WhatwasRonin seeking through this assignment? Happiness, yes, but there was something even more important than that.
To be whole again. To prove he wasn’t the monster everyone suspected he was. To do some good in this world, for a change.
If I take the assignment, will I find purpose in my life again?
The voice emitted a low hum that vibrated not only through Ronin, but through the room, rattling the Windrider’s feathers and jostling the table.
There is a worthy question. Yes, Ronin Matakos. You will. Though it will come at a cost you may not be willing to pay.
He bristled.What cost?
This I cannot tell you.
Ronin almost snarled. This was such bullshit. He didn’t know why he’d bothered.
Can you at least tell me if the Emperor’s offer is legitimate and made in good faith?
The room grew icy, the warm breeze replaced with a glacial blow that pelted Ronin’s cheeks.
The current Emperor has no faith, the voice spat.But the offer was legitimate.
So I should take the assignment then?
This I cannot tell you.
Ronin felt like he’d set himself up for that one. He wracked his brain, trying to come up with another question to ask, a question that would wash away his indecision and help him choose what to do.
You said if I take the assignment that I will find my purpose again. Whatismy purpose?
The voice took a long time to answer, what felt like an eternity but was probably only a few minutes. Ronin had almost given up on hearing one when the voice spoke up softly.
You will be afforded the opportunity for many. Restoration. Destruction. Salvation. Abomination. Resurrection. In this moment, all paths remain open. But several are rapidly closing. You must make your choice.
Which paths are closing?
This I cannot tell you.
Ronin slammed a fist upon the table and the voice laughed. Fuckinglaughed.
Whatcanyou tell me?
You have a role yet to play in this world’s history. If you are brave enough to bear it.
And if I’m not?
It was as if all the air was sucked from the room. The breeze snuffed out abruptly and the temperature plummeted. Ronin cracked his eyes to see hoarfrost crawling up the female’s wings.
Then this world will be yet another failure in a long string of disappointing experiments. And we will be forced to start over again.
What in Ethyrios didthatmean?
No fucking pressure,he answered.
You asked for a purpose. What greater purpose could there be than saving your world?
Does this world even deserve to be saved?
Silence blanketed his mind again, and when he looked across the table toward the chronomancer, her eyes were now closed and dancing behind her lids. Calculating.
