Zera goes to bale.

Early next morning, Yara woke up at around 6 a.m and prepared to leave for the shop. She quickly dressed up, brushed through the creases of her long skirt and went to the sitting room. She glanced at the table.

As expected, there was 10 shillings neatly placed. Enough for a cup of tea, one flatbread, and a small bowl of mixed vegetables, potatoes, and rice. A humble breakfast but it would do.

Outside, it was still a bit dark, but a single lantern in the corridor provided some light.

Yara opened the window to let in fresh air, but a cold wind brushed her skin, giving her goosebumps and sending a shiver through her body.

"I'll pick up an extra shawl to cover myself," Yara whispered to herself. She walked carefully toward ber bedroom, cautious not to step on anything or make noise as there were different stools along the corridor holding different decorations.

Her bedroom was at the far end of the corridor. To reach it , she had to pass by Zera and Walda's rooms. Egen's room was on the opposite wing. As she passed Zera's door, something caught her attention a thin strip of light seeping out beneath the door.

And a sound of whispers. Followed by a soft, cracking noise, like the shuffle of shoes & the creak of a bag being zipped.

She paused and leaned closer. The voices were low but urgent. It didn't sound like just two people.

Zera's room had two sections, a welcoming area with a chair, bookshelf, and desk, and a more private section where she slept sometimes with Walda.

But she didn't have time to listen to the sounds. The shop wouldn't open itself. Yara moved to her room, picked her shawl, wrapped it tightly around her shoulders, and left the house.

Minutes after Yara left, Egen and Walda emerged from Zera's room. Egen carried two travel bags, while Walda held Zera's handbag. The house guard, who was waiting outside, escorted them out of the compound toward a horse cart stationed a few meters away. It was still a little dark, but the sun was beginning to rise over the mountains.

Zera stood beside the cart, already dressed for travel.

"You two better not ruin anything while I'm gone," she said sharply, glancing between Egen and Walda. "And don't mess up the shops. I don't want losses when I return." Zera's gaze lingered on walda.

Walda nodded politely, but her lips curled slightly.

"We'll take care of everything, Mother," Egen replied smoothly. He gave her a small smile, his arms relaxed at his sides, as if the weight of the bags was nothing.

Egen was 14, lean and six feet tall, with very dark skin, grayish eyes, a broad jawline, and a well-trimmed short afro adorned with beads.

After exchanging hugs, Zera climbed into the cart and waved them a good bye. The guard remained behind as she departed on her day long journey to Bale, where she would meet Atur.

When the cart disappeared from view, Egen and Walda dismissed the guard and slowly walked back toward the house.

As they began the slow walk back to the house, Egen asked, "Will you write to Moze? Or let him find out about Lelvin's death when he returns?"

Walda didn't answer right away. Instead, she gave him a sidelong glance, then sighed loud and long.

"He'll learn it here," she said firmly. "It doesn't help him to know now."

"And Zayun?" Egen asked.

"They'll all find out from here. He's your blood brother if you feel moved, go talk to him. Or to Yara, if she means anything to you."

"I don't want to be part of that," Egen said. His jaw tightened. He clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth, then added, "I have an errand to run, I will see you later."

The sun was stretching across the ground and as Walda watched Egen walk toward the market road, Walda's lips curved. She raised her index finger, pointed after him, and slowly traced a circle in the air. Her tongue swept across her front teeth.

"You will all go," she whispered, her eyes narrowing.

"One by one."

She turned and walked into the house.