeepingmostoftherainout.Theprincewaslazingonapeach-coloredpillow,lookinghorriblybored.AssoonashesawRazo,heboltedupright.

“Whatareyouwearing?”

“Myclothes,”Razosaidimpressively.“TouchedwiththeBayerndyes.Nowtheylookproper,excepttheypinch….Maybethedyesshrinkfabricabit?Don’tknowwhyeveryoneinthiscountrydragsthemselvesalonginwhiteallthetime.White’sonlygoodforfuneralsandweddings.NoBayernrightintheheadfeelsathomein—”

“Iwantthat,Nom.”TheprincepointedatRazoandspoketothetallWaskingman.

“YouwishyourclothingdyedliketheBayernboy’s,Radiance?”askedNom,hisaccentsmoothaswateroverstones.“Verywell.”

Theprincebeamed.“Whatanoisewe’llmakeamongthedrabanddull,howwe’ll…Wait,Iwantmoregreen.IhopeIdidnotimplyIonlywantedyourcolors.Wecan’tturnacoldshouldertogreen,andblue,andpurple,forthesakeofallorderedthings,howcanyoudismisspurple?Celi,callNombackandtellhimofmyneedforpurple!”

Thatweek,RazobroughtEnnaandFinnintothecityforthefestivalofsevenrivers,andwithhisfriendsbyhisside,hefeltsaferthanhehadinweeks.Theylaughedandatealldayaboardtheprince’sboatontheTumult,theriversocrowdedwithwoodencraftsbangingandscrapingoneanotherthattheycouldscarcelyspotanywater.TheprincewaselatedtohavethreewholeBayerninhisparty.

“Lookattheirhair!”theprinceshoutedtopassingboats.“Blackaspitch.Andsuchsaltyaccents.Marvelous!”

EnnatookRazoaside,whisperinginhisear,“He’skindofodd,isn’the?Imean,areyoutheonlyfriendhedoesn’tpay?”

“Hepretendsnottobelonely,”Razowhispered.“Enna,whenyouwritetoIsinext,tellhertheprincehereneedsawife.IfhemarriesaBayernwoman,itmighthelpswaymoreTirantoourside.”

“Huzzah!”theprinceshoutedfromthedeckoftheboat.Hewasdressedinonelongtunic,purplefromshoulderstoankles,withariver-bluelummasrunningacrosshischestandflungoverhisforearm.Everytimesomeoneremarkedonhisnewclothing,theprincementioned“thosedashingBayerndyes.”

Theprincekeptwearinghiscolorsallsummer.Razo’sheartthumpedthefirsttimehenoticedaTiranwomaninthemarketwearingabrightgreenlummasoverherhair.Afewdayslateratthemusichall,Ennacountedfivedyedlummasclothsintheaudience.Bythenextfeastday,thericketystalloftheWaskingmerchanthadtransformedintoasturdystructure—stepsup,aplankedfloor,extravagantshade.Themerchanthadcombedhishairandbroadenedhissmile.

Bythetimethesummerheatgotlazyandletthewindfromtheoceantearitintostrands,andthenoblestotteredbackdustyandboredofcountrylife,oneintencitizenshadcastofftheirwhiteandpalehuesforthedarker,richertonesofBayern.

“There’snumbertwenty-two—yellow!”saidMegina,watchingthestreetfromawindowandcountingdyedlummascloths.“IcansendourtradersbackformoredyesandotherBayerngoodsatlast.Thequeenwasright—tradingwillmakepeacemoreplausible.Yousurprisedme,Razo.”

Razosquelchedapleasedgrin.“Iwatchedyouthattimeyouhaddinnerwiththechiefofassembly,howyoudidn’ttrytoconvincehimthatBayern’sgood

andinnocent.Youwerejustfriendly.Atthetime,Ithoughtyouweren’tsosmart,butthat’sallItriedtodowiththeprince.Look,there’stwenty-three….”

Razostopped,realizingtheorangehesawenteringthepalacegatesbelongednottoadyedlummas,buttoagirl’shair.

Aqueercrushinhischestfeltbothpainfulandexciting.Dashawasback.Summerwasover.Thedarknessthathadclutchedathimallspringandbeenstifledbythesummerheatnowseemedtocrouchandwait,readytopounceagain.

16Razo’sLuck

Thebanquethallrosethreestories,andtheshadowsswayedandcreptunderthelightofathousandoillamps.ToRazo’smind,thecrossingandsnappingoflightandshadowmadethewallsfeelaliveandcrawling,theroomtangledinspiderwebs.

Thenthefoodarrived,andRazowasdistractedfromdread—porkskewers,bowlsofsweetonions,cucumbers,andwatermelondeliciouslychilled.Wouldthattheassemblyrenewedsessioneverynighttocelebratewithsuchafeast.

“Ingridanfoodisn’tsobad,”hesaid.“OramIjustgettingusedtoit?”

“You’deataplateandcallitpleasantlycrunchy,”saidEnna.

Finnjustnodded.Hismouthwasfull.

Razo’sideaofparadisewasaplacewherethepigsranaroundalreadyroasted,andthatnighthewonderedifhemightactuallybedead.Theporkwastenderinthemiddleandsearedontheoutside,thechunksoffatcrispy.Italmostbroughtateartotheeye.

Razowasonhisninthskewerwhenthechiefofassemblycalledoutformusic.Dashacomplied,sittingonacushioninthecenterofthehall,aharponherlap,andcoaxedasongfromthestrings.Razostoppedeating.Themusicjabbedandtuggedasthoughshepluckedathisorgans.Itseemedalullaby,butonethatmadethehairsonhisneckfeellikepressingneedles.Hehatedforittostop.

Howcouldsheknowwhichstringshetouchedwithhereyesclosed?Razostared,fascinated,untilTaloneapproachedRazo’stableandkneltbehindMegina.

“Lady…”HespokejustloudlyenoughthatRazocouldcatchhiswordsifheleanedforward.“LordBelvanjustinformsmethathismenfoundtwoburnedbodiesoutsideourbarracks.TheyhavetakenthebodiesawayfromThousandYearstobeburiedsecretly.”

Razo’seyesrovedtheroom—Ledel’smenbackfromthecountryandloungingattheirbanquettable,Dashaatherharp,Belvanneartheprince,andtheassemblymembersinwhitetunicscrossedwithredsasheslikelong

scratchesonpaleskin.

“Thankyou,Captain.”Megina’svoicewassteadybutfullofbreath.“LordBelvanmustindeedbeachampionforpeace.”

“Aswell,hetoldmesomethingcurious—amerchantcomplainedaboutaruckusinthewarehousedistrictduringthefestivalyesterdaywhenallbusinessshouldhavebeenhalted.Belvan’smeninvestigatedthismorningandfoundtheplaceemptybutforheapsoffreshlyburnedcrates.Theyknowofnoreasonfortheoddity.”

Maybeit’snotafire-speaker,thoughtRazo.Maybethemurderer’sburninghisvictimsinawarehousebonfirebeforetossingthemoutsideourbarracks.

“Captain,wasLordBelvanabletoidentifythebodies?”Razoasked.

“No.Andthoughhehopestokeepthepublicunawareofit,he’llhavetoreporttotheassembly.Wehavejusttwoweeksbeforetheyvoteaboutareturntowar.”

Razosetdownaceramicmug,crackingthehandle,andrealizedhewasspittingangry.Whykill?Justtoframeus?Andwho’stheburnerburning?Murdersdon’tmakesense.WhynotjustcauserandomfiresandblamethemonBayern?Whygosofarasmurder?Hisheadfeltbloatedandthrobbedwithtoomanyquestions.Sowhatthatheknewwhohadink-stainedhandswhenhecouldnotshakeanythingintosense?

Whilemostofthebanquetersstretchedandstaggeredout,Razolingeredoverwatermelonrindsanddishesofmintyhoneycrystals.HewaskeepinganeyeonDasha,whoafterchattingwithtwoladiesinthehallatlaststrolledhisway.

“Hello,treerat.”Dashasatbesidehimandbegantopickthroughtheremainsofthefeast.“Iwonderedwhenyouweregoingtocometalktome.”

“Youdid?”

“Mm-hmm,”shesaidasshefinishedasliceofcucumber.“Youdodragyourfeet.Ihavebeenawayforweeksandweeks,andallyoucandoissitthereandstare.”

“Iwasn’tstaringatyou….”

“Youweren’t?Ithoughtyouwere.”Shestudiedanemptybowl.“Soyouwereignoringme.”

“No,Iwasn’t.”Hisheadfelteventhickerthanbefore,andherubbedhiseyes.“Iwaslookingatyoualot,justnot,youknow,staring,necessarily.”

“And…?”

“Andwhat?”

Shesighed.“Andwhatdidyouthink?”

Shewantsacompliment,hethought,pleasedthathewascatchingonsoquickly.

“Andyoulookreallyprettywithyourhairuplikethat,prettiestgirlinheretonight.”

Dasha’ssmiletookalongtimespreadingfromonecornerofhermouthtotheother.“So,youwerelooking.Well,thankyou,butImeant,whatdidyouthinkaboutthesongIplayed?”

Razostaredhardattheshortropeofpearlsaroundherthroat,commandinghisfacetobestill,nottoshowanycolor,nottobetrayhisutterhumiliationwithsomuchasaneyebrowtwitch.

“What’sthematter?”sheasked.“Youlookasthoughyou’reinpain.”

“Justastrained…toe.Ahem.Anyway,that’swhatImeant,thatyoulookedprettywhileplayingtheharp.Yousoundedpretty.”

“Thankyou.”Shehookedafingerinherpearls,theactionremindingRazotolookup.“IwantedtotalktoyouabouttheBayernandhowthesituationhasbeenoverthesummer.Doyouhavetimetomorrowmorning?”

“Yes,”saidRazowithouthesitation.

“Ithoughtwecouldgoridingthroughtheheart.”

“Good,”saidRazo,thinkingthatridinginapublicplacewouldbesafer.

“Onsecondthought,howaboutbytheocean?”

“You’reright,thatwouldbebetter,”saidRazo,nowrealizingthatanywheretoopublicmightbeevenmoredangerous.Hestraightenedforwhatevershemightsaynext,andnomatterwhatitwas,hewasreadytoagree.

Thenhewentcold,asifallhisblooddrainedoutofhimfromhisheadthroughhisboots.Hewasreadytoagree.Nomatterwhatshesaid.Shehaspeople-

speaking.

Isihadtoldhimaboutpeople-speaking,howitwasatalentlikeEnna’sfireandwindspeech.Hehadbeenaroundpeople-speakersbefore—theywerecharmingandpersuasive,yettheyplantedanuncomfortablesensationinRazo’smind,madehimitchwherehecouldnotreach.Andtheyhadbeensafeonlyoncetheyweredead.

“Perhapsifyoulikedwecould—”

“I,uh,Ishouldgo,”heinterrupted,standingandknockinganemptyplattertothefloor.“I’llseeyoutomorrow.”

Razoscuttledaway.Hehadbarelyfledtheuncertainlamplightofthebanquethallforadarkcorridorwhenahandgrabbedhimandpulledhimagainstawall.

“Pela,”saidRazolikeasighofrelief.“IthoughtyouwereTumasatfirst.What’reyoudoing?”

“Ibakedthisspecialforyou.”Pelastoodclosetohim,holdingapastryinbothhands.Shesmiled,hertwobunchesofyellowhairbobbing.

“Uh,thanks,butI…”Hewasabouttomakeanexcusewhyhecouldnottakeit,butshelookedsomuchlikearabbit,cuteandpatheticatonce,hecouldnotbeartohurther.“ButIdon’thaveanythingforyou.Butthanks.”

Heexamineditashewalkedaway,anddespitehavingjustgorgedatabanquet,hisstomachburbledgleefully.Itwashisfavoritekindofturnover—flakycrust,pearsandsyrupoozingout,withsomedarkredberrieshe’dneverseenbefore.Heraisedittohislipsbutstopped.Somehowacceptingagiftfromlap-sittingPelafeltlikelyingbehindDasha’sback.

Probablyherpeople-speakingpoweroverme,thoughtRazo.Hewaspassingbythekennelsandtossedthetartlettoalargebrowndog,whosnappeditoutoftheairandgulpeditwhole.

Thenextmorning,RazowheedledFinnandEnnaupearly,beggingtheircompany,andtheyfollowedhimtothestable,yawning,pillowmarksstillimprintedontheircheeks.TheysatontheirhorsesandwaitedattheBayernstablesforDasha.

“Enna,you’vespentmoretimewithapeople-speakerthanIhave—”

“Ick.Ireallydon’twanttothinkaboutthat.Everagain.”

“Iknow”—Razocranedaround,tryingtospotDashaamongtheearly-morningerrandrunners—“butifDasha’soneofthem,thenitmightexplainhowshe’sabletomovethebodiesaround,youknow,persuadingotherstodostuffforher.Shedoesn’tseemlikeamurderer,butthepeople-speakersIknewcanseemsofriendlyandinnocentandprettyand—”

“Hello!”Dasharodeuponagraystallion,herorangehairintwoneatbraids.Sheworewhitetrouserswithhertunic,andherlummaswasdyedadazzlingBayernturquoise,makinghereyesappearthesamebrightcolor.“AreEnnaandFinnjoiningus?Whatfun!Ibroughtplentyofvictuals”—shepattedabaskettiedbehindhersaddle—“soshallwego?”

Shetappedhermountforward.RazoglaredatBeeStingwhenshefollowedwithoutaprompt.

Theyrodethroughtwistingsidestreets,Dashabeggingdetailsofwhatthecityhadbeenlikeduringtheblisteringsummermonths.Razocouldnotspeakfastenough,couldnotleapforwardquicklyenoughwhenevershewantedathing,andcouldnotpassFinnandEnnaenoughmeaningfullooksoverhisshoulder.

Theyweresittingonablanketinthesand,watchingthesurfstroketheshore,whenDashaheldupherhandsandlaughed,aspleasedasafishinastream.“Iamstickierthanasticklebush,I’msodrenchedinpeachjuice.”Shehoppeduptorinseoffherhands.

“So,amIright?”hewhisperedassoonasDashawasbeyondearshot.

Finnshrugged.

“There’ssomethingwrongwithher,nodoubt,”saidEnna.

“Iknewit!”

“No,no,Imeansomethingelse.…Ugh,IwishIwerebetteratwind-speaking.Isiwouldbeabletotell.Idon’tthinkshe’safire-speaker.Theheatisdifferentaroundher,somehow….Butnothingmakesmethinkshe’sapeople-speaker.Whatmakesyou—”

“Howcouldyoumissit?Justthesoundofhervoicemakesmychestfeeltight,andmyfacegetshotandmymouthgoesdrywhenevershe’snear.It’sgettingsobad,allIhavetodoisseeherandI’malreadythinking,Whatdoesshewant?WhatcanIdoforher?She’sgotsomepoweroverme,there’snoquestion,andwhatelsecoulditbe?”

Therewasaheavypause,thenEnnaburstoutlaughing.Finnsmiledathisboots.

“What,what?”Razolookedbackandforthwildly.“WhatdidImiss?”

Ennarolledhereyes.“Thisisdelicate,andI’lladmitthatI’mnotatmybestwhenthingsaredelicate.”Shestoodandstretched.“I’llgohelpDashascrapeoffthestickiness.Finn,wouldyou…?”ShegesturedatRazowithherhead.

“Whatisit?”RazoaskedwhenEnnawasgone.“IfyouandEnnaknewthatDashawasanenemyallalongandkeptmeignorantforyourownamusement…”

Finnbalkedatspeaking,evenmorethannormal,andkeptrunningafingerontheinsideofhiscollarasifhisshirtscratchedhisneck.“It’sjust…haveyouthought,Razo,thatmaybewhatyouweretalkingaboutisn’tbecauseshehaspeople-speaking,butmightbethatyou’re,youknow…”HelookedatRazohard,hiseyesunblinking.

Razowasabouttoexplodewithimpatiencebecausehedidnotknowandthisgamewasgettingdulland…thenheknew.Thethoughtrushedhimlikewildfirehittinganautumnwheatfield.Hefelthisfaceburn,andheshookhisheadcasuallyasifhedidnotknow,thenwishedhehadnot,becauseFinnwasforcedtoactuallysayitaloud.

“…fallinginlovewithher.”

Razo’svoicestuckinhisthroat.Hecoughed.“I…uh,that’sjust,that’s…”

“Ifoundanotherinmysaddlebag!”saidDasha,returningwithafig-and-eggcakeinhand.

Ennawasbehindher,andwhateverexpressionRazohadplasteredonhisfacemadeherturnherbackanddoubleoverinhysterics.

“Areyouallright?”Dasha’slookskippedtoeachperson.“WhatdidImiss?”

“Didn’tyouhearit?”askedRazowithsomepressureinhisvoice.“Ennajustletoutsomeseriousgas.Thatwascoarse,Enna-girl,andnotfunnyawhit.”

Finnsnortedonceasthoughtryingveryhardnottolaugh.Enna’schucklestoppedshort,andsheglaredbackatRazo.

Razoshrugged,hismouthmiming,“What?”

Onlywhenthepartywasmountedandreturningupthebeach,FinnandEnnainthelead,didRazolethisattentionreturntoDasha.Shewaswatchingthesea,hergazelostwherethehorizonwasmisty.Withtheconversationhushed,thesoundofwavespiercedhimagainasithadthefirsttime,whisperedanacheofloneliness,madehimfeelfullofsecrets.ThewayDashawatchedthewater,hethoughtshewouldunderstand.

Inlove.That’dbejustmyluck.

RazogrumbledtohimselfashestabledBeeStingandambledbacktothebarracks.Therewasacommotionaroundthekennels,andsomethingwaslyingontheground.Razothoughtifitwasanotherburnedbody,hemightaswellcuthisownthroat.Asheneared,heheardonemansaytoanother,“Dead.Justupanddiedinthenight.Wasn’tevensickyesterday.”

Razoslitheredthroughthethrongandsaw—itwasalargebrowndog.

17DaggersintheAssembly

Fourdaysafterthedeathofthedog,Razopacedoutsidethebarracks.HehadnotreturnedtothepastrykitchenandhadsofaravoidedPela,thoughlatelyeverythingheatetastedalittleoff.Hehopeditwasjusthisimagination.NowThousandYearswasabuzzwiththegossipthattwoofLedel’smenhaddesertedafterthelastfeastday.AccordingtoLedel,themenhadbeenenamoredofagroupcalledManifestTira.Withnewbloodintheirranks,RazosuspectedManifestTirawouldcreepoutandbitesoon.

Heshouldtrytochasethemdown.Buthow?Weretheytheburners?WasDashainvolved?AndhowcouldhefindoutwithouthangingaroundherandconfirmingtoEnnaandFinnthathereallywasinfatuated?Theproblembecameharderandcrunchierthelongerhechewed,andhefearedhemightcrackatoothonit.

“Hello!”

Startled,Razotooktwostepsback,hisheelshitastone,andhefellonhisbackside.Dashastoodoverhim,aspleasedasifshewerelookingatalitterofbunnies.

“Iscaredyou!Ineverscareanyone.”

“No?”Razohoppedbackupandadoptedaposturethatsaidhewascompletelyunruffled,neverhadbeen,andinfactwasreadytodosomethingmanlylikeliftbouldersorswallowliveworms.“Youfrightenmeregularly.”

“WouldyousayI’mterrifying?”Sheliftedoneeyebrow.

“Alarming,attheveryleast.”

“Oh,good.”Shehookedherarmthroughhisandbegantowalk,easilyknockinghiscomposureoffitsfeet,untilhenoticedthathershoulderwastouchingthetopofhisarmandhecouldseethepartinherhair.HewastallerthanDasha.Hisgaitturnedintoaswagger.

“Andwhere’rewegoing?”

“Theassembly.TheyaskedforLadyMeginatoday,andyou’rethefirstBayernIcameacross.”

“Issomethingwrong?”

“Idon’tknow,butwhenthechiefofassemblycalls,youdon’tdawdle.”

ItwaspastmiddaywhenalltheBayerngathered,enteredcarriages,andmadetheslow,bouncyrideintotheheart.Thescenearoundtheassemblywascalmandquickinthesuppleheatofearlyautumn,theskyabottomlessblue.Theambassadorpromenadedacrosstheplaza,smilingandwaving.Razofeltrawandexposed,missingtheprotectionoftheprince.

Thedoorguardoutsidetheassemblycollectedswords,daggers,andslings.ATiranmanpushedhiswayinfrontofDasha.Hewasperhapstwentyyearsold,withhaircutshort,hisrobessharplywhite.Razotookhimforsomeassemblymember’saidewhohadtakentoolongonanerrand.Whenthedoorguardaskedforhisweapon,themanhelduphisarmstoshowthatheworenosword.Thereappearedtobesomethingdarkerthanhiswhiterobesathiswaistbeneathhislummas,butRazodecideditwasjustafoldinthefabric.

TaloneorderedEnnatostaywithhalfofBayern’sOwnoutside.Hedidnottrusttheassemblydoorguardtokeepbackanyarmedfanaticswhomighttrytocomeinaftertheambassador.Finn,Razo,andtheOwn’sbestgrapplers,includingConrad,accompaniedthecaptaininside.

Thewallsoftheassemblywerecurved,highwindowspiercingthewhitestonedome.Thesixtyassemblymenand-womeninwhiterobesandscarletsashessatonrowsofstepsthatwrappedaroundthechamber.WhenthedoorministerannouncedMegina,thecurrentdebatepaused.AllfacesturnedtoseetheBayern,thenoutcriesaroselikebirdsstartledfromawheatfield.

“Something’snotright,”saidTalone,reachingfortheswordthatwasnotthere.

Thechiefofassemblystoodinthespeakingcircleatthelowestpointoftheroom.“Quiet,please.LadyMegina,whyhaveyoucome?”

“LadyDashagavemeamessage,sayingyourequestedmypresence.”

“Iamhere,honoredchief,”saidDasha,steppingforward.“Themessagecamefromyouraide,Tophin,justafterthethirdbell.”

“Iapologize,Ambassador,foryourinconvenience,”saidthechiefofassembly,“butIsentnomessage.”

“Howodd.ButasIamhere,mayItakethisopportunitytoaddresstheassembly?”

Thechiefsteppedaside,offeringthecircle.

“LadyMegina,weshouldgo,”Talonesaidinalowwarning.

“Wehavelessthantwoweeksbeforetheyvote,”Meginawhispered.“Ican’tpassupthischance.”Shebegantodescendthewide,shallowsteps.

NosoonerwasshebeyondTalone’sreachthantwomenrushedforward,comingbetweentheambassadorandherguards.OneshovedTalone,knockinghimbackagainstthesteps.Razoreachedfortheman,hisfingersjustgrazinghistunic.Theothermanhadalreadygainedthecircle,andhepulledashortdaggerfromhisside,seizingMeginaaroundherwaist.

Talonehollered,andtheBayernleapedforward.Thefirstthugpulledhisdaggerandshookitatthem.

“Stayback!Wewillspeak,andyouwillhearusorshedies.”

Itwastheyoungmanwhohadpushedthroughtheline.Razocursedhisownstupidity.TheassassinationofanambassadorwassomethingeventhoseBayerneagerforpeacewouldnotbeabletoignore.

“Thisassemblyisdisgracedbyharboringenemyspiesandkissingourbrothers’murderers,”saidthefirstvillain.

TheywerewalkingMeginaupasetofstairs,apparentlyseekingawallattheirbacks.Razoscannedthechamber.Whentheambassadorandhercaptorsreachedthetop,theywouldbedirectlybelowaledge.RazostartedtowardittillheglimpsedTalonewithConradandanothergrappler,climbingapillar.Razostayedback,thinkinghewouldonlygetintheirway.

“Wewillbeheard!WewillnotallowTiratofallinwiththieves—”Oneofthemen’ssandalssqueakedonamarblestairthatwassuddenlywet.Heslipped,regainedhisfeet,andslippedagain.Razowonderedhowthatparticularstonecametobewetbutthoughtitawfullylucky.TheslipboughtTalonealittlemoretime.RazopeekedtowardTalone,gaugingtheprogressintheirclimb,andcaughtaglimpseofDasha.Herfacewasintense,almostpained.

“Thevileenemy…,”thevillainscreeched.“Ourmurderersarenotourneighbors.…”

Hisvoicewasbuilding,higherandlouder,asthoughhewouldcometosomeclimax,andsoon.Talonewasstilloutofsight.RazodidnotthinkMeginacouldwait.

Thedoorguardhadtakenhissword,hisjavelin,hisbagofstones,andhisshortslingfromhisside,buthislong-distanceslingstillcinchedhiswaistlikeabelt.Anelderlyassemblymanbesidehimwasclutchingacanetoppedwithawoodenballasbigasafist.

“Excuseme,”saidRazo,snatchingthecane.Hebrokeitoverhisknee.

Theassassinwascantinginavoicerubbedraw,buildinginpitch,comingtotheend.“Wemakethissacrifice…”

Theslingfeltcumbersomewiththecaneknobinitsleatherpouch,thetargettoocloseforadistancesling.Hishandsshaking,hewrappedalengthoftheslingaroundhiswristtoshortenit.ThevillainwasanglingthedaggertoMegina’sthroat.Razoswungonceandreleased.

Theknobhittheassassinonthecheek.Hescreamed,letgoofMegina,andfellover,hishandscradlinghisface.Thesecondvillain’sdaggerdidnothavetimetofall.Talonedroppedfromtheledgeontotheman’sback,shovinghimtotheground.Conradfollowed,wrestlingthedaggerfromTalone’sman,theothergrapplersecuringthewoundedman.Finnrushedforward,puttingMeginabehindhim.

“Andontheverystepsofourassemblychamber…,”whisperedtheoldman.

TheBayernwerequietastheyrodebacktoThousandYears.

RazowatchedDasha,andshewatchedthecarriagewindow.TheassemblyguardswerehuntingTophin,thechief’saide,whohaddisappeared.Razowonderedifhisbodywouldshowupburned.

LordBelvanandTaloneledthebound,would-beassassinstothebowelsofthepalaceforquestioning,wheretheonlylightseepedfromoilytorchesdrippingsmoke.Razowasattheirheels.Heneededtohearthosemenadmittotheburnings.

Atthedoorofthedark,stalechamber,TaloneputahandonRazo’schest.

“I’llhelp,”saidRazo.

“No,son,I’lldothismyself.”

Taloneshutthedoor.

18ARam’s-HeadRing

RazofoundTalonetwodayslatersittingonhisbunkatthebarracks,hisforeheadrestingonhisfist.

“Areyougrayerthanyouwere?”askedRazo,rubbinghisowntemples.

Talonesmiledgrimly,andRazodecidedhewouldrathernotknowwhathadhappenedinthatcell.

“Idonotbelievethatthey’retheburners.”

“Ah,Captain,don’ttellmethat.They’vegottobe!”

Taloneshookhishead.“Idon’tthinkso.TheybelongtothatManifestTiragroup.Onewasformermilitaryandfromamoderatelywealthyfamily,theotherapoorboywhofeltcheatedwhenthequickendtothewarstolehischancetofight.Theirconfidencewasfrightening—theybelieveallofTirawillhailthemasheroesforevenattemptingtokilltheambassador.TheyhateBayern,nodoubt,butabungledassassinationoftheambassadorinthemidstoftheassemblyisjuvenile,desperate,clumsy.Theburnerisfollowingamuchmoresophisticatedplan.”

“Aimedatthesameresults—arepeatofthewar.”

“Perhaps.”Talone’svoicewastootiredtohaveemotion.“ManifestTiraclaimsthatTiraisdestinedtoinheritanynationthattouchesitsborders,andwaristhesacredmeanstoclaimthatdestiny.Theyarebrash,fearless,likethesoldierwhoflunghimselfintotheBayernbarracksjusttokillasmanyashecouldbeforebeingkilledhimself.Buttheburnerisshrouded,slow,andsecretive,andseeminglymurderingfellowTiranjusttoincitehatredofBayern.That’sadifferentkindofevil.Smellslikerevengetome,vengeanceforadeep,uglywound.

“ThisdoesnotbodewellforMegina,oranyofus,”saidTalone,rubbinghiseyes.“Theburnerattacksfromtheshadows,secretive,calculating.ButManifestTira…”

“Peopleknowthem,”saidRazo.“They’recousinsandneighbors,andthey’reoutinthemarketsayingvilethingsaboutBayern.Theycouldn’tbeasecretif

thepeopleofIngridandidn’tchoosetoprotectthem.”

Talonenodded,hiseyesclosed.“Thosetwowouldnotgiveupthenamesoftheircohorts,butonedidrevealthelocationoftheirmeetings.Belvan’smenwillhaveclearedoutanylingeringmembersofManifestTirabynow.Evenifthey’renottheburners,they’restillathreattoourmission.Iwantyoutotakealook.”

Talonegavehimdirectionstoawarehouseonthewesternedgeofthecityandwashalf-asleepwhenhetoldhimtobecareful.Razoclickedthedoorshutunderthesoundofasnore.

HeworeplainTirangarb,theonlybitsthathadasyetescapedthedyepots.Theskywasvaguewithcloudsstilldisputingthequestionofrain,butRazoshadedhisheadwithhislummasandhopednoonewouldwonderwhy.Hehoppedinthebackofapennywagonthroughtheheart,thenmadehiswayonfootpastthepungentluxuryofthespicemarketandthesour,stifledairoftheslaughterdistrict.

Sometimeshissandalsflappedonthestones,echoinginalleyways,invokingthesoundofsomeonefollowing.Razoearnedanacheinhisneckfromlookingbacksooften.Hewasnegotiatingafringeareaofthecity—weedscrackedthroughthecobblestonesandtoughgreenmosscrawledundershadows,hintingthatnotallinIngridanwasscrubbedclean.

Hethoughthewaslostandusedthatexcusetorun,shakeoffthefeelingofbeingfollowed.HescamperedoverfourorfivestreetsbeforediscoveringtheRosewater,theriverthatformedthecity’swesternborder.Itwasthickwithrubbishthisfarsouth,andtheblue-tiledsidesdidlittletobrightenthewaters.Anoccasionalboatslidpast,butallbusinesswashaltedforthefeastofcedarfires,andthedaywasasslowandsluggishastheclouds.

AcoupleofBelvan’smenmilledoutsidethewarehouseandgaveRazoanodofpermissiontoenter.Itwasaone-story,thinstructureandsmelledlikesoddenwood,cheapandsad.Thefloorwaslitteredwithgrubbystraw,afewemptycratestheonlyremnantsofbusinessbeforethewarehousebecamethemeetingplaceofangrypolitics.Nothinglookedburned.Razopocketedafewscrapsofpaperandbesidesthatfoundonlyacopperring,cutstraightandstampedwitharam’shead.Itfithisleftmiddlefinger,soheslippeditonforsafekeeping,recallingonelikeitonthemanwhokilledVeran.Andnowthathethoughtofit,hebelievedthosetwoassassinsalsowore—

“Psst.”

Razohadnotexpectedtohearsomeonefrombehind.Heheldstill,thehairsonhisneckrisingtolisten.Hislefthandwasup,theringvisible.

“Psst,thereareguardsoutfront.Whereis—”

Thevoicecutshort,perhapsdoubtingforthefirsttimewhomhewastalkingto.Razoturned,meteyeswithamanofthirty,hairshorn,acopperringonhislefthand.WhenhesawRazo’sface,hepulledaknifefromhisbeltandcharged.

Razoloweredhisshoulderandrammedintotheman’sgut,forcinghimtostumblebackandgivingRazotimetodrawhissword.

“Hel—”Razobegantoholler,butthemanwasuponhimagain,slicingtheairwithhisdagger.Razothrustwithhissword;themandodged,grabbedRazo’sswordarm,andslashedhisskin.

Razoexclaimedanddroppedhisswordattheslicingpain,buthemanagedtograbtheman’sarm,grippingfiercelyuntilhisarmsshookwiththeeffortofkeepingthatdaggeronethumbawayfromhisbelly.Hesteppedbackintohisfoeandbitdownhard.Hetastedbloodbeforethemandroppedhisdagger.Razoelbowedbehindhimandheardagruntbutsoonhadtwoarmsaroundhisneck.Hewasbroughtdown,unabletobreathe.

Hethrashed,hescreamed,dryandsilent.Throughacrackinthedoor,hecouldseethebackofoneofLordBelvan’smen,casuallystandingguard.Tinyblackdotsplayedacrosshisvision.Panicclawedathim,bonyfingerspullinghimdown.

Ifyou’regoingtowinoneblastedwrestleinyourlife,hethought,thisshouldbetheone.

Razorelaxedhiswholebodyandclosedhiseyessohewouldnothavetoseethegoing-blackthatmeanthehadnoair.Then,pullingallhisstrengthtogether,hewhippedhisheadback.Therewasacrunch,andRazolaughedbreathlesslythathewastheonebreakingnosesforonce.

Intoxicatedbytheairinhislungs,heleapedtohisfeetandstormedintotheman.Theylockedarms.ThemantriedtotriphimwithalegbehindRazo’sknee—anoldtrick.Razomanagedtostayonhisfeetbycrouchingdown,thenshovedhisheadupintotheman’schin.Theman’sjawsnappedshut.Ashefellback,hekickedRazointhegut.Theybothhitearth,Razogaggingatthepainin

hisbelly,raspingforbreathtocallforhelp.Themanwascrawlingforhisdagger.Razolurchedforward,throwinghimselfontheman’sback,scrabblingtokeephisfoefromreachingtheweapon.

“Inhere,”saidRazo,hisvoicechafing.Hegulpedformoreair.“Inhere!”

Belvan’smenpeekedthroughthedoor,thenraninwhentheysaw.Thesoldiersseizedtheattackerbyhisarms,allowingRazotorolloffhisbackontothefloor,slumpagainstacrate,andbreathe.Slowly,theblackdotsswamaway.

“Anotherone?”askedoneofBelvan’smen.

“Climbedinawindow,Iguess,”saidRazo.“IthoughtI’dboughtit,butIbestedhimintheend.Me,Razo,grappleddownabiggerfoe.Don’tkeepthisoneasecret,fellows.”

Thesoldiersniffed.“Andwhatshouldwedowithhim?”

“Uh,takehimbacktoCaptainTaloneandLordBelvan,wouldyou?I’mgoingtokeeppokingaround.”

“You’rebleeding.”

Razotwistedhisforearm,tryingtogetagoodlook.“Thatfellowhadteeth,sureenough.”Thecutwasnotdeepbutmightleaveastrikingscar.Hetoreastripofhislummasclothandwrappedthearm.

Forsometimeafterthesoldiersandtheirprisonerleft,Razostayedput,hiseyeshalf-closed.Hissolitudefastenedaroundhim.

Somethingrasped.Somethingelsesqueaked.Razosnatcheduphissword,holdingtheweaponbeforehimashescouredthewarehouse.

“Anybodyhome?”hecalledout,swingingateverymousescratchorboardcreak.“I’msolonely,”hesaidinmock-timidtonestomakehimselflaugh,butheglancedatthedooronceortwice,wishinghe’dthoughttoaskoneofBelvan’smentostickaround.

Hewassortingthroughthedetritusofbrokencrateswhenmovementoutsidemadehimlookup.Fiftypacesoff,onthebankoftheriver,stoodTumas.

Razodroppeddown,breathingsoloudlythathewasputtomindofhisbrotherJefsnoring.Hiscalvesbegantotremblefromcrouching,andheknewifTumasfoundhimhere,farfromwatchfuleyes,he’dbreakbonesbiggerthanhisnose.Thewaitingmadehimachewithimpatience.Afteratime,hegaveupthoughts

ofself-preservationasboringandscuttledtothedoorway.Noonethere.

Callinghimselfafinespytohideinsteadofhunt,herantowardtheriver,lookingdowneveryalley,glancingateverywindow.NeartheplacewherehehadfirstspottedTumas,anarrowstairwaytumbledintothewater,joiningasmalldock.Hadherowedaway?

Razokeptacarefulthree-pacedistancefromtheedgewhilehewalked,scanningthewater,notwatchingwherehestepped.Hisbootstucksomethingyielding.

Thesmellofburnedbodieswasbecominguncomfortablyfamiliartohimnow,afoulmixofbakedmeat,garbagefiresmoke,andweaklybuiltprivies.Hecouldtastethesmell,andhespatoverthesideoftheriver.

Thefacewasburnedtoblackindistinction,thebodynearlyasbrittleascharcoal.Nojewelry,noindicationofwhothepoorfellowwas.Inasecond-storywarehouse,Razothoughthesawthepalesheenofafacestaringout,butwhenhelooked,noonewasthere.Hehadtogetridofthisinahurry,beforesomeonediscoveredaBayernandaburnedbodytogether.Withhisfeet,herolledthecorpsetowardthewaterandsentithurtlingintotheriverbelow.

“Sleepwell,”hewhispered.Hehatedtheburnerforforcinghimtoburyanotherpersonlikethat,withnofamilyknowingwheretheirchildorsiblinghadgoneto,withnomentionofgreatdeedsandlovingfriends,thebodynotembracedbyearthbuttumblingintotheunsteadysea.

ThesqueakofasandalbroughtRazoup.Thereshewas,Dasha,standingsoclosethathewasstartledbyherblueeyeswheneverythingelsewassodull—aleadenriverunderthesunlesssky,asmudgeofashongraystones.Hetookastepbackfromthoseeyes.

“Razo,”shesaid.

Therewassomethingtightinhervoice,andhewonderedifshewouldadmititall.Justthen,hecouldnotbeartohear.

“Itwasyou.”Hebackedawayfromthethoughtand,likeafool,movedclosertotheriver.Hisheelbumpedastone,hestumbled,andthencametheastonishingsensationoffalling.

19RiverFingers

Thetumbleseemedtotakehours,givinghimtimetorealizehewasfallingalongway,towonderifhittingtheriverbelowwouldhurtmuch.HeimaginedbeingcarriedawaytotheseaandmeetingupwithscoresofburnedcorpsesandgenerationsofdeadTiran,allsittingontheseafloor,grinningtheirbaregrins,motioningforhimwithnakedhands.

Thenthewaterstruckhisgut,andhecouldnothavebreathedeveniftherehadbeenair.Heflailed,wishingascream.Thewaterseizedhimandpulledhimdown.

Razothrashedhiswayuponce.Hisfacescrapedthesurface,andhesuckedinairandwater.Dashawasrunningonthebankabovehim,notquitekeepingpacewiththeriver,andyellingathimtoswimtothelowerbankontheotherside.Nowhewantedtolaugh.Asifhecouldswimtwopaces,letaloneacrossariver.

Hisclothes,hissword,andhisbagofstoneswereasheavyastheworld.Hisheadwentunder.Thewatersanginhisears.

Asthedarkandcoldandconfusionlulledhim,rockedhim,hethoughttofeelembarrassedtobedyingsoeasily,andinfrontofaprettygirlnoless.Hisarmsandlegsstillwrestledwiththedeep,buthismindwasfallingasleep.

Asuddenliftstartledhimtogasp.Hewasonhisbackstaringatthegraysky,wrenchingairintolungs,coughingoutwater.Thenhenoticedthathewasnotfloatingdownstreambutglidingtowardtheoppositeshore,likethewaterbirdsthatpropelthemselveswithwide,flatfeet.Razoglancedathisownfeetandsawhistoespeekthroughhissandals.Atleasthewasnotaduck.

HethoughthesawDashaswimmingsomedistanceoff,butwhenheturnedtolook,watergushedoverhisface,sohekepthisfaceupandfocusedonmakingcertainhehadplentyofthatwonderfulair.

Hisheadbumpedsomethinghard,andhetwistedaround,somehowkeepingafloatuntilhisfingersgraspedatilededgeandhecouldpullhimselfup.Thefarbankoftheriverwasbuiltintoaseriesofwidesteps,soastheriverroseandfellitwouldalwaysmeetaneasydock.Razocrawledawayfromthewaterandlayonastep,coughinghisbreath,hislegstrembling.Hecouldnotquitebelievehe

wasalive.

Ahandreachedoutofthewater.Another.Dashapulledherselfupandsatwhereshewas,herlegskneedeepintheriver.Herhairwasstraightanddripping,onetinysilverstarclingingtoastrand,theotherswashedaway.Shelookedathim,herlipsparted.

“Didyoupullme?”Razoasked.“IsthathowImadeitacross?”

Dashadidnotanswer.Sheturnedtotheriverasifconsideringjumpingbackin.

AheavygustwrappedaroundRazo’sfaceandwarnedofmorethanwindtocome.Darkercloudspushedthroughthegrayones,swirlingandundulatingasthoughtheskymirroredtheriver’swaves.

“It’sgoingtostormsoon.”Standingup,hefeltlikeanewborncolt,shakingonunfamiliarlegs.HesearchedforabridgetotakethembackacrosstheRosewaterandintothecity,butnoarchinterruptedtheslatewater.Whenhestartedtoclimbthebanksteps,Dashadidnotfollow.Nowshewaswatchingthesky.

“Comeon,noblegirl.”Heputhisarmaroundherwaisttolifthertoherfeet.“We’vegottogetawayfromtheriver.Ifitrainsmuchandthiswindgetstougher,wecouldbesweptaway.”

Shelethimleadher.Thewindgrewmoreinsistent,pushingthemfrombehind.Hescrambledupthestepsandsawdarkfields,thelaborersabsentforthefeastday.Asquarishshapeinthedistancewastheonlydestination.Dasha’sstepsseemedreluctant,soRazoputhisarmaroundhershouldersandmadeherrun.

Itwasasmallhut,rattlinginthewindlikechatteringteethandlikelytocrumbleinonitselfanyday,butitwasemptyandhadaroof,soRazotoretheknottedropeoffthedoorandpulledDashainside.

Lightningslicedthegray;thunderhurleditselfacrossthesky.Therewasapause,asiftheworldtookadeepbreath,andthenrainstruck.Thethinmetalroofshuddered,thewallsgroanedonce,andRazoleanedtowardthecenteroftheroom,uneasywithastormthatseemedintentonclawingitswayinside.

Heshruggedandchuckledathimself.Itwasjustweather,nothingtogethisbootstrapstangledabout.ThenhelookedatDasha—pale,crouchedonthefloor.Shewasstaringstraightup.Hecouldnothelpbutfollowhergaze,butnothing

hungintheairabovethem.

“Whatailsyou?”heasked.

“DidIdoit?”

Razo’sheartseemedtofallalongway.Itwasher.Shehadkilledthosepeople.Thequestioninhervoiceencouragedhimsomewhatthatshewasinnocent,inaway.InthewaythatEnnahadbeenduringthewar,inthewaythatFinnforgaveEnna.

“Didyoumeantodoit?”

Dashalookedathim.Inthedimlight,theblacksofhereyesnearlycrowdedoutalltheblue,givingherastartledexpression.“SometimesIdo.”Shereturnedhergazeupward,openingherfaceandnecktothesoundofrain.“Iwantto,thedesirepullsme,andIcan’thelpit…orIdon’twanttohelpit.Iloveit,thoughIdidn’tmeantodoitthistime.”

Theroomseemedtoslantnow.Razowasbackingaway.“Whatdoyoumean,youloveit?Youlovekillingpeople?”

“Killingpeople?”

“Ithoughtthatyou…Ican’tbelieveyouenjoyit,Ijustdidn’tthink…”Anicyshiverscratchedathisback,likethewarningbeforehewenttoofartauntinghisbigbrotherBrun.“So,yougoingtokillmenext?”

“Killyounext?Razo,what—”

“Thosebodies,thatonebytheriver,youburnedthem.”

“Ididnot!Ifounditthere,justlikeyoudid.”

“Yousaidyoulovedit,butyoudidn’tmeanto—”

“Iwastalkingaboutsomethingelse,justforgetaboutit….”

“Whatwasit,Dasha?Whatdidn’tyoumeantodo?”

“Therain!”Shestoodup,herarmsstraight,herfingersstraight.“Iwastalkingabouttherain.”Hervoicewentlow,andsheturnedherbackonhim,restingherforeheadagainstashudderingwall.“Nevermind.”

Razowasdonewithtiptoeingaroundslipperyplaces.Hegrabbedhershouldersandturnedhertofacehim.“Tellme.”

Sheblinkedfast,asthoughshewerebatteredbysharprainfall;thenthereleaseofhershouldersspokeofdefeat.Sheheldupherhand,andherforefingerandthumbmet,pinchingtheair.Sheputherfingeroutandshowedadropofwaterhangingfromitstip.Itgotfatterandheavier,sagginguntilitdropped.

Razogaped.“What’reyou…?”

Shediditagainandagain,pluckingdropsofwaterfromtheairlikeberriesfromasummerbush.Herexpressionwascalm,rapt,pleased.

“Mygrandfathertaughtmethis.Hecalleditriverfingers.AfterIgotthehangofit,hetaughtmethis,too.”Shegrabbedattheair,andwaterhungfromallfiveofherfingerslikelong,luminousnails.Sheshookthemoff.“Andthis.”Shecuppedherhandaroundnothing.Herpalmfilledwithwater,andshesippeditdry.

“It’seasyondaysliketoday,somuchwaterintheair,notjusttherain,buttheinvisibledamp.Theworldisfullofwaterwecan’tsee.ButIcan…feelit.”Dashastaredatheropenhandasdropsofwatergatheredonherfingertipsandrolledintothecupofherpalm.

“Youknowthelanguageofwater,”Razowhispered.“Youcandrawittoyou,likesomefolkcanwithwindorfire.Yougottherivertocarryme,didn’tyou?Hothere,now,Ijustrealizedsomething—thatdayintheassembly!Youmadethestairwetsotheassassinwouldslip.”

Shenodded.“Itrynottouseitmuch,butIwantedtohelp.ThatwasallIknewhowtodofromthatdistance.”Sheshrugged,thegestureaself-criticism.

“I’llbetyoucoulddomorethanthat,”saidRazo,rememberinghowIsihadoncepushedbackfivegoosethieveswiththewind,howEnna…Ennahaddonealotofthings.

Dashatiltedherhead,crinklinghernosewithoutsmiling.“Ondaysliketoday,Icanfeelhowheavythecloudsare.Myskinaches,andIknowifIjustfeelit,justclosemyeyesandhearthecloudsrelease,therainbreakapart,theworldsighinrelief,itwillhappen.ButIdon’t.”Shetouchedherbreastbone.“There’safunnyticklinginsidemewhenI’mneartheocean,nearariver,itchingmetoleapinandtrysomethingmore.WhatIdidwithyoutodayintheriver,Ihadneverdonebefore.”

“Well,Ithankyou,then.Your,uh,riverfingerssavedmylife.MyfriendIsi

wouldcallitthegiftofwater-speaking.”

“Itdoesnotseemlikeagift.Itkilledmygrandfather.”

“What?Killedyour…How?”

DashasearchedRazo’seyes,andhestraightened,triedtolookastrustworthyaspossible.Thewallsoftheshackgroanedagain,acreakofwoodashardanddistinctasaword.DashaledRazotothecenteroftheroom,satbesidehim,andtoldherstory.

“WhenIwassix,afterthedeathofmymother,Ilivedinthecountryunderthecareofmygrandfather.Thatwastheyearhefirsttoldmeaboutriverfingers.Hetoldmeonehadtobeborntothetalentinordertolearn,andhesensedthat,unlikemyfather,Ihadability.Hisownmotherhadtaughthim;thenbeforeshediedsheforbadehimtouseit.Hehadobeyedheruntilhehadacompanionintheart.”

Dashaharvestedanotherwaterdropfromtheair,andshewatcheditsadly,asifitwereadeadthing.“Grandfathercouldtouchthedrycreekshoreandcallthewatertofloodthebanksoronacloudydayasktheraintofall.Howitusedtomakemelaugh!”

Razobecameconsciousagainofthetorrentontheroof,likefingernailsscratchingmetal.

“WhenIwasten,myfatherbroughtmetoIngridan,whereIwasalwaysafraidsomeonewouldguesswhatIcoulddo.Eventhen,IsensedthewisdominGrandfather’sinsistenceonsecrecy.Threeyearslater,IreturnedtothecountrytofindGrandfatherlookinghaggard.AtfirstIthoughthewassimplysadbecausehemissedme.”Dasha’slaughwasbitter.Herfingerspluckedatherskirt.

“OnemorningIsatatmywindowandsawGrandfathersneakawaytowardthecreek.Ithoughthewasoffforabitoffun!”Hervoicecracked.

“SoIfollowed…”Sheclearedherthroat.“Ifollowedhim.Quietly,inbarefeet.Istayedbehindabush,excitedtocatchhimatsomenewriverfingerstrick.Irememberhewassweating,oratleasthisfaceandarmsweredrenched,andhewasmuttering,‘Coming,I’mcoming….’Hedidnothesitate,justwalkedrightintothecreekandlethimselffall.Notlikehewasgoingswimming,morelikehewasgoingtobed.Thecurrentpulledhimdown.

“Ichasedafterhim,Razo,Idid,andwhenIcouldn’tfindhim,Iranintothewatertolisten—itsparkedimagesinmymindofanotterupstream,offishandcrawfishandgrubs,andtreesthatbowedthemselvesintothecreek.NowhisperofGrandfather.AtthetimeIdidn’tunderstand.Now,Ibelievetherivercouldnolongerdetectadifferencebetweenhimandwater.”

Razoputhisarmaroundhershoulder.Sheleanedintohim,herheadrestingagainsthisneck.Itmadehimsighinrelief—hedidnotlikelisteningtosomeoneelse’spainwithoutdoingsomethingtomakeitbetter.“Didyoueverfindhim?”

“Downstream,”shesaidblankly.“Hisbodyhadwashedashore,drowned.Thewaterhadlied.Hehadsoughttojoinitcompletely,butdead,hewasstilljustaman.”

Razolistenedtotheraintryingtofindawayin.“Couldthathappentoyou?”

“Yes.”

“Soon?”

Sheshrugged.“Idon’tknowwhathappenedtoGrandfather.Maybeheusedhistalenttoomuch,soIavoidit.ButIwanttouseit,allthetime,anditfeelssonaturalwhenIdo.Arelief.ButI’mafraid,too.”ShesatupsoshecouldseeRazo’sface.“Iknowit’sEnna,Razo.”

Coldrushedfromhisbellyupintohisface.Itwashardtoplaycasualthereinthatscrapofashelterwiththestormtearingattheroof,Dasha’sstorystillslumpingaroundtheirshoulders,sadandstrange,atiredghost.

“What’sEnna?”heasked.

“Ennaisthefire-witch.I’dhopedyourfire-witchmightcomewiththeBayern,andsoIvolunteeredtobetheliaison.WhenIgetcloseenoughtotouch,thewaterintheaircantellmewhohasapeculiarheatswirlingabout.Iwanted…Please,Razo,don’tthinkillofme,Icanseethatlittlefrownbetweenyourbrowsandyourthoughtsfullofdoubtnow….Iwantedtomeetthefire-witch,Ithoughtshemightgivemeachance.AmIafool?”

ThatwasnotaquestionRazowaseagertoanswer.Dashasighed.

“Mygrandfathercollectedbookswithanymentionofriverfingers.I’vebeenstudyingthemandfoundoutaboutthefireworshippersinYasid,peoplewhocouldsparkfirefromair.Oneauthorbelievedtheycouldalsocallraindown.”

Theparchmentinherroom,hethought.

“Theylivedwithoutstrugglingagainstthecallofwater,inharmonywithwaterandfire.IthoughtifEnnacouldteachme…”

“YouwantEnnatoteachyoufire?”Hedidnottrytodenyitanymore.

“Thesepastmonths,Ihavebeenhopingtomakeherfriendship.Itrytobewhereshewillbe,butIalsofearthatshewillsenseinmetheriverfingersasIsensedthefireinher.It’sfunny,Ifeelateaseaddressingtheassembly,butaroundEnnaIamallshakingkneesanddrymouth.It’seasierwhenyou’rearound.Youmakepeoplerelax,youknowthat?”

“Really?”

FirstTalonetellshimthathehasthekeeneyeofaspy,thenheisthebestslingerFinneversaw,andnowhemakespeoplerelax.Whydideveryonetakesolongtotellhimthesethings?Thebestanyofhisbrotherseversaidwasthathedidnotstinkassourastheirthirdoldestbrother,Thein,whoafteradaychoppingwoodreekedlikeatwicedeadskunk.

“Iwassohappywhenshecameonthatbeachridewithus,butIguess…”Dashashrugged.“Formany,thewarishardtoforget.”

“Sowhatwereyoudoingbytherivertoday?”

“FollowingTumas.OnenightwhenIwastryingtogetupthecouragetogotoEnna’sroomandtalktoher,Isawhimclimbingatree,peeringintoherwindow.Ifetchedapalaceguard,butwhenwereturnedhewasgone.Hisintentmighthavebeenpurelechery,butIwasafraidhemightknowwhatIknow.IdaydreamedthatifIcouldfigureoutwhatTumasknewandwasabletotellEnna,thenshemightbegrateful,shewouldthinkme…”Dashashrugged,shy.“Iwasinthehearttodayandsawhimheadingdownasidestreetalone.I’dlosthimandwaswalkingbackuptheRosewaterwhenIcameuponyou.DidTumaskillthatperson?”

“Idon’tknow.”HehadnevertoldFinnandEnnahismandatefromTalone,butinsidethatsmall,dryspace,surroundedbyaninvasionofrain,tellingDashafeltlikethesafestthingintheworld.“It’sthesixthonefoundlikethat,burned,abandoned,thoughusuallythey’releftneartheBayern,tocastsuspicion,Ithink.Toincitethepeopleandpushtheassemblytovoteforwar.”Hesighed.“I’lltalktoEnna.I’llaskhertoteachyou.”

“Thankyou,treerat.”

Razoleanedhischeekintothetopofherhead,smilingathowniceitfelt,tryingtoignorehowhisstomachpinchedtogetheratthethoughtofhisintendedconversationwithacertainfire-witch.

Inthesundownafterrain,theeasternhorizonwaspaleyellowandthecloudsrichblue,asthoughtheskyhadpulledinsideout.Razowalkedhome,hisarmstillaroundDasha’sshoulders,andthoughtheratherknewhowtheskyfelt.

20OneWeek

Areyouinsane?”

Ennapaced.Thenightairthatblewthroughherslattedshutterswascoolwiththememoryoftherainstorm.Itdidnotcalmhermuch.“She’sTiran!They’retryingtokillus,alreadysucceededwithVeran.”

“Enna,please,”saidRazo.“Dashafiguredoutyou’reafire-speakeronherown,andthefactshehasn’ttoldanyone’sagoodsign,right?Shecouldgetoverwhelmedbythewaterspeech,justlikeyouwerewithfire.Shecoulddie.Ifshehadthebalanceofbothwaterandfirelikeyoudowithwindand—”

“Razo,IspentweeksprisonertoaTiranwhohadaprettiertonguethanyourDasha,andheflatteredmeandtookcareofmeandmademebelieveIwashisfriend,his…”SheglancedatFinn,thenhurriedon.“Whathewantedinreturnwastolearnfirespeech,saiditwouldmaketheTirangeneraltrustme,thatitwasformygood,forBayern’sgood.Ialmostdidit!Hedidn’treallycareaboutmeorBayern,noneofthemdo.Ifyou’resetonbeingthefool,Razo,I’llnotstandbyandwatch.Ican’t”—hervoicebroke—“livethatnightmareagain.”

Finnfrowned.“MaybeshecouldgotoYasid….”

“What,doyouwantaTirantolearnfireandcomeburningdownourdoors?Besides,thepeopleImetthere,theywereveryparticularaboutwhotheywouldteach.Goaheadandsendhertothedesertandtellhergoodriddance.”

FinntookEnna’shand.“Enna,youdon’thavetoteachheranything,butifyoujusttalk—”

EnnarippedloosefromFinn’sgripandstormedoutthedoor,Finnatherheels.

“Thatwentwell,”Razomutteredtohimself.

HemetDashainthecourtyardunderthegraspingsweetscentoflimetreesintheirautumnbloom.Shestoodwhenheapproached,claspingherhands.

“And?”

Razorubbedhishair.“Dasha,Ennais,she…”

“Sheisnotgoingtohelpme,”shesaid,hertoneempty.

“Enna’snotabadsort.It’sjustthatshe’sbeenhurtbefore,betrayedinafoulwaybyaTiranfellow—”

“Iunderstand.Howcanshetrustme?Ofcourseshecan’t.Well,itwasjustahope.Maybetherewillbesomeotherway.”

Hertonewaslightandsincere,hersmilefullofenthusiasm.RazoknewEnnahadbeenovercomebyfirenearlytothepointofdeathbeforesheandIsicouldgettoYasidandfindbalance.Hedidnothavemuchhopeforsomeotherway.

“Listen,Ennamaychangehermind…well,maybeshe’ll…thatis,ifonly…”

Dashalaughedlightly.“Razo,you’reamess!Don’tworryaboutme.”

Buthecouldnothelpit.Besides,ifDashawasinnocent,amurdererwasstilloutthere,unknown.Hefeltanunpleasant,squirmyprickle,notunlikewhenhisbrothersdroppedafernspiderdownhisshirt.

“Enna’sloyal,deepasherbones’bones,”saidRazo.“Ifsheknewyou,she’dtrustyou.Helpmefigureoutwho’sbehindtheburningandstopthem,andEnna’llchangehermind.She’llbelievethenthatyou’reafriendtoBayern.”

Dasha’seyesflashedinthemoonlight.“Willitbedangerous?”

“Oh,Iguess,nowthatyoumentionit,thatitmight—”

“Soundslikefun.”

WhenRazoreportedtoTaloneinhischamberthenextmorning,heendedhisstoryafterrollingthebodyintotheriver,omittingthepartwhereheconfidedhisroleasspyandthediscoveryofsixbodiestothemostlikelysuspect,whoalsohappenedtohavewater-speakingandknewaboutEnnaandquitepossiblywasBayern’sbiggestthreat.Razoswallowednervously,thenbelchedair.Heknewhewasaterribleliar,butTaloneseemedtoopreoccupiedtonotice.

“Theassemblyhasdecidedtovoteonthewarmatterinoneweek.”Talonestood,restinghisarmsonthewindowsill.“DespiteashiftinpublicopinionwiththosewhoremainedinIngridanoverthesummer,themajorityofcitizensarestillangryabouttheendofthewar,stillchantingforasecondchance.Therehavebeensixburnedbodiessofar.Unlessthere’sadramaticchange,unlessthepublicturnsagainstManifestTiraandthebodyburnerisfoundandstopped,LordBelvanbelievestheassemblywillvoteforwar.”

Razoopenedhismouth,butnothingcameout.Talonenodded,agreeingwithwhatRazodidnotsay.

“Andifinthemeantimeanotherbodyisdiscovered,”saidTalone,rubbinghiseyes,“BelvansuggestedwedepartTirainthenight.”

“Oneweek?”ThecostoftellingDashathetruthjustrose,higherthanRazocouldpay.HestoodbesideTalone,restinghiselbowsonthesill,andstaredatthestripsofoutsideactivityhecouldseebetweentheshutterslats.

Hisfingertipsandtoesweretingling.UsuallythiswouldbethemomentwherehewouldtellTaloneeverythingandsitbackwhilethecaptaindecidedwhattodo.WasitonlyyesterdaythatRazohadwonawrestlingmatchagainstthatManifestTiradaggerboy?Hefeltthepossibilitiesofothervictoriestickingthepulseinhisneck,makinghismuscleslongtorun.

“Oneweek.”RazolookedTalonedeadintheeye.Hefeltexcitedandhopeful,andatthesametimeterrifiedandunsure,butforonceheknewhisexpressionbetrayednothingbutconfidence.“I’lldoit,Captain.Beforetheyvote,I’llfigureitallout.”

Itwasaridiculouspromise,andhefeltlikealittleboystickingaringofpineconesonhisheadanddeclaringhimselfking.Buthe’dsaidit,andnowhisbloodspedwiththehopeof,WhatifIreallycandoit?WhatifIdo?

HeleftwithoutanotherwordandwenttofindDasha.AnachelikealeadballinhisguttoldhimthatDashacouldbeplayinghimlikeaharp,nudginghimtosingoutjustthetuneshewanted,makinghimthinkhewascreatinghisownmusic.Buthebelievedshewasinnocent.Hehadmadehischoice.

RazotookDashatothemostprivateplaceheknewinThousandYears.WhiletrailingTumaslastspring,hehaddiscoveredanemptybarracks.Theinsidesmelledfustyandsour,ofspilledwineandbedclothesabandonedinarush,apatinaofdustdrowsingovereverything.Thebuildingstoodwhiteandcoldandbarren,amemorialtosomeofthehundredsofTiransoldierswhowouldneverreturnfromthebattlefieldsofBayern.Hadtheybeenburned?Razoscratchedhiscalfwithatoe.Afootstepinthedirtofthetrainingcirclemeantsomeonehadbeenhererecently,butonlookingagain,Razothoughtitmighthavebeenmadebyhisownsandal.

Ontheabandonedtrainingground,hebegantoteachDashathesling,havingnoticedthatpeopletalkmoreeasilywhentheirhandsareoccupied.Whileshe

triedoutafewstones,hestayedbehindher,hisarmacrossherback,hishandaroundherwrist.Hischintouchedherhair.Thefirsttimethestonelefttheslinginamoreorlessstraightline,Dashascreechedwithjoy.

“You’renotdoingsomethingtricky?”askedRazo.“Makingitflystraightbyusingwater…somehow?”

“No.”Dasha’sfingernailtracedthemiddleofthebraidedslingasshethought.“IwonderifI…ifthewater…No,Idon’tseehow.Imightbeabletodothereverse—weighdownastonewithwater,makeitgooffcourse.”

“Thatwasaprettygoodshot,then.Tryitonyourown.”Razokepthishandonherwaistamomentbeforesteppingback.“I’muneasyaboutthebodywefoundbytheriver.Usuallythey’redumpedneartheBayernbarracksorstable,andoncebyourcamp.SeemslikeTumas—ifitwasTumas—gotinterrupted.Thatmeanshe’dsomeotherplan.”

“Youdon’tthinkitwashim?”Dashawincedasherstoneslumpedoutofhersling.

“Seemslikely,butneitherofusactuallysawhimwiththebody.Doyouknowhim?Anyreasonwhyhe’dwanttopinburningdeathsonBayernbesidesthathe’sjustanasty-fingered,putrid-breathed,nose-breakingmudeater?”

“NonethatIknowof,thoughthatlistofattributesalonemightbeenoughtoconvicthim.”

“Thelocationofthebodies,especiallythefirstone,makesmethinkitmightbesomeoneinCaptainLedel’scompany.”

“Whataboutthecaptainhimself?Flystraight,youstupidstone!HelostabrotherintheBattleofOstekinFields.”

Razosatup.Dasha’sstonehitatreestump.“Goodshot!Abrother?Washekilledbysoldiersorburned?”

“I’mnotcertain,butthatwasnotall.CaptainLedelwastheleaderofthesouthernforcesinBayernandstoodtoadvanceconsiderablywhenTiraoccupied.Ihadheardsomerumorsthathewouldbesecondincommandoveralloccupationforces—thatwas,ofcourse,beforethewarwaslost.TheleaderofTiranforcesinBayern,CaptainTiedan,wasexecutedforhisfailure.IsupposeCaptainLedelisluckyhewasjustdemotedtoatwentycaptain.”

“Iwonderifhe’dconsiderhimselflucky.”Razoscratchedmarksintothedirt.Ifitsmellslikebacon,it’lltastelikebacon,hismausedtosay.“ButLedelswearsbyorder,followingtheproperrulesofwarandallthat.Wouldn’tsneakingandmurderingduringpeacetimebeagainsthisrules?”

“Iwouldthinkso,”saidDasha.

“Hejustdoesn’tstrikemeasthekindwhocouldmurderpeople,burnthemlikethat.Andhe’sgotatightleashonhismen.EvenTumasseemsafraidtojumpwithouthisapproval.Ican’timaginehissoldierswoulddosomethingasinvolvedasburnotherTiranandblameitontheBayernwithouttheircaptain’spermission.Italldoesn’tclicktogetherinmyhead.”

“WhataboutVictar,AssemblymanRogis’sson?”saidDasha.Thwack!wentherstoneagainstwood.

“Uh,areyouaimingforthatparticulartree?”

Shelookedathimoverhershoulder,oneeyebrowraised.“Iamnow.”

“Inthatcase,excellentshot.Why’dyouaskaboutVic-tar?Heseemslikeagoodsort,andhe’sbeenfriendlykindwithme.”

“Idon’tknowhimmyself,butmyfathermentionedoncethatRogiswasoneoftheloudestvoicesinsupportofinvasion.”

“Aw,notVictar.Ilikehim,”saidRazo,jumpinguptoputmorestonesinDasha’soutstretchedhand.“Buthedoeshaveatouchoftheradicalinhim,doesVictar,goeshisownway,neverlooksatLedelforapproval.”Razoscratchedhischinabitharderthanneeded.“Wait,um,hedidn’tgotohisfather’scountryestatethissummer,didhe?IthinkIheardthatheandhisfatherareestranged.Maybetheydisagreedaboutthewar.”

Thwack!“ThatactuallywastheplaceIwasaimingfor!Hearditfromwhom?”

“Oneofthegirlsinthepastrykitchen.”

Plop,herstonefelltotheground.“Heardithow?Didyoujustaskthem?”

“Wetalk,meandthepastrygirls.We’refriendly.”Notthathe’dbeenthererecently,whatwithpastriesthatkilledlargedogs.

“Friendly?”

“Asinfriends.I’mfriendswiththegirlsinthekitchens,friendlykindof

friends.”

“Oh,Isee.”Dashaflickedtheslingoverhisshoulder.“Thanksforthepractice.I’llaskaround,seewhatelseIcanfindoutaboutCaptainLedelandhismen.”

“Justtakecarethatyoudon’tgiveyourselfaway.”

“Oh,Icanbesubtle.”Shegavehimasignificantlookandleftwithoutwaitingforhimtopickupthefallenshot.Heclinkedthestonesintohispouchandwonderedhowthemoodhadplungedfromsummertowinterinsideamoment.Couldshehavebeenupsetjustbecausehefrequentedthepastrykitchen?Itdidnotmakeanysense.

Oneweek,hethought.

Comenight,heplannedtoclimbatreebesideLedel’sbarracksandspyabit,buttherewerestillhoursofanxiousdaylight.Hewasstandingintheskinnyshadeofatreebesidethebarracks,deliberatingwhattodonext,whenhesawayoungmanwithshorthairweavingthroughtherelentlesstrafficofthepalacegrounds.Hecaughtsightofacopper-coloredglintonhishandbeforetheyoungmandisappearedintothepalace.

Razodidnotneedacloserlooktoguessitwasacopperring,markedwiththeheadofaram.

21AnAmbassador’sAssassin

Razoran,hisbreathfuminginhislungs.Theyoungmanhadbeenmovingtowardthesouthwingofthepalace,wherebothMeginaandEnnalived.Whenheshimmiedthroughthecrowdsandintothepalace,theclackofsandalsonstonestairswasjustfadingoutofhearing.Uphehikedtothethirdfloor,relievedtofindtwoBayernsentriesstillpostedoutsidetheambassador’sroom.

“HasanyonecomelookingforLadyMegina?”heaskedConrad.

“Notinanhour.Why?”

“Issheinthere?”Razogesturedtothedoor,lookingoverhisshouldertowatchforanyonecomingfrombehind.

“Yes,she’sthere.”

“AndEnna’sinherroom?”

“No,she’soffwithFinnandLordBelvaninthecity.Razo,what’sgoingon?Youlooklike—”

“MakesureMegina’sallright,thendon’tletanyonein.I’llbeback.”

Razofledtothestairs,sliddowntherails,andracedtoseeifhecouldspotthepotentialassassinoutside.Talonewasapproachingthepalace,andwhenhesawRazo’sface,herantomeethim.

“ManifestTirainthepalace…”Razosputteredwords,hisbreathdisheveledwithanxiety.“MaybelookingforMegina.Ilosthim—”

Thentheybothsaw—amanscalingtheoutsideofthepalace,climbingfromasecond-storywindowtothethirdstory,straighttowardoneofMegina’swindows.Hershutterswereopen,invitinginthecoolairaswellasanyassassinswhocaredtocall.

“I’llgoin,”saidTalone,veeringtowardthedoortothepalace.“You—”

Talonedidnotfinishhissentence,butRazoknewwhathewasgoingtosay.Hewasalreadypullingfreehisdistancesling,drawingastonefromhisbag.Thetargetwastoofaraway,sohekeptrunningasheputthestoneintheleatherpouchandswungitround.Themomenthewascloseenough,heletitfree,the

shotrippingtheairasitcircled.Themandroppedintothewindow,thestonestrikingthespacewherehisheadhadjustbeen.

Razocursedandkeptrunningsohard,thebackofhisthroatachedandtastedofblood.Whenhereachedtheplacewheretheyoungmanhadclimbed,Razleapedontoawindowsillandshinnedupledges.Palaceguardswererunningathim,shouting.

“Assassin!”Razopointedup.“I’mtrying…stoptheassassin…theambassador!”

HeswunganarmoverMegina’swindowsillandheardmetalwhackmetal.Pullinghimselfontohiselbows,hesawTaloneraisehisswordindefenseagainsttheTiran’sswing.MeginastoodbehindConradandtheotherBayernsentry,onesleeveofherdressripped,clothhangingopenlikeawound.

Razoscrambledintotheroom,rollingoutofthewaywhenthefightgottooclose,andgrabbedajavelinlyingonthefloor.HecrouchedandwaitedforacleanshotattheTiranman,hopingtonaboneofhislegs,buttheopponentstangledandpulledaway,circledandsliced,swungfistswhenswordslocked,neverofferingRazoanopening.

Comeon,comeon.Razowasnotfondofbareswordsswinginginsmallspaces.Theyoftenmanagedtosliceabitofskinorlobofflimbsandheads.SuddenlytheTiranlurched,andhislegcurvedbehindTalone’sheels,trippinghimback.Talonehitthefloor.

“No!”criedRazo,leapingforward.

ButtheTiranswordstoppedshort.Talone’sownswordthrustupthroughtheTiran’swhitetunic.Itwasquicklyturningred.

Taloneyelledwitheffort,pushingtheswordandmanaway.TheTiranfelldeadtotheside.

TheroomwasfillingwithTiransoldiers—LordBelvan’smen,Razowasrelievedtosee.HaditbeenLedel’s,hemighthavedrawnhisownsword.Soldiersclimbedthroughthewindowsandburstthroughthedoors,exclaiminganddemandinganswersuntilMegina’sclearvoicecutthroughthenoise.Withinminutes,theTiransoldierscarriedthebodyaway,boltedthewindows,sentmentosearchtherestofthesouthwing,andsetupguardsoneveryfloor.

Razosatinacorner,playingwithacutonhishand,aresultofclamberingup

thewalltooquickly.Herippedacornerofclothfromoneoftheambassador’stunics(don’tthinkshe’llmind,asIhelpedsaveherlifeandall,hethought),tiedupthecut,anddiscoveredhimselfalonebutforTaloneandMegina,whostoodinthecenteroftheroom,facingeachother,apparentlyhavingforgottenthatRazoexisted.

“You’renothurt.”Talonelookedoverherbodyasifmakingcertain,hishandliftingaflapofhertornsleeve,lettingitfall.

“Thankyou,Captain.”Herhandkeptflutteringtoherheartandbacktoherside,asifshedidnotknowwheretoputit.

“Thatwasquickthinking,”saidTalone.“Youkickedhimsolid,gavemeachancetogetbetweenyou.”

Megina’seyeswidened.“Ididkickhim,didn’tI?”

Herlipstensed,histensed,andthen,unexpectedly,theybothlaughed.ItspookedRazotogoosebumps.

“Thekingspokeforhoursonyourmanytalents,LadyMegina,butheneglectedtomentionthekicking.”

Meginawaslaughinguntilshesqueaked.“Don’ttellhim!Thisentireenterprisehasbeenfailureandterrorandbadnews,andIdon’twanttogivehimanymorereasontolaughatme.ThoughIdon’tmindifyoudo,Captain.”

Thelaughingstopped,hereyesstillteary.“IsupposeI’llhavetokeepaguardwithmenow,onbothsidesofthedoor.”

“Iwillseetoit,”hesaid,thoughhisvoicewashusky,seeminglysayingdifferentwordsaltogether.Helookedatherface,herhands.

“Ifyou’retoassignmeaconstantguard,”shesaid,wincingasthoughconfessingabaddeed,“Iwouldthatitwasyou.”

Razoheldhisbreath,afraidthatanymomenttheywouldrememberhispresence.Hecrepttotheexitandhadalmostescapedunnoticedwhenhisjavelintipcaughtthedoorjambandclatteredtothefloor.Heswipeditupandranoff.

Hisribsitchedinsidehimwherehecouldnotscratch.Seeingthemmadehimseehimself.Hehadbeentheoneintheroomwhostoodalone,whomnoonelookedat,whodroppedhisjavelinandranaway.Heknewheshouldbelaughingatit,butjustthenhecouldnot.Noonehadeverlookedathimintheway

MeginahadlookedatTalone,asifsheneverwishedtolookaway.

Bettinhadmadehimfeelthattheworldwasalaugh,thathewasabucketfuloffun,thathisheartzigginginhischestwastheonlywaytofeel.Butintheendithadbeenalie.

HethoughtofDasha.

NothingsoundedworsetoRazojustthenthanbeingalone,soheclimbedtothefourthfloor.TheprincewaschallengingNomtoagameofTempests,carvedmarblepiecesplayedonaroundboard.Ataglance,RazocouldseeNomwasbeatinghimsoundly.

“Razo’s-Own!Whatapleasure.Weseeyoualltooinfrequentlysincethesummer’send.Ihopeyourcaptainisnotworkingyoutoohard.Butseehowyourfaceisred,andyouaresweating.Celi!Pleasebringcolddrinksandgrapes,andIrecallRazo’s-Ownenjoyedagoodstripofbacon,wellcrisped,oristhattooheavyforafternoon?Well,bringitanyway,and,ooh,seeiftherearefreshpeaches,notthepockmarkedones,ofcourse,northosehardlittleyellowones.Iwouldrathergowithout,wouldn’tyou?”

Razoleanedbackagainstaheapofpillows,tootiredtocareaboutsweatingonthefinefabric.Hewasawarethattheprincehadaskedaquestionbutcouldnotrecallwhatithadbeen,soheofferedanoncommittal,“Mm.”

“Preciselyso,”saidtheprince.

Razowaitedtogulpdownsomewaterbeforesharingthenewsoftheambassador,theassassinationattempt,andhiscaptain’squicksword.ThesightofTaloneandMeginalookingateachotherstillmadehisheartrattlestrangelyinhischest,andhecouldnotcorkupthatfeelingenoughtoholdbackagustyexhale.

Theprincefrownedinhisway,whichwassimplytheabsenceofamusementaroundhismouth.“Youareworried,myfriend,aboutyourpresenceinmycountry,aboutthehopeofyourmissionofpeace.”

“Theassemblyvotesinlessthanaweek,andit’snotlookinggoodforus.I’dhopedallthosepeopleusingBayerndyesmeantthatTiranopinionwasimproving.Iguesswejustwonoverthesummerfolk,andtherichandpowerfulhaven’tchangedtheirminds.”Razoplayedwiththefringeonapillow,accidentallypullingseveralstrandsloose.Hestuffedthemunderanotherpillow

beforeanyonecouldnotice.

Theprincewasquiet,eatinggrapesasamerchantinspectscoins.Razo’seyeshadjustclosedwhentheprinceshouted,“Ihaveit!Awaytosupportyourcause.I’dalreadyconsideredmarryingaBayern,buttheonlynoblewomaninyourpartyistheambassador.Itisashameyourkingdoesnothaveasister,butjustaswell—marryingaBayernwomanatthistimeofcrisismightcausemoreharmthangood,givingimpetusforotherstoriseupandoppose.No,thesituationneedsamoresubtlesolution.JustnowIhituponit—theambassador’sdaughter!”

Razodidnotwanttoargue,theprinceseemedsoelatedwiththeidea,buthehadtosay,“Radiance,LadyMeginadoesn’thaveanychildren.”

“No,no,youmistakeme.ImeantheTiranambassador,LordKilcad’sdaughter,thefiery-hairedgirl.Isthatnotperfect?”

Razowantedverymuchtositdownandthenrealizedthathealreadywas.

“Sheisalittlething,”saidtheprince,peelingagrape.“Strangehaircolorinthatfamily,butveryrespectable.LordKilcadistheTiranmostactivelycampaigningforpeace,andsheistheliaisontotheBayern.IfIchoseher,noonecouldmistakewheretheprincesidesonthisissue.Ishallwritetoherfatherforpermissionatonce,andI’lldoitjustforyou,myfriend.”

Razoforcedhimselftoleanback,actcasual.Hebumpedapillowfringedwithtinybells,andittinkledsadly.

“Razo’s-Own,youdonotseempleased.”

“I…uh…”Aturningstomachstruckhimasanextremereactiontosuchnews.SowhatiftheprincewasgoingtomarryDasha?Theywereallnobles,anditwasjustthesortofthingfancyfolkwerewonttodo.ApoorForestboyandanobleTirangirlwouldbearidiculousmatch,andhewouldnotcrossthreedaysofForestintwodaystotellherwhathethought,neveragain.No,heandDashawereapassingthought,amothflutteringbyhisnoseonitswaytothefirelight.

“Ithinkthat’dbeanoblething,Radiance,”Razosaid.

“Precisely!”

22TheGrapeHarvestFestival

Theearly-autumnairwasinconstantmotion,gustsofcold,burstsofwarmth.Theentireworldfeltreadytohappen.Withlessthanaweekremaining,MeginathoughttheyhadlittletoloseanddeclareditwastimefortheBayerntocelebrateaTiranfestival.

“It’sTira’smostimportantfeastday.Looksharp,acthumble,don’tbequicktodrawyourweapons.PerhapsthesightofBayerncelebratingamongthemwillheartenthecitizens.”

Atdusk,RazowanderedtotheBayernstable,watchingtreeshadows,peeringthroughbarracksandpalacewindows,thrummingtothebeatoffivedaysleft,fivedaysleft.EnnaandFinnwerewaitingatthestable,andsheseizeduponRazoatonceforhisversionofwhathadhappenedthedaybefore.Hegaveitgladly,emphasizinghiscleverdeductions—howthefellow’shaircuthadremindedhimofotherManifestTiraassassinsandhisastoundingobservanceofthetelltalecopperring.

“WishI’dbeeninMegina’sroom.Imean,Iwouldn’t’veburnedhim,”Ennasaid,thoughnooneaccused,“butIcould’veburnedtheswordoutofhishand,andthenhe’dstillbealiveforquestioning.”

Razothoughtthiswasagoodmomenttodescribethecuriousscenethathadoccurredaftertheswordplay.

“No,”saidEnna,pleased.

“Yes,”saidRazo,alsopleased.

“Ican’tbelieveit.”

“Believeit.TaloneandMeginawerelookingateachotherinthatway.”

Ennaleanedbackagainstthestablewall,laughing,andsighedatthesky.“Who’dever’veguessed?That’slovely,thatis.”

Finnsmiledbuttookhimselfabitapart,hisbodyhalf-turnedawayfromEnna.SomethingfeltwrongtoRazo,distanceandtensionbuzzingbetweenthosetwo.Hedidnotknowwhatitmeant.

MeginaandTalonearrived,stridingquicklyfromthepalace.Razo,Enna,andFinnspiedonthemfrombehindthestable,waitingfortheircaptaintodosomethingridiculouslikethrowheroverhisshoulder.Buthewasallbusiness,countingmenandassigningduties.Meginadidnotmeethiseyes.

“Areyousure,Razo?”Ennawhispered.

“Look,he’sblushing,”Finnsaidinjest.

“He’llloseherforsure,actingdistantanduntouchablelikethat,”saidEnna.“He’sgottospeakupnow,makesuresheknowshowhefeels.”

Finnsnorted.Ennaturnedslowly,givingFinnaglaresheusuallyreservedforeveryoneelse.Heshookhishead,meaning,Nevermind.

“What,youthinkI’mbeinghypocritical?”sheasked.

“I’vetoldyoumymind,askedyoudozensoftimes—”

“SostopaskingorI’mnevergoingtosayyes.”

“Whynot?”Finn’svoicewasstrongasarope,pullingforananswer.

“Youcan’tjustassume,Finn.Lookatyou,thestrongman,thewarrior,allmusclesandsword,alwaysknowingexactlywhatI’mgoingtowant,standingreadywheneverIneedwateroranarmorakiss.”

“What’swrongwiththat?”saidRazo,hisstareblank.

“Stayoutofthis,Razo.”

“Enna,why’reyoudoingthis?”askedFinn.

“What,youdon’tlikethewayIamanymore?Isthatit?Youwantmetobeasperfectasyouallthetime?”Ennaslappedhischest.“Whydoyouhavetobesoperfect,huh?I’mwaitingforyoutoloseyourcool,Finn,justonce.Sogoon!Whydon’tyoumakeafoolofyourselfforme?”

Ennastaredup,Finnstareddown.Razoscratchedhisneckandstartedtobackaway.“I…uh,I’lljust…”

“Don’tbother,”saidFinn.Hepunchedatreetrunkasheleft.

RazogaveEnnaathumpontheshoulder.“ThatwasFinnyouwereberating,notsomenastyTiranbodyburner.What’sthematterwithyou?”

“Idon’tknow.”Sheswattedhishandaway,hervoicestillangry.“MaybeI’m

scared,or…I’mjust…Idon’tknow.”

“Youbetterknow.You’dbetterknowsomethingbeforeyoustarttalkingtoFinnlike—”

“Look,”saidEnna,“sayingI’lllovesomeoneforeverisn’taseasyas…aspullingyarnfromaball.It’sallknottedandkinkedinsideme.AndifIletsomeonetugonmeagain…”Shewincedtokeepherselffromcrying.“Ugh!DoyouknowwhatI’msaying?Iletsomeonebefore,andIwaswrongandhewasbad,andthenFinncameandhewasperfect,andIthoughtIwaseasywithit,andIameasywithhim.HemakesmefeellikeEnna.Hemakesmefeel…”Ennasatontheground,Razodroppingdownbesideher.

“Idon’tunderstandyou,Enna.Ifyoulovehim…”

“Ido,butit’snotthateasy.Ihatehowhejustassumeseverything’sfine.Whycan’theeverdosomething…somethingbig,somethingdramatic,somethingfrightening,woome,showmethathelovesmethatmuch?”

“Finn’sjustnotthatway.He’sthequietkind.”

“Ishe?Ordoeshejustnotcareasmuchasheusedto?”Shehalted.Hervoicefrowned.“AndIcan’tkeepthedisquietaway,thewhispersthatsayhecouldbetrayme,too.”

Razoblewouthislips.“Aw,Enna-girl.NotFinn,neverFinn.”

“You’reright.”Shesaiditlightly,asthoughshedidnothavetheenergytoargue.“So,youoverBettin?”

Thequestionwassounexpected,itmadehimchokeonhisownspit.“No,andIwon’teverbe,sosaveyourvoicetellingmeit’sdone.Iknowit’sdone,butIdecidedtoloveheralways,andthat’snotsomethingaboycanjustundobecauseshe’sgoneandeveryonesaystogetoveritalready.”

Fromthedirectionofthegardens,RazocouldjustmakeoutFinnshufflingtowardthem,onelong,yellowflowerclutchedinhishand.

“He’sbringingmeaflower,”Ennawhispered,hertoneflat,edgedwithdisappointment.

Finnseemedtohesitate,thentossedtheflowertoonesideandturnedbackaround.

“Finn,wait!”Ennajumpedupandranafterhim.

Greatcrows,Razothought,we’reeveryoneofusatangletoothicktopick.

AstheBayernmovedout,RazoglimpsedEnnaandFinntalkingastheywalked.Finn’sheadwasloweredsoshecouldhearhisquietvoice.Shetookhisarm,theymovedcloser,butneithersmiled,andRazowidenedhiseyeswiththerealizationthatEnnaandFinnmightnotalwaysbeEnnaandFinn.Suddenlythestonesbeneathhissandalsdidnotfeelsosolid.

Thegrouptooknohorsesorcarriages—thecelebrationofthegrapeharvestbeganeverywhereatmidnightandparadeddowntheavenues,convergingintheheart.WithEnnaonherleft,Taloneonherright,andBayern’sOwnencirclingher,Meginaheldaloftanoillampandofferedaheartygreetingtoanyoneshepassed.

Allalongthestreets,artistsgaveoftheirtalentsfreely—theatergroupsstruttedtheirrehearsedstoriesontheplazas,paintersscratchedatthepavementwithcharcoal,andpoetswrappedtheirwordsaroundpassersby.InBayern,drumsdrovefestivalmusiclikeaheartbeat,buttheTiranlapharpsandfluteslackedthatpulse,slidingdownthestreetsandintoRazo’sears,ghostly.

TheBayerncrossedpathswithotherstheyknewfromthepalace.EvenLedelwasthere,thoughRazorecalledVic-tarsayingthatLedeloftendisappearedonfeastdays.Razocheckedthathisslingwasathand.

Victarandhisfriendswereholdingtheiroillampsaloftandsingingagrapewalker’ssong:“Letitgushthroughyourtoestillitpleasesthenose.WhatIcrushwithmyfeetwillbebitterandsweet.”DashaprancedfromtheheadofthegroupbacktoMegina,thenouttoskipbesideVictarandhisfriends,fullofsong,herhandsstickywithgrapejuice.Razorealizedhewasawareofherevenwhenshedisappearedfromview.Itwasapleasant,subtlesensation,likebeinginanoisytavernbutthroughtheclatterandroarstillbeingabletorecognizetheintonationsofafamiliarsong.

ThefestivitiesmassedalongthebanksofIngridan’sthreecentralrivers—theAutumn,theHeart’sFinger,andtheTumult—andtherompofthecrowdspulledthecompanytotheshoresofthelatter.Thetiledbankswerefull-moonwhiteundertheeerielightoftheoillamps.Hundredsoftinycandlesfloatedinhollowedapples,dartingthroughthewater’sripples.

Razostoodwellbackfromtheedge,rememberinghislastencounterwithariver,theblindingimpactthathadseemedtoyankhisbodyfromhissoul,and

thepeculiarnoiseofdeepwater—

“Hello,treerat!”

Razoleapedback,terrifiedofplummetingintoanotherriver.Hislegsslammedintosomethingsolid,hisbalancesurrendered,andhefoundhimselfsittinginafountainwithasoakingbum.

Dashaapplauded.“Youseemtodothatalot,fallingbackward.”

“Justaroundyou,apparently.”Hesqueezedsomewateroutofhisleggingsandsatonthefountainrim,Dashabesidehim.Sheworethefrontpartofherhairknottedontopofherheadandstuckwithasilverpin.Hewastemptedtopullthepinandletherhairfall.“Didyoumakemestumbleintothefountain?”

Shelaughed.“Imightbeabletocoaxsomewaterovertheside,butIcan’tforceapersontothrowhimselfin.Besides,withyouIwouldn’tneedto.”

Hertonewassohappy,hewonderedwhyhehadbeenavoidingher,thenrecalledthatshewasaroyalbride-to-be.Notthatitchangedanythingforhim.

“Iseethewholelotisouttonight,”shesaid.“Iamsurprisedyoucame,actually.Aren’tyouworriedaboutLadyMegina?”

“She’sassafeasabunnyinabox.”RazosqueezedwaterfromhistunicandnoddedinMegina’sdirection.Finnstoodtoherside,hisgazewary.Ennaloafedonherotherside,laughingatathree-womantheatertroupe’sfarcicalreenactmentofchildbirth.

“FinnmaybethebestswordsmanintheOwn,”saidRazo,“andthatEnna-girl…well,ifIwereatick,Iwouldn’tbiteherankle.”

“AreyoujealousofFinn?”

Thequestionwasquickandflat,anditmadeRazoblink.

“Becausehe’saswordsman?No,heworkshard—”

“Notthat,becauseofEnna.”

Razobarkedalaugh.“Enna?Hardly.”

“Butyouseemsofondofher.Yougiveheranickname,andnicknamesarealwaysasignofaffection.”

“What,Enna-girl?That’sjustbecauseofmysister.I’mtheyoungestofsix

boys,andwhenRinwasborn,thefamilyandneighborsweresoelatednottohaveanotherboy,everyonetooktocallingherRinna-girl.WhenIfirstmetEnnainBayern’scapital,sheremindedmeofmysister—abothersome,nastylittlethingyoucan’thelpliking.”

“Sowhydon’tyoucallmeDasha-girl?”sheasked.

“Becauseyoudon’tremindmeofmysister.”

Forsomereason,thatmadeDashablush.Sheflickedwaterinhisface,thoughshehadnotdippedherhandintothefountain.“You’regapingatmeagain,treerat.”

“Wait,wait,”hesaid,wipinghisface.“Youjustsaidthatnicknamesareasignofaffection.Well,youcallmetreerat….”

Dashastood,pullingoffRazo’sgreenlummasandwrappingitaroundherownneck.“Aren’tyouhungry?Ithinkyoushouldbuymesometoastedcheese.”

RazodashedovertoFinnandEnnafirsttoseeiftheywantedanything,astheycouldnotleaveMegina’sside.EnnalookedtowhereDashawashoppingonhertoesbyagroupofmusicians.

“Idon’ttrusther,Razo,”shesaid.

“Soyoutoldme.”ThatEnnadidnotlikeDasha,thatDashamightnotbewhatsheseemed,madehimfeelblackandcrumblyinside.He’dalreadydecidedtotrusther,andthatwasthat.“Doyouwanttoastedcheese?Oranythingelse?”

“No,thanks,I’mnot—”

Razofeltheat.Itsurgedpasthimlikealividwind,singeingthesleeveofhistunic.Hegaspedatitsbiteandstumbledback.Thebarrelbesidehimexplodedintoflame.

Themusicyelpedandceasedasthoughstoppedbyahandaroundthethroat.HundredsofTiranturnedtothefireandstared.

“Enna,thatmust’vebeenafire-speaker.”

“Iknow,”shewhisperedback.

Razodroppedonhisbellyasanotherscorchinggustswooshedoverhead.Hadhebeenthetarget?Behindhimwasawoodenstandspillingfruit.Forafrozenmoment,hesawtheroundwomanwhokeptwatchatthestand,alittleboy

reachingforabunchofbluegrapes,andheshuthiseyes,afraidtoseethemseared.

Then,wind.Frombesidehim.Heopenedhiseyes.Thefruitstanddidnotburn.

Moreheatfollowed,morewindchaseditaway.Nothingwasvisibletotheeye,butRazoknewwhatEnnacoulddo.Shewasanticipatingeachbarrageofheat;shewaswinnowingitfromtheair,scatteringitbeforeitreacheditstargetandbecamefire.Hewatchedher,thewayhergazesoughttheskyasthoughcountingstars,herfistsclenchedandunclenched,herbreathheldeachtimeshesensednewfireontheair.

Razowonderedwhatitmustfeellike,toknowthevoiceoffireandwind,tositinsidethem,feelthemcoming,heavethemintomotion,stampthemoutagain.Itwasapowerthatheknewhewouldnevershare.Novoicesofwindorfireorwaterreachedforhim.WatchingEnna,hethoughtitmustbeamarvelousthingtobeabletodosomuch,tofeelsopowerful.

Theflowsofheatstopped.Ennawipedherbrow,blinkedlong,holdingstillasiflisteningwithallherskin.Finnwasbesideher,holdingherarmincaseshewasweak,butRazothoughtsheglowedwithcontentment.

“Goodwork,Enna-girl,”hewhispered.Noonewasburned,andnooneknewwhoshewas.Slylydone.

“Ithinkhe’sout,”shewhispered.“Thefire-speaker.He’sprobablynewatthis.Youcanburnforonlysolongbeforeyoucan’tholdanymoreheatandneedarest.Ithinkhe’sdoneforthenight.”

Thefruitmerchantdumpedabucketofwateroverthebarrelfire,butnooneelsemoved.Razofelttheeyesofthecrowdonthem,anewandunpleasanttouchofheat.AhordeofBayernstandinginfrontofamysteriouslycharredbarrelhadtolookbad.

“Iamsosorry!”Dashaaddressedthefoodvendor,gesturinggrandlyasthoughtodrawattention.“Iamsosorry.Itrippedandmylampdropped.Thewinehadsaturatedthatbarrel,anditjusttooktoflame.Didyouseethat?”ShelookedatRazo,tiltingherhead,herexpressioninnocent.

Razojumpedtohisfeet.“Ohyes,thatwasathing.Thatwoodmust’vebeensoakedcleanthrough.You’reaclumsybit,aren’tyou,droppingyourlamplike

that?”

Thecornerofhermouthtwitched.“Itripped.”

“Yes,aratherham-fistedthingtodo,”hesaid,staringrightback,daringhimselfnottosmile.

Themerchantglancedbetweenthem.“Well,mybarrelisashesnow,andI—”

Dashahandedtheladyacoin.Thecrowdlostinterest,conversationrenewed,musicbreathedmerrimentbackintothenight.

“Welldone,”hesaid.

“DidEnna…?”

Henodded.“Stoppeditcold.Nowatleastweknowthisisn’tsomelunaticstickingpeopleinhiskitchenhearth.We’vegotagenuinefire-speakerontheloose.”

Heexaminedthecrowd.MostofLedel’smenwereinterspersedwiththeBayern,includingVictar.Tumasstoodonthefringes,glowering,hishordeofhulkingfriendsonhand.Ledelhimselfwasnolongerinsight.SearchingforLedel,Razocaughtsightofamanwatchingatroupeofactors.Hewasthirtyorsoyearsold,hishandwasdrummingtheclothathiswaist,andhishairwascroppedshort.Ononefinger,Razothoughttherewasabandofgreenskin,likethestainacopperringwouldleavebehind.

“Enna,seethatfellowover…”Hestartedtopointwhenthemanbegantowalkforward,allthewhilekeepinghiseyesontheactors.“Shh,pretendnottoseehim.”

ThemanshoulderedhiswaythroughLedel’smen.HewassteadilyapproachingMegina.

“It’soneofthem,I’msure,”Razowhispered.“Ifwestophimbeforeheattacks,it’lllooklikewe’rejustattackingrandomTiran,butifwedon’t,hecouldhurtMegina.”

Ennanodded.“Icandothis.Finn,beready,soIdon’thavetogoalltheway.Please.”

Themanedgedin,hiseyesaverted,hisexpressioncasual,butRazonotedthathiswholebodywastense.Then,likeasnake,hesprang.

“ManifestTira!”Themanpulledaverylongdaggerfromhisbelt.

Razofeltawhooshofheatathisside.Themanyelpedanddroppedthedagger.Finnkickedhiminthechest,sendinghimtotheground,hisswordattheman’sthroat.TheBayernmadeatightcirclearoundMegina,Taloneshoutinginstructions.

RazowaswatchingEnna.Despitetheattemptedassassinatherfeetandthecrowdsimmeringaroundthem,sheleanedbackherheadandsmiledrightupatthestars.

Meginasighed.“AndIguessthat’sthebellforbed.”Shewavedatthecrowdandshouted,“We’reallfine!Thankyou.Enjoyyourfestival!”

Patrolguardsremovedthedagger-happyfellowfrombeneathFinn’sboot,tiedandtookhimoff,andthecrowdjeeredandthrewgrapesandmelonrinds.Razowonderediftheydespisedhimforattemptingtokilltheambassadororforfailing.

DashareturnedtoThousandYearswiththeBayern,yawningbehindRazo’snickedlummas.“IcouldbebanishedfromIngridanforgettingsleepyatamidnightfestival.”

“Really?”heasked.

Sherolledhereyesasthoughimitatinghisownoft-usedexpression.

“Well,youneverknow,mylady,differentculturesandsuch,andwhatwiththebabyeating…”

Theydidnottalkagainastheywalkedhome,thesurgingcrowdsofthestreetsconversingforthem.Hedidnotfeeltired.Afire-speakeramongthem.Burningbarrelsinacrowd.WillingtokillTirancitizensinordertomaketheBayernlookguilty.Andanotherassassin.

WereManifestTiraandthebodyburnerconnected?HeconsideredhowManifestTiraalwayswentrightfortheambassador,whereasthefire-speakerhadtargeteditemsneartheBayern.ManifestTirafanaticswerebold,throwingtheirownlivesinperiljusttogetaswipeatMegina;butthefire-speakerstruckfromtheshadows.ItseemedTalone’sguesshadbeenright—thetwogroupsmustbeseparate.Sowhowasthefire-speaker?

Razolistenedtothemutteringroarofthecrowdandheardnoanswers.

23FromtheSpyingTree

Razocouldnotsleep.Festivityrattledandclankedinthecity,vibrationsofmerrimentrunningunderhiscot,upintohisbones.Hestuckhisheadunderhispillowbutcouldnotstiflethejangleofmusicasitstaggeredonwithpunchyenergy.

Hiscotbegantofeellikeanenemyholdinghimcaptivebutrefusinghimsleep.Fourdaysleft,hekeptthinking.SoheleftthesputteringsnoresbehindandclimbedhisspyingperchinthetreeoutsideLedel’sbarracks.Heleanedhisspineagainstabranch,holdinghimselfsteadywithhisfeetagainstthetrunk,andstaredattheshreddedblacknesstheleavesmadeofthenightsky.Thebellstolledthetime:twohoursbeforedawn.

Razowasintheblissfulinebriationofhalf-sleepwhenagratingwhoopshockedhimawake.ThreeofLedel’smenslurredandshoutedtheirwhispers,lurchingintotheirbarracks.Razo’sskinwasclammywithdew,andhethoughthehadbestgetdowninahurry.Hedidnotwanttoriskwakinginthetreeaftersunrise,Tumasatswordpracticeunderthebranches.

Hewasrubbinghisarmsandwarminghimselfenoughtomovewhenacreakmadehisskinfeelalert.Someonewasemergingfromthebackofthebarracks,pushingasmallcartliketheonesthegardenersused.Thewheelsgroaned,speakingoftoomuchweight,thenstoppedcoldwithascreechofmetal.Thecartapparentlywouldnotbudge.Thesomeoneliftedthecargooutofthecartandthrewitoverhisshoulder.

Razostruggledtoseeinthegrayrindofmoonlight.Hangingfromunderthecanvaswasashadowtheshapeofalimphand.Hecouldnotseecolorinthatmutedlight,buttheraisedhairsonhisarmstoldhimitwasmostlikelyburnedblack.

Thisisit,thisisit,hechantedtohimself.Hehadcaughtthemurdererinthemidstofthedirtydeed.

ThesomeonesteadiedtheweightonhisshoulderandstartedtowardtheBayernbarracks.Razosatup,strainingformoredetailtoidentifytheman.Heheldanotherbranchtocatchhisbalanceandleanedforward.Andheardthebranchwhine.

Thesomeonestopped.Hethrewthebodybackinthecartandcametowardthetree.

“Somethingupthere,”hesaidinthesingsongwayafathertalkstolittlechildren.ItmadeRazo’sstomachtrytofleeuphisthroat.TherewasarasptohisvoiceRazoknew.Therewastheoutlineofthosebulkyshouldersagainstthethinmoonpeering.ThathairthatRazorememberedwasadirtyyellowwaslooseandhangingoverhisshoulders,lookingstrangelyfeminineonthewarrior.

Ledelmovedclosertothetree,hisstepsmakingnosound.

“Icanseeyouupthere.Youdon’tlooklikeabranch,andyoumaketoobigabird.Ifyouareoneofmine,Ipromisenottobite.”Hesnappedhisjawtwice.

Therewasnoroomupthetreetoswingasling,andRazoguessedthecaptaincouldburnhimoutofitatanymoment.Hisonlyoptionwastorun.

Razoscamperedthroughthebranchesanddoveontothebarracksroof.Heboundedacrosstheapexuntilhisfootslammeddownandhislegdisappearedintosplintersuptohisknee.Hepulleditout,leapedoffthefarsideoftheroof,and,ignoringatwistingpaininhisankle,ranlikeasquirrelfromanerrantslingstone.

HedidnotdarestopattheBayernbarracksandinsteadtriedtoloseLedelbyweavingbetweenbuildings,behindtrees,nevergivingthepursuingmurdererachancetogetagoodlook.Hehoped.

Hisfranticheartpoundedvigorintohisbody;histerrorgavehimaneeriethrill.Hecouldnotescapeintothepalacewithoutthesentriesstoppinghimforquestions.Thepalacegatewithitsmanyguardswasuncomfortablynearnow,sohezigzaggedandcrisscrossedandfinallyduckedintothestables.BeeStingwouldwhineifshesawhim,butheknewEnna’shorse,Merry,waspeculiarlycalm,consideringherrider,andsleptlikeaburiedstone.Hedoveintoherstall,coveringhimselfwithstraw.

Hisbreathwouldnotslowandmadehimwishhewerestillrunning.Stupidchoice,Razo,hethought.Hidingmeantstayinginoneplacewherebigbrothersorburningmencouldeventuallycome.

Andthen,aheavybreathandfootsteps.Apause.Thestepsresumedandpausedagain,asthoughexaminingeverystall.Andkeptcomingnearer.Razotriedtoholdhisbreath,buthislungsheavedashisheartraged.Hispanting

rustledthestraw,soundinglikethecracklingofafire.Hestuffedhismouthintohiselbowandtriedtotimehisbreathingwiththehorse’sgustyinhales.

Thefootfallsstoppedforalongermoment,andahorsegrumbledforatreat.ThatwouldbehisownBeeSting.HeheardapatasifLedelstrokedherneck,andthenthestepspassedby.Afterseveralmomentsofsilence,Razoallowedhimselftoscratchhisnose.

Slowly,hestartedtoeaseupright.Acrunchingsoundsethisheartpoundingevenharder,andhehesitated.Silence.Hehadtogetoutandhidethatbodybeforeothersfoundit.Again,hebegantorisefromthestraw.Atwitter,agrowl,ahush.Silence.Razopressedafingernailintotheskinofhisforeheadtokeephimselfsane.Hehadtogo,now.Go!Heheardasqueakandeasedhimselfbackunderthestraw.

I’minacursedstable,hethought.It’snevergoingtobetotallyquiet.Justgo.

Silentasacat(orsohehoped),Razoascendedfromthestraw,creptfromthestall,andslammedrightintosomeone.Andsquealed.Ashrillcryofsurpriseansweredhissqueal.ItwasnotLedel.

“What’reyoudoing?”askedRazo.“Youlikelystoppedmyheart,sneakingaroundlikethat.”

“Iworkthestables,”saidtheTiranboy,hiseyesstillwide.“Ishouldcallasentry,youknow.Whatwereyoudoinginthatstall?”

“Iwas…I…”Hesneezed,andaflakeofstrawflewoutofhisnose.“Uh,thefestival.Didn’tquitemakeitbacktomycot,Iguess.”

Theboysquinted.“You’reBayern.Youtheonewhogoesaroundwiththeprince?Iheardsomeonetriedtokillyourightinfrontofhim.”

“NothinghappensinIngridanbuteveryoneknows,”saidRazo.Hestaredoutthedoor,wonderingifthebodywouldstillbethere.“Sorryaboutthestartle.I’llgonow,ifthat’sallright.”

“Goahead.I’mnotgoingtoratontheprince’sfriend.Um,didyouknowyouhavehayinyourhair?”

“OfcourseIdo.It’sfashion.”

Razopluckedthestrawfromhishairwhenhewaswelloutofsight,removinganimpressivehandful.

Sneakingbacktothebarrackstookapainfullylongtime,hidingfromworkersandsentriesandfromthesunasitshuffledoverthehorizon.TherewasnoneedforstealthbythetimehereachedtheBayernbarracks.Thesoldierswereupandoutside,millingaround,tensionhummingintheair.AfewofLedel’smenstoodoff,whisperingtoeachother,asiftryingtofigureoutwhatwasgoingon.RazofoundTaloneunderhisspyingtree.

“Abody,”Talonewhispered.“Asentryfounditbesideagardener’scart,covereditup,andsentforLordBelvan.Ledelshowedupsoonafter,helpedBelvan’smengetitoutofsight.Youlooksurprised.”

“JustaboutLedelhelpingtohideit.”

“Youthinkhe’sinvolved?”

“He’sourman,Captain.I’venothingtoproveitbuttheeyewitnessofaBayern,andIdoubtanycourtinTirawillacceptthatevidence.”

“Hm.ItrustBelvantokeepthisquiet,butLedel’sboundtoletrumorsofthisbodytrickleout.LadyMeginashouldtakeBelvan’sadviceandweshouldleavebefore—”

“We’vestillgotfourdays,Captain.Releasemefromotherduties.Letmekeeptrying.”

“Theriskistoogreat,”saidTalone.“Ifwe’reherewhentheyvoteforwar—”

“Andifweleavenow,there’llbenochanceatall.We’vegottokeeptrying.Icandoit,Captain,please…”

Talonenodded.“Goodluck,soldier.”

RazowatchedTaloneleave,andonlytwothingsstoppedhimfromracingafterhimandtakingitallback—TalonehadrespondedasthoughhetrustedRazo,andRazowasbeginningtohaveaplan.

Hetooktohisheelsagain,firstcollectingDashafromherchamber,whereshewasalreadydressedandup,andthenoffforEnna,wholeftMeginawithFinnandotherguards.Razoexplainedwhatheneededfromthemastheyjoggedacrossthegrounds,Ennaalwaysslightlyinthelead.

“ProofthatLedel’sthefire-speaker.Andinahurry,beforeheburnssomeoneelse.”Razodidnotmentionwhathe’dseenfromhistreeperch,orhewouldalsohavetotellthepartwhereheranandhid.“He’srottenwithmotive,andVictar

mentionedhedisappearssometimesforwholedays.You’vebothbeenaroundhimbefore,andyoudidn’tnoticeanything?”

“Icanneverbesure,”saidEnna.“It’sthewindthattellsmethatsortofstuff,andI’mnotasgoodas…”SheglancedsidewaysatDasha.“I’mnotsogoodatwind.I’dhavetoconsciouslybeckonthewindthat’stouchedapersonandlistentohearifittalksofheatandstrangefireontheskin…buteventhenit’snotalwaysclear.”

“Thatisfascinating,”saidDasha,puttingonarespectfulsmile.“Thewateristouchingmeconstantly,butIhavetobereallyclosetosomeone,touchthemeven,totellifthereisn’tasmuchwaterhangingintheairaroundaperson,asthoughmoreheatthannormalisburningthewateraway.InevernoticedanythingunusualaboutLedel,butIguessIwasonlylookingforaBayernfire-witch.”SheflinchedafterspeakingthephraseandlookedasideatEnna.

“So,Dasha,doyoueverfeelcompelledtousewater?”Ennaasked.

Dashaopenedhermouth,butforamomentshedidnotspeak.“SometimesIfeel…pressureallaroundme.WhenIdosomethingsmall,likefillmyhandwithwater,thepressureliftsforatime.Aday,afewhours.Butthat’sallIdo,justsmallthings.”

DashalookedatEnna,eyeswide,hopingforapproval.“Hmm,”wasallEnnasaid.

Whentheydrewnear,Ennastopped.“Youdon’tthinkyou’recomingwithus,doyou,Forest-born?”sheaskedwithalaugh.

RazoglancedatDasha,wonderingifsheknewwhatitmeanttobeForest-born.“Whycan’tI?”

“Because,sheepboy,yourfaceis—”

“Isasignpostforalltoread,Iknow.I’llwaithere.”

EnnagrabbedDasha’swristandmutteredtoherastheyhurriedaway.

Razosatinthepetiteshadeofafloweringbush,flakingthebarkoffatwiguntilitwassmoothaswaterwood.HewatchedDashaandEnnaamblearoundthebarracks,lookatDasha’ssling,pretendtopracticeonLedel’strainingcircle.Severalsoldierscameandwent.Tumaspassedbywithpainfulslowness,andRazokepthishandonhisownslinguntilthemanleftEnnaandDashaalone.

ThenLedelemerged.Razoslappedhisneck,asuddencrawlingsensationmakinghimthinkhewasbesiegedbyspiders.

Dasha,hergaitahappyskip,wenttoLedel,apparentlyaskinghimsomeinnocentquestion.Ennasidledup.TheywaitedabitafterLedellefttoreturntoRazo.

“And,and?”heaskedasthegirlsapproached.“Ledel’sthefire-speaker?”

Bothshooktheirheads.

Razofelthismouthgape.“Areyou…areyousure?”

“Askher,”saidEnna.

Dashasmiledmeekly.“We…itwasEnna’sidea…wecombinedtalents.EnnamovedthewindaroundLedelandstraighttomesoIdidn’thavetotouchhim.Hisheatseemednormaltobothofus.Wetestedeveryonewhopassedby,andthatothersoldier—”

“Ah-ha!IknewitwasTumas,thatnose-breaking,mossy-breathed,rottinghunkof—”

“No,nothim,”saidEnna,“buthisfriend,theyoungone.”

“Yes,hehadsomething,”Dashaagreed.

“Yes,something.”Ennanodded,thoughtful.“Notlike…”

“Notlikeyou,Enna,”saidDasha.

“No,”Ennaagreed.“Maybehe’sjustnewtoit,butIwouldn’teven’vesensedascrapoffire-speakinginhimifithadn’tbeenforDasha.Razo,Idon’tthinkhecouldbetheburnerfromthegrapeharvestfestival.”

“Comeon,youtwo,ifhe’sgotthefire-speaking,thenthat’sit.Tumas’sfriendisourman,andLedel’shelpinghim.”

“Maybe…,”saidDasha.Ennanoddedasifanticipatingwhatshewasgoingtosaynext.“Maybethere’smorethanone.”

“Hello!”Victarstalkedup,trailinghisgroupoffriends.“Whatastaleairinthecity.Weneedabriskseawind,thisautumnheatisbeginningtoferment.”

“Hello,Victar,”Razosaid,tryingtosoundcasual.“Yes,it’sprettystale.”

RazowasnotinthemoodtokeepupwithVictar’schatting.Themysterystill

boundhishands;hismindwaslimpingandnoclosertoaconclusion.Afterafewmomentsofineptsilence,Dashasteppedin.Razowatchedthemchatanddugthetipofasandalbetweentwopavingstones.

“Comehereamoment,”Ennasaidinhercarefullyeventone.Razotensed,anticipatingsomerebuke.Insteadofscolding,Ennadrewinwardabit,asthoughsomeburiedsadnesswrappedastringaroundherattentionandtugged.

“Razo,”shewhispered,“I’vegotathought,andI’mhopingI’mwrong.Tellmewhatthebodieslookedlike.”

Razosniffedwithonenostril.“Couldn’tyouaskmesomethingpleasanter?Like,say,whatI’dlikeforlunch?…No?Well,they’reblack.Stiff,charred,unrecognizable.”

Sheclosedhereyes.“Idon’tthinktheywereactuallymurdered,Razo.Notsetonfire,assuch.”

“Believeme,theywereburned,sometimesstillsmoking.”

“Butitsoundslike…likeLeifer.”Hereyesflashedtohisbriefly.Shemeantherbrother,whohadusedhistalentwithfire-speakinginthefirstbattleofthewarandgrewsohotwithitthathehadburnedtodeath.“Whentheskin’showyoudescribedit…it’snotlikesomeonesetonfire,morelikesomeonewhoburnedfromtheinside.”

“Theyburnedthemselvesup?”Razotuggedonhishair.“I’mstumped.I’dbeensosureitwasLedel,butnow…Greatcrows,Enna-girl,whatahornets’nest.Anyonecouldbeinvolved.”

“Includingher,”Ennawhispered,noddingtowardthesoundofDashalaughingwithVictar.“SheknowsI’vegotfire-speaking.Idon’tmindtellingyou,I’mfeelingasvulnerableasagooseinthecook’sfist,andIdon’tlikebeingscared.”

Heinhaleddeeply.“IpromisedduringthewarI’dwatchyourback.I’mstillkeepingthatpromise,Enna-girl.Iswear.”

Ennarubbedhisheadandlefttoreturntotheambassador.RazotookanotherdecentlookatDasha.Shehadsaidshedidnotknowthepale-hairedsoldier,yetsheandVictarseemedfriendlyenoughnow.Butwhywouldshelie?Andiftheywerefriends,perhapsVictarhadtoldDashathatRazowasjustaForestboyandhowthatmeantthathewaspoorandlowlyandshouldnotbedanglinghimself

aroundanoblegirl’sshoulders.

AclackofwooddrewRazo’sattentiontothetrainingring.Ledelwaspracticingswordwithhissecondman,andhiseyeslookedhollowandbruisedwithsleeplessness.Razorubbedaself-conscioushandthroughhishairtocheckforforgottenbitsofhayandthought,Fourdaysleft.

24AParchmentMap

Thenextday,RazoworehisplainwhiteclothesandskulkedaroundThousandYears.Once,Ledelleftthepalacegroundsalone,andwithadrymouthandantsyheartbeat,Razofollowedthecaptainfromarespectabledistance.Helostsightofhimjustwestoftheheartandskitteredaroundsidestreetsforhours,anxiousatthesoundofhisownfootstepsandwishinghe’daskedEnnaandFinntohelpspy.

ButIcan’tgetheranyclosertothedanger,heremindedhimself,orshemightburnagain.

AfterlugginghimselfbacktoThousandYears,heskippeddinnertocollapseonhiscotforaquicksnooze.

Whenhewoke,feelingtumbledandgiddyandhalf-dead,hefoundhe’dsleptthroughbotheveningandnight.Inthedistance,thebelltolleddawnwithamockinglyhappyping.Razolurchedoutofbed,stillinclothesandsandals,andrubbedhiseyesfiercely,inthewayhismotherusedtosaywouldwakeuphisbrain.Theassemblywouldvoteforwarintwodays.

Half-asleep,hejumpedbackintohisroutineofwalkingabroadcirclearoundLedel’sbarracks.Ithadrainedinthenight,andthefatwormslaygaspingonthepavingstones.Razowashoppingaround,tryingnottosquashthem,whenhesawTumasprowlingtheearlymorning.

Razoslidbetweentwobushes,earningamouthfulofcedargreens.Farahead,TumasenteredtheabandonedbarrackswhereRazohadtaughtDashaslinging.Hestayedinsidejustafewmomentsbeforeleavingagain.HewascomingawfullynearRazo’shidingspot.Nearerstill.Razoheldhisbreathandtriedtolooklikeatree.

Tumasveered,headinginthedirectionoftheThousandYearswestgate.Razospatgreenandwaiteduntiltheporkchopearedsoldierhadgoneagooddistancebeforebustlingouttofollow.

Andthenhejumpedrightbackbetweenthetrees.

TherewasanotherofLedel’smenenteringthosesameemptybarracks.HestayedabitlongerthanTumas,thenleftagain,alsoempty-handed,andtook

Tumas’spathtowardthewestgate.

Razomadesurenooneelseparadeddownthepath,thenslidfromtreetotree,behindbuildings,movingintheflowofearly-morningerrandrunners,andcameatthebuildingfromthebackside.

Hestolealookthroughawindow.Nobodyhome.

Thestaleodoraccostedhim,cotsrottingwheretheystood,allsilentinmourningthedead.Thefloorwasdusty,andhecouldseefootprintsmuddlingaroundacotneartheoppositedoor.Soasnottoleavehisownmarks,Razoleapedfromcottocotuntilhecametothatspot.Hesatdown,heardacrinkle,andleanedovertheedge.Betweenthethinstrawmattressandtheslats,someonehadstuckaparchment.Razopulleditout.

Therewasacrudedrawingbutalsoalotofscript.Hecursed,wishingnotforthefirsttimethatheknewhisletters.He’dhavetogetsomehelp.

Thenvoices.Razoskippedacrossafewmorebunksandslidbeneathone.Duststirredaroundhisface,andafatbrownspiderambledoutofhisway.Hepinchedhisnose,stiflingasneeze,thenheardpeopleenter.

Arustleattheliftingofastrawmattress,asighofoldwood.

“It’ssupposedtobehere.ThecaptainsaidTumaswouldleaveitunderthethirdcot.”

“Captainhintedthenewplacewouldbedownriverfromtheold.Maybewecanjustsniffaroundandfindit.”

“Onallthatriverbank?Notachance.I’mcertainhesaidthethirdcot,butwehadbettercheckthemall.”

Razoswallowed.

“No,don’tbother.ThatdunceMalroyprobablytookitwithhim.Maybehe’llshowittoLordBelvanandaskfordirections.”

Themenlaughed.

“Well,thecaptainwillbebusyenoughwithoutustoday.He’sinvitedhalfthecompany.Whysomany?Iaskedhim.Hewouldn’tsay,butTumaswhisperedtomethatthecaptain’sgettingimpatientwithjustabodyhere,abodythere.Plansanall-outattack,wantsasmanywarriorsashecantrust.Tumashintedithadsomethingtodowiththeassembly,butIdon’t…”

Thevoicesmovedaway.Razowhinedwithanotherstrangledsneeze.

Hewaited,hurtinghisbrainwiththeeffortoftryingtohearnewvoicesorfootsteps,andglaredatthefleasdroppingfromthefilthymattressontohisarms.Histhoughtsdrifted,tangledintheskittishmovementsofaspider.

Ledeldidnothavefire-speaking.

Oneofhismendid,buthewasnotthefire-speakerfromthefestival.

Thatsoldierhadsaid,Thecaptaininvitedhalfthecompany…

Weeksagoafterafeastday,Belvan’smenhadfoundanemptywarehouselitteredwithburnedwood.

TwomenweremissingfromLedel’scompany,supposedlytojoinManifestTira,butRazorecalledthatLedelwastheonewhohadclaimedthat.Sowherewerethey,really?

Andthatfirstday,whenLedel’sandTalone’scompaniessparredonthetrainingground,Ledelhadsaid,…we’llseehowwelltheyperformassoldierswithoutthefirefightingforthem.Initially,Razohadtakenthecommentasaninsult,aninsinuationthattheBayernwerejustthelackeysofafire-witch.Butashehearditnowinmemory,herealizedtherehadbeenjealousy,atwingeofsadnessonthewordsoldiers,oflongingwithfire.

So,twoofLedel’smenweregone,andEnnasaidthecorpseshadmostlikelyburnedthemselvestodeath.Razoshuddered.Thatcaptainwasuptosomethingvery,verybad.

Razopokedhisheadout,slitheredfromunderthecot,andsteppedfrombunktobunktothedoor.Whentheareaseemedclear,herantothepalace.Theparchmentcrackledunderhistunic.

Ennawasgone.Conradwasguardingtheambassador’schambers,andheremindedRazothattodaywasyetanotherfeastday,thedayofapplecakes.

“Forwomenonly.FromwhatIgathered,EnnaandLadyMeginajoinedtheassemblywomenandothersattheheart,makingapplecakesandgripingaboutmen,nodoubt.FinnandTalonewillbehoveringnearbyandwishingtheycouldhavesomecake.Maybethey’lltoss’emacore.Asitwas,theyhadtogetspecialpermissionfromLordBelvantoletthemengoatall.TherewassomeratherintriguingtalkofdressingFinnandTaloneinskirts….”

Conradlaughed.Razodisappointedhimselfbynotbeingabletogethisownlaughpasttherockinhisthroat.Anotherfeastday.Athoughtshockedhimliketouchingstaticmetal.Thebodieshavebeenappearingafterfeastdays.Ledelmustgosomeplacethat’semptiedbecauseofthedayoffandteachhismentoburn.

“Anyideawhenthey’llbeback?”askedRazo.

“Eveningornight.Enna’ssourexpressiontoldmethatitpromisedtobealongday.”

“Conrad,doyouknowyourletters?”

Conradsnorted.“Notlikely.”

Razothoughtofgoingtotheprinceforhelp—surelythemanknewhowtoread—butno,hewouldnotallowsuspicionofDashatosquashandsqueezehim.

Shehadnotjoinedthefeastdaycelebrantsyetandwasstillinherrooms,breakfastingonbreaddippedinagreenishoil,olives,andcoldham.Razogavehertheparchment,satonthefloor,andtookoverthemeal.Hecouldnothelpwhimperingabitasheate.Itwasacruel,cruelmissionthatdeniedhimhisfivemealsaday.

“It’samap,”shesaid.

Razohadfiguredthat.Hewincedashebitintoanintenselysourolive.Therewassomethingsatisfyingaboutfoodtoobitterorspicytoeatwithoutagrimace,makinghimfeelasthoughhe’daccomplishedsomedifficultphysicalfeat.

“Youreallyneverlearnedtoread?Well,thescribblesaredirectionstotheRosewaterRiver,westside,lowerdocksneartherivermouth.It’sallshippingwarehousesthatfardowntheRosewater.Oneofmyfather’swarehousesisinthatarea.So,whendowego?”

Shesmiled,hereyebrowsup.

Heswallowedhisbiteofham.“We?”

“Comeon.Isharedmybreakfastwithyou.”

“Dasha,Idon’tthink…I’mjustgoingtoscoutitout,andscouting’sbetterwithone….I’mnotevengoingtoaskConradtocomebecause…Imean,wecouldbeseen,andthere’refire-speakersontheloose…um,no.”

“Hm.”Shepursedhermouth,lookedatherfingernails.“Youknowtheassemblycourtrequirestwowitnessestosupportanaccusation.IsupposeyouhavesomeotherTirantogowithyou?”

“Oh.”

BythetimeRazohadfinishedthebreakfastplatter,shewasready.Hehadinsistedshewearsomethingdrabandunassuming,soshereplacedherBayern-dyedbluelummasforaquietpeachoneandtookthesilverbutterflypinsoutofherhair.Shecombeditandplaiteditoneachside,andhewatched,asmesmerizedasthoughhisgazewerecaughtinthemeltinggoldofacampfire.

“Somethingwrong?”

Razoblinked.“Huh?Uh,no,let’sgo.”

HethoughtoftryingtogettoEnna,Finn,andTalone,butheknewhowtheheartwasduringotherfeastdays.Duringonefestival,he’dnotbeenabletoactuallywalkthroughandhadmovedbyleaningintothecrowd,travelingslugslowasthepeopleadjustedaroundhim.Thatwouldwastehours—Ledelmightmovelocationsbythen.No,hehadtogonow,beforesomeoneelsedied.Hewouldnottryanythingfoolish,justpeepabit,likehisoldscoutingmissionsduringthewar.

Inandout,nobodyhurt.

25ASlingerandaSpy

Dashawaschattyatfirst,andRazotriedtofollowherconversation,buthisthoughtswerelooping,hismusclestwitchingforaction.Bythetimetheyhadskirtedthechaoticstirringsintheheart,herealizedshehadbeensilentforsometime.

“Whydidn’tyougowiththeotherwomenthismorning?”heaskedastheyhurrieddownasidestreet.

“Iwasinnorushtoarrive.”Sheshrugged.“I’vehadapplecakesbefore.”

Adoubttickledhim,afleabiteinhismind.Heignoredit.

Themorningwasdirtygray,theskymustywithclouds.Allthewomenwereintheheart,themenandchildrenhome,andbusinessonholdforthesakeofthefeastday,leavingthestreetssadandempty.ThemoodwaslashingaroundRazo,andhefelttetheredbyanticipation.

TheycrossedthelastbridgeovertheRosewaterandcontinuedsouth,civilizationbeginningtothinout.Forlongstretches,thewestbankoftheRosewaterwasweedyanddesolate,dottedwithisolatedshacks.Themouthoftheriverwidenedtowardthepeculiarflatnessofthegraysea,andthebanksbecamemessywithdocksindifferentphasesofnewnessanddecay.Warehousescrammedtogether,elbowingforabitofriverside.

Incaseofanunexpectedplungingintotheriverorothermishapthatcoulddamageparchment,RazohadleftthemapwithConrad,soDashawaslookingforlandmarksfrommemory.

“Thatone…No,wait,that’sit.That’stheone.”

Theyhunkeredbehindsomecratesatanadjacentbuildingandwatchedforguardsbeforemovingincloser.Thewoodendocksscrapedthebanksasthewaterheavedupanddowninatiredrhythm,thewetbreathofriversloshedagainsttheshore,anopendoorclackedinthewind.Nohumansounds.Thenthewindblowingofftheoceanshifted,swoopingbetweenthemandthewarehouse.Razosmelledsmoke.

Theydashedfromtheirhidingplaceandcrouchedbeneaththewarehouse

window.RazoincheduptopeerthroughtheslatsandfeltDashamovebesidehim.

TherewasLedel,sittingatatableinthenearlyemptybuilding,lookingoverabook.Twosoldiersstoodbehindhim,onehissecondman,theothertheyoungsoldierDashaandEnnahadidentifiedasafire-speaker.Cratesinvariousstagesofashwerestackedandflungineverycorner.Ledelpointedatanemptycrateinthecenteroftheroom.Theyoungsoldier’ssquinty-eyedexpressionbecameevenmorecrookedinhisconcentration,andahissofsmokeputteredfromthecrate’scorner.Ledelshookhisheadandgavesomecommandtohissecondman.Nowthecraterupturedwithflames.

Razoturnedhisbacktothewallandsliddowntosit.Dashawasbesidehim.

“Didyousee?”hewhispered.

Shenodded.

“MybetisLedeltriedtolearnfire-speakinghimselfandfailed,andsoenlistedothers,”saidRazo,thoughtspullingthroughhimlikeatug-of-warhewaswinning.“Hemust’vereadaboutfire-speakinginoneofthosebooksandistrainingsomeofhismen,butnotdoingsuchagreatjobofit.Theyburnthemselvesupwhiletryingtolearnfire-speaking,andthenhemakesuseoftheirdeathsbyplantingthebodiesneartheBayerntoincreasepublicsuspicion.Ingridanwillbelievethere’saBayernfire-witchrunningrampant,increasingthedesireforwar,andaftertheassemblyvotesforwar,Ledelwillhavehalfhiscrewtoofferupasflame-tossingwarriors.”

Razo’sgrinathisownclevernessshiftedintoagrimace,andhisvoicecroaked.“He’smakinganarmyoffire-witches,Dasha.He’llsetBayernblazing.”

Dasha’seyesweregray-bluetoday.“WeneedtotellLordBelvanandthechiefofassembly.”

“Right.”TellLordBelvan,letsomeoneelsetakecareofit.Razowishedhewerearmedwithfire-speakingorwind-speaking,couldswingaswordlikeFinn,couldrushinrightnowandendit.Whatwashedoinghere,anyway?AForestlad,theweakestmemberoftheOwn?

You’reaslingerandaspy,heremindedhimself.Yourjobistofind,warscout,nottofight.HelookedatDasha,herearcuppedtothewall,andfeltglad,at

least,nottobealone.

Withawarehousefullofdangerpressedtotheirbacks,Razo’sthoughtsjumpedtoatinyshack,rainseethingoutside,hisarmaroundhershoulders.Hethoughtitwouldfeelawfullynicetoholdheragainlikethatbutremindedhimselfthatshewastheprince’sintendedbride.Hetuggedplayfullyonherlummas.

“Youwererightaboutcomingalong.TheymightnotbelieveaBayernboy,butanobleTiranwitness…”

“Andaprettyoneatthat,”shesaid.

“Ididn’tsaythat.Imean,butIwill,ifyouwant.”

Sheconsidered.“Let’sgetoutofherefirst.”

Theycreptaway,testingthequietnessoftheirowntoesagainststone,andhuddledoutsidethenextwarehouse.

“Iheardsomething,”whisperedDasha.

“Idid,too,comingfromthewaywewanttogo.”

“Let’sgobackandskirtaround….”

“Butifwegetcaught,there’snowayoutexcepttheriver.”

“Oh.Well,ifweneedto,Icouldmaketheriverawayoutforus.”Sheclenchedherhands.“Ifwehaveto.”

Razonodded.“Onlyifwehaveto.”

Theylistenedtotheuneasysilence,edgedout,andsneakedtowardtheriver.

ThencametheunmistakablecongestedgrumbleofTumas.“Whereintheblazesisit?Captain,youaroundhere?”

Inthenarrowalleybetweentwowarehouses,therewasnoplacetohide.Tumasroundedthecorner,hisgazegrabbingthem.

Dashacriedoutandsprintedtowardthedock,Razorightbehind.Thesoundofrunningfeetfollowed.Razopushedhimselfharder,loosingtheslingathisside.

Beforehecouldgetastoneinhispalm,afistcamedownonhishead.HethuddedtothegroundashesawTumasgrabDashabyherhair.

Razofumbledforhissword,butanothersetofarmsencircledhim,liftinghis

feetfromtheground.

“Almothtgotaway,”camethevoiceofTumas’sfriend.

Thick,hairyarmsheldRazofrombehind,pinninghisarmstohisbody.Razobitintoahandandheardayelp,butthesoldieradjustedtothehangman’shold—armsunderhis,handslockedbehindhishead.

DashawasscreamingandkickinginTumas’sarms,andheyankedherheadbackuntilshewhimperedandstilled.Herneckwasexposed,andasTumasreachedforhisdagger,Razounderstood,withashockthatburnedasitburstthroughhim,thatTumaswouldkillthemboth.

Tumaslookedathiscaptain,whowasstandinginthedoorwayofthewarehouse.Ledel’sfrownwasfrightening.

“Bringtheminside,”hesaid,anddisappeared.

ThesoldiersthrewRazoandDashaonthefloorofthewarehouse,tiedtheirhandsbehindtheirbacks,andboundtheirankles.TumasrippedoffRazo’ssword,sling,andpouchofstones,butjustliketheassemblyguards,hemistookthedistanceslingcinchedaroundRazo’swaistforacommonbelt.

“Here.”Ledeltossedtheshortslingtohissecondman.Thetanned,leansoldierhelditbetweentwofingers.Theendsbegantosmoke,andheshookitawayasitfizzledandtrickledintoash.

“Shame,”Razobreathed.Hehadmadethatslinghimself,braideditfromtheblackandwhitehairsofthesheepheusedtowatchfortheking.HelookedatDasha.Herfacewasdown.

TumasproddedRazo’sgutwithhisfoot.“It’sthatBayernboy,theonethatputhimselfonHemar’sknife.Captain,Itoldyouhewasnogood,alwayssneaking,lookingaroundmorethanheought.”Hepressedafingertoonenostrilandblewouttheother.AlumpploppedbesideRazo’ssandal.“Howdidhefindushere?”

“Hefollowedyou,nodoubt,”saidLedel.“Howlonghaveyoubeenlumberingaround,lost?”

“Notlong.”Tumassniffed,embarrassed.

“Lookathisgirl.”Thesquinty-eyedsoldierwassquintingnowwithpurpose,hiseyesonDasha.“Isn’tshe—”

“LadyDasha.”ThescardownLedel’sjawwasaswhiteasteeth.

Dashatossedherhead,flickingherbraidsbehindhershoulders.“CaptainLedel,yourmentiedmeup.”

“Yes,Ididnotrealize—”

“Sonowthatyourealize,whydon’tyouuntieme?”

Razo’sstomachfeltlikeachunkofice.

LedelcrouchedbesideDasha,liftedherchinwithhisfinger,agentle,mentorlikegesture.Thehollowsbeneathhiseyeswerepurple,asthoughhehadnotsleptindays.“WhatareyoudoingwiththisBayernboy?”

“Hewaslookingforyou,andIwantedtoseewhatheintendedtodo.”

Ledelrubbedhisscar.“Butyouranfrommymen.YoukickedTumasintheface.”

Dasha’seyelidsloweredandtwitchedbackup,ahalfblink.ReliefburstinRazo’smiddle.Hecouldreadthatexpression—shewaslyingtoLedel,whichmeantshewasnotworkingwiththeburners.ButapparentlyLedelcaughtthelieaswell.

“Isee.You’reonthisboy’sside.”Ledelrubbedhiseyesandmumbledtohimselfbehindhishand.“Ineverwantedittocometothis.IwouldneverharmadaughterofTira.ThisisallforTira…forTira.”WhenhelookedbackatDasha,thewhitesofhiseyeswereveinedwithred.“Ifonlyyouunderstood.Lady,allofTiraachesforwhatIcanprovide—ajustificationforwar.Theincompleteconflictranklesthisnationlikeawoundleftunstitchedandseeping.”

“Itwasahardloss,”saidDasha.“But—”

“No,youlistentome.”Hewasonhiskneesbeforeher,holdinghershoulders.“Younoblesmakethedecisions,butyouneedtolistentothoseofuswhounderstandwar,whodothework.Waristhebesttoolofcivilization.Rulesmustbefollowed,orthetoolofcivilizationbecomesthecatalystofchaos.Doyouunderstand?TheBayernweretheoneswhotwistedbattleoutoftheancientpatternofmantomanandswordtosword,insteadexploitingonefire-witchtoburnhundreds.Thethoughtevennowbringsbiletomymouth.”

“Lovelythought,”Razomumbled.

“Butwhatyoudohere,”saidDasha,“you’retakingupthetoolyousaydisgustsyou.”

“Iknow!AndIcannotabidemyownfaceforthethoughtofit.ButIlovemycountrymorethanmyself.IwillsacrificemyownhonortoredeemTira.”Hishandsonhershoulderswereshaking.“Willyou,LadyDasha?”

Thetwolockedeyes.Razostaredbackandforth,hisbreathtoolargetocomeoutofhislungs.Saywhathewantssoyoucangetoutofhere!hethought.

Dashablinked.“Iwilldo—”

“Stop.Youaregoingtolietomeagain.”Ledelstood,turninghisbacktoher.

“Captain.”Ledel’ssecondmanstoodbyhisshoulder.“Whatdowedowithher?Ifwe—”

“WhenallofTirademandstheBayernbepunishedforburningLordKilcad’sdaughteralive,”saidLedel,deadlycalm,“hewillrushhomeanddemandweresumeourwar.”

“Youhypocriticalmonster!”Dasha’svoiceliftedasthoughsheaddressedhundreds.“Theassemblywillfindyouout.Myfatherwillstabyouthroughtheneckintheassemblyitself,andallofIngridanwillapplaud.”

“Tomorrownight,theassemblywillbeasmolderingclumpofash.”

“Arewegoingtoburnthem,Captain?”askedtheyoungsoldier.

LedelstaredatDasha,hiseyesvacant,buthisforeheadtenseasthoughhewereinpain.“Yes,youaregoingtoburnthem.”

“Buttieduplikethat,Captain?Youhavealwaystoldus—”

“Soldier!”Ledelpressedhislipstogetherandclosedhiseyes.Hisvoicesoftened,pleading.“Yes,youareright.ButBayern’sfoulplayforcesustomakeexceptionstotherules.Wearerunningshortontimetoaccomplishourgoal.ThatidioticManifestTiraisinveryrealdangerofturningtheentirecityagainstitscausewithitsclumsyassassinationattempts.Besides,rumorsaboundthattheprincewillannounceanengagementsoon,andthetimingsuggestshemeanstotakesides.Atjustthemomentwhenourmissionbecomesevenmoreurgent,weareofferedameanstoaccomplishitwithLadyDasha’sdeath.

“Ifyou’renotreadytobeaman,I’llgivethistasktosomeoneelse.”Ledelstaredatthesoldieruntiltheyoungmantookastepbackandshuthismouth.“I’mdonewaitingfortheothers.Youfouraremycorewarriors,andIneedyourskillsperfected.Perhapshavinglivetargetstodaywillmotivateyouto—”

“Havingmoretroublemakingfire-witchesthanyou’dthought,CaptainLedel?”Razo’svoicescrapedoutofhisthroat,asdryasweek-oldbread.

Ledeldidnotevenlookathim,justpointedhisglovedhand.“Youdonotspeak,prisoner.”

“Hadhopesofawholearmy,didyou,buttheyjustkeepburningthemselvesup?Justliketherestofyouwill.What,didheusepoorfolkatfirst,buttheykeptdying?”LedelwascrossingtheroomtoRazonow,pickinghimupbyhisneck.“Sohedecidedtousehisownmen.Icounttwoofyougonealready;howlongdotherestofyouhave?”

LedelpunchedRazointhegutanddroppedhimonthegroundface-first.

“Whatithhetalkingabout,Captain?”askedthelargesoldier.

“WhenBayerntalk,theyvomitlies,”saidLedel.“Ignoreit.Burnthem.”

Tumasgrinned,andthesecondmancrackedhisknucklesandsteppedforward.TheyoungsoldierkeptstaringatDasha.

“But…but,Captain…she’salady,andaTiran—”

“Tumas?Tumas,I’mhere!”Agirlenteredthewarehouse,smilingsheepishly,sashayingherwaytoTumas’sside.ItwasPela.

“Pela,Itoldyounottocome,”Tumassaidthroughgrittedteeth.

Ledelgrowled.“Tumas,whyisthisgirlhere?Whathaveyoutoldher?”

PelasidleduptoTumas,puttingahandonhischest.“Iwanttolearnthefirewitchery,CaptainLedel,forTira—”SherecognizedRazoandsquealed.“Look!ItoldyouthatBayernboywastrouble.HewasalwaysaskingquestionsaboutCaptainLedelandtherestofyou.Itriedtotakecareofhimforyou,IpromiseIdid.Idon’tknowhowhesurvivedthebloodbaneberriesIputinhistart,thoseBayernaren’tallhuman.AndwhenItriedtogethimcaughtbyBelvan’smeninLadyDasha’schamber—”

“Shutup,willyou?”saidTumas.“Itoldyouallthiswasasecret—”

“ButI’mtiredofwaiting.”

PelaandTumasbegantalkingovereachother,andLedeljuststoodthereandstaredatPela,eyesdarkwithsomethoughtRazodidnotwanttoguess.

Razoseizedthemomenttofocusaroundhim.Noweaponlaywithinreach.

Thewarehousedoorsopenedtoagrayglimpseofriver,toofarawaytoattainatthespeedofcrawl.HesawthatDashawasstaringattheRosewater,herhandstremblingbehindherback.Inhereyes,Razosawalittlegirlrunningafterhergrandfather,laughingbehindherhandatthemarvelousgame,thenwatchingasheslouchedintotheriver,facedown.

“Dasha,”Razowhispered,“they’regoingtobeshootingheatatus.Enna,she’dusethewindtoblowthatheataway,coolitoffbeforeitcouldbecomefire.Couldwaterdosomethinglikethat?”

“Itmight,butwhatyou’retalkingaboutwouldtakebucketsofwater.”Shelookedup,herexpressionsomber.“Thecloudsareheavytoday,andImightbeabletonudgethemtoreleasetherain,butI’dhavetobestandingoutinittouseitright.Maybetheriver…”

Sheclosedhereyes.Throughtheopendoors,Razosawtheriveragitate,thewavesflowingsidetoside,buildingmomentum,gettinghigher,splashinguponthedock.Asmallpoolformedonthesaggingwoodplatform.Thenitstartedtoslideitswaytowardthem,atinyrivuletrunningjustbehindTumas’sbackashearguedwithPela.ThesweatonRazo’sforeheadprickedlikeneedles.Don’tlook,don’tlook,heprayed.ThestreamfoundDasha’sfeetandwrappedaroundherankleslikeacat,curlingupandsettlingintoapool.Itfattened,anditsedgescrawledout,gushingoverRazo’stoes,uptohisankles.

Razowantedtoask,Couldn’tyoucalltherivertothrowtidalwavesatthemorsomething?Butheconsideredthatwaterwasnotaweaponlikefire,andDashahadneverusedhergiftformorethanidleplay.

“That’senough!”saidLedel.

Razojumped,butthecaptainwastalkingtoTumasandPela.Dasha’seyesopened,therivercalmed,thewaterstoppedcoming.

LedelturnedhistroubledgazetoDasha,andhepulledafatdaggerfromhisbelt.“Tumas,yourfriendcompromisesoursafetybycominghere.IwillshowyouallthatIamnotafraidtokillaladyforTira’ssake.”

TumastookonestepawayfromPela.Thepastrygirlwentverywhite.Ledeladvanced,andsheturnedtorun,buthecaughtherbyherneckandbroughttheknifedownhard.Razolookedaway,hiseyesburning.HeheardLedelcommandTumastogetridofherbody.Afewmomentslater,therewasasplash.

“Doyousee?”Ledel’seyeswerewild,hisvoicescrapingasitrosehigher.“Thatisallittakes.WehavekilledonedaughterofTira,let’snotfightoveronemore.Wearesoclose,men,soclose!ShowmeyouhaveitinyoutotakeTiraback.Usethisopportunitytopracticeforwhat’stocome.Burnthem.”

Atthatprecisemoment,thundercrashedagainstthehorizon.ToRazo,itseemedbuttheechoofbadnews.

26RiverandFire

Mightrainsoon.”Tumassquintedoutthedoorandupatthesky,apparentlyunconcernedaboutPela’sdeath.“It’salreadysoggyinhere.Lookatthatpuddle—”

“Areyoureadytobeaman?”Ledelaskedtheyoungsoldier.“OrdoIreleaseyouandasksomeoneelsetoburntheboy?”

“No,please,Captain,Iapologize.Iamready.”

Razodroppedontohissideandrolledaroundinthedirtypond.Whenhelookedupagain,thesoldiersstoodshouldertoshouldertenpacesoff,asiflinedupfortargetpractice.Withoutwarning,theairbetweenRazoandtheyoungsoldierrippledandheavedasacolumnofheatshotforward.Razoburiedhisfaceinhisarm.

Heheardahissandpeeredoverhissleeve.Theairaroundhimsteamed,thentrickledintonothing.

Dashasmiledquickly.ThesightmadeRazo’sheartwhackhisribs.

Again,theairwasawhirlpoolofheatthatflashedintovaporbeforeRazo’sface,stinginghiseyes.Hehadonlyamomenttobreathecoolairbeforebarrelingheatleftthesecondmanaswell,tearingtowardRazolikeachargingbull.OncemoretheattackexplodedintohotspraythatnippedRazo’sskin.

“Idon’tknowwhat’shappening.”Thesecondman’seyesshiftedtoDasha.“Letmetrythegirl.”

“Avoidtheface,”saidLedel.“Wewantherbodyrecognizable.”

“Don’t—”Razostarted,butabarrageofshapelessfirewasalreadystormingatDasha.Herhandsdugdeeperinthewater,andtheheatexplodedintosteam.Theairwasstillmistywhenittrembledanewwithheat,andthenagainandagain.Hereyeswereclosed,herfacetensed.

LedelglaredatRazo.“DotheBayernknowsomethingthatcancounterfire?Allthreeofyouatonce,targettheBayernboy.Burnhimuntilhebreaksapart.”

Razocouldnotquiterallythenervetostickouthistongue.Theattackwasa

hurricaneofheat,rollingtowardhim,cresting,thencrackingintohotvapor.Hiswetclothesdried,hisfaceburnedasthoughhe’dspentanoonhourstaringatthesun.SomestringsofheatescapedDasha’sscreenofwaterandsettinyfiresonhisclothes.Asbesthecouldwithboundwristsandankles,herolledontheground,suffocatingthefires.Dasha’spoolwasdryingtothinmud.Indesperation,Razoturnedhisbacktothesoldiers.Hefeltathreadofheatsetfiretotheropearoundhiswrists.

“Whatinthesevenriversisgoingon?”TheattackstoppedatLedel’sshout.

RazoheldverystillwhileLedelyelledathismen,lettingtheropeburnbehindhisback,bitinghislipstobloodtokeepfromyelping.Whenthepainbecameunbearable,hesatback,smotheringthefireagainstthedirt.Hepulledtheropebetweenhiswrists,groaningasitrubbedhisblisteredskin,andfelttheropefrayandthenfallaway.

“Letmekillhim,Captain,”saidTumas.“HemightbetheonlyBayernthatcanstoptheirfire.”

Ledelcursedandheavedoverthetable,scatteringhispapersandbookstotheground.“Fine,we’llburnthegirl’sbodylater.Justkillthemboth.”

“Uh,”saidRazo.

“Wait,”saidDasha.

Tumascharged,cloutedRazotwiceonthehead,seizedhistunic,andshoved,sendinghimflying.Razoslammedintoastackofcrateswithanexplosionofwood.Theblowshadsethisvisioncrookedinhishead,andthewholeroomleanedandrolledasthoughhewereunderwater.

HewaswincinginanticipationofTumas’snextstrikewhenheheardasloshandathudlikealargebodyfallinginmud.Tumasgrunted.Dashaemittedalittlenoteofdelight,nodoubtpleasedhersuddenmudhadworkedtotriphim,butthentheotherswereyelling,grabbingher.WhenTumasgainedhisfeet,hewentforDasha.

Razoleapedup,andthebrokencratescrumbledaroundhim,spilledjarsofspices.Herippedthelongslingfromhiswaist,fasteneditaroundhishand,andseizedasmallglassjarforshot.Hisheadfeltfaraway,asthoughstillbeingpummeledbyTumas’sfists,andhiseyesrefusedtoclear,buthewasfairlycertaintheorangesmudgewasDasha,thebulkyfigurewasTumas,andthathe

wasstranglingherperfectneck.

Ifyouevermadeoneshotinyourlife,Forestboy…

Razowobbledonhisboundlegs,spunthesling,andlettheshotfly.ItcrackedasitstruckTumas’sskull.Razoheardglassshardstinkletothegroundbeforethethumpofthebigman’sbody.Adustysweetodorinvadedtheair—cinnamon.

LedelhadcrossedtheroombeforeRazo’sunsteadyvisioncoulddetecthismovement.“Theboyburnedhishandsfree.”

TherewasablurryswipeofLedel’ssword,andRazothoughthewasskeweredforsure,butinsteadthebladenickedtheslingfromRazo’shandandcutitintwo.Razofeltastitchinhisgut.He’dmadethoseslingswithhisowntwohands.Hedroppedtothegroundandstartedtorollaway,butLedelgrabbedafistfulofhishairandhauledhimtohisfeet,holdinghimforwardforthesoldierstosee,likearoastedduckondisplayinthemeatmarket.

“Whocheckedtheboyforweapons?Hehadasling,youimbeciles!”

“Tumathithalive.”ThelargesoldiercrouchedoverTumas.“No,wait,he’thdead.”

Ledel’sscarturnedalividred,andheshovedRazointothecenteroftheroom.Thethrobbinginhishead,thedanger,theridiculousnessofbeingalmostkilledagainandagain,wasmakingRazofeelgiddy.

“Youarepathetic!”Ledelshouted.“YoufailtoburntwotrussedprisonerswhilethisrodentbreakshisbondsonyourownfireandkillsTumas.”

“Youknow,you’reright,theyarepathetic,”saidRazo.

LedelbackhandedRazo’sface.Hestaredatthefloorandshuthiseyesagainstthedizzyingsplurgesoflight.

“Captain,hewasdoingsomethingsneaky,ormaybeitwasher.”ThesecondmannudgedDashawithhisfoot.

“Youcan’tletthem.Therewillalwaysbesomeonedoingsomethingtostopyou.”Ledel’svoiceclimbedtoapleadingrange.“Thepointis,youmustbequickeranddeadlier.IknowyouwanttoseeBayernburn,butwantingisn’tenough.Youknow,I’lljustdoitmyself.”

Ledelreachedforhissword.

Razo’sbodyseemedtobedrowningintheriveragain,hisearsfullofitssong,andthewholeworldslowed.Hislastbreathlastedalifetime,allowinghimamomenttosayfarewell.

“Ilikeroastedpork,”hesaidquickly.“Andvinegarcucumbers,andthosebarbaricredolives.”Ifhewasgoingtodie,he’dbettersaysomethingworthwhilefirst.“AndDasha.Ilikeyou.”

“Ilikeyou,too,Razo.”Hervoicecrunchedonthewords.

Ledelheftedhissword,angledtoslicethroughRazo’sneck,butbeforehecouldthrust,smokebegantodrapefromthehilt.Ledelbawledanddroppedtheweapon,examininghisredpalm.

“Whatareyoufools—”

“Notthem,”someonesaid.

AndRazolaughed.Helaughedbecausetwofigureshadjustenteredthroughthewarehouse’sriversidedoors,andeventhoughhisvisionwasstillalittleslurred,theshapeandmoveofthemwasasfamiliartohimasthetasteofcheese.

“We’rebunniesinabox,mylady,”Razowhispered.

EnnawaswalkingtowardLedel,scrunchingtheparchmentwiththemapintoaball,andFinnwasbesideher,hissworddrawn.Shetossedthepaperballintotheair,whereitburstintoflame,rainingsoftash.Ledelcursedhimself.

“Notthem,”Ennasaidagain.“Me.”

Andthen,wind.

27Rainstorm

ThewindpushedbetweenRazoandLedel,forcingthewarriorbackandgivingRazoaninchtorollaway,grabDasha,andcrawlfromundertheirfeet.HesawLedeldiveforhiscoolingswordandflinghimselfatEnna,butFinncaughttheattackagainsthisownsword,andmetalclanged.

“Thisisyourmoment!”LedelholleredathismenasheattackedFinn.“Proveyourselves.Burnthefire-witch!”

RazofreedDasha’swristsandthenattackedtheropeathisankles,hiseyesonthefracas.WhileFinnkeptLedelbusyincombat,Ennawasfacingthethreeburners.RazothoughtgrimlythatLedelmustbeproudofhismennow,whoseemedtoneednogreatermotivationthanaBayernfire-witchfacingthemdown.

AllRazocouldseeofthefightwasatremblingintheair,butheknewEnnawasusingwindtobattlethevolleysofheatbeforetheycouldbecomefire.Windzippedandzoomedaroundthem,breakingheatlikebread,shovingthewarriorsintooneanother.Hereyeswerehot,butherfacewasrigidwithfear.

Thesecondmanshoutedinfrustrationanddrewhissword,thenscreamedasthered-hothiltburnedhishand.ThelargesoldieradvancedonEnnawithhisfists,butbeforehecouldswing,hestumbledback,hissandalsflaming.

“Ennacan’t…”Razofumbledforhisslingandremembereditwasgone.“Dasha,ifshecan’tstopthemwithwind,ifshehastoburn,ifshekillsagain…”

“We’llhelpher,”saidDasha,tuggingtheropeoffherlegs.“Ineedmorewater,forthisIcan’tusejustwhat’sintheair.”Shestoodandrantowardthelandsidedoor.

RazowasgoingtogoafterherwhenhesawthatacratenearEnnahadstartedtocrackleandthehemofhertunicwassmoking.Ennawasnotabletoholdbackthefireonherown.Razoscroungedthegroundforanythingtothrow.Hehurledawoodenslat,anditslappedthelispingsoldierintheface.HiseyesturnedtoRazo.

Razodoveforthegroundasastackofcratesbehindhimeruptedwithfire.Slappingflamesoutofhisclothes,hefoundhimselfsurroundedbyburning

rubble.Hedroppedlower,tryingtogetunderthesmoke.

Thundersoundedagain,clashingwiththeacheinhishead.Theskydimmedasthoughsomeonehadblownoutacandle;thedaybecamegraywool,andthen,rain.Throughthelandsidedoors,hecouldseeDashastandingintherain,herfaceup,herpalmsopen.

She’sdoneit,she’scalledtheraindown,Razothought.

HeglimpsedwateroozingdownthefacesofthesoldierswhobattledEnna,intotheireyes,soakingtheirclothes.Theyswipedatitmadly.

“Whatthe…We’vebeendiscovered!”Someonecriedfromthelandsidedoors.

RazoshoutedwarningtoDashaasanotherofLedel’smenarrived.Hetriedtokickhiswayclearoftheblazingdebris,smokechokingtheair,andwatchedhelplessasthesoldierranatDasha,swinginghissword.

Suddenly,therainclottedbeforeDasha’sbody,slowingthesword,pushingitaway.Thesoldierstumbledbutspunaroundandattackedagain.Oncemoretheraindropsthickened,twisted,andslowedtheblow.Dashacriedoutasthesword’sflatsidestruckhershoulder.ThesoldiertossedhisswordasideandreachedthroughtherainforDasha’sneck.Waterrolledfromherhairandface,overhishands,uphisarms,andintohismouthandnose.Razocouldseehimgurgling,spittingwater,drowningwherehestood.

RazofinallyclearedhisburningbarrierandboltedforDasha.Anothererrantwaveofheatrushedoverhishead.Hedoveforthegroundandfelttheheatsingehishair.WithoutDasha’shelp,Ennawasstrugglingagainstthethreeburners.

WhenRazolookedbacktowardDasha,hesawthesoldierspringforward,knockingDashaundertheroofofthewarehouse.Razogainedhisfeetandsprinted,aimingtoramthemanintothewall.

Dashaheldoutherpalms.ThesoldiertwistedbacktopunchDashabutpaused,hisfacecontorting.Razofaltered.

“What’reyou…?”Razosawnowthatsweatwasbeadingontheman’sface,onhishands,dripping,hugeglobsofwaterstreamingfromhisskin.Agurglingnoisebubbledoutofhisthroat.Shewaspullingwaterrightoutoftheman’sbody.

“Dasha…”Razoputahandonherarm,tryingtostillher.“Careful,Dasha.

Easy.”

ThelookonherfacewastooclosetohowEnnahadlookedthereattheendofthewar—eyespained,butfacevoidofexpression.Hetookherhand.

“He’ssubdued,Dasha.Youcanstop.”

Dasha’shandslowered.Thesoldierslumpedoverhisfeet,coughing,facewhite,lipsblue.Razofoundropeandtiedhim.Dasha’slimbstrembled,herstepswobblingasshewalkedbackintotherain.

“Sitdown.Rest,”hesaid.

Sheshookherhead.“We’renotdone.”Shecrumpled,andRazocaughtherunderherarmsandstoodbehindher,hisarmsaroundherwaisttoholdherup.

Dashawasright—itwasnotoveryet.Throughtherain,hecouldseetheterrortightinEnna’sfaceandhowherhandstrembled,andheknewshewasnotasstrongwithwindasshewaswithfire.Itwouldbesomucheasierforhertojustburnthosemen.AcordofheatescapedthewindandscorchedFinn’spantlegashebattledLedel.

“Holdon,Enna-girl,”Razocalledout.

Watermassedagainonthebrowsofthethreeburners,poureddowntheirfaces,overtheirhands,soakinguptheheat,takingthebitternessfromtheirattacks.Stilltheyfought.Enna’swindspeechseemedspent,andshewasusingherfire-speakingtostopthemnow.Insteadofbrushingawaytheirattacksofheat,Razoguessedthatshewaspullingtheheatintoherselfandsettingthefirelooseelsewhere.Soonspurtsofflameswererupturingtheairaroundherandbreakingtheharddirtfloor.Brokencratescrackleduntilwaterdousedthemintogustsofblacksmoke.

Atlast,theyoungsoldierwasslackeningandlookingeagertobedefeated.Ledel’ssecondmankneltontheground,stillfightingbutgroaninginpain.Thelispingsoldiercollapsedontothenowmuddyfloor,gaspingforbreath.

RazofeltashudderripplethroughDashalikelightningthroughthesky.

“That’sprobablygoodnow,”hewhispered.“IthinkEnnacanhandletherest.”

Therainfaltered,thendrizzledaway.DashaturnedtoputherheadonRazo’sshoulder,tuckedherhandsonhischest,herbodytremblinglikeacandleflame.Hepulledhercloseandrubbedherarms.Herskinwasice.

Hebroughtherbackundertheroofjustastheyoungsoldierfelltotheground,hisheadinhishands.Thesecondmanwaslyingface-first,hisbackshakingasthoughheeitherweptorlaughed.Thelispingsoldierslumpeddown,andEnnaputherfootonhisbackandcalledtoRazotobringrope.

ButFinnandLedel’sswordfightstillthunderedon.Neitherlaggedorswayedwithfatigue.Theyseemedtobetrappedinacontestofperfectbalance.

“Finn,letme,”saidEnna,herfingersdancingwithimpatienceonherskirt.

Finn’sexpressionsuppliednoresponse,hiseyesneverleavinghisopponent.

Hecanwin,Razothought.He’sthebestswordIeversaw.AndhewantedFinntowin,onhisown,toshowLedel,toshowEnna,too.Butheknewallitwouldtakewasonedelayedblock,oneslipinthemud,andLedel’sbladecouldfinditsmark.ItseemednotsuchabadthingtoletEnnadowhatshedidbest.

“Lether,Finn,”saidRazo.“Please.”

Thetwowarriorslockedswordsuptothehilts,theirfacesclosetogether.FinnshovedLedelandstumbledbackward.Theypaused,lookingateachotherfromacrosstheroom,theirswordsready.Neithercharged.

Ledel’seyesleftFinnforthefirsttime.Hetookinthesightofthebigsoldier,cussingandspitting,trussedlikeahog.Dashawasbindingtheyoungman’swristswithhalfofRazo’sdistancesling.Thesecondmanhadstoppedtrembling,buthedidnotbothertolifthisfacefromthemud.Thelastsoldier,stillpaleandbluelipped,laytiedbythedoor.

Inamovementquickasawasp,LedelflunghisswordatEnna,butawindshovedtheswordoffcourseandintothepileofbrokencrates.TheneverythingaboutLedel’sfacethatRazothoughtofashiscaptainnesspulleddown.Hisscarchangedfromimpressivetougly,hisjawdidnotseemsofineandsquare,hisshouldersnarrowed,hischestcaved.Hehowledandfelltohisknees,coveredhisfaceinhishands,andsobbed.

TheformercaptaindidnotfightbackwhenFinnsecuredhimwithhisownlummas.Oncehewasimmobile,Ledel’scryingsubduedintoshakingbreath,andthateeriesilencetickledRazofromhisscalptohisbum.Hescratched.

Thefourofthemstoodtogether,turningaround,lookingattheboundsoldierslyingallovertheroom.Thestrangeafter-rainsunlight,sharpasneedles,shotthroughthedoors,glaringbrilliantontheTiranwhiteclothing.

“IthinkIfiguredoutwhothemurdereris,”saidRazo.

Ennawaswide-eyeingthesituation,herfingersonherlips.Shewhisperedsomething.

“Whatwasthat?”askedRazo.

“Ididn’tkillany.”Sheturnedaroundagain,memorizingthescene,herfacesolemn.“Ihadtokeepthemfighting,youknow.Untiltheirfirewasusedup.Sothattheycouldn’tburn,notuntilwegotthembacktothepalaceandsafe.Inastonedungeon.AndIthinkitworked.Myskingotnumbtothewindafterawhile.Ihadtoburntokeepthemfromstrikingme,butjust…justalittle.Notkill.Wedidn’thavetokillanybody.Exceptthatone—isthatlumpthereTumas?—buthewasdeadwhenwegothere.”ShewalkedovertoFinn,herfacejustahandsbreadthfromhis.Sheputherhandsonhischestandexhaled.“Ididit.Ikeptmypromise.”

“Iloveyousomuch,”saidFinn,hiseyesfullofEnna.

Shesquealedinjoy,andhehuggedherandspunheraroundasshedeclaredthatshedidit,she’ddoneit.Andwhentheystoppedspinning,theystartedkissing.Razorealizedhehadneverseenthemkissbefore.Hetriednottowatch,butthesightofpeoplekissingdrewhiseyeslikeafistfightinamarketplaceoragurglingbabysmilingrightathim.Whenhetorehisgazeaway,hefeltevenmoreawkwardwhenitfellonDasha.

ShewassmilingatEnnaandFinn,hernosecrinkled.

“Let’sleavethemto,uh,guard,”saidRazo,“andwecanfetchLordBelvan.”

LordBelvan,Razohadsaid,buthewasmostlythinkingaboutTalone.Ididit,hewouldsaytoTalone.Wedid.It’sdone.HemightevenhopupanddownasEnnahad,butwithoutthekissingFinnpart.

RazoandDashaleftthewarehouseandwalkedalongtheriverbank,allpanicdrainedfromtheirfeet.Therainhadstopped.Sunandbrightdashesofblueskymeltedthroughtheclouds,andthewarmthdriedtheirclothes.PurplebruisesencircledDasha’sneck,onebulgedonhercheek,andhersleevewastornattheshoulder.Razoknewhelookednobetter.Funnythathefeltlikecrowing.

Dashatookhishand,carefulnottotouchtheburnsonhiswrists,andswungtheirarmsbackandforth.ThemotionmadeRazorealizehowalivehestillwas.Hefeltlikesayingsomethingobvious.

“I’mgladwedidn’tdie.”

Sheadjustedherfingersaroundhishandtogetafirmergrip.Thoughsheheldonlyhishand,somehowhefelthertouchinhischest,inhisgut,inhishead.

“Wealmostdid,though,didn’twe?”shesaid.“Thatwouldnothavebeenfun.”

“No,notreally.Wouldyouprefertobekilledormaimed?”

“Killed…no,wait.Maimedhow?”

“Loseanarmbutstilllive.”

“Maimed.Wouldyouprefertoloseanarmoryourface?”

“IfIlostmyface,couldIstilleat?”

Thisdiscussionlastedthemtheirjourneyhome.Theycrossedtworiversbeforefindingapennywagonstillrunningonafeastday.Theheartwassubdued,emptyofbothbusinessandcelebrants,thefestivitiescutshortbyrain.Theuncannilysweetfragranceofapplesstainedtheair,alingeringscentthatemanatedfromeverywhere,asthoughthewhitestonesthemselveswerethefruit’sopenedflesh.Itseemedasmallmiraclethattherainhadnotwashedthesmellaway,thekindofwonderthatfilledRazo’schestwithahh.Likethecuriosityofrainlacedwithsunshine.Likethemarvelofpickingripefruitrightfromatree.HelikedbeingwithDashaandhavingthesethoughtsatthesametime.Itfeltnatural,inthewaythatdancinggoeswithmusic.

Hismouthwasfullofotherquestionsforher.Wouldyoureallymarrytheprince?Doyouthinkapersoncandecidetoloveonlyonegirlhiswholelife,thenloseher,thenfindsomeoneelsehelovesmoreandchangehismind?Doyouthinkthat’spossible?

Insteadheasked,“Wouldyoupreferbeingbakedtodeathunderthesunoreatenalivebyants?”

Dashadidnothaveachancetoanswer.TheywerepassingthroughthegatesofThousandYears,LordBelvanfoundthem,andthebedlamofacrisissolvedsuckedthemintomeetingsandtestimonialsuntiltheywerespatoutagainjustintimetosupandsleep.

Whennightpulleddownoverhisears,Razoburrowedinhiscot,hisarmsaroundhisface.Hisbandagedwristssmelledofgreasyburnointment,his

sleevesstillwhiffedofsmoke,andonhisskinlaythethin,coldsmellofapples.

28ANewShipinPort

Razowoketothesoundofrainpouncingonthebarracksroof.Thunderhissedandlightningscratchedthesky,thentheraincalmedandcurledup,intendingtostay.Thepurrofstormdrownedoutthehourlybells,andRazofoundhecouldrolloveranddreamsomemore.Hesleptuntilnoon.Whenhisstomachandcuriosityfinallysenthimrunningtothepastrykitchen,afewminutesoffloorsweepingearnedhimaplateofpainfullyspicyfishpattiesandabucketfulofnews.Thegirlstalkedoveroneanother,practicallyskippingaboutwiththehappytidingsofafreshscandal.

“Nevermindtheweather,Razo,businessintheheartwillbebriskallday.Noonecouldrestcomfortablyathomewhenscandalsareafoot.”

“It’ssimplytoojuicy—CaptainLedelandmanyofhismenarrested,onekilled,severaltrainedasfire-witches…”

“AconspiracytoframetheBayern,LordKilcad’sdaughterherselfaneyewitnessandnearlyavictim…”

“Thiswillbeatrialthatruinsnoblesandmilitarymenandcatapultsattorneysintoassemblyseats.”

Razowipedatearsparkedbytheawe-inspiringspiceinhisfood.“FromallI’veheard,Tiranattorneysareslipperierthansausages.AnychanceLedelcouldgetoff?”

Thepastrychefshookherhead.“Idoubtit.Thecityalreadyhatesthemanforhisduplicity,andpublicopinionishalfofanytrial.”

HewasnoteagertosharethenewsofPelabutfinallytoldall,includingthepoisonedpastryandhermurder.Thekitchenwentsoquiet,allhecouldhearwasthehearthfirenippingatthewood.Aquickscanofthefaces—surprised,sickened,solemn—madehimbelievethatPelahadbeenactingalone.

Thatafternoon,Razosharedthepastrygirls’assessmentwithTaloneinMegina’sreceivingroom,wheretheydrankpurplegrapejuiceasthickasfoodandwatchedtherainsmeartheworldaway.

Meginanodded,hereyesontheblurryworldoutsidetheshutters.“I’vemade

somemistakes….”

“Megina,”saidTalone.

Sheshookherhead.“ThereweretimeswhenIwastoocautious,particularlyafterVeranwasmurdered.RazowasanambassadorforthepeopleIcouldn’treach.I’mtryingtosaythankyou.”Meginasmiled.“AndIhavemoregoodnews.Thismorning,threeseparatecitizensofferedupthenamesandlocationsoftheremnantsofManifestTira.ThechiefofassemblytoldmetheinformershadknownofManifestTiraandtheirplansforsometime.Whenaskedwhytheycameforwardnow,allthreementionedthedisgraceofamilitaryleadertryingtotrickthepublicintowar.Twoalsocitedtherumorsthattheprince’schoiceofbridewouldcementrelationswithBayern.”

“Razo,you’refriendlywiththeprince,”saidTalone.“Doyouknowwhomheintendstomarry?”

“No,Idon’t.”Frustrationseepedthroughhiswords.Taloneapparentlymistookitasangerfornothavingbetterinformation.

“Nomatter,Razo.Ifyouneverdiscoveranothersecret,yourdutytoBayernhasbeenpaidinfull.AndI’mgratefultoyou,son.”

Razocouldnothelpbutgrinfoolishly.Talone’scomplimentputhiminhastydangerofcrowinglikearoosterandstruttingalongthebackofthesofa,sohechangedthesubject.

“WhataboutEnna,Captain?Ledelandhisburners,downintheirdungeon,knowthatshe’s—”

“Lastnight,MeginatoldLordBelvanaboutEnna.He’stakenituponhimselftobetheonlypersontointerrogatetheprisoners,andhehasassuredusthathewillkeepEnna’ssecretuntilsheleavesforBayernwiththenexttravelingparty.Shewillbesafe.”

Thenextday,theassemblyvotedforpeace.

Thecelebrationbanquetwassubdued,moreanexhaleofreliefthanashoutofjoy.Onlytheprincewasallsparklingeyesandgraciousness.

“Razo’s-Own!Ofcourseyousingle-handedlyusedthosevillains’facestocleanyoursandals.Pardonme,Imeanttosay,perhapshandedlybutcertainlynotsingle,orsoIhaveheard.Welldone,LadyDasha.”

“Thankyou,Radiance.”

Dashasmiledattheprince,andRazowatchedhernoseverycarefullyforanysignsofcrinkling.Shewaspolite,butshedidnotoversmileorasktheprinceifhewouldprefertobehorsewhippedorpeckedtodeathbytinyfish.Razotookthisasagoodsign,untilanexuberantVictarsweptDashaintohisentourageandgotherlaughingatafacepuppethehadcarvedfromanapple.Nowtherewasdefinitivenosecreasing.

Theverynextday,RazowasleavingthebarracksforthepalacewhenhespottedDasha’sorangehairacrossthecourtyard.Hejoggedtowardher,intentonpinningherdownabouttheprinceandmarriageonceandforall,butshecutoffhisgreeting.

“Can’ttalknow,Razo.IhavesomethingIhavetodo.”

“Whatisit?”heasked.“MaybeIcouldhelp.”

“Uh,sorry,it’snothingreally,butsomeoneiswaitingforme,andIcan’t…I’llseeyoulater,allright?”

Razowatchedhertwitterawayandfeltasthoughsomeonehadwhippedatreebranchintohisgut.

“Razo!”Ennahurriedtowardhim.“HaveyouseenFinn?”

“Finn’sgone,too?”

“Whatdoyoumean,‘gone,too’?”

“Nothing,itwasastupidthought,nevermind.”

“Ican’timaginewherehe’s…heusedtobeso…it’slikehe’spushingmeawayonpurpose,likehereallywasn’t…”Enna’sinterestinscanningthehorizonfaltered.Hereyesfelltoherraggedfingernail.“Nevermind,youdon’twanttohearthis.”Sheclearedherthroat.“Iwantedtotellyousomethingelse.YourfriendDasha,shedidwell,youknow?Shedistractedtheburnerswiththewater,keepingthemfromslippingfirepastmetohurtyouorFinn.Andsoakingthescoundrelslikeshedidprobablysavedthemfromburningthemselvesout.”

“Ithinkitwashardforher.”Razochosehiswordscarefully,awarethatifheplayeditwrong,Enna’scurrentagreeablestatecouldvanishinahuff.“Shegotreallyspookedwhenhergrandfatherdrownedhimself.Shepretendsnottoworry,butIknowshe’sfullyanxiousthatwhatshedidbacktherewillplunge

herheadfirstintohisfate.”

Ennanodded.Razosuspectedsheunderstoodmorethanhedid.

“IlookedoverthebookLedelhadfoundonfire-speaking,”saidEnna.“It’sridiculous,justfragmentsofideasandnoneofitclearaboutexactlyhowtopushalltheheatbackoutofyouagain.Nowondertheyburnedthemselvesup.Ifthere’sbadinformationoutthere,someonedesperate,likeDasha,say,couldstumbleonitandtrytolearnfirespeechandgetherselfburned.WhatI’msayingis,I’llteachher.”

Razoleanedbackagainstatreeandbreathedout.“That’saboutthebest…Willyoureally,Enna-girl?Really?”

“Yes,ofcourse.”Ennasmiledhergoodsmile.“Whentheweatherchasedusawayfromtheapplecakesfestival,Conradwasallanxiousaboutyou,saidyoutriedtoactcomposedbutyourworrywasprettyeasytoread,andheshowedmeandFinnyourmap,saidhewassupposedtokeepitsafeforevidenceorsomethingbutthoughtyoumightneedourhelpnowinstead.Rightwhenhesaidthat,itwaslikesomethingstruckme.Therearen’tmanypeopleintheworldItrust,butyou’reoneofthem,andifyousaythatDasha’strustworthy,eventhoughshe’sTiran,andifyousayshe’lldogoodwithit,thenIbelieveyou.”

“Thanks,Enna.”Hesmiled,showingoffthespacebetweenhisteeth.“So,whatishappeningwithyouandFinn?Areyoustill…?”

“Idon’tknow,Razo.”Hervoicedriedup,andsheshookherheadassheleft.

Razohurriedtheoppositeway,followingthedirectionDashahadgone.Hehadtoknow.Heskulkedoutsideherchamber,listening.Novoices,nosoundbuttheclatterandtingofaharpplayeddreadfully.WasDashapluckingitwithhertoes?ThenoisejarredRazolikehisteethscrapingmetal,andhewaitedbythedoor,armsfolded.Aservingboywithatraysneeredathimasheapproached,nudginghimoutofthewaytoknock.

“Lady,Ihavethefoodanddrinksyoucalledfor.”

Dashaopenedthedoor,hercheeksturningredwhenshesawRazo.Behindherintheroom,hecouldseeFinn,seatedwithhisbacktothedoor.Withoutaword,Razoleft.

Hewanderedthepalacegrounds,kickinglooserockshardenoughtobruisehistoes.Hestoopedtopickupanegg-shapedstonetoaddtohispouch,

rememberedLedelhaddestroyedhisslings,andhurleditintoawhitewashedtreeplanter.

“Thereyouare!”Conradjoggedtowardhim.“TalonesentmetofindalltheBayernstragglers.We’remeetingatthestablesinhalfanhour.You’llneverguess—IsiandGericareinport!”

“Somethinggoodtoday,anyway…”

“Whatdoyoumean?What’s—”

“Nevermind.Conrad,couldyougotellLadyDasha?She’sinherchamber.I’mgoingtogofetchHisRadiance.”

“Excellent!”saidtheprincewhenRazoextendedtheinvitation.“Iwasverymuchinthemoodforanouting.Amanneedstostretchhislegs,seetheworld!Now,whoisitagainwearegoingtosee?”

Theprincedidnotridehorses,soacarriagewasassembled.FinnandDashashoweduplate,FinngoingtoEnna’ssideasthoughallwerenormal.Whenherestedhishandonhisswordhilt,RazonoticedFinn’sfingerswereredintheverysameplaceswhereDashasportedharpingcalluses.

Thedockswerelivelyandjammed,heavilysaltedfromthebrinyairandthesweatofsailors.OneshipintheharborboreabannercarryingBayern’ssunandcrown.Arowboatworkedthewaterstowardshore,IsiandGericonthebow,theircheekstannedfromthesun.Shoutsofgreetingeruptedfrombothsides.

“Hello!”Gericwaved,fullofenergy.“Well,thatwasverypleasant.Noreasonforthetraveltotaketwomonths—wespentsixdaysonhorseback,twodaysonariver,fourdaysontheocean,andhereweare!”

“It’snotalwayssofast,YourMajesty,”saidabeardedmanwhosefacewasasweatheredasoakbark.Hisaccentwascrisp,hiswordsliltingup,markinghimasamanfromKel,Bayern’snortheasternneighbor.“Thatwasanabominablygoodwindwefollowed.”

“Justhappenedtohaveagoodwind,didyou?”saidEnna.

SheandIsiexchangeddeviouslooks.

AssoonasGeric’sfoottouchedsoil,Conradleapedathim,pullinghimintoagrapplinghold.EnnawasthefirsttograbIsicomingdowntheplank.

“Where’sTusken?Hemustbehuge!”

“Poorlamb,wehadtoleavehimhome!Iknow,Iknow,butIcouldn’tinflictthatjourneyonaone-year-old.Finn,IcajoledyourmotheroutofherForesthouseandintothepalaceforonce.Icouldn’ttrustmyboytoanyonebutGilsa.”

“Ican’tbelieveyouactuallylefthim!”saidEnna.“Youmustfeelwretched.”

“Wretchedandlonelyandtorninhalf,butifyouthinkI’msuffering…”IsiglancedbackatGeric,whonowhadConradinachokehold,andloweredhervoice.“Youshould’veseenGeric.Thefirsttwonightsaway,heactually—”

“Whatareyoutellingthem?”Gericlookedathersuspiciously.

“Nothing!”saidIsiwithanimpishsmile.“Nothing.I’mnotsayingapeep.”

GericreleasedConradandshookhishandsoutinfrontofhimwithagestureofdefeat.“Allright,allright,Imight’vebeenupset—”

“Upset?Hesobbed!”

“—butI’mnomoreupsetthananyfatherwouldbe.It’snotthatIdon’ttrustGilsa,but…”Gerichadtopauseforemotion.“Buthe’smyboy.”

Ennastaredopenmouthed,asthoughshesawsomestrangenewcreatureinamenagerie.“He’smoreheartbrokenthanyouare,Isi.”

“Iknow!WhoknewBayernmenweresodemonstrative?”ShepulledGericintokisshim.

Enna’sglanceslideversobrieflytoFinn,andRazothoughtagainofhersaying,Whydon’tyoumakeafoolofyourselfforme?

ThensomeonesteppedofftheboatwhomRazohadnevermetbefore.Someoneasyellow-hairedasIsi.

“Whatasight!”shesaid,holdingherhandstoherchestandtakinginIngridanasthoughshedrankhoneyedmilk.“It’spositivelydelicious.Look,Icanseethreeriversfromhere.Howmanyarethereagain?”

“Seven,mydear.Sevenrivers.”Theprincesteppedfromtheshadeofhiscarriage.Helookedstriking,hisgreen-andblue-dyedclothingbrilliantagainstthebackdropofwhitecityandred-tiledroofs.

“Isi,Geric,”saidRazo,“mayIintroduceHisRadiance,theprinceofTira.”

“Oh!”saidIsi.“Thisiswonderful.”

“Apleasure,sir,”saidGeric.

“Please,Radiance,”saidIsi,“allowmetonametoyoumysister,Napralina-VicteryTaliannaIsilee,seconddaughterofthequeenofKildenree.ShewasvisitingusinBayernwhenLordKilcadsuggestedwetraveltoTiratoaddresstheassemblybeforetheirvote.Wepassedatradershipenroutewhogaveusthenews—wemissedthevotebutarehereintimeforthecelebration!”

“Icouldnotbemoredelighted.”TheprincecrossedhishandsonhischestandbowedhisheadinapleasedandsolemnmannerthatRazohadneverbeforeseenonhisface.

Napralinacurtsiedprettily.Shehadthelighteyesandhappysmileofsomeonewhohasneverknownhardshipandthinksthewholeworldabunchofgrapes.RazowasthinkinghereyeswerenotasinterestingasDasha’swhenIsigavehimasignificantlook.

“Oh!”saidRazo,understanding.

“Oh,what?Whatisit?”askedtheprince,lookingaroundeagerlyasthoughafraidtomisswhateverspectacularthingRazohaddiscovered.

“Oh,nothing,oh,it’sgettinghotouthereunderthesun.Oh…”Razofidgeted.“Oh,Imean,Radiance,whydon’twewalkbacktothepalace?YoucouldshowPrincessNapralinathedocksandsuch.”

“Splendididea,Razo’s-Own!Iwaswearyofthecarriage.Come,mydear,”hesaid,extendinganarmtoNapralina.“ThoseshipstherewithsevensailsarefromtheWaskingIslands.You’lladoretheWasking.Theyhavethemostmusicalaccents.Nom,dosaysomethingsoshecanadmire!”

Theywalkedaway,accompaniedbytheprince’sWaskingentourage.GericwasspeakingwithTalone,Megina,andDasha,soIsi,Razo,Enna,andFinntookamomenttohuddletogether.IsilockedarmswithEnnaandRazobesideher.RazonoticedthatthoughEnnaandFinnstoodsidebyside,theydidnottouch.

“NapralinawastellingmehowboredshewaswithKildenree,”Isisaid,barelymovingherlips.“HowshewishedGerichadabrother,howmuchshewouldliketobecomeaprincessofaforeignland.”

Alltheireyesfollowedthepair.

“AndthenyougotEnna’sletter,huh?”askedRazo.“Aboutfindingabridefor

theprince?”

“ItwasRazo’sidea,”saidEnna.

“Seemslikeitwasagoodone,”saidFinn.

Razothoughtso,too.

“Doyouthinkit’llwork,Razo?”askedIsi.

Razoconsidered.Theprince’schoicesresonatedwiththecitizensofIngridan.Evenso,marryingaBayernwomanwhenfeelingswerestilltendercouldcausehavocamongsomegroups.ButanattachmenttothequeenofBayern’sKildenreansister—unmistakablesidetakingwithouttheriskofgoingtoofar.HewonderedwhatnameNapralinawouldgivetheprince.

“Ithinkitcouldberottengreat.”

29AFewMoreSecrets

RazohadnotwornhisoldbrownuniformsincefirstadoptingtheTiranclothing.HevaguelyrecalledrollingitupinaballandstuffingitintoEnna’swardrobesomemonthsback,sohestoppedthereacoupleofnightsafterIsiandGeric’sarrivaltopreparefortheirwelcomingbanquet.Finnwaswho-knows-whereagain,butEnnawasinherroom,stickinglittlesilverythingsinherhairthewaytheTiranladiesdid.Apparently,herdistasteofallthingsTiranhadbeguntowane.

HegrabbedhisballofwrinkleduniformandduckedbehindEnna’sdressingscreentogetpresentable.Hethoughthewouldliketolookgoodtonight,alllaidoutinhisBayernarmysplendor.JusttohonorIsiandGeric.Nootherreason.

Hepulledonhisleggings.Thatis,hepulledthemhalfwayon.Hecouldyankthemuphisthighs,butthebottomslefthisanklesbarelikelittle-boyknickers.

“Whatmischief’sthis?”

Hewrenchedhislong-sleevedtunicoverhisheadandtuggeddown.Thehemusedtohitthetopsofhisthighs,butitbarelycoveredhiswaist,andthechestandshouldersweresotightthathehadtopullhimselftalljusttobreathe.Andthen,ofcourse,hisbootsprovedtooshortforhistoes.HeglaredatthebackofEnna’shead,thenhadtolaugh.Itwasaprettysolidprank.

“Ha-ha!”hesaid,emerging.“Doyoulikemynewattire?”

Enna’seyeswidenedasRazostruttedalittlecircle.Shechoked,thenleanedforwardtolaughasthoughherdelightweresoheavythatitweightedherchest.Heprancedonhistoesasheimaginedgirlsmustdowhenshowingoneanothernewdresses.

“Tighttunicandshortleggings,thenewestBayernfashion,”hesaidinahighvoice.“It’sanEnnaspecialty.”

“Ican’ttakecredit,thoughIwishIcould,”saidEnna,stilllaughing.

Razoceasedflouncingandsethisfeaturestolookdeadserious.“Don’tplay,Enna-girl.Youcan’tmakemebelieveFinndidthis.”

“Finn?What’reyou…?Razo,it’syou.”

Razore-firmedhisexpressiontobeevenmoredeadly.

Ennabarkedasurprisedlaugh.“Don’tyourealize,youForestyokel?Youhitagrowthspurtthisyear.”

“Please,I’mnotasgullibleasIusedtobe.This’sanotherofyourtricks,liketheshortstirrupsonmysaddle.”

Ennaputoutherhandsasiftosay,WhatcanIdoifyoudon’tbelieveme?

Razosnorted.“I’meighteenyearsnow,andmybrothersstoppedgrowingwhentheywere…”Howoldhadtheybeen?Sixteen,seventeen?Hisclothinghadseemedtighterthesepastmonths.Wasitpossiblethatallofasuddenhisbodytooktotheideaofgettingtaller?

“AmIreally?”

Ennaflickedherhandsinthedirectionofhisbareanklesasifsaying,There’syourevidence.

RazonudgedEnnaoutofthewayandplacedhimselfbeforehermirror.Hehadnotseenhisreflectioninmonthsormore.Thetopofhishairhadbeensingedinthefirefightandwasnotlongenoughtostandupimpressively.Hisfacesportedseveralratherimpressivebruises,andhisskinwasspeckledredfromthescaldingwaterofDasha’sfightwiththeburners.Butsomethingelsewasdifferent—afirmerjaw?Alongerchin?Hesqueezedhisarmmusclesandnodded,impressedattheirgirth,thenglancedatEnnatoseeifshehadnoticed.Shewassmirking.

“Standup.”HepressedhisbacktoEnna’sandpattedthetopsoftheirheads.“I’mtallerthanyou.”

“Barely.Don’tletitgotoyourhead.”

“No,wait,letmesaythatagain—I’mtallerthanyou!”

“Barely,”Ennasaidagain.

Razodidnotcareaboutbarely.Hestruttedandfrolicked,swaggeredandsashayed,chantinghisha-ha’sandfeelingthemagnificenceofhisnewsize.

“You’restillaheadshorterthanFinn,atleast,”shesaid.

“Youcan’tburstmypigbladderballoon,LadyHairOrnaments.IknowthatI’mquiteimposing.”

HechangedbackintohisTirangarments,andtheysauntereddowntothecelebration,exchangingjabs,verbalandoftheelbowkind,andwerelaughingtothepointoftheoccasionalsnortwhentheycrossedintothebanquethall’sheadyfragranceofathousandoillamps.Finnwassittingonapillowattheirtable,hisbackverystraight,histhumbflickingaspoonasthoughtorelievenervoustension.

“What’sfunny?”heasked.

“Razo’staller,”saidEnna.

“Thatisfunny,”saidFinn.

Ennadidnotsitbesidehim.

Thefeastwasmorefancythanhearty—orangefishwithheavymustardsaucesweetenedwithdates,mincedclammeatstuffedwithpeppercornsandpinekernelsonbreadsoakedinwine.Itwasnotuntilthechiefofassembly’sspeechduringthepickledmeloncoursethatRazorealizedwhatthiswas—afarewellgala.

“Thehonorofthisroyalvisit…”blahblahblah“…excellenttidingsfromLordKilcadonthepeacehegreetedinBayern…hopeofongoingrelations…andbidafondfarewelltothoseBayernwhowillnowbereturninghome.”

Returninghome.Razohadnotthought…Ofcourse,theassignmentwasmeanttocarrythroughonlyuntilaftertheassembly’svote.Meginawouldstay,butheimaginedmanyofBayern’sOwnwouldleaveandotherscometotaketheirplace.RazowouldbesentbacktoBayern’scapital,lifeasnormalreturned,nowar,noworries.Thatwouldbeallright.Hesupposed.

Home.ItwouldslayhimifheneversawhismaorRinagain,helovedbeingUncleRazo,andthereweresomehappymomentswithhisbrothers,whenhewasnotspittingdirtandpineneedlesoutofhismouth;evenso,thememoryofthehomesteadpinchedhimliketheclotheshe’doutgrown.

Heleanedonhiselbowagainstafloorpillow,thinkinghowwellhelikedtheloungeandlunchcustomsofIngridan.Andhewasprettyattachedtohislummasnowandtothekindofweatherthatpermittedsandals.Windonthetoeswasagoodthing.Heevenlikedthesummerwithitsbreathlessheat.Thesmelloftangerineblossomssosweetandunreal,itfeltwicked.Thewaytheoceangulpedthecitytoastop,theshipsthatmadehistoesitchtoclimbaboard.Eggy

figcakesandsour,sourolives,darkbreadseepedingreenishoil,fishandwinesauceunbearablysweet.Dasha.Hewouldmissthesethings.Apressureinhischesttoldhimthathealreadydid.

Justashewasfeelinghismostsentimental,themusicbegan.Fourladieswithharpsandfiddlessettledintothecenterofthehallandplayedamelancholytune,onehe’dheardsungoneveryfeastday.Thesoundofitwentdownhisthroatandtwiddledwithhisstomach,andthewordshummedthemselvesintohismouth.

Ingridan,pouryourselfinsidemyskin

Acityofsevenrivers

Mybloodrunsinallyourrivers

Dashawasoneoftheharpists.Hewatchedherverycloselyandwonderedifhe’dalreadylosttheopportunitytotellherthathelikedherankles,andthatlockofhairthatslippedloosefromherbraid,andwhenshewastoohappytokeepfrombouncing.

Whenthesongended,everyonemoanedastheyapplaudedintheTirancustomforgivinghomagetoasongoftheirhomeland.Razowasexpectinganothertunetofollow,hopefullyoneabitmorerobusttotapawaytheflavorofhomesickness,butallthemusiciansroseandleft,exceptDasha.Sheheldoutherharp,andwonderofwonders,Finnstood,crossedtheroom,andtookitfromher.

RazolookedatEnna.Herfacewassoobviousandgaping,hedecidedshecouldneverteasehimaboutthatagain.

DashagaveFinnherseat,madesurehisfingerswereoncertainstrings,thensteppedback.

Theroomwasshiveringinstillness,everyonewatchingtheBayernsoldierwithaTiranharp,hisswordhiltclankingagainstitsbow.Hisentirefacewasred-turning-purple,buthislipswerestraightandserious.

“Iwanttoplayasongformylove,Enna,”hesaid.

RazoheardEnnaemitatinysound,muchlikeasqueak.

EitherFinn’sfingersmissedhalftherightnotesorthetunewasasneartothesoundofawoundedcatasRazohadeverheard.Afterwhathecouldonlyguesswasanintroduction,Finnsang.Ennasqueakedagain.

Tellherthatsheismyrose

TellherthatIloveher

WhisperthatI’vegoneaway

AndI’lllovenoother

Finnwasfairlylarge,decentlybroad,certainlystrong,butashesang,his

voicesoundedtenyearsold.Itsquealedoverhighnotesandtrembledandsometimesraspedanddisappearedcompletelywhenthesongsanktoolow.ToRazo’smind,thesongdidnotsuffermuchbylosingafewofthoseabsurdlyrics,butFinnsangthemwithbone-deepearnestness.

Razo’sthroattickledashetriednottolaugh.

Finn’svoicefadedout,histhickfingerspluckedthefinalnotes,uptheharptothethinnest,shorteststringanditspiercingadieu.Heplacedtheharpontheground,hishandstremblingastheyneverdidwhenholdingasword.Thesilenceoftheroombegged,Shouldweapplaud?

RazolookedatEnna,readytoshareasmile,andgulpedwhenhesawherface.Shewassobbing.

“Greatcrows,”hewhispered.Thereweremoremysteriesinthisworldthanhecouldeversolve.

Sheteeteredtoherfeetandransloppilyacrosstheroom,aroundtables,leapingoveroutstretchedlegs.Finnhadhisarmsout,andtheyembracedrightthereinthemiddleofthehall.

“OfcourseI’llmarryyou,”Ennasaid.“Yes,Finn,yes,ofcourse.”

Thesilenceshatteredintowallopingapplause.

Razoclappedsoviolentlythathishandshurt,andhestillfeltlikelaughing,sohedid,thoughhewasnotlaughingatFinn—thelaughwasjuststuckinhisthroatlikeahardbiteofapple,andheneededtogetitout.Strangely,itmadehiseyeswater.

Dashawasclappinghard,too,andtheBayernwerewhooping.IsiandGericbothcuppedtheirhandsaroundtheirmouthsandshoutedhuzzahs.TheprincegesturedtowardFinnandEnnaincaseNapralinahadmissedit,andshenoddedhappily.Talone,who’dbeenstandingbythedoor,crossedtheroomandsatonapillowbesideMegina.Shesmiledwithoutturningherhead.

ThethoughtoccurredtoRazothatifhehadnotbeenapplaudingclosefriendsinaraucousroom,hewouldhavefeltverylonelyjustthen.Heclappedharder.

Whenthebanquetdwindledandtheguestshaddriftedaway,Razostillsatonhiscushions,stackingbreadcrumbsintoaminiaturefortress.Ahandtouchedthebackofhisneck.

“You’restillhere,”shesaid.

Hecouldsmellafaintcloudoftangerineperfumeand,underneathit,theheartierfragranceofoceanbrine.Thescentplayedhim,andhefeltfullofthehumofhertune.

“Wanttogoforawalk?”Hisvoicesoundedjusttherightkindofcasual,evenifhecouldnotquiteschoolhisfaceintoanonchalantexpression.

TheIngridanautumnairwaspleasantandcoolandcarriedwithitaroundfeelinglikesomethingcomplete—afullmoon,afullplate,theendofagoodday.Thewindfromthewestsmelledbrownandpartedtheoceanfromtheair,fillingitwithharvestwheat.

TheyfollowedthePallo,theslimriverofThousandYears,outthegatesandacrosstheavenuetowherecityarchitectshadjoineditwiththetiledwaysoftheTumult.Theriverwashigh,justonepacedownfromtheedgeofthebank.RazowatchedtheirreflectionsdrizzleacrossitssurfaceashetoldherofEnna’soffertoteachherfire.Dashastaredstraightahead,hermouthagape.

“Thatis…that’sjust…”Sheendedinawhisper.“Thankyou.”

Razothoughtabouttakingherhandandthendidnot.Danglingjustabovethehorizon,themoonlookedsoperfectandround,helongedtopluckitfromtheskyandpopitinhismouth.

“Ihavenotseenyoumuchlately.”Shewaswearingtinysilverbellsinherhair.Theytinkledwhensheturnedherhead,asthoughlaughingatthewatersoundsrushingbesidetheirfeet.

“Ihaven’tseenyou,”hesaid.

Histonestraightenedherspine.“Well,wherehaveyoubeen?Withthegirlsfromthepastrykitchen?”

“With…what?WhatwouldyoumindifIwere?”

“Ithinkit’sdisgustingthewaysomeboyscavortwithpoorgirls.”

“Youdo?”Razohadnotthoughtshecouldbesohaughty.

“Yes.I’veseenitathousandtimes,nobleboyslikeyouplayingwiththeirheartswithnointentionofmakingtrueonpromises,justbecausethey’rebeneathyourrankand—”

Razolaughed.“Oh,you’reworriedaboutthem.…Wait,hotherenow,woulditmakeadifferenceifyouknewthatI’mnonoble?”

“You’renot?”Shekeptwalking.

“No.RazooftheForest,aspoorasatreeratinthewinter.”Hetriedtoreadherreactiontothenewsfromthecornerofhiseyeswhilewhistlingajangledtune,thenstoppedwhenhisdrymouthturnedthewhistleintoascratch.“So,doesthatmakeitallrightifIcavortwithpastrygirls?”

“Isuppose.”Shesoundedreluctant.

Razo’sownspinestraightened.“What’swithpointingfingersatmeanyhow,noblegirl?WhataboutyouandFinn?”

“Finn?HewantedmyhelptolearntheharpsohecouldplayitforEnnaandheaskedmetokeepthesecret.”

“Oh,right.Andtheprince?”

“Ifyouarereferringtohisintentionstowardme,myfatherwrotemetoaskmyopinion,andIsaidIdeclined.Bytheway,didyouseehowsmittenheseemedbythequeen’ssister?”

“Yes,actually.Well…well,whatofVictar?Yousaidyoudidn’tknowhimandthen—”

“ImadeapointtoknowallthemeninCaptainLedel’scompanyafteryoutoldmeyoursuspicions.Wehavebecomefriends,ofasort,butheisjustthattypeIwasreferringto,acavorterandaheartbreaker.Hemakesmelaugh,butIdon’tlikehimmuch.”

“No,no,no,youdotoolikehim.IsawyouwithVictar,youwithyoursmileandyournoseallcrinkly.”

Shestoppedshort.“Mynosewhat?”

“Allcrinkly.Yournosecrinkleswhenyousmileespeciallybig,whenyou’rereallypleased.”Heaccusedherwithhisglare.Then,ofallinexplicablethings,hereyesbegantotear.“Uh,didIsaysomething…?”Herubbedhisneck.“I’malwayssayingsomething…I’msorry,Ididn’tmeanto—”

“Younoticedmynose,”shesaidwithalittlesqueak.

Razohadnothingtosaytothat.

“Noonehaseverobservedthataboutmebefore,ornevertoldme.Itmeansyou’renoticingme.Itmeansyoucare.”

“Well,ofcourseIcare,anydoltcouldsee—”

“Doyoureally?”Sheplacedbothhandsonhischestandlookedup.

Itwasaboutthebestinvitationhe’deverhadtokissagirl,andhewasnotabouttoletthemomentescape.Butthiswasnoteasinggirlwhopattedhisbumjusttoseehimsquirm.Thiswassomeonewhomadehisheartclatteragainsthisribs.Hedidnotfeelquiteascavalierashewouldhaveliked.Hismouthwasdry,hislipsweredry,hisheadfeltlight,andhesuddenlyhadthecrazynotionthatDasha’shandswereholdinghimdownfromthesky.Hethoughthehadbettersaysomethingquick,andthefirstwordsthattouchedhistonguewere,“Myheart’sreallypounding.”

“Iknow,”shesaid.“Icanfeelit.”

“Oh,”hesaid.

Quitstalling,hetoldhimself.

Sohebowedhisheadandclosedhiseyes,andsomehowhislipsfoundhers.Hekissedheronce,thenletherlipsgo,butitwasaboutthesweetestthinghehadevertasted,betterthanfig-and-eggcake,sohewentback.Alongerkiss.Hepeeked.Hereyeswerestillclosed.Hekissedheragainandfelthermouthsmileunderhis.

“Youwerestalling,”shewhispered.

“Iwasnot.”

“Youwere,too.Youwerescared.”

“I’mnottheleastbitscared,mylady,see?”Hesweptanarmunderherkneesandpickedherup,kissingheragainashedid.“Notscaredawhit.”

Razotookonestepoffthepierandplungedthembothintotheautumnwater.Hebobbedbackuplikeaduckafterafeeding,layonhisback,andletherfloathim,thewaterunderhisbodyasstrongasanet,massaginghisbackwiththin,ripplingcurrents.

Hisshoulderrubbedagainstasmallboat,andhegrabbedthesideandclamberedin,pullingDashainafterhim.Hereasonedthatasitwasnotbeingused,noonecouldmindifheborroweditforalittlerow.Theexercisewarmed

hismuscles.Dashalookedextremelypleasingjustthen,aswetasanotter,butthenthewaterrolledoffherunnaturallyfast,downherlegsandontotheboat’sfloor,leavingherclotheswrinkledanddry.

Shedrewsomethingoutofthelinenpouchshecarriedatherside.

“Asling!”hesaid.

“Twoslings,even.”Sheheldtheoarswhileheexaminedeach,admiredtheweaving,thecoarsegreenmaterial.

“Thesearemoredurableinthishumidclimate,andI’veheardthathempslingsmightevenbemoreaccuratethanwoolones.ThoughIdon’tknowhowitwouldbepossibletoimproveyouraim.”

Heboundtheslingsaroundhiswaistandtookuptheoarsagain,eagertobedoingsomethingbesidesstaringatDashawithanundoubtedlygushyexpression.Sheletherfingersdraginthewater,andhewonderedwhattheriver’sdreamyvoicewastellingher.

“Willyoubegoinghomenow?”sheasked.

“Ifthat’swheremycaptainordersme.”Hecouldnotsaythosewordsandlookatheratthesametime.

“Doyoumissit?”

“Bayern?SureIdo.AndtheForest,andmymaandsister,too,though…Idon’tknow,wheneverIgotomyma’shouse,Ifeellikeastinkylittleboyagaincaughtstealingalickofhoney.”Helaughed,wishinghehadnotusedthewordstinky.“Imean,nothingchangesthere.”

Shewasquietforatime,herfingerstracingripplesontheriver.“Myfather’stenureasambassadortoBayernwillbeshort.HedesirestoreturntoIngridanandtheassembly.”

“Hmm,Iwonderwho’llreplacehim.”

Theymeteyes,smiling,bothdaringtheotheronetospeaktheidea.Razogaveinfirst.

“You’vethoughtofbiddingforthepositionyourself?”

Dashabattedhereyelashesinmockdiffidence.“Iwouldneedapersonalguard,ofcourse.”

“It’dbebestifyourguardwasafellowwhoknowsBayernprettywell.”

“WecouldspendsummerandautumninBayern,winterandspringinTira.”

“Homeintimeforthetangerineblossoms,”saidRazo.“Home?”

HehadmeantTira.Hesmiledagain.Shesatfacinghim,herhandonhisknee,hereyesholdinghisgaze.Hefeltnoneedtolookaway.

“Razo,don’tworrythatyouarenotofanoblefamily.”

“Iwasn’t.Unlessyouwere.”

“Itmightbeaconcernformyfather,buthemayassume,asIdid,thatyouwerechosenfortheambassador’spartybecauseofyourstatusinBayern.”Shepaused.“Willitbeaprobleminyourcountry?Wouldamarr…uh,youknow,acloserelationshipbetweensuchpersonsas,say,youandme,woulditbeforbidden?”

RazohadtosmileatDasha,suddenlyturnedshy.

“Idon’tthinkso.Atleast,ourking,Geric,hemarriedmyfriendIsi,whowasjustananimalworkerlikeme.”

Dashagrinnedindelight.“Yourkingmarriedacommoner?”

“Well,IguessIsiwasinfactaprincessofKildenree,butwhenIknewhershewasn’taprincessatall,notuntilafter…Well,it’sagood,longstory.”

“Keeprowing,LordRazo,”saidDasha.“I’meagertohearabouttheprincesswhowasn’taprincessandhowshemetRazooftheForest.”

Sohebeganthetale,howhe’dlefttheForesttoworkasasheepkeeperinthecity,andinhissecondyearthere,hemetthenewgoosegirl,aquietgirlwhoalwayshidherhair.

Razodugtheoarsdeeperanddrewthemback.Thepullfeltgood,andhethoughthecouldkeeprowingforever,perhapseventotheocean.Thewaterwassmoothunderthem,Dashawaslisteningwiththatforgottensmileherlipsalwayskeptattheready.Sheedgedclosersoshecouldplacebothherhandsonhisknees,herfaceopentohim.Razo’sheartstirred.Hewantedtotouchheragain,butshewantedhimtokeeptalking.

Andthatwasallrightfornow.Tellinghisstoryfeltlikethenextclosestthingtogivingherakiss.

Acknowledgments

Thankstothecommunityatslinging.orgforlookingovertheslingingpassagesandsteeringmeclearofmistakes;allthesheroesatsheroescentral.comforhelpingmethinkthroughthetitle;HollyBlackandTiffanyTrentforinspiredinput;VictoriaWellsArms,ofcourse,whoisaradiantexampleofeditorialgreatnessandmakesmelookbetterthanIactuallydo(thoughmyhusbandarguesherethatIlookprettygood);speakingofmyhusband,Dean,whotakessuchgoodcareofhiscrazywriterwife,whilebeingthegreatestpapathisworldover;speakingofagain,myownmarvelouspapa,WallyBryner,whotaughtmehowtocastalureandshootabowandfeelconfident;thetremendousJeffBryner,whoinspiredsomeofthebestbitsofRazo;AmyLuJameson,forsuggestingthataRazobookwouldbewelcome;andthecoolestkidintheworld,Max,whotookgreatnaps.

AnoteaboutRiverSecretsfromSHANNONHALE

Ah,Razo.NeverhaveIhadsuchacharacterasRazo.Somecharactersgiveyoualandslideoftroubletryingtofigureout,somesproutfromthegroundfullyclothedandreadytoplay.Razowasthelatter.HeappearedoutofnowhereinTheGooseGirl.Fromthebeginninghisvoicewassodistincttome,Icouldalmosthearhimspeaking.TherewasasceneinGooseGirlwhereRazohadsomedialogue,butinalaterrewriteIhadtotakehimoutofthescene,soIattributedthedialoguetosomeoneelse.Eversince,thatscenehasbotheredmebecauseRazo’svoiceissouniquetomyears—clearlythat’sRazospeakingthoselines,buthe’snotintheroom!

Razoisn’tevenmentionedinmyoriginaloutlineforEnnaBurning.Abouthalfwaythroughthefirstdraftheshowedupunexpectedly,insistinghimselfintothestoryuntilhebecameacentralcharacter.Ennawasareallydifficultbookformetowrite,buttheRazobitswerefun.IknewwhatRazowouldsayanddo,IunderstoodhisrelationshipwithEnnaandFinnfromthebeginning,sohispartsjustflowed.Hewaslikeanold,comfortablefriendwhohelpedmegetthroughthetellingofthatstory.

AfterEnna,Ididn’tthinkI’dwriteanotherBayernbookatall,andyethereitis.Andwhoisthemaincharacter?Razo,ofcourse,thatwily,sneakykid.Hegothisownbookoutofme,therascal.ByfarthegreatestjoyinwritingRiverSecretswasspendingthattimewithRazo,seeingtheworldfromhispointofview,hearingthethingshe’dsay,laughingathimandwithhim.

Andhe’sdoneitagain.AtthiswritingI’mworkingonafourthBayernbook.ThemaincharacterisRin,Razo’slittlesister,andinanearlydraftImournedthatRazojustdidn’tfitintotheplot.He’dmakeabriefappearancenearthebeginningbutwouldbeleftbehind.Andguesswhat?Yougotit—he’sweaseledhiswayintoabiggerroleyetagain.Blesshim.

IloveallthecharactersinBayern,goodandbad,butifIhadtopickjustonetohangoutwithoneday,itwouldhavetobeRazo.Andmaybehe’dteachme

howtosling.AndthenIcouldtakehimtoanall-you-can-eatbuffet.Andwe’dchat.Andlaugh.MaybeIshouldgivehimaring.Isurelovethatboy.

FromSHANNONHALE

DuringtheprocessofwritingRiverSecrets,IwantedtobeclosertoDasha,tomakesureIunderstoodher.Ichoseascene—theendofChapter18andbeginningof19—andwroteitfromDasha’spointofview.Thiswasawritingexerciseonly,nevermeanttobepartofthefinishedbook.It’saroughscene,neveredited,butIthoughtyoumightenjoyitanyway.

Dasha’sChapterDashawasfingeringapeculiarsilverbroochwhenshespottedthatsneak,Tumas.Justthesightofhimmadeherhandsfeeldirty.Shelefttheshop,vaguelyawareofthemerchantshoutinglowerpricesatherback,andranafterhim.

Thestreetsoutsidethemarkethushed;thedaystilled.Inthesolitude,shewasawareofthethicknessoftheair.Shepartedherlipsandbreathedin,tastingwateronhertongue.Everythingwassoheavy.Thecloudswerecrowded,theirpresencepusheddownonher.Thehairsonherarmstingled,suggestingthattheskywasfulloflightningunspent.

Sheglaredup.“Iamnotplayingthisgame.”

Cloudsjostledeachother,eagertounloadtheirweight.Shefeltthatfamiliarpullonherskin.Allshewouldhavetodoisfeelit,closehereyesandfeelthecloudsrelease,therainbreakapart,theworldsighinrelief,andsheknewitwouldhappen.Thedesiretuggedonthecornerofhermouthlikeahopefulsmile,butherbellyfeltblackandheavy.Again,theimageofhergrandfatherpulsedbehindhereyes—thedefeatonhisface,hisskinwet,hisbodyleaningintotheriver.Itwasasightsofamiliarinmemory,itwaslikethesmellofhome.Ahomewhereshedidnotwanttostay.

“Iwon’tdoit,”shewhispered.

SherippedherattentionawayfromairandskyandrealizedthatTumaswasnolongerinsight.Shekeptwandering,hopingtofindhim.Eversincetheday

shesawhimclimbingatreetopeerinEnna’swindow,shehadkeptwatchonhim.WhyhadhebeenspyingonEnna?Didheguessthatshewasthefire-witch?

Dashaharboredamad,hopefulfancythatoncesheknewwhatTumaswasupto,shecouldgotoEnnaandtellher,thatEnnawouldbegratefultoDashaforlookingoutforher,thattheywouldbecomefriends,andEnnawouldunderstandaboutthewaterandthedesireandofferacure.…Dashasmiledsheepishly.Itwasalovelyfantasy,butitcrackledandfellawayunderscrutiny.Ennawould,naturally,besuspicious.Nofriendshipwaslikelytospringupbetweenthem.RelationsbetweenBayernandTirafeltlikeholdingaglasspaneaboveherhead,balancedonherfingertips,herarmstiring.ButperhapsshecouldtalktothatboyRazo.…

Then,suddenly,therehewas,standingoversomethingdark.Thedaydimmedasthoughtakingalongblink.Hewasgapingdownatabody.Aburnedbody.Hepushedittothebankandsentitintotheriver,mumblingsomethingtohimself.Curioustohear,Dashasteppedcloser.

Razolookedup,andtheexpressiononhisfacepiercedher—shock,pain,fear.Didn’therecognizeher?

“Razo,”shesaid,sothathemighthearhervoiceandrememberthatshewasafriend.Buthiseyeswerecrazed.

“Itwasyou,”hesaid,steppingaway.

Hewasbackingup,towardtheriver.Sheshouldhavereachedouttostophim,butforaninstanthismovementmadesensetoher;sheherselffeltdrawntowardwater—itseemedonlynatural.Itwasnotuntilhisbodytumbledovertheedgethatsherealizedithadbeenamistake.

Thewallbeneathherwassheer,nohand-orfootholds,andthecurrentwaspullinghimhardtowardthesea.Sheranalongside.

“Swimthatway!”Shepointedtotheotherbank,wheretiledstepsledoutofthewater.“Youcanclimbupthere!Swimawayfromme!”

Razowasthrashingmadly,churningwater,hisneckbentback,hisheadupandpleadingforair.Awavestruckhisface,andhedisappeared,leavingatrailofbubbles.

“No,no,no,”Dashabreathed,running,watchingforhimtocomeback.

Hecan’tswim.Thethoughtslappedthehesitationoutofher,andherfearofthethreatwaterpromisedherliftedastheveryrealthreatofhisimmediatedeathweigheddown.

Fromsofaraway,herlinktotheriverwasweak,connectedonlybytheinvisiblewaterthathungintheair.Sheneededdirectcontacttocommunicatethisneedtotheriver,sosheranofftheedge,afinalthrustfromherfeetpitchingherintoadive.

Theimpactshovedawayhersenseofherbodilyself.Shefloatedunderwater,dazzledbythetouchofsomuchwater.Itssongfilledherearsanditssensespokeoftiledbanksandgarbagewood,theskeletonofadoginitsdepths,spotswherewarmthgatheredandotherplungesofrawcold,downwheredarknesssparkedwithdropsofsunlightandupwherethesurfaceundulatedunderstrokesofair—theriver’stouchexhalingathousandimages.Dashapledwithittospeaktoherofaboyinsidetheriver,airleavinghislips,bodyfallingdown.

Thenshefoundhim.Hereyesclosed,andshecouldseetheimageofhiminhermind,carriedtoherbythewater.Shewastoofartotouchhim,butthewatertouchedall.

Movingwaterwaslikedreaming.Whenshewasonlyhalfasleepandpiercedwithsliversofdreams,shecouldchangethestorytheytold,moveherselfintoadifferentstory,anicerone,adreamstorywhereshewantedtostay.Waterwaslikeadream—notsomethingshecouldhold,noteasilychangedlikeclayinherhands.Shehadtowillit,wantit,seeitbeforeitwouldobeyher.Andeventhen,itwasaslipperythingtohold.

Dashakickedandroseupward,allthewhilekeepingwithherthepictureofRazoashesankdown,hiseyesopen.Sheheldthatthoughtfiercelyandimaginedhimnowheadup,bodyrising.Herfacebrokethroughtocoldair.Hewasnearthesurfacenow,too.Sheforcedherselftofeelthewaterroilingbeneathhim,liftinghim,snakingbeneathhisbody,carryinghimacrossthecurrent.Momentsaftershefeltit,shewasrelievedtoseeithappen,thewatercomplyingwithhervision.Dashaswambehindhim,watchingtheripplesofwatersprayaroundhisbody.Shedidnotaskthewatertocarryher.Justthethoughtofhowmuchshehadalreadydonefilledherwithadarkpanicthatthreatenedtoweighherlikeastone.ShehadtoworkwiththewatertosaveRazo,butshewouldmakeaslittlecontactwithitaspossible.Alreadyshewasfeelingastrange,lovelytinglinginherfingertipsandtoes,almostasthoughthe

tipsofherwereindangerofbeinglost,therivertakingherintoitself,forgettingwhereDashaendedandwaterbegan.Itwasagorgeoussensation,andonethatfrightenedher,shootinganunearthlycoldthroughtheinsidesofherbones.

Aheadofher,Razoreachedthebankandpulledhimselfout.Dashawasafewlapsbehind.

Sheflutteredherlegsonelasttimeunderwater,feelingaslightasabutterfly,assleekasasnake.Shekickedherselfoutofthewaterandontothebank,andthesenseofherbodyreturned,asheavyastheworld.

Razosaidsomethingtoher,butshedidnothearit.Thoughinthehardairnow,herheadstillfeltunderwater,soundsoftenedthroughariver.Herfeettoankleshunginthewater,andagainstherskinsheheardtherivermutteringinitsswift,coldvoice,passingonimagesofallthattoucheditsbanks,allthatpassedoveritssurfaceorlayinitsdepths,ruffledbythepullofthecurrentlikeleavesareinawind.Howeasyitwouldbejusttofallbackin,howlovelynottohavetostruggleanymoreondryland.

Herawarenessofthecloudspulledatherskin,dragginghergazeupfromthewater.Thedampnessintheairtickledherfaceandarmswiththeknowledgethatthegravidskywasgroaningwiththeweightofrain.Sheknewlightningwouldflickerinthewestthemomentbeforeitflashed.Hersoulfeltpierced,andsherememberedthatshewasfightingsomething.SherememberedGrandfather.Shehadpromisedtheflowersbloomingaroundhisgravethatshewouldneversuccumbtowhathadtakenhim,totheliesofsolidaritythewatergibbered.She’dhadtosaveRazo,butshewouldnottoywiththatcurseanymore.Shewouldlive.

Razowaspullinghertoherfeet,andshefollowed,tearingherselffromtheriver.Thunderlaughedather,andsheglaredup.

Iwon’tplay.Iamdone.

ReadonforaSneakPeekoftheNext

BookofBayern

ForestBorn

Chapter1RinsatontheForestfloor,coveredherfacewithherarms,andtriedtoexhaleawaythetightfeelinginherchest.Evenwithhereyesclosed,shecouldfeelthetreesleaningin,theirshadowsthickaswool.Thewholeworldfeltcrowded,hostile,toodensetobreathe.Itwassummer,butsheshook.

“Rin!Rinna!”

ShestraightenedupashernephewInchercamehurtlingherway.Hestoppedrunningwhenhesawher,hisdirtyfacewrinklinginawkwardconfusion.

“What’reyoudoing,Rin?Youcrying?”

Rinshookherhead,thenwipedhereyeswiththebacksofherhands,justincaseshewas.

“Well,Dawantsahandwiththeroofing,”hesaid,standingonhistoesandtwistingaroundashespoke.“Saidhe’dgivemefirstgoatthestewpottonightifIfoundyou.AndIfoundyou.Wanttowatchmeclimbthattree?”

“Later,allright?”

Inchernoddedandhoppedaway,expectingnomorefromhisaunt.Assoonashewasoutofsight,sheran.

Sheranoverdeadpineneedlesthatsnappedunderfootandmossthathushedunderhersoftboots.Shezigzaggedandchangedpathsandboltedthroughsunnyclearingsandbackintocoolshade,andstillshefeltthatitchywrongness,thatloudstillnessthattoldhershewasnothome.Allherlife,ifevershewaslonelyoranxiousorafraid,allshehadtodowasclimbatreeandlayherselfdown,spinetobranch,andletinthecalmthatalltreesbreatheout.Butshehadnotsoughtthatcomfortinmonths.Thepines,firs,andaspenthathadbeenlikeextensionsofherownfamilystoodinwoodysilencenow,aslifelessastossedbones.

SometimestheanxiousitchinsidehermadeherwanttokeeprunningfastandfaruntilshepassedthelastForesttree,untilthewholeworldwasleftbehind;sometimesitmadeherwanttocurlupanddisappear.

WhenshegottotheclearingoftheHomestead,sherestedherhandsonher

knees,waitingforherbreathingtoslow.Therestoodherma’shouse,oneroombuiltofwood,shutterswideopeninthesummerafternoon,firboughsturningbrownontheroof.Dottingthesmallclearingwerefiveotherhouses,builtbyherbigbrothersfortheirownfamilies.Everywhere,childrenran.Rinhadtwenty-twoniecesandnephews,severalofthemolderthanshe.

Happyshrieksprickedtheairasalineofchildrenfledanolderchildwhowashootinglikeanowl.Twochildrenwerewrestlinginthedirtwhileathirdwaitedherturn.Threelittlegirlssatonthegroundweavingintricatecrownsfromgreenpineneedles.Whenanotherboytriedtowrestacrownfromoneoftheirhands,oneofthegirlspunchedhiminthejaw,sendinghimoffyowling.Thewholeplacethrummedwithactivity,themotionconstant,thefamilylikeahugebeastwithathousandparts.Rintriedtosmileatthescene,butitfeltlikelying.

Sheshiveredonce,thenlookedaroundforsignofabrightredheadscarf.Shemighthavebeenfifteenyearsoldandnearlyawoman,butjustthen,allshewantedwashermother.

ShespottedMaacrosstheclearing,carryingasobbinggrandchildwithonearmwhilestillgrippingthelongwoodenspoonthatwashernearconstantcompanion.Rin’smotherwasnearlyaswideasshewastallandlookedsturdyenoughtofacedownaroot-rippingstorm.Shehadalotofdarkhairthatfrizzedaroundherface,continuallybreakingfreefromherForestwoman’sheadwrap,andavoicethatsomehowsoundedwarmandlovingevenassheberatedeveryoneshepassed.

“Brun,”shecalled,pointingthewoodenspoonathereldestsonashechoppedwood.“YourLilathereismakingaruckusthat’llscarethesquirrelsintowinter.SeetoherorIwill.Gren,don’tyouknockoverthatpotIjustfilledifyouwanttolivetosupper!”AsshepassedbehindhersonJef,whosatonthegroundleaningback,hishathalfoverhiseyes,sheswattedhimonthebackoftheheadwithherspoon.“Getup,yousackofbones.Ididn’traiseyoutonaplikeanoverfedpiglet.Lookatyouchildren—whatprettynecklacesyoumade!Don’tgoscratchingeachothers’eyeballsnow.Tabi,letgoofyourbrother!He’snotabranchtoswingfrom.”

RinmadeherselfMa’sshadow,followingherthroughtheclearingandintothelittlehouse,waitingbesideherasMaheftedthesobbinggrandchildhigheronherhipandstirredtheenormouspothangingoverthefire.Rinshuffledherfeet.Atthesound,Maturnedwitharelievedsmile.

“Rin,there’smygirl,onlysensiblepersonformiles.ComestirthestewwhileIpatchupYuli’sknee.Ican’tthinkwhatthosechildrenmeantby—nowwaitjustaminute.”MapeeredatRin’sface.“What’swrong?”

Rinshookherhead.

MasatYulionthetableandputahandunderRin’sjaw.“Yousure?You’vebeenquietlately—well…”Shepausedtolaughatherownjoke.“Maybeit’snotsomuchthequietassomethinginsidethequiet.”

Rinshruggedcasually,thoughherinsideswereturningtoice.HadManoticedhowoftenRinranofflately?CouldMaseethatshewasbrokenandshakinginside?Wouldshespeakthewords,wouldshepronouncetheproblemandthenmakeitallright?

Mafeltherforeheadandhercheeks,madeherstickouthertongue,proddedherbelly,listenedtoherelbowsforcreaks,pulledherearflapsdowntolookforrash.“Seemfine.Younotfeelingfine?”

Rinshruggedagain.She’dneverbotheredanyoneaboutthelittlespinythingsinherheart,thepiercingdisquiet.Itdidnotseemrighttocomplain,especiallynottoMa,whowasworkingfromthemomenthereyesopeneduntilshegroanedasshelaydownatnight.Maybeeveryonefeltallknottedoncetheygrewup,andnoonetalkedaboutitbecauseitjustwasnotdone.OrmaybeonlyRinwasallwrong.Ifso,she’dneverspeakit.Shehadfirstlearnedtocrawlonmossandwalkonpineneedles,andbytheageoffivecouldclimbafiraseasilyasfallingintobed.Howcouldsheevenexplain,letalonethink,thatshefeltwrongundertheForestcanopy?

“Couldyou…”Rinstopped.

“Askme,Rinna.”Hermotherrarelytoldherwhattodo.Rinwasthechildwhoneverneededscolding,whocleanedherplatebeforebeingasked,whoheardwhathermotherwantedbeforeshe’devenfinishedspeaking.ButMacommandedhernow,withfistsonhipsandeyesalmostangry,daringherdaughtertostayquietnow.“Askme.”

AndsoRinwassurprisedintosayingexactlywhatshewasthinking.“Couldyouhugme?”

Withouthesitation,Mapulledherintight,huggedherasifshewereatinybabyscaredtobeoutintheopenworld.Rin’sheadpressedintohermother’s

warm,softshoulderasshesmelledwoodsmokeandthejuniperberriesMalovedtochew.Rinsighedaverytinysigh.

“Oh,mygirl,”Mamumbledagainstherdaughter’shead.“Mytreasure.Myperfectgirl.HowIloveyouandloveyou.”

Thereinsidehermother’sarms,somethingtightinsideRineasedabit,buttheknotteduneasedidnotuntangle.Rinhadnotreallythoughtthatoneembracemightbeenoughtofixwhatwaswrong,butshe’dhopedenoughtotry.

“Thanks,”shewhispered,thecuetolethermotherknowthatwasenough.MahuggedherabittighterstillandsmatteredherheadwithkissesbeforelettinggoandreturningtoYuli,whohadbeguntocryagain.

“Anytimeyouwantahug,mytreasure,youjustblink,”MasaidoverhershoulderasshetookcareofYuli.“Can’tthinkwhat’swrongwithmeifmylittlegirlhastoaskforsomeMalove.Justisn’tright.”

Rindidnotanswer,andMadidnotexpectit.Rinreturnedtothestew,scrapingthebottomofthepottokeepitfromburning,andstaredintothefire.Buthermindrefusedtorelax.Againandagainshekeptthinking,there’ssomethingwrongwithyou.You’renotwhotheythinkyouare;youdon’tbelonginthisbig,wildfamily;youdon’tfitintheForest;you’vegottogoaway,away.

Butwherecouldshego?

ShannonHaleistheNewberyHonor–winningauthorofPrincessAcademy,BookofaThousandDays,andthehighlyacclaimedandaward-winningBooksofBayern:TheGooseGirl,EnnaBurning,andRiverSecrets.Shehasalsowrittenanovelforadults,Austenland,andagraphicnovelwithherhusband,Rapunzel’sRevenge.SheliveswithherhusbandandtwoyoungchildrennearSaltLakeCity,Utah.

VisitShannonontheWebformoreinformationaboutallofherbooks,includingdeletedscenesandotherfunextras!

www.shannonhale.com

ALSOBYSHANNONHALE

THEBOOKSOFBAYERN:

TheGooseGirl

EnnaBurning

PrincessAcademy

BookofaThousandDays

GRAPHICNOVEL

withDeanHale

illustrationsbyNathanHale

Rapunzel’sRevenge

FORADULTS:Austenland

PraiseforRiverSecrets

AnALATeens’TopTen

“ThisnovelwillbeaspecialtreatforreadersofHale’sothertwocompanionbooks,butitalsostandsonitsownasauniqueandtendercoming-of-agestory.”—PublishersWeekly,starredreview

“Thishighfantasyisrichindetailandlyricalinwriting.…Fansofthegenrewillnodoubtrejoiceinimmersingthemselvesinthismagicalworld.”—SLJ,starredreview

“[Hale’s]languageglimmerslikefirelight,likesunshineonwaterasshepropelsreadersalongariverofwonderfulwritingtothetumultuousandheart-tuggingclimax.”—KirkusReviews,starredreview

“Suspenseful,magical,andheartfelt,thisisastorythatwillwhollyenvelopitsreaders.”—Booklist,starredreview

“Thesettings,customs,andfestivalsofbothBayernandTiraareeasytoimagine.FansofHale’spreviousbookswillenjoythisoneandwillhopethatthereismoretocome.”—VOYA

“AllelementsjointogethertoformanadeptTamoraPierce–likefantasyadventure—althoughwhenitcomestoHale’ssubtletyofdescriptionandlimberturnsofphrase,therereallyisnocomparison.”—TheHornBook

“Hale’simaginedworldisdanger-filled:gruesomedeathsarealarminglyfrequent,attemptsonlivesmoreso,andeventalentsorgiftsaredouble-edgedaspotentialcursesifusedincorrectly.Itistotheauthor’scredit,therefore,thatshehasalsocreatedalandscapeandcharacterswithenoughbeauty,depth,andcomplexitytokeepreaderseagerlyanticipatingvisits.”—BCCB

FirstpublishedinGreatBritain2006Copyright©ShannonHale2006

Thiselectroniceditionpublished2010byBloomsburyPublishingPlc

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Allrightsreserved.Youmaynotcopy,distribute,transmit,reproduceorotherwisemakeavailablethispublication(oranypartofit)inanyform,orbyanymeans(includingwithoutlimitationelectronic,digital,optical,mechanical,photocopying,printing,recordingorotherwise),withoutthepriorwrittenpermissionofthepublisher.Anypersonwhodoesanyunauthorisedactinrelationtothispublicationmaybeliableto

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ISBN9781408811993

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