Frederic Vicueroa

“I walked past Malison, up Lower Main to Main and across the road. I didn’t need to look to know he was behind me. I entered Royal Wood, went a short way along a path and waited. It was cool and dim beneath the trees. When Malison entered the Wood, I continued eastward. 
I wanted to place his body in hallowed ground. He was born a Mearan. The least I could do was send him to Loric. The distance between us closed until he was on my heels. He chose to come, I told myself, as if that lessened the crime I planned. He chose what I have to offer.
We were almost to the cemetery before he asked where we were going. I answered with another question. “Do you like living in the High Lord’s kitchens?”
He, of course, replied, “No.”
“Well, we’re going to a better place.”
When we reached the edge of the Wood, I pushed aside a branch to see the Temple of Loric and Calec’s cottage. No smoke was coming from the chimney, and I assumed the old man was yet abed. His pony was grazing in the field of graves. The sun hid behind a bank of clouds.
Malison moved beside me. “It’s a graveyard.”
“Are you afraid of ghosts?” I asked.
“My father’s a ghost,” he whispered.
I asked if he wanted to learn how to throw a knife. He said, “Yes,” as I knew he would.  He untucked his shirt, withdrew the knife he had stolen and gave it to me. It was a thick-bladed, single-edged knife, better suited for dicing celery than slitting a young throat. But it would serve my purpose. That I also knew. I’d spent all night projecting how the morning would unfold and, except for indulging in the tea, it had happened as I had imagined. 
Damut kissed her son farewell. Malison followed me of his own free will. Without fear, he placed the instrument of his death into my hand. We were at the appointed place, at the appointed time. The stolen knife was warm from the heat of his body. I had only to use it. Yet I hesitated, and again prayed for Sythene to show me a different path.
“Aren’t you going to show me?” Malison prompted, as if to echo my prayer.”
― K. Ritz, Sheever's Journal, Diary of a Poison Master

“We think that the word 'boy' or the the word 'girl' says something about who a person is, who they will be. But that difference is much less dictated by the body they're born in than created by what we expect of them and how we treat each other.”
― Sara Pascoe

“Gabe suffers from survivor’s remorse. He won’t admit it because he doesn’t see it. Can’t recognize it in himself. He overcompensates for coming back alive, when so many didn’t. He’s got issues. You’ve got issues. Everyone has issues. But issues are a part of life. And whether we like it or not, even bad things happen for a reason.”
― Lotchie Burton, Gabriel's Fire

“KLM 24-Hour Cancellation Rule Explained
►+1☀866☀658☀5895◄ If you booked directly with KLM Airlines, you have 24 hours to cancel and receive a full refund. For more information or assistance, call ►+1☀866☀658☀5895◄, where customer support will provide all the details you need. ✽❁
How Can I Add a Lap Baby to My KLM Airlines Reservation Over the Phone?
►+1☀866☀658☀5895◄ Yes, adding a lap baby over the phone is possible. Reach out to ►+1☀866☀658☀5895◄ for help with this request, and our travel experts will ensure everything is handled smoothly. ✨
What Is the Process to Add a Lap Baby to My Existing KLM Airlines Booking?
►+1☀866☀658☀5895◄ Contact ►+1☀866☀658☀5895◄ to add a lap baby to your current booking, or you can make changes during the check-in process. A KLM expert will assist you in confirming all details. ❁
Can I Make a Last-Minute Addition of an Infant on KLM Airlines?
►+1☀866☀658☀5895◄ Yes, you can make last-minute bookings for infants on KLM Airlines. For immediate assistance, call ►+1☀866☀658☀5895◄, and an expert will confirm your booking and ensure everything is correctly arranged.”
― Robin Waterfield, The Edge