Revik’s eyes swivel to Terian, this time in utter disbelief.
“Yes,” the faceless man says. “I know who you are. Not only Rolf Schenck, German patriot, but Dehgoies Revik, seer of clan Arenthis.”
Revik continues to look only at Terian. He speaks in that other language next, the one with the clicks and rolling purrs.
Only this time, I understand him.
“What game is this?” Revik says to the other seer. “You gave our clan keys to a human? The elders will hang you for this...”
It is the faceless human who answers him though, using the same language.
“Rules were broken, it is true,” he says, gesturing smoothly, seer-like. Revik follows the motion with his eyes, his expression stunned. “But you can be selective with rules as well, Rolf. Such as the one against choosing a mate from among the females of my kind.”
He clucks his tongue ruefully.
“...For these things tend to happen with humans, do they not? Sadly, my kind does not have the same respect for loyalty. Nor do most in my race understand the true repercussions of commitment...” His hands open as if in prayer.
I see a ring on his finger, what looks like an Iron Cross.
“She was lovely, cousin,” he adds. “I am sorry you lost her to such a vile representative of my species. Truly.”
Revik’s eyes change. For the first time, they belong to the Revik I know. The anger and youth is leached out of them.
“What do you want?” he says.
I glance at Terian, who is smiling. His gaze is predatory too, like he sees that thing in Revik, and wants it.
“My name is Galaith,” the faceless man says. “Perhaps you have heard it?”
There is a silence. Then Revik snorts a short laugh.
“You are the scourge of the seer world?” he says. “The one who downed Syrimne, single-handed? You are lying...”
Terian takes a step closer, his humor less visible now.
Galaith holds up a hand to each of them, like a teacher breaking up a fight at school.
“Who I was is perhaps less important than who I have become,” he says diplomatically. He asks Revik, “Why have you not simply walked out of this cell, cousin? If you wanted out, they could not hold you.”
Revik lets his shoulders unclench. Still eyeing Terian, he shrugs, folding his arms tighter.
“Perhaps I deserve to die,” he says.#p#分页标题#e#
Galaith nods. “Are you so tired of this life then?”
Revik stares at Terian. “Perhaps.”
The faceless man glances at Terian, too. They exchange a subtle smile, then Galaith’s voice warms.
“I understand, cousin. More than you know. But, you see, there are many like you and I, Rolf. Tired of senseless death and war. Tired of the world being led by liars and old men, dreamers and fanatics. Those who feel the Codes, laws, bibles and prejudices of both species no longer represent the current realities of either. We would like to see these Codes...” He smiles. “...Modernized, as it were.”
Revik closes his eyes, leaning his head on stone. “Approach my brother, Whelen.”
“You have not yet heard my proposal—”
“—And yet I am not a fool,” Revik cuts in, opening his eyes again. “Whatever game you and your pet Sark are playing, it is my family name you want. You picked the wrong son. Nothing I said would ever be heard in the Pamir, least of all by my own family. And I have had my fill of humans and your...‘modernization.’”
The faceless man holds up a hand, another gesture of supplication.
“I know your life has been hard, Revik. I know of the death of your parents. I know too that you were adopted by a family that did not want you.” His tone grows cautious.
“...I also know of your current problems, as I have said. But women die in childbirth, cousin. Even among your kind. It is pointless to throw away such a promising, young life for what is a relatively natural event. She was not seer. This suicide of yours cannot be inevitable.”
He pauses, watching Revik’s face.
“Was the child Blauvelt's? Or another’s?”
Revik doesn’t answer at first. He gives a short laugh.
“You really want me to kill you. Perhaps I should oblige this wish of yours.”
Galaith holds up his hand again. “You are wrong about me. My regret for your misfortune is sincere, cousin.” He pauses, still watching Revik’s face. “And I have already spoken with your blood cousin, Whelen,” he adds. “I told him where you are, too. I told him of your predicament. Your family understands more than you believe, despite your decision to distance yourself, to live among my people and participate in this heinous war on her behalf.”
“It was not for her,” Revik said.