’s voice came back, firm.

  I felt anger flare.

  ’s voice was scornful, mocking even.

  I said

  Enki said

  I said

  Enki said

  I started moving towards Boston, hopeful of having a chance to use the information.

  I rolled my eyes.

  Enki said

  I listened carefully as I sped forward under the Footfield.

  I pumped my legs hard, driving towards the city, the landscape blurring away.

  I said

  Enki sounded suspicious, intrigued.

  Enki said

  Enki sounded almost angry

  I’d expected this.

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  Enki growled.

  Enki said

  I hesitated for just a moment. I was writing a blank cheque. It had said the task would be distasteful and that gave me cause for serious concern. But the prize was so massive. Even if I did miss two days of the war, everything would change once I had the intel. We couldn’t be surprised again. We could predict every substantial movement. Lay our own ambushes. Take advantage of them in a dozen ways. It would be a superpower.

  I said

  Enki cackled wildly.

  I narrowed my eyes.

  I said

  It said

  I said

  Silence for a moment.

  Then a rolling chuckle.

  I said

  Enki said

  ***

  High in the Tower of Boston, his desk separating us, Balthazar stared at me with eyes narrow. It was as though he were seeing me for the first time. No, that’s not quite right. It was perhaps more like he was inspecting to see what demon had taken over me. I was the placid dog that just growled for the first time. I could see him calculating how to contain my new rebellion.

  “Tiberius… you lost a friend. I understand that. I’ve been at war in some manner or another for my whole life. I know how it weighs on you. But you are a Griidlord. I take no pleasure in telling you that you will lose more friends. This was not a first or a last for you. You cannot allow yourself to be so affected by this event.”

  He gestured at the vast glass wall that windowed his personal office.

  “We are at war. We cannot be without our Sword. You swore an oath. You must act for the good of the city. I can’t even begin to express the risk you take, leaving us exposed without our Sword, even if it is, as you say, for a day or two.”

  I just met his gaze. “I am acting for the good of the city. I can secure intel on enemy movements with this excursion that will change the face of this war.”

  Balthazar shook his head slowly, eyeing me severely. “And you expect me to act on this intelligence without knowing the source? You promise no attacks in the next 24 hours at least. What am I to do with that, Tiberius? Can I give all the forces a day's leave? Honestly, I’m worried about you.”

  He said nothing, staring at me with calculating eyes. I could see, in his total lack of reaction, that I was perfectly accurate.

  I said, “Here’s the thing. I am honor-bound to the city. But I am also honor-bound to complete this next task. There is no conflict. I am fulfilling both oaths. When this thing is done, I will bring a weapon—tactical intelligence—that is more powerful than I am to the effort. I am going. I need you to understand that. Nothing you can do will stop me, short of pitting the Axe against the Sword, and you know what a disaster that would be. So you can forbid it and watch me walk from the gates, or you can permit it and watch me walk from the gates. Either way, it is happening. But one of those ways, you won’t lose face.”

  Balthazar was not one for slumping. I could say he deflated, but he didn’t have the capacity to deflate. There was a distinct shift in posture though, almost imperceptible, but still there. I think it was resignation. Maybe, just maybe, it was disappointment or defeat. But this man was a pragmatist.

  “Can you at least tell me where you’re going? To whom you owe this second oath of loyalty?”

  “It’s not an oath of loyalty, it’s an agreement to fulfill a task. And no.”

  “Your source? If I know the source of this intelligence, then maybe I can assess its value…”

  I said, “I’m sorry.”

  Throughout our exchange, had been excitedly singing. Quiet at first with a building enthusiasm, the volume was now threatening to drown out Balthazar’s words.

  Balthazar said, “You know I don’t like this. If for no other reason, this makes it harder for me to trust you. I thought I could depend on you.”

  I was surprised by how little that comment provoked me emotionally. Rationally it was difficult. I was developing plans that Balthazar was at the heart of. But I was shocked, and not displeased, to find that I didn’t care for this man’s approval any longer. “I’ll repair that trust with the intel. I need that trust intact, Balthazar. I have other matters to speak of when I return.”