That same morning, Ariel and Eti spoke briefly with the two boarders who were renting the room across the hall. The boarders were a young married couple, both around Ariel’s age. The husband was a tall, broad-shouldered man who spent most of his time heaving crates and barrels off cargo ships. His wife was small in stature, a mere inch taller than Eti, with a round, pregnant belly. Ariel introduced himself to them as Eti’s brother, a fact neither of the boarders questioned despite the obvious lack of resemblance. Unlike the nobles prowling about court, the people here respected secrecy. They rarely questioned anything in these parts, Eti learned.

During their brief conversation, the husband pried once out of concern. He leaned in and clasped Ariel by the shoulder. “Listen, brother. Do you have family outside Mariit? I’m only asking because I have a friend who’s sailing out of the city tonight. There’s room on the boat if you wish to join us.” He cast a worried glance at Eti and added, “The tides here will turn fast. And we both have children to think about.”

“You can come stay with us,” his wife said when she saw Ariel hesitate. “My grandmother lives in the south. She’ll take you in should this matter up in the palace sour. And, knowing the Gatdulas, they will.”

“The Gatdulas?” Eti echoed. She had never heard her family’s name uttered that way⁠—like some common, dirty word.

The wife nodded grimly. “Of course, you’re too young to know about the rebellion, aren’t you? My grandfather fought for the Kulaws before he surrendered. Nevertheless, the Gatdulas killed him. Burned him alive as he begged. Why, they even⁠—” She broke off with a shudder. Her round eyes were glassy when she met Eti’s gaze. “Forgive me, child, you don’t want to hear this. But believe me when I say that if they survive, the Gatdulas will show no mercy. Best go to a place where we know we are safe.”

An unpleasant tingle trickled down Eti’s spine. She was half listening as Ariel politely declined the boarders’ invitation. Whatever excuse he gave, they seemed to believe him.

“May the gods look kindly upon you, brother,” the husband said. “We’re leaving here at dusk, in case you change your mind.” He gave Ariel a last pointed look. Gently, he slung his arm around his wife’s waist and helped her back upstairs to their room.

For a long moment after they left, Eti didn’t budge. She didn’t realize she was trembling until Ariel laid a hand on her shoulder. “Come along,” he whispered. “Let’s see if we can find more of those sweet rolls.”