Page 256 of Vasmora

“Wonderful. So, not only was it all for nothing, but now we’ll be navigating blindly through those tunnels.”

“I know the tunnels.”

The small voice came from the left of us, and I turned to see Gavroche stepping out from behind an enormous grandfather clock.

“You’ve been in the tunnels beneath the city?” Dolion scoffed when the boy nodded. “I don’t see how that’s possible. They’ve been sealed for centuries.”

“They open on a reservoir just outside of The Hovel.” Gavroche’s hands fidgeted as he spoke, his eyes not quite making contact with any of the adults. “My friends and I lived there for months. It was the only home we knew. Then the king ordered his men to clear the tunnels for renovations.”

“Living in those tunnels?” Allura shook her head, her voice brimming with sadness. “It must’ve been terrifying.”

Gavroche shrugged. “Sometimes, I suppose. We’d hear voices, or see spectral things. It was safer than sleeping in the streets, though.”

Hands braced at his hips, Torryn shook his head. “Dark and treacherous tunnels safer than living amongst other mancers … we are a shameful society.”

A glance toward Zevander showed the same impatience I felt, the tension that pulled at his face, his mind undoubtedly calculating the fastest routes and what he’d have to kill along the way.

“How do we find them?” I interrupted.

“Gavroche, you say it opened on a reservoir in The Hovel.” Dolion winced, holding his arm tighter to his body. “Are you familiar with the entrance from the House of Sages? Arcanaca Tower? That would be the closest to Cadavros’s nest.”

He nodded. “Before renovations, it was closed off nearest to the Arcanaca Tower, of course. But yes. Best rats were in the west tunnels.”

Dolion grunted, loosening the knot where the rags on his arm had been tied off. “Even through a numbing spell, it aches,” he muttered.

“Do you need help wrapping that with fresh bandages?” I asked.

“No, no. I can manage. There’s no time.” He nodded toward Gavroche. “Do you recall a ritual room with a statue of Nihilion?” A name that didn’t ring a bell.

The boy nodded. “God of the void.” He nodded. “I know that room well.”

“That is where you will find Cadavros.” He shifted his gaze toward Zevander. “Your brother mapped him there. The boy can lead you.”

“No.” Zevander crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m not taking a boy into a nest of the infected.”

“Time is crucial.” Dolion spoke through clenched teeth. “He might be able to find them faster. Even with a map, you’d be blindingly wandering about those tunnels. Maybe for days.”

“What about Branimir?” Zevander asked, ignoring Dolion’s comments. “Would the small bit of sablefyre he possesses from the Emberforge ritual offer him some protection in the meantime?”

Dolion winced. “Now that Pestilios has awakened? Not likely. His body would be overwhelmed with the full power of a god. Which is why I’m urging you to let the boy lead you.”

Gavroche glanced toward Zevander and lowered his gaze toward the floor. “I promise I’ll stay near. I won’t wander off.”

The tension in Zevander’s muscles was almost palpable, the way he rolled his shoulders back again. “Fine.”

“I’ll join you, as well,” Lothare said, his boots thudding as he made his way down the corridor toward us.

“Zevander … there is a book in my chambers, set out on a table. Inside of it is the dagger we discussed. Handle it with the utmost care and keep it sheathed. Should it become tainted … “

“I know.” Zevander’s hands had already begun to roam for his weapons, the way he did when his nerves were rattled, hands patting at his chest and hips. He strode toward Lothare, and with one more glance toward Dolion, I followed after him. “You and Torryn ready the horses,” he said on passing Lothare. “Dolion is in no condition to cleave us.”

Lothare gave a curt not, and as Zevander headed toward the staircase, I kept at his heels.

“What can I do?” I asked after him.

“Stay here. Keep breathing.” He didn’t bother to look back or slow his pace.

“Look, I understand that you like to go rogue on these things, but I don’t think two, or three, of you against an entire village of mutations is wise.”