In Other Lands

by Sarah Rees Brennan

“So you haven’t changed, then,” said Luke, who was sort of drooping with tiredness like a sad dandelion. “I’ve been told I’m taller.” “Still kind of titchy,” observed Luke, which was offensive, and then put his head down on the pillow. “Get up and go back to your celebration, you lump,” said Elliot. The one eye Elliot could see rolled. “I thought you were trying to be nice.” Elliot gave up on being nice. “Ugh, you’re the worst, leave and never come back.” Luke fell asleep instead. After about six minutes, there came a knock. “Who is that rapping on my chamber door,” Elliot murmured to himself. “What elf could it be? And when shall I read my letter? Nevermore. Come in, Serene!” She came in, looking a little abashed to be in a gentleman’s bedchamber. “Sorry I’m late,” she said, and came to sit on the bed. “I had to stop and have a look at a treaty.” Elliot almost hated himself for being so pathetic, but knew he was glowing just the same. “Yeah?” “It’s pretty good,” Serene told him, in her measured way. “I love the bit about the trolls cooperating on farming in the south fields in exchange for help with mining equipment.” Elliot shrugged modestly instead of saying “Oh baby, talk treaties to me.” “Well.” “How’d you do it?” asked Serene, lying down next to Luke, who stirred and slid his arm around her, with what even Elliot could tell was the ease of familiarity and long loving habit. “I poisoned Captain Whiteleaf,” Elliot announced proudly. Luke opened his one visible eye. “No...