“Then what was the point of the heist?” I spluttered. “To steal a stone you think does nothing?”
The Archon spoke up. “Even I cannot access the Maiden’s Bloodstone. Try as I might, I could find no way to convince the grand clergy to allow me into the vault without arousing their suspicions. Lady Seraphim suggested stealing it, allowing her time to swap it with a convincing fake.”
“Funny, hm?” Seraphim smirked. “That you were trying to steal it, too.”
Rolling my tongue in my mouth, I considered their words. Everyone feared the Empty, feared it would consume us. Suggesting that no salvation would come meant decrying the goddess and committing heresy. A crime that would see the Archon swiftly removed from his station.
“Surely the city knows.” I bounced in my seat anxiously. “You can’t hide something of this magnitude.”
“Oh, but they’re trying,” the Archon crossed his legs. “The people have been evacuated and asked for silence until the council finds the best way to break the news. But rumors already stir.”
“Then, convincing the clergy that action needs to be taken wouldn’t be so hard.”
Eleos laughed quietly. “You’ve never dealt with the clergy if you think anything less than the end of the world would make them change their minds. The Maiden will come. So it has been taught for a thousand years.”
Sitting back, I rubbed my eyes. I hadn’t given much thought to the Empty, not when the dangers of the city streets and the weight of debt occupied my every day.
“Seraphim and I have entered into an accord.” The Archon folded his hands. “She begged my aid. In exchange for her efforts, I agreed to clear her records and those of anyone who aids her. I have the king’s confidence, though he asked me to keep our alliance secret.”
I turned to Seraphim. “This was your idea?”
“I believe I’ve found a way to save us,” she said, “I may be the only one who knows of it.”
“Why do you want my help?” I asked. “All I can do is talk.”
“That’s exactly what I need.” Seraphim patted the back of the driver’s seat. “But there’ll be time aplenty to apprise you of the details. Are you in or not?”
Heeding her order, the guard driving the wagon turned us around, and we slowly rolled back toward the city.
“I’m in debt to the Guild,” I said. “They won’t take kindly to me leaving.”
The nobleman named Perse finally spoke up. “We know. World-ending chaos is their business,” he pointed to Seraphim and Eleos, “but the underside of civilization is mine. I can help you avoid them.”
I tried to examine his shadowed face to no avail. He was a criminal, that much I knew. Maybe hecouldhelp me.
“Why trust us?” I turned to the Archon. “We’re wanted men—setting us loose only promises we’ll flee the first chance we get.”
“Seraphim won’t let you,” The Archon’s hand curled on his lap. “I said this was her venture, did I not? Abandon your duty, and she’ll see your head removed from your shoulders.”
Casting the red-haired woman a sideways glance, I recalled her flaming scythe and effortless magic.
“Of course,” he waved a hand, “you’ll be handsomely compensated, should you succeed.”
“And, if I say no,” I said slowly, “I return to my cell?”
“Mhm.” Seraphim nodded.
“The clergy will realize their Bloodstone is fake,” I said.
“Doubtless,” the Archon agreed. “You should leave well before they do.”
Sighing, I gazed into the Empty, into its still waters, writhing under the discomfort of the mixed sensations pulsing in my breast. There was no decision to be made here. Only one option existed.
“Fine,” I said. “I’ll go.”
4
Chapter 4
