Book 5. Chapter 30: A test of numbers
Shadowsong’s blade was already in his hand and raised up, point directly at the warlock within the second. The knights around me equally drew arms at the same man, likely by reflex. Father didn’t join in, staring daggers down instead.
“You know too much.” Shadowsong said. “Choose your next words wisely, warlock. You have no friends or allies to hide behind.”
Hexis didn't seem anywhere near as worried as he should be, given all the blades pointed at his throat. “As you’ve so elegantly demonstrated a moment ago, my reputed 'friends' pose as much danger as these delicate teacups." His hand lazily lifted up to point directly at Father. "Not to mention that one there isn’t quite so human as he looks, and likely far more dangerous than the rest of you all combined.”
“Soul sight.” Father said. “You have dug your grave in the snow, warlock. You can't leave alive.”
“'The weave' is the official nomenclature, not 'soul sight' or however you surface dwellers care to call it." His hand waved dismissively into the air, with a dry chuckle. "And regardless of the conditions out there, I most assuredly am not digging my own grave right now.” Then he pointed a hand at Shadowsong directly. "Your Deathless wouldn’t sanction a murder like this. You are the first blade of the clan lord, this is all rather unbefitting of your rank. And you will assuredly lose such a pretty title by stabbing me to death.”
His hand moved, now pointing directly at Father before Shadowsong could even speak. “And if you wanted to kill me, why I think I’d be dead already. Assuming that machine body is what I think it is, then your ability to tell truth from lies should be trivial. So listen closely: Your clan needs me. You're woefully ignorant of the cultural nuances and social hierarchies of the underground, which is exactly where your clan is bound to go.”
“I serve the clan above personal pride. Exile is a price I would pay a hundred fold to protect my House and my clan.” Shadowsong answered back. "When sacrifice calls, I shall answer."
Hexis stayed quiet for a moment, pausing only to listen to the prime. His head tilted to the side as his hand folded back onto the table. “Yes, yes. I heard of that oath tradition of yours. Every caste having their own little motto, very cute. And do believe me, I have no doubt you would follow through to the letter. That part is not in question. But your little 'secret' won't be the death warrant you think it to be."
"He believes what he says." Father said over our comms. "He knows something more."