Episode 3 Sneak Peek #22

I'll have more details in my progress report next Monday, but the Aeran branch is now complete! Hopping back onto the Veyer branch for one. I am posting it a day early as I am heading out on a mini vacation tomorrow and won't have regular internet access. 

You frown, cautious of this new information. You have no doubt [REDACTED] is capable of such a thing, but there’s something about [Zenaida’s] wording that gives you pause. “You don’t trust Lethalis. None of you do.”

“Lethalis doesn’t trust itself, $wayfarer,” Malsara  says. “Did last night not demonstrate that? Archsage Oshiro all but said last night they are willing to abandon my sister. Radical change came to Lethalis while we were in Rona. There is very little trust remaining among its mages, even those ostensibly united by a common cause. Her Grace has every reason to gather her own intelligence on Solarath.”

A shiver creeps across the nape of your neck. Somewhere between the scheming and lies, one thing has become clear: Lethalis fractured before you even stepped foot in Velantis. The explosion at Diradan Tower broke them. This would be as good an opportunity as any for Solarath to eradicate them completely—and Zenaida is willing to break off on her own if necessary.

Once again, you’re face to face with the fact that when Zenaida recruited you, you had no idea what kind of mess you would await you in Velantis. While she doesn’t bear full responsibility, the holes in her plan are increasingly obvious the more you reflect on it. Though you owe her for saving your life, she should have been straightforward with you from the beginning.

“Turning the tables on everyone, now are we?” Veyer murmurs, running a hand over their chin. “Frankly, Your Grace, you do not cease to surprise me. Is this what we call making the most of a bad situation, or are you a fool?”

Malsara inhales sharply, simmering with anger. Considering how protective she is of Zenaida, it’s a testament to her character that she hasn’t snapped. If she were anyone else, Veyer may no longer be on this boat.

Zenaida reaches over her shoulder and catches Malsara’s hand, calming her. “Perhaps it is both,” she says, locking eyes with them. “It would be conceited of me to presume the latter does not play into my decisions at all. All risks are foolish to a certain extent—would you not agree? You yourself have embarked on one right now, have you not?”

A dangerous smile crosses their lips. “Tell me one thing, Your Grace,” they say silkily, avoiding her question. “When you agreed that I would be the one to deliver the Astrial to our oh-so-illustrious leaders… was that, in fact, a lie? Considering this newfound stance of yours, I cannot imagine you would let the Astrial go willingly—at least, not until you have used it as leverage.”

“Careful where you place your accusations. I may not trust certain individuals within our ranks, but I would never stoop so low as to betray Lethalis itself. I stand by our cause. Mark my words, Savant Krellion: I do not care for the Astrial so long as it remains out of Solarath’s hands.”

“We are in agreement there.”