Free Dominion by John Connolly Page B

time for artifice.
    â€œI am glad to see you looking so well,” said Ani.
    â€œI wish I could say the same,” Peris replied.
    â€œI’m not sure that I understand you.”
    â€œThat scrawl on your cheek,” said Peris. “I understand enough about the Nairenes to recognize it as a mark of esteem. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were moving up their damned ladder!”
    Which was when Ani informed him that she was now Syrene’s scribe. She ignored the way Peris’s jaw dropped, tapping absently at her writing device as if she was too important to make time even for eye contact. This was a complete turnaround, in direct contrast to the initial fraught and acrimonious meetings between the Archmage and the Earth-born teenager back in Edinburgh, and Peris struggled to make sense of it. Cocile made her lips tight, as if suppressing amusement at his befuddlement.
    â€œBut what about your parents? What about all that the Sisterhood has done, and their allies in the Corps?” he said. He recalled what he’d witnessed on Archaeon, the mental snapshots of living creatures torn apart by aliens, and the resulting spores that were bound for Earth. He’d told Ani about all of it: Had she really cast it aside, as if it were nothing? He thought of the Gifted, and the torments they had inflicted, not least of all on himself. Finally, he recalled those he had known on Melos Station, and all the nameless dead who had joined them in the void as the base was destroyed. How could Ani ally herself with those who had done such things? He stared hard at the young Illyri, willing her to look at him, wishing he could reach into her stubborn skull with the force of his mind, but it was a power that he did not possess.
    â€œWhat about my parents?” said Ani evenly, and as she spoke the leaves on her cheek appeared to flutter and fall into shadow. “I have spoken to the Archmage. Everything is in hand. As for the rest, we are at war, but we must strive for peace.”
    â€œBut . . . Ani, may I speak with you in private?”
    Now Cocile let out her long-suppressed laugh.
    â€œDon’t be ridiculous,” she scoffed. “The Archmage’s personal scribe cannot be left alone with a prisoner.”
    â€œPeris,” said Ani, her voice soothing as if she was addressing a toddler having a tantrum. “I appreciate that we have a long history—or rather had —but I am a Nairene now, of late ordained as a full Sister. In addition, the Archmage Syrene has seen fit to allow me to join her personal staff. I have been singled out for great honor. From now on, I must unshackle myself from my past. I’m afraid that I can’t see you again. I wish you well. Goodbye.”
    Peris reached for her, but she was already rising. She did not look back at him as the door closed behind her.
    â€œAni!” he shouted. “Ani!”
    But she was gone, and he was alone.
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    Yet while Ani might have absented herself from Peris’s life, Syrene had not. She began to visit him regularly, assuring him that his “crimes” against the Sisterhood and the Illyri Empire had been forgiven. She understood from Ani that Peris had traveled to Erebos with the best of intentions, seeking only to ensure the safety of senior Illyri who were under threat from renegade forces. The fact that he had remained behind on Erebos rather than flee with Syl Hellais and her followers was confirmation of his loyalty, Syrene said. She spoke of all the Military leaders who had already come over to the side of the Diplomats. She explained to Peris that, while he was lowly in rank, he was held in high esteem by his fellow soldiers. If he came onside, he could do much to prevent further conflict and loss of life.
    The days turned to weeks, and Peris continued to spurn Syrene’s silken offers. Among them was a promise to have his arm reconstructed,