Read Without Rhythm (The Lament) for Free Online Page A

He didn't kill the woman, did he?"
    "No. It was closer than I like, and I don't think she would have lived, but Pran stepped in just in time. Ten minutes later and we'd probably have just found a body in the morning. It won't influence the case, so this man is getting off lucky this time. Hopefully the retraining will work and he won't have to be executed for trying this twice."
    There was a genuine sadness to the man's voice, matched by his face in the dim light. It was hardly the callous expression she expected at all.
    Then, even if it was late and most of the ship was asleep, they went out to stand first watch, Clark telling her what to do, but not giving her a weapon. It was pretty much what it seemed like on the surface, they just listened and watched. There was a deeper level, where they were supposed to hold a meditative state that allowed them to be hyper aware of their surroundings the whole time.
    "Which you don't know how to do yet. Pay attention and try not to let your mind wander. That's really all there is to it, but it can be a bit difficult at first."
    It really was too, since the events of the last day kept hammering at her. All she'd lost, the fear she felt from the attack in the alley, even now. The ache of her body, in places she hadn't even been cut. It was a lot harder to just pay attention to everything outside herself than it sounded like, which meant she was nearly half a minute behind Clark in noticing that something was coming.
    He pointed it out with a relaxed hand gesture.
    "The carriage. You can tell by the sound. Pay attention, since this is one of our horses. You should be able to recognize it by its walk. The sound of the wheels squeaking too. Stand ready anyway, since it could be a trick or trap. We always have to be prepared, even when it might not make sense. Being constantly ready and observant is a large part of standing watch." He focused for a few moments, his eyes locked on the carriage as it moved toward them.
    "For instance, why are they driving without lights? There are several reasons they might do that, but the prime one is trying to escape from someone following them. We need to spread out. You stay here, off into the night, so you won't be easily seen, but near the camp. I'll call for you if it's safe. If an attack comes, for right now, try not to engage with anyone. Stand back and throw things. Rocks or sticks. Throw and then move, and repeat that as quietly as possible. Remember, Guardians don't retreat in battle." He grinned, actually showing teeth in the dim firelight.
    "At least that's what we tell everyone when we aren't running away. Head to the right." It was pretty clear that he was kidding with her about retreating. It made her sigh and wonder what she'd signed on for.
    Pran took it at a jog, her leg stinging a bit as the bandage slid, wondering what could be wrong, if anything honestly was. Maybe it was all a test for her? Or a game to keep her mentally active?
    Hopefully it was just that, not a real attack.
    Trying to control her breathing she felt around on the ground for something to throw, and came up with a stone the size of her fist, ready to fight if she had to.
    Then she just had to wait, tensely.

    On the good side it really did keep her mind off her own troubles, so at least she had that going for her. For some reason, even though it was out of place, that made her smile.

Chapter three
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Pran waited, crouched down so that if anyone had projectile weapons they couldn't hit her as easily, not having a clue what to really do. Clark had disappeared and the only sound, other than the wind in the distant trees, was the carriage coming ever closer. Still dark, no lantern hanging to show their way.
    After a bit it stopped, and there was a sound of voices talking in hushed tones. She couldn't really make them out, but it wasn't Claire or Mara as far as she could tell. If they were in the carriage they were lying down or something, since