Chapter 98: No Good Men Shall Die

Chapter 98: No Good Men Shall Die

It surprised me, because I had never thought I would make that mistake - I, who have always been small enough to scramble under the machine. Having touched real power I was unprepared for its complexity. From the soul flows strength, yes, but it is only one piece of the puzzle.

I worried about the evil inherent in souls from the moment I first gained mine - one piece of that larger problem, in retrospect. The soul slipped into my flesh from Claude, and as the last gasp of life departed his body I gained the sight to know what you did to him, and to the doctor. Even with their betrayal of me so fresh, I was horrified; I swore to never use my soul.

Then came Severs camp, and the soul showed me the deaths of my friends. I dont know if I could have saved them, but I did not try - too afraid of what you had shown me to do anything but watch them fall. When you came I dared to hope, and tried just once to save a man dying in front of me; it saddled me with another soul, and the knowledge of how irrevocably I was bound to you.

In Mendian the sting felt less present. Under Unai I learned healing correctly, safely. He was the first one who ever kindled hope rather than fear in me. I helped soldiers in the first days of the expedition, but when I healed a Safid - I assume you remember that day.

I did not let it deter me. With Unais encouragement I kept healing, and it helped. I did so much good; I thought I had grown to a place where I could take my stand against the world. I dared to believe I was enough to make a difference. I assume you remember that day as well.

- Annals of the Seventeenth Star, 693.

It was not hard to locate Carolus, as it happened; the Altenbach office was located in another venerable wing of the Assembly, presumably hard-won through some deal. Michael knew that the Altenbachs were a relatively recent ascension to power, as Ardan families went, so it was unlikely that the office had been in their possession for very many generations-

Michael shook his head, calming his thoughts, and sent his sight past the heavy wooden door in front of them; a moment later he withdrew it. Hes here, Michael sighed.

You dont sound happy about that. Sobriquet gave him an annoyed look. Why? Whats he done?

Nothing surprising, Michael said, pushing the door open. The office was cluttered, crowded; where Karl Baumgarts office was a room for meetings and deals, Carolus clearly viewed it as a working space. There was a large desk at one end, and a few smaller writing desks along one side of the room. Every surface was covered in papers.

He walked around to the far side of the desk, looking down at where Carolus was sleeping on the floor, soft snores coming from his open mouth. He still gripped his empty flask in one hand.

Ghars bones, Sobriquet muttered. I dont suppose Unai ever taught you that trick of his?

I never thought Id have this much use for it. Michael walked to stand behind the desk, cocking his head. Shows how much I know. Is there anything you can do?

She bent down, touching her fingers to the snoring mans brow; a moment later Carolus sat bolt upright. His eyes were wide, darting around.

What in Ghars bloody- he sputtered, his face shading to an unhealthy red. His eyes settled on Sobriquet; a moment later they managed to focus on her. Oh, its you. You two. He paused. Youre in my office.

Yes, well, Michael said. It seemed like the best place to find you, considering that you didnt seek us out.

Oh, she isnt going to like that, Carolus muttered. He reached up to grip the edge of his desk. Wincing, he stood, wavering unsteadily on his feet. You probably shouldnt have come here.

Sobriquet gave him a flat look. Where else should we have met? she asked. You didnt have the courtesy to fall into a stupor somewhere more convenient.

It wasnt necessary before - oh, damn. Carolus winced. Ive overdone it, havent I? Its Stonesday?

The last time I checked, yes. Michael gave him a reproachful look. Werent you meant to be stirring up support for our cause? Talking to allies? Because I have been, results notwithstanding. Will we have any support at all in the chamber when its called to order?

Theyll fall in line, Carolus slurred, shaking his head. I didnt neglect anything important, I just - I had to sleep.

Sobriquet snorted. Id say you managed.

Its not as though its my preference, Carolus said, looking nettled. The others, they looked, they died. Not all of them, but the ones that are strong enough to see- He paled. To see His fingers twitched, he dove down for his flask; a moment later he tossed it disgustedly to the side. He tore open one drawer of his desk after another, sending papers fluttering down until at last he came away with a small bottle of murky brown spirits. He flung the cork aside and took a lengthy pull, then another.

Michael and Sobriquet watched with mild concern as he lowered the bottle to wipe his lips. Carolus took a slow breath, then another; he opened his eyes. His lips pulled into a pitiful smile.

I know, he said. The dignity of an Assemblyman indeed. Its just so - so narrow. He glanced at the empty neck of the bottle, looking around for the discarded cork; a moment later he sighed and drank the last swallow of liquor. As he set the bottle on his desk, he met Michaels eyes. I spent all of the afternoon watching futures wither away. Id look, and see, and then it would be gone. You talked to Friedrich, and a handful died. You talked to your father- He shook his head. Our options are very limited now.

The Mendiko sent Lekubarri, Michael said. He wanted to talk with you, but you were - indisposed. Theres likely still time to coordinate in advance of the session.

Lekubarri, Carolus rumbled. A moment later, he shook his head. Oh, no. No no no, that wasnt the right one. Damn me, no wonder- He trailed off, turning away to rifle through a cabinet.

Not the right one? Sobriquet shot back. The man is a terror. I dont like him much, but Im damn sure theyve got nobody better on their side for this kind of knife work.

Carolus gave a derisive snort, stooping to search another drawer. Thats the problem, he said. Terrifying man like that, even the dullards in the chamber will remember why theyre scared of Mendian. His fingers closed around another bottle, this one larger and nearly full; he pulled it from the drawer with palpable relief. I do need to talk to him. I doubt hell be able to restrain himself. Hes violence, and violence is counter- Carolus frowned, enunciating clearly. Counter. Productive.

Michael and Sobriquet exchanged a glance. I can direct him to you, Sobriquet said. Let me see if I can-

She cut off as the door burst open, revealing two burly guardsmen; they rushed into the room, followed by two more. Michael moved to stand in front of Sobriquet, though he had no doubt that she had vanished. The guards glowered at him, standing ready - and parting to reveal Isoldes furious face.

You! she spat, glaring at Michael. Her eyes flicked to Carolus in the next moment; Michael caught the flicker of her soul at work, no doubt taking in the mans decrepit state. What did you do to him?

I woke him up, Michael said wryly. He was late for an appointment, and I was concerned.

Isoldes face grew indignant. You dont have business with him, she said. How did you even get in here? Youre not a member of the Assembly, youre not even - guards! Take him out of here, get him out of the building.

The closest guard took a step towards him; Michael didnt move. Im going to speak at the Assembly, he said, keeping his eyes on Isolde. Carolus sought me out, to help him save Ardalt from the disastrous peace talks that you facilitated. Hes like this because hes been staring too hard at what happens when we fail, from what I gather. Michael nodded at Carolus. Ask him.

Isolde flushed, then paled; she took a half step back from Michael. You know as well as I that hes compromised, she said. Alone in a room with you-

Thats rich, Michael snorted, feeling the color rise to his face. There was a flare of warning in the back of his mind, fresh from losing his temper with his father; he decided a moment later that his relationship with Isolde couldnt degrade much further. What did I catch you doing back in Daressa? You and Vera? Of the two of us, Im not the one guilty of that particular insult.

He lifted his chin. I didnt touch him, with my soul or otherwise. Carolus is an ally, one that Im trying very hard to help so that our whole shitty country doesnt fly to pieces. Im trying to save him, and Sofia, and you, believe it or not. He felt a ripple of consternation and lifted his head to look out the door to the hallway beyond. Have I lied, just now?

Sofia stepped into the room, her face unreadable. You did not, she said. But deception is more than lies, as you well know. With you, I might not be able to tell.

Ghars fucking bones, Michael muttered, exasperated. Im not your enemy, as much as you try to make it so.

Hes not, Carolus said, overly loud. I wanted him to - to talk to people. Talk to you. He looked at Sofia. You know whats at stake. How close we are to losing everything.

I suppose youve arrived at a number, Michael said tersely. Because such a conflict will have a cost in lives. If you truly care about these good men, then-

Zero, Luc murmured, his eyes once again turning to the growing mob of Ardan spectators straining to hear their conversation. No good men shall die. His eyes slid back to Michael, burning bright. Not unless you drag them into a war that does not concern them.

Michael blinked, staring at Luc as a slow, awful realization bloomed within him. Youre mad, he rasped. You mean to use-

I am going to repay Ardalt for all that theyve given me, Luc said, raising his voice so that it carried across the crowd. I was raised by your hand, and I have not forgotten it for an instant. How could I deny such a people my strength? The strength to stand against the Safid?

A smattering of applause came from the spectators; Michael felt a complex flare of emotion from Luc. Exhilaration and fear rode bright and high atop a twisting sea of darker things. Luc spread his hands, and Michael saw the tremor in his fingers.

I do not believe it is Ardalts fate to end in meek submission, Luc said. No matter if the cause seems hopeless and dire, yes? He raised his arms at the affirmation from the crowd, more enthusiastic than before. No matter the odds! Do you want to live under another lands rule?

The crowd shouted back their jeers. Slowly, Luc let his arms drop and turned back to Michael, a sad smile on his face - one rapidly eclipsed by shock as Lucs eyes looked past him, to the side.

Michael turned and saw the Mendiko delegation arriving, escorted by Carolus, Sofia and Isolde. Unai and Zabala stood by Lekubarri; they stepped forward to stand in front of him when they saw Luc.

Unai, Luc murmured. Michael felt a twist of the other mans soul and took a rapid step back, but it was only the familiar brush of an anatomens reaching out to Unai, lingering on his burnt skin and withered arm, his skeletal frame. Luc flinched back almost in the same moment, his eyes widening.

What confidence he had injected into his posture bled away; he hunched forward, shrinking in upon himself. How did this happen? he rasped.

How do you think? Unai asked coldly. You should remember, you were there.

Luc stepped back, shaking his head. No, thats not- He fell silent, his soul darting out once more to probe Unai, tracing across the other mans body in slow, hesitant strokes. Finally, Luc looked up.

Why havent you fixed it? he asked, his voice so quiet that Michael could barely hear.

Unai sighed, and his face softened fractionally. Because I cannot, he said, his eyes fixed on Luc. Nobody can.

Lucs breath quickened, his eyes defocusing. You werent supposed to be there, he mumbled. It was just supposed to be- He broke off, shaking his head again, violently, like a horse trying to shed a fly. His hands came up to grasp his hair, white-knuckled; his head shuddered upward to stare at Michael. He wasnt supposed to be there.

Michael didnt need Spark to see the twisting panic rising in Lucs eyes; he looked around briefly at the great many people who had gathered near to them. Luc, he said, raising his hands. Youre-

Why did you bring him? Luc rasped. Hes one of yours, he would have been fine, he would have been safe. He clenched his jaw, letting his fists drop to the sides; Lucs head came up to stare at Michael. His eyes were wet and red-rimmed, bloodshot, echoing with the same hot-metal stench of rage that pulsed from him in waves.

Every time, he grated. Every time I try, you have to come in and - what is the point if youre not going to protect them? He took a halting, spasmodic step forward. You can, so why? Lucs eyes widened, then slowly narrowed. There was a glint there that Michael had not seen before, something hard and raw and blood-red.

A soft choking sound came from behind Michael, followed by the clatter of metal on stone; Michael turned to see Carolus standing stock-still, his eyes wide, his flask spilling a slow stream of liquid onto the floor.

Papa! Sofia cried, dashing towards him. Carolus did not react; his eyes were dilated, fixed on something only he could see. His jaw worked soundlessly.

Wide eyes focused on Luc. A moment later, they found Michael. A low, guttural keening issued from the man as he dropped to his knees, his arm outstretched; Michael took a step forward-

The soul of Carolus Altenbach burst around him; a storm of twisted glass and half-seen shadows stopped Michaels breath in his throat. Radiance cascaded through a thousand imperfect lenses, shifting, swirling.

You, Carolus croaked. His arm came up, trembling, outstretched towards Michael. Its - you. When it - it- He coughed; blood speckled the stone floor, welled from his eyes and nose; Sofia bent down frantically to cup his face in her hands, her fingers smearing crimson on his cheeks, but Carolus never looked away from Michael.

Ever seeking, he gasped. Searching. Finding. To their- His voice cut off in a strangled yell, wet and guttural; his back arched.

Anatomens! Sofia screamed, jerking her head around. Isolde was backing away, her eyes fearful. She turned to Unai, who wore a grim expression. Please! Hes - theres bleeding, I can show you, I can show you, please, papa-

Shining, Carolus said, his voice drawing dust from the stones of the hall. His soul snapped into place around him, the light bathing him in otherworldly radiance. Michael stood, transfixed, there were footsteps behind him-

Scouring. Breaking. The air itself heaved under the words; Michael felt it deep in his chest. Eyes snapped wide amid a sea of blood, staring through him.

ENDING.

The last word tore from Carolus like gunfire; he dropped limp to the ground in a pool of blood. Luc had started moving already, though, and was kneeling beside the fallen man almost before he had stopped moving.

Bare, scarred fingers touched gently against his neck. A moment later, they withdrew.

Im sorry, Luc said, dazedly standing up. There was- He paused, his eyes widening.

There was nothing I could have done, he whispered.

Michael clenched his fist against the ache in his hand, stalking towards Luc, only for Sofia to stand in his path.

You, she seethed, her eyes bright with rage; Michael was momentarily overwhelmed as she turned it on him. She was incandescent, flaring so brightly that all else seemed to disappear. Her hands came up to grab his lapels; Michael felt the press of her soul clawing at his mind.

By instinct he flared his low souls, feeling the warmth surge through him as the response came from Leire, Clair, Vincent-

Sofia gasped and lurched away from him as though burned, collapsing into the pool of her fathers blood; Isolde rushed to her side.

What did you do? Isolde yelled, staring daggers at him. Fucking murderer! Leave us alone!

She didnt give Michael the space to make a denial, storming to her feet and standing between him and Sofia with her arms spread. He pointed at you! she growled. He said it was you!

There was silence in the grand hall, broken only by the soft noise of Sofias weeping - and the gentle creaking of wheels across the stone.

Michael looked to the side and saw an attendant slowly pushing an ornate bath chair; in the chair, with a blanket across his legs, was Karl Baumgart. He sat back, his eyes glittering in their sunken hollows, and surveyed the crowd.

He glanced at the Mendiko, huddled together, then at Luc standing motionless, his eyes fixed on some far-off point. Karls head came down towards Sofia, and Carolus - and Michael, standing over them with bloody handprints marring his lapels.

Michael felt cold wheels turning behind his fathers visage as a frown spread across it, one that did not reach his glittering eyes. Oh, Michael, Karl said quietly. What have you done?