Darkthaw Read Online Free PDF

understanding.
    â€œFor years, my ancestors studied this sickness. Boiling the water made it safe, but boiling was not something we could do forever, and it was impossible to know where the sickness was before it was too late. Over many years of watching certain animals survive, we discovered a remedy that keeps it away,” she says. “It remains our most closely guarded secret.”
    I frown, trying to figure her words.
    â€œOur protection from the sickness has always been our upper hand.” She holds my gaze. “Do you understand?”
    The Bleed, they called it
, Henderson said.
Anyone who tried to settle out here perished from it
.
    â€œYou mean you could survive when others—people from the east—couldn’t.”
    She nods. “It has long been the reason we have lived in peace.”
    â€œBut Henderson said it’s no longer here.”
    â€œHe does not know what he thinks he knows,” Matisa says. “It is here, but it comes and goes, appearing without warning. The remedy ensures we are protected, regardless.”
    â€œAnd all of your people know it?”
    She shakes her head. “Very few. Only an inner circle of healers. The remedy is prepared as a mix of many secret herbs and plants, but only one of these is any use against the sickness. The knowledge of which plant protects against the sickness remains within the circle alone. I”—again she hesitates—“I am a part of that circle.”
    I stare at her. “You keep it from your people?”
    â€œPlease try to understand, it is valuable. If the knowledge were placed in the wrong hands . . .”
    â€œSettlers’ hands,” I state.
    â€œIt would be a disaster for us,” she continues. “Not everyone would understand that keeping this secret prevents what happened in the east from happening here.”
    The east. I know the stories from Soeur Manon. When the Old World kingdoms arrived in the new land, the First Peoples—those already here—taught them how to survive. Then they were imprisoned, enslaved, and killed for their kindness. Matisa’s people are right to worry.
    â€œFor years we have sent scouts, in secret, to bring us information from the east. We have learned the languages of the Dominion; we have studied their war weapons. We have done everything we can to know what we are up against. But the remedy is our true advantage.” She searches my face.
    What she says makes good sense, but unease flickers in my belly. This secret—keeping the truth from people for their own good—feels familiar. Honesty is one of our virtues, but lies kept our settlement in fear for so long. Brother Stockham’s pa lied to secure his position as leader, and Stockham kept his secret because he didn’t trust people to make good decisions for themselves. Just like I didn’t trust my pa with what I’d found in the woods: the journal explaining the truth. If I had, maybe he wouldn’t be—
    I shove the thought down deep.
    â€œWhen the Dominion comes, we can offer protection from the sickness—we can treat them with the remedy—in exchange for peace and freedom. This has always been our plan.”
    â€œBut they are arriving already,” I say.
    She nods, her face anxious. “This Henderson is the first of many newcomers. I believe he signals the beginning of . . .”
    She trails off, but I know what she doesn’t say:
war
. She believes he brings the war she’s been dreaming on.
    I look at my hands, try to think. I know that finding a way to deal with the newcomers on her people’s terms is their best chance. And the more people who must keep a secret, the greater the chance it won’t be kept. This is different from the secrets Stockham was hiding, I decide. This is necessary.
    â€œThe strongest and fastest of my people will be leaving my home soon to hunt the great herds. This leaves us vulnerable.