Citlali

My steps stopped on the third stair. There was a reason I drew the blade. There wasn't one for sheathing it again.

• MatlanOne blade pushed back three days of counting. That doesn't add up.
  CitlaliCount your three days, Commander. I'll count my one step.
• NochiliTen years, and that's the first time I've seen that woman's steps stop.
  MishuaI'll buy that story for two pinches of salt.
• PapaloNot a sound in the square. I couldn't bring myself to strike the drum.

People here fear the stairs more than the blade. I'm not afraid of either. Not yet.

• Nochili'Not yet.' First time I've ever heard that word out of your mouth.
  CitlaliGo polish your shield.
• MatlanGuest. These stairs are ours.
  CitlaliThat's exactly why I'm counting them.
• AcatlThe stairs have never once been afraid of a person.

Resting my hand on the drumhead quiets the counting a little. I counted one name three times. It made me angry that the answer was the same every time.

• PapaloThat's my drum, you know.
  CitlaliAt night, it's mine.
• NochiliIf the count won't add up, wake me.
  CitlaliThe problem is it does add up.
• AcatlCount a name three times, and it becomes a person.