VII | Return
Valdus said to Lector: “E.T.A.”
Lector looked at his readouts. “Level 16, and slowing.”
Hirth unhooked a sphere-bomb from his belt.
“No bombs,” said Valdus.
Hirth raised a shaggy brow. “Shall we throw flowers, my lord?”
Valdus didn’t say anything, only held his gaze, then turned to face the lift.
They doubt your willingness to do what is necessary when it comes to Shekalane. You have entered the time when allegiances might be reevaluated and faith to your leadership questioned. Would you see the Revolution jeopardized owing to your attachment to a woman who no longer loves you—worse, who has actively betrayed you?
“Level nine.”
Or, again—would you make of her an example? After all, who would question the commitment of a man who had killed his own betrothed for the ca
