Gentlen, I will be direct. Our sources on the continent have inford us of the death of Stellars bearer, thought to have happened so ti yesterday. We do not - order, please. We do not know at this ti if a new bearer has been identified, nor where that bearer might be. It might pass from our view for a ti in so isolated land, or remain with the ndiko.
Or it might not. If it should pass to another bearer within the known scope of the world, then it will most probably resurface within Saf. Such a thing is horrid to contemplate, but we must do so for the benefit of Ardalt. We will need unity in the face of such a threat, and foremost for the mbers of this body to retain a clear head and steady heart.
Even if it should pass to ndian, the aggression from northern lands will not easily wane now that they have trampled the thin veneer of their neutrality. Their newfound hostility towards Ardalt shows that we cannot rely on the presumption of ndiko benevolence in our foreign policy. They are an adversary, or must be counted as one in the course of prudent planning.
And then of course there is the other option, one which I often hear discussed in these halls. There is the thought of Stellar finding an Ardan vessel. So of you rejoice in this thought; I say to you now that this is the most calamitous of the possibilities I have nad thus far. Clear heads and steady hearts, gentlen, but I do not trust that all mbers of this body would retain theirs during such a trial.
Therefore it is with proper respect paid to the gravity of the mont that I move to support Lord Baumgarts request granting ergency powers to the Committee of War. War, for that is where we find ourselves even as we celebrate the Wars departure. It has not gone, gentlen. It is regrouping, and so must we.
- Carolus Altenbach, address to the Assembly, Gleaning 37 693.
It had grown dark by the ti they arrived in the city. They were stopped on the street by an anxious patrol of constables as they entered, but Vera showed a paper that set the n at ease. The lead constable shooed them gruffly into Korbels bounds, admonishing them to be indoors before the coming curfew.
Michael took in the surroundings. Korbel had the feel of a small city, its streets laid out in the organic, twisting paths that grew naturally from humbler beginnings. It had been the center of Ardalt for centuries before trade and business shifted the locus of power to Calmharbor; now it persisted as a quieter, older shadow of itself.
The silence tonight was total, though the ever-present trill of fear hung in the air like distant thunder. Anyone with ears knew that the Institute forces were closing on Korbel, and the prior record of the governnts response had not inspired confidence. It was a city that expected to fall.
This way, Vera said, nudging Lars to the left, down a side street.
Sobriquet gave her an odd look. How can you tell? she asked.
Its easier when theres people around, Vera replied. Ive been in Korbel for so ti now, ever since Sofia was outed as Sibyl. There are so bruised egos attached to that deception, and perhaps so criminal charges as well; Carolus has put up in one of their familys apartnts - I would say until things calm down, but I doubt Ardalt will be anything resembling calm for a while.
She shrugged. But Ive been here long enough to rember the people who live near . Each one of them shines differently, and I can navigate by those stars if I bother to learn their patterns.
Michael nodded, and watched as Veras steps grew in confidence. She led them to a nondescript brownstone, unlocking it with an ornate brass key. They ducked inside to find an understated, tasteful apartnt done up in light woods and bright, electric lighting.
Charles made an appreciative noise, taking a step in to look around; he drew up short when Veras arm halted his progress. She gave him a sweet smile.
Shoes off, if you please, she said.
There was grumbling from the ranks, but Lars had his boots off faster than blinking. The rest of the n followed in his wake - Unai and Zabala with indifferent acceptance, Charles and Sobriquet with evident irritation. Michael was finished before the rest of the n had contributed to the pile of dirty boots in the foyer, and he walked over to where Vera stood patiently.
So? he asked. Where is she?
Not here, Vera said.
A slight jolt of panic spun through Michael as scenarios played out in his head - his n, bootless, being ambushed by Sibyls soldiers. But he felt nothing alarming from Vera, and a quick check of their surroundings showed them to be quiet, empty apart from a few residents in the surrounding buildings.
Not here, Michael repeated. Where, then?
She shrugged. Im not sure. Youre eting with because Sofia doesnt trust anymore, rember? She gave a small smile, opening a drawer in a nearby end table and retrieving a small, boxy device. I was given this, when I set out.
Michael took it from her hands, turning it over. A radio, he realized. ndiko.
Those are restricted for export, Zabala said darkly, walking up behind him. A strict ban on sales to foreigners.
Technically your countryn exported them by bringing a great quantity to Daressa; its only natural that a few of them might be mislaid during such an extensive campaign. Vera flashed a smile at Zabala, who scowled back. Carolus has quite a few more interesting items than this in his collection, Im sure. But this is the relevant piece for the mont.
She hefted it in her hand, then gestured to a side room. Theres a small kitchen and dining area, she said. Your n are welco to take their ease while we talk. The wine cellar-
Vera broke off at the noise of several stocking feet running towards the kitchen; Zabala swore and set off after the n before they could open too many bottles.
Michael gave her a flat look. Neatly done, he said.
Ive had years of practice, Vera demurred. Working in a different dium is challenging, but not overly so. Now, shall we let Sofia know were ready?
He looked back; only Sobriquet had stayed by his side. I suppose we should, Michael sighed, gesturing for her to proceed. Vera twisted the knob on the side of the radio; a small click and hiss resulted, followed by silence.
Hello, Sofia, Vera said. Im here with Michael and Sobriquet.
There was an extended pause before a light snap of static ca over the line, followed by Sofias voice. Michael, she said. I was surprised to hear from you.
As surprised as I was to hear you respond, no doubt, Michael said. A strange nervous energy had settled around him, a feeling like treading a knife blade. His mouth was unaccountably dry.
There was a clink of glass as Unai stepped up behind them; he set cups down on the table and filled them from a wine bottle in his other hand; when he had poured the fourth drink, he took it and sat to the side, listening.
Michael gave him a grateful nod, sitting to take a sip of the wine as Sofia replied.
Its a delicate ti, she said. The depth of the Institutes treachery caught us unprepared, their acquisition of Stellar even more so. Your offer was one I couldnt refuse.
Michael let the implication of her last sentence pass unntioned, shifting in his chair. Ill endeavor to trouble you for as little ti as possible, he said. Tell where Luc is, and Ill kill him.
There was another extended pause. Hes near to Korbel, north-west. They have enough occultors to prevent from glimpsing him directly, but I can see enough. She paused. An attack would disrupt his protection, letting give you more precise guidance.
We can continue to coordinate with the radio, then, Michael said.
Unless you have a way to extend its range, that wont be feasible, Sofia replied. While we were testing this pair, they fell well-short of what would be required. The handset hissed with soft static for a few monts more. It would be easiest if Sobriquet stayed here in the city. She can relay information to you.
Michael was shaking his head before she had finished speaking. Absolutely not, he said. Im willing to work together, Sofia, but my people stay with . You disclose your location, and Sobriquet will contact you from our forward position.
Sofia gave a quiet, frustrated sigh. Not acceptable, she said. She can cause great harm even at a distance.
Fine, then, Michael said, pinching the bridge of his nose. Vera stays here, and retains the radio. Sobriquet cos with , monitoring Vera from our position. You provide updates to her, and she relays them to Sobriquet.
A convoluted solution. Sofias voice was dull, irritated. Again, youre unwilling to extend your trust.
Michael snorted. Id say Im as willing as you are.
Static buzzed. Eventually, Sofias voice ca back. I increasingly regret that I didnt simply let you walk away from dinner that night, she said. And that you did walk away from our last eting. We had a plan, Michael, a peaceful path forward. You were going to help us set things right in Ardalt, neutralize the Institute. I said Id keep you safe. I ant it. She took a breath. It would have worked.
The cost was too high, Michael said.
The cost? Isoldes voice demanded. There was an abrupt clatter from the far end of the connection, as if the anatons had seized the handset. Look around you! Ardalt is torn by war, ndian is rampaging through the continent. All for what - for your ideals? Your whims? Your terrorist whore? Tell her life is worth more than Vinc-
Her voice cut off; Vera looked down at the handset with a stricken expression. Michael and Sobriquet exchanged a glance.
Youve been spending my money this whole ti, she muttered. If anyones the whore-
The radio crackled once more. Back to the matter at hand, Sofia said, as though there had been no interruption. We dont know how long the Institutes forces will wait before attacking the city, but they appear to be mostly ready. If were settled on this - awkward mode of communication, then I see no further reason to delay.
Michael blinked, bemused. You want to attack tonight? he asked.
Would waiting bring any benefit? she shot back.
I suppose not, Michael sighed. He drained the rest of his wine, then stood, looking at Unai. Go tell the n to prepare for a run, have them drink and eat sothing appropriate.
Unai nodded and turned towards the kitchens; Michael stretched - then turned back towards the radio. I wish events had unfolded differently, he said. For what its worth.
The radio gave a slow, languorous breath of noise. I often wish the sa, Sofia replied, at length. And Ive learned very well what such wishes are worth. Northwest, Michael. Have Vera contact when youve spotted them.
There was a soft pop from the handset, then nothing. Michael looked up at Vera and Sobriquet.
That went as good as could be expected, he said.
Sobriquet snorted. Shes definitely going to try to kill us at the first opportunity. She turned to Vera. You ready for your part in this?
Vera was still, her blank eyes glistening with tears. Yes, she murmured. I will help.
Youre sure youre okay? Michael asked. Were going to be relying on you-
She raised a hand, shaking her head. Im fine, she said. Ive just realized the path ahead is a good deal narrower than I thought it might be. Not hopeless, but - not likely. She wiped at her eyes, then nodded. This will be a start.
Michael had several more questions than before, but was interrupted by a line of n tromping their way back out of the kitchen, most still stuffing so manner of food into their mouths. Zabala followed along behind them, looking weary.
Were good for a run, he said. So of them got a few glasses of wine in; nothing that will stop them from working. Theyre better-fed than weve been in a week, so thats sothing. He frowned, looking at Michael. Did you eat?
Ill be fine, Michael said, walking over to fetch his boots. If all goes well, this is the last night well be on the hunt. Ill have plenty of ti to eat then.
Zabala rolled his eyes, pulling on his own boots. Nothing good ever ca from a sentence that started that way, he grunted. But sure. Where are we going?
Northwest, Michael said, straightening up. And then well see.
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