My eyes met Covington’s. Instinctively, I knew she would see my revelation for what it was: a disturbing twist in the current political happenings.

“Have you heard there are poor conditions in the village? We know they don’t live in luxury, but it’s not so bad, is it?” Covington asked, directing her question to Hannibal.

“Well, if I remember correctly, I read something about how the Record Keepers murdered at Bankhead were on a mission to take inventory of this mysterious fever when they were killed. It wouldn’t hurt if the Assembly earmarked more funds for upkeep and medicine.”

I nodded my agreement. Then a thought occurred to me. My brow furrowed. “So, Hannibal, how do you know all this?” I asked.

Hannibal’s mouth quirked. “I subscribe to the Northern Light under Professor Saxon’s name. She gets two papers delivered, and I slip one into my pocket when I get her coffee in the morning. She’s so scattered, she doesn’t even notice.”

It was a terrible violation of the Schoolhouse rules, but it was bold and clever.

“It’s not perfect in the way of information gathering,” she went on. “I only subscribe to the Sunday edition, since serving her coffee every day like a servant would raise suspicion. I miss a lot of what goes on during the week. But most of the big news is recapped in the Sunday paper.”

I nodded. “Ingenious. I would never have thought of that.”

“Who are you kidding, Arika?” East Keep said. “Even if you had thought of it, you’re too much of a toady to follow through.” She glanced at the twins for confirmation and they giggled together.

I ignored them. “What I want to know is how the Record Keepers plan on addressing the legitimate concerns of the Rebels. The New Seed will help, but more is needed. They must demand funds from the Assembly.”

Covington answered me. “It won’t be easy to get all the Record Keepers to agree on anything. Corruption is rampant at Hasting and, unfortunately, some of the Kongo Senators are so terrified of being ousted, they’ll flatly refuse to petition the Assembly for more money, or more fair Overseers. I suppose, once we get to Hasting, we can combat the bad Keepers.”

“We’ll have even more power if one of us manages to become Senator,” Hannibal said. “Of course, that will depend on whether Hosea and Jones are politically aligned.”

I lowered my eyes, and said nothing.

Covington nodded, agreeing with Hannibal. “Obi Solomon save us if Jones selects the Vine Keeper to be Senator, and he goes against the New Seed. If the New Seed doesn’t pass, we’re in danger—grave danger.”

I shivered. “The failure of such a worker-friendly bill will give the Rebels all the ammunition they need to defeat us Record Keepers.”