“Illyrians don’t have a King, or nobles.” I said. “We have a council of leaders, elected by each region. The councilors elect a leader, a council President. The President appoints people to different posts: there is a War Leader, a Health Services Leader, a Trades Leader, and more. The President serves a five-year term. He—or she, since there are no laws preventing a woman from being President—can serve up to two terms as President,” I added.
“What’s to prevent a—a President from seizing power?” V asked, stumbling over the unfamiliar word. “If they appoint the military leader, won’t that person owe their allegiance to them?”
“I suppose it could happen,” I said, rubbing at my chin as I considered the question. My fingers brushed over the hardened scar tissue there. “We also have a judicial system that is separate from the legislative branch that helps keep power in check. No one is above the law.”
Kat looked at me skeptically as if to say “Yeah. Right.” I was getting used to the look.
“You know this sounds too good to be true, right?” he asked.
“I suppose it would, to you,” I said. “But it’s all I’ve ever known. It’s hard for me to comprehend a country where almost a quarter of its citizens are essentially slaves.”
“More like forty percent,” V responded absently.
“What about your military?” Kat interjected. “Who fights your wars?”
“Everybody,” I said. “It didn’t used to be that way, of course, but with the way things have been the last hundred years or so, everyone who is physically able contributes to the war effort in some way. There are farmers that grow crops. There are manufacturing sectors that create weapons, supplies, and process food. That kind of thing.”
“So, you’ve been recruiting Mageia and, what? Getting them out of here? How? How do you decide who to recruit?” V asked. “How do you know they won’t turn you in?”
“I ask them.”
“How do you know they aren’t lying to you?” Kat demanded.
I tapped my ear again. “If they were lying, I’d hear it,” I said.
“Bullshit,” he said, looking at me in disbelief.
I sighed.
“You ever played the game, Two Truths and a Lie when you were kids?” I asked.
They both nodded.
“So test me. I’ll ask you three questions. You can lie or tell the truth. If I can’t tell you which is which, you leave with as much food and water as you can carry. No harm, no foul.”
“And if you guess right? What are we committing to?” Kat asked, raising that damn eyebrow at me again.
“You stay. Agree to at least see Illyria before making any final decisions,” I responded.
That looked passed between the brothers again and I couldn’t suppress a twinge of grief. Ri and I’d had the same ability to communicate silently with each other. There were days I missed him so damn much.
“Okay,” V said. “Three questions each. You pick out the lies and truths correctly, and we will help you recruit Mageia.”
“Sixquestions, eh? Seems like a lot,” I said thoughtfully. “But I’ll do it on one condition.”
“What condition?” Kat demanded; his eyes narrowed in suspicion.
“Any lies I identify, I get the truths, as well,” I said. He stared at me for a long moment. This was going to be fun.
“Fine,” Kat snapped.
I chuckled as I settled back on the ground, watching the brothers as they sat across the fire from me, slowly allowing my senses to expand until I could hear the air whistling in and out of their lungs, the steady beat of their hearts. Kat’s was slow and calm, a steady thrum that seemed to sync with my own. V’s was a faster beat, the air tinged with the slight smell of anxiety.
“Any topics off limits?” I asked, looking at the brothers curiously.
“Feel free,” V responded with an imperious gesture. Kat just shook his head.
“All right,” I said, focusing my attention on the younger man. “Vlakas,” I said, exhaling slowly. “First question. What is your favorite weapon?” I asked.
