Following my mother and sister's desparture, my eyes dart to a dusty, wooden box arranged with the rest of Mama's belongings underneath her cot. Out of the three of us, my mother was able to preserve the most of her personal items. Prior to the assassination, she hid some in the Landiani Cave, an action that makes me question whether she ever thought the assassination would be successful. However, now is not the time to linger on her motives. I can only be thankful that her quick thinking may aid me now, as I know that box contains the precious information of her most trusted allies.

I wait in silence for a few minutes, remaining alert for any sign of my mother and Kiana returning, but the door stays shut, and the outside world is quiet. Slowly, I lift the lid from the box. Inside are carefully folded sheets of paper clipped neatly together. I piece through the papers slowly, but as my eyes scan the pages, I am disappointed to only find logistical information from when Mama was chief of Tetoa – fishing numbers from the village, trade deals between Tetoa and the Magnuvians, counts of the magical crystals mined from the sea caves; the numbers go on and on.

I place the box down and curse quietly to myself. Her writings contain nothing useful.

I sigh and spread my legs out underneath me. My toe catches the corner of the box, tipping it onto its side. I let out a hiss and clutch my throbbing foot. Once the pain begins to subside, I glance up, seeing a part of the box has been dislodged. I reach for the thin sheet of wood in a state of panic, hoping it will be reparable, but as I grab the ajar piece, my eyes catch onto even more folded sheets of paper lodged in the bottom of the box.

"You sneaky woman," I say. My mother would never allow such valuable information to be accessed so easily. I should have known she'd equipped the box with a false bottom.

I unfold the sheets of paper carefully. My eyes light up in awe as I find name after name of allies spread throughout the Magnuvian Empire that my mother has corresponded with over the years. To my luck, there are even several names of those who reside in Kilneu.

I clutch the paper close to me and grin. I slip the parchment into my pocket, knowing that my first line of action when I reach Kilneu will be to track down these allies. At the very least, they can provide me shelter, and at the most, I can work with them to craft my own plan, separate from my mother and sister.

I begin to piece through my own belongings, wondering where will be the best place to hide the stolen information. Hopefully Mama does not notice the paper's absence in the final few days I am beside her. As I find a comfortable spot hidden underneath some of my clothing, I start thinking already of who to track down first from her list – allies from Kilaun, the town closest to the mountain pass, or farther north, where it's more secluded?

My blood suddenly runs cold, and the joy I felt over the victory of finding such information vanishes into despair.

I unfold the paper once more and frown. As amazing as it is that my mother has gathered all this information in one place, there is one crucial piece I am forgetting – these are all names connected to her. I may not know who she is still in contact with, but if I were to try to find any of these allies in Kilneu, there is no way for me to gauge what their reactions would be. Beyond the possibility of my mother realizing I have stolen from her, who's to stop her allies from contacting her and sharing both my location and motives?

And yet, I find it hard to part with such valuable information. So, instead, I find a blank sheet of paper and scribble down some of the Kilneu names from my mother's list – Ila, Nukilik, Kanut – and so on, as well as their locations for good measure. I have no idea if having these names will come in handy with my newfound realization, but it cannot hurt to know who my mother was once in contact with.

I angrily place my mother's sheets of paper away and try my best to make the contents look as untampered as possible. My heart sinks knowing that such valuable information is probably useless. Finding allies myself will prove to be more difficult, but it will more likely ensure my safety and protect my own plans. I take a few moments to feel the weight of that loss as a few tears slip down my cheeks, but then I rise, not being able to afford to waste any more time while Kiana and Mama are at the caves.

I place the piece of paper into my pocket and begin taking inventory of my clothes, which I find to be very minimal. After all, I was not able to take much with me when fleeing Esterpool, and we were not able to salvage anything from our home in Tetoa. Guiltily, I begin piecing through Kiana's belongings well, and thankfully, with our wardrobe combined, I manage to create an outfit tthat I hope masks my identity – a dark flowing dress and red hooded cloak. I reach for one of the woven baskets sitting on our kitchen table that Aulii previously brought and hope it will be large enough for the shopping spree I have planned.

My first order of business is journeying down to the beach in search of the hollow log storing the reminder of my belongings. Once I make it there, I am relieved to see that my sack remains untampered. I exchange the paper with the list of my mother's allies for cash. I count carefully, hoping it will be enough. With limited supplies coming out of Tetoa, I imagine everything will be more expesnive throughout the rest of Landiani.

I kneel down into the ground and gently dip my fingers into some mud, which is thankfully plentiful after an overnight rainstorm. I smear the mud haphazardly on my face – a dot on my nose, a brush on my cheek, and a smear just above my right eyebrow. It may not be enough to completely disguise my appearance, but at least I will not be walking around with my bare face that is proudly displayed on wanted posters across the empire.

I stand and grip the basket tightly in my hand as I stare ahead into the trees. Beyond all of the jungle's dense foliage lies Satavau. I have never seen the village, but it holds my best chances of gathering enough supplies to keep me alive on my journey to Kilneu, at least for a little while. I navigate carefully through the jungle, keeping close to the shore so that it may guide me to the village. My eyes and ears are alert to wandering Magnuvian soldiers, but all is calm and quiet. The birds sing with life, and the waves crash loudly on the shore in the distance.

I walk for a while until I stiffen at the sound of voices. I look for a place to hide, but realize quickly that what I am not hearing are soldiers, but the sound of a lively town. I listen carefully, to the noise of children playing, men engaged in friendly conversation, a woman laughing with her husband, and all the other warm and comforting sounds that once filled my ears in my hometown of Tetoa.

I part the bushes slowly and shield my eyes from the sun as the village comes into view. As my vision settles, I quickly realize how much smaller Satavau is compared to Tetoa. The homes that stretch along the jungle's hills are far and few compared to my hometown, and the fishing pier is a mere fragment of the size. There is no bustling marketplace; rather, stalls lie staggered along the steets. Even the sea caves, visible in the distance, appear to be another half mile away. I hope that at least affords me some security from the soldiers.

I turn and gaze out into the ocean. Though the town may be smaller, the view is still breathtaking. It makes my heart yearn for Tetoa even more.

Knowing I cannot linger, I break my gaze away from the sea and immediately begin making my way down the streets, trying to appear as inconspicuous as possible. Beyond the threat of being recognized by a soldier, if Keahi or Aulii were to see me, they would surely mention it to my mother.

I target the food stalls first, keeping my head low and my interactions brief. If the shopkeepers are suspicious, they never show it. Eventually, bags of roasted nuts, dried fish and fruit, and sleeves of fresh-baked crackers fill my basket. It won't keep me completely sustained on my journey, but it is a welcome start.

I move on to find more practical items – a pouch for water, a compass, matches, a vial of cold medicine, rope – and so on. I pause at a large map displayed at one of the stalls that illustrates in fine detail the layout of the Magnuvian Empire. The man behind the stall notices my intrigue and approaches. I panic slightly, not wanting to get caught up in conversation, but I know moving away will draw suspicion.

"Traveling somewhere?" the shopkeeper asks. He is an middle-aged Landiani man with a balding head and graying mustache, square glasses, and wrinkles around his eyes and mouth.

"I—"

He eyes my basket. "I suppose the answer is yes, then," he says with a chuckle. "Where to? The jungle can be treacherous if you aren't prepared."

"Rorola," I lie. "I'm visiting family. Although, I don't think having a map of the entire empire would be a bad idea. How much?"

The price that leaves his mouth shocks me. It would empty my pockets before I even have a chance to look at clothing.

"Would you be willing to bargain?"

The man shakes his head. "This is a high quality map replicated from Magewell itself, and times are tough around here. There just aren't as many fish in the reef anymore, and the soldiers are taking more and more," he says. "You would have to have something of high value."

I frown, knowing I carry no such item. I sigh and turn away. I suppose I must take my chances of finding another map somewhere else. Before I can take a step forward, I feel a ball bounce off my ankle. I turn, seeing a group of children waving at me in the distance. I kick the ball back to them with enough force that my cloak falls down from my face.

Foolishly, I do not draw it back up until the children resume playing. I turn back towards the man, stiffening as recognization flashes in his eyes.

"You..."

I consider stealing the map then and making a run for it. I suppose shopping for clothes could wait another day. However, before I have to make that decision, he takes a deep breath and calms.

"Half price," he says.

"Are you certain?" I ask.

He nods, and I hand over the cash. As he counts to ensure all is correct, his voice grows low with a whisper.

"I wouldn't linger much longer. The soldiers all flock here during their lunch hour. They'll easily spot you," he mutters.

"I still need to make a few more purchases," I say.

"What of?"

"Clothing."

"You aren't traveling to Rorola, are you?" he asks.

"I can't say," I respond. "But it is crucial I buy a few more items."

The shopkeeper sighs. "Two blocks down to the right. Look for the building with a red roof. Matali owns a boutique. She will not turn you in, so you should be able to shop safely there. But hurry. The soldiers will be here soon"

The man's words slowly take hold in my mind.

"Thank you. Truly."

I quickly place the map in my basket, give the man one last parting look of gratitude, and take off with his instructions in mind. It does not take long for me to find the building a few blocks down with handwoven Landiani clothing displayed out front. I hesitate, wondering if it would be safer to turn back, but I know I cannot travel to Kilneu with the current clothing I own, so I take a deep breath and enter.

Inside, the boutique is small and quant. A few dressing areas line the back wall, separated by curtains, and shelves and racks made of hand-made clothing adorn the sides. To my delight, there are no other customers inside.

An older woman with graying dark hair tied neatly into a bun is leaning over on the other side of the counter, organizing what appears to be rows of fabric. I clear my throat, and her head jolts up. As she does so, I get a better look at the dress she is wearing. It is bright orange, embroidered with yellow flowers. I am sure she must have made it herself.

"Welcome to..." The cheerfulness in her voice slowly fades. Her voice falters. "Young lady, are you trying to get yourself killed?"

I gulp. "Is my disguise so poor?"

She chuckles. "In passing, the soldiers might buy it, but anyone who gets a good look at you would recognize you from the posters."

"Then, I need to make this quick. Are you Matali? A vendor down the street recommended your shop." I pause. "And he also said that you not turn me in..."

"Relax," the woman says upon seeing my stiffened shoulders. "Some of us here very well would do so after the way the Magnuvians have punished us on account of your actions, but there are also many of us who would rather not give them that satisfaction. I'm Matali. What are you looking for?"

"I'm looking for heavy clothing, presumably for winter."

Matali's eyes widen. "Where are you heading that you would need clothes for that?"

"I cannot say, but it will be cold, no doubt. Please, do you have anything?"

Just then, I hear the sound of footsteps echoing off the front porch of the boutique. Matali grasps my wrist and shoves me inside one of the dressing rooms. She pulls the curtain shut rapidly and and hisses to me, "Stay put. I will see what I can find for you in the meantime."

The door opens. Already, I know it is a pair of soldiers judging by how heavily their boots echo off the wooden floor. I tilt my head to peek through a small gap in the curtain, seeing two men in cave mining uniforms.

Matali greets the soldiers kindly. "How may I assist you both today?"

"I need a new shirt," one of them responds.

"He tore a hole in his while we were mining today," the other, who I can differentiate from by his much deeper voice, adds.

I keep still and hold my breath. Time passes agonizingly slow as I hear Matali present the soldier with various options. It must only be five minutes, but it feels like hours. I try to still my trembling fingers by grasping the hem of my dress tightly, but they shake even more violently when one of the soldiers approaches my dressing chambers. I see his feet at the bottom of the curtain and hold back a gasp when his fingers curl around the curtain's edge.

"Ah, not that one!" Matali calls out. "I have another customer trying on clothing in there. How is that dress working for you, miss?"

My voice comes out as squeakily. "G-good!"

"I will bring you some more clothes after I help this gentleman," Matali says sweetly before moving the soldier away from me to a dressing room on the opposite side of the shop. I rustle around with some hangers to appear preoccupied.

After what feels like an eternity, I am thankful to hear the clanking of coins and exchanging of parting words. At last, the soldiers exit, and I can breathe again. Before I can exit the dressing chambers, however, Matali returns with a stack of long pants and shirts for me to try on.

"These are the warmest items I have. If you need anything warmer, you will have to seek it out somewhere else," she says.

"Thank you," I respond. I spend the next few minutes trying on the assortment of clothes she has given me (and inspecting the prices) before I settle on two outfits that can at least keep me warm until I reach the mountain pass leading into the Kilneu Mountains.

I hide my disappointment when Matali does not offer me a discount, but as she packages my items, I realize I owe enough to her for protecting me from the soldiers. I thank her once more before I leave.

"Wherever you are going, be wary of the cold. We are not built for it, you and I," Matali says, her tone firm and serious.

"I know," I say. I recall how even the early spring mornings in Esterpool sent a chill down my spine. "But I have no choice."

"Take care, then," Matali says.

"Thank you, and farewell."

I step outside, glancing once more at the ocean and the streets of Satavau. Without a moment to spare, I quickly make my way back to the jungle. It must be midday now, and the soldiers will be pouring in soon to enjoy some fresh fish for lunch.

Once I'm tucked back inside of the safety of the jungle, my body begins to relax. I trace my steps back carefully until I return to the secluded beach that hides my belongings. I reach for my sack in the hollow log and shove some of my purchased items inside. For once, I am thankful Maria distracted me when leaving Esterpool; otherwise, I would not have so much leftover room in my bag.

I separate the food from the rest of my belongings and tie it into a spare piece of fabric, which I knot carefully. With some of the rope I purchased, I string the food to the tree above, hoping it will be kept safe from any troublesome animals looking for a treat.

I cannot say for certain how long it will take my mother and sister to return, so I do not linger. I take the empty basket in my arm and return hastily to the hut, relieved to find no one inside and waiting. I occupy myself with scrubbing any remaining mud off my face and then cook myself a nice meal of some grilled fish and roasted fruit. It is the first proper meal I have had in a while, and I am able to eat my share without having to worry about saving some for my mother and sister.

After I eat, I lean back on my arms and stare up at the patchy ceiling. Outside, it begins to drizzle, and water drips slowly from the ceiling onto the floor. I watch the raindrops slowly, counting time with each drip. Each second that passes only makes my fear grow.

I know I am most likely in for another fight when Mama gets home. Our breakout today bought me valuable time, but I'm not foolish enough to believe I won't be punished if I keep up the same behavior this evening. If I continue to upset Mama, I could lose my freedom, and if that happens, I will have nowhere to escape to.

I grit my teeth, then sigh. I suppose I will have to put up with my mother for a little while longer, even if rebelling against her happens easily these days.

After what must be another two hours, my mother and sister return. I can tell already that the journey has tired them excessively. They move much slower than when they left, and they seem to have no energy for conversation. After all, the trek to the caves is much longer travelling from Satavau.

My mother seems weighed down by a heavy sack on her back. I do not question its contents, but I can guess what it is already – crystals, and a lot of them. I feel sick at the sight.

"Welcome home," I murmur.

I make brief eye contact with my mother. The journey may have tired her, but there is still anger in her eyes. I may have won out in our fight this morning, but now that she has had time to cool off, she is even more dangerous.

"Help prepare dinner," my mother says.

Odd, as I had expected an immediate lecture, but I do not question her command. Kiana goes to the creek to bathe while I stay inside to cook. My mother hands me a knife to cut vegetables, but I shake my head. Though I carry the weapon on me for self-defense, I have not been able to use a knife since Zofia's death.

"I can grill the vegetables," I offer.

We enter into a quiet routine, my mother chopping and me sauteeing. My mother's knife chops rhythmically against the cutting board while the vegetables sizzle on a pan. I think how nice it would be if we could continue standing here in silence, like a happy mother and daughter, but then, I hear my mother's sharp inhale.

"Done with your tantrum now?" she asks.

The question alone makes me want to lash out at her again, but I maintain my cool. "Yes," I say. I pause then and stir some more vegetables around in the pan. "I'm sorry."

"What for?" my mother asks.

I grit my teeth, ignoring the way I can see her lips curl in satisfaction out of the corner of my eye. I grip the spoon in my hand tighter and take a deep breath as I continue stirring vegetables.

"I know you are only doing what is best for the country. Your plan is the best way to guarantee success," I say. The lies make me want to bite my tongue, but I must let them flow freely if I am to lessen any suspicion about my plans to flee. However, there is one thing I cannot lie about.

"I mean what I said earlier though – I cannot use the crystals."

Mama eyes me, clearly expecting another fight.

"At least, not right now," I clarify, hoping it will appease her. "Please, give me some time to accept that they are part of your plan. Until then, I cannot return to the caves just yet."

"You will need to eventually. Your training will have suffered these past months, especially while serving as a maid."

"I know, but please, Mama. Can you leave me out of your work with the crystals a little while longer? I know you don't trust me as you did before, anyway. Surely I can wait a bit before joining you and Kiana."

There is a pause before my mother speaks again.

"Very well," she agrees, allowing me to finally relax. She brings her hand to my head and threads her fingers through my hair. I hate how after everything she has done to me, I still find the gesture comforting.

"I am glad you are finally seeing things my way, Fetia. I am sure, one day, you will be hailed among myself and your sister for saving this country."

I nod until she pulls her hand away.

We resume cooking then, and I turn my head away to hide the fear growing inside of me. We have made peace for now, but the days I have until my mother forces me to rejoin her plan are numbered.

I must make haste.