Page 8

Vesima cut her off with a flick of her hand. “You don’t. You have fewer clothes from Teshya than anyone else in the clan. And if you’re going to be traveling for the clan at all this winter, you need to be properly prepared.”

Iryana’s shoulder slumped. “You’re right. I will talk to Teshya later.”

“No.” Her grandmother leveled one of her cutting stares, the kind that said you will obey. “You will go now. And make sure she’s still on track for the pilgrimage. There were a few pieces she needed to finish before. I don’t want anyone freezing if winter comes early.”

“Yes, First.”

Her grandmother stared her down, and Iryana tensed under the scrutiny. “Well? Why are you just standing there? Go!”

Eyes wide, Iryana spun on her heels, not wanting to draw her grandmother’s wrath. She headed off to search for her cousin’s wife, already feeling bad about it. The clan was so behind on everything, and adding onto that work even in a small way made her feel like a burden.

Not finding Teshya in the parlor, kitchen, or either hall, Iryana made her way upstairs. She often worked in her room, where it was quieter and she could easily monitor Anara.

The door was cracked, and Iryana could hear soft singing. It was a lullaby that must have come from Teshya’s family, as Iryana didn’t remember hearing it as a child. She leaned against the wall, realizing Teshya was trying to put her daughter back to sleep.

As much as she wanted to use this as an excuse, she knew it was the primary thing the First would ask about when she saw her again. Her memory was impeccable, and she let nothing slide.

So, Iryana just listened, letting Teshya’s soft singing tease a smile from her lips. The rhythm had a falling, chanting quality, like many lullabies Iryana had grown up with.

Hush, my baby, night is here,

Five great gods of whom you’ll hear.

Strategy and sacrifice,

Hands of Thelbiz will entice.

For the heart that burns so bright,

Cherish now Mhakiza’s might.

Fight for balance, strong and true,

Limhiz watches over you.

Guard the future, heal us all,

Heed Voordiza’s gentle call.

Shape the land and seek your fame,

Noshtiz writes the victor’s claim.

Soon a choice you’ll have to make,

Which god’s magic you will take.

Open wide your heart to see,

Forge with blood your destiny.

Hush, my baby night is here,

From the five, the path will clear.

It was a lullaby about the gods and the choice all Istrins had to make as they neared twenty. A choice of which type of magic to forge with, a choice that could never be changed. But since the beasts came, it was not much of a choice. Settlements were extremely lucky to have more than one type of well.

Perhaps by the time Anara was old enough for her own forging, things would be different. Iryana hoped Anara could choose whatever she wanted. That the world would be a safer place for her.