Page 92 of A Fractured Song

“Hello.” The woman’s smile was a little too careful, but not like she was disguising animosity. More like she was trying to hide how eager she was. “I didn’t mean to startle you. You’re Marieke, is that right?”

Zev stepped up beside Marieke, his posture not what she would call open. The stranger’s eyes shifted to him.

“And you’re Zevadiah. Rissin told me about you both.”

Marieke raised an eyebrow. “You’re Rissin’s associate?”

“I suppose you could say that.” She didn’t look like she relished the title. “He has his uses, but my purposes are my own.” Her eyes glinted. “I’m so pleased that you’re here. I took a chance when Rissin told me what happened in the canyon. I hoped you would come looking for the elves, for answers. And you did. It was worth waiting for you here. I’ve been very eager to meet you, Marieke.”

“Me?” Marieke asked, startled. “Why?”

“Yes, why?” Zev agreed, the words a growl. He moved closer to Marieke, so that their arms were touching, and she felt the magic swirl under her feet.

The stranger obviously felt it, too. Her eyes lit up as they flicked to the ground then back up again. “I see what Rissin meant. It’s remarkable. Fascinating. Like and yet unlike what I’ve experienced.”

“You feel the magic?” Marieke asked, her brows drawing together. “So you’re a singer, then.” Her eyes widened as realization hit. “You’re the other questioner the Imperator’s granddaughter mentioned.”

“The other one?” the stranger repeated. “So you have the aptitude as well?” She clapped her hands together in delight, the childlike gesture out of place. “I knew it! I knew it couldn’t be coincidence that you were following the same course I did, before you ever knew about me.” She frowned slightly. “Although I thought they stopped teaching that area of storytelling song after I left the academy.”

“After you left the…” Marieke’s voice trailed off. “Who are you?” The knot clenching in her stomach told her that she already knew.

“I’m your new best resource, that’s who I am,” the other woman said. “The progress you’ve made on your own is impressive, Marieke, but I can take you way beyond. You have no idea what I’m capable of.”

“You’re…you’re her, aren’t you?” Marieke’s lips felt numb. “You’re Jade.”

The older woman swept a graceful curtsy. “Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

“Jade?” Zev repeated sharply. “The one who left the messages at Port Taran? Who was kicked out of the academy forasking questions about the coup? I thought you said she was dead.”

“I was only guessing,” Marieke said helplessly. “Based on something Gorgon said.”

Jade laughed. “You found my messages at the ruined city? I’m so pleased! Nice to know they’re still in place. And I’m far from dead. Gorgon knew that perfectly well, poor thing.” Her eyes were indulgent as they shifted again to Zev. “You were a little harsh with him, but I can’t say I’m angry. He didnotact with my authority when he decided to take Marieke out.”

“But he did act on your orders before that?” Marieke said, aghast. “You’re the one the elves gave talismans to, aren’t you? And you gave them to Gorgon!”

Jade shrugged. “Well, I didn’t need them, did I? I can sing.” She flashed a conspiratorial smile that suggested she was badly misreading her audience. “And yes, I persuaded the elves to trade me talismans. The first human to receive them since the days of the monarchs, I believe.”

“You were behind the attacks?” Marieke said. “You’re behind the disasters too, aren’t you? But you don’t even need talismans for that.” She gasped. “You were there at the Mosleys’ field! You started the fire. It was your enchantment I fought against.”

“And very capably, too.” The approval in Jade’s voice made Marieke sick to her stomach. “I would have approached you then had I felt safe to do so. Later, when you snuck away without a trace, I wished I had.”

“You stay away from her,” Zev said, his voice low and threatening as he moved forward.

“Oh, you misunderstand me,” Jade said. “I want to work with Marieke, not see her disappear.”

“Disappear?” Marieke’s throat was tight—she could hardly believe what was happening. “Is that what you call whatGorgon did to the other singers? The ones he killed on your orders?”

“Marieke, Marieke.” Jade raised her hands placatingly, her forehead creased in concern. “Don’t get the wrong idea. I’m not sadistic. I seek only to right the wrongs of the past. Don’t judge me by Gorgon, either. He was young and hotheaded. He and his fellow monarchists were helpful in getting things started, but they were never a big part of the plan.”

“Getting things started?” Marieke was almost choking on the words. “What does that even mean?”

“The council has to be stopped,” Jade said. “You know enough now to know how vile their lies are. They can’t be allowed to continue in power unchecked.”

“But the singers he killed weren’t doing anything nefarious,” Marieke protested. “They were sent out to assess the suffering crops and provide aid to the people of Oleand—doing what good rulersshoulddo. You didn’t care that they were trying to do their job well. You just saw a good opportunity to target council singers away from the capital.”

“A strategist is only as good as her ability to exploit opportunity,” Jade said with a shrug. “You must see the bigger picture, Marieke.”

“I see just fine,” Marieke said. “And I want no part of what you’re doing.”

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