Not Far Off

“Andrev!”

Rastaban’s voice broke over the din.

“His Wanderer accomplice!” Savva cried. “Kill him.”

Two hunters pivoted, loosed their spears. Rastaban lifted one hand and both spears shattered midair as if they’d been flung against a wall. Andrev blinked. He hadn’t realized Rastaban’s gift was that powerful.

“Andrev, don’t become a murderer, not for her,” Rastaban said.

“I’m already a monster,” Andrev said. “A murderer is not far off.”

“Please!” Ket, Savva’s wife, broke into the circle of hunters. “Please don’t kill my son!”

“Why shouldn’t I?” Andrev asked. “He would have killed me. Why does he deserve to live?”