Peculiar Soul

Chapter 90: Borrowed Sight

Chapter 90: Borrowed Sight

Gentlemen, I will be direct. Our sources on the continent have informed us of the death of Stellars bearer, thought to have happened some time yesterday. We do not - order, please. We do not know at this time if a new bearer has been identified, nor where that bearer might be. It might pass from our view for a time in some isolated land, or remain with the Mendiko.

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 members of this body to retain a clear head and steady heart.

Even if it should pass to Mendian, 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 Mendiko 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. Some of you rejoice in this thought; I say to you now that this is the most calamitous of the possibilities I have named thus far. Clear heads and steady hearts, gentlemen, but I do not trust that all members of this body would retain theirs during such a trial.

Therefore it is with proper respect paid to the gravity of the moment that I move to support Lord Baumgarts request granting emergency 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, gentlemen. It is regrouping, and so must we.

- Carolus Altenbach, address to the Assembly, Gleaning 37 693.

The low afternoon sun struggled to pierce the thick cloud cover over the hills; it was not late in the day, but the dim sky lent everything the gloomy feel of twilight. Michael walked at the head of their small convoy, his eyes on the road. The rest of the men were strung out behind him, with Zabala and Charles in the rear. Unai and Sobriquet walked close to him, the former bearing an expression of quiet watchfulness. Sobriquet, however

She practically dripped with annoyance, her eyes flicking to where Vera walked along happily beside them. She held her hands behind her back, a slight smile on her lips. Her presence drew the eye of all the soldiers marching behind, stilling their conversation and distracting their march in ways that brought a dark scowl to Zabalas face. There had been whispers, too, of the pale lady that had saved them from enthrallment back on the continent, but those had quieted after an irritated glare from Sobriquet.

They act like theyre Safid, she groused, her voice coming low by Michaels ear. I half expect them to take up bowing and wearing those damn veils. Shes not even Sibyl!

Michael gave a quiet snort of amusement. Sibyl didnt free them from the obruors, he said. Vera did. Its not strange that theyd hold some gratitude for her after that.

Her eyes settled on Lars, who was walking close to Vera with an excited look, his arm extended with her hand laid upon it, chattering away about the various features of Korbels geography as they came into view. He had thus far proved resistant to Sobriquets displeasure, or perhaps simply oblivious to it while Vera occupied his vision.

Gratitude is only some of it, she muttered. Theyre smitten. Youre sure she hasnt-

Im sure, Michael said, not for the first time. Id notice. The men are quite afflicted, but the source is entirely natural. He raised an eyebrow. Remember that conversation about a persons good standing apart from the bad-

Yes, yes, stop being infuriating, she replied, waving her hand. It doesnt make it any easier to watch a monster basking in misplaced admiration.

Vera turned away from Lars, cutting off the Ardan captain mid-sentence, to direct her faint smile at Sobriquet. Would it help, she asked, if I were to state plainly that I have no ill intent towards you or yours? Quite the opposite; its my advocacy for Michael that has unraveled my alliances- She paused. My friendships, here at home. If I were given to duplicity, surely Id have started there.

Sobriquet blinked; Michael felt a slight pressure slide away from him. I had us veiled, she said.

Your feelings about me are unsubtle. Vera shrugged. And unnecessary. I dont share Sofia and Isoldes animosity towards you.

Im not concerned with their feelings; youve done more than enough on your own. Sobriquet turned to face her. Or has your turnabout affected your memory? I have a distinct recollection of the day you met my sister.

Veras smile faded. I am sorry for that, she said quietly. It was wrong of me to use my soul in that manner.

Just like that? Sobriquet snarled. A simple apology, and lets put it behind us? Ill just forget that youd have made my sister no different than these rotting, hollow shells- Her voice hissed into incoherent fury; she held an incandescent glare upon Vera for a long moment before turning aside.

Michael felt her anger ebb, replaced by something icy, calm, and more threatening by half. Im sorry, she said. I said I wouldnt interfere.

Rot comes in many forms, Vera said. We never mocked Jeorg, for he was dear to us, but we did find his precepts nave. We dismissed him as an idealist, a good man, but one too detached from the realities of the world. Her smile crept back, suffused with bitterness. It seems he was just waiting for a better student. We used his teachings to master our souls, then turned away towards personal aims. More similar to Spark than Id like to admit, in that regard, yet it did not feel like - rot, in the moment.

She took a breath, turning her sightless eyes ahead. Yet, how I crumbled.

Sobriquet did not respond, though Michael could see that shed very much like to. Michael stepped into the silence himself.

And what are your aims now? he asked. I was - surprised, to say the least, when I recognized you in tales of liberated Ardan soldiers. Doubly so to see you here. I had thought Id be seeing less of you after our last meeting, not more.

Her smile returned. Im only doing what I must. She turned to look at Lars, who smiled bemusedly. Just as I could not watch the soldiers be destroyed and do nothing, I cannot let my dearest friends throw themselves against you. Her eyes turned to fix on Michael, placid white. Theyll die.

Im not going to kill Sofia and Isolde, Michael protested, pointedly not glancing at Sobriquet. Id be content never seeing either again, for that matter. I told her as much when we spoke. I only approached her out of need.

Vera nodded. And Im glad of it, she said. It may let her replace the hateful Michael in her mind with a more reasonable reality.

I dont know that his record in that regard has been particularly sterling, Sobriquet observed. Close interaction with those contemplating violence against Michael tends to sway their decision to the side of violence, in my experience.

You misapprehend the problem. Vera turned her pale eyes to Sobriquet. We three were Sofias friends, yes, but we were more than that. We helped her be Sofia, rather than Sibyl. She relied on us to talk with people, to gauge their feelings, to speak artfully. Vincent and Isolde were her hands, and I was her face.

She let her fingers brush lightly over her own cheek. Her soul governs perception, as youve experienced. She can grant it with a touch, spread it between close friends. From each other, we gained what we had lost. Her soul gave me sight, and my soul granted her a view into the hearts of others.

Michael blinked. And now youre both blind.

In our particular ways, Vera sighed. Yes. And Sofia is left with only Isolde. Her last vestige of human connection is a woman that hates you utterly for Vincents death. My hope is that working with you will steer them away from a path of vengeance.

He finally let his eyes stray towards Sobriquet. Id prefer that, if its possible, Michael said. Conflict serves nobodys interest here. Im surprised you came to me, though, given their animosity; Sever seems a more palatable choice if she needs someone with combat potential. He paused. I had heard that he was indisposed.

Vera gave a small nod. Indisposed is an excellent description, she said. He is healthy, insofar as I know, but his inclinations have not led him to leave his estate since he returned. Rumors abound, as they are wont, but theres little more than that to be had. Carolus suspects that the Klingefraktion is not inclined to encourage him out. Its best for them if he remains out of sight, especially during the current political climate.This chapter is updated by

You mean while my father consolidates power, Michael grunted. I can see that.

Its not so one-sided, Vera replied. He is not seizing it so much as he is being given a mandate; people are terrified.

Michael lifted his head, curious. Of what?

Of you. Vera frowned. Even if they dont know its you that they fear. They see the periphery of the storm - Mendian, Saf, their own losses on the continent, your friend Luc seizing Stellar, the Institute falling only to rise again. Inevitable change from each footprint you make. She shook her head. You said you wouldnt kill Sofia and Isolde, but your intent matters very little. Storms dont kill by intent.

Michael snorted. Id say Im as willing as you are.

Static buzzed. Eventually, Sofias voice came 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 meeting. 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 meant 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 anatomens had seized the handset. Look around you! Ardalt is torn by war, Mendian is rampaging through the continent. All for what - for your ideals? Your whims? Your terrorist whore? Tell me 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 time, 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 men to prepare for a run, have them drink and eat something 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 same, Sofia replied, at length. And Ive learned very well what such wishes are worth. Northwest, Michael. Have Vera contact me 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 men tromping their way back out of the kitchen, most still stuffing some manner of food into their mouths. Zabala followed along behind them, looking weary.

Were good for a run, he said. Some 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 something. 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 time to eat then.

Zabala rolled his eyes, pulling on his own boots. Nothing good ever came from a sentence that started that way, he grunted. But sure. Where are we going?

Northwest, Michael said, straightening up. And then well see.

The night was dark, the stars shrouded by the same thick clouds that had cloaked the land all week. What light there was glittered in dancing refractions from the icebound trees as Michael sped past with his men. There was no subtlety in their approach, silent as it was; Michael ripped a scar straight through the heart of the trees as they ran.

There was a low mountain valley to the northwest, shielded from casual view. Michael steered them towards it. He occasionally slowed to send his sight up, scouting ahead, but so far had seen nothing but forest in their path.

As they came up over the crest of a ridge, however, Sobriquet nudged him and pointed. There, she said. Its faint, but theres a lot of area being obscured in that direction. Many occultors working in tandem, or it wouldnt be this sloppy. She clucked her tongue. Not too much farther and well run right into their perimeter.

All right, Michael said. We stay together until weve got confirmation of Lucs position, then we diverge to bracket him. Same teams as last operation. Lars, left flank. Charles, Unai, right. Stay close enough to Zabala in the middle that youre protected.

He looked around, seeing only acknowledgments, then turned back towards the camp. Once we see him, delay him until I can engage. Dont try to fight him directly, just keep the other soldiers off of me. When hes down, Ill go down too - but dont get near me. Take out obruors, and any units that get too close. Sobriquet will keep the rest of them confused until Im able to stand again. Clear?

Various mutters of assent came back. Michael turned to look at them. Then lets go.

His heart was well and truly pounding by the time they saw the first signs of occultor work. It was almost easier in the dark; the mottled black of the forest gave way to an eerie homogeneity that made Michael uneasy to stare at for long. He stepped forward into it. Immediately, he felt a spike of alarm from someone nearby.

At a glance, the trees sprang aside to reveal a pair of soldiers looking wide-eyed at their party. A moment later the air around them flickered with Sobriquets painful blur; both men dropped to the ground. Michael paused. The forest around them was silent once more - but dark no longer. A narrow corridor through the trees admitted a faint light from the camp, no longer shrouded by the two sleeping men.

Sera? he asked.

One moment, Vera is talking, she replied. Sibyl was right about one thing, this is not ideal.

Youd rather wait on her mercy back in Korbel? Michael asked.

She snorted. Fuck no. That was a transparent excuse to - ah, here we go. She paused. Hes here. Not in the command tent, in with the rest. Sixth tent down on the third row from us.

For the first time on that cold night, Michael felt a chill. He let his sight move forward to slide through the walls of the tent in question.

He saw Luc. There was nobody else in the tent, and no furniture save for a cot. Luc was lying upon the cot, a thin blanket clutched to his chest. He was not asleep, though. His eyes were open, staring straight upward; tears streaked down his face, and his lips quivered with quick, convulsive sobs.

Michael let his sight linger for a long moment on Lucs face, watching him cry - then drew it backwards. I see him, he rasped. He raised a hand. A moment later, he crooked his fingers forward.

They began to walk across the darkened camp.