Page 3 of Bones

The pious had been led to condemn each other, leaving those in need to suffer while they cast judgment around them. Turning a blind eye to the destitute in order to keep tabs on the comings and goings of their neighbors.

Building their worth on the backs of others’ misfortune.

Looking down on them as though they were better for letting others go without.

After informing us of all he had learned during his time there, Thanatos left his notations open to review while we planned.

Juno voted in favor of destroying the entire town.

Though many had done nothing to earn his consideration, Lenuson’s concern lay with the safety of those who inhabited the damned town.

My own opinion fell somewhere between the two. While I didn’t want senseless destruction, I was too aware of the emptiness that resided within many and the potential for catastrophe to make wishful demands of peace.

Despite the bickering and the battle we strategized for, I allowed myself to enjoy being with my siblings. I had missed them almost as much as my soul missed its counterpart.

Even when they would not listen to reason that we should separate once we breached Joseph Martin’s hiding place.

Or when Juno said odd words that made no sense.

Or when Lenuson and I locked in a heated argument about the potential loss of life.

It was a balm to just see the three of them again. To be together in a way we often could not be due to the widespread use of magicks.

While we considered every possibility of attack and counterattack, I prepared what food Thanatos had stocked—serving some but packing most into my bag. If anyone noticed, they did not question it.

Hours later, the sun had fully set. We had gone through the variables. Planned for the unplannable. It was time.

We set out for the church.

Lenuson and I took the lead. As we traveled, I pulled the provisions from my bag and left them in various spots. I did not mind if an animal came upon the little feasts I left in a trail. They were in need of sustenance like any other living being. I only hoped those with stocked cupboards and full bellies did not discard what they did not require.

That kind of waste when so many went without…

It was unconscionable.

“That is a surprising amount of effort and care you are expending forth for the same lives you were just willing to sacrifice,” Lenuson pointed out.

I glared at him. “To save the lives of many, I could be forced to shoulder the loss of few. Not willingly. Nor happily. We would do our best to prevent any deaths. Yet that sacrifice would be preferable to the devastation of all because we were too preoccupied with saving those few. Would it not, brother?”

His clenched jaw and the rapid flipping of the coin between his knuckles were the only signs of his concession.

When simply walking became too arduous, I removed my satchel and left it open near a home in immense disarray. I softly tapped the door before continuing onward, ignoring the calls of gratitude from the inhabitants whose hearts were full despite their empty bellies.

One step at a time.

One foot in front of the other.

One breath in.

One breath out.

Each small movement was a chore that drained my physical and mental energy.

A clear sign we were going in the correct direction.

And that the fight would be all we had overprepared for.

Potentially more.

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