“The attack.” I say it with slow trepidation.
Indol nods. Pained. “Most of those Sappers are flowing to Military. You know how they work?”
I nod, dread building. A Sapper forces ceding to a particular person and—aside from all of the prisoner’s Will being given, rather than just half—that works exactly like any other ceding. Freeing someone from their Sapper does mean they go back to ceding only half their Will, but the link itself cannot be broken without it being relinquished by whoever’s on the receiving end.
Or by death.
“The plan is to wait until there’s an attack underway,” finishes Indol grimly.
Aequa’s been following the conversation, turning increasingly flushed as she understands. “That’s barbaric.”
“A cruel war is quickly over,” quotes Marcellus, adjusting his glasses.
“What about Birthright?”
“I don’t think Birthright exists anymore.” I close my eyes. Smart, as awful as it is. There are thousands in those Sappers across the city, and most of them are ceding to Military. Cutting off the flow of Will at the right moment could be an enormous advantage.
I feel the bruises and bandaged wound beneath my toga. Kadmos’s tea letsme ignore it all in movement, though. And I did get more sleep last night than I often do, these days, even after Baine’s visit.
I would have liked some extra rest before going to find Eidhin, but I’ll manage.
“Thanks for letting me know.” I give him a genuinely appreciative nod. “Tertius Faustus needs me. I should find him.”
“I’ll walk with you.” Aequa’s been watching my face intently.
Indol and Marcellus bid their farewells, and we walk out. Aequa’s silence only lasts just past the door, to check we’re alone. “I’m coming with you.”
“No idea what you’re talking about.”
She punches my arm. Hard.
“Ow.” I haven’t decided whether I can afford to go in as Carnifex—probably not, given that Indol would immediately make the connection now—but I at least need the option. Aequa being around will make my task harder. “No.”
“Yes. I’m a Quintus too, and I know people you don’t. I can get us in.” She eyes Diago. “Without making a scene.”
“Then getmein. There are going to be consequences, after. There’s no need for you to get caught up in them.”
“If you’re right about tonight, nobody’s going to care tomorrow morning.” She smiles sunnily. An expression she often uses to indicate there’s no moving her.
“Gods. Fine.” I snort a relenting laugh. “Thanks,” I add, more sincerely.
“Of course.”
“Speaking of tonight,” I add, smile fading. “I could use your company then, too.”
I tell her about Eidhin, about his father’s visit, as we walk the hallways. There’s bustle everywhere, people talking urgently in hushed tones. Many of the senators are back around the table, gesticulating at the map. Aequa ignores it all and listens with her familiar, unspeaking intensity.
Except for the circumstances surrounding my being Carnifex, I don’t leave anything out. “I’ll be there” is all she says when I’m done, and I realise with a warm glow that I never expected anything else.
We meander and talk a little further, but eventually find our way to the entrance; Tertius Faustus will be expecting me, and I know Aequa has things she needs to do too. “Dusk?” We’ve agreed it’s the best time for it. Late enough that at least some of the prison guards will have been drawn away for the defence of the city, but early enough that we can still get to Eidhin after.
“Dusk,” Aequa confirms. She hesitates. “Oh. And before you go … I hear Emissa’s alright.”
I miss a step, then glance across. “Really?”
She gives a wan smile. “Report on Corenius’s camp came in yesterday. She’s been spotted there.”
I exhale. I’ve tried not to think about it too much, but I’ve been assuming Emissa is with her father. Hoping. She would be a valuable hostage for any of the other Military pretenders. “Thanks.”
