Knowing nothing of the Hegemons, the stranger cannot relate to Claud’s excitement. “What did you mean by ‘Corruption,’ Your Lordship?” he asks. “Did you mean the sea of poison killing everything all around us?” Claud appears to consider the words. “I suppose ‘sea of poison’ is as apt a description as any. The Corruption is certainly pervasive. Though it is in truth the lingering echo of the terrible weapon that killed this city. Anathema to all living things. And cogs aren’t usually built to survive it,” he adds, giving the stranger a sidelong glance. “Is that why you’re wearing spectacles?
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