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fell in her path. Running bands of children collided with her at waist height. Several minutes were needed before she cleared the press of people lining the square and left the noise behind.
    Tevi spotted a lone figure returning from the beach. “Hey! Brec!”
    The figure raced towards her. “Where’ve you been? I’ve searched everywhere for you.”
    “What’s up?”
    “We need to talk. Come with me.” Brec was clearly agitated, now that she was close enough for Tevi to see her face.
    “What about? What’s wrong?”
    “We can’t talk here. Come on.”
    Brec could not be drawn to say more. Anxiously, Tevi followed her friend past the empty workshops. At last, Brec led the way into one of the barns at the edge of the village. A mound of hay filled the back, and a row of small barrels lined one side. Apart from these objects, the building was empty.
    “Right. So what is this about?” Tevi asked.
    Brec held up one hand. She clambered onto the hay and peered over at the rear wall. Tevi stared in astonishment.
    “I have to check if we’re alone.”
    “What...why?”
    “You’ll understand.”
    Brec jumped down and pushed the door shut. The last of the sun’s rays fell squarely on the timber planks. Light squeezed through the cracks. Tevi selected one of the barrels and sat on it, waiting for an explanation.
    Brec had her hands clasped behind the back of her head, staring at the ceiling. Judging her expression was hard in the dimness. Only the faint sounds from the distant square broke the silence.
    “Brec?” Tevi prompted.
    “I’ve been thinking...about what we were saying beside the boat. At least...I’ve been doing a bit more thinking,” Brec said unsteadily.
    “So have I. I’ve talked to Sparrow, and I think you’re right. He does like me.”
    “You’re not really keen on him.”
    “Of course I am.”
    “But not as a man.” Brec’s voice was quiet. “Your sister was right, wasn’t she?”
    “Brec!”
    “It’s all right. You don’t have to deny it.”
    Tevi’s mouth went dry. For the space of a dozen heartbeats, she could not force out any words, while fighting the temptation to give in to panic and run. Eventually, she found her voice. “Has someone been getting at you? Was it Laff? You shouldn’t bother about her.” Tevi stood. “Come on, let’s go back to the feast.”
    The other woman made no attempt to move.
    “Brec?”
    Brec’s face dropped into her hands. Her voice came in a strangled whisper through her fingers. “I love you, Tevi.”
    The words hit like a physical blow. Blood pounded in Tevi’s ears. Her legs turned to jelly. Stunned, she sank back onto the barrel.
    “Tevi?” Brec’s voice was tense, devoid of emotion.
    Tevi did not answer. In her mind’s eye, she saw the body of the executed murderer, broken and blood-soaked.
    “Tevi. Did you hear me? I said I love you.”
    “It’s dangerous.”
    “But do you love me?”
    “You must know that I do,” Tevi said in a monotone whisper.
    “Will you meet me here tonight?” Brec spoke urgently.
    Things were going too far, too fast. The solid world was wrenched out of joint, and Tevi felt stunned, yet the request struck through the fog. She stared at her friend in alarm. “Have you gone mad? Do you know what’ll happen if we’re caught?”
    “I don’t care.”
    “We could be exiled or executed.”
    “Are you frightened?”
    “Yes. Aren’t you?” Tevi’s head was spinning.
    “But it’s just the fear of being caught? If it was safe, you’d want to be my lover?” Brec’s voice was harsh in its insistence.
    Tevi fought for control of her voice, but now she could be honest. “More than anything in the world. I’ve loved you hopelessly for years.”
    “Then please meet me here tonight. No one will miss us with the feast.”
    It was insane, but Tevi could not say no. “All right, I’ll be here.”
    “And we’ll be lovers?” Brec’s question sounded like a challenge.
    “Yes.”
    “I think we’ve