Pestilence looks taken aback. His eyes search my face anew.
“I’m sorry,” he says, and there is genuine remorse there. I wish I couldn’t sense it.
I work my jaw and look away, suddenly overwhelmed by this confrontation.
“I was a different … man then,” he continues. “Probably not so different from how Death is now.
“We horseman can change our ways. All of us have changed our ways—except for Death. And unfortunately for you and the rest of humanity, he’s the one horseman who gets the final say on whether you all live or die.
“That’s why the three of us, including that odious beast you know as Famine—”
“I heard that, asshole!” the Reaper calls from just inside the house.
“—are here, looking for Death,” Pestilence continues smoothly. “We want to stop him—we are going to stop him. But we could really, really use your help. And I am truly sorry. I cannot bring your parents back, but perhaps together, we can spare many other families the same fate.”
I need to sit. My legs don’t feel like they want to support my bodyweight any longer.
“You’re really trying to stop Thanatos?” I say softly.
I can’t believe it.
“We really are,” he says.
His words—and his apology—hang heavy in the air between us. I don’t want to forgive him—and I don’t want to work with him—but this last year has forced me to deal with all sorts of impossible, horrible circumstances. Hell, I just spent the night in the arms of Death himself, the man responsible not just for my family’s death, but for everyone’s demise.
Pestilence gives me a long look. “Please, come back inside—” He pauses, leaving an opening for me to say my name.
I size the horseman up, not entirely sure that getting my hands dirty in whatever mess they’re up to is a great idea.
Better than staying Death’s unwilling captive.
“Lazarus,” I finally say. “My name’s Lazarus.”
Pestilence smiles.
“Lazarus,” he repeats. “It’s nice to officially meet you.” He nods back to the house. “As soon as you’re ready to get out of the rain, my brothers and I have a lot to tell you, and I don’t think we have much time.”
Chapter 27
Pleasanton, Texas
January, Year 27 of the Horsemen
They do share their story. It all comes tumbling out like some horrible nightmare. How these horsemen came to earth and broke our technology. How they went back into the ground, only to arise again like cicadas. Each one of them has traveled the world, determined to eradicate us all. But each of them changed their minds somewhere along the way.
And, in every single case, a woman was responsible for that.
I realize now why they care so much about my relationship with Death.
“So you see,” War eventually says, sitting back on his haunches as rain plinks on the roof above us, “we cannot let him succeed, and not just because we love our wives and our children.”
Famine stands next to him, arms folded, glowering.
Pestilence adds, “We gave up our immortality and the vast extent of our powers because we believe that despite our task, humans are worthy of living.”
Famine huffs, glancing away.
“Ignore him,” War says. “He’s still bitter that Death didn’t find his motives pure enough to strip him of his immortality.”
“Humans are retched,” Famine says. “I don’t know why I must change my mind about that first.”
I sit on the edge of the worn recliner, reeling from it all.
“Where are these families of yours?” I ask. “The ones you’re fighting for?” It’s obvious enough that they aren’t here.
“Far, far away,” War says, his eyes sharp. One of his hands fists, and I notice with fascination that on each knuckle there are red, glowing markings. “And it will remain that way until Death is dealt with.”
His words draw my attention back to his face.
Dealt with sounds so ominous and final.
“What are you planning on doing to Thanatos?” I ask. It comes out as a whisper.
“Whatever we must,” War says grimly.
Famine breaks away from the group, striding over to the open doorway.
“And you want my help?” I say slowly.
Pestilence nods.
I can barely form the next words. “What would you have me—？”
“War, Pestilence—” Famine interrupts.
“Victor,” Pestilence corrects.