Page 137 of Earthbound

I will do many things when I’m human. But also, I will not do many things. It will be my choice.

Choice was something the human souls had had very little of.

You will be able to do whatever you want, Pila, Yeeran said sincerely.

I would like to travel most of all, I think.

The thought of being separated from Pila twisted her heart. I hope you will still come and visit me often?

Of course, she promised.

Their inevitable unravelling was getting closer with every step that Lettle made towards Mosima. Yeeran’s blood accelerated at the thought.

‘No matter what happens, this is an ending of a kind, isn’t it?’ Golan said, and for a moment Yeeran wondered if he too could read her mind. ‘Whether the people vote to fight or leave, we either die or we lose Mosima.’

His words, though morbid, were said with relief. ‘It’s nice to feel in charge of your own future,’ he added.

‘I suppose.’

They both watched in silence as a group of haba jumped into the skeletal branches of the trees to disperse the messages tied to their legs.

It wouldn’t be long now before the citizens would start to gather.

She had started the morning knowing exactly how she would vote, but now she wondered if Golan was right–she could feel her body straining to lay her drum to rest.

She looked at the fray. ‘If we must make a home on the Wasted Marshes, at least we will have true sunlight once more.’

Golan smiled, his gaze turning hazy from his own imagination. ‘And true moonlight…oh, and stars! Have you ever seen a shooting star? I’ve heard of them in books but never seen one.’

‘Maybe Furi and I can erect our tent next to you and Alder? But not too close, of course. I wouldn’t want to be woken up by your—’

She stopped when she saw the expression on Golan’s face. ‘What is it?’

Golan rubbed at his eyes, smearing his make-up with the tears that had gathered there. ‘I do not know if Alder will still want me after all that has befallen him.’

‘He’s still the same, Golan.’

‘Is he? Neither of us can know that.’

Yeeran enfolded Golan into her arms.

‘What if I’m no longer enough for him? He was emperor once.’ His words were muffled against Yeeran’s shoulder.

‘Afa and Alder are not the same. You must remember that, or your love is already lost.’

Golan pushed himself away from Yeeran and said quietly, avoiding her eyes, ‘He killed all the humans in the world.’

‘Afa did.’

Golan nodded as though to reassure himself. ‘Yes, Afa did. Alder could never be so cruel.’

‘Never. He is the gentlest person I have ever met. Except maybe for you.’ Golan gave her a rueful smile and wiped at his face.

‘Thank you,’ he said.

Yeeran could tell that Rayan had been patiently waiting for a break in their conversation before striding over.

‘The letters have been sent,’ he said. ‘The fae have already begun to gather in the courtyard beyond the woodland. I’ll go up ahead and make sure the stage is set.’