“I’ll carry the big ones.” Jod picked up heavy tomes and smiled at Awa blankly, as if they’d never met before. Hazel eyes looked right through her to Bal who tugged baby goats onto solid ground. “No problem.” Jod toted the heaviest books in one arm. He was dressed as an Elder in a blue cloud-silk robe. A new bow was slung across his back; a diamond-tipped blade hung from his belt.

Jod ran past Bal and headed to the surface. He was good with a knife and better than anyone at giving Isra the answers vie wanted to hear. Isra praised Jod even when he was mediocre, and Jod would be an Elder before Bal, who was excellent at everything!

Bal had chosen to wait and gain more skill before crossing over. Never let the enemy know your heart. Bal hid jealousy and anger well, but Awa caught flaring nostrils and measured breath in Jod’s wake. Jod being Jod and everyone thinking him handsome and brave made Bal want to fight. Was that wrong?

The enclave set up camp on a grassy saddle between mountain peaks. Tents were pitched, goats corralled, and water hauled in. A few weavers set up looms. Awa stared at unfamiliar cliffs. She had no idea where they were. If she chose griot for crossover, she’d have to do better at finding her way. Maps were tricky stories. Tell the wrong tale and you were lost. Tonight she’d read the stars and orient herself better.

“I wish it wasn’t so steep,” Isra said. “Up is great, but down. Zst!”

“Your knees are fine,” Yari said. “This is the safest place for the crossover ceremony, since we’re in such a hurry. Your idea.”

“No, their idea.” Isra pointed at Jod and crew. “Let’s hope they don’t fail.”

Yari sighed. “This test is good for everyone.”

Awa expected Jod to fail. Bal was fast and quiet and could track anyone, even Isra. After sunset when festival tables had been set up, Awa saw Jod steal an Aido cloth cape and sneak off. Stealth wasn’t his downbeat. Awa lay on a table, staring at an inky sky, waiting for stars to rise. She always kept track of the nights. Bal appeared over her. Green-flecked eyes flashed light from the cook fires. Her chin was sharp, her grin crooked. A vision.

“Jod says I love him and he loves me, and that’s why we fight,” Bal said.

Awa lost a few breaths. She was jealous at the thought. “Do you?”

“Love him? No.” Bal snorted. “Yari’s right. Jod’s cocky behavior is no reason to lose myself.”

“Everyone makes excuses for Jod.” Awa balled her fists. “Nothing is ever his fault.”

“That’s true too.” Bal poked Awa’s tight curls. A sluggish bee burrowed deeper into her hair. Everyone worried the bees might sting her, but they never did.

“Jod calls tormenting you love,” Awa said.