Page 39 of Guiding Reason

“Psionomancers are dead. Apparently, Guardian Vin has similar powers. He doesn’t want to make sure my team gets sentenced by the Judiciary AIs.”

Orrey felt on safer footing there, at least where Judiciary AIs were concerned. Where their responsibilities toward Guardians and Conduits were concerned, less so.

“A Judiciary AI would prefer a trained psionomancer to give testimony, of course. And in a sense, Vin is a victim of the attacks himself.” He remembered the last time he went to the Judiciary and asked to speak with the bomber. “They might not even let him speak with them.”

“You know about how that works better than I. I was only half right. It’s not that you are without standing as a Conduit and a protector that makes you special, it’s that you have knowledge of both. I’m glad I made a friend of you.”

Orrey decided that he was too.I don’t know what he went through, or what he overheard or endured, but I do know our team won’t ever let that happen again.

He lifted the candy. “These’re nice, but how about we try a few of those dumplings?”

Yamara nodded. “Of course. I’m hungry, actually.”

14

SENLAS

Butler Bot 20: Guardian Vin of Argentea’s Team Three was just here and helped Conduit Yamara gather things he desired to take with him. He didn’t take much but said he wanted nothing else. Please be advised that I shall be keeping his belongings regardless.

Butler Bot 35: That is very thoughtful. I’m sure he will be grateful in case he reconsiders. Is there anything I should know about the things he took, about their care?

Butler Bot 20: Wash the clothing as appropriate, don’t disturb anything. Always check if you can do anything for him before he goes to sleep, but quietly.

Butler Bot 35: Oh, of course. I always see everything is stocked. The room sensors are in full working order.

Butler Bot 20: No. I don’t mean that. Go to his room and ask if there is anything he needs.

Butler Bot 35: That is unusual, but I will of course do all within my power to make the transition seamless.

Butler Bot 20: Channeling exhausts him, and he needs the extra care.

Butler Bot 35: I understand. I will sneak in as much narras powder into his food as I am able.

Butler Bot 20: Take good care of him. And remember, I am keeping his things for him.

Butler Bot 35: I will. Thank you.

(TowerChat, Champions’ Tower bot network.)

Senlas followed Orrey with his power, but when the Conduit was out of earshot, he spun toward Taros.

“What happened?”

Taros shrugged. “It’s not like I had a chance to talk to Col alone. That stupid redhead won’t let him out of his sight.”

“Col just wants to relax. He’s using Hyran to do that,” Vin said. “And of course he is a Conduit who has to deal with the Guardian who imprinted on him. Col knows that, and he’s smart enough to handle the situation. Oh, by the way, apparently Hyran is moving to Argentea with us.”

Senlas sighed in relief. “Good.”

Taros waved at the butler bot, who was placing three more parcels onto a pile of packages that had appeared while Senlas was out with Orrey. “Kashana sent something for Orrey. And there’s lots of other stuff. Says thank you on most of the wrapping. It’s like all you have to do to be treated like a champion is to save a city and look good doing it.”

Vin snorted, his eyes still on the hallway Yamara and Orrey had headed down. “You looked good saving the city?”

Taros frowned and crossed his arms. “Well, if I’d been given the Kashana dress, I would have looked better, wouldn’t I? But no. You looked amazing. I wore a suit. Pfft.”

Vin tore his eyes away. “I looked good?”

Taros shrugged. “Yeah? I mean, we all did, before everything turned into a Wild fucking Hunt.”