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“What we’ve always done,” Marsh said. “Survive.” He looked to Wax again. “The people of Bilming think they are accomplishing so much, building this navy of theirs to threaten Elendel. It is all part of Trell’s plan somehow. Be warned. Be careful. She steers them. I’ve been… dull of mind lately, as I try to fight off what is happening to me.”
“We’ll stop them,” Marasi said. “I promise it, Marsh.”
Wayne waved to them. A moment later, an attendant arrived with their weapons and equipment. She then withdrew to let them rearm.
“Marsh,” Marasi said, slipping a small handgun into her shoulder bag, “have you ever seen a symbol like this?” She quickly sketched three interlocking diamonds in her notepad. They reminded Wax of something. Some architectural designs from around Elendel?
Yes,he thought.Near the Field of Rebirth.Actually, it resembled the three-petal shape of a Marewill flower.
“This is my brother’s symbol,” Marsh said. “He does what he thinks is best. As has always been the case with him. He… is not the best at self-reflection, but hedoeswant to protect Scadrial. His agents will align with your interests.”
“I think I saw through his eyes,” Wax said. “Once, years ago. Is he still alive? The Survivor?”
“Alive?” Marsh asked. “It depends, I suppose, on your definition. He’s close to alive. How is that?”
“You mean… he’s a ghost?” Wayne asked.
“After a fashion,” Marsh replied. “He’s less alive than I am, but perhaps more than other ghosts? It’s hard to say. Three of us remain from that original crew. After all this time. Only three. Legs to a tripod, balancing one another. And without one… I do not know what would happen.”
Wax didn’t know what to make of that. Still, it felt good to strap his guns back on, and they had a lead now. A name and, it appeared, permission to leave this office without being chased. He’dtake it, even if Death himself was…
“I will stay here,” VenDell said as they gathered at the door. “I will ensure that Lord Ironeyes is cared for, and look after the constables in the hospital. I… do not think I will be of further value to your investigation.”
“As you wish,” Wax said.
“Just remember what you know, Lord Ladrian,” VenDell said. “What you said earlier. Harmony puts people where they need to be, but then they must act. It is his way.”
Wax nodded. “Wayne, Marasi—are you ready?”
“I am,” Marasi said, slinging her bag over her shoulder.
They looked to Wayne, who put his hands on his hips. “Did either of you know that ghosts was real?”
“Does it matter?” Marasi asked.
“Does it matter ifghostsarereal?” Wayne said. “I think it matters, Marasi. I think itrustingdoes!”
“I’m told it is better to refer to them as Cognitive Shadows,” Marsh mumbled.
“Wayne,” Wax said, “can we please focus?”
“Fine, fine,” he said, sliding his dueling canes into their loops on his belt. “Seems unfair to grouse at a man for getting discombobulated by definitive proof of an afterlife. Dark gods. Death himself dyin’. Rusting ghosts. Guess we gotta keep goin’, but after this, I don’t wanna see anyone complainin’ when I’ve traded for someone’s favorite shoes or whatnot. Hear me?”
Together they marched out through the quiet constabulary office and into the sunlight.
29
Right,Marasi thought, trying to pull her emotions together.Conversation with Death. Just anothereverydayconversation withDeathhimself…
She couldn’t blame Wayne for feeling out of sorts. But they had to stay focused. Unfortunately, she and the others hadn’t even reached the bottom of the constabulary office steps before someone came running down after them. Flushed from exertion—and perhaps stress—Blantach looked a great deal less sure of herself now than she had earlier.
Marasi stepped forward to meet Blantach. “Yes?”
“He’s going to send people after you,” she said. “As soon as he gets over the shock of what happened in there with… you-know-who. I know Lord Entrone. He takes a great deal of pride in how ‘modern’ and ‘forward thinking’ he is. He’ll decide you tricked him, and will send constables to arrest you.”
Wax groaned softly, stepping up behind them. “We don’t have time to dodge patrols.”
“Look,” Blantach said, “I… haveno ideawhat’s going on in this city. I thought I did. Until…” She glanced at the office building and shivered. “I had my illusions shattered quite violently. Something dangerous is going on here.”
