![]() She speaks the words I know she was desperate to say all evening at our victory feast, but was too kind to say in front of everyone else. "Just have to go to the latrine," I whisper back, hoping she doesn't hear the tremor of emotion in my voice. When I run the game of Fives, one of my strengths is that I know how to act decisively with a strategy already in my head. "Jes?" Mis whispers from the next cubicle. Now that I have what I've always wanted, I should be ecstatic. Running the Fives used to be all I dreamed about. ![]() ![]() They are adversaries too, competitors who run the Fives, the most popular game in the land of Efea. I wait, alert for any sound from one of the other four women who live here. ![]() The canvas curtains that divide the barracks into eight cubicles scrape the floor as I push past them. I finger through the folded cloth and gather up my formal parade livery, roll up the garments, and tie the bundle atop my head beneath a headscarf. A cedar chest stores the few garments and necessities I possess. I have to go now before it's too late.Īfter lacing up my sandals I creep to the end of the cot. Nothing stirs that I can hear, and it is too dark to see. My toes brush the stiff straps of my leather sandals, which I remember to shake out in case a scorpion has decided to rest there. I should stay in my bed, content with the place I've earned for myself as an adversary in Garon Stable. ![]() N o one must suspect what I plan to do tonight. ![]()
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