“My apologies to the Sage, but it seems Mercy is currently consumed by her duties. You may have heard, but we very recently learned that the Wandering Titan is on its way to our city.”
Lindon’s face darkened to the point that Mercy thought he might begin cycling Blackflame. “Unwelcome news. When will it arrive?”
“I’m afraid I don’t have many more details myself. If you will follow me into the city, I’m certain we would be delighted to have your assistance.”
Malice looked over to Mercy. “Not here for the Titan, then.”
So Lindon had learned that Mercy was forbidden to leave and had come to her instead. That lifted her spirits considerably…or it would have, if her mother hadn’t been drawing attention to it in such a pointed way. Her cheeks heated.
“You’re making this bigger than it is,” Mercy protested.
“Perhaps I am. Perhaps he has grown bored of a girl who only knows how to swing a sword.” Before Mercy could say anything in Yerin’s defense, Malice continued, “Or perhaps it is as I feared, and he is trying to get to me through you.”
Mercy seized on that. “Why would he do that?”
“Who knows?”
Justice was leading Lindon forward as Windfall followed them, presumably powered by Lindon remotely and piloted by Dross.
“I have changed my mind,” Malice said into the shadows. “Keep him out of the city. Make up some excuse.”
“No, wait!” Mercy cried. “What are you doing?”
“What will he do, do you think?”
“I have no idea!”
“Neither do I. Let’s find out together.”
Justice looked like he’d been asked to throw himself into the mud. Stiffly, like a puppet, he held out one hand. Lindon drifted to a stop behind the hand, confusion on his face. The gates had only opened halfway.
“I…apologize,” Justice grated out. “There has been an…issue…with our guards, and they have…inexplicably…decided to identify you as an intruder. Since I cannot guarantee your safe entry, I cannot allow you into the city.”
Belatedly, the two reptilian Remnants moved to flank Lindon. They raised spears, which shone red, but they didn’t attack.
It was a flimsy excuse, but not a terrible one. Remnants were notoriously chaotic, and Mercy had heard stories of them misidentifying people. However, those that followed orders did not suddenly stop for no reason.
Lindon looked from Justice to the two guards, and suddenly he wore the expression that had once been his standard: like he was searching for someone to punch.
“I see,” Lindon said softly. “Then I suppose if there is no threat to my safety, we may proceed.”
Akura Justice protested, but Lindon shot through the air.
A spear swept at him like a staff, in a blur that Mercy was only able to follow when it stopped. Cold. Against Lindon’s right hand.
The impact kicked up a wind that tore at Lindon’s robes and whipped up sand for a mile behind him, and Mercy almost choked. He hadn’t used either of his full-body Enforcer techniques.
Malice raised an eyebrow. “He has quite the impressive physique for a Sage.”
“Mother!” Mercy didn’t like the look on Malice’s face.
“Don’t worry, he’s too young for me.” She glanced to the side again. “But not for you…”
“Mother!”
The Remnant guard jerked its spear away when Lindon started to Consume the power of the weapon. But it didn’t attack again, and the other merely posed menacingly.
“They don’t seem so aggressive,” Lindon observed.
“They are…straining at the very limits of their restrictions,” Justice said. “Please! I could not bear the punishment if you were injured here!”
“I’ll be careful,” Lindon promised. He leaned forward, but then Malice whispered something into the shadows.
Justice rushed in front of Lindon. “No need! I’ve been told that the issue has been…resolved, and you are now permitted to enter Moongrave with our apologies.”
“Gratitude,” Lindon said as the guards moved back. “And Mercy?”
“Ah, she’s still occupied.”
“Pardon, but where is she occupied?”
“You can tell him,” Malice said.
As Justice told Lindon where Mercy worked, Mercy turned to her mother. “I’m confused. Can I see him or not?”
“He’s here, so let’s put him to work. But keep an eye on him. Make sure he’s working for our family and not against us.”