Chapter 9: Misery Likes Company

There'd been a million shocks, day after day, as they learned more about the situation near the wall. Wall Sina sent wagonloads of waste in the bitter months, and Edie learned new value to cleanliness (Jamie didn't). The fields stank, and wind brought the smell to the house, but at least there were hands to go around. Sharp tools dug into the earth and overturned packed soil, mixing with rich nutrients. The city center sent experimental minerals for a few acres, hoping those squares would produce exponentially. Larmie had taken a whiff of it and poured it down the

Other shocks came with stragglers. Some had managed to evade the military police and sneak out of the exodus, instead coming to the rural areas. Amnesia claims made Edie squirm, but the family didn't seem worried. The people worked hard, true, and build shacks along the forest's edge. With the new hands, the work had lightened. But their demeanors and accents were oddly familiar.

"They sort of sound like you, Edie," Jamie had commented when they were alone. "Maybe your family was in Wall Maria."

"If that's true…"

"I'm sorry."

Five in the morning till nightfall, then a quick shower, and all over again. Edie was glad for her own bedroom. One field sprouted little white worms that brought more anxiety than facing down a titan, and a cart of manure brought pounds of sand that Larmie cursed. Edie had never imagined the war fought on a farmer's field. The constant problems kept her awake at night even though she didn't deal with them. The strained faces of those from Wall Maria, who frequented their home for two earned meals, left her wondering. It went on for two months, until the final shock came from Larmie, who called her and his son to the kitchen midmorning.

"Take the day off."

Jamie and Edie's jaws dropped, and they didn't recover for a minute or two. "Wait, what? The whole day?"

"You're both young. I imagine the monotony is killing you."

Edie blinked. "But the farm needs to be ready for—"

"People are getting into their cycle. We've got nearly half of our old workers back, and with these new 'amnesic' individuals, we will be ready for seeding next month. Now, don't expect any time away then, so take your time now."

"Are you sure, father? We won't starve?"

"No one will starve," Larmie assured him, and he stroked his son's hair. "Go, enjoy your day. Do the things you've been thinking of for the past month."

Jamie jumped immediately and ran to change his clothes. Edie, already clean, crossed her arms. "I suppose this timing has nothing to do with the census in town?"

"If my son is going to join the military, he might as well see the safer branch. Besides, Corini and Tinnul could use lively company. They're both sullen souls." He pressed a few coins in her hand. "Two for you, two for him. Don't let him spend yours."

"As it goes."

"And have some fun. You've worked too hard lately. Even if Corini and his sweetheart aren't interesting enough, you should have friends your age."

"Thanks."

Jamie ran ahead part of the way, shouting all the things he saw. A bit of snow stuck on the ground, a patch of ice floating in the ditch, and initials carved into a tree. He circled Edie, explaining the millions of different ways that people could learn to fly like birds (most had to do with sewing wings to their backs). By the time they reached the village, he was covered in sweat, and Edie pulled her scarf tighter.

"Let's go to Mr. Solway's," Jamie said once the buildings came into view. He broke into a run immediately, shouting over his shoulder. "He's bound to have some wooden swords sticks!"

Edie supposed Mr. Solway would charge double for Jamie to buy any kind of weapon, real or not, so she kept her distance. Many people milled about, meeting the military police at their tables and reporting the amount of heads in their houses. Some received cards with stars on them, then sacks of wheat, while others received a curt nod of the head and a small bag. Some wore happy smiles, and the others bore creased foreheads.

Nearing one of the tables, Edie felt a shadow overtake her, and she turned to see Corini towering over her. He wasn't a terrifying person, or a kind one, or any kind of person at all. She'd never had much of an impression of him, just someone with a strange moustache and little else going on. She gave him a weak smile. "Good morning."

"I'm taking care of the census," he said, eyebrows growing close. "What are you doing here?"

"Larmie told Jamie and I to take the day off, before the seeding season sets in. We're exploring the shops before we head into the forest."

"Oh." Corini nodded several times. "You're not here for the census."

"No."

"Good. I've already reported five people on our farm, but lying is a punishable offence. If they thought there were ten, Larmie would be in prison."

"Five?"

"Tinnul's moving in by year's end, when we'll marry." He squinted at Edie. "You remember."

"Not really. I knew you were engaged, but…anyway, congratulations. I'm sure you'll be very happy together. When's the ceremony?"

"Few months." He crossed his arms and looked like he might be sick. "Her family's…in the city. They've got some military connections and want to keep them friendly."

"I thought Tinnul grew up in the area."

"She's got some blood relations to the Haiman family, mostly illegitimately, but it's any reason for these high bloods to gather and eat a village worth of food." He robbed his face. "She likes it as much as I do, but it's a free party for most of us. I'll be glad when it's all over."

"I'm sure." She smiled again. "If you don't mind me asking, how did—"

"Edie?"

The two froze and turned. There stood a military policeman, cape flung, face full of sun. It took her a moment, but something clicked in her mind. "Amile?"

"It is you!" He rushed forward and scooped her in a hug. Edie stood stiff until he let go, then stepped back to Corini. "I knew I was near the Cartwell farm, but I was afraid you'd been found and didn't want to…well, here you are! How are you?"

Edie nodded solemnly before answering. "Fine, thank you."

"Shaken by all that's gone on, I'm sure. Titans bigger than the walls and covered in thick plates—they're more terrifying than any abnormal breeds those Scouts report. But you're quite safe in this area, even with the last few breeches."

Edie shrugged. "We've been better. Corini, this is Private Amile. We met when Domo brought be down from the mountain."

"You're in the military police?"

"Yes, they've got us all over now." Amile tilted his head. "Now, that name sounds familiar. You wouldn't happen to be getting married anytime soon, would you?"

Corini scowled. "What's it to you?"

"I think I was invited to your wedding, or at least the reception. As the invitation went out, any high ranking military members were given a copy. Quite a family you're marrying into."

"They're hardly family," he spat.

"Well, ah…" Private Amile couldn't figure out where to look, so he settled on Edie. "Are you staying long? I'm on break for the next hour."

"My br—well, my adopted brother is shopping right now. I should probably find him. It's our only day off for months."

"I see." His gaze fell. "I wouldn't want to intrude on your special day."

Edie thought for a moment. "If you don't mind working, it wouldn't be an intrusion. He's joining the cadets in a year and some months."

"Really?" Private Amile pursed his lips. "Well, let's find the lad." He gave a curt nod at the mountain of a man and held out his arm. "Corini, congratulations. Shall we?"

She accepted, and they went on their way. But he had to bend down to hold her arm and soon decided to just walk next to her. "How have things been for you? I assume your family hasn't come looking."

"No, no one's come. Jamie thinks they might've lived in Wall Maria and died in the exodus."

"Oh, that's awful." He bent down, closer to her ear. "It's not a consolation, but not everyone in the military police agrees with that exodus. Very undiplomatic, not to mention unkind. But are you happy at the Cartwells?"

"Very. It's hard work, but they're kind to me."

"How old is your little brother, now?"

"He turned ten nearly five months ago."

"Do you think he's quick enough to make the top ten?"

"Even if he does, he's set on joining the Scouts."

"Hmm." Amile put a hand on his sword. "Bravery's enticing, that's for sure. What do his parents think?"

"They're resigned."

They reached Mr. Solway's shop, where Jamie and the shopkeeper talked on the porch. From Jamie's belt hung a sleek, thin wood sword, polished and with his initials carved in the handle. Mr. Solway stood, solemn faced, with his arms crossed. Edie stepped up, leaving her companion on the ground, and accepted his hug.

"Foolish Larmie," he whispered in her ear, "ever consenting to this."

"You try arguing with him," she rasped back. "At least he's good."

Mr. Solway let her go and threw up his chin at the young man. "And what are you doing hanging around?"

"You're a military police," Jamie commented, jumping on the railing. He sat there precariously, leaning back and forth. "They said you're taking a census."

"For the food rations, yes."

"Private Amile and I met on the mountain," Edie told him.

Jamie frowned. "That was months ago."

"I've been meaning to visit, but with the attack, we've been awfully busy." He leaned on the same rail as Jamie and smiled brightly. "But I hear you're looking to join the cadets."

"The Scouts. They're the brave ones."

"Oh, the military police see plenty of action. We don't sit around guarding the king all day, although he needs quite a lot of protection nowadays."

"I wonder why."

"Well, with all the—"

"That wasn't a question."

Edie looked between them, a smile in her eyes.

The private soon stepped back, nodding. "I was thinking that I could show you a couple moves, you know, help you get ready for the cadet corp. Your friend is very—"

"She's not my friend, she's my sister. More family then anybody is. And this is our one day off in months, and we've already got plenty to do. Besides, she can fight better than you can."

Edie frowned. "Jamie, fighting off wild animals and people are very different."

"Well, you're still good at it." He looked back at Mr. Solway. "Thanks for this. We'll come by later, if we have time."

"Don't sweat it. You're always a lovely face to see."

So Jamie grabbed Edie's hand, and the two went away on eager feet. Edie didn't bother looking over her shoulder, even as the poor private called, 'I'll see you at the wedding!' from quite a distance. They kept hurrying until they reached the outer fields, and began crossing for the forest.

Jamie handed her a stick of rock candy and an extra coin. "No blue ones this time."

She licked hers. "It's alright. Red is fine."

"Did you actually want to hang out with that guy? Corini's got more brains then him."

"I don't know." Edie had to hike up her skirt to step over frozen puddles. The fields were burdened with occasional floods. "Honestly, I thought he'd be able to help you get ready for the cadets."

"You don't need anything but a good gut to be ready for the cadets. That's what the Garrison people say, anyway. They teach you want you need to know. Besides, I'm stronger than anybody in my class. And quicker, too."

"Maybe you won't be, when they reopen the school."

"Mr. Emerson says he won't. Ever. That's it's too dangerous having all the children under one roof." Jamie stomped hard in a puddle. "I can't believe you were even talking to him!"

"Mr. Emerson?"

"That military police guy!"

"Not everyone in the military police is bad. He said a lot of them don't agree with the exodus."

"Sure they don't, but that didn't stop it." Jamie hummed, aggravated. "I wasn't ever going to listen to his tips."

"Yeah, but it was fun hearing you tell him off."

"I bet. He was looking at you like Corini used to look at Tinnul, though."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Like he wanted to hold your hand."

"That's awful. He'll be very disappointed."

"Unless you start looking at him like that!" Jamie hurried in front of her and stopped them both. He stared her in the eye. "When people get married, the girl's always the one to leave. And if you married him, you'd live in Wall Sina, and I'd never see you again, because I'd be a scout, and you'd be a lady. You can't do that."

"Don't worry, Jamie. I've already decided that. I'm never going to get married."

"Never ever?"

"Never ever."

"Swear it on your life?" He held out his finger. "We'll be together, always?"

She locked his pinky. "Always."

"Even when I'm taller than you?"

Edie wrestled her hand free and began chasing him across the field. She caught up and wrestled him into a freezing puddle.

Late in the evening, after the sun had sunk into the sky, the two slunk back into the house, loud as thunder, dirty as a street fighter. Hajule stood in the kitchen, brewing tea, and Larmie rocked in his chair, smiling. After the two cleaned up, Larmie called them over, waving a page in the air. "This arrived in the afternoon. You all ought to hear it."

Hajule finished pouring her tea and settled in her chair. Edie sat cross legged on the floor, and Jamie rested his head on her shoulder. "Ready."

The father cleared his throat and began to read. "Larmand Dean Cartwell, I have the—"

Jamie snickered, and Edie pressed her hand over his mouth. He still smelled awful.

He shook his head slightly. "I have the honor of addressing you in these trying times. As you know, many refugees of important and noble heritage have made their home in Walls Rose and Sina, and those associated with noble families are given special attention. My first cousin, who married a prestigious member of Wall Maria, passed away in the breach, but her son and two companions survived. As my house is not equipped to raise three children properly, I am sending them to you with enough funds to sustain them for four years, when they will come of age. Do with them what you will at that time. Signed, Lord Cyllene."

Edie and Jamie looked at one another, and he sat up. "So, three boys?"

"Two boys, and a girl."

"They'll be living here?"

"Yes. But he did not say exactly when they would arrive."

"Do you think they saw the titans?"

"They won't want to talk about it," Edie reminded him, "especially if their families are dead."

"Sure, sure."

"Lord Cyllene's first cousin did live in Shiganshina, so it's likely. But they'll need time to heal."

Jamie rested his head on Edie's shoulder again as Larmie began describing their needed accommodations, including Jamie and Edie sharing a bedroom (she made a point to teach him the importance of cleanliness). He turned his head when his father wasn't looking and whispered in her ear, "maybe they'll want to be scouts, too."