Sky Mesa on the wing

Finally, she understood his silence. For a moment, she fought with herself. She wanted to tell him that he did not need to obey this segundo; but she knew, too, that he must have ties that bound him. Children, siblings, parents--whatever it was, it didn't matter. If he still had something to lose, then he could not leave.

Merel had nothing left to lose besides her life, and she had already made the choice to keep living it. Instead of arguing, she gave him a sad smile.

Someday, Merel agreed. Take care, Kemal.

She slipped away, and began the long trek down the mesa's treacherous cliffs.