Chapter 345.2
The Dead December seemed intrigued, scrutinizing Isaac.
[That oath is known only to the dead now. All who could have spoken of it hang as bones upon his rail. Where did you learn this?]
Isaac didn’t answer. It was all he could do just to breathe in the oppressive atmosphere. The Archangel continued to speak as if simply explaining the situation would be enough to make Isaac step back willingly.
[When Horace was taken captive, Arachel Brant, Supreme Commander of the 7th Dawn Army, offered him a bargain: his life in exchange for a task. They were attempting to establish a sea route to the Holy Land Lua and needed him to lead their fleet.]
It was an unusually bold move for the Codex of Light, especially in those days. At that time, the Codex was so mired in ideological conflict with Elil and the World’s Forge that their banner of the White Empire had become almost meaningless.
Perhaps it was only possible because the Brant family, with its naval resources, held power within the Empire.
[Given Horace’s sense of honor and faith, a simple promise would have sufficed. The Salt Council captains were men of their word. But you of the Codex of Light refused to trust in other faiths. Instead, they forced Horace to swear upon his own faith that he would not leave the Dawn Army until the Holy Land Lua was reclaimed. It was a brutal insult, a slap to his pride.]
‘Or perhaps not so terrible,’ Isaac thought.
He imagined that Horace, at the time, might have simply accepted it with a “Well, that’s how things go.” Salt Council captains had little patience for formalities; they were capable of handling any ship.