Post on 05-Apr-2018
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SidebysidetheMimicandIexitedtheelevator.
Silentlywewalkeddownthecorridor,mewithmyhandsinthepocketsofmyflakjacketandanothersmokingLhohangingfromthecornerofmymouthandItstillintheformofOlinthre,Itsexpressionutterlydevoidofanyemotion.
Ihadexpectedthefeartoappearasweascendedintheelevator.Thatitwouldcomeinasuddenrush,whichwouldcausemetoclenchmyteethtofightitback,butstill,Ifeltnothingevenasweapproachedthoseglassdoorsandourfootfallsechoedontheshiningmarbletiles.Justaclarityofmind,justanemptiness.
Ihavefeltlikethisbefore,manytimesinfact,itwasthefeelingIgotwhenIwasinafight.Ifeltgood,nomorethangood,Ifeltgreat.DespitehowbadlyIachedallover.
Withoutfurtherwordweshovedthedoorsopenandsteppedinside.
OfcourseGlaitiswasstillinthatroom,withthecoldblackmarblefloorandstarkwhitewalls,whichmadeforaharsh,almostunnerving,contrasttome.Behindherwasahugewindowmadeofreinforcedonesidedglass,affordingheranamazingviewofthedark,dank,depressinghivebelow.Ihaveneverseenhereverlookoutitbefore,whichinallhonestyIcouldntblameherfor.Andstillshesat,withherfeetonherdesk,recliningbackinherchairwhilecasuallyapprai
singadataslate.
Ahh,shesaidwithfalsefriendliness.Iseethatyoutwohavejoinedforces,youngone,youseemtohaveaskilltogainalliesinthemostunlikeliesto-
Shutup.
Shewasinterruptedinmidword,leavingherjawhangingopenslacklyassheseemedtotrycomprehendandIignoredtheequallyshockedlookoftheOlinthre-thing.
Foragoodsixsecondsshewaslikethat,hermouthworkingasshestruggledforwords.
D-didyoujust...Shemanagedthroughclenchedteeth,thenahideoussmilesuddenlycurledherlips.
Yeah,Ijusttoldyoutoshutup,Iconfirmedsoftly.Imnotinthemoodforyoursalltalk.
Shegrinnedandglaredatmefromunderahoodedbrow,adisturbinglyfamiliarexpression,thatsentshiversupmyspinedespitemyself.
Andpraytell,youngone,whyisthat?Shequeried,layingherelbowonthetableandplacedherheartshapedjawintothepalmofherhand.
Iclenchedmyteethandclenchedmyfists,because...Itrailedoff.
Becauseyoureangryarentyou,youngone?shefinishedthesmilesomehowturningevnmoreinsane.Becauseyouaresofullofrageandhatred?ForwhatIhavedone?ForwhatIthaddone?Shesaid,indicatingtheOlinthre-thingwithawaveofherhand.
Ismiledthenbegantolaugh,IthrewbackmyheadandbellowedoutatthetopofmylungsandGlaitisandtheOlinthre-thingsconfusedexpressionsmademelaughalltheharder.IevenlaughedsohardthatwhenIfinishedIhadtowipetears
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awaywithmyforearm.
N-no,itsnotthat,Igiggled,asIsawGlaitisglareatme,herjawtwitchingwithbarelycontainedrage.Itsnotthatatall.
Whatisitthen!Glaitisdemandedassheangrilyslammedherhandsontoherdesk
NoGlaitis,ItsnotbecauseIhateyou,Idonthateyou,Isaidandmyfacehardene.HowcanIhateyou,whenyouarentevenworthhatinginthefirstplace.
Glaitiseyeswidenedandforafewsecondswestoodsilent,ourattentionslocked.
Ismiled,abouttocontinuewhentheMimicfinallychosetointervene.
Mamzel!Itcried,steppingbetweenus.W-wehavemuchtoreport.
Thatmademegrinallthemore,yes,yeswedoindeed.Iagreed.
Yes,Iam...sure,thatyouhavemuchtosay,shesaidhaltingly.
Isighed,well,whereshouldwestart,ehXenos?
I-
Iknow,Iinterrupted.Letsstartrightatthetop,rightatthemeatoftheissue,shallwe?
Yourtheatricsarebeginningtogetonmynerves,youngone,shegrowled.
Ismiled,onlyjustnow?Youtrulydohavethepatienceworthyofsainthood.
Attelus,saidtheMimicthroughclenchedteeth.
Youvebeenoutplayed,mamzel,Isaidsimply.
What?Glatisgrowled.
Youvebeenoutplayedandbetrayed,Glaitis.InquisitorEdracianisonOmnartus.
Fearslowlycrossedherface,realfearthatalmosttookmybreathawaywithitspotency.
Heshere?Now?How?!sheyelled.
Iraisedamockingeyebrow,youreallydidntknow?
Tellmeeverything,child,tellmeeverythingyouknow,now!
Igrinned,asyouwish.ThenItoldherandenjoyedeverysecondofit.
F-Feuilt?shestammered.H-hewasEdraciansspy?
Itseemsso,yes,Ianswered.
Shesighedheavilyandplacedherfaceintothepalmsofherhands,howwasthisnotforeseen?Icannotbelievethis,how?
Ishrugged,notsurewhattosay,neverhaveIeverseenGlaitissopaleandtak
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enabackbefore.
Soyoumustseemamzel,saidtheMimic.Wemustspeakwiththecaptive,weneedtofindEdracian,evenifthatmeanswemustreleasehimandallywithBrutisBones.
D-doyoureallythinkthathewoulddothat?askedGlaitis.Hewouldallywithhisenemies?
Ifwecanconvincehimthecircumstanceshavechanged,Itsaid.Maybe.
Ifrownedandfoldedmyarms,onthatthought,whydidntwejustallywithBrutisBonesinthefirstplace?Isighedandshookmyhead,Icouldhazardmanyguessesonthatbutjustcouldntbebotheredanymore.
You-youstillhavethemeanstocommunicatewiththeArbitesandMagistratumleaders?saidGlaitis.
Yes,mamzelandsodoesKarmenKons.
Glaitisrolledhereyes,ofcourseshedoes.
Ifurrowedmybrowandtookastepclosertothedesk,theAdeptusArbitesandtheMagistratum?
Yes,saidGlaitis.TheyhavebeenonTarystspayrollfromtheverystart,thatiswywehavebeenabletoworkwithouttheirinterference.
Thecornerofmymouthtwitched,Ishouldveguessedthat,frigit.EstelladidmentionearliertheyhadinterceptedBrutisBonesbecauseofinformationgiventothemfromcontactsinsideoftheArbitesandMagistratum.
SowhatshouldIdoaboutyou,Attelus?saidGlaitis.Youhave,forallintentsandpurposes,betrayedme.
AndyouhadElandriakilled,Igrowled.Ithinkwecanjustcalluseven.
ShemovedsofastInevergotanychancetoblinkletalonereact,shewasoutofherseat,herfingerswrappedaroundmythroatandsheslammedmeagainstthewall.
No!sheroaredrightinmyfaceasIgaspedinvaneforairandfeltthestingingpainofherfingernailsdiggingdeepintomyskin.No!Wecannotevercallitevenchild!Ihavehadenoughofyournewfoundinsolence!Youhavebetrayedme,youhavecooperatedwithourenemyandIwillnotletthispassasIdidwithyourincidentwithVexCarpompter.Youmustfacetheconsequencesofyouractions.
MyteethclenchedastheangersuddenlyragedthroughmeandwithoneviolenttugItoreherhandfrommyneck.
That...Igaspedandclutchedthepainful,formingbruiseonmythroat.That...ThatisallIhavebeendoinglately,master!Facingconsequences,theconsequenceofhurtingVex,theconsequencesofbeingtoooverberatingtomyselfandforgetful!InallhonestyifIhadntcooperatedwithEdracianwewouldntknowwhatweknownow.
Shejustsneeredandglared.
Y-youtaughtmethatImustdowhatImusttosurviveuntilthemissioniscomplete,Iwasjustdoingasyourteachingsdemanded,IdidwhatIhadto,toosurviv
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e.
Andthatleadsustoanotherquestion,Attelus,saidtheMimic.WhydidEdracianletyoulivewhenyouknowsomuch?Whydidntheinjectyouwithlegitimatepoisonandjustnotgiveyouthecure?
Ishruggedandsighed,whyhadntIthoughtofthat?P-perhapshesalreadyoffworld?Iventured.Orperhapshesjustinsane,frig.Hecertainlyseemedtobe,toome.
Orwhoistosaythathedidntjusthaveyouinjectedwithanotherpoison?saidGlaitis.Onethatisfarslowertoact.
ExceptfortheachesandpainsfromthebeatingyourpetXenosdealttomeearlierandbeingbarelyabletobreath,Isaid.Ifeelfine.
TheXenospunchcamefromnowhere,smashingintothesideofmyface,knockingoffKarmensbandageandsentmestumbling,clutchingatmyalreadybeatenandbruisedface.
Donot,evercallmeanyonespet,everagain,Itsaiddangerously.OrsohelpmeeatingIgaveyoubeforewillbenothingcomparedwhatIwilldotoyou,youunderstand,Attelus?
Mysmilewashiddenbehindmyhand,hittheberserkbuttondidI?Ithought,if
onlyIdknownofthisearlier.
ItscertainlysomethingIcouldexploitinthefuture.
Islowlypickedupmybandageandplaceditback,thenstoodbackup.
Frigit!Isnarledwithfeignedanger.Whyiseveryonehittingmetoday!
Itsbecauseyoudeserveityoungone,statedGlaitisasshereturnedtoherseat.
ImettheThingsangerriddenattention.Imsorry,Isighed.Iwaswrongandidio,Ishouldnthavecalledyouthat,Iapologise.
Olinthresfeaturesjustsneeredandglared,inanexactechoofGlaitisbefore.
So,youwanttotalkthemanwhonamedhimselfNoOneofConsequence,totryandgethimtoleadustoBrutisBones.SoyoucannegotiateanalliancetotrackdownEdracianandstophimamIcorrectinthat?Shesaid.
Essentially,yes,Isaid.Assuming,ofcourseheisntoffworldbynow.
Shesmiledwithoutwarmthandcurledherfingerstogetherinfrontofherface.
Heisstillhere,youngone,ofthatIhavenodoubt.
IraisedaneyebrowandglancedbrieflyattheMimicwholookedbackjustascon
fused.
Andhowthehelldoyouknowthat,mamzel?
Sheshookherheadandreclinedbackonherseat,nowassmugassmugcanbe.
Itisprettyobviouschild,andexplainswhyheletyoulive,this,quitesimply,isatrap.
Myeyeswidened,what?
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Glaitisrolledhereyesandswivelledinherseat,bothusandBrutisBonesarehismainenemies,wearetheonlyoneswhoknowofhisconspiracy,wearetheonlyonestryingtohunthim.He,obviously,likeus,doesntknowwhereBrutisBonesissoheiswaitingforustomakeanalliancesohecanambushandkillallhisenemieswhilewearealltogetherinone,convenient,location.
Istoodforafewseconds,myjawworkingasIstruggledtomakemynextsentence.Shewasright,damnitwhyhadntIthoughtofthat?
S-sowhatarewetoodo,mamzel?stammeredtheMimic.
Sheshrugged.Whywearegoingtofallforit,notdoingsowouldbe...Shepausedandsmiled,...Inconceivable.
ThatjoltedmeoutofmystuporandIglaredatherhard.
Weare?askedtheMimictimidly.
Ofcourse!sheyelledabruptly,causingboththeMimicandItoflinchinfright.WellplayEdracianathislittlegame.
Thatsstillassuminghesstillplanetside,Igrowled.Hecouldvejustlefthismtoambushusandleft.
Glaitissighed,couldyou,justforonceinyourmiserablelife,trustme,youngone.EdracianisonOmnartus,thisIknowwithoutdoubt.Nowyoucangobackdowntoyourfriendswaitingdowninthelobbyandtellthem,theyhavemypermissiontotalktoNoOneofConsequence,IwillsentwordtoHayden,CastellaandDarrance.Youarebothdismissed.
TheMimicimmediatelyturnedtoleavebutIstillglaredatherbalefully,IhadnevermentionedofEdracianscatchphrasesduringmyreport.
DidtheEldartellherofthemorwastheresomethingelsebehindit?
Shejustlookedback,mockingmefrombehindherglasses.
Uhh,Attelus?askedtheMimic.
Whatever,Ionlygrowledandleftwithoutfurtherword.
Westeppedoutoftheelevatorandintotheblackmarblewalledlobbytofindeveryonewaitingforus,includingmuchtomysurprise,GarraksonandthetwostormtrooperswhoTorrishadsenttohelphim.
Well,thattookawhile,saidKarmenwithoutgreeting.Didyougetpermissionornot?
Ionlymanagedaslightnod,myattentiononGarrakson,whostrangelyonlyseemedhisnormalgrim,unreadableself.
StandingnexttoKarmen,Torrisfrowned,thatayesthen,Attelus?
InoddedagainasGarraksonslowlyapproached.
IfyouwonderedwhereIwas,kiddo,IwaslookingformedicaeFeuilt,saidGarraksonandIcouldbarelyhidemyrelief.ThatwouldexplainwhyKarmenKonswassocalm.
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OrhecouldveactuallymetwithVexandwaslyingaboutit.
FromnowonIcertainlyhadtokeepaneyeonJeuratGarrakson.Perhapsitwouldhavebeenabetterideatojusthavetoldthetruth?
Iwasntsure,butitwastoolatenow,wedliedsonowIneededconcernmyselfonhowtoreinforcethatlie.
Andletmeguess,saidtheMimicforme.Hewasnowheretobefound?
Garraksongrimacedandlookedaway,yeah,Ievencheckedthesurveillancerecordings,andgotnothing.Idontknowwhatthatimpliesbutitcannotbegood.
A-andnosignofElsbody?Iaskedhaltingly.
Garraksongrimacedevenmoreandshookhishead,nothing,sorrykid,hemighthavehidhersomewhereIhadnotimetolook,itsabloodybigtower.Ortookherwithhim,either/or,Idunno.
Ifurrowedmybrowandsuckedairthroughclenchedteeth,whythehellwouldEdracianwantElandriasbody?Thiswastrulygettingweirderandweirder.
Alright,saidTorriswithasmileandanod.Ithinkitstimewegottodoingthis,then.
WerodetheelevatoruptothefifthfloorallofusbarelyfittinginthesmallspaceandIsuspectedtheweightourcombinedweightswaswelloveritslimit.
JustthenIcouldnthelpwonder,howmanytimeshaveIriddenupanddownelevatorsthisdayalone?Andbeganaquickcalculationinmyhead.
Mathematics,hasneverbeenmystrongsuitsoittookalittlelongerthanitreallyshouldve,butwhatIcamewithupwithwastwelve,Ivebeenupanddownelevatorstwelvetimestoday,sincemymiraculousrecovery.BytheEmperorthatwasahellofalotanditseemedaftereverytimeIfoundsomenewtidbitofinformation,somenewrevelationthatturnedeverythingonitshead.Sacredfrig,today
wascertainlyaneventfulday.
IsmiledtomyselfandturnedtomeetKarmenKonsimpassivegazeasshestoodrightbesideme,nowthatwastheunderstatementofthemillennia,Ithought.
Shelookedbackunflinchinglyandweplayedwhocanstareattheotherthelongestfortherestoftheride.
Finallytheelevatorfoundthefifthfloorandimmediatelywequicklyfiledoutintothedark,brownwalledcorridor.
WaitingforuswasCastella,DarranceandHayden.
Hayden,abigfigurebarelyabletofitintothethincorridorstoodwithDarranceandCastellaathissidesjustinfrontofhim.
Iwasoneofthefirsttofileoutandallthreecouldnthidetheirshockwhentheysawthestateofmyface.
W-whathappenedtoyourface?DemandedDarrance,withwideeyes.
Ilookedatallthree,alittlesurprisedthatGlaitishadneglectedtotellthemwhathappened.
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I-Ifelldownsomestairs,Ilied.
ImmediatelyDarranceeyesturnedintosuspiciousslits,evidentlyseeingstraightthroughmyfib,butheleftitatthat.
Garraksonsjawclenchedwithimpatienceandhestartedforward,growling,alright,alrightenoughmuckingaboutwere-
Haydensoutstretchedhandinterruptedtheexguardsmaninmidsentenceandmidstride.
No,saidtheex-arbitratorinatonewithsomuchfinalityitwouldveenviedMajorOlinthre.Thatwasnttotheconditions,thosethreeandthosethreeonly.
WithabriefwaveofhishandHaydenindicated,Olinthre,Karmenandmeashesaidit.
GarraksonwhoIneverthoughtcouldbeintimidatedbyanyone,flinchedbackfromTresch,whostoodwithsuchstabilityhecouldvebeenaadamantiumbulwark,thentheex-guardsmandirectedawitheringglareatme.
Whydidntyoutelluswecouldntcome?Hedemanded.
Ididntknow,Isaidwithwideeyes.MamzelGlaitisneglectedtotellusthiswhenemether,right,Olinthre?
Yes,yesshedid,confirmedthemimic,itsvoicesodeadpanneditcould veechoed.
GarraksonturnedbacktoTreschhisfistsclenchingopenandclosedandforafewscaryseconds,itseemedthathewasgoingtostrikeoutatHayden.DespitethisTreschstayeddeathlystill,butintheblinkofaneyebothCastellaandDarrancereachedfortheirweaponsasdidTorrisandthetensoldiersescortingus.
Iwatchedon,withmyheartinmythroat,unsurewhattodo,orevenifitcametoblows,whichsidetotake.
Finally,Garraksonturnedawayandsnarledoutafrigit!
Thenheturnedhisglarebacktome,Iknowwhenwerebeinghoodwinked,letsleavethisfarce.letsgo.
Withthattheyleft,filingbackintotheelevator,allthewhileGarraksonglaringaccusinglyatmeandIcouldnthelpwonder;whatthehelldidIdo?
Wewalkedinsilencethroughthecramped,brown,dulllitcorridor.TreashwasatfrontwithCastellaandDarrancejustafterhim,thenmeandKarmenandlastwastheOlinthrething.
IhadmyhandsintheirpocketsandeveryfewmetresIhadtorubmyeyeswithmyfists.
Ifelttiredandassickasallhellandmyfacestungandthrobbed.
ShackingawaythedizzinessandwhileavoidingEstellawhowalkedbesidemeIsaid;Darrance?
Darrancefrowneddeeplyandlookedoverhisshoulderatme,What?
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Iforcedmyeyestostayopen,Ineededsomethingtodistractme,soIcankeepmyeyesopenandIhadaquestionIwantedtoasktheveteranassassin.
WhenIwokeup,medicaeFeuilttoldmesomething.
Darrancegrimacedandturnedaway,IassumehementionedthatIvisitedyouwhileyouwereinacoma?Isthatwhatyouarealludingto?
Thatsexactlyit,yes,Isaidthroughgrittedteeth,notlikinghistoneatall.
Withoutlookingback,heshrugged,andyouarewonderingwhyDarrancethecompletefrighead,whoseemstohateAttelusKaltosdeignedtobothertovisityou?AmIagain,correct?
Myjawtwitched,yes.
Heshruggedagain,wellitwasyourbirthday,IthoughtImightaswell,asitmayverywellhavebeenyourlast.
Myeyebrowsraisedwithbemusement,m-mybirthday?
Darrancelookedbackoverhisshoulderatme,donttellmeyouforgot?Youturnedtwentyfourstandard,didyounot?
Y-yeah,butwitheverythingthatshappening,surely,Icouldbeforgivenforforgettingmybirthday?
Darranceshookhisheadandsighed.Thatiswhereouropinionsyetagaindiffer,apprentice.Whenoneisinourlineofwork,onemustappreciateeverybirthdaytheylivetoseeasthenextisfar,farfromguaranteed.IsntthatcorrectCastella?
CastellaseemedtosuddenlyflinchandandhunchforwardsasDarranceturnedhisattentiontoher.Y-yesthatsright,Darrance!Shesaidthenshelookedoverhershoulder,givingmeanervousgrin.Anassassinmustappreciateeverybirthdaytheylivetosee!A-andhappybirthday,Attelus!
Icouldonlypursemylipsandlooktothefloor,unsurewhattothink,neverdidIevercomprehendthatDarrancewouldcareforsuchasmallthingor,anything,forthatmatterandCastella,wellIdidntknowwhatIshouldsaytoherorwhyshehadreactedtoDarrancesquestionsostrangely.Wasitbecauseofmyreactiontohertreatmentoftheprisoner?
Youneednotlooksoperplexed,apprentice,saidDarrance,shakinghishead.BelieveitornotIhaveapersonalityaswell.
Yeah,growledHayden.Happybirthday,kid.
ThiswasechoedinturnbyKarmenKonsandtheOlinthre-thing.
Th-thanks,everyone,Istammered,rubbingmyeyesagain.
Imsofriggingtired,Ithought.
Wecametothedoorsoonafterwardsandtheguards,lookingasboredastheydidearlieragainnoddedrespectfullytoCastellaandHayden,whobothreturnedthenodsandabsentlytheyopenedthedoorforus.
Weallfiledinsideandgazedthroughtheonesidedglass,intothecellbeyond,wheresatthemanthatwehadbeatenandhurtbrutally,butwhowedependedon
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somuch.
Wouldhehelpus?AndifhedidntcouldIblamehim?Idecidedacertain,no,onthelastquestion,noIwouldntatall.
NexttomeKarmenKonswithherarmsfoldedgrimacedandgrowled,Iknewweshouldnthavegivenyouthisbuilding.
Treashturnedtoherandsmiledalthoughitlackedanyhumour,well,itsabitlateforthatregret,mamzel,Hesaid.
Karmenshrugged,Ineversaidthatweregrettedit,assassin,justthatwewilllearnfromit.
Likeyoualsolearnedhowtonotfallsoeasilyfortraps?saidCastelladarkly.
KarmensattentionsnappedstraighttoCastella,herfaceashardasstone,yes,wehavecertainlylearnedtonottrustsupposedlytrustworthyallies,everagain.
Thatcausedallmycolleagues,andDarranceincluded,tosuddenlyburstoutinalmostriotous,contemptuousandcruellaughter.
KarmenKonsgrimacedwithbarelycontainedrageandballedherhandsintofists.
Ihadgotthatone,theyfounditincrediblyamusingthatTarystandhisgrouphadevenslightlytrustedusinthefirstplace,whichonhindsightwas,actually,kindoffunny.ButIhadnointentiontolaughalongwithmycolleagues,theirlaughterwasharshontheearsandhorrifiedme.ItwasthelaughterIcouldimaginefromagroupofpredatorswouldlaughoncetheyhadcorneredtheirprey.
Canwetalktotheprisonernow?growledtheOlinthre-thingwithsuchforcemyfellowassassinslaughterwascutshort.Orarewegoingtojustwastetimestandingaroundexchangingpettyjokes?
Castellasmiledandshrugged,well,Ienjoythepettyjokesmore,personally,butifyouinsist,Mrmajor,shesaidwhilegivingtheOlinthre-thingamockingsaluteandaplayfulwink.
Treashfrownedun-approvinglyatCastella,alright,wellgoin,andtalktohimfirst,youthreejustwaitouthereforawhile.
Withthattheassassinswalkeddownthecorridorandintothecellwhileweapproachedthewindowtowatchon.
So,saidnooneofConsequence,afterCastellagavehimalongsipofwater.Youheretoaskmorequestions?ThenheglaredaccusinglyatCastella.Orjusttobeatthecrapouttameagain?
Whydontyoutakeaguess?SaidCastella.Ibetyouwontevencomeclose.
Igrimaced,tunedoutandturnedtoKarmenKons.
Youdoknow,Attelus,thatyouarescarredforlifenow,shesaidbluntly.ThatwoundElandriagaveyou,willnevergoaway.
Ifrownedandabsentlytouchedthebandagecoveringthewound,Iknow,Idthoughtso,Isaidsadly.
ThiswasfollowedbyashortsilencebeforetheOlinthre-thinggrimacedandturnedtous,Ivegottasayifyoutwoweretryingtoconvinceeveryonethatyoudontk
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noweachother,youaredoingoneterriblejob.
WebothglaredatItandsaidsimultaneously,what?
Itreturnedourglaresunflinchinglyandshrugged,well,thewholestaringintoeachotherseyesthingduringhalftheelevatorrideup,yourlittleconfrontationbeforeweenteredthemamzelsresidence,yeah,theywerentcluestowardapriorrelationshipatall.
IimmediatelyturnedawayasIfeltmyfaceflushwithembarrassment,butKarmenKonsremainedunfazed.
Weneverhadapriorrelationship,Xenos,shesnarled.Itwasa...friendship,nothingmore.
TheOlinthre-thingsmiled,soyoutwodidknoweachother,beforetheseevents,then?Thankyoufortheconfirmation,thenItshrugged.Well,fromthevibeIgotfromyoutwo,itseemedlikeapriorrelationshiptome.Iapologizeforthemisunderstanding.
KarmenKonsgrittedherteeth,abouttoreplybutwasinterruptedasCastella,TreschandDarranceenteredintotheroom.
Heisyours,saidDarrance,withaneviltwistedgrinthatchurnedmyguts.Wewill
stayouthere.
Karmentreatedwithhimadarklookbutgaveaslow,deliberatenodded.
Thankyouforthehonour,assassin,shegrowledsardonically.
Darranceonlyrepliedwithabrief,mockingbow.
KarmengrimacedthenturnedtotheOlinthre-thingandmeandmotionedustofollow.
Letusseehowthisgoes,shallwe?Shesaid.
WefiledintotheinterrogationroomandthebeatenandbrokenformofNoOneofConsequencelookedoverhisshoulderatus.
SoTarystsbitchpsykerfinallydeignstoseemepersonally,hegrowledandIcouldnthelpbuthavemyattentionsnapstraighttoKarmenwithsurprise,howdidheknowabouther?
Andyou,kid,Iseesomeonegaveyouonehellofabeatingsincewelastmet,believemeIknowhowyoufeel,withthathesplutteredoutlaughterathisownhorridjoke.
Wehavecometonegotiate,saidKarmenthroughclenchedteethasshewalkedaround
tofacethecaptivedirectly.
Negotiate,huh?saidNoOneofConsequence,whoseemedgenuinelyperplexed.Negotiatewhat?
WeneedyoutoleadustoBrutisBones,shesaidsternly.
WiththatNoOneofConsequencethrewbackhisheadandbellowedoutabriefbarkoflaughter.
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Well,well,wevegonefromtorturingtonegotiatingwhatmakesyouthinkitllmakedifference?
Because,nowthesituationhasbecomevastlymorecomplicated,saidKarmen.Nowwefindourgoals,coincide.
NoOneofConsequencesniffedandclearedhisthroat,thesituationwasalreadyvastlycomplicated,howcoulditgetevenmorecomplicated?
Karmenlookedatmebriefly,thentotheonesidedglassthatmycolleaguesstoodbehind.
BecauseTarystisdead,shesaidsimply.AndwithhimtheintenttohidethetruthyouandBrutisBonesknow.
IflinchedathoweasilyKarmenhadgivensuchasecretoverandwassuddenlysupremelygladthatGarraksonandTorriswerentheretohearit.
Nowthatbroughtagenuinelookofshooktothethroneagentsbruised,destroyedface.
Tarystis,dead?How?
KarmenKonsshrugged,ifItoldyouthedetailsitwouldtakeallday,letsjusts
ay...
Shetrailedoffandglancedoverhershoulderaccusinglyattheonesidedglass,thatitwas,an...internal...conspiracy.
NoOneofConsequencesniggeredandshookhisheadwithuttercontempt,ofcourseitwas,helisped.
Karmensmiledcoldly,notjustthatwealsohaveirrefutableproofthatInquisitorNoninEdracianisplanetside.
Oh?saidNoOneofConsequence,disarminglycalmaboutit.Hasthatfriggerfinallydecidedtoshowhisface,huh?
Yes,anditisoureveryintentiontostophim,asitisyours,saidKarmen.AndifweareabletocooperatewithBrutisBones,thechanceswouldincreaseexponentially.
Oh.Imsuretheywould,thatsifweactuallycooperateandyoudontbetrayus.
Youhavemyguarantee,saidKarmenassheraisedinfrontofhisfacetherightoftrade.AslongasIholdthis,theorganizationisminetocontrol.
NoOneofConsequencetiltedhisheadforwardandsighed,IcantfriggingbelieveImdoingthis,but,alright,ifEdraciansonOmnartusandyouretrulywillingtoforgeanalliance.Illtakeyou,despiteallthedeathsandhorridactionsyourorg
anizationhasdonetomypeople.Butononecondition.
Giveusthecoordinatesofwherehisbaseofoperationsis,saidKarmen.Thenleadusthere.
NoOneofConsequencegrimaced,why?
SowecansendintheMagistratumandtheAdeptusArbites,tomakesurethatitisntanambushbeforehand.
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Ha!Somuchfortrust!
Showusthatwecantrustyou,NoOneofConsequence,thenwewill.
Alright,alright.Iwill.ButyouneedtotellmeexactlyhowyouknowEdracianisplanetsideandtheeventsthatleduptoyourealizingthisstuff,Hesaid.
Wedonthavethetime-!triedKarmen.
Thenmakethefriggingtime!heinterruptedwithaforceonewhodbeensobadlybeatenshouldn
tbecapableof.JustlikeIneedtoearnyourtrust,youneedtoearn,mine.
Karmensighedandturnedtome,okay,alright,Attelus...?
Igaveherawideeyedlookthatasked;whyme?
Shejustfurrowedherbrow,shookherheadandimpatientlyusheredmeforward.
IsighedandwalkedpastKarmentoletNooneofConsequencelookatmedirectly,wonderingwhatexactlytosayandwhatnottosay.
Heykid,longtimenosee,wasitInquisitorEdracianwhodidthattoyourface?
Ishookmyhead,no,noitwasnt,Ipausedtothink.I-itstartedjustafterItalkdtoyouIwas...ambushed.
Ambushed?Ambushedbywho?
Itwasagroupofwelldressedhammerswhowieldedaxes,theyambushedmeandafterIfoughtthemforawhile,Edracianchosetoshowhimself.
Okay,whatdidhelooklike?
H-heworebluepowerarmourwithabrowncloakonhisshouldersandalargeIemblazonedonhischest.
NoOneofConsequencenoddedbutdidnothingelse.
Itriedtoescapebuttheycapturedme,injectedmewith...poison,poison,Ifoundoutlaterwasfakeandheorderedmeintheexchangeoftheantidoteto...InfiltrateTarystscondoandtakeapictoftheInterrogator,ifshewasdead,theInterrogatoryoutoldusofearlier,withthis...
Itookoutthepicttakerfromoneofmyflakjacketpocketsandshowedittohim.
DespitetheirswollenconditionNoOneofConsequence
seyeswidenedwithdistinctfear.
Andtellmeboy!Heyelledsoloudanddesperatelyitcausedusalltoflinchinfright.Didyousucceed!
Y-yesIdid,Istammered,takenabackbyhissuddenferocity.
Oh!Youstupid,stupid,stupidboy!Nowyouvedoomedusall!HeroaredandhelookedtoKarmen.YeahIllcooperatewithya,Illgiveyathecoordinatesyaneed,theneturnedbacktomewithanintense,accusingglare.
ButthankstothislittlefoolsactionsIthinkitllbetolittle,toolate.
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IcouldntcontendareplyatNoOneofConsequencesstatement,Icouldonlystandaroundmyjawdumblyagape,myheartlodgedinmythroatandmyeyeswide.
W-whatdoyoumean?askedKarmenforme.
Heletoutafrustratedgroanandhunghisheadforward,typical,frigging,mercalwaysthinkingabouthowtosaveyourownbloodyhide!Typical!Friggingtypical!
Whatthehelldoyoumean!Karmensnarled.
NoOneofConsequencesigheddeeply,whatImean,psyker,hespatoutpsykerasthoghitwereacurse.Thatseeminglyinnocentpicthasspelled-
Iknowthat!roaredKarmen.Youhavesaidthatalready!Telluswhy!
ImnotsureIshould,yet,saidtheman.BrutismightwanttoknowthisbeforeIdo
Oh!You!andshedrewherhandbacktopunchthecaptiveinthefacebuttheOlinthre-thingcaughtherfistinmid-airbeforetheblowcouldland.Youmeanthatthis...Simplepict,AttelustookisgoingtocontributetoInquisitorEdracians...Goal?saidtheOlinthrethingasKarmenstruggledtobreakfromIts
grasp.
Morethananysimplepicteverbloodywellshould,answeredNoOneofConsequenceahespatmorebloodontothefloor.ThatpictwasntjustofmymastersInterrogator,shewasmorethanjustthat,shewas...Hernamewas,AmandaHeartsa,God-Emperorresthersoulandshewasmorethanjustaninterrogator,shewashisdaughter.
MyattentionsnappedtotheOlinthre-things.andItsback.
And,well,frigit.Itgetsworsefromthere,butyouregonnahavetowaittillweindBrutisbeforeyoufindthatout,saidNoOneofConsequence.
TheOlinthre-thingnoddedandletgoofKarmen,wearewillingtomakesuchacompromisearentwenot,Karmen?
Shegrimacedandrubbedherwrist,yeah,whatever,shegrowledandsheturnedtothecaptive.Sonowwillyougiveusthecoordinates,throneagent?
Whyofcourse,mamzel,saidNoOneofConsequencewithmockingpoliteness.AndIdlkeyoutoknow,ifyoung...Attenlusorwhateverhisbloodynameis.HadnttoldmehedtakenthatstupidpictIwouldnthavetoldyoutherealco-ordinances.
TheOlinthre-thingfoldeditsarmsandsniffedloudly,Ididnt,thinkthatyouwouldve,thatwaswaytooeasy.AndIcouldnthelpbutagree.
NoOneofConsequence,pursedhislipsandshrugged,ohhh,Iwasthatobvious?WasI?Ohh,goshdarnit!
TheXenosshrugged,betterlucknexttime,Iguess.
Would.You.Please.Tell.Us.Thecoordinates,nooooow!RoaredKarmenrightinNoOneofConsequencesfacethroughclenchedteeth,herattractivefacenowbeetredwithrageandIcouldseetheoldmanclosehiseyestoshieldthemfromherspittle
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Okay!Okay!ThisiswheretheywillgoafterwhathappenedattheTwilightbaritsintheunderhive,its20036by33299,itsanoldFactorium.
Myeyeswidenedatthat,wait!Iknowthatplace!Itwasoneofthefirstweinvestigated!Iexclaimed.
Yeah,well,theywouldnthavemovedtheretillamonthago,saidNoOneofConsequece.Sodontfeelbad.Theresotherthingsyoushouldbefeelingbadabout,rightnow,kid.
Isighedandfacepalmed,thesearchforBrutisBonesseemedreally,reallypointlessnow.
Alright!Herestheplan!SaidKarmen.Olinthre!IneedyoutogetincontactwithAlathanKarkinattheMagistratumandTamlorstTorounoftheAdeptusArbites,tellthemwevefoundBrutisBones,hesat20036by33299andtellthemtosurroundthearea,butnottogoinsideuntilwemeetthemthere!
TheOlinthre-thinggrinned,shookitsheadandsaid;finally,theyllhavetostartworkingforallthosebribes,huh?Bettheyllbefuming!AndItreacheduptoItseartostarttuningitslink.
Karmenreacheduptohers.
Garrakson,Ineedyouandyourmenbackhere,now.Weneedanescortbacktothemaintower.
ShenoddedatthereplyIcouldnthear,thenloweredherhand.
Youresurewecantrusthim?Iasked,hesitantly.BecauseIknowhedoesnttrustu
Karmenshookherheadandgrinned,JeuratGarraksonisamanofhonour,Attelus,youknowthat.HewillfollowwhatIsayaslongasTarystorderedhimto.
Ifrownedfeelingshewas,again,vastlyunderestimatingGarrakson.Buthe,didntIpointedout.
Wellwehavesomethingthatcanrectifythat,sherepliednoddingoverhershoulderattheOlinthre-thingashequietlyspokeintohislinkinthecorner,inwhatIguessedtobeTarystsvoice.
Ishruggedandlookedcuriouslyatthemantiedtothechair,wonderingwhathethoughtofthatbriefbitofdialog,butheimmediatelyturnedawayoncehesawmyattentionwasonhim.
Sowhatarewedoing,now?IaskedKarmen.
Wearetakingpoor,poor,NoOneofConsequenceheretobefixedupatourmedicae,saidKarmenasshebegantountiehim.Wedontwantourguidetobeinbadshape.
Youjustdontwantthemtoseetheconditionyourlackeysleftmein,growledNoOneofConsquence.WhichIalsoknewwithoutdoubttobetrue.
Karmenleanedherheadoverhisshoulderandbrieflypulledtheropestighter,causingNoOneofConsequencetogaspoutinpain,
Same,difference,really,shesaidsweetly.NowAtteluscanyouhelpmehere.
O-okay,Istammeredandmovedtocomply.
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IthadstoppedrainingwhilewewalkedbacktoTaryststower.ThegoingwasslowasGarrakson,TorrisandthetenStormtrooperescortcheckedeveryinchofeveryofeverycornerofthemazeoftwistsandturnswhichmadethosealleywayswithazealthatwouldputeventhemostoverzealousMinistorumpriesttoshame.AlsowithuswereCastella,HaydenandDarrancewhowatchedtheback,butinafarmorecasualfashion,Castellahadherlefthandlaidonherthehiltofoneofhersheathedswordswhileinherrightwasherraisedplasmapistol,HaydenheldhisLongLaslow,thebarrelpointedatthegroundwhileDarrancehadhisornate,curvedpowerscimitardrawnbutcarrieditcasuallyathisside.
Iwashappytoletthemguard,Iwastoopreoccupiedwithmychurningstomach,mypainfulthrobbingfaceandmythoughts.
Thethreeassassinswere,easily,farmoreintimidatingandprofessionalthanTorris,GarraksonandtheStormtrooperscombined,theircasualconfidencejustaddedtoitsomehow.Theywereskilled,I
veseenallthreeatworkduringmysevenyearsunderGlaitisemployandknewthiswell.
Butyet,despitethis,Ikneweventheypaledincomparisontomyfather.SergharKaltoscouldeasilyslaughterallthreebeforetheycouldevenblink.Withthismythoughtswanderedbacktomydream,theoneinwhichIhadfoughtmonoamonoagainstmyfatheranddefeatedhim.
Ilookeddownandclenchedmyglovedfist,couldonedayIbethatgood?BytheEmperor,itwouldtakeawhile,although.
Again,Iglancedovermyshoulderattheseniorassassins,althoughIhadsparredagainstmyfatheroncountlessoccasion,Idnevereveractuallysawhimathisfullstrength,hewasalwaystoyingwithme,butstill,hedalwaysdefeatmewithease.
Whilehewasnodoubtgood,but,perhapsIwasoverestimatingSergharKaltostrueskill?
PerhapsIwasevenunderestimatingmyown?WhileIdoubtedIwasasgoodasSerg
harKaltos,perhapsIwasonparwithCastella,DarranceandTresch?InthelastsixmonthsIdseenmoreactionthanmanyveteranguardsmenwouldseeinyears,Imustvekilleddozensofhammersontheedgeofmysword.Imustvelearnedsomethingfromallofthatcrapevenifthosemonthsoftoilandkillingnowturnedouttobeutterlyuseless.
ThenIlookedtoNoOneofConsequencewhostumbledhandcuffedandblindfoldedalongsideme.Ihadalsogoneoneononeagainsthim,amanwhomustbeaveryexperiencedthroneagentandalmostcameoutontop,thenIhadheldoffarampagingArcoflagellentlongenoughtoalloweveryoneintheTwilightbartoescapewiththeirlives.
Ihadnodoubtofthatnow,thatIdsomehowaccomplishedthatseeminglyimplausib
lefeat.Notashadowofadoubt,Elandriawouldnthavelied,especiallyifitwereherlastwords.
Iclosedmyeyesandtookadeepbreaththroughmynose,Imissedher,wouldIevergetoverher?Iwould,Iwould,onedaywithoutdoubt,IdgetoverheruntimelydeathbutIwouldntforgether.
Myheartsuddenlyhurtandmyhandreacheduptotouchthebandageonmyface,Idsurelyneverforgether,especiallywiththisforevermarringmyface.
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Thismademequietlysighandshakemyhead,nowwasntthetimetobelostinthought!OrasElandriawould
vesaid;lostinmyownlittleworld.
IsmiledsadlyatthethoughtandthenInoticedKarmenwaslookingoverhershoulderatmeherlargeblueeyeswidewithconcern.
Imethergaze,givingheraslightsmileandanod.Inallhonestyofallthepeopleinvolvedinthis,Iunderstoodhermotivationstheleast.DuringourtimetogetherinthewarravagedVelrosia,whilewetravelledsouth,IdgottentoknowEstellaErithwell.Shewasakindwoman,withgreatcharismaandintellect,butwasextremelypassionateandproud.Itdbeenthatpridewhichhadalmostdrivenhertothrowherlifeaway,once.
Butnow,asIstatedbefore,IthinkKarmenKonsisacompletelydifferentcreature,surethepridewasstillthere,infactIdsayitwasevenworsebutshewasalsofarmorecruel,ruthless,manipulative,controlling.
Asuddenshiverwentupmyspineasanotherrealisationhitme,shewasjustlikeGlaitis.
Butyet,sometimes,IdseehintsofEstellaErithbreakthroughtheKarmenKonspersona,whenherdialogbecamemoreformalisedorattimeslikethis.Theconcernwithwhichshelookedatmenowwascompletelygenuine.GenuineinawayGlaitiscouldneverhopetobe.IcouldtellthisbecauseitwasntKarmenlookingatm
e,itwasEstella.HowIknew,Itrulydidntknow,Ijustdid.
Estellagavemeagreatbiggrinthatmademyheartflutter,thenturnedbackforward.
Therestofthetripwentwithoutincident,whichIwasgenuinelysurprisedat,iftherewasatimethatBrutisBonesandhissecretsquadofcrackcommandoswouldstrikeitdhavebeennow,whiletheirerstwhileallywasbeingescortedoutintheopenanddespiteeverythingIfeltlikeIneverwantedittoend,itdidofcourse,butitwasthelasttimeofpeaceandcontemplationIhadbeforeeverythingwenttohellinahandcart.
AndbytheEmperornowthatwastrulytheunderstatementofthemillennia.
Isatstrippedtothewaist,sittingonagurneyinthemedicalfacilitythebigblackbruisescoveringmytorsoastarkcontrasttomypalewhiteskin,andItriedhardtoignorethepainasmedicae-assistant,Hasinstitchedupmyface,forallthefrigginggooditddo.
Therewerefivemedicaes,hiredbyTarystexcludingFeuilt,thefourotherswerenowbusyattendingtonooneofconsequence,whileGarraksonandeveryoneelsestoodwatch,everyonebutKarmen,whohadsaid;Ineedtoretrievesomethingoftheutmostimportance,thenleftalone.
Iamsorrytosay,saidHasinashecarefullyaddedanotherstitch.Yourfacewill
bepermanentlyscarred,nomatterhowmanystitchesIdo.Youwouldhavebeenscarredpermanently,evenwithoutthetraumayousufferedtoopenitandmakeitworse,canIask,howdidithappened?
Myjawtwitched,mycheekwascutbyamonomolecularenhancedblade,Iinformedwithforcedneutrality.ThenIwaspunchedintheface,ahellofalot.
Hasinnodded,hewastallandthinandcouldnthavebeenmucholderthanIwas,withagauntsallowfaceandlargebulging,thyroideyeswhichlookedevenlargerfrombehindhisthickglasses.Ihadntmethimbefore,asFeuiltwastheonlyme
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dicaeIhadcontactwithuntilnow.
AndIamassumingthatisalltheinformationyouaregoingtogive?heasked.
Yes,Iansweredsimply,Hasinhadgivenmesomechewytabletstohelpwithmysickstomach,butiteitherhadntkickedinyet,orwasntworkingatall,asanotherstrongwaveofnauseahitme.
AndthenIamgoingtoassume,again.ThatyouwonttellmewhathappenedtoheadmedicaeFeuilt,afteryou,himandmajorOlinthreleftsuddenlyaroundsixhoursago?
Yes,Irepeated.
Hasinsighed,Ihadthoughtasmuch,Ishouldbeusedtoitbynow,everythingisasecretaroundhere.
Ifurrowedmybrow,Iwouldvethoughtofsomethingdeadpannedandironicto...Think,onHasinstatingtheobvious,butfelthimjustsayingitwasenough.
Well,hesaidon,well,evenifyourescarred,youcanstillwearalayeroffalseleshoverthescar.
Ishruggedslightly,beingcarefulnottodisturbHasinsworkwiththemovement,
inallhonestyIdidntmindthescar,untilnowIhadbeenabletoavoidbeingheavilyscarredduringmycareerevenaftergoingthroughsomeparticularlyheavyengagements.
ThenthedoorslidopenandinwalkedKarmenKons,herlongblondhairwaspulledbackintoaponytail,shewasgrinningfromeartoearandnowworebatteredblackflakarmourwithwhitetrimandcarryingbehindherbackalong,blueornatebox.
Iimmediatelyrecognisedthearmour,itwastheuniformoftheVelrosianbranchoftheElbyranPlanetarydefenceforceinwhichshehadonceservedasasergeant,itwastheverysamearmourEstellaErithhadwornthefirsttimeIdmether,alifetimeagonow.
Shenoddedtomeandquicklyapproachedthegurney.
Almostdone,Harsin?Sheasked.
Harsinpausedinhiswork,glancedatherandblusheddistinctly,j-justfinishingnow,mamzel.
Karmensmiled,placedherhandsonherhipsandnodded,thankyou,IwishtotalktoAttelusinprivate,please.
O-ofcoursemamzel!hecriedandafterquicklyfinishingthestitchesandplacingonanewbandage,said;Itseemsthatnoneofyourribswerebroken,MrKaltos,a
lthoughIcantellbythedensityofyourbruisingthattheimpactsofthosepunchesshouldhavebrokenatleastafewofyourbones.Ireallydonotknowwhatthatpsykerdidtoyou,MrKaltos,butitdidnotjustre-nityourbones,italsosomehowmadethemstronger.
BeforeIcouldmakeareplyHarsinhurriedlyturned,noddedtoKarmenandwalkedout.
Myeyeswidened,notsurequitewhattomakeofHarsinswords.Mybonestructurewasenhanced?Buthow?Why?JustasIthoughtthiscouldn
tgetanystrangerit
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justdid.
Karmenpouted,stilllookingatthedoorthenturnedbacktome.
Heisaninterestingone,that,Harsin,shesaidabsentminded,thensuddenlyshovedtheblueboxrightinfrontofmyface.
Foryou,shestated.
WithanervousgrinIhesitantlytooktheboxandlookedoverit,itwasmadefromahighqualitywoodandwasornatebutnotoverlyso.
Arentyougoingtoopenit?Sheasked.
Idid,quicklyunclaspingthemetalclipsandopenedit,insideIfoundtomyverylittlesurprise;asword,asheathedlongsword,inasimplescabbard,withabasicbutpracticalhandleandguard.
Ilookedupather,wideeyed,Iuhh...
Unsheatheit,shesaidencouragingly,anddontworryAttelus,itsyours.
Nodding,Islowlytooktheswordoutoftheboxandimmediatelycouldtellitwaslightweightandbalancedevenbeforedrawingit,whichintheblinkofaneye
,Idid.
Itwasaswordofmasterfulmake,Icouldtellthatataglance.ItalsowasofVelrosiandesign,theblacksmithsofVelrosiahadalwaysadheredtosimplicityindesign,butqualityofmakeandthisonewasofthehighestqualityeventoVelrosianstandards.
Itwasalsoold,very,veryold,yetextremelywellmaintained.
Butthatwasntwhatgotme,whatmademeblinkwasthatitwasalsoapowersword.
Itwasmyfamilys,informedKarmen,knockingmeoutofmyreverie.IthadbeenhandddowntheErithlineforgenerations,evensincethetimeofKingRoydAntares.
Ilookedathertakenaback,this,thisisoverathousandyearsold?
Shenodded,thatitis,Attelus,orthatiswhatmygrandfatherandfathersaid,anyway.
I-I,Imanaged.Icanttakethis,thisisyours!Thisisyourfamilys!
Karmensmiledandshookherhead,no,Attelus,itsyours.IamthelastaliveoftheErithline,andIgaveupalongtimeagoonpractisingValisuth.Itdeservessomeonewithskillenoughtowieldit,andIbelieveyoutobemorethanqualified.
H-howdidyou-?
Sheshrugged,IhadTarystretrieveitforme,itsomehowmanagedtosurvivethebombardmentthatdestroyedmycityandkilledmybrotherandwaskeptuntilafewmonthsagoinamuseuminVarander,soTarystpulledsomestringsandgotitforme,somehow.
Idontknowwhattosay.Thankyou...Estella.
Karmengrinnedandraisedaneyebrow,ohIamsureyouwillgetampleopportunity
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touseitsoon,Attelus.
Inoddedsadlyandsheathedthebeautifulsword,Ijusthope,IjusthopethatpictItook,thatitisntasbadastheThroneagentsaiditwas.
Karmensfacedarkened,ImsorryAttelus,butIhaveverylittledoubt,itis.Youwilljusthavetomakeupforitbyhelpingstopit.Thatiswhatlifeisabout,dealingwiththeconsequencesofouractions,whethertheybegoodorbad.
Inoddedagain,gotoffthegurneyandbegantoslipmybodyglovebackon.
Youreright,Estella,Isaid,andwiththispowerswordIwill,evenifitcostsmeylife.
Me,Karmen,theOlinthre-thing,GarraksonandTorrisquicklygotoutoftheoldHersuitor89,andIslammedthedoorshutasIsteppedout,ontothebeaten,badlymaintainedunderhivestreet.AroundthebuildingshadfallensofarintodisrepairtheydisturbinglyremindedmeofthewartornruinsofVelrosia,rustedandramshackle.Icouldnthelpwonderhowmanypoorlostsoulsscrappedalivinginthishellhole.
Theothertwoescortlimousinescametoahaltasideusandthetwentytotalstormtroopersgotoutandfannedouttosecuretheperimeterdoingthisdespitethe
many,manyMagistratumtroopsalreadyabout.
Isniffedandspatontotherockcreteasthestenchoftheunderhiveassailedmysenses,watchingasontheothersideofthelimoGarraksonandTorrispulledthehandcuffedNoOneofConsequencefromtheHersuitor,doingitalittlemoreroughlythatIwouldveappreciated.
IturnedawayandeyedthesurroundingMagistratumtroopers,wholookedbackatuswithamixtureofapprehensionandcuriosity.IdidthiswhilenonchalantlypoppingoutastickofLhofromitsceramiccase,placingitintomymouthandlightingit,thenIslippedmyhandsintothepocketsofmyFlakJacket.
Karmencameuptome,Youknowthosethingswillkillyouoneday,shepointedout
.
Ishruggedandexhaledsmokepointedly,Thereareplentyofthingsthatwillkillmeahellofalotquickerrightnow.SoImnottooworriedrightnow,inallhonesty.
TorrisandGarraksoncamearoundthebackoftheLimowiththeThroneAgent,whosfacewasalittlelessbeatenandbrutalizedthanearlier.Hisbrokenteethhadbeenreplacedbyapairofhighqualityfalseones.Themedicaeshaddoneanexcellentjobeveninsuchashorttime,Icouldnthelpbutbeimpressed.
NoOneofConsequencegotenoughtimetobrieflyglareatuswithundisguisedhatredjustbeforeTorrisandGarraksonhandedhimovertotwoStormtroopers.
Ah!Soyoufinallydecidetoshowup!cameadeep,mockingvoiceandweturnedtoitssource.IwasbeginningtobelieveyoudcalledusjustsoyoucouldhavemymenandIdawdlinguselesslyintheunderhive.
ApproachinguswasabigmaninhismidthirtieswhowasflankedbytwoMagistratumtroopers.HeworetheblueuniformofahighrankingMagistratumofficerheverywaspalelikemanyhiveworldersandhandsome,hisshortpitchblackhairwasslickedbackandhegrewthebeginningsofabeard.HeeyedKarmenfromheadtotoewithahungrylookandsmiled,alargeconfidentsmilethatwasmoredist
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urbingthanfriendly.Icouldtellataglancehewasasnake,someoneevenlesstrustworthythanTarystwas.
Yes,saidKarmensteppingforward,andyoureArlathanKarkin,Iassume?
Stillsmilingheheldouthishand,correct,andyouretheliaisonTarystmentioned,Iassume?
Yesagain,answeredKarmentakingtheprofferedhand,shakingit,hesitantly.Iseverythingallinorder?
Karkingrinnedwolfishly,turnedandbegantowalkon,beckoningustofollow.
Ofcourse,hesaidasKarmenfellintostepwithhim,whileTorris,theOlinthre-thing,Garraksonandmeshadowedbehind.ThemanyMagistratumtroopersandofficersfillingaboutgivingusalotofroomWevegotthebuildingcompletelysurroundedandtheauspexconfirmsthere
satleastthirtytofortypeopleinside,theresnowayinoroutforthefriggers.
Karmenshookherhead,rememberArlathan,thesearentjustanynormalgangers,thesearehighlytrainedthroneagents,wecannottakeanychances.
Karkinsighed,Wehavent,mamzel,whydoyouthinkImsoconfidentaboutit?
Karmenstoppedinhertrackswhichcausedhimandtherestofustofollowsuit,because,Icantellatoneglancethatyouarethetypewhoisextremelyoverconfident,ArlathanKarkin,evenattheworstofcircumstances.
Hegrinnedevenwider,shruggedagainandsaid,withrespect,mamzel,overconfidenceisonlyoverconfidenceifitisntjustified.
Karmengrimacedwithextremedisdain.Ofcourseitis,shesaid,deadpanned,thentheymovedon.
Well,saidKarkin.IhavesixhundredmenreadyandwaitingtostormthebuildingtocaptureBrutisBones.Atyourword,ofcourse.
KarmenstoppedagainandlookedatKarkinwithwideeyedsurprise,herexpressionmimickingmyown,sixhundred?
Karkinnoddedandgrinnedenthusiastically,see,Itoldyoumyconfidencewasjustified.
AndwherearetheArbites?demandedKarmen,annoyed.
Theydecidednottocome,saidKarkinwithananimatedshrug.Theygaveustheschematicsofthebuildingfromtheircogitatorbanks,butapparentlytheydidntwanttohavefirsthandinvolvement,thatswhatmybosssaid,anyway.
Karmenletoutalittlegrowloffrustrationthenwalkedon.
WhilethiswentonIlookedovermyshoulderatGarrakson,whowalkedjustbehindme,heimmediatelyturnedaway,thenovermyothershoulderandgaveTorrisagreatbiggrin.
Torrisonlyrepliedwithanodandtheslightestofsmiles.
Icouldnthelpbutwonder;whyweretheybothsoangryatme?Whatdidtheyknow,exactly?
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Isighedoutsmoke,theyweremyfriends,wedbeenthroughhellandbackoverthepastsixmonths.Idhavethoughtusgoingthroughallthattogether,wouldvebeenenoughforthemtogetoveritandstillbemyfriends.
Wellyourmendontneedtoworryaboutstormingthebuilding,ArlathanKarkin,saidKarmen,knockingmefrommyreverie.
NowitwasKarkinsturntostopinhistracks,andwhatdoesthatmean?
Thingshavechanged,informedKarmen.WenolongerwanttocaptureBrutisBones,wewishtonegotiatewithhim.
Karkinseyeswidened,andwhatexactlyhappened,tocausethischangeofmind?
Karmensmiledandsniggered,shakingherhead,youreallydontneedtoknowthat,ArlathanKarkin,thenshewenttomoveon.
No!Ithinkwedo!saidKarkincausinghertoabruptlyhalt.Aftereverythingweveoneforyouoverthepasthalfayear.Ithinkyouoweusasmuch.
KarmensuddenlywheeledonKarkinherindexfingerrightinhisface,herexpressionamaskofanger.No,Ireallydontbelievewedo!InfactIwouldsayifanyoneowesanyoneanythingitsyouwhoowesus!Arlathan,howmuchdoesaseniorMag
istratumdetectivesuchasyourselfearnayear?
Around-
Thatisarhetoricalquestion,Arlathan!Shesnapped.Ialreadyknowtheanswer,eversinceyoucameunderourpayrollyourpayhasnotdoubled,nottripled!Butquadrupled!Andyouknowwhatwerepayingyoufor!Soyoucansitaroundonyourarseanddonothingwhilewedoallyourworkforyou!
Well,whataboutthatcrapthathappenedattheTwilightbar!SnappedKarkin.Doyouknowwhatwewentthroughtocoverthatmessup!
Karmenlaughedcontemptuously,Idhardlysaythatyouearnedevenatenthofwhat
wepayyoufromthatincidentalone,faceit!Detective!Youhavenogroundtostandon!Youcantdemandanything!Sorry!
WiththatsheturnedandcontinuedonwithGarrakson,OlinthreandTorriswordlesslyfollowingafterher,leavingKarkinalonewatchingthemwalkthroughthecrowdofMagistratumtroopersanddetectives,stillwiththatwarmlesssmile.
AsIexhaledsmoke,ImovedtocatchupandKarkinfellinstepwithme.
Hey,kid,hesaidconversationally.
Ididntrespond,onlythecornerofmymouthtwitched,Ireallydidntwanttohaveanythingatalltodowiththisslimeball.
CanIhaveasmoke?Heasked.
Myjawtwitchedandmymusclestauted.ButdespiteloathingitwithmyverybeingIstillhesitantlyreachedintomyjacketpocket,pulledouttheceramiccaseandofferedhimone.
KarkintooktheLho,putitinhismouth,lititwithhisownlighterandaftertakingalongdragaskedme;Whosshe?
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Ifrownedandanswered;Shes,KarmenKons,shesTarysts...secretary.
Karkin,exhaledthesmoke,seeminglyhardlyhearingwhatIdsaidandgrinnedapervertedgrinfromeartoear.
I,like,her,hesaid.
Karkinleadustohiscommandcentre,whichwasalarge,boxy,darkbluetruckparkedinaalleywayaboutablockfromwerewedparked.Karkinslidopenthebackdoorandbeckonedusin.
ItwasonlyKarmen,theOlinthre-thing,Torris,GarraksonandmewhoclimbedinwithKarkinwhilethetwentystormtroopersstayedoutside.
So!saidArlathanasheslappedthesidesofhisthighsandturnedbacktous.Whattheplan?
Theinsideofthetruckwassurprisinglysmall.Starkandspartanonlyaroundthreemetreswideandfivelong,withmetalseatsliningthewallsandtherewasalargecogitatorunitonattheend.
Karmenshrugged,Idoassume,theyknowofyourpresence?
Ofcoursetheydo!Karkinexclaimed.Itssorta,kindahardtomisssixhundredmagitratumenforcersmovingthroughtheunderhive,theonlyreasonwhytheydidntalreadyescapewasbecausewecamefromeverydirection.Ifrowned,tookanothersmokeofmyLho,thenfoldedmyarmsandleanedagainstthewall.
Well,Isaid.Thatsassumingtheyrestillinthere.IntheTwilightbartheyhadacret,tunnelout,Idthinkitdbesafetoassumethattheyveoneinthistoo.
Karmenlookedatme,herbrowfurrowingheavily,didntyouinvestigatetheplaceearlier?Didyoufindone?
IturnedtoTorrisandGarraksonwhojustlookedbackunderhoodedbrows.Theon
lyreasonwhyIdrememberedthatwedinvestigatedtheplacewasthatwedlostthreeofournumberthere.Fightingthehammersguardingit.ItdbeensolongIdashamedlyforgottenthenamesofthosedeadmen,butIdsomehowrememberedtheplacesco-ordinates.IvealwaysbeenprettybadwithnumbersandfiguressoIfounditstrangeindeed.
NotfromwhatIcanrecall,Isaidaftergettingnoresponsefromeitherofthem,theyknewitwas20036by33299andknewwedbeentherebefore,astheOlinthre-thinghadgiventhemaquickbriefingonthedriveoverhere.
Karmenshrugged,iftheplaceisjustabackup,maybeitsnotaswellpreppedasthetwilightbarwas.
Perhaps,Isaid.
Karkinssmilelessenedalittle,welltheauspexsaid-
Idsuggest,Iinterrupted.Nottotrustsomuchinyourauspex.Therearemany,manwaystofoolthem.
Karkingrinnedwidely,well,itsneverfailedusbefore.
Idonotknowifyouhavetrackedthroneagentsbefore,saidKarmen.Butyoumustk
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now,theyhaveaccesstothebesttechnologytheImperiumcanprovide,thatswhyIvetakencertain,liberties...
Karkingrimaced,suchas?
Wevegotagentsofourownscoutingtheplace,saidKarmen.
AndthoseagentswereTresch,CastellaandDarrancewhodleftstraightafterwedarrivedatTarystsbuilding.TheMedicaeshadtakenfourhourstohelpNoOneofConsequenceandwedtakenanhourtodrivedownheresoIcouldonlyassumetheydbeenhereforawhileyet,althoughwehadyettohearbackfromthem.
Karkinseyeswidened,mymenneverreportedanybreachesinthecordon.
Karmengrinned,showsjusthowsecureitreallyis.
TheMagistratumdetectivesfaceturnedugly.
Withalldorespect,saidtheOlinthre-thing,steppingup,everthediplomat.Theyareagentsofthehighestcalibre,iftheygotthroughyourcordon,itsnotthefaultofyourmen.
Andyouaremoreinvestedinkeepingpeople,in,detective,ratherthanout,saidTorris.
Arlathangrinnedbuthiseyesglazedwithbarelycontainedrage.
Ofcourseweare,hesaidslowly.So,whatstheplan?
Werestillwaitingforthescoutstoreport,saidKarmen.But,aftertheydoIplanonsendinginthreepeople,openly,alongwithourcaptive.Onerepresentiveforeachfactioninvolved.OneforTaryst,onefor...Shepausedtoglanceatme.Oneforyou,andonefortheMagistratum.
Andwhatdoesopenlymean,exactly?askedKarkin.
Ohyouknow,theusual;unarmed,handsraised,soonsoforth.
Iclenchedmyteethandmyeyeswidenedwithapprehension,thiswasthefirsttimeIdheardKarmensplanaswellandcouldnthelpbutguessthatIwasgoingtobeeofthethreesentin;unarmed,withhandsraised,soonandsoforth.
ArlathanKarkin,facepalmed,sighedandsatheavilydownonthechairatthecogitator,great,justgreatandIamtheMagistratumrepresentative,Iassume?
Youarethehighestrankedhere,statedKarmen.
Yeah,yeahIknow,hegroaned.Ijusthavealittletroublewithapproachingabuildingfulloftwitchy,wiredHammerswithoutanyweapons,isall.Ifitsanyconsolation,Illbecomingwithyou,saidKarmen.
ArlathanKarkinlaughed,wellyoudbloodywellbetter!IfyoudidntIdberatherpisedoffaboutit!
Karmensmiled,abouttoreplywhenshestoppedandreachedtoherear.
Excuseme,thisisthemnow,shesaidandturnedtowalkaway.
GarraksonandTorriseyedherasshewalkedpastthem,Garraksonsgazeoverflowedwithbarelycontainedcontempt.
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Well,shetrulythinksshesinchargenow,dontshe?saidGarraksonwithagrimace
Torrisshrugged,although,Iwouldnttrustherasfarascouldthrowher.Ivegottaadmitsheisntdoingtoobadajobsofar,atleastshespreparedtogoandriskherselfwiththerestofus.Unlikesomeoneweknow.
GarraksonsneeredandturnedtotheOlinthre-thing,so,boss.Whatdoyoumakeofthis,woman?
Ijustpassonorders,Jeurat,Itsaidblandly,ItsattentionwasstillonKarmenasitunashablytriedtooverhearherwords.Makingthebigdecisionsinsecretwarslikethis,isntsomethingImgoodat,soImhappytolethertakethereigns,sergeant.
IcouldnthelpsmileattheMimicsresponse,suchalie,suchanironiclie,thatwastoldsostraightfaced,soboldlyandsoconvincingly,IcouldnthelpbutadmiretheThingsskillalloveragain.
Andwhataboutyou,kid?askedGarraksonsuddenly.Whichmademeinvoluntarilyjumpinfright.
BeforeIcouldcontendaresponseTorrisgrinnedandleanedneartoGarrakson,weallknowtheresnopointinaskinghimabouther,Jeu.Weallknowwithwhathes
thinkingwith,anditisnthisbrain.
Ifeltmyfaceflushandtheybellowedoutlaughter,thesoundalmostdeafeningintheconfinedcompartmentandeventheMimicjoinedinheartily.
Willyouallshutjustthehellup!roaredKarmenoverhershoulder.Imtryingtofrggingtalkhere!
Immediately,theydidastoldandanotherchucklecausedusalltoturntoKarkin.
Well,Idsayshetrulyisinchargenow,ain
tshe?heechoedmockingly.
GarraksongrimacedabouttoreplywhenKarmenapproached.
Alright!Itsconfirmed,therearehammersinthebuilding,shestated.Thehammersreonhighalertandarewellfortified,althoughtheycouldntgetagoodvisualonhowmanythereare,theirauspexalsoconfirmsfortytofiftylifeforms.
ThatmadeKarkingrin,placehispalmsbehindhisheadandleanbackonhischair,see?WhatdItellya?
IbrieflylookedathimwithcompletecontemptbeforeturningbacktoKarmen.ChoosingnottopointoutthatifhisauspexhadbeeninterferedwithsocouldveHaydens.
KarmentreatedKarkinwithawitheringglare,beforecontinuingon;theyareinagoodpositiononthenorthsideofthebuilding,readytobreachandbackusup,ifanythinggoeswrong.
Speakingofwhich...saidKarkinashesatbackup,swiveledinhischairtofacehiscogitatorandbroughtuponscreenforus;theschematicofalargebuildingthatIguessedtobeBrutisBonescomplex.Hereyougo,butifwereonlygoingintonegotiateyoureallyshouldntneedthem.
IshruggedasIleanedforwardtolookcloser,evenso,itdoesnthurttoknow.Ju
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stincase.
Itsastheysay;Knowledgeispower,addedKarmen.
Forsomereason,bothTorrisandGarraksonbehindusletoutderivativesnorts,andIswearIheardTorrismutter;see?theyrefriggingperfectforeachother.Orsomethingalongthoselines.
Ifurrowedmybrow,turnedbacktotheschematicandquicklybegantomemorizeit.
Westood,studiedanddiscussedovertheschematicforanothergoodfifteenminutes;theplacewasofsimpledesign,acompletecontrasttothetwilightbar.Justalarge,twostorymanufactorum/warehousewithareaspartitionedfortheofficesofthesupervisorsandeatery.ItwasexactlyasIremembered,butwhatchangesBrutisBonesandhishammershadwroughtsincetheirarrival,Icouldntsay.
AllthewhileArlathansatathischair,tappinghisfingersagainstthecogitatorcaseimpatiently,whichmademeclenchmyjaw.
OnceweddoneArlathangotupfromhischairandasked;so,whatnow?
Karmenpoutedandshrugged,well,wegothroughwiththeplan.Nowweknowtheschematics,itsastheysay;knowingishalfthebattle.
AmItheonlyonewhohasreallyabadfeelingaboutthis?saidTorris,whichcausedmyattentionsuddenlysnapathim.ItmademerecallGlaitisearlierwords;Itisprettyobviouschild,andexplainswhyheletyoulive,this,quitesimply,isatrap.
Ashiverwentupmyspine;Icouldnthelpbutbelieveher,thiswaswaytoeasy.Butwhatwouldthistrapbeexactly?AndshouldItellmyalliesthatitwas?Glaitishadsaidthatshewantedustofallforit,somaybeshewouldntwantmeto.
Arlathanshookhisheadcontemptuously,ohno.Ohfrigginghellno,yournot.HowdoyouthinkIfeel?Ivegottafacedownthosehammers,unarmed.Offriggingcou
rseIhaveabadfeelingaboutthis.
Torrissatonthesteelseatandshookhishead,no,notjustaboutthat,but,everything,somethingswrongaboutthis,allofthis,Icanfeelit.
Arlathansniffedandhisseeminglyeternalsmilesomehowdisappearedintoanexpressionofgenuineworry,yeah,maybeyoureright.Heyyouarentfromlawenforcement?
Torrisnodded,aslowdeliberatemovement,yeah,IwasintheAdeptusArbites,fifteenyears,backonMalfi.
Arlathanletoutalongwhistle,thoughtso.Whydyouquit?
Alright,Ithinkthatsenoughprattle,saidKarmen.Wevewastedenoughtimealreadletsgetonwiththis,shallwe?
Arlathansighedheavily,yeah,yeah.
Withasourexpressionhepushedthroughusandslidopenthebackdoor,alright!Everyoneout!Heexclaimed.
Wedid,asArlathanheldthedoorforuswefiledoutintothethinalleywayou
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tside.
KarmenandIwerethelastonesoutbutaswesteppedontothebeatenbrokenalley,Karmensuddenlygrabbedmebythearmandpulledmeaside.Herhoodedblueeyesintensewithconcern.
Areyouokay?Sheasked,oncecheckingwewereoutofearshotfromeveryoneelseastheystoodwaitingforus.BecauseyouhaveseemedtohavetakenNoOneofConsequenceswordsextraordinarilywell.
Alumpimmediatelyappearedinmythroat,tearswelledinmyeyesandwithmyshakinghandsIreacheddownintomypockettogetoutmoreLhos.Itdbeenyearssincemyhandsshooklikethis,notsincethewar.DuringthattimeIddevelopedahabitofhidingtheshakingbyslippingmyhandsintotheirpockets.Idbeenfightingagainsttheshakingeversincethethroneagenthadgivenushisrevelation,butnowIfeltIreallydidntneedtohideit,IknewEstellawouldunderstand.
No,ItoldherbluntlyasIclumsilylitmyLho.No,Imnotalright.Estella.WhydyouthinkImsmokingsomuch?WebothknowEdraciansagendaandifmyactionsaregoingtoaidethatagendaasmuchasthatmansaiditwould,wellthen...Idontknow.Imreallyfriggingclosetobreakingpointhere,Estellabut...
Isniffedandexhaledsmoke,blinkingbackthetears.
But?
But,asmuchasIdliketobreakdownandreally,whocouldfriggingblameme?Nowwouldbetheworsttime,asyousaid;IneedtodealwiththeconsequencesofmyactionsandifIallowmyselftobreakdown,well,thenIwouldntbeabletodealwiththem,wouldI?
Estellasmiled,thensuddenlyleanedforwardandgavemeakiss.
W-whatwasthatfor?Iaskedwithwideeyedsurpriseandblushinglikehell.
Itseemsyouarefinallybecomingaman,Attelus,shesaid.Ithastakenyouawhile,though.
Gee,thanks.
Noproblem!Shesaid,obviouslyignoringmysarcasmassheturnedandbegantowalkaway.Enoughdillydally,letsgetthisshowontheroad.
Thefourofusslowlyapproachedtheoldmanufactorum,wewalkedrightdownthemiddleofthestreet,makingsuretokeepoutinplainsitewithourhandsraisedtheentiretime.Iwasalittleannoyed;forthisnegotiationIdgivenoverallmyweapons;myAutopistol,throwingknives,powersword,evenmyfriggingbootknife,luckilytheyhadanotherpairofshoessoIdidnthavetowalkaroundwithoneshoeon.Butthatwasntwhatannoyedme,whatdidwasthatIdjustgotthis
new,sweet,highquality,powerswordandjustasIfrigginggetit,straightawayitgetstakenawayfromme.Someoneshouldmakealawaboutthiskindofthing.
WeeffectivelyusedNoOneofConsequenceasahumanshield,hewalkedametreorsoinfrontofussothefirstpersontheHammerssawwouldbehim,Arlathanwasrightbehindhim,usingtheThroneagentasaliteralhumanshield,theMagistratumdetectivehadhishandclenchedtightlyontheThroneagentsshouldertopreventtheThroneagentfromtryingtodroptotheground;allowingthehammersaclearshotatus,soitwasntallbecauseofKarkinscowardice.
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MynervousnesswasalmostoverwhelmingandIhadtofightagainsttheconstanturgetoputmyhandsinmypockets.Thewalkmustvetakentwoorthreeminutesbutitfeltlikeafrigginglifetime,everysinglesecondIexpectedthemtoopenfire,tocutusalldowninawitheringhailofshots.
IglancedatKarmenasshewalkedalongsideme;shewasascalmascalmcouldbe,herbrowfurrowedinsetdetermination.
Ifrowneddeeply,notatallcomfortedbyherconfidence,thenathoughtstruckme,likeafisttotheface.
Karmen!Ihissedthroughclenchedteeth.Karmen!
Butsheseemedtoignoremecompletely.
Karmen!Karmen!
What?shesnappedsuddenly,herattentionsnappingtome.
C-canIaskaquickquestion?
Well,youdidjustthen,butsure.Fireaway.
Iswallowed,W-whenImetwithTarystthatnight.HeaskedmetospyonGlaitisforhim,butifyoucouldreadmymindsoeasily,hereallydidntneedto,sowhy?WhydidheaskmetospyonGlaitisforhim?
Shesmiledandshrugged,goodquestion,Attelus,maybehesawpotentialinyou,orsomething.
Igrinnedwidely,orperhapshediditbecauseyouaskedhimto,didntyou?
Karmensighed,alright,alright,nopointindenyingit,Iguess.
Well,thanks,Isaid.Iappreciateit,andIcanthelpwonder,ifanythingwouldventdifferentlyifIdacceptedtheoffer.
Shepoutedandshruggedagain,anothergoodquestion,theysayitsourchoicesthatshapeus.Itcouldhave.
Igrimaced,trulydoubtingitwouldvemadeanydifferenceatall.PerhapsIwouldnthavehurtVexbutGlaitisplanwouldvewentthroughnomatterwhat.
But,Attelus,shesaid.Imayhaveaskedhimtodoit,butheonlydiditbecauseheactuallydidseepotentialinyou,believeitornot.
Immediately,Ibelievedherandcouldnthelpbutbeamatthecompliment,butalso,Icouldnthelpwonder;Ihadpotentialforwhatexactly?PotentialtobecomeyetanothersycophanttoadyinTarystsorganizationmaybe?Ifrigginghopednot.
IletoutaslightsighatmycynicismandsuddenlyreallywantedasmokeofLho.
Buttheydeventakenthemoffmetoo.Bastards.
Wewalkedtherestofthewayinsilence,duringthattimeIdexpectedsomeonewouldexittogreetusorsomething,butevenwhenwecameclose,thedoorstayedfirmlyshut.
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Uhh,saidArlathan,ashescratchedthebackofhishead.So,whatstheplannow,pincess?
Karmenjustrolledhereyesandturnedtothethroneagent,theyhaventrunhavethey?
Heshrugged,Idontknow,maybe.
KarmenclenchedherteethatNoOneofConsequencesincompetencethenturnedandsmashedthepalmofherhandrepeatedlyagainstthedoor,muchtoallourbemusement.
Letusthefrigin!Sheroaredatthetopofherlungs.Weneedtotalk!
Shedidthisforagoodsixsecondsbeforefinallygivingup,clutchingatherred,hurthand.
Thatstheplan?saidArlathan.How...Inventive.
Shutup!shesnarled.Whydontyou,youknow,actuallytrytocontributeinsteadofjuststandingaroundsnarkingandbeinggenerallyuseless.
Heysister-
Arlathanwascutoffmidsentenceasthedoorsuddenlyopenedandjustinside,stoodtwohugehammerswhohadautogunsheldinourfaces.
Shutit!yelledone.Stopyafrigginyellinandpoundinbeforewemakeyoustop!
Please,saidKarmen.Weneedtotalktoyourboss.
TheHammersignoredher,turningtheirattentionstoNoOneofConsequence.
Youokay,Jeksen?saidtheotherHammer.
Seenbetterdays,answeredJeksen.
TheHammersmiled.
Isaid-!startedKarmen.
Weheardyou!InterruptedtheHammer.Werenotdeaf!Andyourefrigginluckythewantstotalktoyoutoo.Orwewouldvejustshotyouonsight,evenwithJeksenwithyou.Nooffence,Jeksen.
Nonetaken.
Getin!saidtheotherHammer,beckoningusinsidewithhisautogun.Andnofriggingfunnybusiness!
Wewalkedintowhatwouldveoncebeenthebuildingsreceptionareawithourhandsraisedoverourheadsandfoundovertwodozenmorehammerswithanlargeassortmentofgunsaimedsquarelyatus.
Theycertainlywerenttakinganychances.
Keepagoodeyeontheshortone,saidoneoftheHammersthatdletusinside,indicatingmewithathumb.ThatwastheonethatattackedtheTwilightbar.
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Iseemyreputationprecedesme,IwhisperedtoKarmen.
Yes,well,dontletitgotoyourhead,Attelus,shehissedback.
Checkthem!yelledanotherHammerandimmediatelyafewHammersmovedforwardandpattedusdown,evenJeksenwasincluded.
Clear!Theyallyelledoneaftertheother.
Well,well,saidoneHammerasheemergedthroughtheothers;hewastallerandolderthantherestandseemedtooozeleadershiphewasperhapswellintohisfiftieswhichcouldvemeanttwothingsintheunderhive,hewassmartandskilledasonlytheverybestlivedthatlong,ortheluckiest.Cominintothelionsdenunarmed,youmustbedesperate.
Hegrinnedandfoldedhisthicktattooedarmsacrosshisbarrelchest,orjuststupid.
Wewouldhavebeenmorestupidifwehadtakeninweapons,pointedoutKarmen.
Heshruggedandpursedhisdrylips,goodpoint.So,whatbringsalittleprettyboy,afancy,seniormagistratumdetectiveandababelikeyoutoourohsohumbleabode?
Karmenclenchedherteeth,wewishtotalk.
Buttotalkwhat,exactly?saidthegangleader.Whatcouldvebroughtourenemysoowthattheywishtotalkinsteadofshoot?
Icanttellyounow,saidKarmen.WeneedtospeakwithBrutisBones.
ThehugeHammerroundedonus,suddenlyangry,NotuntilyoutellmewhatIwanttoknow!heroared.
Calmdown,Tevith,triedJeksen.
OhfriggingshutitWesley!roaredTevith.Weallknowthereasontheyfounduswas
becauseyousquealed!AsfarasImconcernedyoureafriggingtraitorwhoswordsdontmeancraphere!Youknowhowmanygoodmenhavediedbecauseoftheseidiots!Tofriggingmany!Butstillhereyouare!Nowfriggingworkingwithem!
AndImsorrytosaymanymorewilldie,ifwedontlistentowhattheyhavetosay!yelledbackWesleyJeksen.
TevithpulledoutahugehandcannonandaimeditrightatJeksenshead,hisexpressionnowadeadlycalm.
Itoldyoutoshutit,WesleyandIfriggingmeantit,saidTevith,deadpanned,andIdontcareifyoureathroneagent.Yourestillafriggingtraitor.Andyouknowwhattraitorsget.
Theshotrangdeafeninglythroughtheroom,causingeveryonetoflinchinpainandfrightandahorridscreamofcompleteagonyimmediatelyfollowed.
ButJeksen,whostoodrightbesideme,wasunharmeditwasTevithwhoscreamed,asheclutchedathisbloody,destroyedhand.
AnotherfigureemergedfromthemassofHammers,holdingaraised,smokingstubrevolverandIimmediatelyknewthiswastheBrutisBonescharacterwedbeenlookingfor.
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ThebluepowerarmourheworemadehimdwarfmostoftheHammersintheroomandoverhisshoulderslayafurcloakoffinemake.Sheathedathishipwasanornateswordandslungoverhisshoulderwasaboltgunwithanunder-slunggrenadelauncherattached.Hedidntwearahelmetsowecouldseehisshortredhairandhispail,freckledfacewhichseemedpermanentlysetintoanexpressionashardashell.
BrutisBoneswasantrulyanInquisitorthroughandthrough.
GethimtomedicaeAheth,BrutisBonesorderedcasuallyasheholsteredhisstubrevolverandtwoHammersimmediatelymovedtocarrythewhimperingTevithaway.
Brutisshookhisheadandapproachedus,pleaseforgiveTevith,hesrightfullypissedoffaboutallthecrapyouvedone.
Th-thankyouforsavingus,stammeredKarmen.
Brutissmiledslightlyandshookhishead,noneedtothankme.Ifhewasgoingtoshootanyofyouotherthree,Iwouldnthavestoppedhim.Youokay,Wesley?
Y-yeah,boss,butIvebeenbetter.
ImsureyouhaveandImsuretheresafethinggoodreasonwhyyouvebroughtthemh
?Right?
Ofcourse,boss,but,heglancedaroundtheroom.But,Ithinkwellneedtotalkabutallthisinprivate.
Brutisnodded,turnedonhisheelsandwaveduson,alrightthen,followme.
ImmediatelyHammersapproachedusandgrabbedusroughly,shovingusafterBrutisBonesasheledusfurtherintothecomplex.
Brutistookusuptoasmall,separateofficeonthesecondfloor.AlongthewayItooktheopportunitytolookaround.Ifoundthattheentireplacehadbeenf
ortified,therockcretewallswerereinforcedfurtherwiththickbitsofflakboard.ManyofthewindowswerecompletelyboardedupandtheoneswhichwerentallhadaHammerstandingwatch.
Butwhatgotmewasonshopflooralltheworkbencheshadbeenmoved,takenawaytoEmperoronlyknewwhere.Insteadthereweresleepingcots,dozensofthemandsleeping,sittingormovingaroundthemwerewomenandchildren,peoplewhoIcouldonlyguesstoberelationstothemanyHammersunderBrutisBonesemployee.BothArlathansandTreschsauspexshadsaidonlyfortylifeforms,wellthatwascertainlyprovenwrongnow.
Aswewalkedthrougheveryoneeyeduswithbigbugeyesandexpressionsofundisguisedcuriosity.Idlookedback,findingmyselfsuddenlyalmostoverwhelmedwit
hhorrifiedapprehension.
Ihadnoideatheydbehere,IdnevergiveneventheslightestthoughtofwheretheHammershadkepttheirwives,theirchildren.Thiswasatrap,thisIknewwithoutdoubtandthembeinghere,thembeinghere,itcomplicatedthesituationvastlyandaswewalkedthroughIfounditveryhardtobreath.
Karmenlookedoverhershoulderatmeasking;youalright,Attelus?
Ihadmanagedonlyanodinresponse.
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Brutisheldthedoorforusaswefiledin,itwasasimple,spartanesqeroomwithonlyalargecogitatorbankinthebackwall,acotinthecornerandlargedeskinthecentreoftheroomwithaofficechairbehindit,althoughBrutisdidntsit,hejustkeptstandingatthedoorway,hisfaceunreadableandfoldedhisarmsoverhischest.
So,werealone,speak,hesaidbluntly.
Thisisatrap,Isaidimmediately.
Brutislookedatme,turninglikehewastargetingme,what?
Thisisafriggingtrap,Isaidthroughclenchedteeth.InquisitorEdracianisplanetside,hesengineeredallofthissowedallbetogether,sohecankillusalltogether.
Butarentyouhisallies?askedBrutis,withaalmostmockingraisedeyebrow.
Notanymore,saidKarmenasshesteppedbesidemeandgivingmeanuncertainlook.AfterwefoundoutfromInterrogatorHeartsatheinformationyouhad,Tarystdecidedtocutalltiestohim.
Brutiseyesnarrowed,sowhydidyoustillwanttocaptureme?
BecauseTarystwantedtohavealltiestoEdraciansilenced,andthisincludedyouandtheinformationyouhold,answeredKarmen.Butthatsallchangednow,nowthatTarystisdead.
ArlathanwhodbeenleaningonthewalleyeswidenedandrockedforwardindisbeliefasBrutispursedhislips.
Dead?How?askedBrutis.
Murdered,thoughaninternalconspiracy,saidKarmen.
Brutisshruggedhisgiganticshouldersandmovedtohisdesk,slidingopenoneo
fthedrawshetookoutanexpensiveliqueurbottleandafewcrystalglasses,doingsowithremarkabledexterityforonewithpowerarmouredfingers.
Damnshame,hesaidashepouredhimselfaglass.IwashopingIdgettothrowthatbastardoutthewindowofhisgrottomyself.Sacraanyone?
EveryonedeclinedexceptJeksen.
Yeahbossthatdbeappreciated.
Brutissmiledslightly,pouredanotherglassandhandedittotheotherthroneagentwhoswiggeditbackwithgreatenthusiam.
Well,saidBrutissippingathisownsacra.IsEdracianonOmnartus,now,huh?Wellthatswhatwevebeenwaitingfor,forallthistime,isntthatrightWesley?
JeksennoddedconfirmationandbothKarmenandIexchangedconfusedglances.
Whatdoyoumean?askedKarmen.
Brutisshruggedagainwellthatswhywevebeenfightingthiswaswithyou,wefiguredifwefoughtitforlongenoughEdracianwouldgettiredofTarystsfailuresowouldcomeandfinishthejobhimself,thenwedbeabletotakecareofbothof
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them.
Brutistookanothersipofhissacraandsaidwithagrimaceofdistinctdisgust;fethingIsstivanianbastards.So,howdoyouknowEdraciansplanetside?
Becauseheattackedme,Isaid.Heandagroupofaxewielding,suitwearing,idiothammersambushedme,capturedme.
Brutistookanothersipofhissacra,so,howdidyouknowitwasEdracian?
Ifrownedandshrugged,well,Idontknow,actually.Heworepowerarmour,hadaInquisitorialrosetteandsaidhewas,soIkindofbelievedhimandhetalkedpsychically,telepathy,inmymind.
ItappedmytemplewithmyindexfingerasIsaidtelepathyandasIsaiditIcouldnthelpbutnoticetheextremelybemusedlooksfromeveryonebutArlathan.
What?IaskedasIfurrowedmybrow.
Attelus,younevermentionedthathespoketoyouviatelepathybefore,saidKarmen.
Iraisedaneyebrow,what?Ididnt?Isaid.Sorry,Imustveforgot,butwhatsthedeal?ArentalotofInquisitorspsychic?ThatswhatGlaitistoldmeanyway.
Hisexpressiongrim,Brutisshookhishead,yes,butItsawellknownfactthatEdracianisjustasbluntasyouandI.
Myjawdroppedandbegantotwitchasasuddenhorrificshiverslidupmyspine.
Thefearalmostoverwhelmedmethenthetemperatureintheroomdroppeddramaticallyandicebegantoformonthewalls,growinguptheflakboardlikevines,thenIheardthegunfireandthescreams.
Lookslikeyouwereright,saidBrutistomeashereadiedhisbolter.Thisisatrp.
Literallyasecondafterhesaidthat,thencameahugedeafeningcrash!Fromoutsidewhichwasfollowedbyahorrid,bloodcurdlingscreamascreamwhichwasimmediatelyfollowedbyanotherandanotherandanothereachoneendingabruptly.
Shiveringinthesuddencoldmyheartthunderedinmychestandmyshallowbreathssteamedintotheair.
Karmenturnedtomewithawideeyed,fearfulgazeandIlookedback.Ourattentionswerelockedforafewsecondsandeachtimetherewasanotherscream,wedflinchinfeartogether.
WewereonlytakenoutofourtrancewhenweheardBrutisdemandinganswersinto
hisvoxlink.
Verenth!Uslith!Answermedamnit!
W-whatthehellsgoingonoutthere?stammeredKarkinatBrutis.
Brutisdidntanswer,hejustshookhisheadandpacedtheroom.
Whatsgoingon,demandedKarkin.
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ThatsexactlywhatImtryingtofindout,growledBrutisthenheturnedtoKarmen.xisdead.
ItremindedmequicklyofmyownvoxlinkgoingdeadjustbeforeIwasambushedbyEdraciansmooks.
So,whatnow?sheasked.
Wegooutthere,answeredBrutissimplyashedrewhisstubbrevolverandtossedittoWesleyJeksen,whocaughtitneatly.
What?yelledKarkin.Goingoutthere?Areyoufriggingcrazy?
BrutistreatedKarkinwithawitheringglareandIcouldtellfromamileawaythattheInquisitorheldnothingbutcontemptfortheMagistratumdetective.
Yeah,saidBrutis.WellmeandWesley,anyway.Imnotforcingyoutocome,butIreindyou,bothhimandmearetheonlyonesarmedhere.Sowhenwegoyouvegotnoprotectionandnowheretorun.
Brutisshrugged,onsecondthought,maybeitdbebetterifyoustayhere,youwillprobablyjustgetintheway.
ArlathanKarkingrimacedandshookhishead,Idontlikethis.
Asthiswenton,Istoodinthecornerinsilencewithwideeyes,wonderinghoweveryonecouldignorethescreamsthatconstantlypiercedthewalls,thescreamsthatstungmyears,thatmademyshouldersshake,thatcausedmyhearttoleappainfullyinmychest,thescreamsthatmademylipquiverandhyperventilateinfear.
Brutisglaredatme,hisbrowfurrowing.
Someonegethimtocalmthefethdown!hebellowed.
ItwasthenIfeltawarm,softhandwraparoundmineandIturnedtofinditwasEstellaErith,whosmiledatmereassuringly.
ButIwashardlyreassured,asIsawthegiganticbloodvesselsthatbuldgedfromherfaceandforehead.Herblankbluegazeandherteethwerehideous,sharpenedincisors.
ThefearfinallyovertookmeandIscreamed,tearingmyhandfreeandretreatedfurtherintothecorner.
AsIran,theroomaroundseemedtodevolveintoablurofblackandwhitenothingness,butKarmen,Brutis,ArlathanandWesleywerestillvisible,astheyapproachedmewithwildblankeyes,sharpenedsmilesandfingersthatcurledintoblackelongatedtalons,reachingouttotearmetoshreds.
Myheartwashammeringsohardandpainfullynowitfeltlikeitwasabouttoburstandbloodthunderedthroughmyears.Thentherewerethescreams,thescreams!Theywerenolongerintermittentbutcompletelyconsistent,justahugecacophonyofhundredsofvoicescryingoutinutteragonyandterrorandArlathan,Karmen,BrutisandWesleywerestillcomingcloserandcloserandastheirclawscamerightinfrontofmyface
Iclosedmyeyes.
Immediatelythescreamsweregone,disappearingsosuddenlythatitshookmeto
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myverycore,butIkeptthemclosed,hopingifIdidtheywouldntcomeback.Itwasthecontemptuoussighthatcausedmetoopenthemagain.
Ifoundmyselfbackinmoreblacknothingness,butstandingovermenowwastheEldar;herthin,litheformtoweredovermeandtheredglowingeyesofherhelmlookeddownonmewithdistinctdisdain.
Iyelpedoutinfrightandthrewmyselfback,scramblingtogainasmuchgroundfromtheXenosaspossible.
Ohdonotbesopathetic!ItsnarledsostronglyIimmedietlystoppedinmydesperateretreat.IfIwantedyoudead,Iwouldhavekilledyoualongtimeago!
W-whoareyou?Imanagedthroughmygasps.Whathappened?WherethehellamI?
Shesighedevendeeperthanbefore.YouaretheoneIamgoingtoworkthrough?Ithought,perhaps,youmightbeabitlesspatheticthantherestofyourkind.Butalas.
Ilaythere,onlyabletogapeupather.
TheEldarsighedyetagainandshookherhead.
Well,wemaybeworkingtogetherforawhilefromnowon.So,ifyoutrulymustkno
w,mynameisFaleaseen,Iamafarseerofthecraftworld;Dalorsia.Whathappened?Youwerealmostturnedintoamindless,slaveringdaemonintheserviceoftheruinouspowersand,whereareyou?Youarenowinthedarkrecessesofyourmind.Anymorequestions?
I-I-I-I.
Itseemsthat,InquisitorNoninEdraciandidnotjustinjectyouwithanerveagent,ashehadclaimed,butwithsomeprimitivesortofwarpsorcery.IfIbelievedinyourracesprimitive,abstractconceptofluckIwouldsayyouwereluckyIheretosaveyou.
You...savedme?Iaskeddumbly.
Faleaseenattentionturnedslightlytotheleftandittookalongtimebeforeshefinallyanswered.
Yes,Ijusttoldyouthat,andhereIwashopingyouwouldbesomewhatsmarterthansomeofyourkind.Butalas.
B-but...Why?
Faleaseengroaned,loudly.Because,human,Ihaveplacedmuchtimeandeffortintoyou,lettingyoudienowwouldhavebeenawaste.
Iwasntsurehowtoreplytothat,allthishadhappenedsofriggingabruptlytha
tIshouldntbeblamedforbeingtakenabackandfrightened,yetherewasthisXenosholdingsuchcontemptformeforhavingaperfectlyreasonableandhumanreactionandnowhereIwasbeholdentothisfarseer?
ThisnewrevelationIdidntlike,thisIdidntlikeatall
Sheshookherheadagain,contemptoozingfromhereverypore.
TheInquisitorhassethistrap,saidFaleaseen.Aswespeakdaemonsareslaughteringyourpeople,itisablood-fest,outsidethatbuilding.Whenyouawakeyoune
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edtobeready,youneedtoescape.
Nahh!Isaidsarcastically.
Faleaseentiltedherhelmetedheadsuddenly,Imeanthis,therearethoseyouwoulddeemasinnocentsinthatbuilding,donotthrowawayyourlifeprotectingthem,theyarenothing.Notworththeeffort,youhavefarlargerproblemsyouneedtolivetoattendto.Donotbeafool.Timetoawake,MonKeigh.
But-!
BeforeIcouldsayanythingmorethe,darknesswasengulfedinasuddenblazeofblindingbrightwhitelightandIawoke.
Thelightcleared,revealingthegrey,rockcreteceilingabovemeandslowly,theimagesof,theconcernedKarmen,theconfusedKarkin,WesleyandBrutisstandingoverme.
Brutishadthebarrelofhisbolterleveledrightinmyface.
D-dont!Dontshoot!Icried,quicklyraisingmyarmstocovermyhead,foralltherigginggooditddo.
Whathappened?demandedBrutisbluntly,hisbolternotmovinganinch.
I-Idontknow,Ilied.I-Ijust,Ijustwaslisteningtoyouguys,th-theneverythigturnedblack!Imustvefainted.
Youforgotaboutthegoingmad,andscreaminglikealittlegirlandhidinginthecornerpart,saidKarkin.
I-Idontrememberthat.
Beforeanyoneelsecouldsayanythingmoretherewasanothersudden,horridcrash!Thatseemedtoshaketheentirebuildingaroundus,thenfollowedbythebloodchillingscreamswiththeintermittentroarofdesperategunfire.
Frig!Thatcamefromtheinside,saidKarkin,voicingwhatweallthought.
Alright!saidBrutis.Werefethingmoving!Gethimup,weregoing!
But-!
ButwhatdetectiveKarkin?AsfarasIseewellhavetofacedownwhateveritisouthereeventuallyanyway,Idrathernothavetowithawallatourbacks.
Karmenwastheonlyonetoofferherhand,whichItookwithanappreciativesmileandshepulledmetomyfeet.
ThatsnotwhatImeant!saidKarkin.Iagreewithyou,butyouveseemedtohavefotten,wereunarmed.
NoIhavent,statedBrutis,andnoyourenotgettingone,either.Idonttrustanyouenough.Soenoughofthismeandering,letsgetmoving.
Helookedatme,andyou.YouItrusttheleast.Imkeepinganeyeonyou,understood?
Inodded,thinking;fairenough,Iwouldnttrustmeeither.
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Good,thenwithbolterraised,heopenedthedoorandsteppedoutside.
Onebyoneweslippedoutoftheoffice,intowasoncethebureaucraticarea,thelongroomwasdividedoutwiththinwhitedividingwallsaroundametreandahalfhigh.Twentyofthemoneachside,eachheldasmallworkareawithin.Thelightswhichhungfromtheceilingblinkedonandoffominously.
Whenwedwalkedthroughherebarelytenminutesagothereweresixhammerswanderingaround.NowIcouldseenosignofthem,neithercouldIseeanysignofastruggle,nothing,whichscaredmemorethaniftherewasbloodandgutsandbodyfluidsliningthewalls.Iwassomewhatexpectingthatbutnotthis,notthis.
Myheartthunderedinmythroat,myclammy,sweatyhandsshooksohardIcouldveswornitwastoofastforthenakedeyeandIshiveredinthecoldasweslowly,silentlyfollowedBruti,hisboltersweptleftandrightprofessionally,checkinginsideeveryofficewithacalmIcouldnthelpbutenvy.
Myjawclenched,ifIwaswearingfriggingpowerarmourandwieldingafriggingminimissilelauncherIdbeprettyfriggingcalmto.
AswewalkedIhadtofightconstantlyfromslippingmyhandsintotheirpockets,nowwouldbetheworsttimeforthat.
Afterwhatseemedlikeeonswefinallymadeittotheothersideoftheroom.
ThedoorwasclosedandwithonequickmovementBrutisopeneditandsteppedintothethincorridor,hisbolterswitchingleftandright.
Istopped,haltinginmytracksasIrealisedsomething,somethingthatmademyshiveringjawdropandmyfingernailstodigdeeplyintomypalms.
Thescreams,IsaidsuddenlyandlouderthanIdintended.
Yeah?saidBrutis.Whataboutthem?
Theyregone.
Brutissbrowfurrowedandheglancedatme.
Attelusisright,saidKarmenasshesteppednexttome,herattentiontotheceiling.Itssilent.
Andwhatbythegoldenthronedoesthatmean?saidArlathan.
Karmenshruggedandpouted;notsure,detective,itcouldmeanamyriadofdifferentthings...
Sheletithang,butmyimaginationgavememany,manypossibilities,allsomeho
wmoreterrifyingandhorrificthanthelast.
Isighedandlostthefighttokeepmyhandsoutoftheirpockets.Wherethehellwaseveryone?Whatsgoingon?
Brutisjustgrimaced,turnedaway,signaledtheallclearthenmovedoutofsight.
Wefollowed,Wesleygoingfirstwithhisborrowedstubrevolverraised,thenme,KarmenandArlathanfilledintothecorridorafter.
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Brutishadalreadymadeitafewmetreson,thebackofhislargearmouredformblockingmyviewfurtherdownthecorridor.
Thelightswerentblinkingonandoffinherewhichmademyadvancealittleeasier.
Butsomethingseemedodd,somethingIcouldntputquiteputmyfingeron.Ifurrowedmybrowtryingtodiscernwhatitwas,thenithitme.ItseemedthatBrutiswasntwalkingforwardbutbacktowardus,extremelyslowly.
No,infactBrutisdidntseemtobemovingatall,hewasjustwalkinginoneplace.Thisrealisationsentcoldfearcoursepainfullyupmyspine.
I-Ibeganbutwascutoffasthescreamscameabruptlybackandthelightsbegantoflickonandoffsofastithurtmyretinas.
Somethinghappened,somethingIcouldntquitedescribe,butitseemedthattimesped,thescreamsandthemeatydisgustingexplosionscamequickerthanbeforeasthoughonsomehorrificfastforward.Ifelltomyknees,clutchingatmyhead.Thescreamstoreintomymind,causingutteragonytocoursethroughmyskull.
ThelightswerenowflickeringsofastitdidntseemphysicallypossibleandIfoughttheurgetoscreamandtheoverwhelmingneedtothrowup.
WhatbrokemefromthiswasanotherscreamandIturnedtofinditcamefromKarmen,whowasinafarworsestatethanme.Herattractivefacewasnowscratchedandtornassheclawedatherselfwithwildabandon,herteethwereclenchedsohardIwasafraidtheydshatterorburstoutofhermouthandherlargeblueeyesseemedtobulgeintheirsockets.
Itwaseasilythemosthorrific,sickening,terrifyingthingIdeverseen.Iwasinenoughagonybutshewasapsyker,whatshewasgoingthroughIcouldntevenbegintoimagine.Ihadtodosomething,Ineededtodosomethingbutthepainandthescreamsseemedtoparalyzemeinplace.
ForhowlongIknelttherewatchingKarmenIhadnoideabutitfeltlikeforeve
rasIfoughtdesperatelytoregainmyself,butfinally,painfullyIdid.ItwasoneofthehardestthingsIdeverdone,itwasharderthangainingthecouragetofacetheArcoflagellant,itwasharderthantryingtomovewhilebedriddenandbroken,theonlythingharderwasthefighttostopmyselfwalkinginmyearlierdream,andIsuspecteditwasonlybecauseofthatdreamIhadenoughwillpowertodoit.
Ireachedout,tookKarmenintomyarmsandpulledherclose,shetriedtoresist,butIwastoostrong,asIeasilypinnedherhandsathersidessoshecouldonlyfeeblyclawatme.
WewerelikethatforalongtimeandthenIeasilyignoredtheflickinglightsandtheconstantscreams,infactIcouldnthavebeenmoreatpeace,whateverthi
swasIddefeatedit,IdwonandnowIwasntafraid.
Thescreamsdisappearedandthelightsfinallybecameconsistent.
AlmostImmediatelyKarmenwentlimpandsheslippedoutofmygrasp,slumpinglifelesslyontothefloor.
Ireacheddownbutahandgraspedmyshoulderroughly,causingmetoalmostjumpoutofmyskinandIturnedtoseeitwasBrutis,wholookeddownatmewearily.
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Youalright?heaskedwithgenuineconcern.
Y-yeah,butsheisnt,Igasped,tearswellingandnoticingtomyhorrorthatmyentirefrontwasnowcoatedinKarmensblood.W-whatthehelljusthappened?
I-
Brutiswasinterruptedasthewallbehindhimsuddenlyexploded,thethickrockcretethatwasreinforcedwithflakboardseemedtojustevaporateintoathickcloudofdustanddebriswhichsmashedineffectuallyagainstBrutisBonespowerarmour,ifhewasntthereIwassureIwouldvebeenkilled.
Twoofthememergedfromthefallingdust,snarlingandslaveringdaemonsofchaos,theywerehuge,standingatwellovertwometrestalldespitebeinghunchedforwardsandalmostaswide.Theirskinwaslikethepinkmuscleandtissueofaskinnedhumanandaroundthemrealityseemedtowarpandwaver.Theirhuge,gapingjawsemergedagoodmetreoutoftheirstrangelycirculartorsosandwerelinedwithuneven,razorsharpteeththatseemedtojutoutineverydirectionpossible.Theirarmswereunnaturallyelongatedbuttheirlegsweretooshort,likethehindlegsofacaninebutsomehowtheywerestillbipedal.Butwhatgotmewasthelackofeyes,noeyes.
Iwasmeanttohavechangedintooneoftheseabominations?IfoundIcouldnol
ongerfightthenauseaandIspewedviolently,makinganefforttoavoidKarmensproneformasIdid.
Stillascalmascanbe,Brutisdidnthesitateheimmediatelyopenedfire.
UntilthenIdneverheardBolterfire,thesoundwasbeyonddeafening,seemingtoshakemyverybones,itwasliketheroarofagod.Thefirstcreaturewasbarelyafewmetresaway,theboltershotswerepracticallypointblankanditwasthrownback,thehighexplosiveroundsgorginghugeholesdeepintoitstorso.
Butitwasbarelyfazed,thedaemonquicklyrecovered,snarledandbegantochargeforward,thenBrutisshotitinthesnoutwiththeunder-slunggrenadelauncher.
Theexplosionsentitflying,smashingfulltiltintotheotherdaemonbehinditandtogethertheyfelltothefloor,snarlingandwrithing.
Brutiswasrelentlessheimmediatelyrainedroundafterroundonthem,asIcoveredmyearsandcoweredbehindhim.Hisboltersoonclickeddryandashereachedforanotherclip,oneofthebatteredbeatendaemonswassuddenlyupandfasterthanIthoughtpossibleitbarrelledintoBrutis,sendinghimcareeningtothefloorandcausingtheclipflyfromhisgrip.
ItsjawsimmediatelyclampeddownonBrutis
torsowithsuchforceitwouldveeasilypulpedanunarmouredmanandslowlyitbegancloseitsmouth,causingBrutisarmourtocrackandbendundertheenormouspressure.Brutiscursed,strugglingto
freehimself,butthedaemonwastoostrong.
Iclimbedtomyfeetandwatchedoninhorror,unabletodoanythingasbothBrutisbolterandhisswordhadbeenpinnedunderhimwhenhedfallen.
Itwasthentheotherdaemongotfinallygotup,thethingwastorn,butstillsomehowverymuchalivethenturneditseyelessattentiontome.
ForagoodfewsecondsIstoodfrozeninplace,mywateringeyesplasteredonth
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edaemonasmynumbedmindworked.
Myfirstinstinctwastoturnandflee,butwhere?IdjustrunbackintothatofficeandgetmyselfcorneredandIcouldntbringmyselftoleaveKarmenandevenBrutisbehind,IfoundtherewasnothingIcoulddo,thisthingcouldtakepointblankbolterroundsandgrenadesandstillkeepgoingwhatcouldIpossiblydo?Iwasunarmed,trappedinthiscorridorwithnowheretogo,Iwasutterlyuseless.
Iwasdead.
Thedaemonsgapingmawseemedtocurlintosomethinglikeasmile,asthoughitcouldsensemyrealisation,thenitwenttocharge.
Theroundsmashedintothesideofitsskullwithsuchforceitsentthedaemonhurtlinghardagainsttherockcretethenanothershotfollowedandanotherandanother,eachwithpinpointaccuracy.
AtfirstIcouldntcomprehendit,ittookmeawhiletofigureoutthattheshotswerecomingfromoutside,throughthehugeholethedaemonshadcausedcrashingin.
ItwasHayden,theywerehotshotsfromalongLas,Ihadnodoubtandonlyhecouldreplacethebarrelthenreloadsofast.
Iwasknockedbackintoreality,flinchinginfrightasanothergunroaredinthecorridor.TheshotsflyingpastmesocloseIcouldswearIfelttheparticlesofgunpowdercoatme.TheyhitthedaemonthathadpoorBrutisinitsjawssquareon,butitmayaswellhavebeennothingforallthedamagetheydealt.
Startled,Ilookedovermyshoulder,itwasWesley,whokneltoveranunconsciousArlathanKarkin,hisstubrevolverraisedandsmoking,hisweathered,agedfacepinchedwithrageandhedanalarmingamountofbloodrunningfromhisnose,coatingmuchofhisthick,greybeardinred.
Kid!Getdown!heroared.
Iclenchedmyteethandimmediatelythrewmyselftothefloor,wishingWesleyhadwarnedmeearlierandwatchedashisfirepepperedineffectuallyagainstthedaemonwhilethenowdesperateBrutissmashedhisfistsrepeatedlyagainstitsimpervioushide.Itsteethhadalmostbrokenallthewaythrough,soonit
dbitestraightintothemuchsofter,squishierBrutisBoneswithin.
Iglancedattheotherdaemon,Haydenwasstillkeepingitoffitsfeetwithhisfire,hemustveshotitdozensoftimesnow,andIcouldnthelpwonder.Howmanyroundsdidhehaveleft?Andwhatthefrigdidittaketokillthesethings?
Asifoncue,abrightbluelightengulfedthecorridorandamillisecondlaterthefamiliarblindingbeamofplasmahitthedaemonthatheldBrutisinitsjaws.
Theaccurateshotcompletelycookingitsupperjaw,meltingitblackbeyondrecognitionandthestenchofburntfleshfilledtheair.
AnothershotfollowedandutterlyvaporisedtheupperhalfoftheotherdaemonasitwrithedfromHayden
sconstantfire.
EyeswideIscrambledtomyfeet.Castellaapproachedus,hersmokingplasmapistolheldcasuallyathersideandinherother;mysheathedpowerswordandbehindherwerefiveextremelyconfusedlookingHammers.
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Attelus!sheyelledandthrewmemyswordwhichIcaughtoutofmidairneatly,despitemydazedstate.Youalright?
Ididn
tanswerasCastellabroughtmebacktoreality,makingmerememberandwithastartIspun,kneltnexttoKarmenandcheckedforapulse.Myheartthunderedinmythroatandpanicthreatenedtoovertakeme,IdalreadylostElandria,IhopedtohellIhadntlostEstellatoo,nomatterhowmessedupshedbecome.
IsighedloudlywithreliefwhenIfoundit,herpulsewasweakandweakeningrapidlyalongwiththeexpandingpoolofbloodthatwetmyknees.
She-!Iscreamedbutcutmyselfshort,seeingthatBrutiswasonhisfeet,hisdamaged,beatenpowerarmournowcoatedinthickblacksludgeashe,WesleyandalltheHammersbehindCastellahadtheirgunsfirmlytrainedonher,whohadherhandsraisedi