“The Joust Planning Committee! Ever heard of it? You are the Secretary.”

I checked my list. “Meetings don’t start until Saturday. The first day of Break, right?” I turned fully to her, finally, for confirmation.

The West Keep twins pursed their lips. They were a thin-faced, squirrely pair, and each tended to finish the other’s thoughts in breathy bouts.

“I think that’s why she called it a preliminary meeting,” said one, leaving her twin to explain. “It’s a pre-meeting meeting to go over Director Kumar’s proposal.”

“A pre-meeting meeting?” I repeated, scathingly.

“To discuss Dana Kumar’s proposal!” Covington insisted. “It’s no small thing, you know. He wants the Joust to be a fight to the death.”

She was right. The annual Joust was a mock battle between twelve Champions, one each from the twelve Houses of the Kongo. Drink and hash flowed freely at the annual event, which prepared the workers to partake of the Rebirth the next day. Dana Kumar’s plan would leave eleven Kongos dead, which, according to the proposal, would provide an outlet for the tensions brought on by Rebel violence and drought.

“Is the meeting mandatory?” I asked, thinking of the cartoon of the bloody dagger.

Twin one chimed in. “It’s mandatory for the Secretary.”

“Fine—I’ll be there.” I turned to Covington. “What time?”

“Seven, right after supper,” she said.

“And what time can I leave?”

She crossed her arms. “Obi, does it matter? School’s over tomorrow!”

“School isn’t over until after the Final Exam,” I corrected. “During Break, we have to write our final essays.”

“Oh, well pardón!” She threw her hands up dramatically. “I thought the three weeks of Break would be sufficient, even for you.”

“Not three weeks,” I retorted, tightly. “Apparently, I have to spend at least one night at your party.”

Her eyes lit, and Jetson stepped between us. “Come on, Arika, I’m sure you have a little time.”

I hesitated, looking around at them, a well-groomed flock of vultures.

“If it’s mandatory, I’ll be there,” I muttered.

Covington sneered. “You’d better.” She turned on her heel and stalked away. The West Keep twins and East Keep followed immediately. Hannibal cast a long look at Jetson, who remained by my side. Then she walked away too.

The Librarian

THE LIBRARIAN

When they were out of earshot, Jetson turned to me. “Where are you off to?”

“The library,” I said. “I have to—”

“Study?”

I nodded ruefully. He was different when he wasn’t with the rest of them.

“Can I join?”

I pursed my lips. “What about noon meal? Covington will be expecting you.”

He smiled sheepishly, showing the white ridge of his teeth. “I ate a big breakfast.”