record_id: 30cf8b3e-f83d-817d-9315-c0b541a35957
created_time: 2026-02-19T01:28:00.000Z
title: 02-18 Briefing: Moral Agency, Survival Ethics, and Power Accountability
source_url: /

[TRANSCRIPTION]
Speaker 1 00:01:29
Sasha did not think it would have changed the course of that night. Swift and efficient, the Eagles were, worthy of admiration if Sasha were not tasting the bitterness of their slaughter. He watched the devastating attack from a rocky rise overlooking the camp, his three guards silent behind him. The swift sunrise, Not swift enough to bear witness to the death riding in the wake of the waning night. It was over quickly. The last Lichensians made a final stand in the center of camp and were surrounded before they could rally any courage. Sasha wondered if Kalitheros was among them, but the distance was too great to tell. He watched them die one by one, their lifeblood spilling to stain earth, Snuffed out in a licking froth When killing was done, Sasha began to descend from his overlook. A hind of bloody eagles assigned to him. Perhaps this too was T'Golong's gift to him, or perhaps the three merely wanted a chance to meet her. Hope, and felt as if they had done their part. Such a difficult pair. He did not wonder, Aiming instead for the largest tent and what he was sure he would find there. Commander Pharaoh's handpicked that she said died as she had lived: that is, violently, Loudly. And if the dead eagles around her were any indication offended by the mere suggestion that she was about to draw her last breath. She'd taken five eagles with her, perhaps more, but five were clearly already in a circle, their corpses in various states of butchery :, a slash through the throat of one.
Speaker 1 00:02:25
A set of exposed intestines on another. A third, hamstrung and deprived of an arm at the elbow, though it dangled by some brave sinew. Sasha could not say for certain who had owned the dagger buried in Theros's neck. Perhaps the hamstrung one, deemed less a threat by the commander as she took down his comrades, only for him to fling the blade from one knee with his off hand. The throw of a lifetime really, Though Sasha doubted the blood flowing from his wounds had allowed him to live long enough after the steel found its mark to understand what he had done. What Sasha knew for a certainty was that Markolo had not thrown it. The boy was flat on his back, eyes staring at the purple and orange sky. A single gaping hole in his side adequately telling the story of his demise. He had not even drawn his borrowed sword. The sword was not the only thing still attached to Marko. Sasha looked over his shoulder, saw eagles plucking anything of value from the dead, Saw his watchers eagerly questioning their comrades for a taste of their exploits, so that they too might drape themselves in glory. He knelt next to the boy, shifting Marko's arms slightly. Sasha tugged a leather letter case until he could undo the clasp. The contents were in disarray; some letters were folded, others rolled and tied too tightly so that the parchment was crumpled. Sasha pulled one such free, causing the two bottles' rings to clank against each other and opened it. The boy's writing was neat though not in a language Sasha could read.
Speaker 1 00:03:23
He discarded it for a second letter, this one in Vichian, but a different scroll. Sasha picked out a few words: grain, horses, horseshoes, along with a few numbers. A Nordichi merchant's price list then. Perhaps Stugamal intended only to pay visit to the city south of the Lahn. The third scroll was just as useless to Sasha as the first, which set a scowl crinkling across his forehead. Neska would have laughed and told him he ought to spend more time studying languages, and then she would have translated it most likely. Sasha wasn't even sure what language he was seeing. Arch Commander! Sasha didn't flinch, recognizing that Ramses' took on his voice was too far away yet to indicate that he understood what Sasha was doing, keeping his back to the captain's approach. He tucked the scroll back among the rest and closed the case, but not before catching a glimpse of a wax seal. Not all of it, no, he was not so lucky. But whatever was on the seal, it had wings. Sasha shifted his body so Tukamun might have a view of what followed, then reached out to close Margalo's eyes. Archcomander! Sharper this time and with an note of urgency. Sasha stood and turned. Is he going to have it Captain? Of letting untrained boys on the field of battle? Tukamun looked from Sasha to the dead boy and the leather case and back again. He would have done it sooner or later. Is that what you will tell his parents? Rameses Tukamun lifted his chin: I would think Demnos.
Speaker 1 00:04:19
But, you might have more pressing questions on your mind than the life or death of one boy. Sasha gave a nod. Ah, but you see, Captain, you have answered my questions. Sasha gestured to the dead among the tents. Above, a dark-winged bird circled, joined by another. You mean to take Luchenza? You drew away that city's means of defending itself, put them in a vulnerable position, Making sure to antagonize their commander enough to ensure the distance it would require to mask your intentions. And, now you will march north and then take the west road to Luchenza, where the city defended. Now only by a watch that has done nothing, but amuse itself, hunting and drinking ale will fall. Rameses took him on looked down at Commander Theros, and then at his own blade. Dark with blood and viscera. He took up the end of his sash and wiped the steel clean, or somewhere in the vicinity of clean. You are correct, Arch-Commander. You asked me where I intend to live out my days, Should I choose to hang my sword upon a wall and grow fat by a hearth. Now you have that answer as well. Such a laugh, long and loud. One of the crows above called out in response ;. The grey eagles nearby stopped what they were doing. You cannot think me such a fool, Tuchumal, As to believe that you intend to retire in L ich ens ia ; that you will depose the P rin ce- P repa nd and defend that city from the storm we know will come. And then what? Rule it? Collect taxes and make laws?
Speaker 1 00:05:16
You do not have the desire or the will to govern. Sasha dropped the smile from his face. And you cannot make me believe this scheme was of your making. Your attack here this morning was well coordinated and executed with precision. But using the Prince Ivo's anger against Bienyzi is someone else's game, not yours. Tukamun's gaze flicked into the letter case one last time, and then he offered Sasha a chuckle and a shrug, genuine if somewhat uneasy, and intended to throw Sasha off whatever scent he was hiding. It was worth a shot, don't you think? You wouldn't expect me to admit all my secrets. He took a few steps and clapped Sasha on the shoulder. But come, I am feeling generous and bloodshed always gives me a thirst. He applied gentle pressure, turning Sasha away from Commander Theros and the dead surrounding her. And Markalan. Sasha pretended not to notice the Captain give an attendant jerking nod back at the boy's corpse, confirming Sasha's sense that something could be learned from the contents of the case, and merely assuring that he would never see it again. The Grey Eagles celebrated without restraint, perhaps too long without a fight, perhaps spurred on by the treachery at the heart of the day. Their wildness a tribute to the fine line between life and death, A line. They had walked well that morning, but knew they could find themselves on the other side of it very next. The dead of their company were seen to before wine began to flow in earnest. Eighteen in all; five to Theros' fewer. 
Speaker 1 00:06:15
Two large pits were dug, the bodies placed with care, The faces of the living watching with a sort of nervous solemnity that told Sasha they were eager not to dwell on their own mortality. Tugamon spoke a few words in Hieroborean, and three were buried with a silver coin between their lips, according to the custom of their homeland. When the last of the dirt had been shoveled over the graves, the Eagles drew their weapons swords mostly, a few spears and glaives and turned their points to the earth. One by one they thrust the blades into the soil, creating a ring of weapons around the dead, a thicket of steel to watch over them. Sasha watched as The Eagles walked away; their grave expressions loosening. He heard first toast to victory : " I would have thought you in need of wine." "March, come on." Sasha took a breath before turning, trying to summon a detachment he did not feel. Ramses took him on, held a jug of green glass in one hand, two small pewter cups in the other. He was watching Sasha with care. "What will you do with the Nethrenz and the dead?" A small shrug. "They will stay where they are." Sasha had expected no different. Such was often the way: The dead left for Karyan's seekers, A reminder of the darkness that had overrun that serene stretch of green land long after the victors moved on. "And this woods?" Sasha gestured. "This is not a custom I have seen before." Tookamun followed his gaze. "A token of respect for our fallen friends." We cast down our steel and walk unto the sun undefended. 
Speaker 1 00:07:14
As a reminder of what we have lost. They will remain until nightfall. Sasha waited until Tigmorn made to leave, the wine yet unpoured. I have an offer for you, Captain. The mercenary turned back. Sasha kept his gaze fixed on the freshly turned soil, knowing what answer he would be given, But knowing he had to speak because he could not see no matter how he turned his mind. No matter how he tried to stitch the threads. He could not see what was at work beneath Tigmorn's plans, what drove him, what would come next. Choose eight of your regals, the best your company can offer. Give me a weapon of your choosing, and I will fight them all eight at once. And if I win, you will abandon this course, you will leave Balara. If I lose, you will still have your ransom. I'll make sure of it in writing. There was perhaps more consideration in Renzi's to Baran's eyes than Sasha had expected, or if not consideration, thoughtfulness, which was not the same and yet just as curious. The offer was not a particularly good one, but what mattered to Sasha was that he made it. That, he tried to find a way to stem the tide of whatever malevolence was flowing through the Seven Cities. He was the Protector after all, the Celestial Light. He had to try. And Tukamun had shown enough cracks in his conviction to suggest he might be swayed, if only the right deal could be made. This was not the right deal, that much was clear. The Captain of the Grey Eagles smiled : " As much as I might like to see that," Archkommander, "there will be no such agreement."
Speaker 1 00:08:14
And I would caution you against the suggestion of it. The smile vanished, replaced by a heavy stare. You cannot stop what is happening here. You, for all your prowess and power, are going to fail. Part three, Chapter twenty eight : What. She keeps to herself may be the difference between life and death. She wants to steal a horse. Of course, she does ;. She says nothing for three days, and now she wants to steal a horse. Heska on her stomach and elbows peered through the waving grass at a small encampment, Catching the barest glimpse of yellow cloth and hides in various shades of brown ;, the movement of a person here and there. And the tips of the prick ears of six or seven horses. Pouncing as her body was shifted on his elbows, a pony was returned and faced Tusk. On his other side, her attention thoroughly unwinding, the former matriarch of the Wind at Dawn clan stared at her intended quarry. It wouldn't be entirely to our loss to have such a horse, Pouncing said. I'll pay some for rest leave a great deal to be desired. Nadeja without moving nodded a few words that sent Sanguine's eyelids rolling. Yes yes I was getting to that he sighed wincing against some internal pain. She wants to make sure I mention that our chances of survival aren't especially high, should we encounter a party of warriors?
Speaker 1 00:09:12
Eska lifted one knee from the dirt and flung it against the grass in front of her. Is this not just such an encounter? Medeja's gaze narrowed as Eska's movement rustled the grass. And yet here we sit, waiting for darkness when we could be gone from this place. A small hand brushed her shoulder and Eska twisted to face Jeddun. The boy tapped his chest and said, "Fast." He was proud of the word, One of a growing number he had mastered as their small party had continued eastward. Eska glared at Sanvorio, fixing him with irritation rather he nor Shadow deserved. I won't let him do it! Turning onto her back, Eska let her head fall to the bed of flattened grass. The first stars of twilight freed to roll the sky glittering down on her If stars were capable of mocking her, these surely were. How many more days until we see something other than grass? Silence met her question. Then Sanvora offered a quiet, "Another three days, I think." Havd'd, if we could all ride. Estra closed her eyes and sighed. "If I never see grass again, I shall consider myself fortunate." Tell her I won't stop her, but Cheddo stays here. Cheddo did not stay. When the last of the twilight had faded into night, a signal from Nadeja told them it was time. The former matriarch, who had fidgeted not at all during the wait, pushed herself up to a crouch. She whispered a few words to Sanvora, then crept into the gently waving sea of grass.
Speaker 1 00:10:10
She says, "We should be ready to ride." Erzsi nodded at the faint gleam in the man's face, then turned back to Cetto, only to find the space at her right elbow decidedly vacant, with only the impression of a small boy left behind. "You'll be all right," Klesina muttered, in the sort of way one mutters when one's trying to convince oneself. When no sharp cries of warning broke through the night after a few moments of silence, Erzsi got to her feet and went to the piebald horse, checking to see that their few possessions were safely stowed and situated. A brief argument ensued in which Erzsi tried to convince Senvorir that he ought to mount, then while they had time and Senvorir resisted ;, he could do it in a hurry if he needed to. She could see for herself. The hushed debate, squabble really, Ended with a reluctant and glowering Kazina Sanvoria perched unsteadily on the horse after a precarious mounting that proved Estra's point. And then there was nothing to do but wait. Has she said anything else to you? Estra whispered, the night shredding away at her composure. You've been within a sword's length of both of us for three days, Kazina said. You know she hasn't. True enough. The disgraced matriarch had kept her thoughts and words to herself since walking into the light of their small fire. By the time the sun rose, The cracks of uncertainty, Estra had thought she glimpsed in her features by the light of the fire had faded, plastered over with something irritating. 
Speaker 1 00:11:07
If not fully convincingly, the matriarch's previous poise. Since then, she had spoken only when discussing navigation with Kazinga, walking steadily alongside the horse, the bone staff in her hand. Refusing a turn in the saddle. She stopped when they stopped, ate when they ate, foraged for edible vegetation hiding in the grass and shared what she found. But she might as well have been a land creature swimming with a school of fish. Nadeska wondered what the future held for Ndeja of Wind at Dawn. She had tried to ask this of K azin ga :, a host of questions about exiles and outcasts. Among the B ardini ; about what life she might search for and expect to find outside of the grasslands. If indeed, that was her aim. But S'envoriar had little to offer to satisfy Esca's curiosity, and had flatly refused to ask. That flat refusal, that too, had come to grate on Esca. The questions, the silences, The monotony they had blurred into something with an appetite eating away at the companionship and determined good cheer that had emerged between Esca and S'envoriar. And Shadow felt it too. ; Esca could see though he had tried and with more persistence than Esca to counter it with smiles and his eagerness to improve his Belaran vocabulary. Do you see anything? If you wanted to see maybe you should have climbed up here. Esca sighed again and bit her lip determined to squash the retort building in her throat.
Speaker 1 00:12:04
But then no, it couldn't be helped. Turning her head to look up at the man, Neskaya opened her mouth. Only to see a stillness come over Kasimir Sanboria, a stillness broken only by the movement of firelight reflected in his eyes. Oh, he said softly. And then with more urgency: We should we should go. Neskaya put her hand on the horse's neck, Steadying it against Sanboria's, sudden agitation and stood on her tiptoes : Do you see Chadeau? I see the matriarchal horse. A pause. Neskaya saw nothing more than the glow of firelight over the tops of a pair of high- constructed structures. Then a shout followed closely by a second flew through the night : I see new figures mounting! Ooh came the soft cry I think they've seen me. Esga turned and grabbed at Sangvoria's sleeve, forcing the man to meet her gaze. "Where is Chetto? Do you have him?" Cousin Sangvoria could only shake his head. The piebald horse snorted in the way she'd learned meant he was inclined to explore her arm with his teeth. Esga seized the bridle, bringing the horse's dark eye to her own. "Your manners are appalling," she said, "but if you help me, I'll never complain again." And with that, Esga thrust her left foot in the dangling stirrup, and pulled herself up to land awkwardly on her stomach in front of Sangvoria. After a moment of reorientation that involved nearly kicking the man in the head, she settled into both stirrups, spun the horse and urged it toward the commotion. 
Speaker 1 00:13:01
Which, as it turned out, was moving at great speed toward her. Three warriors raced through the grass, each nocking an arrow to a bowstring. Esca ducked low over the horse's neck and shouted for Sennovaria to do the same. She felt his bulky form collapse onto her back, his arms clutching tight around her ribs. She was aware of his voice, But whatever he was saying admonishment with a dash of sarcasm, no doubt was pulled away from Esca's ears by the wind. As the distance closed, Esca waited until they were two strides away from the closest Bardina warrior. Then with a tug of her left hand, Esca turned her horse sharply angling him into the path of the oncoming horse. Both animals shied away in the end, but their near miss had the warrior scrambling to regain control over his mount and Esca shot through the gap. Straightening her course to head directly toward the small encampment once more. Chaddo! She screamed the boy's name into the night, the wind ripping at her fear as much as her voice. She urged the horse right, preparing to circle the fire and two hide structures, and saw an arrow flash past. Flinching, Estar pressed herself lower, her wind-whipped vision searching for the shape of a boy in the night. And then Kaziun Sanvorya was grabbing at her left elbow. She didn't need to hear his shout to understand as his hand flapped into her line of sight, Gesturing wildly there, barely visible beyond the bright glow of a fire, and between two hide structures, a small boy with a knife, an knife that would provide no defense against an arrow aimed at his chest The Vardini warrior was ten paces beyond Chaddo Arrow nocked.
Speaker 1 00:14:00
Bow drawn, staring down a child half his height. Esku yanked her horse into a tight spin to the right, coming about so they faced the fire, the boy, and the bow head on. Another arrow hissed through the night. This one passing just in front of the piebald horse. Missing, Esku thought, Only because the extra weight the piebald carried had slowed them tremendously coming out of the turn. You might want to hang on, " Esku shouted as though Senvorir were inclined to do otherwise, and then she urged her horse to greater speed. Given their limited options in front of them, Their narrow space between the fire and two structures and that neither she nor Senvorir had a weapon. It took Kazimir rather longer than it ought to have to work out what she intended. But then she supposed jumping a horse over a nest of hungry flames was not something Casimir Sanvoria had ever thought much about. By the time her companion managed to express his consternation, they were past the point of no return. It had been, she was aware, rather a significant amount of time since she'd jumped a horse over anything. The standard array of childhood riding lessons had culminated in a bit of jumping conducted at a rational pace over smartly, painted fences of an equally rational height. Fire had never been part of the training, nor additional obstacles. Certainly her life had never depended on how well she managed it. At the right moment, she certainly hoped it was the right moment, but there was little doubt her timing was far from perfect. Esku squeezed her knees. 
Speaker 1 00:14:57
And the piebald horse jumped, mostly. Through a combination of Esku's urging, fear of the flames, and she was quite certain sheer orneryness, the horse carried them over the fire. If in a somewhat lopsided manner. They returned to the earth with jarring suddenness ;, neither Esku nor the horse quite prepared for impact. And Esku felt Kazimir Santhoforia sway precariously behind her. Leaning hard to her left, Esku countered the pull of his weight enough to keep them both seated and drove the horse on toward Chedot. The arrow she saw had been retrained on her. "Grab him! ", she shouted unable to look back to confirm that Kazimir had heard and understood She hadn't quite worked out the mathematics of it in her head. It did seem reasonable to believe that Cassius possessed the strength to hold Cello up, but speed was a factor, as was the fact that Cassius Savoria might well lose his balance. But then, Albus had always been the one who insisted on the importance of mathematics. Now, Estra shouted. The warrior released his arrow. Cassius Savoria lurched with an excessive lack of grace and, mathematics or no, Cello was hauled off his feet, and Estra felt a slicing sting of pain on her upper arm. The horse for his part, seemed to have decided that having conquered a fire beast, there was no need to alter course to avoid the Vardini warrior. He charged onward, forcing the archer to dodge away, leaving the knight open to them.
Speaker 1 00:15:53
Gritting her teeth against the pain, Eeska glanced quickly over her left shoulder. Three horsemen trailed her, and there would be no stopping their arrows. And then the wind came, roaring through the grass ahead of Eeska. It swept around them, leaving a tunnel of undisturbed air for them to pass through. She looked back again, Saw the closest of the pursuing horses slam against an invisible barrier of wind ; its rider tumbling to the ground. The other two horses reared to a halt, And then Eeska had eyes only for the darkness ahead of her and the grey shape of a fleet - footed horse sweeping into place alongside the piebald, Nedeja like a second skin on the stolen mount's back. Eeska pushed the horse as hard as she dared, desperate to put as much black night between them and Vardini as possible. But it wasn't long before she felt the piebald flagging, the weight of its many burdens finally too much for it to bear. Eeska leaned back and slowed the horse, Only then able to appreciate as they came to a halt that Chetto was tucked against Senvorria, his arm looped around the boy's torso, limbs left to dangle. Much in the manner she had seen Pietro, caretaker of a house in Vakon Valley, carry runaway goats. Eeska smiled, a laugh born of adrenaline threatening to break free. Chetto scowled, no doubt displeased with being transported in such an undignified manner. But it was only a moment before a grin cracked his attempt at sulking. "Are you all right?" Eeska asked, addressing both the boy and Kazimir. The man's face was ashen.
Speaker 1 00:16:51
Clearly far more frazzled by the escape than the boy, and he only managed a nod. Tesca reached around and placed a hand on his arm. "You did well," she said softly. Medeja circled her horse around and came to a halt in front of them. Her eyes darted to the darkness behind Tesca, on alert for any sign of pursuit. "Jedot should ride with her," Tesca said. Together they lowered the boy to the ground, But a sharp word from Medeja had them both looking up at the former matriarch. The woman rattled off a few words. "She says no, not him," Kazia said slowly. "She says you must ride with her until it is safe to walk again. " Mathematically not again, ;. The suggestion made sense : pairing the heaviest member of their small party with the lightest would be an easier burden to bear than. Veska and Sandvorja remained aboard the Piebald. But it had never occurred to Veska that the former matriarch would be willing to share her horse with a near stranger, not after the silence of three days, Not to mention the fact that Nadezhda might have gone on to an illustrious future as matriarch of Wind at Dawn. Had she never set eyes on Veska. Veska looked from Sandvorja to Nadezhda, who gave a short nod, her shorn scalp reflecting the faint light of the crescent moon. And so Veska found herself mounted behind the outcast, her body instantly regretting the loss of a saddle, her hands settling lightly on Nadezhda's hips as the woman urged the grey forward. They maintained only an easy lope but even so, Veska admired the way the woman rode.
Speaker 1 00:17:49
Guiding with little more than light touches to the horse's neck with her right hand, the bone staff in her left hand resting against her thigh. They rode through the night, stopping once to drink, horses and riders, from a tiny rivulet of water coursing through the grass. Exchanging few words, their passage marked only by the stars shifting overhead and then at last, the faint glow heralding the sun on the eastern horizon. Only then as they slowed their pace and finally stopped for Senvoria and Esca to dismount and walk did Nadeja after giving Esca a hand down, make eye contact with her once more. My thanks," The former matriarch said. The unfamiliar words softening her voice. "For him," she added, her gaze flickering to Chedda Where he sat atop the piebald, with eyes half-closed in sleep. "Keep your thanks. I didn't do it for you," Esku said. The words might not have been understood, but Esku held the outcast woman's gaze longer than was strictly necessary, and it was Nedeja who looked away, her jaw tightening as she set the grey horse to a slow walk, matching pace with Senvoya and the piebald. Esku ought to have left it there. Ought to have left the words burning on her tongue in the dark of night and pressed on with her face to the rising sun. She knew this even as she opened her mouth. ; knew that rest and sustenance would, if not chase them away completely, temper the sharpness of her thoughts. "Why are you here? Why did you follow us?" Senvoya slowed to a halt and looked back.
Speaker 1 00:18:48
The piebald stopping with him, to take the chance to dip its head to the grass. Esker saw the weariness on his face, saw the silent plea. But it was too late. Nedega came to a stop more slowly, then turned the grey horse to face Esker. Her dark eyes were wary and her grip on the bone staff tightened. "Esker," Kazimir said, "perhaps now is not the time." "It is past time," Kazimir she said. "You know this." She owes us answers." "Owes?" She is not one of your employees." Esker shook this off. Even so, our lives are tied together. What she keeps to herself may be the difference between life and death." Has she not earned some trust? Without her windrider four arrows in my back." And what about the other three warriors? There were seven horses, Kasimir. Where are the rest? Did the knight swallow them? She saved our lives, Sangvoria insisted. If it weren't for her, they wouldn't have needed saving. Through this exchange, Nedessa kept her gaze on Esca. But as anger flared in their voices, she dismounted silently and dropped the staff. Silence descended, interrupted only by whispering grass. Then at last Nedessa began to speak. Sangvoria listened for a moment, a crease appearing between his eyes. He asked a question that sounded like a clarification to which Nedessa responded with an emphatic answer and nod. Sangvoria turned to Esca, a grimace heavy on his features. 
Speaker 1 00:19:48
Try not to gloat, he began, causing Eeska to frown. But it seems your misgivings were not. He paused, clearly reluctant to admit to the logical completion of that sentence. Without some accuracy. Eeska shifted her gaze to the woman, who returned the stare without a hint of guilt. Go on, Eeska said, without looking back at Senvorriah. She says she followed our trail that day after her people turned on her because she thought if she brought us back as her prisoners, it might serve to win her some goodwill. She here, Senvorriah paused his face, twisted with discomfort. She says she intended to place the blame for her actions on you eeska felt anger tug at her chest. After doing as you asked, after walking through the night and trespassing on sacred ground for you, after you nearly killed him, she said, flinging a hand towards Senvoriar without breaking eye contact with Nedesha. Senvoriar took a step away from the piebald horse, one placating hand raised in Beska's direction, breaking her line of sight on Nedesha. Let me finish. Beska. Beska looked away and fought to balance her swelling emotions. She tracked us all day, waiting to strike from the shadows of night. But when she crept close in the cover of darkness, she saw you. Senvoriar glanced over his shoulder at Chidin, who alert now watched with concern on his face and him.
Speaker 1 00:20:47
You were sleeping, the boy tucked against you. And while she might have easily ensnared you, defenseless as you were, Your only protection a child and a fat man well on his way to becoming a corpse, she couldn't do it. She speaks of a great weight staying her hands, of the grass caressing her ankles as though to hold her back. And so she followed us instead, Debating her choices : one moment resolved to take you back to Windward Dawn and reclaim her place ; the next convinced that Mother River and Mother Moon meant for you to survive the grasps. And now on which side of the scale did she land? Something hard and bitter coiled around Aska. Something born of memories of her mother lingering on the threshold of death. Forever marked by cruel carrier fire. By the third night, She had accepted that which her heart had fought against : that she has been cast out by wind. And bone, And that no act of supplication or vengeance could return to her that which she has lost. And so she appeared to you that night, intending to ask you to return her spirit to the grass. The former matriarch gazed at Esva intently; her face opened to scrutiny, but pride still clear in her eyes. She wanted me to take her life? Esva asked softly. What stopped her? Here, Kasimir San Voryan cleared his throat and Esva saw his cheeks flush. She says the moment of my wakening changed her mind.
Speaker 1 00:21:46
But she saw the joy in that moment, in both of us. He tried to chase away his discomfort with a frown. "I don't remember feeling joy exactly," and Esku felt herself smile. "I do," she said quietly, then with laughter, "if only because I wouldn't have to lift you onto a horse again." Kazimir's envoys' answering scowl was enormously unconvincing. Esku looked to Nadezhda, Who awaited judgment with more equanimity than Esku would have possessed if their places were exchanged. Then she closed the distance between them, bent and retrieved the bone staff at the woman's feet. There were words she could have said and Kazimir could have translated, but when she looked up into Nadezhda's eyes, when their fingers touched. She pressed the staff into the other woman's hands. She knew there were no words that could offer the same simple understanding held within that shared silence. Then the outcast woman turned back to Senvoriar and spoke again, quietly. Senvoriar grimaced at one particular phrase. She says they were a party of Lunon River, which she interprets as being in our favor. They are a small clan and unlikely to risk their resources on chasing down a single stolen horse. Esca nodded, good, Senvoriar continued. She says the other three warriors are dead, That she let them follow her from the camp. And then well, she said only that she gave them to the wind. He swallowed as he finished speaking. 
Speaker 1 00:22:44
Moon on River might not seek retribution for a horse, but three warriors? Estra asked, Preferring to focus on the immediate danger rather than the specifics of the fate of the three. Still, She could not quite shut out the thoughts of wind tearing skin from flesh or dissolving a body into dust. Just as Gabriel, dripping with that malicious amber substance, had dissolved before her very eyes. Sangvoria relayed the question to Nedeja, who frowned and began to shake her head. Sangvoria paused to let her speak. Nedeja watched as his pallid features showed relief. They continued a brief exchange, then the man from Panaxi turned back to E stra : " I have interpreted her too literally." The three are not dead. Though I am afraid my translation of the truth will be lacking, but it seems that she used the wind to confuse them. He hesitated, clearly dissatisfied with his words. Disorient, perhaps would be a better way of putting it, he added. I gather that their sense of direction will return to them soon enough, and they will find their way back to their comrades. That is no small feat, Estra murmured. An understatement to be sure. And Estra found she was watching Medeja once more and knew her features were a poor facade for the deep - seated mistrust of those who carried. No doubt in Igrazik was known by another name, and Estra had never met one who wielded wind, but a carrier was a carrier. Medeja shifted under Estra's gaze. 
Speaker 1 00:23:42
Then glanced at Sangvoria, Clearly, trying to understand the subtleties that lingered farther below the surface of exchanged words. Esker took a deep breath. "We should go on," she said, beginning to walk. "But if I may ask for your help, Master Crow, There is a story I would tell that would be better heard by all ears." Kazimir Sangvoria fell into step beside her, one hand on the piebald's bridle nodding through his curiosity. And so Esker shared the story of the attack on her mother, Of the chasm that opened in the earth at hands of those who could alter stone, Of flames sent by those who could control fire flames that took innocent lives and left Sorina de Caraval to die When. She finished, a silence of grass spread among them, Eskar saw sorrow on Kazimir's and Vorra's face, the deep kind, The sort of sorrow that has made a home for a long count of years. And in Nadeja's eyes she saw understanding. But it was Cheddo who reached out one small hand from atop his horse and touched Eskar's shoulder. Cheddo, who knew what it was to lose a parent. And Eskar held his hand until it was her turn to ride the grey.Chapter Twenty Nine: You have been speaking with a dead woman. Albus was not sure which was worse : the sight of the ships filling up with the second spears of Naxos, their namesake three-pronged spears glinting in the sunlight, Or the knowledge that he was going to have to get on one of said ships.
Speaker 1 00:24:41
He sat within Aurelia Knox Macedomus's litter, overlooking the small harbor, made smaller by the quantity of ships, sleek-hulled and white-sailed, Crowding it and preparing to undertake the first of several tests and trials with the secondaries aboard. The vessels were new, Aurelia had assured him, and together made up the finest fleet on the Anerian Sea. Of course, being an insular place of mystery and secrecy, The fleet was unknown to Anaxos's neighbors both near and far- and was therefore, Alba had understood - untested. He did not speak this, Sensing the pride in Aurelia's voice as she had unveiled them by parting the gossamer curtains of their litter. The girl had grown sharper in days since Alba's time at House of Stone and Water. Making no effort to hide her disappointment that submerging Albas in the strange substance had revealed no secrets from the divine, She'd allowed him to send his letter and seems to have kept her promise not to reveal it to Kalut. She'd even done nothing more than raise an eyebrow at the contents, read in front of Albas as he tried to summon his most defiant expression. The direct warning to Esca about the coming storm from the eastern side of the Enerial, eliciting a smile, the sort one offers to an inferior opponent. Gracious and as unconcerned with his attempt at alerting Archonia's defenses, as a plains buffalo is with dust on its hooves, she'd let Albas watch the departure of the messenger but with impatience.
Speaker 1 00:25:40
Whether Aurelio was at last feeling the weight of the burden she and her twin had undertaken, as the hour of departure drew closer, Or whether she simply had grown tired of the persona Albus had created for Arcadio de Ulloa, A rather stiff man obsessed with civic duty, and therefore, far less interesting than his talk of secrets and diplomatic missions of great delicacy had promised, Albus did not know. Nor did he spend much time pondering this, being rather more concerned with dwelling on all the possible fates of his letter. There were so many, most of which ended disastrously in Albus's mind. But, as Albus counted, the ships for the fifth time, - still twenty no more, no fewer - the lines to Esca seemed a distant memory. The sight of the Anaxas war machine flexing its strength for the first time made. His words seem like a very paltry and insignificant defense indeed. They are magnificent, Princess, Albus said, wetting his lips. This was no lie. His own incompetence at sea notwithstanding, Albus understood that twenty new ships was an impressive feat. As was the ability to fill them instantly with warriors. That the warriors commanded a remarkable aptitude for withstanding pain and hunger and exhaustion was well. There was only so much about which Albus could feel existential dread at once. Have you named the tape? Albus asked.
Speaker 1 00:26:34
Aurelia smiled and let the curtain fall. After a wave of her hand, signaled the litter bearers to begin their return journey to the city of Anaxos. We have a most auspicious day, my lord, The day which marks the thirteenth year, my brother and I have lived under the divine light of Thalor. And Tura. So young! That fact had never quite been forgotten, But to have such a thorough reminder of it merely made Albas shake his head in wonder. He curved to the instant barely. I thank you again, Princess, for allowing me to write on send that letter. I wonder if perhaps you might yet reconsider your most recent request? Asked with humble regard. No longer smiling, Aurelia managed to look at Albas as though from a great height Despite the fact that they sat across from each other, and Albus was undoubtedly the taller. There will be no such consideration, my lord. You are still my ally's prisoner. To release you to continue your journey to Sandelise is out of the question. Surely you can understand that? She looked to her left, to the gently billowing curtain, as though the sight of Albus was tiresome. You may tell me you will not head straight for your seven cities, but there is no guarantee you can make that I can trust. Albus bowed his head slightly, Grateful that courtesy allowed him a moment to hide the disappointment. He was sure was obvious on his face. And will you and your brother both journey with the fleet? Aurelia lifted her chin slightly. 
Speaker 1 00:27:30
Keeping her gaze fixed on the faint, receding outline of the small harbor just visible through the fine cloth, "Does a shepherd travel with his flock? Does a commander lead her warriors?" Albus gave an nod. "Understood, Princess." He hesitated. "Do the Wisdoms know?" At last Aurelia turned her gaze back to Albus. "The Wisdome's know nothing, my lord. They are as insignificant as the fungus growing on the bark of a mighty tree. When this crusade is done, and Onaxos is restored to her rightful glory on Mianarion, the charade of the Wisdome's will end and true power will emerge." Fungus, Albus happened to know was capable of manifesting quite the impact on its tree of choice. Some were a nurturing partner Fertilizing nutrients, a relationship essential to the life of both. Some had more nefarious purposes, sickening the tree, stealing its sunlight and water, reducing the once proud trunk to a desiccated husk. But only once the fungus had grown enough to spread to the tree's neighbour. At least so wrote the celebrated natural philosopher Celestial Trubuck, whose prolific work on mushrooms, Moulds and other fungal matter could be stacked one upon the next to a height taller than Elbor's. A fact that had been proven by a colleague during a late night of study in the depths of The Lodekem. Somehow Elbor did not think Aurelia Knox Macedonos would appreciate this rebuttal of her metaphor, so he asked instead : And your brother will lead Dusiggin's spears?
Speaker 1 00:28:28
Orreliar waved a hand dismissively, a gesture as natural to her as reading was to Albus. We have Strategos Tarkos and Strategos Vilius for that. The names were new to Albus, unmentioned during his time in Alexos. And the Sycherons? If Kalut is able to marshal them to her cause, how will the two forces work together? The girl frowned, possibly because she was irritated by Albus's questions, but possibly because the Sycherons were as insignificant to her as the Wisperns. Albus was inclined to believe the latter. He would in fact have been prepared to wager cautiously, as was his nature, That Orreliar had very nearly forgotten that Alexos did not go to war alone or that they did so at the behest of another. They will have their uses I am sure Mine is not a martial mind, my lord. You will have to pose your questions to my brother, or the stratagoy, if the opportunity should arise. Aurelia returned her gaze to the window, this time parting the curtain minutely with two fingers, which Albus interpreted as an end to conversation. The remainder of the return journey to Anaxos passed in silence, and when they arrived at the Macedonian's compound, Aurelia parted from Albus swiftly, without the usual reminder that he should seek sunlight and a glass of wine in one of the gardens or the rarer offer to dine with her and her brother. Instead, she whisked herself away without so much as a backward glance, ; the servants trotting after her in haste as she spoke at them in her native tongue.
Speaker 1 00:29:26
Leaving Albus, for the first waking moments since his near-death experience, alone. The unexpected independence took a moment to register, But when no one came to usher Albus to his room or a garden or the reading room and supply him with tidbits of food, Albus, without quite knowing what he was doing, Stepped back out into the large courtyard where the letter had deposited him a moment before. Empty. Not even a rustle of wind over the white canopy and garlands of eucalyptus strung above. Well! And so Albus Courtney took his first unchaperoned steps out into the streets of Anaxos. He could not have said if some corner of his mind had predetermined his destination. But thirty or so steps away from the Macedonas compound, he became aware of one. If only he knew where it was. It was not so easy as looking for a dome-shaped building. On Axos, especially the upper levels of the city, those farther from the harbor, was full of domes of all sizes: small domes atop narrow towers, shallow domes across markets with columns in place of walls, blue domes, white domes and so on. Of his journey to the house of stone and water, Malbus remembered only that it was not overly long, which he supposed was in his favor. But. Then he began to ponder while standing in the middle of a cobblestone street, not far from the canal and system of locks that would take him down to lower levels, whether the speed at which the litter bearers trotted.
Speaker 1 00:30:23
Significantly faster than his own. He had just arrived at the conclusion that it was, and therefore his destination was not, unfortunately, Simply around the corner when a team of litter bearers, very nearly trampled him without so much as the slightest warning or noticeable concern as to whether he might like to be trampled or not. Albus hopped inelegantly out of the way into the path of a trio of white - clad priestesses. After a hasty apology which was ignored by all three sets of downcast eyes, Albus decided not to ask for directions. Certainly there was no guarantee he could communicate with the priestesses who regardless did not slow or so much as acknowledge his presence. At least I shall be free of this place soon, Albus muttered to himself. At once wishing with painful longing for the comfort of the laudanum, While also reminding himself that free was an inaccurate description of his state and would continue to be upon departure from Naxos, Which, in turn, set him to ruminating yet again and with considerable aversion on the prospect of setting foot on the deck of a ship once more. As such, he was rather out of sorts when he, after wandering here and there aimlessly, looked up and saw a dome. This particular dome was broad of size and dark of stone. It sat atop a similarly round building offering, but a single entrance in the form of a narrow plain iron door. And Alberic really could not say if this was, in fact, the house of stone and water.
Speaker 1 00:31:22
He studied it for a moment, This time taking the precaution of pressing himself close to the stone wall, separating the street from a private garden before getting lost in thought. But get lost in thought he did. Would a strange temple be so unmarked? Was the diameter of the building too large or too small for the chamber. Alberse had floated in? And therefore was entirely unprepared for the hands, three or four of them at least, That seized upon his borrowed robes and flailing limbs and tumbled him into waiting embrace of an open litter. Shoved to the floor, blue velvet and very clean, Alberse sensed the bearers lift the litter to their shoulders once more and continue on at a brisk pace. He righted himself as best he could in a small space between two pairs of feet. Which meant he got caught in his robes and only succeeded in twisting himself up rather helplessly. Arcadio de Luce, you need not fear, a male voice said. In his moment of panic, Albus nearly forgot his latest assumed identity, but then managed to muster his dignity enough to get up on his elbows, right himself and discover the faces belonging to the feet. The first was a woman's lined, pale aged, her skin like parchment stretched, too thin. She wore a white headdress ornamented with a single string of pearls and sweeping robes of blue and grey, and her eyes were the deepest, darkest green Albus had ever seen. A murky throat clearing turned Albus's head to the other face. 
Speaker 1 00:32:21
This one just as old, as dark as the woman was pale, and sporting a trim white beard. These eyes were a golden brown. He wore black from head to toe, except for a sapphire at his throat and a sleek polished cane lay across his lap. You are Arkadyo de Ulesse? The man's accent was light, as though he had had a great deal of practice speaking Belaran, And he was looking at Albas as though he very much expected Arkadyo de Ulesse to have said something by then. Yes, Albas blurted. Yes I am. What is the meaning of this? We apologize my lord for the inconvenience of this meeting and the manner in which it has begun, the woman said her voice quiet but her speech just as precise, But we could not risk alternative methods. Please, she extended a hand, her fingertips just visible at the hem of her voluminous sleeve. Sit. Albus managed to boost himself up onto the bench of the litter. He took a moment to smooth his robe as he imagined an Arcadian noble might, Or perhaps an Arcadian noble might have been so confident in his status and self as to not give two fig seeds for his appearance, however, slightly dishevelled. But then Albus had seen Sylvain de Eulassae on more than one occasion, and there seemed little chance any of that man's progeny would for even the slightest moment, be unaware or unconcerned with the image they were showing to the world. This is most untoward, Albus said.
Speaker 1 00:33:19
Trying to summon more haughty impatience and less nervous concern. You are a guest at the Residors compound, yes? The man spoke again. I am. Then you know what those infernal twins are planning? Albus hesitated, unsure where to take this conversation. It means they're intent to sack one more of your seven cities, the woman said calmly. Dubious obtuse monixes, we don't have time for word games. He'll be missed sooner rather than later. Albus thought back to the strange absence of servants at the Macedonos house. You set all of this up? How? The woman waved a hand. A few errands dictated by our spy in their employ, Albus did not think a savvy diplomat should feel surprise at such a statement, so he hastily covered his errant expression with a slight cough. "You knew I would wander away?" "We hoped." "And you followed before making yourselves known, to make certain we were the only ones who did so." Albus took a breath, unable to delay further. "And the purpose of this covert meeting, Adam?" It was the man who answered, this time with far more bluntness. "We'd like you to poison one of the twins. Preferably both if it can be managed. " There was no cough or other diversion in all the stars in the sky or beneath all the waves of the world to disguise Albus's shock. "Poison? They are children!"
Speaker 1 00:34:18
They are young, the man said, but they are vicious. They will be the ruin of Onaxos if they live unloved. Albas was inclined to agree, Onaxos and a great deal more, but he felt himself shaking his head in horror. Who are you to demand such a thing? Why? The man's mouth twisted a little. I had thought Lord Belaroth would be eager to strike against that, which intends to destroy his own. Albas drew himself up. The Lord of Belaroth does not act in haste and hatred, he said, which was most assuredly not true no matter how tidy and honourable it sounded. A polished dungheap of a phrase that sat oddly on Albas's tongue. Not before acquiring the necessary information and engaging in sound judgment So I ask again, who are you and why should I do this thing for you? If there was a look shared between the man and woman, a moment of communication, however silent, Albus did not see it. The litter came to a halt. Your answer, my lord. The man's gaze had narrowed into something flinty, and his grip on the cane had grown tighter. Is no. The words were something of a surprise to Albus. Certainly the calm but clear and commanding tone of his voice was. Yes he wanted to put a stop to Aurelia's plans. Yes he wanted to save his city but murder? Albus discovered in that moment, the answer to a question he'd only ever had to contemplate in the abstract. Albus tensed when. 
Speaker 1 00:35:15
Waiting for hands to pull him from the litter, as efficiently as they had pushed him into it, but instead the man gave a stiff nod and exited the litter, haltingly leaning heavy on his cane. He turned back and offered a hand. "My love," the woman waved him away. "I am."

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