Page 11 of A Fractured Song

“Well, not by my design anyway,” said Zev. “Or hers. So if you’re determined to believe it wasn’t coincidence, maybe we should conclude that the power of the land brought us together again. In which case, who are we to protest?”

Judging by his scoff, Azai was unimpressed with this argument. “You weren’t in Aeltas, Zev. You were in Oleand. Even if that land had power—which I doubt, given the way it’s dying and crumbling from under its people’s feet—then it would have no reason to respond to your presence. It wouldn’t bring you together with anyone.”

Zev frowned. Something in Azai’s words tickled at the back of his mind. More specifically, the part of his mind trying to understand what was happening to Oleand. He pushed the thought aside, reminding that corner of his thoughts yet again that it wasn’t his mystery to solve. He would be wisest to stay well away from whatever was destroying Oleand from the inside.

Again that ghost of an idea wafted just out of reach. This time it was Azai’s words which forced it further afield.

“So don’t try to portray yourself as being thwarted of your fate or any nonsense like that.”

Zev gave him a pitying look. “I’m not trying to portray myself as anything. What are you yammering about? It’s that parchment we should be focused on.”

Azai subsided with a grunt. “That’s true enough. What are we going to do about it?”

“Tell Father, first of all,” Zev said absently. That part was a given. With some glaring exceptions relating to a certain dark-haired Oleandan singer, he didn’t keep important information from his family.

His conscience tugged at him, remembering how his brother had just accused him of wanting to keep his interactions with Marieke a secret. Azai was closer to the truth than he realized. But Zev couldn’t see anything to be gained from telling any of them about the kiss he and Marieke had shared—the one that still kept him awake at nights. And he couldn’t bring himself to tell them that she was straying perilously close to investigating heartsong in her search for answers about Oleand’s deterioration. Even though his family would undoubtedly want to know that information.

Traitor, whispered a voice in his mind. He scowled at no one in particular, wishing he could tell his conscience to either pick a side or shut up. It couldn’t punish him both for abandoning Marieke out of loyalty to his familyandfor keeping things from his family in a bid to protect her.

Or at least, it shouldn’t be allowed to. Clearly it had found a way.

“Yes, Father will know what to do.” Azai was mercifully unaware of Zev’s thoughts.

“How about you tell Father?” Zev said abruptly. “I’ll try to follow it, see where it goes.”

Azai stared at him. “I thought you said you didn’t think it would be able to get onto our property.”

“I don’t,” Zev said. “But it doesn’t hurt to make sure of it.”

He turned on the words, not waiting to see if his brother found his excuse convincing.

Chapter

Four

“Solomon!”

Marieke called his name again, and this time the assistant instructor turned. Recognition flashed through his eyes, and Marieke was relieved to see his face relax into a friendly smile. Whatever ill will she’d created at the council, Solomon didn’t seem to be affected by it.

“Mari! What are you doing here?”

“I live here,” she said brightly, crossing the last of the distance between them. “Or at least, not here in Bull Creek, but in this region. My home is only a couple hours’ ride away.” She directed her smile toward the woman standing beside Solomon. “Instructor Oriana. It’s good to see you again.”

“Marieke,” the instructor greeted her. “You too. I didn’t expect to find a graduate out here. I thought you were planning to stay and work in the capital.”

“I’ve been visiting my parents,” said Marieke. “I’m afraid I haven’t quite figured out what I want to do with myself, so I’m not using my songcraft much yet.”

The instructor looked surprised at this declaration from Marieke, who had been a determined and driven student. Butshe made no comment, perhaps thanks to Mr Mosley joining the conversation.

“Is Mari here being modest again? Don’t let her tell you she isn’t using her singing abilities! She used them to save my farm! And all our farms, probably. We’d be in true strife if not for her.”

“Is that so?” Instructor Oriana and Solomon both turned interested faces toward Marieke, who felt her cheeks going pink.

“It was fortunate I was on hand and able to help, but Mr Mosley exaggerates my role.”

“What poppycock!” Mr Mosley contradicted. “I ain’t exaggerating anything.”

Marieke was about to protest further when a memory forcibly asserted itself—of her having much the same argument with Zev when he tried to downplay his part in thwarting various of Gorgon’s attacks. She snapped her mouth closed.

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