What should arise from possibility? Every stone contains within it a thousand stones, yet only ever appears as one. Chip the stone; countless possibilities have vanished and countless remain. Place it in the ocean; the water grinds it to sand.
The thousand stones were no less real than the sand. The sand is no more real than the stone that was. The world is water, ever flowing. n despair of this, but impermanence does not deny aning. A brick need not be eternal to build a house.
Do not despair of the thousand n inside you that shall never be, nor dwell on your own end. Instead, rejoice; you are endowed with life and may carve your own shape. Wield your chisel and strike with conviction.
The Book of Eight Verses, the Verse of Union. (New Kheman Edition, 542 PD)
Gerard and Michael returned to the safehouse as the rains diminished the following morning, gratefully dropping their packs and washing up in the cramped living quarters. The underground space was bustling with activity, full of quiet conversation and dim tallic sounds as partisans stripped, cleaned and reassembled rifles.
Took you long enough, Charles said, punching Gerard roughly on the shoulder. Did the little lord make you carry him?
Closer to the opposite, Gerard replied cheerfully. How long have you been back?
Charles made a face. Since late last night. Clair wouldnt hear of waiting out the storm, charged right on through the dark like a maniac.
Gerard gave Michael a smug look, then coughed and glanced around the room. Wheres she at? he asked.
Giving Sobriquet an earful, the tal artifex said with a grimace. Shes been behind the screen for over an hour now - the boss is keeping it from leaking through but I guarantee shes been shouting the whole ti-
The last panel of the screen swung aside to reveal Clair, who stord out with murder written in every line of her face. She veered towards the living quarters without a sideways glance at those who had stopped their business at the clamor. A mont later she had vanished into the darkened sleeping area, and the safehouse slowly buzzed back to life.
Michael turned to Gerard with an inquiring look, but the artifex only shrugged. Happens, he said. Clair has never withheld her opinion. The boss, the Ardans, us - it matters not a bit, if she has sothing for you to hear then youre damn well going to hear it.
Ill take that under advisent, Michael said. I expect shes got so things to say to .
Charles snorted. Dont flatter yourself. Youre not the first Ardan weve worked with, nor the first with a title. If she had sothing to say about that, youd have heard it already.
At this point Im wondering why Sobriquet bothered with that lie at all, Michael said, raising an eyebrow. It seems like none of you were convinced.
Gerard sucked in air through his teeth, shooting a glance at the dividing screen. Its sothing you get used to after a while, he said. The boss will tell obvious lies or avoid answering when the conversation draws too close to certain topics. Its a hint to stop pushing. Their soul works in secrets, and sotis that ans certain things stay unspoken.
So in the tent, Sobriquet lied knowing none of you would believe it? Michael asked.
There was a quick, flinty grin from Charles. The words were a lie, he said. The ssage was that your identity wasnt a problem. True in generalities, and wrong in particulars.
Michael looked back at the artifex; there had been an unsettling tone to his voice as he spoke. And just like that, its not a problem? Michael asked.
Oh, it matters, Charles said, idly drawing a strand of tal from one of his armbands. It flowed between his fingers, amorphous and shimring in the dim light. Its just not a concern for the mont.
Gerard rolled his eyes and gave Michael an apologetic look. We dont worry about spies or saboteurs here, he explained. We dont need to. If youve been vetted by Sobriquet, youre either an asset or youre dead.
Clair still seems to worry, Michael pointed out. At least in my case.
Charles gave Michael an unkind smile. Clair has her own reasons for not relying on-
He cut off with a gasp as a fist slamd into his kidney from behind, then staggered sideways. Clair stepped forward into the space he had occupied and gave him an arch look. Gossip is a filthy habit, she said, kicking him lightly in the leg; the strike deflected off of hard tal under his clothing even as the impact sent him down on his rear.
Charles shot her a murderous glare; she had already turned away to face Michael. So, my lord, it would seem youve fulfilled the initial part of your bargain. Unfortunately, we must act first on the leads you helped obtain before sending you on your way. Youll be safe here until were ready to move you.
Michael nodded, feeling an oddly hollow ache that had nothing to do with his soul for once. The bloody scrawl of his fathers handwriting lingered in his mind, the dream-images all too persistent. Clairs words were a dismissal. He could simply wait and go to ndian.
ndian, land of pragmatic butchers. Michael thought about revealing his soul to them, of explaining to Leire Gabarain that he held two of the Eight within him. She would teach him to control Spark, and perhaps Stanza as well. He would have nothing to fear from his soul - and ndian would have gained a powerful asset.
Another image drifted into his mind, of an airship like the one from the previous day. Michael stood on the platform at its fore, and on the side was emblazoned a great tree with its roots wrapped snakelike around a human heart. A city sat below him, indistinct in the haze but buzzing with alarm as they espied the airship, heard the deafening voice informing them of ndians judgnt. Michael stretched out his hand and saw Stanzas light limn the distant edges of the city-
He shook himself, feeling faintly sick. Michael noticed that Gerard was giving him an odd look; he had no idea how long he had been lost in thought but it had apparently been noticeable. Clair had not changed her expression, looking at him with detached disinterest.
Youre going to the western front first? Michael asked. You think you can find the proof youre looking for there?
Clair shrugged. It is the lead we have. If we can prove to ndian that Ardalt made fools of them, their vengeance should be swift and comprehensive. It is the best chance I can see for clearing the War from Daressan lands. She tilted her head to look at Michael. Why? You think it isnt worth the risk?
Michael bit his lip, feeling the thready chill of adrenaline in his chest. Jeorg had wanted him to go to ndian, so Michael had tried to go. It was safe there, at least against the more imdiate dangers that he could perceive. A part of him scread to sit quietly in the safehouse and let Sobriquet whisk him to ndian, let Leire shape him into whatever she pleased. That path was clear and bright in his mind, all the way to its eventual end.
Michael shuddered as the image of the airship once again intruded into his mind. Yet, there was no sure footing if he stepped off the path. The only other ways forward he could see were twisted and murky, choked with the bodies of his fathers victims - and perhaps Michaels own.
Jeorgs amused voice sounded in his head. Never fear risk, or change. But - only seek it deliberately.
For things that matter.
Actually, Michael said, raising his head to look Clair in the eye. I was wondering if you could use a spector.
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