‘And then, one night, following my orders to watch the orphanage—for where else would that which makes itself resemble a child escape to?—one of my pathetic, drug-addled eyes on the street spied a girl with green hair sneaking out into the shadows—taming a wild dog at the very moment it attacked her. Who but a Siren could command the nature of a wild beast with a mere thought?’ Enfield scowled. ‘Green hair. A common depiction of your kind.’
Serena’s mouth hung open as she fought for words. ‘You found me because I played with Scruff? That’s all it took?’
‘There were plenty of false starts before you, filth.’
‘Gods above and below,’ muttered Gallows, piecing things together. ‘Your junkie network, does that include Buzz goddamn Fitangus? You’ve been paying him to spy on the orphanage. Son of a bitch, that’s why the Watch let him go. Little prick said he had friends.’
‘Buzz Fitangus, ha!’ cackled Pierro. ‘I know that little runt.’
Enfield looked at Gallows like he was dirt on his shoe. ‘As I say, Hunter, the corruption in this city is plain for all to see. Its very soul is stained. You are an animal in its death throes, gasping for breath so you can limp on for another precious few seconds. I long to be rid of this place.’
‘I, I knew someone was following me,’ said Serena. ‘I felt it the night of the funeral.’
‘Yes,’ Enfield began, ‘you had the misfortune to survive the Spire attack, so I had to move quickly. I should have known your low cunning would allow you to slip past the guards. But the wheels were in motion. By the time my man-’
‘Constable Edlond?’
‘Yes. By the time Edlond realised his mistake, the other girl was dead.’
Serena struggled against her bonds, screaming. ‘Marrin! The girl you killed was called Marrin.’
‘A drop in the ocean to come, girl.’
Serena was shaking, breaths coming light and fast, like a desperate animal. ‘You tried to kill me on the Liberty Wind! You killed Dixon and the others! You made me think it was Culran!’
‘Being Junior Councillor of the Guilds made it ludicrously easy to manipulate your crew. A few extra aerons, and like a whore begging for scraps, Captain Fitzwilliam lapped it up. Zoven got the materials, Vaughan set the trap—and Father Talbot was most accommodating; he made sure you’d be aboard, girl. It seems you’re one of the few students who actually enjoys menial labour. Once Talbot confirmed your intentions, it was simple. And all it took to persuade him was a few shameless little girls to slake his lust. Thank you for that, Pierro.’
‘Happy to be of service, the girls enjoyed the tip you left ’em. Talbot’s a bit stingy on that front.’
Disgust wormed in Gallows’ stomach. His entire city was rotten to its core.
‘If you’re Idari,’ Pierro started, ‘why not end Thackeray and be done with it, go home a hero?’
‘The Herald of Death is a threat to the world!’ raged Enfield. ‘Had our invasion and the devastation of your natural resources worked, you’d have done the world a courtesy and died—along with Serena. But we underestimated you, and you had the gall to live on. Not a mistake we will repeat. Thackeray will ensure war—he will ensure your death.’
‘Gods, Priests, Councillors and Watch…’ said Gallows. ‘Maybe you’re right. Maybe we ain’t fit to live. Is that why you tried to destroy us on Amberfire Night?’
Enfield’s face changed. He looked smug. ‘One of my better achievements. The ignogen bomb didn’t kill its intended target, but ten thousand dead Daltheans is a good result.’
‘Who was the target? Who?’ Serena screamed and struggled in her bonds.
Enfield didn’t say anything. He didn’t need to. She was the target.
Was Serena the weapon Nidra was obsessed with?
‘All those innocent people, dead because of you,’ smiled Enfield. ‘You should have had the good grace to die.’
Pierro’s men had been eyeing Serena with fear—but now there was hate. Everyone had lost people that night.
‘You’re full of it, you know that?’ said Gallows. ‘All those deaths are on you. Your people spurned the whole world because we use ignicite, and what did you do? You’re a fraud, a coward—spineless.’
Pierro stepped between Gallows and Enfield. ‘Right, reckon I’m about done-’
‘I’m not done yet,’ hissed Serena.
Pierro stretched his massive frame. ‘Make it bloody quick.’
‘How did you know I was at the concert? Did one of your homeless see me and Myriel? That’s it, isn’t it?’
Enfield angled his head. ‘Mister Fitangus, in one of his rare moments of lucidity, reported to me that a young boy selling kringla swirls was running around Dustwynd, bragging about your stunt at the train station with him.’
‘Milo…?’ said Serena, a crack in her voice.
Acid sank into Gallows’ stomach. He saw Milo every day.
‘Oh yes,’ confirmed Enfield. ‘When he was looking for his whore mother. Couldn’t keep his mouth shut about you—said a “king’s agent” would not go back on the promise she made. Is there no end to your lies?’
Serena’s eyes glistened. ‘But… You had no idea I would use the ticket he gave me.’
‘What choice did I have? After interfering with Pyron’s plans with Kyatis, my days were numbered. I knew he would discover me before long, so what did I have to lose? Imagine my delight when I saw you sitting there. I feared all the arrangements I’d made would be for naught. But there you were, sitting in that hall like you had the right. Did you really think that disguise would work? Changing your hair? You reek of corruption, worm! You cannot mask that. Filth! It stains you, Serena, seeps from you. You should never have sucked breath. You were born of a pestilent womb.’
‘Oi, steady now! That ain’t no way to talk to a girl,’ cautioned Pierro. ‘Even if she is a crazy demonic mind-witch.’
‘How do you know any of this?’ Gallows asked. ‘Where’s this shit coming from?’
‘History,’ spat Enfield. ‘Our knowledge comes from a place so deep, you cannot comprehend it.’
Gallows laughed. ‘In other words, you don’t. You’re just following orders like a good little fanatic.’
‘Believe what you will.’
‘Where’s Milo now?’ Serena demanded, glaring at the Junior Councillor.
A wolf’s grin spread on Enfield’s face. ‘I’ll tell you one thing, he put up more of a fight than his mother. It broke his little heart when you didn’t show. Right to the end, he was convinced you would save him. Right until my knife slid into his heart.’
Pierro hammered his fist down into Enfield’s mouth, two teeth flying onto the floor. ‘Ain’t no sport in killin’ kids.’
‘You bastard,’ Serena whimpered. Red rings formed in her eyes. ‘He was a kid! He was just a kid! ’
A quake roared through the ground, powerful enough to shake the cave and send cracks through stone. The ignium lamp on the ceiling flickered.
‘Damn! Got caught up in this little tale,’ said Pierro. ‘Forgot we set the timers. Right, boys, pack up and finish here! As for you, Junior Councillor, reckon I’ll keep you around a bit longer. Zoven’s tight with Pyron Thackeray, he’ll probably appreciate you being taken in.’
Dust rushed from the ceiling, veins cracking into the stone.
‘Do what you will,’ Enfield spoke. ‘You think I care? My conscience is clear. I have the Gods on my side!’ Enfield’s manic eyes swung like a reaper’s scythe. ‘None of you can comprehend the fury yet to come! None of you are safe! We will carve your hearts from your chests! We will burn you in your beds! We will exorcise the cancer of-’
Blood and meat sprayed Gallows’ face, the echoes of the gunshot ringing in his ears.
Enfield slumped to the floor.
‘Then again, he likes to keep things simple,’ said Pierro, holstering his revolver. ‘Percy, grab the girl.’
Percy’s face creased. He took a tentative step towards Serena. ‘What
if she… makes me cut my own wrists, or-or stab you, or-’
‘For the love of Musa.’ Pierro shook his head. He marched towards Serena and, without effort, lifted her onto his shoulder.
‘Let me go!’ Her fists pounded at the giant’s back, like a chicken pecking at the side of a mountain.
Another chain of explosions tore the cavern asunder.
‘Hey!’ Gallows yelled. ‘Asshole!’
‘Oh aye,’ said Pierro. ‘Randal! Kill him, eh? There’s a good lad. And be quick about it—place is gonna cave in.’
The ground shook. Gallows could only watch as Pierro and his men marched through the exit. Serena kept her eyes on Gallows’ until she disappeared.
For the third time tonight, Rat-Face’s gun stared at him.
Screw it.
Gallows bent and lunged forward, a bullet zinging over his back. He tackled Roach-Face head-first, then rammed the back of his skull into the bottom of Roach’s jaw. Something cracked.
Roach staggered back and Gallows charged at him again, sending him to the ground—but not before he brought Gallows’ own blade around, slicing into the Hunter’s side.
Gallows stamped on Roach’s hand and kicked the revolver away.
‘Son of a bitch!’ spat Roach. Pinkish blood dripped from his mouth.
Gallows’ fingers reached for the knife, but between the fresh wound and the accumulated aches, it was agony to get to.
Roach’s scrawny body twisted towards the gun—Gallows ran and kicked his ribs, but he lost his balance and tripped.
Slabs fell from the ceiling.
On his back, his fingers found the edge of the knife. He wrenched it from his belt, the pommel in the centre of his palm. It was a poor angle but the best he could do.
Roach picked the gun up.
The tip of the blade cut the rope.
Gallows sprang to his feet, adrenaline and fear numbing the pain. He barrelled into Roach—his gun glanced off of Gallows’ head and he dropped the knife.
Roach-Face growled. Gallows thrust his hand out, keeping his own sword at bay as Roach angled it to him. Gallows clawed and punched and spat, forcing Roach to the ground and pinning him there.
He had to make a decision—go for the gun or the sword.
He released the grip on Roach’s sword hand, using two hands to prise the gun away. It skidded along the floor, well out of reach.
The choice left Gallows vulnerable.
The pommel of his sword battered at Gallows’ temple, bright lights flashing in his head. Too close to use the blade, but Roach would rectify that.
He made a move to grab the gun—Roach spotted it—and just as Gallows hoped he would, sacrificed his advantage to clear the weapon from Gallows’ grasp.
Roach turned his back. ‘No chance you’re-’
Gallows rolled, grabbed the knife and drove it deep into Roach’s foot, severing his Achilles tendon. Blood bubbled.
Roach fell forward, twisting onto his back.
Saliva dripped from Gallows’ mouth. He stamped on Roach’s wrist and retrieved his shortsword, as well as the revolver.
After all that, the gun was empty. It fell to the ground. ‘Moron, you only had one bullet.’
Roach’s face burned red.
Gallows clasped at his side, sticky with blood, and made for the door. The ceiling trembled.
‘Don’t kill me,’ Roach pleaded to Gallows’ back. ‘Please don’t kill me.’
‘I ain’t gonna kill you,’ Gallows panted. ‘But you’re not leaving the same way as me. If you can walk, you’re welcome to find another door.’
She didn’t have the energy to struggle any more.
Exhaustion pulled at her but her mind kept her alert.
She’d heard a gunshot ring out after the door had closed. Gallows. Another person dead because of her. How many more would die? Farro Zoven would pass her over to Pyron Thackeray—and then what? Had Enfield told him of the ‘Herald of Death’?
She replayed the instant Enfield died over and over, but there was no satisfaction. How could there be? The whole Idari Empire was convinced she was a weapon. We’ve been hunting you since before you were born. Is that why she’d been passed from tribe to tribe her whole life?
…Was this why she’d never got to know her parents?
Jozef. No wonder you were scared of me some nights.
More explosions, and the world shook.
‘Don’t worry about them bombs, girlie,’ Pierro called. ‘We’re nearly out. Now! When we get to the Guildhouse, ol’ Farro will… Well, let’s just call it your “audition”, eh? Best to just close your eyes and let him get on with it. After that, Veronica—a sweetheart, V—she’ll clean you up. I expect Zoven will want you in good condition for the Prime Councillor.’
Worms squirmed in her stomach. Her heart—racing up until now—beat with all the speed of a rusty, gummed-up engine. Anyone tries to touch me, I’ll get inside their head and make ’em tear their eyes out. I will.
And yet she couldn’t get into Pierro’s head now. Did it only work on animals? Damn you for dying so soon, Enfield.
‘Oi, you lot, get a move on!’ called Pierro.
‘The door’s stuck!’ moaned Percy.
‘Can’t be, this is the way we came.’
Percy and the others—eight including Pierro, Serena reckoned—huddled around the door. ‘Ain’t budging,’ said Percy.
‘Shitting hells!’ The words rolled from Pierro like thunder. He set Serena down. ‘I’m gonna tell V not to let you anywhere near the dungeon for a month. Let me see... Oh aye, if the girl moves or tries any magic shite, kneecap her.’
Serena’s legs were jelly, but she stood. Pierro pulled at the door, inching it open with a scrape and squeal of metal on stone. ‘Something’s jamming it,’ he said. ‘Now there’s a conundrum.’
There must be another way out. There were no markings to tell her where she was, but the Courtesans’ Guildhouse was in The Sands, so she reasoned they couldn’t be far. No ladders, no holes… Seems my luck has finally run out.
‘So use what tools you have.’
Jozef’s words.
One of the men stood by her with a gun trained on her—a chubby one with auburn hair, eyeing her beneath bushy brows.
She steadied her breathing. C’mon. Her hand shivered behind her back, but a pulse of electricity ran through her. Yes! She concentrated, invisible threads reaching out to the man, connecting with-
‘Caul! Gimme a hand, lad.’
‘Right,’ Caul said, shoulders relaxing now that he didn’t have to keep his eye on the witch in front of him. He assisted Pierro with the door.
The connection severed.
‘There we go!’ Pierro sang the words. ‘Right Serena, hop on-’
Percy yelped as a limping bundle of hair bounced through the new gap in the door, nestling by Serena’s legs.
‘Scruff.’ Serena’s chest lifted like the Liberty Wind. If Scruff was here…
Percy moved to stick his blade into the dog, but Pierro backhanded him. ‘Son, I know you weren’t about to kill a dog.’ Pierro turned to Scruff, his face lighting up. ‘Thought you were all dead. Reckon I’ll keep him and call him Fabi-’
The ignium lantern smashed into the back of Pierro’s skull, glass shards embedded in his head. He fell to the ground—twitchy fingers clutched at the wounds, lashings of scarlet beneath them.
A stone shadow stood in the doorway.
‘Belios’ balls!’ yelled Caul. Six shots burst from his revolver. ‘There’s something there!’
Enoch stepped forward, eyes burning like hellfire. He grabbed Caul by the throat and slammed him into the ground.
He didn’t move after that.
‘Die!’ Percy thrust his knife into Enoch’s chest half a dozen times, in and out with frantic speed.
But Enoch still stood.
He wrenched the knife from Percy’s hand and sent it clattering along the ground.
‘W… What are you?’
Enoch slammed him into the wall. Two of the remaining five fired at him, but the bullets didn’t even slow him—in no time at all, Enoch swung them around, cracked skull against skull, wrenched arms from their sockets and bent legs inward. He rounded on the others, the men petrified with fear. One of them landed by Serena, his face livid red and swelling.
The last of Pierro’s men stood between Serena and Enoch, too scared to fight. Liquid pooled around his feet.
‘Run,’ said Enoch. The man bolted through the door.
‘Are you okay?’ Enoch asked as he untied Serena’s bonds.
‘Yeah… Yeah.’
‘Holy shit,’ called a voice from behind.
Gallows! Still alive but clutching at a wound in his chest.
He looked beyond her to Enoch. ‘Couldn’t you have just done that in the first place instead of skipping off?’
‘I thought you were dead,’ Serena said.
‘If only. Enoch?’ If his grey face could betray any emotion, then right now his eyes were mired in sadness.
‘We must go,’ he said. Gallows didn’t protest when Enoch assisted him through the door.
As Serena followed, she heard a strangled cough from Pierro.
In the back of her head, she’d hoped he’d died.
‘Your cap’n’s dead.’ He rolled onto his back, laughter spluttering from him. ‘Swung him about like a rag doll, I did! Oh-ho, pissed himself something awful, he did.’
Her skin brimmed. ‘You’re lying.’
‘You tell yourself that. Gods above an’ below, you keep strange company, lass. But I promise you this: Zoven will turn this city inside out to find ya. We’ll kill anyone that takes you in. Anywhere you reckon you’re safe, we’ll get to ya.’
The room shook as the last of the ignium charges went off nearby, motes of dust dancing up.
Serena took her wrench in her hand.
‘Oh aye, your days are numbered,’ called Pierro. The giant’s heels dug into the ground, pushing his back against the wall. His baby’s grin spread on his face, spotting the tool in her hand. ‘What you gonna do with-’
Symphony of the Wind Page 46
