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“There is a way out,” Sharmila says “We can blow a hole in the barrier”

“You’ve sensed a de nothing except ourselves and the zombies

“No,” Sharmila says “We do not need deer than her years “We are beings of ic”

Dervish’s expression goes flat So doesAs one, our heads turn and we stare at Kirilli

“What?” he growls suspiciously

“No,” Shar of poor Kirilli I doubt he would volunteer and we are not, I hope, prepared to turn on one of our own and es”

“We’ll draw lots,” Dervish says quickly “Kirilli too, whether he likes it or not”

“Draw lots for what?” Kirilli shouts, still clueless

“There will be no lottery,” Shar”

“Fine,” Dervish huffs “That leaves me and you Fifty-fifty”

“No,” Sharmila says “You must be a father to Bec She has lost Beranabus She cannot afford to lose you too”

“Wait a minute…” Dervish huffs

“Please,” Shars I am the oldest I have no dependants And I am now too weak to be of any use—I do not think I could find the power to kill you even if you talkedyou take my place”

Dervish gulps and looks to me for help He wants to persuade her not to do this, to let hilory

“Everything she says makes sense,” I mumble, practical as always