Page 73

Oblog slumps down with satisfaction into his throne.

Marcel still hasn’t answered the question. I can sense him trying to find an answer – one that will satisfy Oblog, and allow us to escape this place.

However, no such answer is readily apparent. If Marcel admits that he and his triad haven’t yet claimed me, everyone in the room will know his triad aren’t truly committed to the Old Ways.

Even more damning? No answer to the questionisan answer.

Each second of silence that ticks by confirms Oblog’s accusation.

Just say you’ve fucked me, dammit! Just tell them you did it!

Oh, Gods. If only Quint hadn’t interrupted Lucius and I, none of them wouldhaveto be lying right now. Maybe fate had offered me salvation, but I’d foolishly rejected it.

Oblog’s smile widens as the silence drags on.

“You see, my court?” He turns to address the circle of Bullfrogs. “These Aurelians think themselves so much smarter than us – just because they were born with handsome faces and powerful bodies. Aurelians believe the universebelongsto them…”

There’s a chorus of chuckles, gurgling, and grunts – but the laughter is empty. I wonder how many of these Bullfrogs can speak the Common tongue that Oblog addresses us in – and how many are merely grunting along based on the tone and derision of Oblog’s tone.

They don’t need to understand his words to overwhelm us, though. If the Bullfrogs charge, it’ll be a short and ugly battle. Many of them will die at the Orb-Blades of the triad – but we’ll be crushed under the sheer weight of their numbers.

Behind me, Tessa cringes, pulling herself closer to Lucius. I crave that same sense of protection, so I step backward and find myself pressing against Marcel’s huge thigh.

His big hand falls and caresses my shoulder, like a trainer soothing a startled horse.

His eyes and words, though, are directed at the Toad sneering down at us.

“Weworkfor you, Lord Oblog. We have proven our loyalty – and what we do with our own property is not of your concern.”

The other Toad Lord, in the floating throne – Lord Qavar – turns to Oblog.

“Do you believe them? You promised me dinner and a show on your beautiful ship.”

The Toad Lord licks his thick lips.

“Perhaps there is some way you can find out if the Aureliansareloyal to the Old Ways,andentertain me at the same time?”

Oblong’s eyes widen, and his own tongue wets his lips.

“Why, yes! What a novel idea, Lord Qavar!” The two Toad Lords are enjoying playing out this manufactured spectacle.

“Perhaps thereissome way we can ensure ourloyalAurelians won’t have a change of heart and go running back to their Empire.”

I feel Marcel’s body grow taut, vibrating with energy.

He’s in this over his head, the same way Tessa and I are.

It’s daunting. Aurelians often treat humans as if they’re difficult little children – to be protected and guided by the Empire’s fair hand. As such, just as with parents, there’s often this belief that Aurelians know what they’re doing.

They’re so tall, and powerful, and certain…

But I can see there’s nothing certain in Marcel’s actions now, and being tall and powerful isn’t such an advantage when you’re surrounded by murderous robots and bloodthirsty Bullfrogs.

Ever since Ling died, I’ve known the truth about the universe. Aurelians paint themselves as the ‘good guys’ – the benevolent, guiding force in the universe.

In the end, though, it’s creatures like Lord Oblog who really shape the future.

Lord Oblog raises his spindly hands theatrically.