In Other Lands

by Sarah Rees Brennan

“Did you get a chance to see the treaty?” he asked Serene, leaning over to her under the cover of the noise. “Oh, well, no . . .,” said Serene. “Not yet.” “Uh, she’ll get around to it,” Luke said, his eyebrows raised. “She has more important things to think of right now.” “More important than the terms of the treaty that got the other side to agree to peace?” Elliot asked. “But of course they would have signed no matter what, after the beating we gave them,” Luke said, casting an approving eye around, and his scattered troop preened at his praise. “Oh, of course,” said Elliot. “Because the astonishing fact that some people got killed in a battle would definitely have stopped everyone in their tracks.” “Elliot,” said Serene. “I will of course be most interested to hear about such matters another time, but you have to be aware we almost died.” The hall was much more quiet than Elliot would have liked. Elliot felt like everyone was paying attention, weighing him in the balance, and finding him unworthy. “I am,” said Elliot. “Very.” “Treaties are important, just—” “Just not as important,” said Elliot quietly.