At the sight of Lagi and Vasa, I sit up abruptly and shove the covers off of me. My heart pounds in fear. I glance at my belongings packed neatly in the corner of my room, ready to grab them and flee. However, despite Lagi and Vasa's concerned faces, the outside world is quiet.

"What happened?" I ask. "Are we leaving?"

I make a move to climb out of bed, but Lagi halts me by pressing his hand to my shoulder.

"Not yet," Lagi says. "But soon."

The door creaks open, and Kesuk enters. Judging by the weary expression on his face, it's clear he hasn't slept all night. His movements are slow, and his eyes are glossed over with drowsiness.

I glance through a crack in the curtains, seeing that the sky is just beginning to turn a shade of dark blue.

"What time is it?" I ask.

"Almost dawn," Vasa answers.

"Kesuk, did you tell Lagi and Vasa what happened?" I ask.

Kesuk shakes his head. "They just arrived."

"Then—"

Lagi fills in the details for me. "Vasa and I were keeping guard this evening. There were rumors circulating by one of the commanding officers that he had run into one of the Landiani assassins while in the forest. They set out patrols this evening, and I've heard they are sending more soldiers in the coming days to search. Is it true?"

I avert my gaze from Lagi. Shame creeps up through my body, and I hug my arms to myself while lowering my voice.

"Yes," I murmur.

"Fetia, what happened?" Lagi asks softly.

"It's my fault. I went out on a walk, and...I am sure you can piece the rest of the details together. I should not have left—"

"Don't be so hard on yourself," Vasa interrupts. "Another soldier also heard from a shopkeeper in Sura that a young Landiani woman took off to the mountains recently."

I bite my lip in anger, but it is no use feeling any rage now. Soldiers are pursuing me regardless of whether my forest stroll or the old woman in Sura sold me out. I must forge ahead and do what I can now to avoid being captured.

"It's not safe for you in Kilaun anymore," Lagi says with a somber tone.

His words are ones I expected, but they still make my heart sink. My lip quivers in sadness as I ask, "How much time do you think I have?"

"A day. Maybe two at most," Vasa thinks.

"We should relocate you as soon as possible," Lagi says.

Sadness washes over me in waves. I knew it would not be possible to stay in Kilaun forever, but a part of me foolishly hoped that even after being spotted, I might have just a little more time. I suddenly don't wish to leave Kesuk's cabin. I selfishly want to remain here longer, playing fetch with Siku and enjoying the company of Kesuk, Lagi, and even Vasa. I look up at my comrades' faces, and seeing their concern, I hug myself harder. How foolish I was to let them down. Tears sting the corners of my eyes, but I take a deep breath and try to compose myself.

"I'm boiling water for tea," Kesuk says. "We can talk out in the kitchen. Fetia, you should get dressed."

I nod and shakily climb out of bed. It is no use hiding my fear. Though I was not ambushed in the middle of the night, I am not waking to a pleasant morning either. I turn to Lagi and Vasa and try to muster up all the courage I can to face them.

"I'm sorry for troubling you two. I appreciate you coming," I say.

Lagi shakes his head. "Don't apologize, Fetia. Worry about yourself for now."

I nod, but I still cannot help but feel concern for them. "Shouldn't you two be heading back to camp?"

Vasa shakes his head. "It's not dawn yet."

"Besides, we should discuss our strategy first," Lagi says. "I'd hate to leave you now, in case..." He does not finish his next words, but I know them instantly. In case we do not see each other again.

I pray that does not happen, so I thank Vasa and Lagi once more and dress for the day. My fingers tremble as I attempt to button my winter coat. In the dimness of the candlelight, I stare at myself in the mirror and gulp as I wonder where I will head next. I had hoped I could remain in the country of Kilneu until the spring, but that certainly doesn't seem like a possibility anymore.

In the kitchen, various candles light the room to keep the cabin dim. As I sit at the table, Kesuk pushes a cup of tea toward me.

"Have you slept at all?" I ask.

Kesuk shakes his head. "I'll be okay. It is a luxury we cannot afford right now. At the very least, I hope you got some rest. It may be a while until we can all sleep soundly again."

I sigh. Beyond the tossing and turning for hours in fear, my dreams were at least pleasant, but even now, I am haunted by them. I take a few sips of my tea, hoping the caffeine will aid my drooping eyes.

"So...I think the question is - where do you want to go, Fetia?" Kesuk asks.

"I..." I mull over his question. I struggle for an answer, wishing someone else could choose for me. I reach for the map rolled up neatly along the wall, thankful that we left it out after strategizing yesterday. I study the parchment carefully in the candlelight. I gnaw on my lower lip, trying to consider the best course of action. My finger lands on Olikpok.

"I suppose here is closest—"

"I would advise against it," Kesuk interrupts.

"But we have allies there. They might be able to house us, and I think we could gain more support—"

"No. Kesuk is right," Lagi says. "Olikpok is too close to Kilaun. The soldiers will track you easily," Lagi says.

"What about Nuniq, then?" I ask, pointing to the Kilneu settlement farther in the north. "It is potentially out of reach of the soldiers since there's no fighting going on, and we have a handful of allies there, too."

"It will be difficult to travel northward in the winter, even if you have a local like myself with you. The winter conditions are not kind to anyone at this time of year," Kesuk says.

"Then..." I bite my lip once more and continue to look around Kilneu. There are a few more settlements in the north, but I imagine Kesuk will shoot those options down just as easily, especially since the war will resume at the border in the spring. I keep scanning the map, even though the answer is becoming abundantly clear.

"Fetia," Lagi says.

"I know!" I exclaim in frustration. This time, I cannot hold back the tears. "I know that I need to leave Kilneu, but...I worked so hard to get here," I say, choking on my words. "And I do not know what I will do on my own without the support of the rest of you."

"No one said anything about you being alone," Kesuk says.

I wipe a few tears from my eyes. "What?"

"I agreed to be your ally, did I not? I will join you wherever this next part of your journey takes you," he says.

"B-but Kilaun is your home, and Siku—"

"Kilaun is becomingly increasingly unsafe, and we can discuss logistics once we decide where to go next," Kesuk says.

"But what about our allies in Kilneu?" I ask.

"I have their addresses. I'll be able to manage relations from afar, so long as I am careful about how much mail I am sending. I can even appoint some second-in-commands here in Kilaun in my absence. The only question now is where would you like to go?"

I glance at the map once more. My eyes dart east, on a country I have never once stepped foot into but that is far enough removed from Kilneu and Landiani that it may serve as a temporary sanctuary. Although, it is also the country that houses the sole ally my mother and sister were corresponding with before I left.

"Flumensia," I decide. I know little about the country besides what I learned from school and from when I worked with Arabelle as a maid, although she spoke little about her experience living there. I sigh. "But I don't know the best strategy for reaching that country, or where we should go once we step foot into its borders."

"Well, for right now, our focus is getting you out of Kilneu. I agree that Flumensia sounds like the best bet," Kesuk says.

"There's a ferry that transports civilians to Flumensia," Lagi explains. "It was what many of the soldiers from Flumensia took to arrive here. I heard a few of the new soldiers speaking about their journey recently. You'd have to descend the mountain pass again, but there is a port on the east coast of Kilneu that I can't seem to remember the name of."

"Nauja," I say, finding the settlement on the map.

Kesuk eyes it with me. "I see," he says. "I imagine the ferry lands in Fehrbridge?"

"Gracesard Isle," Lagi interjects.

The name sends a shiver down my spine. It is the very place Asteria's father threatened to lock her up if she stepped out of line again.

"But that is where the prisoners are held. Why would the ferry travel there?" I ask.

"Gracesard Isle used to be a Flumensian territory and settlement," Kesuk says. "Have you forgotten what you learned in school?"

"I-I have had other matters on my mind!" I argue.

"The largest Magnuvian prison is there, yes," Lagi says, "But it is still a port city. They stop there to refuel. From there, it travels to Flumensia."

I nod, but fear grips hold of me. That is a large amount of travel for me to go by unnoticed, and I am sure soldiers are swarming Kilneu's borders after the soldiers' reports. I can only hope they are keeping their search efforts in the mountains, rather down by the sea.

"What do you think? Does that sound like a plan, Fetia?" Kesuk asks me,

I glance at the map again. They must know, like me, that there is no other option.

"I suppose we have to try," I say. What will await us when we get there, I have no idea, but if I managed to survive in Kilneu for a month, I'm sure something will work out in Flumensia too.

"Fetia, I'm sorry, but I can't come with you," Lagi says.

Though my heart drops, it is an answer I expected to hear. Once again, guilt fills my body again. I was hoping I could have some more time in Kilneu with my friend before we had to part, but my selfish decision cut our time short.

"I am already under suspicion for being close to you and Kiana," Lagi continues. "And I owe it to Palila to keep myself safe. I think my letters are the only thing providing her solace back in Tetoa."

"I understand," I say. "You have done more than enough, truly."

"Then, I would like to take Lagi's place and join you," Vasa offers.

My heart drops for a different reason. I suppose there was a selfish part of me that hoped Vasa would also remain in Kilneu. I open my mouth, nearly wanting to say no, but it dawns on me annoyingly that travelling in numbers will increase our chances of survival, and I suppose I have seen Vasa take matters more seriously over the past few weeks. Though I do not enjoy his company as much as Lagi's and Kesuk's, I should not be turning away a willing participant.

Just as I begrudgingly start to agree, Lagi is the one who strangely speaks out against him.

"Vasa, I'm not so sure that's wise. You'll be killed for treason if caught," Lagi says. "Walking away from the army is easily punishable by death, let alone aiding one of the most wanted criminals in the empire right now."

"Fetia needs all the support she can get," Vasa says. "She and Kesuk need me."

"I appreciate it, truly," I say. "But Lagi is quite serious. If you return with him now, you can continue being soldiers and can claim you never had any involvement with me."

"And die in the spring like they want us to? I would rather take my chances with you," Vasa argues.

I glance at Kesuk. He shrugs. "We really could use all the help we can get."

"Then..." I let out a defeated sigh. "Then, we would appreciate your company," I say. It is one matter planning with Vasa, but it will be an entirely different one travelling with him. Secretly, I hope that he can pull his own weight. Hopefully his training as a soldier will have given him some experience.

"I won't let you down," Vasa says. I hope it is a promise he is able to keep.

"Lagi, if you are staying, I have a favor to ask you," Kesuk says. It is only then I notice the tears glistening in his eyes. "I need you to keep an eye on Siku."

The dog's ears perk at his name being called, and he wags his tail slightly. My heart breaks at the thought of separating Siku from his owner, but I know it is too dangerous for him to join us on our journey.

"I built him a dog door in the back of the cabin a few years back," Kesuk says. "It's bolted up in the winter, but I will open it again so he can come and go as he pleases. If you could come by here and bring him food, play with him—"

"Of course," Lagi promises. "I will try to visit every day if I can."

Kesuk wipes a few tears and smiles. "Thank you."

I reach down and scratch the dog between his ears. He rubs against my hand and wags his tail happily, and I feel a few tears come to my eyes as well.

"Once the sun rises, I'll go into town and buy supplies," Kesuk decides. "Tonight, we'll leave when the sun goes down."

"Is it safe to wait that long?" I ask.

"We should not risk leaving now before we have a chance to gather supplies," Kesuk says.

I feel embarrassed. I know too well about being ill-prepared for a trip.

"I imagine any soldiers travelling through the mountain pass will arrive later today," Lagi adds. "You would not want to meet them on your journey."

I gulp. "Is it safe to travel through there, when it almost killed me before?"

"We have no other choice," Kesuk says. "But the weather has been pleasant. The skies were clear yesterday. We will see when the sun rises if that will be the case today. Regardless, I will guide you two as best I can."

I nod, and I glance at Vasa. He shuffles in his seat, looking uneasy as well. I am sure he is not thrilled about journeying through the pass either, especially after hearing of my own near-death experience. I hope once we descend, I will never have to step foot through the mountains again.

Lagi glances out the window. The faintest bits of light are starting to shine through, signaling dawn's rapid approach.

"We should head back," Lagi says to Vasa.

"I should just remain here," Vasa says. "I am going to be a traitor to the army soon anyway."

Lagi shakes his head. "You risk pointing the soldiers to Fetia's whereabouts if you do that. Depart this evening, when the sun is setting. Besides, you would not want to miss one last training session, right?"

Vasa groans and stands. "I guess not. I'll do my best not to offend the commander so that I'm not injured before the trip." He gives his shoulder a roll, and it cracks. At my grimace, Vasa laughs. "That happened shortly after I arrived here."

"Yes, please do keep yourself in good health," Kesuk says. Only now do I sense his simultaneous hesitation in allowing Vasa to join us.

I stand slowly, not yet ready to part from Lagi again, especially when I truly do not know the next time I will see him. I can already feel tears forming in my eyes as I look at him. His eyes reflect the same sadness. I give Lagi a strong hug, savoring it just as much, if not more, than the embrace we shared during my final evening in Tetoa all those months ago.

"Stay safe," I tell him as we pull apart.

"I'll try my best," Lagi says. "If you run into Palila, will you tell her I say hello and that I will come home to her soon?"

"I imagine I would not—"

"You never know," he says. He must sense the worry in my eyes because he places his hand on my shoulder affirmingly. "I have no doubt your plan will succeed, Fetia. I cannot wait to see what the future is like when it does."

I smile and wipe a few stray tears from my cheeks. "Thank you."

Lagi glances over at Kesuk and Vasa. "I hope you'll both take good care of my friend."

"Of course," Kesuk says. Vasa nods vehemently beside him.

"See you, then, and best of luck," I say.

Lagi smiles weakly and departs with Vasa, leaving Kesuk and I alone in the cabin once more. I only have a few seconds to breathe and collect myself before Kesuk starts moving around and grabbing belongings to ready himself for the day.

"Are there any supplies you need?" he asks.

I list some items off the top of my head, promising to sort through my belongings and let him know if there is anything else I am forgetting.

"While I'm gone, you should try to get some rest. It's going to be a long day ahead of us, and you'll want to be sharp," Kesuk says.

"Only if you come back here and rest in the afternoon," I argue.

"Alright then."

"Kesuk?"

"Yes?"

I run my fingers through my hair. "Will you cut my hair before you go?" I ask.

He glances at me strangely.

"I just figure it might help in disguising myself. I am sure the reports going around about my sighting state that I have long hair. It will not do much, but it may buy me some time until I am seen again," I say.

Even as I ask him, I feel my heart breaking some. I have always loved keeping my hair long. Since I was a child, it has always cascaded down in waves akin to the Tauntanoan Ocean. Compared to my mother and sister's shorter hairstyles, it was the one part of myself that I felt was different from them. Ironically, it seems I must become more like my family members to distance myself from them.

"Sure, then. I can cut it," Kesuk says. He pulls a chair out into the center of the living room and motions for me to sit. I take a seat and allow my hair to fall down the back of the chair.

"I may not be very good at this—"

"It doesn't matter. I am not expecting to be seen in public much these days," I say.

Kesuk chuckles. "How short, then?"

"Perhaps a little bit above my shoulders?" I ask. Shorter than my mother and sister's, whose hair usually rests on their shoulder or collarbone. "Ah, just a moment," I say. I return with a hairtie and tie my hair up, towards where I want it to fall. "I figure this will take the pressure off. You can cut from the band and then make adjustments as needed."

Kesuk nods. I sense his hesitation as the scissors linger near my hair. Then, I slowly feel the blades piercing through. They snap faintly with each cut. Slowly, I feel the weight of my hair pull away.

My hair flows loosely from the ponytail, now falling about two inches above my shoulders. I want to cry as I look at my discarded curls on the floor. I am reminded of my past, of who I was when my hair was long – a loyal mother and sister, an intelligent schemer, and a gentle lover. Now that the hair is gone, the memories leave with it, and I feel like a weight has been lifted. Perhaps this was the last step I needed to begin forging a new life for myself.

Kesuk asks me to sit still as he makes a few adjustments. He finally pulls the scissors away, and I return to my bedroom to look at my reflection. The ends of my hair feel softer now. I run my fingers through them.

"I did my best to make it look even," Kesuk says nervously as he lingers in the doorway.

All in all, I think he has done a good job. Sure, the ends of my hair are a bit mismatched in places. He does not have the careful touch of my mother or Kiana, but there is no need to feel upset about it.

"It works just fine. Thank you," I tell him.

"Let me know any additional supplies you need," he says.

I nod. It still feels strange carrying around less hair, but I quickly grow used to the feeling as I piece through my belongings one last time. I find Kesuk in the kitchen and share a few more items for him to add to his list.

Kesuk reaches for his winter coat in the linen closet. "I will be back in a few hours. I do not think it is a bad idea to get some rest, though you'd be wise to remain diligent. I am not sure if the soldiers will be able to trace you here," Kesuk explains.

I nod, knowing that means I probably will not be able to sleep at all. Still, I promise to try. I continue packing my belongings, having to sacrifice some of the clothing Kesuk bought me as my bag is already overfilling. I suppose I will have to find some other clothes in Flumensia.

Siku keeps me company while I pack, occasionally asking for a bellyrub. I indulge him more than usual, feeling guilty for separating him from Kesuk. I hope that Lagi will look out for him while we are gone, and in turn, that Siku will keep Lagi much-needed company as well.

I spend my last day in Kesuk's cabin resting and wandering around aimlessly. I make myself a small breakfast, and afterwards, settle down on the couch and wrap myself in blankets. Though I keep my ears alert for any type of sound, it is quiet outside, and judging by the way the sunlight is filtering in through the closed curtains, I am sure it is going to be another beautiful day. Hopefully that makes our nighttime travel easier.

I manage to doze off a couple times in the morning. I awake each time in a panic, thinking that there will be soldiers barging through the front door, but all remains calm. Siku sleeps soundly beside me, and I realize comfortingly that he would probably alert me with a bark if there were any intruders.

Kesuk returns a few hours later, and we trade shifts so that he can get some proper sleep before our night of travel. He starts a fire, and while he sleeps in his room with Siku, I sit and watch the flames dance before my eyes. I savor the fire's warmth, dreading the harsh winter environment that awaits me outside Kesuk's door, even if it is necessary for my survival this time around.

Kesuk wakes groggily from his nap just as the sun is beginning to set. I am relieved to see he was able to get some rest.

"I can help with dinner," I offer.

We cook one last meal together with leftover ingredients in Kesuk's kitchen. Unfortunately, he has no fresh meat on hand, so we stick to a vegetable-based soup instead. The sky is dark by the time we sit down and eat it. Kesuk pours Siku a bowl as well, and he laps at it happily.

"I wish I could explain everything to him," Kesuk says somberly.

"I am sure Lagi will take good care of him," I say. They are the only words of comfort I can provide in the moment.

We are relatively quiet as we eat our dinner. Though he does not say anything, I can sense the pain lingering in Kesuk's eyes. He must already be mourning leaving his home and Siku behind. I remember that same sadness when I left Tetoa all those months ago. I want to reach out and tell him that I understand, but Kesuk's silence seems to imply he doesn't want to talk about it, so we continue to eat our dinner in silence.

As we finish up dinner, we both jump at a knock on the door. I pivot my body to run to the back of the cabin, but realize quickly it must be Vasa. Kesuk opens the door, and Vasa stands in the doorway, no longer in his soldier uniform. A large bag sits on his back, and a military rifle is strapped to his chest.

"Did you manage to leave without being traced?" Kesuk asks.

"I can only hope so," Vasa replies as he steps inside. "The other soldiers were bathing or getting ready for bed. I said I needed to use the restroom and slipped out. We shouldn't linger long in case anyone comes looking."

For the first time, I sense hesitation on Kesuk's part, especially as he gazes at Siku sleeping nearby.

"Okay," he says with a deep breath. "Let's prepare to leave."

I hesitantly reach for my belongings, frightened for the journey ahead. We each look through our bags one final time to ensure we haven't forgotten anything. Suddenly, a gasp from Vasa makes my heart speed. Did he forget something important back at the soldier camp? Did he realize he was being pursued?

I turn to Vasa in fear. His response, however, makes me feel more annoyed than reassured.

"Fetia, you cut your hair!" Vasa exclaims.

"Took you long enough to notice," Kesuk says with a slight chuckle.

I run my fingers through my shortened hair that still feels foreign to the touch. "I thought it would buy us a little time until I'm recognized again. The soldiers are pursuing someone with long hair, right?"

Vasa nods in agreement, but I can see sadness reflected in his eyes too. I am sure he liked my long hair as much as I did. However, I have since tossed that grief aside, along with the sorrow of the other trials I have faced this year. If I have learned anything from leaving Tetoa all those months ago, it is to never assume anything will stay one way forever. My hair will regrow, but I do not think I will be the same person when it does.

"Here, Vasa. You have room in your bag, right?" Kesuk asks. He hands Vasa off some supplies while I wrestle with getting my heavy bag on my back.

Out of the corner of my eye, Siku watches us. His ears are pointed and alert, and he tilts his head at us curiously, probably wondering why we are headed out at such a late hour. My heart sinks at his innocent expression.

"Are we all ready, then?" Kesuk asks.

"Yes," I say, and Vasa voices his agreement beside me.

Kesuk turns to Siku and kneels down beside the dog, beginning to scratch his head and neck. "You be a good boy while I'm gone, okay? Lagi will take care of you, but you will be on your own from now. Feel free to come and go as you please. And best not eat any more soldier's sandwiches, all right?" Kesuk says.

Siku pants happily in front of him, his tail wagging. Kesuk leans forward and kisses the dog gently on the forehead.

I reach for Siku and give him a few final pets. Tears well in my eyes when I see his excited expression.

"I'll come back and play fetch with you again as soon as I can," I whisper.

Even Vasa cannot help but give Siku a few last pats on the head. We stand then and approach the front door, and my heart breaks when Siku stands automatically.

"Stay," Kesuk says firmly, and Siku sinks back down with a whine.

I glance around the cabin once more – at the unlit fireplace that kept me warm so many days, at the kitchen where I enjoyed Kesuk and Lagi's company, at the hallway to my bedroom where I gained my strength back, and of course, at Siku, who I will be forever grateful to for keeping me company during those lonelier days in Kesuk's cabin. I spend a moment fondly remembering the memories I made here – then, I turn ahead and look at the darkened woods, ready to forge new ones.