The Final Strife

War is coming, Dew signed.

War is coming, Hassa agreed. She moved up to the stove and picked up a warm flatbread between her limbs. She chewed on it slowly.

You are ready for tonight?

Hassa nodded.

Elder Dew flipped the last flatbread and turned to her.

I was searching through the belongings of our ancestors yesterday, observing and preserving as is my wont. And I noticed one item I had been working on has disappeared. Now, Hassa, do you know what it might be?

Elder Dew’s tone was mild; their facial expression hadn’t changed from their normal countenance of content. But Hassa knew better. Dew was mad, very mad. The Ghosting language was very subtle, and a few extra pauses between the words told Hassa all she needed to know.

I was going to bring it back.

Why did you take it?

I was just going to read it, Elder Dew.

Read it?

Yes, I wanted to study the world beyond.

Please do not insult me with your lies.

Oh, so mad. Dew had never spoken to Hassa this way before. Her chest caved, and she let the truth out.

I’m taking the map to Sylah.

The Stolen girl who’s been helping the Duster in the Aktibar?

Yes, they have been looking for answers, searching for them.

I read a report somewhere. They were looking in the library in the Keep.

They’re so close to the truth.

And yet you’ve chosen to guide them and to reveal our secrets?

They’re not ours to keep, Hassa signed frantically, the hot stove making her sweat.

They’ll kill us all.The wardens, they meant the wardens.

I trust Sylah. I trust her to keep the truth safe.

Why, Hassa? Our people must come first.Dew’s wrist clipped the hot stone as they signed “first” with force. No pain registered on Dew’s face.

Iam thinking about our people. They will be good allies. We can use them, send them forth to the mainland.

Dew nodded.

It is true our free children are too young to speak for us; we will need an ambassador who can speak the common tongue.

Hassa didn’t want Sylah to be sent away, but she also wanted her friend to know the truth.

Hassa, the other elders won’t like this. They won’t agree.

She knew that. It was why she hadn’t told them. She should have known Dew would notice the map was missing.