“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.