>>6337650<span class="mu-r">“Glad you could come. I got my hand burned though, not my legs.”</span>
You say, interrupting whatever monologue she was certainly going to throw herself into.
Astoria does not seem amused, though Carnaval’s grin displays the angel’s approval.
“Neither your mouth, as I can perfectly hear. One would say you possess a silver tongue as well, <span class="mu-i">Argia</span> Candente,” your old superior says with a sneer. “But all will come in due time. And that includes you. The Trial has begun and you are awaited. Do you plan to insult the Sun-Birther further by dilly-dallying?”
You would have choice words, but what is the point of wasting any more breath? What is done is done.
Should you toss one last look at the girls?
Your heart throbs for you to do so.
But no—
Better to stay firmly on your path. They have already put themselves in enough danger.
You wish to remember them the way they were: hugging you, full of gladness and relief.
You walk forward, the cameo sitting on your chest.
Bragia had walked to her doom just like you are doing. But she did walk until the very end. And once more you intend to do as she did.
You reach the exit, while Soralisa and Rubida shuffle their feet behind you.
They will be out there to see, of course.
As you pass by Astoria, the waves of satisfaction coming out of her body seem to hit you with an unpleasant heat.
You might find it inside yourself to spare her a merciful thought, but she did pick on Master.
And she did involve your friends into this.
So no, when you pass by her it’s like you are passing by a moss-covered rock, and even the Amaranthines. You would have been expected to grovel at their feet. Former heathen, Candéan, and silver-haired.
They are to you like beeches in autumn: tall and imposing and red, and just part of the panorama.
“Show me the way,” you address Carnaval instead.
Her golden eyes warm up with the glow of her pity, then she raises her arm and takes a step out of your cell.
You follow her.
To whatever end the Sun-Birther may have decided for you.
[cont.]
