“How do you know the information the agent divulged can be trusted? If they muddled his mind before he returned to the Cradle, there’s no telling what they could have twisted when it came to his memories.”
“The thought has occurred to me,” Sancha replied. “But of all the agents within the Church, Malachi was our most devoted to the cause. He would have proven a difficult mind to turn, if that were the case. He was well-versed in mental defense measures. Any Adored would have found themselves speaking to a wall if they tried to Command him.”
“But we’re not dealing with just the Adored any longer,” I concluded. “There are countless new magics popping up across the Expanse. It’s not impossible to believe that any one of these Converts could have twisted his mind.”
“You may be right, of course. That’s all the more reason why I need your help. Your mind is not confined to the preconceived limitations of the Magi, therefor you will be better equipped to counter these new magics. Then, there’s the fact that you were raised amongst the Mortals. You understand their way of life.”
“Way of life?” I echoed, failing at keeping the scoff from my voice. “You speak of them as if they are a different species, Cardinal. May I remind you that they are not. The only difference between you and a Mortal on the street is the magic running through your veins. And now, there’s not even that. Mortals have the same capacity as any Magi. To be positive forces for change, or to utilize their magical ability to enact their basest desires. To suggest that all Mortals behave and think in the same vein is a dangerous and frankly ignorant mistake. It has already cost you dearly, and it will continue to do so.”
Sancha nodded slowly. “Once again, you’ve proven that we’ve sought the right man for this task, Bastien. Your wisdom does not fall on deaf ears.”
“I’m not saying that I’m going to help you,” I clarified. “At least, not in the capacity that you wish me to. I’m not an agent of the Church, and I refuse to act on its behalf. I am also no spy to bring an end to a group of dissenters. But you did save my life once, Cardinal. I have not forgotten that. And if you and Cirian believe that whatever slumber has befallen your guardian is similar to what ails the Greene twins, then I cannot ignore your request.”
“Is that your way of saying that you’ll help us?” Cirian asked, a sly grin pulling at his lips.
“I will strongly consider it.”
“You have my deepest thanks,” Sancha spoke, rising from her seat once more. “I have instructed Cirian to provide you with anything you may need for your research into the Converts. If it is within the power of the Church, consider it yours.”
“I would like to start by speaking with Malachi, if you’ll permit me.”
Sancha halted at the request, her eyes narrowing. “You’ll find him to be poor conversation, I’m afraid.”
“Still, he’s the only one with actual knowledge about the Converts. If there’s any way I can glean information from him, he will prove to be an invaluable asset.”
“As you wish,” Sancha replied, turning her gaze to Cirian. “Keep me up to date on your findings. Source’s blessings to you both.”
Cirian nodded as Sancha gave me another short bow, then hurried out of the office. His demeanor shifted once she’d cleared the door, his rigid posture slouching a bit as he pressed the tips of his fingers into the pockets of his orbital bone.
“You do realize that she doesn’t do that for just anyone, right?”
“I know,” I replied.
The irony was not lost on me that I, a Reviled, was being granted a place of honor here amongst Hallowed. That their leader had shown me more respect than they had shown my people in over a hundred years. What would Gran say if she could see me now?
Cirian rose to his feet, stretching his arms above his head as he let out an oafish yawn.
“Am I keeping you up?” I asked.
He rolled his eyes at that. “You should really leave the humor to those more aptly equipped.”
“You should listen to your own wisdom.”
“Careful now, Bast. You heard the Cardinal. I have to heed what you say.”
“Oh, I’m fully aware.”
I couldn’t contain the grin that spread across my face.
“Let the games begin.”
“This place is a labyrinth. How do you manage without getting lost?”
Cirian led us down yet another stone hallway, past endless doors and branching paths. I had lost count long before, and yet we pressed onward.
“These halls have been my home for nearly three decades, Bast. I know them as if they were the very veins under my skin. They are as much a part of me.”
“Ah, that’s right. You were raised here.”
