“How could he even know about human weapons?” A flash of fury. “Did you tell him?” Another stab, that she could believe that Akiva would arm Jael, but it was no satisfaction to him to tell her the truth. He wished he could lie and spare her. “Razgut,” he said. She stayed frozen a moment in her stare, then shut her eyes. All the rose-flush that had colored her cheeks drained away, and she made a small, anguished moan. At her side, Issa whispered, “It is not your fault, sweet girl.” “It is,” she said, opening her eyes. “Whatever else isn’t, this is.”
