There has been much written on the divide between the Seer and the Seeker, with each scribe attempting to find a clear demarcation. Naturally, none of these lines have been drawn in the sa place. Even the few bearers of said souls that have bothered to pen their thoughts for posterity have arrived at different conclusions.
At the risk of presumption, I shall add my own summation to the tally: the Seer is given knowledge; the Seeker, wisdom. This is not to say that their bearers shall be particularly knowledgeable or wise, since they are ultimately n, but the touch of their gift will be upon them in a way that fits the lay of their path.
Furthermore, not all gifts are welco. For those who stray far from their path, such souls are torture. History is replete with Seekers that will not open their eyes, and Seers that cannot close them.
- Saleh Taskin, On Reclamation, 687
Michael opened the door to the inns upstairs room, striding in with Sobriquet on his heels; Lars, Charles and Richter were huddled around a table playing so manner of card ga as they entered. Charles and Richter froze upon seeing them, Charles half-rose from the table with tal flowing to collect in his palm.
Lars, however, smiled broadly and rose from his chair. I say, well done, he laughed. Ghars blood, you two have been positively remade. He peered at Michaels jacket, walking around for a better view. You said you had a man; is he taking clients?
Not to my knowledge, but I can inquire, Michael said, smiling. Hes very selective about his clientele.
Old money, Lars grumbled, making a curse of it. He stepped further around, ending up at Sobriquets side. And you! Ravishing. Bit of an old style, but I cant argue with results. The jacket, in particular; its perfect for you.
Charles had gone very pale, and subsequently very red. He opened his mouth soundlessly. A mont later he shut it again.
Going to a party, boss? Richter asked. You have that look.
Michael grimaced. Not really. We had an unexpected encounter at the Assembly that changed our schedule sowhat. Is Vera - ah, here she is. He looked over as Vera strolled into the room, smiling brightly.
Welco back, she said. You look stunning.
Sobriquet turned to her. How can you tell?
Charles is stunned, Vera said, gesturing towards the immobile, beet-red artifex. Therefore I may draw conclusions. She shifted her blank eyes to Michael; her smile faded. Whats wrong?
Michael sighed. We ran into Carolus Altenbach at the Assembly. He pulled us aside and said so rather alarming things.
In between drinks, Sobriquet added.
Veras face fell. Oh no, she said. He was doing so well. What happened?
Hes convinced that Lucs offer of peace will lead to the destruction of Ardalt, in brief, Michael said. You know the man; how reliable is he, considering his condition?
She frowned. I wish I had been there. I know it would take sothing truly horrific for him to take up drink once more - he had instill an aversion into him, years ago. I made it as strong as he could bear.
Hes worried for Sofia, Michael said. He asked us to talk to her - and my father, and Friedrich. He wants their support to ensure that Ardalt doesnt try to keep Luc in the country for their own purposes.
Zabalas head popped out from one of the side rooms, a scowl fixed on his face. That would be especially idiotic of them, he said. The Batzars greatest weakness is that theyre fractious and prone to overcomplicating everything; giving them a reason to act with unified purpose would produce very unsubtle results.
Apparently the Assembly is full of especial idiots, Sobriquet replied. And sohow its now our job to save them from themselves. She blinked, then leveled an accusing glare at Michael. Wait, how did that happen? Why are we trying to save Ardalt? Another abject defeat at ndiko hands might do them so good.
Except that Ardalt isnt the problem; Luc is. Michael shook his head. Hes been gathering a large number of souls recently, mostly to protect himself against . If the ndiko decide to move in force, he will take whatever souls he needs to protect against them as well. Peace with Ardalt ans he could take from the Assembly, or target Sofia and Friedrich. He looked at Vera. If were taking Carolus at his word, Sofias life is under imdiate threat from this peace deal.
Vera reached one trembling hand up to tug nervously at a strand of her hair. He told , she said, that he saw danger in her opposition to you. I dont think he had seen as clearly, then, for he was still himself - still collected, determined to try and make a change.
He said that Lucs offer of the peace deal worsened things considerably. Hes requested that I speak to my father to ensure it doesnt transpire. Michael looked at Lars. Failing that, he wants Friedrich to stand with us.
Lars blanched, dropping the hem of Sobriquets cloak. A mont later, he had collected himself. I know youre more durable now, he said, but I would be remiss not to point out that the forr owner of your potens soul regularly sparred with Lord Sever. Wahl was often injured, and never victorious.
Ive got a bit more going on than Galen had, Michael noted. And Im not going there to spar. Im talking with him, no more.
Sobriquet snorted. I dont seem to recall him giving you the opportunity to decline combat.
If it cos to that, Ill have to decline firmly. Michael shrugged.
She gave him a look.
Michael made an annoyed gesture, rolling his eyes. Very firmly.
Dont expect it to work any better than last ti, Sobriquet grumbled. She took a few steps into the room, her boots striking sharply on the wooden floor; her hand ca up to slap Charles gently on the cheek.
He took an unsteady step back, his hand rising to cover where she had struck him. Boss, he rasped. A mont later, his eyes refocused. You look good.
Enemy uniforms always did fit well, she agreed, turning away to look at Michael. And speaking of enemies- She reached into her jacket and withdrew two slips of paper. We do have our choice of them, if youd rather delay.
Michael looked at them, seeing the neat list of tis and locations on one - a simple address on the other. He hesitated only a mont, turning to Lars in the next. All right, he said. Tell everything you know about Friedrich Kolbe.
Reviews
All reviews (0)