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mists. Some came at him with dueling canes while others fell back with bows. No Allomancers that he’d spotted. In the night, he could finally prove the worth of the mistcoat. As he dodged between the thugs—kicking the other aluminum gun away—the tassels on his coat spun in the air, seeming to meld with the mists. Men a... |
whispered. He pointed down the street. “You go that way; I’ll go the other way. If you get out, head back to the Counselor’s Cup, a tavern over on Edden Way. I’ll meet you there after I go for Lord Harms. If I or someone I send talks to you, first say the words ‘all yellow pants.’” “Sure thing.” “Good luck.” “I’m not t... |
skyscraper felt right empty, now that so many people had left. He figured that would soon change, when Marasi returned with some more constables. She’d run off to fetch them, and give a report. That meant Wayne was the sole officer of lawkeepin’ in the vicinity. A frightening thought. “I’ve got one more question for yo... |
… I’m supposed to be protectin’ the guy!” “Well, you’re doing a rusting good job of that, mate, ain’tcha,” the guard said, then smirked. So Wayne did the only reasonable thing. He spat out his gum, then decked the fellow. * * * Wax rarely appreciated the city as much as he did when he needed to get somewhere quickly. T... |
somewhere? Impersonating a maid? A neighbor? A constable passing on the street? Standing in the room with him? “Jackstom,” Wax said, looking to Lord Harms, “do you remember when you first met me, and Wayne was pretending to be my butler?” Harms frowned. “You mean your uncle?” Good, Wax thought. An impostor wouldn’t kno... |
he could have gone anywhere, and so tryin’ to find him is useless. He’ll come back for me when he can. If I leave, I’ll just end up missing him.” “I see.” She settled back, crossing her feet on the curb and staring up at those lights. “Do you hate me because of what I represent, Wayne? The responsibilities that called ... |
here, eschewing safehouses in the city. He’d want to be in his center of power and authority. The mists seemed to glow here in the city, lit by a thousand lights—an increasing number of them electric. It took long enough for the carriage to arrive that Wax was starting to second-guess himself. But arrive it did: a tall... |
what?” the thick-necked bodyguard said. “Those are myths,” Lord Innate said. “Are they?” Wax said. “Then the one I met tonight must have been lying. Not sure how she made her skin transparent though. Oh well. Guess you have it in hand.” “You mean to tell me,” Innate said, stopping Wax with a touch before he could move ... |
“You honestly think I wouldn’t know my own wife?” Innate asked tiredly. “I’m sure you would,” Wax said, softening his tone. “But this is a requirement of my aid, and you must humor me. It will put my mind at ease.” The family was most dangerous. Bleeder had sounded so confident, as if she had the governor in hand, whic... |
Impossible. I will send Lady Innate to safety, as well as the children. I must stay and you must deal with this thing, whatever it is. Stop it before it can go any further.” “I’ll try,” Wax said, leaning in. “Give me a passphrase to authenticate myself. Something memorable, but nonsensical.” “‘Leavening on sand.’” “Goo... |
the body. Marasi and Aradel exited the domed nave and entered a small foyer where a row of ashen-faced people sat on some benches. They were conventicalists—those who worked in a Survivorist church aside from the priest. A grey-haired woman sat at their head, wearing the formal dress of a church matron. She wiped her e... |
to us? A thousand people saw him. Why are you treating us like we did something wrong? You should be off arresting that monster.” “We have people hunting for him,” Marasi said, and rested her hand on the shoulder of one of the children; the little girl whimpered and clamped on to her arm. “And I promise you, we’ll catc... |
Marasi said, gesturing toward the room with the dead priest. “A Pathian? Murdering? Sir, their priests are some of least aggressive people on the planet. I’ve seen toddlers more dangerous.” Aradel continued rubbing his chin. “Reddi,” he said, “go get those conventicalists something to drink. They could use a warm mug r... |
be the death of me. Anyway, I suspect the strikes have been building for a while. Harmony knows I sympathize with the poor fools. Get paid like dirt while the house lords live in mansions and penthouses.” “But why now?” Marasi asked. “It’s the food, right? Suddenly spiked prices, worry that even when the strikes end, t... |
lesser constables to scuttle out of his way. How was it that he could so fully encapsulate everything the constables should be, but weren’t? Noble without being pandering, thoughtful yet proactive, unyielding yet inquisitive. Marasi smiled, then hurried after him. It wasn’t until they reached the chapel, with its large... |
said. “Still, when you get that body down, send me a sample of metal from each spike. I want to run some tests on their composition.” “All right,” Marasi said. “We should have seen it. She’s trying to drive a wedge between the Pathians and the Survivorists.” “The governor is Pathian,” Marasi said. “We think Bleeder is ... |
on ahead to check it over. The temple huddled on the corner of an intersection, a stately old building, squat and stubborn. Newer tenements perched on either side, some six stories tall, but the temple had the air of an old gaffer in his chair who hadn’t the inclination to look higher than a fellow’s knees. As Wayne ha... |
very pious already this night. The maid shook her head and continued on her way. Those nearby ignored him. Wayne closed his eyes and listened to their prayers. “They’re just gonna let us starve. You heard the governor, Ren. All he cares about is his rusting reputation.” “We’re supposed to have the good life. Harmony ma... |
couldn’t ever do anything the ordinary way. Sometimes he thought they acted strange just so they wouldn’t be like regular folk. But they did know how to get drunk. He’d give them that. The priest came over to investigate the disturbance, but both men just wanted more of what Wayne had made. The priest listened to them ... |
what the woman’s skin had done. Perhaps Wayne had been mistaken. He hesitantly took the seat back and looked at the woman, whose eyes—clear as daylight—shifted from blue to violet, then once again to blue. “Well hang me,” Wayne said. “You’re that immortal, ain’t you?” “Sure am,” she said, sipping her drink and holding ... |
their favorite songs. MeLaan finished her beer, then dramatically held up her hand. The palm split, forming lips, which then let out a soft belch. “Cheating,” Wayne said. “Just using what Father gave me,” MeLaan said. “Don’t tell me you wouldn’t belch out of other body parts if you could.” “Well,” Wayne said, “now that... |
the days of the Final Empire. Some of them don’t feel like they have personalities of their own; they don’t know how to live unless they’re being someone else.” “You seem to find the idea disturbing,” Wax said, curious. “I’m a youngster,” she said with a shrug. “Never really had to serve the Lord Ruler. I’ve always ser... |
Wayne said, placing a fourth level onto his tower. “Sorry. Tryin’ to think of how to get everyone in the city drunk.” “I … I’m not going to ask.” Wax grabbed a few of the coasters as a barmaid dropped more on the table, noticing that they were playing with them. He started building a tower of his own. “So we get the sp... |
was ancient, brilliant, and crafty.… “She has a plan,” Wax said. “She’s not simply crazy, MeLaan. There is more to this.” “You’re still determined to kill her,” MeLaan said, sighing. “If I have to. Why are you so hesitant? I’d think that the kandra would be determined, more than anyone, to see this problem dealt with.”... |
out her spike in the first place?” “I wish I knew,” MeLaan said. “We’ve been trying to figure out the same thing.” “Tell me about her, then,” Wax said, tapping at his empty shot glass. “What is she like? What are her passions?” “Paalm was the ultimate blank slate,” MeLaan said. “Old-style kandra. Like I said, she spent... |
you like some backup?” “Yes please,” she said. “Watch her,” Wax said, nodding toward Marasi. “And maybe give Aradel a glimpse of your nature. It’s probably time to inform him what we’re up against.” “Already done,” Marasi said. “Though I’m sure he’d like proof.” Wax grunted. He hadn’t ordered her to do that. “Be quick ... |
he wore in it. “This.” “I was just the delivery girl.” “Doesn’t matter. It was what I needed. When I needed it.” He dropped a bullet casing, then stilled it with his foot. “I’ll meet you all at the governor’s mansion.” 14 If you want to know a man, dig in his firepit. The phrase was from the Roughs, maybe koloss in ori... |
Pathian clergy was a strange thing. On one hand, the religion emphasized man’s personal connection to Harmony—doing good, without formality. On the other hand, people needed direction. Someone to explain all of this. Pathian missionaries—called priests by outsiders, though they rarely used the term for themselves—set u... |
matched too well with his fears of an assassin to be coincidence. Bleeder had help, likely from Wax’s uncle. He’d look into that later. For now, however, there was a different lead he wanted to chase. He eventually reached the location he’d set out to find: Ashweather Carriage and Coach, a large open yard at the northe... |
said. “Waxillium Ladrian, I believe.” “Good,” Wax said, digging into his pocket and removing a small steel sheet, engraved on one side. His credentials, proof that he was a constable. “I’m on constabulary business. How many of these coaches do you have?” Wax nodded toward the line. Cett’s expression fell as he realized... |
Bonnweather. They’re going to want rides.” “We sent coaches there already.” “Not enough,” the young woman said. “Boss, there are lots of men on the streets. Common men, the type that will make the rich folk nervous. Playgoers will want carriages.” Cett nodded. “Wake Jone and Forgeron. Send them and anyone else you can ... |
of weapons. “Well,” she said, looking back at MeLaan, “we’re ready if a koloss warlord decides to invade again.” A pair of corporals, both men, were looking over each weapon to confirm it was in good repair. Though she spotted more than one pair of bleary eyes, the place was alive with activity. More and more constable... |
back, hand on the door, but not entering. “He survived even being killed, adopting the mantle of the Ascendant during the time between Preservation’s death and Vin’s Ascension.” Rust … was she arguing theology with a demigod? MeLaan, however, just cocked her head. “What, really?” “Um … yes. Harmony wrote of it himself ... |
as she led MeLaan out of the room, clutching her folder. “Why do they treat you like that?” MeLaan asked as they slipped out. “It’s complicated.” “People tend to be. Why do you let them treat you like that?” “I’m working on it.” “You want me to do something?” MeLaan said. “I could scare the cynicism right out of those ... |
you understand individuals, then,” Marasi said. “The interesting thing about people is that while they might seem unique, they actually play into broad patterns. Historically, the working class has often been more resistant to change than the class oppressing them.” “Really?” MeLaan asked. Marasi nodded. She started to... |
paragraphs indicated. “Wow,” Marasi said, taking the paper back. She hadn’t reached that section yet. “Yeah. Escaping the grave, eh? She actually let them bury her?” “Undoubtedly,” MeLaan said. “Paalm is nothing if not dedicated to her craft.” “Then why forget the names of the children?” MeLaan shook her head. “No idea... |
advantage of its clients. None of the people here matched Chapaou’s description, but Soothing parlors often had more than one room. “Short man,” Wax said, “balding. Known as Chapaou, but may not have given that name.” The proprietor nodded and gestured for Wax to follow as she crossed the room, weaving between the peop... |
Wax. “Get him out of here. He’s disturbing my people.” Wax crossed the room to kneel beside Chapaou. The short man shivered, holding his legs. “Chapaou,” Wax said. “Look at me.” Chapaou turned toward him. “What’s the name of your dog?” Wax asked. “My … I don’t have a dog. He died a few years back.” Good enough. This wa... |
the body of a murderer and criminal?” Aradel breathed out quietly in a hiss. Shadows moved beneath the streetlights, despite the hour, on the promenade behind him. “So this is all her doing?” “Pardon, sir,” Marasi said, “but I’d say this is rather the fault of the city’s unpleasant working conditions. That said, Bleede... |
own good words, human,” MeLaan said. “And thy God knows of them. Go and protect this city. Worry not for thyself, but instead for thy fellows.” “Right, right,” Aradel said. “I’ll just be about it, then. Unless there’s anything more you can tell me…” “Thy snoring,” MeLaan said, “is rather loud.” “I … What?” “It doth be ... |
you are assigned. “You could just ask him,” she said. “He’s been deputized. He is technically under your jurisdiction.” “And you don’t think I’ve tried? He always promises a report. If I’m lucky, that consists of a letter telling me where he left a suspect hanging by his ankles—do you remember that one?—or a quick rund... |
MeLaan threw her head back and started laughing. “Nah, I’m just rusting you, kid. I don’t show you that side because it’s too hard to keep a straight face while talking with all those ‘thee’s and ‘whatfore’s.” “Hence the snoring wisecrack?” Marasi said. “Yeah. I had to check on the guy when Harmony was first looking fo... |
and those bloody hands are mine. Shoulda killed myself, jumped off that bridge…” “No,” Wax said. “You’ve been taken in by a charlatan, Chapaou. It wasn’t you.” The man just whimpered. Wax continued, methodically laying out the evidence, though a part of him wondered what good it would do. Did traditional detective work... |
few banknotes. “Or go find a hotel. Get some sleep. She isn’t going to come for you.” She had much bigger game to hunt. GUEST EDITORIAL: THE NUISANCE OF NEGLIGENT COINSHOTS! In the last sixteen months I have replaced three lamposts, an iron gate, and two steeple spires, all at my Madion Ways house. My residence in the ... |
clean white building, brightly lit in the mists by floodlights. Those didn’t shine so strongly every night, and their brightness tonight seemed to indicate that Innate was worried. The crowds were not dispersing. Men roamed the streets; there seemed to be more of them than there had been earlier, though the clock had s... |
Wax asked loudly. Close, Bleeder said. Watching. You, and the governor. I will need to kill him, you know. “Can we talk?” Wax asked a little softer. Isn’t that what we’re doing? Wax turned, walking in the night. Either Bleeder would have to follow—which might let him catch motions in the mists—or he’d get far enough aw... |
window about ten feet up. Her face, though enveloped by the shadows, seemed wrong to Wax. Shaped oddly. “Have you asked him?” Bleeder whispered from above, barely audible in the night. She had a rasping, dry voice, like the one in his head. “Who?” “Harmony. Have you asked why he didn’t save Lessie? A whisper at the rig... |
the night as he Pushed against it and its hinges to cross the room in a half run, half skim. He burst into the next chamber—a sitting room—with Vindication out, spinning the cylinder to one of the gun’s special hazekiller rounds. A Thug shot, extra-heavy slug, built to deliver as much force as possible. The room he ent... |
One of the fallen bodies stirred, and Wayne pushed back his hat, showing a grin. Wax raised his hands, a gun in each, and was rewarded by an expression of utter shock on Bleeder’s face. She’d regrown her eye, though blood still streamed down the front of her mask. As he had chased her, talked to her, she’d always seeme... |
ready to Push on the ones that he might need to hit Bleeder. Once inside, however, he let the rounds drop to the ground. Bleeder wasn’t in the room; an open door at the back led out, presumably through a tunnel to the grounds above. The plush saferoom—round and rimmed with bookshelves—had a wet bar on one end and was l... |
down at the corpse, and the floor stained red. But at what cost? He took a deep breath. “I want you to leave the city.” “No.” “That’s stupidity,” Wax snapped. “She will be back.” “Have you looked out there, lawman?” Innate said, waving a bloody hand in a vaguely upward direction. “Have you seen what’s happening in this... |
of them knew it, and they used it like a new language to weed out everyone who didn’t belong. Regular folk, they called something after what it was. You’d say, “What’s that, Kell?” And they’d say, “That? That there’s the crapper.” And you’d reply, “What do you do with it?” And they’d say, “Well, Wayne, that’s where you... |
like you.” “You always say that, but you’re just not seein’ the truth, Wax.” “She tries to kill you.” “To keep me alive,” Wayne said. “She knows I live a dangerous life. So, keepin’ me on my toes is the best way to make sure I stick around. Anyway, was that Marasi I saw in there with the governor and his important folk... |
the servant with a plate full of little party foods. “Aha!” Wayne said. “Thought you could slip by me, didja!” The kitchen maid looked horrified as Wayne gathered up three of each of the treats. Wax stopped in the doorway, then lowered his gun. “Oh, for Harmony’s sake.” “Harmony can get his own,” Wayne said, popping a ... |
just have to get the clothing on. How is the hair?” “Good,” Wayne said. “I think you forgot an eyebrow though.” MeLaan felt at her face. “Hell,” she said. “This is what you get by forcing me to work so quickly.” She ducked back into the room. “Speaking of quickly,” Wax said through the door, “is this about what I can e... |
she was now shorter than either of them. “Where did you get this?” “Bottom of Bleeder’s robes,” Wax said. “The ones she was wearing to imitate a priest.” “This is perchwither,” MeLaan said. “It’s a bioluminescent fungus. It grows in only one place.” “Where?” Wax asked. “The kandra Homeland.” Wax looked deflated. “Oh. S... |
short, precisely trimmed beard, a beautifully tailored suit, and a cravat so narrow and thin, it lay flat like a bowtie loosened at the end of a long night. Edwarn’s hands rested easily on the ornate head of a cane, and his face bore a wide smile. “Nephew!” he said as Wax settled into his seat. “You can’t imagine my jo... |
going down this road, Uncle,” Wax said. “Have you ever wondered,” Edwarn mused, ignoring Wax’s objection, “if you’d get along with them? If you’d lived back then, what would you have seen? A bunch of miscreants? Lawbreakers? Would you have trussed up the Ascendant Warrior and tossed her in a cell? The law is not someth... |
ever so, even during your youth. But still I love you, Nephew. I consider it a sign of that love that I haven’t actually had you killed. I keep hoping you’ll see we are not your enemy. We are the thieves and miscreants of this day who will someday be hailed as heroes. The men and women who will change the world because... |
vying for parental approval. Marasi stood beside the window—where the governor had put her, saying he’d get to her later. So she waited, listened, and circumspectly took notes on her pad. If the kandra happened to be hiding among them, she doubted a verbal slip would enable her to recognize Bleeder, but it seemed the b... |
said the secretary of education. “This was someone far more desperate. I repeat, my lord governor. Decisiveness. Leadership. You asked about martial law? Well, that is the minimum you must do, I say. Send the constables out in force. Crush the looters, scatter the rioters, be seen protecting the city.” Others voiced th... |
come to me in check, but I do want to speak to them. This will be a night for history to be made.” “Sir,” Marasi said. “I know a thing or two about the mentality of crowds, if you wish—” Someone outside called for Innate, and he stood in the middle of Marasi’s sentence. He shoved the writ toward her, sealed with his st... |
soft red-orange. She walked around the room, noting the many volumes of the full Words of Founding when she passed it on the wall. The leather-bound books seemed pristine, and on a whim, she pulled the first one out and checked it. The pages were uncut, as sometimes happened in new books. This volume had obviously neve... |
didn’t fit. She paused, then tried a spot on the floor like the one up above, where the governor had gotten out his seal. Sure enough, there was a hidden safe under the rug. She turned the key in it, and earned a satisfying click. She pulled the safe open and quickly scanned the contents. A pistol. Cigars. She didn’t r... |
safe, put back the key, and then started up the steps. She didn’t want to be in the basement when the footman came looking for her to announce her carriage. Innate will claim they were planted by Bleeder, Marasi thought as she reached ground level. He’ll have an easy out. Beyond that, if he noticed they were gone, he’d... |
life. You dealt with it. But now, something felt different. He’d spoken to Harmony. Hell, Wax was out here right now because of a request from God Himself. That made it all the more personal. God hadn’t saved Lessie, hadn’t given Wax warning. And now He expected Wax to just hop to it and do as He demanded? And what wou... |
he wasn’t entirely sympathetic to the man’s plight. After all, the whole point of having someone in charge—like the governor—was about makin’ sure people knew which fellow to kill. That was why they had elections, wasn’t it? Innate got to be in charge and order everybody about, but when the assassins got bored, they di... |
Servants moved through the building. Messengers went over their routes. Important types discussed their opinions just a room over. They all talked. Everyone had to talk. People couldn’t just think something, they had to explain it. Wayne was the same. He was people, after all. This murderer, this kandra, she was people... |
a chap stupid. He just looks at the world differently, see?” “Not bad,” MeLaan said. The next servant who passed gave them a glare as she had to pick her way over their outstretched legs in the hallway. “It’s better if I have a hat,” Wayne said. “A … hat.” “Sure,” Wayne said. “Hats is a disguise for your brain. Helps y... |
back. He tipped his hat to her, then closed his eyes and continued listening. A short time later, she stood up and started pacing the hall, and he could hear her saying her “a” sounds to herself as she walked. He listened for a good long while, catching nothing abnormal, though he was pretty sure the sanitation-ministe... |
from the pouch onto his palm. A bullet. His hand started to shake. “Oh, for Harmony’s sake,” Ranette said, plucking the bullet from his hand before he could drop it. “It’s not a gun, you idiot.” “It’s a part of one,” Wayne said, shoving his hand in his pocket and breathing deeply. He could hold a bullet. He did that al... |
Reddi and his other lieutenants. “Perhaps,” Reddi said, “the appointment conveys a title, sir.” “The governor can’t just appoint someone to the peerage,” Marasi said. “A new title has to be ratified by a council with a quorum of the major house seats in the city.” She bit her lip as soon as she said it. She didn’t mean... |
carriage anyway. Except … Idiot, she thought as Aradel jogged over to a group of horses in constable livery, reins held by a corporal. The carriage she’d been contemplating pulled away, loaded with equipment most likely. Reddi grinned at her smugly. Marasi sighed. She’d been looking forward to maintaining her decorum t... |
as she remembered her girlish fascination with the Roughs, lawmen, and Allomancer Jak stories. When her friends—well, acquaintances—had been given new coats for their birthdays, she’d begged for a Roughs duster and hat. Pure foolishness, of course. She’d completely grown out of that. “What is it you wanted to tell me?”... |
from the wombs of stone that Harmony had created. Though the city had claimed all of the surrounding area, this central ring of pleasant grass and gentle hills had been left as a monument to another time. Marewill flowers brushed Wax’s mistcoat as he strode across the springy ground. The tradition that this place hadn’... |
Tomb!” “Just doing my job,” Wax said. “You can take it up with my superiors outside, if you wish.” She stormed out toward the front doors in a huff as Wax reached a small room unadorned with relics or plaques. The only thing in here was a hole in the ground. It was a gaping pit fenced by a railing to keep inquisitive c... |
the sign of atium. This little chamber contained documentation and rumors about the mythological metal; Wax didn’t have the time to read them. Instead, he followed the blue lines his steelsight showed him. They pointed toward a side wall, where he was able to pry back a decorative piece of wood paneling and push on a l... |
of his throat. “There are … stuffed toys too.” “Oh yeah,” Wax said. “Soonie cubs. I’ve seen those around.” The growling grew louder, and Wax’s nervousness returned. Best not to taunt the immortal hound. He didn’t know how many of the legends of this creature were true, but if even a percentage were based in fact … “So,... |
Lord Ruler’s palace. Sazed moved that here, as he did with all other caverns of refuge.” Wax couldn’t pull himself away, gaping at history—no, mythology—come alive. The Lord Ruler’s palace. Places where the Survivor and his followers had walked. Rusts … the Well of Ascension itself would be in there. “Human,” the kandr... |
one edge, as if they’d been ripped from a book. They contained cramped writing, with numbered verses. The Words of Founding. Besides the normal writing, someone had scrawled all over these in brownish-red ink. Blood, Wax thought. It’s blood. He set down his lantern, then reached down and picked up a page. Book eighty, ... |
mad. The way she’s been working is too deliberate, too focused. Her motives might be insane, but her methods have been careful.” How could he explain it? This case had his instincts fighting with one another. He tried again. “When someone leaves something like this behind, it means one of two things. They’re sloppy, or... |
insanity, certain that the world needed saving? Wax stood up slowly. “It’s about Harmony.” “Lawman?” “She’s trying to bring down God Himself.” “That’s insane.” “Yes,” Wax said, turning to the kandra. “It is.” He started to pace in the small room. “Speak to Harmony and find out something for me. Did Bleeder first leave ... |
hoping he had enough health for what was coming. He couldn’t afford to be weak or sickly right now. Not with what was happening. He leaned back away from the flames and settled the cigar between his teeth. It was a fancy type, from the governor’s own hidden stash. Wayne took a long puff before remembering that he hated... |
Religion worried him. It could ask men to do things they’d otherwise never do. “I come to you,” the priest said into the night, “understanding and sympathetic. But I implore you, do not invoke the Survivor’s name for looting and destruction. There is a way to fight back, and I will join you in it, but these are not the... |
bested the tribes at the Pits of Eltania? Was I not the first to bring back tales of the slopes of the Ashmounts, now gone green with vegetation? And wasn’t it I that had domesticated the fabled long-necked horses of the Plains of Kaermeron? “I shall not lower this gun,” said the man, “until you pay for your crimes.” M... |
yokel for his folly. “My good man, no,” I said more calmly and letting out a generous laugh. He shakily reholstered his pistol. A crooked smile began beneath those knifelike mustaches of his. I approached him like I would a prairie lion, but heartbeats later I was slapping him on the back like an old friend (and narrow... |
really trying to kill God. She just wants to free people from Him, in her twisted way.” “Free them?” TenSoon said. He was silent for a time. “Emotion. That’s it, isn’t it? Vin liberated koloss by making them feel powerful emotions. It gave an opening into their souls, let her break through another’s control and seize t... |
following. His light reflected from eyes in the shadows. Figures that were bent low, scrambling on all fours, moving in a distinctly inhuman way. Sweating, Wax dropped a shell casing and shoved it with his foot into a cleft in the rock. He Pushed, throwing himself down the corridor to catch up with TenSoon, landing jus... |
frenzy. Wax leveled Vindication and unloaded at the first creatures, aiming for skulls. Flashes of gunfire lit the tunnel. Though his bullets tore off skin and left streaks of bleeding muscle, not one of the creatures dropped. Wax ducked back into the room, holstering Vindication and setting his lantern on an outcroppi... |
sidestepped that corpse as it flopped beside him, then swung his shotgun upward into the head of the last beast coming for him. It flipped backward, exposing the belly. Wax fired three times, emptying the shotgun. The underbelly was soft, as he’d hoped. The thing went down. He stood, breathing deeply, the rhythm of the... |
whispered to him from the past. A memory of the last time Harmony had spoken to him. I sent you. Wax wasn’t certain if that was enough this time. “Tell me you’ll see these people buried,” Wax said. “I will,” TenSoon said as a howl sounded in the distance. “More come. Do we fight here, or run?” “Can you get us out?” Wax... |
The howls were distant from Wax, but they haunted him more than they had during the first chase, for now he knew what made them. If he survived this, he would have to see something done for these creatures. TenSoon conducted them through the intestines of the Homeland, eventually reaching a wall full of cracks. Wax rai... |
below and sought his blood. He gasped in sudden panic. Then his eyes adjusted and a soft blue light revealed the world to him. He wasn’t trapped. There was a way out above. He could see it by the patina of blue fungus growing on the walls, giving a gentle light to everything. “Harmony made sure it spread here,” TenSoon... |
the governor’s life?” “No, sir,” the constable said. “He’s in his study, sir.” Wax nodded and barged into the mansion, trailing wisps of mist behind him. He stalked toward the back, and in the hallway Marasi intercepted him, taking him by the arm. “Kolossblood,” she said, giving him the password he’d given her, proving... |
anyone to help.” “And what would they have done?” Innate demanded, tossing his pad onto his desk. He walked up, then spoke more softly: “Wind’s whisper.” “Drunken steam,” Wax said back, latest passphrases exchanged. Innate was authentic. “Locking your guards out was foolhardy. They would have fought for you, protected ... |
was mine. But tonight, I killed him because of you, Wax. You’d shot me up…” “You had on the governor’s clothing underneath the cloak,” Wax said. “Rusts! I’d bloodied you. So you needed an excuse for why the governor was covered in blood, an excuse to pull off your shirt and stanch a wound.” She held the gun on him, imm... |
an extended moment before boots in the hallway outside made Bleeder curse, then dash for the window. Wax grabbed his other gun, following, then threw himself down as shots sounded outside. He waited a moment, then glanced up, but didn’t spot her in the swirling mists. Wax cursed, rolling his arm in its socket. Rusts. T... |
people pulling away from the mansion, instead of crowding toward it. Wax landed in a storm, mistcoat flaring. This was the mansion’s garden, near a large workers’ shed. Wax studied the pattern of people moving away. The gunfire just a moment ago, he thought. It wasn’t to shoot someone, but to clear the crowd. She was o... |
night and launched into the air. The breaking wall had been an indication, but this was confirmation. Her metalmind, drained of the speed she’d stored up, was now useless. She’d left it on the ground beside the governor’s bones, and had become a Coinshot instead. Wax followed, Pushing on the same nails, sending himself... |
you taste terrible, even if you’re properly aged. Anyway, it will be tough. TenSoon’s pretty good at re-creating a face from a skull, but I’m way less practiced.” Wayne didn’t say anything. He could shut it. Damn right he could shut it, when he needed to. Even if there was jokes that practically begged to be said. “You... |
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