36
BRAEDON PUT a hand on Mikandra’s shoulder. His eyes glittered. She hugged him, tears streaming down her face, thinking of how tender Rehan had been to her last night.
No, Rehan. How much more misfortune could the family stand?
A male voice yelled behind the wall.
Both Mikandra and Braedon whirled to look at the gate. A shadow of a running man grew on the snowy ground. Braedon raised his gun.
Taerzo did the same, yelling at Calliandra to duck.
Mother and Liseyo sheltered behind a rubbish bin. Calliandra pressed the boys against the wall and sheltered them with her cloak.
The person reached the gate, came through.
It was—
“Rehan!”
Braedon lowered the gun. Taerzo cheered, but at the same time, a flash erupted from somewhere within the yard. As if in slow motion, it hit Rehan squa
