Page 21 of A Fractured Song

“That was my conclusion as well,” said Marieke.

“This certainly casts a different light on the incident,”mused another council member. His eyes were piercing as they rested on her.

Marieke could feel Instructor Rafael watching her closely as well, but she avoided making eye contact. He certainly wasn’t eager to speak and draw her attention.

“It sounds like you did very well, at any rate,” said the first council member. “I imagine the local farmers are very grateful to you. It was very fortunate that you were present.”

Marieke dipped her head, embarrassed by the praise but also pleased. It was reassuring to think that the whole council wasn’t set against her.

“It was fortunate that I happened to focus on agricultural song in my studies,” she said. “The skills I learned at the academy were what enabled me to assist.”

“Well said.” Instructor Oriana’s voice held a definite note of humor. “Three cheers for our academy, eh? And I didn’t even pay her to say that.”

A ripple went around the group as everyone chuckled at the likable instructor’s joke. Well, not quite everyone. Marieke noticed that Instructor Rafael remained solemn, his position as Head Instructor apparently not enough to make him join in the praising of his institution. She risked a direct look at him, but averted her eyes quickly when she found him studying her. He didn’t look angry, as she’d thought he might. He looked…wary. That was more of a concern, if anything. It didn’t seem safe for her to make him feel threatened.

“Fortunate indeed,” the third council member said, also studying her closely. “Quite the coincidence, in fact.”

Marieke didn’t answer, not sure what to make of his tone. Did he find her story suspicious? Perhaps even wonder if she’d had a hand in the incident?

“Thank you for your report.” The Head Instructor finally spoke. “We will considerit further.”

His words had a clear note of dismissal, but the other pensive council member apparently wasn’t done with her.

“I was present the last time you gave a report to the council,” he said, leaning forward. “I must say, it’s curious that for a second time you found yourself face-to-face with the instigator of a crime that we had been unable to solve. You seem to have a knack for being in the right place at the right time.”

His words were innocuous enough, but his tone suggested something else behind it. Marieke’s discomfort grew. It wasn’t anything as overt as an accusation, but he was clearly suspicious of her.

“In this case, perhaps,” said Marieke. “When Gorgon attempted to murder me in the gardens it felt more like the wrong place at the wrong time, to be honest.”

The council member inclined his head. “Of course.”

“More to the point,” interjected Instructor Rafael, not looking pleased with the conversation’s direction, “it is reassuring that once again Marieke’s evidence confirms that the disaster in question was the act of a malicious individual,” his eyes lingered on her, “and nothing broader or more sinister.”

A frown crossed Marieke’s face before she could smooth her features. Was he really going to argue that the fire—and the storms and other catastrophes Solomon had mentioned—were unconnected with the wider problem facing Oleand?

Unfortunately, the way Instructor Rafael’s eyes narrowed told her that he’d noticed her reaction. She should have been more guarded.

“Agreed,” the other council member said. “We should dispatch a criminal investigative team to the town.”

“There’d be no point,” Instructor Oriana was saying frankly. “They wouldn’t find anything I didn’t find.”

“You’re very confident.” The third member from the council soundedfaintly amused.

Instructor Oriana shrugged. “I’m not trying to boast. But as far as I’m aware, no one in Oleand has a higher level of skill in storytelling song than I do. Anything there is to learn from the site, I’ve learned it. And whoever started that fire covered his or her tracks.”

Again the two council members who seemed wary of Marieke directed their eyes to her, but this time Marieke was distracted. The mention of storytelling song had turned her thoughts back to Kaine’s words. She considered Instructor Oriana’s face, wondering if she dared to ask her about the discrepancy. The instructor loved her area of songcraft, it was clear to every student. Surely she wouldn’t have turned Marieke away from the class if she truly had a natural aptitude, like Kaine claimed.

“Thank you, Marieke, you may consider yourself dismissed.” Instructor Rafael’s voice was crisp, and Marieke cautiously turned to meet his eyes. “The council thanks you for making the journey in order to give us your report. I assume you’ll be returning home at once? We will arrange for someone to accompany you, for your convenience.”

His eyes lingered on her as he said it, and Marieke felt a prickling sensation on the back of her neck. She was probably being paranoid, but her instincts were telling her not to travel anywhere with an escort of this man’s choosing.

You’re wise to be guarded and not to trust the council completely. Especially the Head Instructor.

“Thank you,” she said mildly. “That’s a kind offer, but unnecessary.”

“Not at all.” He leaned forward. “I’ll see to the details at once.”

“Yes, certainly.” The other council member who’d seemed suspicious of her weighed in. “With such catastrophes hounding your steps, you must not leave the city alone,Marieke. Stay in your current lodgings until someone is available to see you home.”

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