Revelation (70 page)

“I tried to hate you. For a year, I worked hard at it, as you know. I followed you across the Derzhi Empire to find the evidence, sure that if I watched and listened long enough, I would learn of the depths of sin and corruption and masterful deception, and thus justify what I had done. But instead you have taught me everything of compassion, everything of forgiveness, everything of honor. You showed me my own guilt, and at the same time set me free of it. These are not the gifts of a man of violence.”

“Fiona—”

“Whatever else you’ve done or will do, we three—Blaise, the Prince, and myself—are your handiwork—forever changed because of you.”

I had no words.

Fiona saw it, and nodded in satisfaction. “Now. Lie down and go to sleep.”

I did as she bid. The choice to do otherwise did not seem available. But there was one more thing before I let a pleasant tiredness and full heart take me to oblivion. “You never answered my question, Fiona. What are you going to do now?”

She threw another blanket over me and set the enchantment to hold the fire steady. “My mentor has made himself a demon because he believed it was necessary to put the world in order. I will go everywhere, read everything, ask everyone—do whatever I need to do—to find out if he’s right. Is that answer enough, Master Seyonne?”

I smiled and sank into the soft pillows. “Enough.”