Page 127 of The Bone Season

‘There was a rumour you took your test,’ Liss said. ‘Did you pass?’

‘By the skin of my teeth. Can I join you?’

‘You’ll get no love from the red-jackets for associating with harlies.’

‘I don’t care about them.’

Liss gave me a tired smile and patted a cushion. Once I was settled, she offered me a bowl.

‘You keep it,’ I said. ‘Warden just gave me something to eat.’

‘He must be pleased you passed,’ Liss said. ‘You should get plenty of food now, to keep your strength up for patrolling Gallows Wood.’

‘He said I won’t be stationed there.’

‘Where will you be, then?’

‘Here, I hope.’

‘That’s nice to know.’ Liss reached for a ladle. ‘The red-jackets have been … confrontational, of late. We’re not doing so many shows while we prepare for the Bicentenary. They’re getting bored, and when they’re bored, they make their own entertainment in here.’

‘I’ll stop them.’

‘Just be careful. The Rephs can always revoke your red tunic.’

‘At least I’ll have used it for good.’ I adjusted my splint. ‘How’s training?’

‘Hard work, but at least it’s indoors. Now we’ve all prepared our routines, we’ve moved from the Fell Theatre to the Guildhall.’

‘Where’s that?’

‘Magdalen Walk, up near the House. That’s where the Bicentenary will be. Beltrame wants us to get used to that space.’

Julian ducked into the shack, holding two cups. ‘Paige,’ he said, looking relieved. ‘I overheard David saying you took your test. Did you pass?’

‘Just.’ I held up my left hand, snug in its splint. ‘With a broken wrist.’

‘I’d say you got off lightly, from the injuries we see around here.’ He handed a cup to Liss. ‘Do you think I should take my test, or refuse?’

‘I don’t know what yours will be like. I had to get back to the city while being stalked by a Buzzer.’

‘Paige, keep your voice down,’ Liss said under her breath. ‘You’re not supposed to tell us.’

‘My test was controlled,’ I said, quieter. ‘You might have to fight or hunt one. If they tell you to do that, I’d get the yellow streak and come out here. It’s not worth your life, Jules.’

Julian nodded slowly. ‘Why was yours controlled?’

‘Nashira wants to execute me herself. Warden confirmed it.’

Liss stared at me. ‘He did?’

‘Yes. You were right. She plans to kill me for my gift at the Bicentenary.’ I drew my knees to my chest. ‘If she does it then, I’ll have been here for half a year when I die. It’s poetic, really.’

‘Why?’

‘That’s how long a farmer waits to send a lamb for butchering.’

My father had told me that, one dark night when despair overwhelmed him. There had been a slaughterhouse a few miles from our dairy farm. It had been knocked down by the time I was born, but my father had walked near it on his way home from school.

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