I’ve no idea whether this letter will reach you, but I had to try. We miss you dearly. Alia mentions you almost daily, and I’ve caught Mother looking at your old dresses more than once….

The letter talks of Leora’s new embroidery, Alia’s goat bearing a kid, and recent repairs to our cottage’s roof. Day-to-day mundane things, but I linger on every word, and I wonder if I’ve made a mistake by leaving them. I could be seeing Leora’s embroidery for myself, advising Alia on the best feed for her goat.

The parchment quivers in my hand. Then my eye is drawn to something she says at the end.

Things at the village are well, though there seem to be more soldiers coming through lately. When I see them, I think of you, wonder how you’re faring in their land.

A knot forms in my stomach at her words. So the number of soldiers in Dara continues to increase, and even Leora’s noticed it by now. It frightens me to think of what it means.

I don’t know if there’s any way for you to get a message back to me. Perhaps Commander Arxa or another umbertouched soldier would be willing to carry something back the next time they come. Kaylah assures us that if you wear gloves to write the letter and we take care to press your parchments with a fired stone, then we need not worry about the disease essence traveling all the way here. I hope to hear from you soon. Until then, we place you in the care of the Goddess.

There’s a thickness in my throat as I read the letter twice more. After I finish, I fold the parchment and tuck it into my apron, choosing the pocket that’s closest to my heart.

Chapter Twenty-one

Zivah brings news a few days later. I’m to report to Sehmar City and train with Arxa’s troops. The news lights a fire inside of me. I’m still bruised and sore from my test, and I think I might have injured my shoulder, but I can’t wait to get started.

“So you’re happy with this?” Zivah asks.

I grin. “Just tell me when I can go. I can still come back and see you, right?” Zivah has been the only constant in the days since I’ve awoken.

“I’d like that,” she says. “In fact I’ve spoken to Commander Arxa, and he’s agreed that you should visit me regularly for treatment. Your mind is still fragile, and I have some potions that will help you recover.”

“Fragile?” That doesn’t sound good.

“Don’t worry. It just means you’re more likely to be confused in these first few weeks. The herbs will make it easier on you. It’s nothing to worry about.”