Page 100 of A Fractured Song

Her words trailed off, turning smoothly into a song. Zev’s heart twisted in fear at the look that came over her face.

“Zev.” Her voice was a whisper. “Zev, I’m sorry. I think she’s pierced his heart. There’s nothing I can—”

“You must be able to dosomething!” Azai cried, his voice passionate with misdirected anger. “What’s the use of magic if it can’t do anything?”

“I don’t think even a skilled healer could reverse this.” Marieke was keeping her tears at bay with a heroic effort. A flash of memory came across her face. “I might be able to take his pain away. It won’t fix the injury, and I don’t know how to put it in place perpetually. But if I keep singing…”

“Do it,” said Zev, his throat tight and his lips numb.

Marieke nodded, clearing her own throat before raising her voice in a soft melody.

“Peace in your heart, peace for your body.

You’re home and at rest, all is as it should be.”

The tune was low and gentle, the soothing note jarring in the horror of the moment.

Zev’s father let out a shuddering gasp, his moans stopping and his eyes fluttering open.

“Thank you, child,” he said, as Marieke continued to sing the words over and over.

“Father!” Azai gripped his hand. “You’re all right!”

The older man shook his head, but even without the pain, he was clearly too exhausted for explanations.

“I’m proud of you…both,” he said, his other hand going to Zev. “I wish this hadn’t come…to you. My ancestors got to live out…their lives…in peace. I wish my sons…could do…the same.” His blinks were becoming long and slow. “Tell your mother…”

He never finished the sentence. His expression became peaceful, and his eyes drifted shut. To the sound of Marieke’s gentle song, he let out a breath that was more a sigh, and his frame became still.

“Father!” Azai sobbed, his grip on the older man’s hand tightening.

Zev was too devastated for words or tears. He felt numb, but it was a numbness that threatened terrible retribution when it wore off.

“I’m so sorry, Zev.” Marieke’s song had petered out—she could no doubt tell that her magic was no longer in use.

Zev didn’t reply. He had no voice.

“Where is she?” Azai growled. “I’ll kill her for this.”

“Jade?” Marieke shook her head. “She’s gone.”

“Surely she can’t be out of reach!” Azai’s voice was furious, desperate. “Since when can magic make singers fly?”

“It’s not exactly flying,” Marieke said helplessly. “It’s using the wind—manipulating the basic elements is a common type of songcraft. It’s how she started the fire.” She half shook her head, obviously remembering that Azai didn’t know about that incident. “I doubt she’ll be able to sustain it long, but it would be long enough to get beyond our reach.”

Azai glared at her, his fist clenching and unclenching in impotent anger.

“Where’s your mother?” Marieke’s voice was hushed. “Is she safe? Is she—?”

“She’s at the neighbors’,” Zev said, his voice hoarse. “The next gate down the road to the south.”

“I’ll find her,” Marieke promised.

She withdrew, leaving the brothers alone with their father’s body.

Azai let out a low moan. Zev expected recriminations, but Azai surprised him, dropping his head into his hands.

“I should have been with him. I should never have let him send me away.”

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