It is unfashionable to discuss the taphysical implications of ensoulnt. We have Saf to thank for that; nothing sours a concept quite so efficiently as a poor execution. The fault does not rest with them alone, however - rationalism has largely prevailed in the post-Gharic continent as a matter of practicality and, dare I say, so imitation of our ndiko example to fill the void left by Ghars demise.
Yet for all that we avoid such discourse, it is difficult to deny that there is an elent of the mystical in each soul. The soul often presents as a second chance, a personal balm for one of lifes many wounds. Here is a person who wishes to their utmost that the world might be different in a particular way - and, now, here is a person with the capacity to realize that change.
I do not advocate for worship - what Saf has done is to couch social control in the language of spirituality to equal detrint. However, I do believe that each ensouled might benefit from sitting quietly and contemplating the direction in which the arc of their life has bent. A soul may be used as a tool, but it is not a spade or a hatchet. It is, in every case, a granted wish - and wishes ever lurk in the shadows where the cold light of reason cannot shine.
- Leire Gabarain, Annals of the Sixteenth Star, 675.
Unbelievable, Emil muttered, looking nervously out the rear of his cart. What did you do? Theyre saying that soone destroyed Oberst Wahls command post and challenged Sever to single combat. This was supposed to be a covert mission.
It was, Charles said. We just had a rough extraction.
Rough? Rough? Emils eyes bulged. Clair coordinates operations across all of the Ardan lines. If they bring in the right interrogator-
They wont have her that long, Sobriquet said grimly, fixing Michael with a look. You wanted a plan, now is when we make it. We need to find a way to get Clair out of there as quickly as possible. Emil isnt wrong about the potential consequences.
What about the consequences of staying? Vernon asked. You said the Ardans were narrowing down your location; I think after what just happened they have a pretty good idea of where you are. What happens to the resistance if we lose you?
Sobriquet humd. There is a risk, it admitted. But even now, it will take them ti to focus their search productively. The docunts will stay here, as will our new friend. It pivoted to look at Emil. If we should fail, escape with Luc and get the papers to ndian. The resistance will not be the Ardans priority once their cris have been exposed and the Star cos calling for their blood.
Wonderful, Emil muttered. I relish the opportunity to be so very important.
And you, Michael Baumgart, Sobriquet said, floating to look at him. If we are to plan for her rescue, we need to know in full what you are capable of.
Michael looked up at the apparition. A secret for a secret, he said. Im willing to help you save Clair, but Im not going to do it blindly, not after what happened with Gerard. If you want to know what I can do, I need to know why its so important to you that we rescue Clair.
Sobriquet regarded him quietly for a mont. She is my sister, it said. And the only one of my family left alive. Is that adequate enough for you to participate, or would you like more?
Of the people in the room, Charles and Luc did not seem surprised; Michael supposed that Charles either already knew or didnt care, and Luc seed too bewildered to process any of it. He took a breath and pondered his words carefully.
So of this may be strange, he began, but Sobriquet will be able to hear it as truth. I am a spector, and I am also a durens.
Truth, Sobriquet said, not sounding overly surprised. And what more? Youre at least an augns, besides.
Michael sighed. Stanza.
There was a pause. The hell you say, Charles spat.
Its true, Sobriquet said. Or hes threading a very fine needle of self-deception. It lines up with what I had pieced together already, though. Is there more?
Michael gave a tight nod. Yes, but nothing we can safely use.
Truth, Sobriquet said. Or it is in his opinion, anyway.
Trust on this, please, Michael said. Death is not the worst consequence that could result.
Is that supposed to scare us? Charles sneered. Anyone who lives under Ardan rule knows there are things worse than death that can happen in their clutches. Ask us why were worried for Clair - its not because we think theyll kill her. Its because we know they wont. If you have sothing that can save her from that-
Luc stood up from his crouch, looking at Michael with hesitant realization. Youre talking about Claude, he said. That was you.
Ice slithered down Michaels spine as he t Lucs eyes. It was, he said. You found him?
I did, Luc said. Michael saw words pass unsaid behind his lips for several long monts, his eyes tightening at the corners. Then you have the - the other soul?
Michael nodded. He did not trust himself to speak, not when he was talking with Luc about the deaths of those two n. It was one thing to know that Michael had precipitated the loss of all Luc had held dear, another entirely to hear him admit to killing Spark and maiming Claude personally. For all that they had lied to Luc, they had been his family.
Lucs eyes glinted with moisture - then he shook his head and shifted his gaze to Sobriquet. He is right not to use that soul. If I had known he held it I would have chosen to stay and die in the camp rather than travel with you.
The words carried a surprising sting when Michael heard them. It must have shown in his face, for Lucs lips twisted into a quiet, sad smile. I only trusted one person to use it well, and I was wrong, he said. But Ill trust you not to, since it seems youre not as much of an idiot as I thought. He extended his hand.
Michael shook it. Thank you, he managed. And - for what its worth-
Dont, Luc said, releasing Michaels hand. I dont need to hear it.
Luc inclined his head, then turned and sat in the corner of the cart once more. Charles stared after him, then at Michael. Well, all right, he said. You win, Im becoming concerned about these things you cant do. A thin strip of tal swirled around one of his fingers in a complex pattern. He fidgeted with it, looking at Michael with an inscrutable expression. So lets talk about the things you can.
Reviews
All reviews (0)