Page 50 of The Last One
We should’ve killed her when we could.
Still, I nod my thanks, and we finish our pies in silence.
Which of us will they bury next?
13
“Oh shit. Not now.” Finished with his pie, Jadon stands and frowns at something happening behind me.
I turn to see an older man wearing a long black tunic and a soft black hat. His steps are like ghosts, because I didn’t hear his approach. I pull myself up and stand beside Jadon.
“Father Knete,” Jadon says, his hands now folded.
The man’s hazel eyes, deep-set and knowing, bore into mine. His smile is soft and compassionate. “You must be our newest hero.” His voice is smooth as soap.
I squint my eyes. “I wouldn’t say ‘hero.’” Even though I’d said something similar just last night. I’ve seen enough darkness now to not revel in the violence.
The minister places his hand over his heart. “Well, you’ve earned a number of admirers. I had to come meet this ‘Lady Kai’ myself. I was expecting you yesterday. Olivia mentioned that you’d be polishing the silver and the pews because you needed to earn geld.”
Shit. Forgot about that.
Jadon clears his throat and says, “Kai.” To the minister: “It’s been a long day. Now isn’t a good time.” He moves toward the threshold of the cottage.
“Give me a minute,” I say.
Jadon holds my gaze. There’s a question in his look.
“I’m fine,” I assure him, then turn back to Knete.
Eventually, the repaired door to the cottage closes.
“So much has happened,” I say to Knete. “The emperor’s invasion, for one. And I figured, since I helped with everything last night, my debt would be forgiven.”
“I don’t know aboutthat,” the minister says. “But we’re having Assent this evening, which has now turned into a special service for the dead. I saw Olivia in town this afternoon, and she promised me that you’d show up after you failed to show yesterday.”
My stomach twists. I really don’t want to go, and I really don’t think I shouldhaveto go, especially since this man is partially responsible for Jamart’s daughter being jailed. But I also don’t want to get Olivia in trouble. She did arrange this job. “I can help now.”
His eyes light up. “Wonderful. Let’s walk over to the church together, then.”
The air buzzes with the sounds of work and renovation. The villagers are leading the orphaned horses to their new homes. Poor horses, who will no longer have good oats to eat. Some men roll the dead soldiers onto wheelbarrows, two at a time. The ground is soft beneath my feet. Not from rain but from blood.
“How are you finding Maford?” Father Knete asks. “Aside from the violence last night?” He pauses, then adds, “Though I’m sure where you’re from you’re probably used to it.”
What?I jam my lips together as my mind searches for the most diplomatic answer. “Maford is an interesting place.”
“What province are you from?” he asks.
“Oh,” I say. “Here and there. I’m just trying to figure out where to go next.”
True.
“You have no family?”
My chest tightens. “I do have family.”
“And did they not want to join you in Maford?” he asks. “Or have you abandoned your Dashmala ways? Brutality and raiding and heresy? Are you now ready to be transformed?”
“I didn’t actually choose to be here. Circumstances led me here.” I rub the space above my eyebrow. “Circumstances that resulted in my need to earn twelve geld. As for transformation, I’m fine just the way I am. Respectfully speaking.”
