Page 67 of Off Script

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Page 67 of Off Script

Katerina lifted her head. Through her brimming eyes, she regarded Ana. “What did you say?”

The other woman’s eyes were bright with tears, too, but her voice was steady and her grip firm on Katerina’s hands when she spoke. “You saved Alexei. You’re my best friend. And if I don’t help you, we’ll all die anyway, so…” She lifted one shoulder, then let it fall. “I’ll lend you all the aid in my power, Katerina. Tell me what you need me to do.”

53

KATERINA

The Bone Moon had not yet risen as Katerina stood in the doorway of her cottage, wearing her leather fighting gear beneath a long, flowing embroidered gown. She’d strapped two of Niko’s blessed blades in her thigh holsters, and braided her red hair back, the way she always did when she fought. The Book of the Lost was safe beneath the floorboard, but she’d tucked the onyx charm into her pocket. It stung, cold against her skin, even through the thick leather.

Taking one last look at her cottage—for who knew if she would see it again—she turned and strode down the walkway. Ana waited for her, alone. “Are you ready?” she said.

Katerina nodded. “Yes,” she said, willing it to be the truth. “Let’s go.”

They had agreed that Ana would accompany her as far as the edge of town, to avoid unnecessary attention. It was a tossup whether people ignored Katerina or swore at her, and today, she wasn’t taking any chances. With Ana by her side, they’d be less likely to make trouble.

“You look like a stuffed sausage,” Ana commented, giving her the once-over as they made their way toward the square. “How can you even move?”

“Such compliments,” Katerina said, smiling despite herself. “Watch out, or my ego will wind up as swollen as my?—”

“Dimi Ivanova!” The shout came from a side street. It was Baba Petrova, dressed in her best navy-blue robes and red-heeled shoes, and looking less than pleased. “Why are you out and about? Ought you not to be at home, preparing for the ceremony? And what in the name of all the Saints are you wearing?”

Her keen eyes scanned Katerina’s body, and the smile drained from Katerina’s face. “I was just—” What could she say? What would she do if Baba stopped them now?

“We were taking one last stroll together,” Ana said, coming to her rescue. “It’s my fault, really.” She ducked her head, somehow managing to look demure. “Everyone’s so angry with her, Baba. So cruel. But she’s still my friend”—she clasped Katerina’s hand—“and I care for her. I’ll miss her so. I promised Katerina that I’d help her with her clothes and makeup for the ceremony, if she came for a walk with me first. Katerina didn’t want to go; you know they stoned her, after Niko’s funeral. But I begged. And you know how persuasive I can be.”

She squeezed Katerina’s hand, her message clear:Look pathetic.Katerina did her best. It wasn’t hard.

Baba’s suspicious gaze darted between the two of them. “I do,” she said, her tone dry.

“It’s all right, isn’t it?” Ana wheedled, her eyes big and brown and shiny. “Just a walk, Baba. And then I promise I’ll deliver her safely home. She’ll look like a princess for the Kniaz and her new Shadow.”

Katerina worried this was gilding the lily. But when she glanced at Baba Petrova’s face, the old woman looked as ifshe, too, were about to weep. “Ach, the two of you,” she said. “Inseparable since the cradle. I know well what it’s like to be parted from those you love. Fine, then. A brief walk. But no more than that.” She wagged her finger in Ana’s face, then Katerina’s. “I have a meeting with the Elders, and when it’s over, I must speak with you, Katerina. I expect to find you ready for me.”

“Thank you, Baba,” Katerina began, but before she could finish, Baba turned on her red-painted heel and walked back the way she’d come.

Ana let go of Katerina’s hand, and they stood next to each other until Baba’s small figure disappeared, hardly daring to breathe. “Such a good liar you are,” Katerina managed at last.

Ana snorted. “You should hope so. Because when she comes back after her meeting and you’ve gone missing, I’ll be lying for your life. And mine.”

A pang struck Katerina’s heart. “Ana,” she began, but the other woman shook her head, lips tight.

“Let’s go,” she said.

Wordlessly, they made their way down the path to the village square, which they would have to cross to reach the road that led to the boundary of Kalach and the ruined chapel. The Kniaz had not arrived yet, but the village had been abuzz with preparation for days. The town square was filled with brightly-colored tents, musicians and dancers, and such food as the villagers could manage. People had gone without several days, in order to create a welcome worthy of the nobleman.

Katerina and Ana crossed the square, dodging vendors’ tents and workers who were hammering nails into the makeshift stage’s supports. No one spoke to them, though a few people shot hostile looks over their shoulders at Katerina. She hardly noticed. If that was the worst that happened, then she would accept it, and gladly.

“All right,” Ana said when they cleared the square. “Now we just need to make it to the edge of town without someone harassing you. All in all, I think this is going rather well.”

But she’d spoken too soon, because of all people, Konstantin stepped from between the trees, a shovel resting on his shoulder and a look of pursed disgust on his face. His dark gaze settled on Katerina. “Where are you going, Shadow-killer?” he said.

Katerina opened her mouth, then shut it again. Under normal circumstances, Konstantin would never dare speak to her in such a disrespectful fashion. In fact, he’d never dare speak to her at all, unless she’d spoken to him first. But these circumstances were far from normal, and Katerina could hardly threaten to incinerate him where he stood—not if she hoped to avoid drawing attention.

She’d hoped Konstantin was, at least, alone. But the branches behind him rustled, and out stepped three men. They had apparently spent the day hammering, digging, and pruning in preparation for the Kniaz’s arrival, because they were filthy, covered in sawdust and mud. Dark circles underscored their eyes and their cheeks were drawn, as so many of the citizens of Kalach’s were, from lack of food. None of them looked very happy to see Katerina.

“Where she’s going is none of your business,” Ana said, stepping in front of Katerina. “Don’t you have work to do?”

Konstantin’s dismissive gaze flicked over Ana. “Where is your Shadow, Dimi Rozanova? Have you done away with him too?”


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