Page 74 of A Fractured Song

There was no sign of Zev, and she remembered that his mother had directed him to thesmallyard. Where was that? Casting her eyes around, she remembered the training yard where Zev had retrieved his sword the first time she’d been at the property. It had struck her as odd at the time that a farm had a training yard designed for combat practice.

She made her way across the farmyard, stopping at the entrance to the training area. Zev was there, standing next to his father, who was seated and appeared to be sharpening his sword.

“Picked yourself another blade to take with you, I see.” The older man’s voice carried through the still air, as did Zev’s reply.

“It’ll do. I liked the last one better, but…it’ll do.”

Gideon nodded, pausing to examine the weapon he was sharpening. “This became my sword the day my father died. He was taken too soon and too suddenly. A foolish farming accident.”

“I know, Father.” Zev’s voice was low and respectful. “I remember.”

Gideon sighed, looking up at his son. “He would have remained strong into old age, I have no doubt. I remember seeing him hold this sword when I was a small child. I thought he must be the strongest man in the world.”

Marieke had a good view of Zev’s profile, and she saw his lips curve into a smile. “He was still formidable in my childhood.”

Gideon smiled as well, standing. Marieke thought he would put the sword back in the storage area, but he strapped it to his side.

“You’re my son, Zev,” he said simply. “And I trust you. In spite of everything, your life and your happiness are not worth less than any other man’s.”

“Thank you, Father.” Strangely, Zev sounded a little surprised by this statement.

“But,” Gideon continued, “they’re not all that matters.”

“I know, Father.”

Gideon nodded. “I know you do. And I trust you to make decisions based on more than what you want.” He clapped his son on the shoulder. “And to come home safely to us.”

“I will,” Zev promised.

His father nodded again. “Goodbye then, Zev.”

He turned away, carrying the sharpening stone toward the storage area. Zev shouldered his pack and moved toward the opening of the yard, his step faltering when he saw Marieke there.

“Sorry,” she said quickly. “I didn’t mean to sneak up on—”

“No, it’s all right.” He waved off her apology. “Just saying goodbye to my father. Let’s go.”

Marieke nodded, following him back across the yard. They weren’t taking horses this time. The farm couldn’t spare themfor as long as the journey might take. Zev seemed confident they could hitch rides until out of his immediate region, after which they would look into securing transport in public vehicles.

“You don’t want to find your brother and say goodbye to him as well?” Marieke asked, as they approached the main gate.

Zev gave a chuckle that didn’t hold much mirth. “Azai? No. I don’t think there’s much more to say there.” He shot her a sideways look. “I invited him to come with us last night.”

“You did?” She looked at him in astonishment.

“I suppose I should have asked you first,” Zev said. “But I thought we could use his help. He’s more useful than he seems, and actually great company when he’s not sulking.”

“What did he say?” Marieke asked.

Zev’s lips quirked to the side. “I’ll leave that to your imagination.”

They walked for several minutes in silence after that. Marieke could see Zev shooting the occasional look at her.

“Are you all right?” he asked at last.

Marieke nodded, her throat tight. “I’m fine. I just…I feel like I’m tearing a good family apart.”

Zev laughed, the sound more carefree than Marieke had expected. “Firstly, you’re not responsible for any of this. Secondly, my family is stronger than that. We’ve withstood worse. We’ll be all right.”

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