“We thought you’d want to see your son,” Vye said. “He’s being treated very well.”
“And so here we are, gathered again,” Hondo said. There was an edge in his voice, and an arrogance. “And I suppose you’ve come here to challenge our claim to authority.”
“Not at all,” Cass said.
“Oh?” Hondo said. “Then to what do we owe the honor of your presence?”
“I’ve come to ask for your mercy.”
Hondo’s eyes narrowed, and Vye glanced over at him, and then back at Cass.
“What did you have in mind, Lady Cass?” Vye asked.
“That you show mercy to the people you’ve sworn to protect,” Cass answered. “I understand that you have a plan underway to move a number of people outside the wall. I’ve come to beg you not to do so. You would be sending them all to certain death.”
“Despite what you may think,” Hondo said, “we aren’t monsters. We also have a plan for the guard to provide protection. They’ll take care of any Weir that may stray too close.”
“It won’t be enough.”
“The Weir haven’t come in any number for a long time.”
“They attacked the gate less than a week ago,” Cass said.
“And it was repelled. They haven’t returned since.”
“Please, North,” she said, looking at him. “There is an attack coming. On a scale that you cannot imagine. If you prepare now, the city may weather it. But if you waste your time forcing people out in the open, I believe we will all be destroyed.”
“Your son already tried this tactic,” Hondo said. “It sounds very noble, returning not for power, but for the greater good. But you should be careful setting yourself up as a savior for a people who may not receive you as such.”
“Hondo, don’t be a fool. I know what you’ve done. I know how this Council conspired against my son. But this isn’t a game for power.”
“It’s always a game for power,” he said. “And I know you’re upset with how things have turned out. But trying to cause a panic now doesn’t help anyone.”
“That’s funny, coming from a man who went out of his way to stir up trouble for the rightful governor.”
“There was already trouble. We may have accelerated the process on occasion, but it was underway before we ever got involved.”
“It’s not like you think, Cass,” Vye said. “We just wanted to get ahead of it. To make sure we could control it. Otherwise the city would’ve eventually torn itself apart.”
“The sentiment was always there,” Hondo said. “It just needed a little push.”
Cass thought she’d prepared herself for this confrontation, but she was aghast at the absolute lack of remorse they showed.
“People died so you could have your way,” Cass said. “And more will die now.”
“And are they not acceptable losses, Cass, if the end result is peace and security for everyone?” He lowered his voice and leaned forward. “People are sheep. They need a shepherd to tell them where to go, what to do, what to think. They want a shepherd. Everything we have done has been for them.”
It was no use. There was nothing more Cass could do here.
“You fools. You’ve made enemies of friends and allowed the wolves to claim your doorstep. What good will it be to rule a kingdom of dust and ash?”
“It’ll work out,” Vye said. “You’ll see, Cass. You’ll understand when it all settles.”
Cass was still trying to work out a response when a guardsman came in. He bowed when he entered, and Hondo waved him forward. It turned Cass’s stomach to see that. Wren had never asked anyone to bow to him.
“An Awakened has come with a message,” the guard said. “He said he must deliver it himself, in person.”
“Another plea?” Hondo asked.
“I don’t believe so, sir. It seems urgent. He’s very serious.”
“Alright, send him in.”
Hondo motioned dismissively towards Cass, and two of the guards took her by the arms and moved her off to one side.
She heard the door open behind her, but before she could glance over her shoulder to see who it was, Wren called out, “Painter!”
Cass turned and saw Painter stride into the room and immediately knew something had changed about him. He was standing taller, with his shoulders back and his chest out. His face was grave. He didn’t acknowledge Wren or Cass, or anyone else, other than those seated on the three thrones.
He stopped before them, but did not bow.
“You look familiar,” Hondo said. “A friend of Wren’s, aren’t you?”
“I am a herald, and I have come with a message for the rulers of the city.”
Cass was shocked to hear the voice coming from Painter. It was full and powerful, confident. And he hadn’t stuttered once.
“Oh, well, by all means, please deliver it.”
“One is coming with a host at his command. He does not wish to take you by surprise, for he longs to test his strength against yours. When the sun sets, his army will appear and make your city desolate.”
Vye sat upright, but Hondo only laughed. He leaned forward in mock seriousness. “And what tribute does this mighty warlord desire to spare us this fate?”
“It is no threat. There is nothing you can give to see it pass over. There is nothing you can do to prevent it. It is a prophecy. Your city has seen its last sunrise.”
Hondo sat back with a bemused look, and then he looked over to Wren and Cass.
“I can appreciate the theatrics,” he said. “But really, next time you should find someone with a more…” he waved his hand up and down in Painter’s direction, “imposing figure.”
Cass was too stunned to pay any attention to what Hondo had said. Painter seemed wholly in control of himself, but the change was too sudden — too severe — and she knew the ominous words were not truly his. The thought was too terrible to admit, yet too certain to dismiss. Asher had found a way into Painter’s mind. And Painter had given himself over.
“Get him out of here.”
Two of the guards approached Painter, but he held up his hands with such authority that they halted. He turned on his own and walked to the door, without so much a glance at Wren or Cass. Before he left, Painter paused and stretched out his hand towards Hondo, as if pronouncing a blessing.
“Come tomorrow you shall no longer be called Morningside, for by then I shall have given you a new name.”
And with that, he exited. The throne room was silent for a few moments after. Cass and Wren made eye contact, and Cass wondered if the fear and horror was as apparent in her eyes as it was in his. Vye had gone pale, and even North looked unsettled. Only Hondo remained unmoved.
“Will you now do as I’ve asked?” said Cass. “Shut the gates, and prepare.”
“And please, Hondo, let me use the machine,” Wren added, pleading.
“So you can help bring this army? It was an impressive performance, but I’m not so easily taken as that. Because you have such compassion for the people, how about this? You both may go and live among them.” He motioned for the guards to take Cass and Wren from the throne room.
“Hondo, wait,” North said. “Let’s talk about this…”
“There’s no need to discuss it, unless Vye is in disagreement?” Hondo answered, looking at Vye, who was watching Wren. Vye glanced at Cass and for a moment they locked eyes. But then she lowered her gaze and shook her head.
He said, “As I thought. The ruling stands. Escort them from the grounds, and see that they leave with the first relocation.”
The guards forced Cass and Wren from the room, though neither she nor her son offered any resistance.
They were corralled and placed near one of the western gates, with what Cass estimated to be roughly two hundred of the most unfortunate citizens that Morningside had to offer. There were a few rough-looking characters who looked like they might start trouble once the move began, but for the most part, everyone seemed resigned to their fate.