Page 29 of In Her Own Rite

“Hang on, what are we talking about?” Maren asks.

“It’s shorthand for the slogan of a militant group from the nineties,” Em says, turning to face her. “The group called themselves the True Remnant. They were against your and Seb’s dads’ attempts towards cultural exchange with the mainland. They attacked some of our smaller islands back then, as a warning shot. Their slogan wasHayyala fast.”

“What does it mean?”

“It’s Fakari forhold firm,” I say. “As in, don’t abandon the old way. Stay close to your own culture. Your own kind.”

I see Maren’s brow knit in confusion in the rearview mirror. “Wait, hang on. They speak Fakari on the southern isles?”

Em shakes her head. “Sort of. It’s an offshoot, I think. I don’t know, really—we haven’t had any communication with them since the failed peace agreement in the nineties. That’s where...”

Her voice trails off.

“That’s where Gabe’s dad died,” I add, for Maren’s sake. Everyone in Em’sfikarighas been trained never to talk about Saga’s late husband. Maren couldn’t be blamed for not knowing Ben ever existed.

“But, Kier—” Em says. “I don’t understand. Why would they be back?”

She turns to look at me, and I swallow. I can’t tell her whatIthink.

“Seb thinks it might be about the asylum seekers his mom mentioned at dinner,” I say finally. “But the council doesn’t think that makes sense. They wouldn’t want to come hereandattack us for opening our shores.”

“Could it be about Maren?” Em asks. “Or maybe something with the increased salt trade we’ve been doing with the mainland?”

I meet Maren’s eyes in the rearview mirror.

“I don’t think so,” I say. “If it was about Maren or Saroan Salts, I feel like the attack wouldn’t have been on a farm. This felt like it was meant to scare the whole island.”

“It’s horrible,” Em says quietly. “Whose farm was it?”

“Anja and her husband, Tamu.”

“Ayagaayuni,” she says.Oh my God. “Saga was just there a few days ago.”

“Exactly,” I say, leaning forward. “This is why I don’t want you going somewhere by yourself right now. It’s not safe. The attack was too close to home. And they found the remains of two boats on the southern shore. The rebels are stillonthe island.”

“But I’m going to the north island. Isn’t that safer than being back at thefikarig, if they’re still on Saroe?”

But I’m at thefikarig,I think.I can protect you.

“Listen, Em…” I say, running a hand through my hair, trying to figure out what I can tell her. “They found footprints and food in a cave by the south shore, near the remains of the boat. They think the rebels have been on the island for a few days. Sincebeforemy rite.”

“Okay…” she says, looking blankly.

I look up.Uikbaane—wolfsbane. What am I allowed to say?

“If they knew a safe place to hide out, and they’re currently hiding somewhere on the island… someone in that group must know the Fakaris well.”

Recognition dawns in her eyes. “You think my dad is with them,” she says flatly.

“Yes.”

She shakes her head. “No, no way. For him to come back here would be a death sentence. I’m pretty sure Viggo would tear him limb from limb the second he laid eyes on him.”

I set my jaw.

“And besides,” Em adds. “The Remnant was anti-Fakari and anti-integration. My dad wasforthe mainland connection back then. It just doesn’t make sense.”

“What if he has a score to settle?” I ask, desperate. “Please, just listen to me—”

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