CHAPTER THIRTY THREE
Rika walked at the head of a procession of her people, leading the way up toward Ishjemme’s castle. It was her home, and the place where she felt safest, but even so, she felt a little afraid. There was nothing to stop those loyal to Endi from shooting down from the walls at them; nothing to stop them from adding more killing to all that had gone before.
“Stand firm, little sister,” Jan said. “People are watching you.”
Rika nodded, forcing herself to be brave. She stood at the head of the crowd who had come with her, waiting before the doors to the castle, looking up to see if anyone was watching.
“This is the home of my family,” she called out, “and a place of welcome for the people of Ishjemme. Open the gate.”
She waited, and waited, putting her hands on her hip
