In Other Lands

by Sarah Rees Brennan

“Because basic self-defence training is going to start up soon,” Luke said. “Even the people in the council-training courses have to do it. You signed up to fight when you signed up to guard the Border. You don’t have a choice. I mean, what if the camp was under attack?” “I hope you and Serene would have the decency to protect me!” “Yes, of course,” said Serene, and Elliot smiled gratefully at her. “I’m not saying this to upset you. I’m trying to tell you what you absolutely have to do. What if we were both dead?” asked Luke. Elliot looked at his pudding and was very sad about his life and his choices. How had he wound up here, in a place where all he had was pudding—Elliot would have sold his soul for a chocolate bar—and awful people who at the age of thirteen asked questions like “What if we were both dead?” “Amazing choice of mealtime conversation, loser,” he said. “Now I’m not even hungry.” “Give back my pudding then.” “No,” said Elliot, on general principles.