Page 30 of Eyes of Kings

“It is blasphemous that city dwellers would pretend to be gods,” Levi says, clearly parroting what he’s heard. “The pantheon is a sacred designation belonging to the heavens. The Crescent Societies do not acknowledge anyone earthbound as an old god. They are opportunists.”

That was the exact phrasing that Anton used in his missive to San-Er’s networks. Either his script worked even better than he expected, or the Crescent Societies are going above and beyond supporting the message. He supposes he isn’t surprised. The Crescent Societies do not truly believe, or else they would need to face the possibility of relinquishing the mutinous power they’ve fought so hard to obtain. The Crescent Societies claim to worship the gods, but that has always been an excuse in a world devoid of divinity.

“After the initial emergence,” Levi goes on, “there are more heretics than the palace cells can hold. They’re expanding into the servants’ quarters too.”

“That’s impossible,” Anton says, finally interjecting. “It’s been one night, and there are hundreds of cells beneath the palace.”

“There are hundreds of heretics,” Levi replies.

The distance between the provinces and San-Er has never felt so stark. Howmuch could have changed in the mere hours they were away? Anton nudges his foot out, pressing against the side of Calla’s to ask,Is this a trick from August’s spy?and Calla turns toward him, shaking her head an infinitesimal amount.I doubt it.

“Thank you for running this message,” Calla says. “It is kind of you, at this hour.”

“Oh, no,” Levi hurries to correct. He adjusts his flashlight, and Anton can’t see the boy’s face anymore. “I would be patrolling the perimeter anyway. I often take the late shift and Buira approached me right as I was leaving the wall. It is no trouble.”

Ah. He knows too much, and he would have proceeded straight to August’s camp had Bibi not assigned him this task, pretending that she needed his help. The information is not false. But the messenger was intentional.

Silently, Calla turns the note and shows Anton what Bibi wrote. The rain, in its incessant volley, has started to blur the ink.

Qi threatened in San-Er. Would be best for you to station at camp and stay put if you are to continue war effort.

And do as Anton said.

“How nice of her,” Anton remarks. “She assumed we won the battle.”

Calla sighs, crinkling up the note. “Yes, we are not quite in a position to take over the camp and fight from there.” She turns over her shoulder. “We’re clear! Keep forward.”

The waiting Crescents activate their flashlights once more. Though Anton cannot see her, he can feel Tsosia bristling along the path, somehow.

“If you don’t mind,” Levi says, “I will continue scouting the Apian Routes to ensure there are no waiting threats.”

“Levi,” Calla says, “I’m afraid I do mind.”

His flashlight jerks. “Excuse me?”

“You are a skilled soldier,” she says. “I am sorry about this.”

Anton lunges forward to catch him before he falls. In the dark, the only tell that Calla has cut his throat is the gurgling sound that Levi makes while blood gushes down his chest. Seconds later, he is silent, only a faint metallic smell drenching their surroundings.

Do as Anton said.

Kill him.

“I’ll pull him off the path.”

“Don’t bother,” Calla says evenly. “Let August’s scouts find him. Maybe it will frighten him into withdrawing his other spies in the capital.”

It is a futile sentiment, but they must play pretend. It warrants the loss, the sacrifice. It is no different from Calla trading her kills during the games for the promise of Kasa dead, Kasa gone, and she has already come this far—perhaps it’s time to admit she cannot care for the sanctity of one life so long as it’s in her way.

Anton steps over the body. He takes the flashlight, leading the way ahead, into the black abyss. The sky lightens another imperceptible fraction. The rain strengthens.

They proceed.

CHAPTER 14

Early-morning customers are the worst customers.

Matiyu hates having this shift. No one is sitting down to eat; they’re only buying a fresh catch so they can prepare their own lunches later. No one is coming for good service; they only want to haggle over the best price possible.