It is a bitter truth that in trying to escape the flaws of our parents we inevitably inherit the worst of them.

King Pater of Callow, the Unheeding

After they entered the second month of hard labour and sleepless nights, Wekesa jested that if he were a god hes snap his fingers and put them all out of their misery. Neither his husband nor his son graced him with even a perfunctory chuckle, which he found rather cold-blooded of them. Warlock had hoped that even disagreements, after being aired, would lance the wound festering in his family but it had been overly optimistic of him. Tikoloshe was still furious that Masego had spurned his good intentions so fully, and their son had made it exceedingly clear that hed be leaving Praes the moment the city was safeguarded and did not intend to return for many years. Thered been no talking him out of that, or even a way to broach the subject of the Black Queen again. His boy had learned to keep his own council, and while the way hed grown stirred some embers of paternal pride in Wekesa it was also highly inconvenient. Message came from Ater within the first month, word of the war in the west.

It was not good news.

Hes not dead, Warlock told Alayas envoy. I am certain. Beyond that I cannot tell. Wherever he is cannot be scried even through his blood.

Which meant he was either underground or, more likely, in the presence of priests or heroes. It had slowed the work in Thalassina by a whole week to craft a ritual that would scry even through such distance and natural barriers, setting up relays and contingencies, but thered been no question of doing otherwise. The silver of Amadeus soul in his possession was still called to the remainder of it somewhere in Creation, but aside from determining death that measure was essentially worthless. His old friends soul might not even still be inside his body, he knew, though that breed of meddling was rare among heroes. The Saint of Swords might be capable, though. Hye had told him, years ago, that Laurence de Montfort had grown skilled enough to rip a soul from its body with a swing of her sword. Was that what theyd wrought on Amadeus? Was he now a shivering shade in a bottle sealed by some priests power? Tikoloshe chided him for the thought.

You are casting fear as fact, his husband said.

Were not dealing with shepherd boys and rebels anymore, Wekesa murmured. Ive heard things about the Pilgrim, Loshe. The Saint might be the executioner for Above, but hes something rather more dangerous than that. He smooths away wrinkles. His is a thinking mans Role.

Scribe will find out the truth of it, and the Empress will put her weight behind the retrieval, Tikoloshe said. Worrying any further is without purpose.

I could leave, Wekesa said. Head out right now.

And do what? his husband gently asked. Traipse around the Proceran countryside with target painted on your back?

Warlock sighed. Tikoloshe was right, of course. Moving prematurely was just asking to get into a fight with whatever heroes had not gone north to prepare against the Dead King.

Gods, why would he wander around the Principate like that? Wekesa bit out. Were not twenty anymore, the winds no longer at our back. And theres at least half a dozen Choirs embroiled in this mess, he was bound to run into someone he couldnt cope with.

Making virtues of ones flaws does not mean those flaws are gone, his husband delicately replied.

Warlock sighed and left it at that. The two of them had never gotten along. Amadeus remained, even after over forty years, of the opinion that Tikoloshe was an unnecessary risk that should have long been dispensed with permanently. He was polite enough not to mention it anymore, but the years had not changed his position by an inch. Loshe had frankly admitted that the sheer bleak intensity of Amadeus desires, coupled with utter disregard for the incubus existence, made him uncomfortable just to be in the presence of. Like putting fingers over a candle: tolerable for a pass, but painful if continued. Masego spent several hours conferring with his comrades in Laure when he was told the news, weaving some particularly vicious protections on his scrying spell. Woe unto whoever tested those, Wekesa had mused. Thered be a few more dead Eyes in the city by the time that conversation was over. Not his issue, regardless. While he recognized that Alaya had right to try eavesdropping on the conversation, his son also had right to privacy. The victor of that skirmish would be theirs to determine, and he saw no need to intervene so long as no harsh feelings were incurred on either side.

They returned to the work with renewed vigor afterwards, but as the weeks passed tensions never fully put to rest reared their ugly heads again. It was not unexpected, truthfully. Long hours of mentally exhausting work with little rest or company save each other Masego had bluntly refused to attend court again made small irritations seem large, and when the bottle was uncorked there was no preventing the spill. It was darkly amusing, Wekesa thought, that it was an attempted olive branch from Tikoloshe thatd been the spark to light the fire. His husband made an offer to discuss his time in the Kingdom of Sephirah, should Masego promise not to delve in that branch of research afterwards. Warlock had given it even odds that it would lead to either the beginning of reconciliation or a blowout, but his predictions proved inaccurate. In both cases, hed believed the impetus would come from their son.

That wont be necessary, Masego simply said.

The three of them had gone to the Maze with dawn, and it was now midmorning. Both mages hung from their spits of coral by leather harnesses, their engraving tools made to hover by their side by a quaint little Taghrebi spell. Tikoloshe was perched atop Wekesas own coral, comfortably seated and keeping an eye on their work for mistakes. All of them were under illusion, naturally. High Lord Idriss might have purged the city, but Warlock would not rely on the mans work when his familys safety was at stake. Their modifications to Shathas Maze would remain hidden until the very last moment.

It is not the Book of Darkness, Tikoloshe conceded. Yet my remembrance is likely more than youll ever learn otherwise.

I would not be moved even if you offered the Towers own text, Masego replied, placing back his carving knife into the floating set and picking up a chisel.

Surely you dont mean to bargain with the Dead King, Tikoloshe frowned.

Unnecessary, their son said. Ive already harvested sufficient knowledge from his echoes.

Pardon me, Wekesa said. Did you say his echoes?

His apotheosis left a reflection in Arcadia, yes, Masego replied absent-mindedly. I took from him twice, at a pivot and later from his final moments as mortal. Vivienne was displeased about the delay on our trip back, admittedly, but the Hunt would not move without all of us.

There was a soft sound as he angled the chisel against an accumulation rune, bringing down his hammer to connect it with the fresh additions. The only sound for a long moment was the waves around them.

You stole memories from the Dead Kings reflection, Tikoloshe quietly summarized. Child, have you gone mad?

Debatable, Masego mused. I am not certain if operating on a different set of logic should truly be called that.

Dont you give me lip like this is some trifle, Loshe snarled. Get rid of them this instant. Its an infection.

It went downhill from there. Wekesa could not stay out of it, for he shared some of his husbands worries in this, but he could not serve as a mediator if he was also arguing. That proved to be a mistake. Tikoloshe had become emotional. That never worked well with their son. It was bad enough they ceased working for the day, walking back to the shore in fuming silence. Warlock ran into a wall when he tried to tease out details during the afternoon, Masego stubbornly refusing to speak more of the matter. Against his better judgement, he offered his son a concession: hed get to participate in the ritual from inside the Maze instead of the city, if the subject was opened again. It worked, or close enough. Masego remained vague on details, but it was clear his son could probably transcribe half the Kabbalis Book of Darkness from memory if he were so inclined and that was the least of it. It was not the diluted knowledge put to ink hed gotten his hands on but the thoughts of the Dead King himself. Secrets known only to one, until now.

Take it out, his husband said later that night, when they were alone in their room. By force if need be.

Im not going to fight him, Loshe, Wekesa replied with genuine surprise. Obviously we need to reconsider our approach, but-

You dont get it, Tikoloshe said quietly. Its a trap. I dont know for sure, but Ive seen the lay of it over the years and

Youve never spoken of this before, Warlock softly said.

I dont know for sure, his husband repeated. And it was never an issue, with the mere fragments of his work Praesi possess. But I think hes been killed before, Kesa. The Dead King. With that many heroes having fought him over the years? At least once, one will have slain him.

Wekesa was not without cleverness, and hed been married to the man for a very long time. The implication was not difficult to divine.

You think the Book is a lure, he said. And anyone that follows its teachings deep enough

He can inhabit different bodies, he could even as a mortal, Tikoloshe said. But how useful would it really be to wear some farmers skin? No, hed need mages. Talented, ambitious, well-trained in the use of their powers. And to ensure they made their way to him, seeds were sown.

Never the complete book, because then they might realize the purpose of it, Warlock murmured. Thered be risks, Loshe. If Amadeus is right about the Wandering Bard-

Black isnt even a hundred years old, his husband hissed. And he thinks he can grasp the nature something like the Bard? Last time he followed that conceit Sabah was killed. Do we need to lose our son to his pride as well?

Peace, Wekesa said. Youve said it yourself, this is only a theory.

I will not gamble with his safety, Wekesa, hear me well, Tikoloshe said. Not when the stakes are this high.

If I raise my hand against him, we lose him for good, he replied. Think about this clearly.

We lose him deeper still, if we do nothing, his husband said.

Gods, what a mess this had become. Maybe if memories were modified No, hed find out eventually. Masego had been taught to assess the state of his own mind before hed even reached puberty, hed notice sooner or later. It was only pushing the issue back by a few months or years. Part of him insisted this was only a theory, but he could not refrain from considering it. Loshe would not be this incensed if he did not genuinely believe in what hed said, and he knew better than to dismiss the thoughts of his husband out of hand. It would be easier if he was wrong, but he could not put weight on something simply because it would be more convenient were it false.

Tell me everything you know about this, Wekesa said. Every single detail, no matter how insignificant.

Tikoloshes eyes met his.

And if you agree Im right?

Warlock grimaced, but went on.

Alaya has made inquiries about putting him under house arrest until this Callowan mess is over with, Wekesa admitted. I might have to take her up on them, until weve found a permanent solution.

After the Ashurans are dispersed, then, Tikoloshe said.

Warlock reluctantly nodded. Hed need at least that long to prepare, if it was to be painless.

Itd been easier when Catherine had been there to provide ice. Winter-forged substance had a keen affinity to scrying spells, especially those involving the Observatory. Less than surprising, given that shed provided quite a bit of the power involved in the raising of it. Without her around, Masego had been forced to rely on the more traditional methods of a water-filled bowl. The link was rather solid, given the distances and likely interferences involved, which warmed his heart. His work in Laure had proved fruitful. The waters shivered and a pair of silhouettes greeted him, both familiar. They must have been standing in front of one of the pools, he thought. Hakram looked exhausted, his face tight and the ridges around his eyes standing out the orc equivalent of dark circles in a human. Vivienne, on the other hand, was flushed with good health. Shed grown out her hair, Masego noted. It suited her, made her seem almost regal.

Hierophant, Hakram said, showing just enough teeth to be respectful.

There was a pause as Masegos eyes took in all of him.

You seem to be missing a hand, the mage observed.

Vivienne snorted.

Literally the first thing, she said. I told you hed skip right over greetings.

Already was when we last spoke, the bowl simply did not show it. And I still have the one, Hakram told him, ignoring the Callowan. It serves well enough.

Two would objectively serve better, he pointed out.

If were to have this conversation, it will be in person, the orc said. And over drinks.

Ah, one of those complicated matters then. It should prove a learning experience.

Youve made contact days before I next expected you, Masego said. I take it something happened?

You could say that, Vivienne grimaced. The Empress envoy sung us a pretty song, and we need to pick your brains over it.

I do not know much of singing, he admitted.

I mean- she sighed. Never mind. Look, we were made privy to the full content of Malicias pact with the Dead King.

Does it matter? Masego asked, mildly surprised. I was under the impression we would oppose both regardless of the technicalities involved.

I believed that as well, Hakram gravelled. Before he finished speaking. She effectively sold out most of Calernia.

Which seems ill-mannered, considering she does not own it, Masego offered.

The definition of most is what matters, as it happens, Vivienne said. Theres a clause that exempts Praes and Callow from his attentions.

Which is good, he tried.

Somewhat, she said. Unfortunately, it only applies so long as shes alive.

Huh. Which was not good, because Catherine had admitted some months ago she would most likely have to kill the Empress before the war was over.

Weve asked some of our mages, but its not their specialty, Hakram said. We need to confirm is it theoretically possible for a magical contract to have a clause like that?

It is exceedingly dangerous, but yes, Masego replied.

Shit, Vivienne said, with feeling.

I do not see the issue, he admitted. Considering we were planning war against the Dead King regardless we have lost nothing.

Shes kept it secret for now, but its likely shell make the terms openly known when she judges the situation ripe for it, Hakram said. Thats going to make a mess.

Masegos brows rose. Would it? He failed to see how.

Public opinion, Zeze, Vivienne said. Itd be bad enough if we came out on Procers side after they took a swing at us, but if on top of that we have a guarantee Callow will stay safe? War will be highly unpopular. Even war against Praes, if the Empress stays quiet from now on, and shes too clever not to.

Ah, politics. Hardly his specialty.

If you could provide me the exact terms, Ill study them for weaknesses, he offered.

We will, Hakram said. But there might not be a point. Theres no guarantee she gave us the real phrasing. And if she has, shell have had every good diabolist in her employ look it over first.

I have time during the evenings, Masego shrugged. And without my library and my laboratory, only so much to spend it on.

Theres nothing to lose in trying, at least, Hakram said.

He nodded.

If I may ask, do you have news of Uncle Amadeus?

Vivienne wiggled her hand in a manner that presumably had meaning, though he was not certain what it was.

Getting word from the Jacks quickly has been harder since the Vales were shut, she said. The best I can give you is that Hasenbachs agents from her internal spy network are out in force in Salia. Turning over every vaguely suspicious stone. Ive had to recall quite a few of my people.

She frowned.

Still, if shes cleaning up the capital that thoroughly it adds weight to the Empress take in my eyes, she continued. They might be bringing in the Carrion Lord for a good spot of jeering and rock-throwing. Gods know hes been hated like poison there ever since he started setting fire to everything.

It was a relief to hear it, and Masego felt a knot in his shoulders loosen. Hed lost enough family to wars already. If Uncle Amadeus had followed Aunt Sabah into the grave so quickly No, it couldnt be allowed to happen.

Which is worrying, Hakram said. They have to know if hes kept prisoner there will be rescue attempts. If hes not dead it is for a reason.

It does not matter what they want, Hierophant calmly said. They will not keep him. Catherine will agree with me on this. So will Father and the Empress. We will lack no resources for the rescue.

My precise worry, Hakram replied. Procer cannot afford war on two fronts if one of those fronts is Keter. To execute Lord Black and break his legions makes sense, but to capture him? I can think of only one reason for that.

It took a moment, but he came to the conclusion.

Bait, Masego slowly said.

It neatly takes care of what they fear most about Cat, namely her ability to gate anywhere with an army, Vivienne said.

More than that, Hakram said. Theyll be dragging the Woe and the remaining Calamities onto their chosen grounds. The full villainy of the east where they want it, when they want it. Theyre clearing house before turning their full efforts to the north.

It has the Peregrines fingers all over it, Vivienne darkly said. The mans dangerous enough on the field, but if he has a few months to prepare? Its going to get ugly, Masego.

Shell have a plan, he said. She always does.

Well, we havent run out of lakes yet, Vivienne half-smiled. So theres always that.

Masegos lips quirked in answer.

Still no word from her? he asked.

None, Hakram said. But shed have returned by now if she wasnt making gains, its been near five months.

Or she could be dead, Masego thought but did not say. Precious little was known of what would await their friend in the Everdark.

And on your front? Vivienne asked. No sign of the Ashuran fleet?

Theyve either found countermeasures to scrying or they keep priests on their ships, he said. It makes finding their whereabouts difficult. The raids have not ceased, but Father says theyd have to be fools to give that obvious a sign they were about to strike. Theres no telling when theyll attack until theyre visible from the coast.

Ill spare no tears for that lot if you manage to bruise them, she said. But be careful, Zeze. Dont risk yourself for a Praesi city.

He decided, diplomatically, not to mention his agreed-on position when the Ashurans would come.

And its going well with your fathers? Hakram asked. I know what you found in Arcadia shook you.

It has been difficult, Masego admitted. There have been arguments.

Viviennes eyes went sharp.

Do you need a way out?

He shook his head.

I suppose you could call it a religious disagreement, he said.

Coming from the average Praesi, that would worry me, Hakram mildly said. Coming from you, I will confess to something sharper.

It will pass, Masego said. They simply need to accept I will not forever live on their terms.

His friend shared a look, but did not comment. He licked his lips.

Hakram, he said. Before Catherine left

He trailed off.

Yes? the orc encouraged.

The mage folded his arms together.

No, he finally said. It doesnt matter.

Adjutants keen eyes appraised him.

Are you certain?

Faith, Masego mused. It is had or it is not. There is no middle ground.

So Ive heard, Vivienne murmured, eyeing the orc at her side.

Then lets cut this short before the Empress succeeds at listening in, Hakram said. Ill scry you again in an hour with the text weve received, Masego.

I will be here, he honestly replied.

A round of farewells, and then he was looking down at simple water. A strange sadness lingered in the room, and he turned towards Indrani to comment on it before realizing she was not here. Masego frowned, brushing back a braid. It was not the first time hed made the mistake, and he was growing increasingly uncomfortable over it. The sooner he was rid of this city and its trouble, the better.

In the end, however, it would be another month before the Ashurans attacked.