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How did they decide what was valuable? Did they all just gather together, sit around in their suits and gowns, and say, “Oi. Let’s start eatin’ fish eggs, and make the stuff real expensive. That’ll rust their brains, it will.” Then
Before I learned how much power over a situation you gain when you decide that you don’t care what others think of you.”
That’s the motto of the gravekeeper, you know. Just remember, they don’t care none. . . .”
It was very hard to hate Steris. You could be bored by her, confused by her, or frustrated with her—but hate her? Impossible.
Look like you belong, the kandra had said. The first rule of impersonation is to belong.
“Statistics show that if we make subtle changes to our environment—the way we approach our legal system, or employment rates, maybe even our city layout—we can positively influence the people living in that environment.
People are people. Hell, even kandra act the same, in our own way. Life then was like life now, only you have better street food.”
You have no mask to hide your emotions.
She sat in a ladylike posture, knees forward, back straight, writing carefully on a notebook by lanternlight.
Perhaps you can help me with a topic. How useless am I?”
merely stating facts. I am quite useless on this expedition, and I think that is only fair, considering my personal life experience. However, if I wish to improve, I need to know how far I have to go. Here.”
She turned her notebook to show Marasi the back, where she’d been writing. Why use the back? Either way, she’d drawn a small graph with points plotted on it. Usefulness was listed on one axis, and it had names up the other. Rusts—she’d assigned a number to everyone’s level of worth on the mission. Waxillium was a hundred, as was MeLaan. Wayne was a seventy-five. Marasi was an eighty-three. She hadn’t expected that. “I would say that ten is the threshold below which one’s uselessness outweighs the little one does add to the project. I’m thinking I might be a seven, as
there are instances where it is better to have me along, t...
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I love the idea that I can break out of it all—the expectations, the way I’m regarded, the way I regard myself—and soar.
He’s a flame, Waxillium is, and fire can be shared.
When I’m out here, when I’m with him, I burn, Marasi. It’s wonderful.”
“Love is always a foolish emotion. That’s what makes it work.”
I’m wondering if every person I pass has similar depths, and if there’s any way to avoid the mistake of judging
The difference between good and evil men is not found in the acts they are willing to commit—but merely in what name they are willing to commit them in.”
can’t do this without you.” “Yes you can. Fight.” “Not that part,” Wayne said. “The rest of it. Livin’.
“Although that is how you’ve seen it. Duty or freedom. Burden or adventure. You were always the one who made the right choice, when others played. And so you resent it.”
a sign of respect, touching her right shoulder with her left hand, then lowering her hand to touch her wrist.
instead of feeling deflated, she felt . . . peaceful. Hers was the serenity of a woman who’d lain stretched out on a perfect summer day, feeling the sun as it slowly sank. Yes, the light was gone now, but oh what a joy it had been.
he found that he’d rather have pulled the trigger himself. Harmony was right about that.
“Now, that there, that ain’t fair. You should feel guilty.” “For being a Coinshot?” “For cheatin’ at life, Wax.” “How about I feel appreciative instead?” “Suppose that’ll do.”
“Shoulda stayed there, I suppose. To stop her from runnin’, you know? But I wasn’t of sound mind, so to speak. I thought you were dead, mate. Really thought it. And I kept thinkin’ to myself, ‘Would Wax kill her for real? Or would he give her another chance, like he gave me?’ So I let her be. I stayed my hand, ’cuz it was the last thing I could do for you. Does that make sense?”
“But I still feel that I was basically luggage for most of the trip.” He shrugged. “Steris, I think we’re all like that. Shuffled from place to place by duty, or society, or God Himself. It seems like we’re just along for the ride, even in our own lives. But once in a while, we do face a choice. A real one. We may not be able to choose what happens to us, or where we’ll stop, but we point ourselves in a direction.”
“You pointed yourself toward me.”
almost feels,” Steris said softly, “like this entire experience was a dream. I need to write it all down quickly, lest it fade.”
“I’m painfully tired of being alone, Steris. It’s time I admitted that. And you . . . well, you’re incredible. You truly are.”
“Well, this wasn’t on any of my lists, you see.” “Ah.” He felt his heart lurch. “And,” she continued, “I can’t remember a time when I missed something for one of my lists, only to have it be so wonderful.” She nodded, red-nosed and sniffly. “And it is.
Anything could be an advantage. In this case, it was a chance to prove himself. He would not break, and they would see.
“You didn’t break or spill secrets.” “I did not.” “We are impressed.” “Thank you.” Advantage. Even two weeks in prison can be used to prove a point.
He was a new person for what seemed like the hundredth time in his life, and this was a new age.
“Survive.”
