“When our ancestors escaped our dying world—and the reasons for its death vary between tellers—it was thepraevolowho preserved our gift of flight. If thepraevoloflew, the Aerians flew.”
Kaylin nodded; this was in keeping with what she’d been told.
“Modern theory, of course, considers this to be a metaphor.”
“What else does modern theory say?”
“It varies. The current thought is that Aerians require a base level of actual magic if their wings are to function as more than mere decorations. Thepraevolowould, in this scenario, be an Aerian who has the ability to contain that base magic within a local area. They would radiate enough magic that the wings could function. They are essentially a repository of power. The magic required is like sun or rain,” he added. “It is an essential part of the locale. Elantra, and the Empire, has that magic. There are two known places that do not.
“In theory, were Moran’s wings whole, she could fly in either of those places. And in theory, if she were present, we could join her. But only then.”
“And the bracelet, in modern theory?”
He grimaced, but his eyes lightened enough that she could see the gray in them. “In modern theory, it would be a repository—a complicated repository—of magic. It cannot be used by any but thepraevolo. Anyone else who attempts to wear it is destroyed by the influx of magical energy. It is not, according to story, subtle or pretty.”
“So...Moran had the wings.”
“Yes. But she did not have the bracelet. She did not wear it. It was the only test of her legitimacy that could be offered, and she declined to take it.”
“And now that she’s wearing it...”
“Yes. To the Aerian Hawks, Moran dar Carafelisthepraevolonow. Arguments could be made in the past—and were—that without that proof, she just had unique wings. Those arguments have now been slaughtered.”
“Did sheknowwhat she was risking?”
“What do you think, Private?”
“I think I understand why Hanson thinks Elani looks good today. If, somehow, the Arcanists have isolated a way to capture, to direct, the power of thepraevolo, Moran’s death would mean that they could choose a suitable host.”
“Yes.”
Kaylin considered this. “They want information about the possible future because if it doesn’t work, they fear disaster?”
“That would be my assumption. Go back to work.”
“I’m still stuck on the Shadows.”
“Yes, I know.”
“I mean—” Kaylin exhaled. “Shadowismagic, of a kind.”
“Now you are crossing into dangerous, theological territory.” His eyes were blue again.
“But it is. It’s like fire or water or earth or air—but not elemental in the same way. Gilbert was Shadow. Gilbert’s power was of Shadow. But he wasn’t inherently evil. What if Shadow is the magic?”
Teela cleared her throat. Loudly. She saluted the Hawklord and dragged Kaylin out of the room.
* * *
“I don’t understand why that was a bad question.”
“Given the Imperial Laws, the existence of the fiefs, the Towers and their fieflords, you don’t understandwhyit was a bad question? The Emperor allows lands that arenothis in the very heart of his hoard, to defend and protectagainstShadow, and you don’t understand why it was a bad question?” Her words were sharp; her voice was soft.
The small dragon squawked.
“But what if—what if we’re not looking at Shadow the right way? What if the Shadows we fight don’t representallShadows? Humans sometimes kill people, but not all humans are murderers. Barrani can prey on mortals, but not all Barrani do. I mean, the list could go on and on. What if Shadow is like that?”
“You are not going to tell the Hawklord that you believe that the power of thepraevolois based in, or upon, Shadow. Just...don’t. Things are politically ugly enough as is, even for mortals.”
