Mistress of The Web Vol 1: The Black Book

MISTRESS OF THE WEB VOL 1: THE BLACK BOOK
CHIKE DELUNA Copyright George Udenkwo 2012 Pub i!hed by De un" #ook! $o C"therine Gri%%en & 'or being " ro(k in " b e!!ed !tor) $ogether we we"*e wor d!
IN$+,DUC$I,N 1- .I/$+E// ,' $HE 0E# 2- /$A+K111 2- $E.PLE ,' $HE 'L3 4- /E+APH 5- CA+APACE 6- C+,.#3 AND NICE 7- $+IAL ,' A /PIDE+ 8- 9I#E :- $HE 0I/D,. ,' ANGEL/
INTRODUCTION
i- $HE EL,HI. Earth was dying. Ninety;%i*e per(ent o% the p "net h"d been rendered uninh"bit"b e< "!hed by hyper;!tor)! "nd (ho(ked with *o ("ni( %" out th"t e%t on(e b ue !kie! (h"rred "nd ight e!!= $ho!e th"t (ho!e to re)"in on the ho)e wor d were %or(ed to (on%ine the)!e *e! to the "!t o% it! "rti%i(i" !ett e)ent!= Hi*e; ike "nd *"!t beyond be ie%< the!e !ett e)ent! were *erit"b e )eg" (itie!< e"(h one "((o))od"ting o*er " hundred )i ion inh"bit"nt!= Cont"ined within >;!hie d! th"t in!u "ted the) %ro) the p "net?! ho!ti e ( i)"te they were %u y depend"nt on o%%;wor d i)port! to !u!t"in their huge popu "tion!< "! we "! "d*"n(ed te(hno ogie! to )"nu%"(ture o(" %ood re!our(e!= Earth was sterile. $he p "net h"d on(e (r"d ed )"n< pro*iding hi) with " th"t he needed on the "boriou! @ourney %ro) (r"d e to gr"*e< but now on y te(hno ogy !he tered hi)< on y !(ien(e pro*ided %or hi)< "nd in the end on y %"ith !u!t"ined hi)= Not %"ith in the o d "b!tr"(t god!< the un!een "r(hite(t! o% )"n?! de!tiny< there were new god! to guide hi) now< god! o% % e!h "nd bone= ,rigin" y bred %ro) gene *"t! to !er*e )"nkind< they wou d u ti)"te y be(o)e hi! ord! "nd )"!ter!= $he!e geneti( !uper being! were known "! the Elohim= $hey h"d been "d"pted to !ur*i*e in the depth! o% !p"(e "nd t"!ked to di!(o*er new wor d! %or their (re"tor! to (o oniAe= #ut the (re"tion grew too power%u B the E ohi) returned %ro) the !t"r!< en! "*ing " the (o ony wor d! in their p"th< "t the !")e ti)e pro( "i)ing the)!e *e! )"!ter! o% the !pe(ie!< the n"tur" )et")orpho!i! o% )"n into god= $he w"r between )"nkind "nd the E ohi) r"ged on " thou!"nd %erti e wor d! "nd (on!u)ed the !pe(ie! in "n in%erno o% it! own )"king= It w"! " w"r th"t endured %or )i enni" "nd the beginning! o% the (on% "gr"tion h"d " re"dy entered into )yth by the ti)e hu)"nity?! "!t !trongho d! %e to the )ight o% the god! It w"! the E ohi) th"t !(or(hed the e"rth= In their >ue!t to !ubdue )"n?! !y)bo i( (r"d e they !"w %it to de!troy the "!t o% hi! n"tur" h"bit"t!= /u(h w"! their h"tred %or the p"rent r"(e they wou d " ow nothing to !ur*i*e the h"rrowing %ire= $he w"r< de( "red the E ohi)< wou d not end unti the e"rth it!e % h"d !u((u)bed= In ye"r Aero o% the di*ine (" end"r the ho)e p "net %e "t "!t= $o (e ebr"te their u ti)"te triu)ph the E ohi) n")ed the)!e *e! "%ter the deitie! o% "n(ient )yth "nd bui t !e*en (e e!ti" (itie!< e"(h pre!ided o*er by "n "utono)ou! group o% god!= $he )ightie!t o% the!e w"! the (ity o% Golgotha Falls. ii- G,LG,$HA 'ALL/ Go goth" '" ! w"! " *erti(" )onu)ent to eC(e!!= $he god! h"d p "nned it thu!= It w"! to be the @ewe in their terre!tri" (rown "nd nowhere on " the wor d! o% the e)pire w"! there " (ity to )"t(h thi! one in either !(" e or !heer ")bition= Ninety;!iC di!tri(t!< e"(h one the !iAe o% " !)" )etropo i!< "rr"nged ike open dr"wer! " ong the % "nk! o% )eg" bui ding! twe *e ki o)etre! high= Known "! , y)pi"d!< the!e p"rent tower! were !y))etri(" )ount"in! o% %u!ion !tee ! "nd o%%;wor d !i i("te!< the "rge!t %ree!t"nding !tru(ture! in the known g" "Cy=
$he !(" e w"! !i)p y )ind;nu)bingB di!tri(t;(itie! he d in !ub i)e ten!ion< !prouting %ro) the !ide! o% tower! the !iAe o% )ythi(" wor d tree!= Nothing o% it! kind h"d e*er been bui t be%ore< nor w"! e*er ike y to be "tte)pted "g"in= D 9"(uu);!e" ed within "n enor)ou! do)e o% d"rk p "!)"< the entire )eg" opo i! o% Go goth" '" ! w"! prote(ted %ro) the ("t"( y!)i( hyper;!tor)! th"t r"*"ged the p "net?! !ur%"(e= $he do)e w"! b "(k "nd %e"ture e!!< it! !h"dow ("!ting the (ity in " per)"nent twi ight known o(" y "! the Infernum. $o (ounter the In%ernu)< e"(h o% the (ity?! ninety;!iC di!tri(t! w"! !e %;i u)in"ted within it! own indi*idu" do)e (o*ering< e"(h do)e " *"!t ho ogr"phi( !(reen th"t pro@e(ted the i u!ion o% " terr"n !ky onto the (ity en("!ed within= A ho ogr"phi( !un ro!e in the e"!t o% the di!tri(t "nd !et in the we!t= Arti%i(i" d"y g"*e w"y to "rti%i(i" night= C oud! %or)ed "nd di!per!ed= +"in %e in !u))er< !now in winter= E"(h di!tri(t o% Go goth" '" ! w"! " !e)i;"utono)ou! )i(roen*iron)ent< )"int"ining it! own "t)o!phere< we"ther !y!te)< "nd !e"!on" (y( e!= E*erything w"! de!igned to )i)i( the open !kie! "nd te)per"te ( i)"te! o% o d e"rth< on(e %ree to " < now on y )"de po!!ib e through eCtr"ordin"ry %e"t! o% ho ogr"phi( engineering= D Pro*iding e"(h di!tri(t with the i u!ion o% d"y "nd night w"! " )e"n! to !top the in(u)bent popu "tion! going )"d= 0ho (ou d ong !t"nd the he i!h twi ight o% the In%ernu)< the pro!pe(t o% night etern" E It wou d h"*e been " twi!ted eCi!ten(e without the ho ogr"phi( !kie!= Hu)"nity needed the !("%%o ding o% night "nd d"y upon whi(h to org"ni!e " (o e(ti*e !en!e o% !e %< it w"! " )etrono)e "! o d "! the !pe(ie! without whi(h the )ind !oon o!t (oheren(e "nd " !en!e o% ine"r purpo!e=
MISTRESS OF THE WEB

$HE /ANC$I,N C+E0 D Weve got him! $he *oi(e i! !tri(t y in hi! he"dB " thought;w"*e pu !ed through deep (orti(" i)p "nt! th"t en"b e Fo!ephiu! ."nk to !t"y in (ont"(t with the re!t o% the (rew o*er ong di!t"n(e!= Neur" ;inter%"(ing i! "n e%%e(ti*e w"y to boun(e !ign" ! under the r"d"r< but ike )o!t bio; te(h it (o)e! with " high pri(eB (hroni( )igr"ine!< o!! o% pri*"(y< !pont"neou! %eed;b"(k th"t e"*e! *oi(e! pinb" ing "round hi! !ku ike " ("th"rti( )"ntr"= In the u tr";*io ent wor d o% pro%e!!ion" "!!"!!in! "ny "d*"nt"ge i! " b e!!ing "nd ."nk (on!ider! the tr"de;o%% we worth the o(("!ion" in(on*enien(e= Mank, we got him, the thought boo)! in hi! he"d< )ore urgent thi! ti)e= ee! t"#asts to a minimum. ."nk pu !e! b"(k= Im on my way. /o)ething i! p "ying o*er the t"nnoy !y!te) "! he )ount! the !t"ir! to the %i%th % oorB !o)ething o d "nd worn;out by (on!t"nt repetition= ."nk re(ogni!e! the !ong de!pite the "((o)p"nying pop "nd hi!!- $verture to an %n&orn 'oldier by C "udi" 'itAger" d< the kind o% )u!i( they p "y "t )i it"ry %uner" != He?! on the %i%th % oor now< !tepping o*er the G!"n(tioned? (orp!e! o% %our !ook" bodygu"rd!< !tone;%"(ed )er(en"rie! with Aipper! e)bedded in their % e!h th"t open up body ("*itie! u!ed to !tore " kind! o% eCoti( )unition!= $he!e guy! "re %"!t< te(h;enh"n(ed to %i ter out hu)"n error< but they were t"ken (o)p ete y by !urpri!eB not one o% the) h"! dr"wn " we"pon= A! ."nk "ppro"(he! the "!t o%%i(e on the % oor he he"r! the t"rget?! *oi(e (o)ing through the h" %;open door< r"pid;%ire de i*ery< boo!ted by %e"r or n"r(!< or " h"rd (o)bin"tion o% the twoIm a !ro, were all !ros, the *oi(e w"! !"ying< Gso why not !ut the guns away and lets talk( )o( *ou dont like that+ok, you know what, kee! the guns. Fu#k it, lets talk anyway. Im good for whatever your #lients !aying you, #urren#y or mer#handise, whatever you want, name it+ ."nk !tep! into the o%%i(e "t th"t )o)ent= $he %our )e)ber! o% hi! /"n(tion Crew !n"p to "ttention "! !oon "! he "ppe"r!= He ignore! the)< %o(u!ing on the )"n !e"ted behind the "nti>ue de!k< b" d< "nony)ou! ooking< )id to "te %i%tie!< with b"d teeth "nd " w"tery (ounten"n(e= He !t"re! up "t ."nk< h"nd! tre)b ing "! he !trugg e! to ight " ! i)= G,k< I?) gue!!ing you?re the e"der<? the t"rget dr"g! !)oke into hi! ung!B G") I rightE I )e"n you?re the guy who turn! up " )inute behind the other! !o you?*e got to h"*e ( out=? He !t"nd! up< !ti(k! hi! h"nd out< GI?) ."r!h" Lyon=? 0hen ."nk ignore! the ge!ture the )"n withdr"w! hi! h"nd "nd !hrug!< G/ure< ok< %orget the p e"!"ntrie!= C" )e /("tterboy< " )y %riend! doH? G0e know who you "re< .r Lyon<? ."nk "!!ure! hi)= /("tterboy !it! down= GCour!e you do<? he !u(k! !)oke< eCh" ing "round hi! neCt word!< Gbut do you know wh"t I repre!entE? G0e know th"t too=? G/o et )e )"ke you "n o%%er<? /("tterboy wheeAe!= G#" !;o%;Fute< )"n< do you know how )u(h you !t"nd to )"keE I?*e got (ontr"(t! with the )i it"ry= I?*e gotH? G$here? be no o%%er!< I?) "%r"id=? ."nk e"!e! hi! re*o *er out o% " (on(e" ed ho !ter "nd ( i(k! it open< (he(king the (h")ber! be%ore !n"pping it ( o!ed "g"in=
/("tterboy begin! to *i!ib y !h"ke< G,k<? he bre"the!< G,k< th"t?! not good= $hi! who e thing i! getting out o% h"nd= 3ou w"nted to %righten )e< boy!< we done be("u!e I?*e now o%%i(i" y !hit )y!e %< but (o)e on< you?*e )"de your point< you don?t h"*e to do thi!= I?) " %u(king nobody< " )idd e;)"n= I?) the guy you get to p"!! on )e!!"ge!= I?) not the guy you ki H=? ."nk r"i!e! hi! gun= G'u(k no1? /("tterboy !hriek!= GN")e " pri(e< )"n= Fu!t !pin one o%% the top o% your he"d< %or %u(k?! !"ke< "ny pri(eH? ."nk !hoot! hi) on(e through the %orehe"d< !o%t;!hot< no re"r d")"ge to the !ku B .other ike! her itt e trophie! int"(t= /("tterboy i! pun(hed b"(k into hi! (h"ir by the %or(e o% the bu et< eye! bu ging with !ho(k< %"(e !"gging< de"d be%ore the ! i) hit! the de!ktop= $he "!!"!!in< Night)"n< e*er! hi)!e % o%% the w" - G$hought the %u(ker wou d ne*er !hut up<? he grunt! "! he )"ke! %or the door= D $hey !tep into the i%t "nd ."nk thu)b! the door! ( o!ed= No one !pe"k! on the w"y down= ."nk !tudie! the %"(e! o% hi! (rew by the !t"(("to wink o% the % oor (ounter= Erwin $rent< "k" ,oondogB !niper "nd )unition! eCpert= '= Duboi!< "k" )ightmanB eCp o!i*e! eCpert "nd %ie d engineer= A / "tter< "k" -ree!B !pe(i" i!t in !te" th (o)b"t "nd inte g"thering= Loh Gu < "k" .o#B poi!on! eCpert "nd interrog"tion! o%%i(er= H"rdened ki er! e*ery one o% the)< e"(h )"n " (on%ir)ed eCpert in hi! (ho!en %ie d< the be!t (rew ."nk h"! e*er worked with< "nd in hi! ti)e with the "gen(y he?! worked with " %"ir %ew= $he )en !t"nd b "nk %"(ed< e)otion e!!< dre!!ed in uni%or) grey o*er(o"t! with (r"(ked e"ther "pe !B identi(" (o"t!< identi(" %"(e!= None o% the) return! ."nk?! g"Ae= D /tepping out into the !tee pu !e o% the (ity the %i*e )en in!t"nt y e*"por"te into the thi(k (rowd! !urging " ong the !idew" k!= /u(h *"ni!hing! "re e"!y< thi! i! Go goth" '" ! "%ter " B " (ity o% ninety )i ion !ou !< !o)e o% the) di*ine< !o)e !e)i;di*ine< but the "rge )"@ority )ort" "nd nonde!(ript= $HE C,#+A L,UNGE A%ter ."nk !p it! %ro) the re!t o% the (rew he he"d! o*er to "n o d "nd %")i i"r h"unt= $he Cobr" Lounge i! o("ted in Di!tri(t $i%%"nyB " ow rent pro*in(e %i ed with "byrinthine hou!ing e!t"te! "nd !e(ond;h"nd tek )"u != $he Lounge i! buAAing with i i(it tr"de when ."nk !tro ! in through it! %")ou! winged door!= No one p"y! hi) "ny "ttention "! he !ur%! the b"r;!ide (rowd!< eye! working the !h"dow! %or $he '"t ."n= Anony)ity i! " big thing in the Lounge< e*eryone we"r! " )"!k< ("rtoon< (e ebrity< "ni)" or %eti!h< you ("n?t get into the p "(e without one= ."nk we"r! " )ou!e )"!k< % "t ("rtoon eye! hiding the !tee o% hi! g"Ae "! he he"d! %or the b"(k o% the b"r where " !erie! o% !)" " (o*e! !hie d the )ore i u!triou! ( ient! %ro) ("!u" !(rutiny= $he )"n ."nk h"! (o)e to !ee i! (" ed Abdu I"!!")< "k" $he '"t ."n< " (onduit between the "gen(y "nd her *"riou! /"n(tion Crew!= Abdu !it! in the "!t " (o*e on the e%t< "(e (urt"in! (utting hi) o%% %ro) the re!t o% the b"r= He we"r! " r"((oon )"!k< it! )outh !pre"d in " udi(rou! grin= GH"*e you boy! )"de )e proudE? he "!k!< "! ."nk !ett e! into the booth be!ide hi)= ."nk p "(e! " p"dded !port! b"g on the t"b e= G$he !"n(tion?! been ("rried out<? he t"p! the !ide o% the b"g< Gre(eipt?! right here=?
G.other h"! "nother itt e (hore %or you=? Abdu ?! *oi(e !ound! ! ight y )u%% ed behind hi! )"!kB he?! " "rge )"n< three hundred "nd %i%ty pound! o% % "b h"nging o%% " !ke eton de!igned to ("rry one !e*enty "t the )o!t= He %ee ! e*ery oun(e o% hi! eC(e!! girth= Hi! !kin i! p"!ty grey< (orp!e ike< "nd he wheeAe! with e*ery !e(ond bre"th< " gr"*y; ike !ten(h !eeping through hi! pore! th"t no ")ount o% (o ogne ("n !ubdue= G/o !oonE? ."nk i! !urpri!ed= $here?! u!u" y " re!t period o% !e*er" d"y! between "!!ign)ent!= Abdu nod!= GA%r"id !o< d"r ingB thi! one?! in 0e!t He i"=? GHe )ontE? GDo you know itE? GI?) %")i i"r with the "re"=? G$he t"rget i! George E!>uire< p"tron o% the C"%J Libre= He?! been doing " itt e %idd ing "t the ("!ino! !o thi! one?! got to be b oodier th"n u!u" = 3ou know how )u(h the ("!ino! ike " !pe(t"( e=? ."nk !hrug! "nd !t"nd! up< GAnything e !eE? he "!k!= Abdu ?! *oi(e be(o)e! % irt"tiou!< GDepend! on wh"t you )e"n< d"r ing=? ."nk?! @"w tighten!< GI? bring re(eipt o% the !"n(tion in the )orning<? he !"y! "nd ! ip! out o% the " (o*e= Abdu !it! !tudying the b"g ."nk h"! e%t on the t"b e= A%ter " whi e he re"(he! out "nd unAip! it< pu ing the ip! ("re%u y "!ide "nd !t"ring down "t the (ontent!= /("tterboy !t"re! b"(k up "t Abdu < hi! !e*ered he"d ooking odd y %itted in the b"g?! p"dded interior< hi! eye! wide< un%o(u!!ed= Abdu ( o!e! /("tterboy?! eye!< " !)" token o% re!pe(t %or the )"n who!e de"th he?d !o re(ent y ordered= $hen he re;Aip! the b"g "nd p "(e! it "t hi! %eet= GNothing ike " itt e he"d<? he !igh!= D Dre!!ed in " b "(k< t"i or;(ut !uit< ."nk )eet! hi! (rew on " *erti(" !hutt e !outhbound %or the di!tri(t o% 0e!t He i"= $he !hutt e )o*e! through *"(uu) tube! th"t !pre"d "(ro!! the !heer %"(e o% the , y)pi"d! ike *"ri(o!e *ein!= $en! o% thou!"nd! o% !hutt e! )o*ing through the!e tr"n!port tube! "t "ny one ti)e< tr"%%i(king between (ity;di!tri(t!< i u)in"ted ike %ire% ie! "g"in!t the !teri e d"rk o% the In%ernu)= $he /"n(tion Crew< #oondog< Night)"n< Creep< "nd Do(< " we"r identi(" !uit!B b "(k be!poke t"i oring< white !hirt!< !kinny tie!= $hey ook ike " %")i y @"AA >uintet< %"(e! !urgi(" y " tered to re!e)b e e"(h other "! ( o!e y "! po!!ib e= $hey !"y nothing< "(know edging e"(h other by not !o )u(h "! " nod= $hey !t"nd on the third de(k o% the !hutt e< !urrounded by "n "nony)ou! (rowd o% (o))uter!= ."nk !t"re! out the window "t the !w"r)! o% pri*"te !hip! "nd ("rgo ("rrier! th"t p y b"(k "nd %orth through the In%ernu)< %or)ing (on!te "tion! o% ight between the *"!t , y)pi"d!= He think! "bout the @ob "he"d= He h"te! ("!ino hit!= $hey "re brut" < "ttention gr"bbing< nothing but troub e in the ong runB too )"ny d")ned *"ri"b e! "nd he?! b"re y been gi*en ti)e to do hi! ho)ework= $he entire !hutt e i! in%e!ted with ho ogr"phi( "d!< holovertsB % o"ting< d"n(ing< p"r"ding through the "ir< Aipping ")ong!t the i!t e!! (o))uter! ike )"ni( dre")!< de!per"te y trying to gr"b their "ttention= ."nk "nd hi! (rew we"r eCpen!i*e !h"de! to %i ter out the ho o*ert!= E*eryone e !e ignore! the)= D $he !hutt e !top! brie% y "t 0e!t He i" Centr" /t"tion where the %i*e )en di!e)b"rk= 0e!t He i" !)e ! o% die!e "nd h"rd !u phur< "n indu!tri" di!tri(t< )"de up o% *"!t %"(tory
(o)p eCe! "nd (he)i(" pro(e!!ing p "nt!< it! !ky ine (rowded with be (hing (hi)ney!t"(k! "nd burning w"!te %unne != $he ho ogr"phi( !ky i! tuned to !t"ti(= No one w"!te! good gr"phi(! on " de"d di!tri(t= Auto)"ton! ("rry out )o!t o% the work hereB the %ew thou!"nd (itiAen! th"t (hoo!e to i*e in 0e!t He i" "re (o e(ted down in He )ont< " !)" r")!h"(k e (ro)e on the !outhern)o!t tip o% the di!tri(t= $he !treet! o% 0e!t He i" "re (rowded with "uto)"ton (o))uter!< hu)"noid robot! )"r(hing in per%e(t %or)"tion< hu))ing high;pit(hed work )"ntr"!= $he ro"d! "re ( ogged with in!e(ti e )"(hine!< !tee (entipede! "nd tit"niu);b"(ked beet e!< !(urrying p"!t e"(h other< "ntenn"e whipping %r"nti(" y b"(k "nd %orth= $he !ky i! b "(k with )et" i( o(u!t! th"t !w"r) to "nd %ro) the "uto)"ted %"(torie! in di!tri(t;north= $here "re *ery %ew % e!h "nd b ood (o))uter!= ' e!h i! !o%t "nd *u ner"b e "nd 0e!t He i" i! " di!tri(t o% )"(hine!< (o d< e)otion e!!< "nd ruth e!! y e%%i(ient= D GI ") Ch"r ey the;!e %;"!!e)b ed;("r<? " *ehi( e pu ! up " ong!ide the) "! they !tro down " (entr" thorough%"re= It i! " "rge< )ongre )"(hine< (o)po!ed o% ("nnib" i!ed "uto p"rt! )ounted on " di!(ontinued (h"!!i!= $he n")e CHA+LE3 i! i u)in"ted on the roo% in red neon etter!= $he *ehi( e !t"re! "t the %i*e )en through !t" k; ike he"d ")p!= GC"n I %erry you to your de!tin"tionE? it "!k! in " grinding< )i!" igned *oi(e= GI ") " )"(hine in !e"r(h o% " %un(tion= 0ou d you ike )e to ("rry youE P e"!e !"y ye!< )y !e"ting i! de!igned %or hu)"n !pe(i%i("tion!=? GDo )e " %"*our< Ch"r ey<? !"y! ."nk< G%u(k o%%=? GI?d be de ighted<? !"y! Ch"r ey "nd %o ow! the %i*e )en %or ne"r y h" % " b o(k be%ore he re" i!e! he?! been di!)i!!ed= $HE N,,/E 'omethings wrong, Creep pu !e!< doesnt feel right... *ou say that every freakin time, #oondog (ut! in= Hi! thought;tr"n!)i!!ion " w"y! %ee ! ike " (o d tri(k e down ."nk?! !pine= /"#asts to a minimum, ."nk in!tru(t! the)< we #an &e ha#ked any time. $he neur" inter%"(e! "re per)"nent y on; ine< (ontinuou! y !hunting )e!!"ge! b"(k "nd %orth between the %i*e )"n (rew!= $heir )ind! in (on!t"nt %u!ion< the "!!"!!in! e"rn to (o)p ete e"(h other?! thought!< to dre") e"(h other?! dre")!< to think in per%e(t t"(ti(" h"r)ony= It i! " !trugg e to re(" " ti)e when hi! )ind w"! hi! own< hi! thought! wr"pped in the pri*"(y o% hi! own !ku = ."nk i! p"rt o% !o)ething bigger now< " be"!t with %i*e id! "nd one )ind< "nd the who e (ity it! hunting ground= 0ollow"head< " derog"tory ter) %or "nyone eCi!ting in neur" i!o "tion< e"!y prey to the /"n(tion Crew!< but e*ery now "nd "g"in ."nk wonder! wh"t it wou d be ike to be " one "g"in< the w"y other peop e "re= It i! " terri%ying thought "nd " (o)pe ing oneB " thought he ne*er dwe ! on %or ong= D ."nk?! (rew "rri*e in the !>u" id (ro)e o% He )ont " itt e "%ter )id;night< 0e!t He i" ti)e= $he ho ogr"phi( !ky o*er 0e!t He i" i! !wit(hed o%% e*ery e*ening @u!t "%ter !iC< e"*ing " b "(k< %e"ture e!! *oid in p "(e o% the d"yti)e !t"ti(= $he (rew >ui(k y o("te the C"%J Libre on C"rni*" /treetB " bou e*"rd th"t run! !tr"ight through the d"rk he"rt o% He )ont= It i! " !treet o% p "!)" "d! "nd rundown !hop!< the "ir (r"w ing with ho ogr"phi( porn "nd t"(ky (o))er(i" != /ti etto %re"k! with (he"p %"(e gr"%t! how %or )"n tr"de %ro) the e e(tri( !idew" k!< their dog;%"(ed pi)p! urking in !ide " ey!< ge"red up %or tr"de or
troub e= A!!e)b y ine !eC do ! (o)pete with % e!h "nd b ood whore! on e*ery (orner= /treet kid! ro") in %er" g"ng!< (o))uni("ting in !e(reti*e p"toi! "nd )ongre di" e(t! known on y to e"(h other= $he h"rd;%"(ed pede!tri"n! th"t p y C"rni*" /treet (o)e here %or wh"t %ew p e"!ure! they ("n gr"b be%ore d"wn return! the) to the "uto @unky"rd! where they !("*enge e"(h d"y %or " i*ing= Addi(t! !ob "nd drunk! doAe in open doorw"y!< (on%iden(e tri(k!ter! pit(hing their !(")! %ro) !ide !treet !h"dow!< "nd here "nd there " body ie! %"(e down in the gutter< *i(ti) o% !u))"ry @u!ti(e or " (h"n(e robbery= D $he (rew ! ip down " !ide " ey " (oup e o% door! %ro) the C"%J Libre= -ree! and ,oondog, work the u!!er floors, ."nk pu !e!< .o#, )ightman, sti#k with me. Creep "nd #oondog !pr"y their !hoe! "nd g o*e! with " (he)i(" "dhe!i*e "nd "re !(utt ing up the w" o% the " ey "n in!t"nt "ter< ( inging to the bri(kwork ike gi"nt in!e(t!= $hey *"ni!h >ui(k y into roo%top !h"dow= 'ro) there they ("n "((e!! the C"%J Libre through the upper % oor!= A! ."nk turn! to the re)"ining )e)ber! o% hi! (rew he ("t(he! !ight o% "n o d wo)"n hudd ed behind " tr"!h("n= He (rou(he! down in %ront o% her< !ign" ing Do( "nd Night)"n to )o*e on "he"d o% hi)= /he i! b indB her !(r"wny % e!h ( othed in )i!)"t(hed r"g!< " %er" B " tr"n!ient *"g"bond= $he " ey i! prob"b y the ( o!e!t thing to " ho)e !he? e*er know= GI?) ooking %or " )"n=? ."nk in%or)! her= GNo )en e%t< (hi d<? the o d wo)"n rep ie!< Gon y marks=? GHi! n")e i! George E!>uire=? G."ybe I know hi)<? the wo)"n !hrug!< G)"ybe I don?t= 3ou w"nt to te )e why you )ight be ooking %or o d GeorgyE? ."nk !hrug!= GHe owe! t"C=? G3ou?re no t"C)"n<? the o d wo)"n ("(k e!= G0h"t )"ke! you !"y th"tE? G3ou got b ood on your h"nd!< (hi d= $"C)en !u(k itB they don?t !hed it= 3ou ki ed tod"y< ("n !)e it ( e"r=? ."nk ignore! thi! re)"rk= GA!ide %ro) the %ront "nd re"r<? he !"y!< Gi! there "ny other w"y into the ("%eE A !ide entr"n(e< perh"p!< )"ybe " b"!e)ent e*e E? G3ou gonn" ki GeorgeE? the o d wo)"n "!k!= GI! he your )"rkE? G$h"t?! not your (on(ern=? GHe?! prote(ted< (hi d< (ou dn?t ki hi)< e*en i% you w"nted to=? ."nk !)i e!< GProte(ted by who)E? he "!k!= $he o d wo)"n gi*e! " high< (hi di!h "ugh= G#y the )i!tre!! o% the web< o% (our!e? !he !"y!= GAin?t you he"rd< George be ong! to her< on(e " % y< " w"y! " % y= I? te you where he i!< but won?t do you no good< the )i!tre!! ook! "%ter her own=? /he te ! ."nk o% " !ide entr"n(e !e*er" )etre! down the " ey= GIt h"! underground "((e!! to the C"%J Libre?< !he "!!ure! hi)= G0ho i! thi! )i!tre!! o% the webE? ."nk "!k! out o% (urio!ity= GNo one )ention! her n")e here"bout!<? the o d wo)"n rep ie!< G"nd i% you don?t "i) to (ro!! her then you don?t need to know< rightE? G$h"nk you< o d wo)"n<? ."nk get! to hi! %eet< GI?) going to put you to ! eep now=? G3ou don?t need to ki " b ind wo)"n<? !he !"y!< GI ("n?t %inger you=? ."nk !igh!= GIn our pro%e!!ion<? he rep ie!< Gwhy t"ke the (h"n(eE? D
A%ter he?! !"n(tioned her< ."nk goe! to the !ide door !he to d hi) "bout "nd %or(e! it open< tek;enh"n(ed )u!( e! )"king e"!y work o% the o(k= $he door !pring! open "nd he ! ip! into " poo o% d"rkne!!= He !t"nd! "nd i!ten! %or " )o)ent & e"r! tuned to the ! ighte!t !ound & then ! ow y )"ke! hi! w"y %orw"rd< down " !erie! o% !tone !t"ir! "nd " ong " !)ooth %oot; worn p"!!"ge< *er)in !(urrying %ro) hi! p"th< !hri !>ue"k! e(hoing o%% d")p w" != ."nk i! "t e"!e in the d"rk= He pu !e! hi! (o;ordin"te! to hi! (rew< "nd they upd"te hi) on their own progre!!= Creep "nd #oondog h"*e " re"dy )"de their w"y into the Libre through " %or(ed !ky ight= Night)"n "nd Do( "re )e"nwhi e ! ipping in through the b"(k o% the bui ding< )"king their w"y " ong odd y de!erted (orridor!B "n e)pty kit(hen< " !i ent !t"%% roo)= /heres no one here, Night)"n pu !e!= /he whole !la#e looks like its &een shut down. 'ro) the third % oor Creep (on%ir)! thi! !u!pi(ion= Motion dete#tor reads flat, he tr"n!)it! no"one here &ut us #u#koos. ."nk enter! the Libre through " b"!e)ent !tor"ge roo)= He )eet! Night)"n "nd Do( in the )"in b"r "re"= Do( ook! edgy= Night)"n h"! re)o*ed hi! e%t eye "nd ! otted " ri% e!(ope into the g"ping !o(ket< " red dot )"rking the point o% hi! g"Ae= $he three )en !t"re "round the de!erted ("%J< !h"ring " )o)ent o% puAA ed !i en(e= Night)"n bro"d("!t! " their %e"r!< May&e our mark knew we were #oming( #e%ore ."nk ("n rep y Creep !ign" ! the) %ro) up!t"ir!< hi! pu !e oud "nd urgent= Mank! he bro"d("!t!< you need to get u! here and see this. ."nk he"d! up the !t"ir! three "t " ti)e< Night)"n "nd Do( ( o!e behind= In "n up!t"ir! bedroo) they %ind Creep "nd #oondog !t"ring down "t "n "nti>ue bed= A !hop window du))y ie! on the (o*er!< " h"nd written t"g "round it! ne(kGE,+GE E/IUI+E I/ N, DU..31 G0e?*e been )"de<? Creep !"y!< the %ir!t ti)e "ny o% the) h"! !poken " oud th"t night= Do( (ro!!e! the roo) "nd !t"nd! "t the window< !t"ring down into the !treet be ow= ."nk pu ! hi! gun %ro) it! ho !ter= He ( i(k! the !"%ety o%% "nd nod! gri) y "t the other!= Creep "nd #oondog pu their re*o *er! ( e"r< !pinning the (h")ber! "nd ( i(king the) tight= E"(h (h")ber ho d! " p "!)";round with the pro@e(ti e %or(e o% " "rge< !h"ped eCp o!i*e= ."nk i! "bout to !ign" " gener" retre"t when Do( gi*e! " !udden (ry "nd !t"rt! b"(k %ro) the window< !n"t(hing "t hi! gun in the !")e in!t"nt= A )o)ent "ter the window eCp ode! inw"rd!< %i ing the roo) with " !tor) o% g "!! !hr"pne = $he )en du(k down< (o*ering their he"d!= ."nk i! %ir!t on hi! %eet< but in the !p it !e(ond he o!t !ight o% the window Do( h"! *"ni!hed= $he window i! " g"ping ruinB the !ound o% He )ont?! night i%e ru!hing in to %i the roo)= It?! "! though Do( h"! been !u(ked out o% the roo) by "n enor)ou! *"(uu) %or(e= ."nk )o*e! %"!t tow"rd! the window< but !t"gger! b"(k "n in!t"nt "ter when Do(?! de"th !(re")! %i hi! he"d< pu !ed through hi! neur" i)p "nt with )ind nu)bing %or(e= G'u(k1 'u(k1 'u(k1? Night)"n how !< h"nd! ( ")ped to hi! e"r!= Creep "nd #oondog "re r"(ing tow"rd! the window< but ."nk !top! the)< GAbort the )i!!ion<? he ye !< pu!hing the two )en b"(k tow"rd! the door= G3ou ("n?t he p Do( now= Let?! )o*e=? Night)"n h"! "(ti*"ted hi! )otion dete(tor< it! u)inou! r"d"r re% e(ting o%% the gri) !et o% hi! %e"ture!= G/o)ething?! up on the roo%<? he in%or)! ."nk< G)o*ing due e"!t=? Hi! eye! widen in !ho(k< G.amn, nothing )o*e! th"t %"!t & ?< he !h"ke! the dete(tor< !u!pe(ting " )" %un(tion= G."nk ===== we got troub e=? GHe"d down to the b"!e)ent<? ."nk how ! "t the)< Git?! "n ")bu!h=?
$hey keep their he"d!= De!pite Do(?! o!! they re)"in " tight unit= .en died in their tr"de< it w"! "n "((ept"b e p"rt o% the @ob= $he be!t w"y they ("n honour the %" en i! by getting out o% thi! tr"p in one pie(e= $HE #EDLA. C+E0 ,n(e in the " ey ."nk "nd the !ur*i*ing )e)ber! o% the (rew )"ke their w"y b"(k out onto the )"in thorough%"re< )e ting into the C"rni*" /treet (rowd!< (on(e" ing the)!e *e! in " tight !urge o% "nony)ity= $here i! e*er !"%ety in nu)ber!= ,ut no safety that night. Creep i! the neCt to dieB " !tee noo!e< thin "! % eCi !tee < drop! down %ro) "bo*e< ! ipping o*er hi! he"d "nd tightening "round hi! ne(k be%ore he i! "w"re o% wh"t i! h"ppening= He (hoke!< re"(hing %or hi! thro"t= /udden y he i! y"nked bodi y into the "ir< in "n in!t"nt *"ni!hing into the y"wning d"rkne!! "bo*e the !treet ight!= $hi! ti)e ."nk i! dri*en to hi! knee! by the power o% Creep?! te ep"thi( !(re")!= It %ee ! ike hi! he"d i! eCp oding< " thou!"nd ! i*er! o% i(e penetr"ting the !o%t ti!!ue o% hi! br"in= C "!ping hi! h"nd! to hi! te)p e! ."nk prope ! hi)!e % to hi! %eet "nd !t"gger! to the !ide o% the !treet= Creep?! !(re")! "re "brupt y ter)in"ted= /i en(e %i ! the in!ide o% ."nk?! !ku ike " he" ing b" ) "! Night)"n "nd #oondog @oin hi)= $he three re)"ining )e)ber! o% the /"n(tion Crew !t"re "t e"(h other= Creep?! thought! h"*e be(o)e b"!e ine !t"ti(= $hey h"*e o!t two )en in!ide o% ten )inute!B it i! unpre(edented in " the hi!tory o% the "gen(y= Around the) C"rni*" /treet ("rrie! on "! i% nothing h"d h"ppened= No one turn! in their dire(tion= It?! "! though Creep h"d ne*er eCi!ted "t " = ."nk !t"re! up "t the roo%top !h"dow! high "bo*e the)= $he other! %o ow hi! ine o% !ight= No word! "re ne(e!!"ry= No thought! either= $hey !pr"y their h"nd! "nd %eet with (he)i(" "dhe!i*e "nd t"ke to the w" ! o% the ne"re!t bui ding< !(urrying up the) ike hu)"n % ie!= $he need %or !e(re(y i! o*er= $hey "re %ighting %or !ur*i*" now= In !e(ond! they "re ")ong!t the roo%top!< !ett ing into the !h"dow! with noi!e e!! "((ord= Hi! he"ring enh"n(ed to %i*e ti)e! the nor)" e*e < ."nk ("n dete(t the be"ting o% " )oth?! wing! "t @u!t o*er %i%ty )etre!< " t"rget?! he"rtbe"t "t )ore th"n twenty= Crou(hing in deep !h"dow he %i ter! out the h"rd bre"thing o% hi! (o e"gue!< tuning in to b"(kground ")bien(e< "ny un%")i i"r !ound< no )"tter how inno(uou!= D ."nk gi*e! the order "nd the (rew !pre"d out "(ro!! the roo%!< re*o *er! he d "t the re"dy= $hey )o*e< !o%t "! gho!t!< b ending !ki %u y with the d"rk< re ying on in!tin(t! heightened by te(hno ogy "nd honed by ye"r! o% tr"ining= $he roo%top! (on!i!t o% )u tip e ! ope! inter!per!ed with "re"! o% re "ti*e % "tB (hi)ney!t"(k! "nd "ir *ent!< w"ter tower! "nd bro"d("!t re(ei*er!< (re"ting " t"ng ed "nd!("pe through whi(h the three )en ("utiou! y pi(k their w"y= Mank, ,oondog+. Night)"n?! pu !e i! h"rd "nd urgent< over here. $hey @oin hi) on the ! ope o% " (on(rete !ub;roo%= He i! (rou(hed o*er the bodie! o% Do( "nd Creep< eC")ining the) with " po(ket di"gno!ti(= .ead! he bro"d("!t! "! ."nk "nd #oondog ! ide down the roo% ! ope tow"rd! hi)= ."nk bre"k! !i en(e= GHowE? he "!k!= GDe!i(("tion<? Night)"n ook! up "t hi)= G#odie!? (o)p ete y dr"ined o% % uid!=? Crou(hing be!ide hi) ."nk !tudie! the (orp!e!= He doe!n?t need " di"gno!ti(B the )"rk o% de"th i! ( e"r on both )enB their !kin !hri*e ed< dried;out ooking< "! though e%t to t"n %or
!e*er" d"y! in the !un= /unken eye!< p"r(hed ip!< powder dry tongue!= He eC")ine! their !ku != In the (rown o% e"(h he di!(o*er! twin in(i!ion wound!< !)" "nd !urgi(" y pre(i!e= G0h"t the %u(k did th"tE? #oondog i! bre"thing h"rd< the !heen o% (o d !we"t re% e(ting o%% hi! upper ip= G$he )i!tre!! o% the web<? ."nk )utter!< h" % to hi)!e %< h" % in re!pon!e to #oondog?! >ue!tion= /he what( #oondog "nd Night)"n g "re "t ."nk "nd he?! un(ert"in whi(h one pu !ed the >ue!tion= ."nk !("n! the d"rk roo%!("pe "round the)= /o)ething i! out there in the !h"dow!= He !en!e! it w"t(hing< !tudying the)= $he bodie! o% Do( "nd Creep h"*e de iber"te y been e%t here %or the) to %ind= 0h"te*er ki ed the "!!"!!in! w"nt! the !ur*i*or! to know it i! here< th"t they "re de%en(e e!! "g"in!t it= GI )et "n o d wo)"n in the " ey<? ."nk te ! the other!= G/he to d )e George E!>uire w"! " prote(ted )"n=? Night)"n %rown!= GProte(ted by who)E? he "!k!= G$he )i!tre!! o% the web<? ."nk !hrug!= GIt didn?t )e"n )u(h "t the ti)e=? /t"ring down "t the bodie! o% hi! (o e"gue! Night)"n !"y!< GIt )e"n! " he o% " ot now=? ."nk get! to hi! %eet= GI think we?*e bitten o%% )ore th"n we ("n (hew< boy!<? he !"y! )"tter;o%;%"(t y= #oondog h"wk! "nd !pit! on the roo% ! ope< GI re(kon we?re de" ing with one o% the !pider; god!=? He point! "t the pun(ture wound!= GNothing e !e e"*e! th"t )"rk=? ."nk re u(t"nt y bre"k! the en!uing !i en(e< GL"dy De!de)on"<? he n")e! their n"!(ent dre"d= GIt?! got to be her=? Hi! *oi(e !ound! britt e "nd i%e e!!= L"dy Gene*ie*e De!de)on" i! the )o!t %e"red o% " the !pider;god!< pr"(ti(" y di!owned by her di*ine hou!e< it i! her p"tho ogy to hunt ")ong!t the )ort" di!tri(t!< di!p"t(hing her hu)"n prey with brut" e%%i(ien(y= GI% it?! her<? #oondog bre"the!< Gthen we?re de"d " re"dy= /he? t"ke u! be%ore we re"(h !treet e*e =? Night)"n i! !t"ring ner*ou! y "round hi)= G/he knew we were (o)ing<? he )utter!< G!he )u!t h"*e known= 0e?*e been !o d out=? GAbdu I"!!")< I don?t doubt<? ."nk !n"r != GI% "ny o% u! !ur*i*e! the night< )"ke it " point o% honour to p"y th"t %"t %u(k " *i!it=? GPretty wi!h%u Gi%?< Night)"n retort!= ."nk !"y!< GI re(kon we ought to negoti"te with her= It?! the on y w"y out=? G#e )y gue!t<? #oondog !"y!= G3our de"th )ight buy u! ti)e to get down to the !treet=? Night)"n?! "ugh i! "br"!i*e= Hi! eye! ook tr"pped "nd wi d= GL"dy De!de)on" doe!n?t negoti"te<? he re)ind! ."nk= G/he hunt! "nd !he ki !< "nd et?! %"(e it< !he?! better "t it th"n u!=? He g "n(e! "(ro!! "t #oondog< GI% we?re going to )o*e<? he !"y!< Git?! now or ne*er=? #oondog ook! "t ."nk= G3ou (o)ingE? he "!k!= ."nk !h"ke! hi! he"d= G3ou run< you?re de"d<? hi! tone i! )"tter;o%;%"(t= G$he godde!! !p"re! no one=? Night)"n !hrug!= G0e? t"ke our (h"n(e!<? he !"y!= 0ithout w"rning Night)"n "nd #oondog eCp ode into "(tion< he"ding out "(ro!! the roo%top! with inhu)"n "gi ity= /pinning %"!t through !h"dow they ("t"pu t o%% h"rd< "ng ed !ur%"(e!< bodie! de!(ribing i)po!!ib e "r(! through the "ir= $hey (ri!!;(ro!! e"(h other?! p"th!< !o)er!"u ting o%% (hi)ney !t"(k! "nd roo% ! ope!< r"(ing up *erti(" !ur%"(e! "nd " ong r"Aor thin edge!< per%or)ing i)po!!ib e e"p! between bui ding!< e"(h )"n "(ute y "w"re th"t !peed i! the key to !ur*i*" = Night)"n i! ! ight y "he"d o% #oondog< keeping the other in hi! gun !ight!= $hey )o*e ike twin gho!t!< eye! hungry %or )otion< " t"rget< !o)ething to o(k onto "nd de!troy=
D +unning % "t out #oondog?! %oot !n"g! !o)ething in the d"rk= He he"r! " high ten!ion tw"ng< " thin keening !ound< "nd !udden y " %ee ing o% (o dne!! !pre"d through hi! e%t eg= He !tu)b e!< %" !< re"(he! down to ( "!p hi! in@ured i)b "nd in!te"d %ee ! the gu!hing !tu)p where hi! e%t eg h"d been )o)ent! be%ore= #oondog bro"d("!t! " te ep"thi( !(re") th"t (o)p i)ent! hi! phy!i(" "ngui!h= He trie! to !te) the % ow o% b ood< ( ")ping down h"rd on the "rtery< but he?! we"kening %"!t= He (r"w ! "g"in!t " (ropped bound"ry w" < propping hi! b"(k up "g"in!t the h"rd !tone< e"*ing " thi(k tr"i o% b ood in hi! w"ke= /o)ething h"! ")put"ted hi! eg @u!t be ow )id;thigh< the in@ury horri%i( in it! !urgi(" pre(i!ion= A! he !it! there #oondog !ee! " % "!h o% )otion< " !h"dow )o*ing p"!t hi)< " )o!t too %"!t to regi!ter= A (o d bre"th o% wind b ow! "g"in!t hi! %"(e= In th"t in!t"nt #oondog %ee ! " ( ")p o% p"in in hi! thro"t< "! though e*ery )u!( e h"! !i)u t"neou! y !eiAed up= /udden y hi! !ku %ee ! enor)ou! y he"*y< !u((u)bing to "n inde!(rib"b e pre!!ure= He bow! hi! he"d< etting it %" %orw"rd on hi! (he!t "nd it (ontinue! %" ing< topp ing o%% the !e*ered ne(k< boun(ing o%% hi! "p "nd ro ing " !hort di!t"n(e "w"y %ro) hi! body= 0ith " weight e!! !en!e o% di!be ie% #oondog !t"re! up "t hi! own he"d e!! (orp!e< !ti propped "g"in!t the ow bound"ry w" < but be%ore (o)prehen!ion ("n d"wn< (on!(iou!ne!! i! eCtingui!hed< hi! eye! ro ing up in hi! he"d< " %in" !igh p"!!ing through !ti%%ening ip!= D Night)"n keep! )o*ing= He he"r! the )ent" !(re") "! #oondog %" !< but he doe!n?t turn b"(k= It?! e*ery )"n %or hi)!e % now= He p"u!e! on y to p "nt (r"b;)ine!< " h"nd%u !trewn in hi! w"ke= $hey "re !)" < "uto)"ted di!k!< !eg)ented "ppend"ge! re!e)b ing the eg! o% " (ru!t"(e"n< thu! the n")e= Night)"n !et! the) to )"Ci)u) yie d "nd w"t(he! the) !(utt e !idew"y! into the d"rk= $hey wi w"it in the !h"dow!< )otion dete(tor! (o*ering " %i%teen; )etre r"diu!< re"dy to !(urry into the p"th o% "nyone (o)ing their w"y= ,n(e !tepped on the )ine! deton"te with de*"!t"ting %or(e= Night)"n i! (o)ing to the end o% the roo%= $here i! " g"p o% !e*er" )etre! be%ore the neCt roo% begin! "t " ! ight y higher e e*"tion= $he g"p !hou d h"*e been i)po!!ib e to bridge< but Night)"n doe! not e*en ! ow hi! p"(e "nd "! he run! out o% roo% he e"p! high "nd ( e"r< hi! body hurt ing through the "ir with inhu)"n %or(e= Hi! h"nd! re"(h out< %inger! ( "wed to hook onto the oppo!ite roo%= H He wou d h"*e )"de it too< hi! "ng e o% "!(ent i! pre(i!e< hi! )o)entu) per%e(t< but he doe!n?t !ee the %ine web !pre"d through the "ir< !u!pended h" % w"y between roo%!= He hit! the web h"rd< de(e er"ting "! it !u(k! the power out o% hi! e"p= $hen with " *io ent !n"p it re(oi !< boun(ing hi) b"(k into it! ( ut(he!= He !trugg e! in !udden p"ni(< unging< twi!ting< (on*u !ing< but it i! u!e e!!= $he web ho d! hi) %"!t< !u!pended !o)e two hundred %eet "bo*e the ground= $he p"in hit! hi) then= It i! eC(ru(i"ting< !pre"ding "(ro!! hi! % e!h ike " (he)i(" burn= He !(re")! end e!! y< trying to wren(h hi)!e % "w"y %ro) th"t !e"ring "gony= $he web !tr"nd! "re (o"ted with !o)e kind o% "(id< burning through hi! % e!h< di!!o *ing the )u!( e= E"(h %r"nti( )o*e he )"ke! %or(e! the) deeper= # ood erupt! %ro) the pre(i!e ine! o% hi! in@urie!< r"ining down on the !treet be ow= Night)"n?! !(re")! be(o)e i>uid< gurg ingB he %ee ! ike he?! drowning in hi! own b ood= /o)ething !(utt e! tow"rd! hi) "(ro!! the !ur%"(e o% the web< " d"rk !h"pe with )u tip e i)b!< ong % owing h"ir< p" e !kin "nd eye! d"rk "! pit(h= He ("n?t turn hi! he"d< ("n?t !ee enough to te wh"t it i! & hu)"noid< %e)" e< but too )"ny "r)!< too )"ny eg! & !o)e kind o% %re"k & "nd the w"y !he )o*e! & ike "n in!e(t &
It i! the L"dy De!de)on"= $he (ert"inty hit! Night)"n wor!e th"n the p"in= He trie! to !(re")< but there i! no )ore *oi(e e%t in hi)= /he i! )o*ing "round hi)< (ir( ing hi! (ru(i%ied % e!h= /he i! "bo*e hi) now< !t"ring down "t hi) "! he writhe! "nd twi!t!= He %ee ! the !tee !tr"nd! o% her h"ir ("re!! hi! burning %"(e= He trie! to r"i!e hi! he"d< but the web ine! ho d hi) tight= /he i! !tudying hi)= E*en through the "yer! o% hi! "gony he %ee ! her )" e*o ent g"Ae= End it & he !i ent y p e"d! with her & end it+Im &urning alive. G#e !ti < d"r ing=? He he"r! her *oi(e in!ide hi! !ku B not ike " neur" pu !e< )ore ike " *oi(e he"rd in " dre")< "n "n(ient *oi(eB the *oi(e o% " deity= /o)ething enter! the top o% hi! he"d< ! i(ing down h"rd through hi! !ku < !tr"ight into the !o%t (ore o% hi! br"in= He (on*u !e!< hi! body going into " *io ent !p"!) o% !ho(k= Hi! )ind i! %i ed with " !e"ring white he"t th"t engu %! hi) "nd burn! through hi)= And Night)"n %ee ! hi)!e % being dr"wn out o% hi! body through the wound! !he?! opened in hi! !ku < ri!ing ike " !inner "b!o *ed o% " !in< ri!ing out o% hi! !he to )erge with godde!!< )other< bride & ,e still, my !re#iousHher whi!per %i ! hi! entire uni*er!eHgive your fears unto me+. D ."nk know! !he i! (o)ing %or hi)= He !it! by the (orp!e! o% Do( "nd Creep< !tudying hi! h"nd!= $hey !h"ke= $hey "re not the h"nd! o% "n eCperien(ed "!!"!!in= $onight they "re )ore the h"nd! o% " %rightened no*i(e= Hi! !ku i! %i ed with " high< (ontinuou! !>ue" < (erebr" %eedb"(k< ike tuning in to de"d %re>uen(y= Hi! %"(e ( o!e! into " (on(entr"ted !(ow "! he re(" ! the )ent" !(re")! o% Night)"n "nd #oondog< high pit(hed< ne*er ending< ike i!tening to " p"rt o% hi)!e % die= Hi! neur" i)p "nt i! !i ent now= 'or the %ir!t ti)e in de("de! he i! " one in!ide the pri!on o% hi! own !ku = $he *oi(e! o% hi! (o e"gue! "re gone< %"ded into e(ho< torn %ro) hi! )ind ike i)b! %ro) hi! body= Ho ow;he"d1 No one ho)e1 He hug! hi! knee!< w"*e! o% *ertigo ru!hing up %ro) hi! be y< hi! he"d !pinning= It?! too %u(king >uiet= He ("n?t he"r " thing= Hi! e"r! "re buAAing h"rd with the !udden *"(uu) between the)= And then he he"r! it= ' o"ting gent y o*er the roo%top!< the !ound o% " %"r"w"y re>uie)= He re(ogni!e! it "t on(e- $verture to an %n&orn 'oldier< the type o% )u!i( they p "y "t )i it"ry %uner" != He ( o!e! hi! eye!= He i! p"rt o% !o)ething bigger= He h"! to re)e)ber th"t= D /he i! !t"nding right behind hi)= He doe!n?t ook up= Her eye! "re on hi)< i))ort" g"Ae burning down into hi! % e!h< !tripping " the preten(e! "w"y unti on y the n"ked %e"r re)"in!= Keeping hi! own eye! "*erted< ."nk ( o!e! hi! h"nd! into %i!t!< trying to (ontro the !h"ke= GGodde!!<? he !t"))er! in " *oi(e b"re y re(ogni!"b e "! hi! own= GI didn?t )e"n & we didn?t )e"n to in%ringe on your territory & it w"! " )i!t"ke & %"u ty inte & " %oo i!h tr"n!gre!!ionH=? $here i! no rep y= I! !he e*en i!tening to hi)E I! he )"king "ny !en!eE /he (ontinue! to !tudy hi)= He !en!e! her g"Ae ike " p" p"b e weight on hi! b"(k= He trie! to r"i!e hi! eye!< to ook "t her< but hi! terror h"! " gr"*ity o% it! own "nd hi! he"d re)"in! bowed< eye! %iCed %ir) y on hi! h"nd!= GI ") prep"red to )"ke rep"r"tion!<? ."nk per!i!t!< GI on y "!k th"t you !p"re )e=?
/ti !he !"y! nothing= /he h"!n?t )o*ed= Not by !o )u(h "! "n in(h= I! !he (onte)p "ting hi! word!E God!< why i! thi! )o)ent !o %")i i"rE It %ee ! ike he?! i*ed it " hundred ti)e! in the p"!t< wou d i*e it " hundred ti)e! )ore in the %uture= No )"tter wh"t (hoi(e! he )"ke! it wi " w"y! (o)e down to thi!B the two o% the)< on thi! roo%top< the one !t"nding o*er the otherH GI wi not % ee<? he te ! her< GI wi !ub)it )y!e % to your @udge)ent< I !we"r it=? 0hen !he %in" y !pe"k! her *oi(e !ee)! ike " thing h" %;i)"gined= It i! %i ed with "byrinthine e(ho< i)po!!ib e to te where !ub!t"n(e end! "nd *ibr"tion begin!= G3ou "re " pro%e!!ion" ki er<? !he !"y!= GI ")=? Hi! *oi(e !h"ke! !o h"rd the word! b"re y )"ke !en!e= He i! "%r"id< "nd he ("n?t hide th"t %e"r no )"tter how h"rd he trie! ; it i! e"king up out o% hi! pore!< %i ing the "ir with " !i(k y !weet !ten(h= He h"! e*ery re"!on to be "%r"id= He know! it i! !he= L"dy De!de)on"= +u)oured to be o*er three )i enni" o d< !he i! E ohi)< one o% Go goth" '" !? di*ine o*er ord!= ."nk !t"nd! no (h"n(e "g"in!t thi! (re"ture= /he i! geneti(" y de!igned to t"ke down %"r %"!ter "nd %"r !tronger th"n he= /he ( u(k! her tongue )o(king y= G3ou "!k )e to !p"re you< " )"n who )"ke! " i*ing ki ing other!<? !he !"y!= GDo you %e"r de"thE Do you %e"r the righteou! "nger o% tho!e you?*e !ent "he"d o% youE? GI dre") the de"d<? ."nk rep ie! !o%t y< Ge*ery one o% the)< godde!!= I re)e)ber the %"(e! o% tho!e I?*e ki ed e*en "! I ! ow y %orget )y own= I don?t %e"r de"th= It?! the de"d th"t bother )e=? GE*en god! wi one d"y %"(e their re(koning<? !he rep ie!= G$onight I ") your re(koning< $ho)"! ."thi"!=? /homas Mathias !he (" ! hi)= He h"!n?t he"rd th"t n")e !in(e (hi dhood= He !t"re! "t hi! %i!t!< ! ow y open! the)= .ir"(u ou! y hi! h"nd! h"*e !topped !h"king= /here is a weightless moment. /he i! prep"ring to !trike= He %ee ! the ten!ion bui ding e*en "! the wor d %" ! de"th y >uiet "round hi)< the !ound! o% the !treet %"ding into !i en(e< the "ir be(o)ing (on(entr"ted< *o "ti e= ."nk gi*e! no w"rning o% hi! intention!< )o*ing without (on!(iou! e%%ort< whipping hi! re*o *er out o% it! ho !ter< !pinning< "i)ing "nd %iring in one !)ooth< (ontinuou! )o*e)ent= #ut e*en "! he %ire! he know! th"t !o)ehow< i)po!!ib y< !he h"! "nti(ip"ted thi! )o*e= $he re*o *er bu(k! in hi! h"nd< the )uAA e be (hing b ue % ")e< but the godde!! i! no onger there= He doe! not e*en !en!e her )o*eB it i! "! though !he?! e*"por"ted into (o d "ir= $he p "!)" bo t te"r! through the "re" o% !p"(e !he inh"bited "n in!t"nt be%ore< !triking the "ng e o% " roo% ! ope !e*er" )etre! beyond= It deton"te! with " du boo) "nd " ru!h o% eCp"nding he"t= ."nk !pin! to hi! %eet< hi! gun tr"(king the !h"dow!< e*ery !en!e !(re")ing on o*erdri*e= /he i! )o*ing "round hi)< too %"!t to %o ow= He h" % !ee! the ph"nto) "%ter burn o% her p"!!ing & nothing ("n )o*e th"t %"!t & it i! i)po!!ib e= He !print! b"(k up the ! ope o% the roo%< %iring behind hi)< e"ping %orw"rd the "!t %ew %eet< %iring "g"in "! he hit! the ground= D A! he % ee! "(ro!! the roo%! her *oi(e )o(k! hi) %ro) e*ery !h"dow= G$h"t w"! terrib y unwi!e< ."thi"!= Doe! poppet w"nt to p "yE? /he i! e*erywhere "nd nowhere< toying with hi)< pro onging the g")e= He twi!t! "! he run!< t"ttooing the !h"dow! with p "!)" %ire= $he he"*en! "re i u)in"ted "! " (on(u!!ion w"*e o% eCp o!ion! te"r! the roo%! "p"rt< %ire engu %ing hi! w"ke= He u!e! e*ery tri(k he know!< ("nnoning o%% (hi)ney!< !o)er!"u ting !idew"y!< ri(o(heting o%% bound"ry
w" != He )o*e! through the "ir with pretern"tur" "gi ity< hitting the ground "nd rebounding into !pir" e"p!< "(ing the "ir "round hi) with "n orgy o% he %ire= /he "ppe"r! ike " gho!t in %ront o% hi)< her p" e %"(e % o"ting in d"rkne!!< her ip! !pre"d in " (ri)!on !)i e= /he *"ni!he! be%ore he ("n "i) "nd %ire< on y to "ppe"r to hi! e%t< hi! rightB !he !ee)! to know hi! e*ery )o*e be%ore he )"ke! it= At "!t ."nk?! gun !p"!)! on "n e)pty (h")ber= He throw! the re*o *er "!ide< he"ding %or " g"p between roo%!< "((e er"ting "! he prep"re! to % ing hi)!e % "(ro!! the "by!! & /he t"ke! hi) then & it %ee ! "! though " run"w"y !hutt e h"! hit hi)< hi! body b"ttered !idew"y! by the %or(e o% the i)p"(t= He (o ide! with " bound"ry w" "nd pun(he! !tr"ight through bri(k "nd )ort"r< hitting the ground with bone;@"rring %or(e= He trie! to ri!e< but !he i! on hi) in "n in!t"nt< (ru!hing hi) to the ground< one h"nd ( ")ped "round hi! thro"t= He !t"re! up "t her= $he eye! th"t !t"re down "t hi) "re (o d "! burnt out !t"r!= $here i! " )"dne!! in the)< " depth e!! in!"nity= I! thi! the pri(e o% i))ort" ityE He trie! to !)i e but hi! )u!( e! h"*e %roAen hi! %"(e into " )"!k o% %e"r= GI h"d to try<? he whi!per!= /he pre!!e! her %"(e ( o!e< ip! " )o!t bru!hing hi!= GI ") the %"(e o% your (hi dhood night)"re!< ."thi"!<? !he hi!!e!= GI ") the dre")ing terror o% your !pe(ie!=? Her %inger! tighten "round hi! thro"t "nd ."nk %ee ! hi! (on!(iou!ne!! beginning to ebb< the b ood pounding %uriou! y "g"in!t hi! te)p e!= G$here "re " thou!"nd thing! wor!e th"n de"th<? he he"r! her whi!per %ro) the %"r end o% " d"rkening tunne = He trie! to !pe"k< but no !ound e)erge!= He %ee ! " !en!e o% % o"ting det"(h)ent "! the i%e i! ! ow y< " )o!t gent y< !>ueeAed out o% hi)= G3e!<? !he whi!per! in hi! e"r< G" %e"r end! when the he"rt !top! be"ting= I !ee your de!tiny< $ho)"! ."thi"!<? her *oi(e i! "(ed with irony= GAnd !o it ")u!e! )e to et you i*e= 1un away, little fly, !he )o(k! hi)< !ray destiny will &e kinder than I.? /he ki!!e! hi)< re e"!e! hi! thro"t< "nd i! gone in th"t in!t"nt= It t"ke! hi) " whi e to re" i!e he i! " one= /h"ki y ."nk get! to hi! %eet= Why had she s!ared him( Why was he still alive( He !t"gger! b"(k "(ro!! the roo%< !eeking the >ui(ke!t w"y down to !treet e*e = He !ti ("n?t be ie*e he?! been !p"red= I! it be("u!e he re!i!ted herE I! !he e"*ing hi) " i*e to !pre"d her egendE He !h"ke! hi! he"d< there i! " one in " )i ion (h"n(e o% (o)ing up "g"in!t the L"dy De!de)on" "nd !ur*i*ing= 3et !o)ehow< )ir"(u ou! y< he?! be"ten the odd!= He grin!= He? bui d " new (rew %ro) !(r"t(h= He? !t"rt "g"in< better th"n be%ore= He?! getting ! oppy "nd tonight it " )o!t (o!t hi) hi! i%e= He? de" %ir!t with th"t tr"itor< Abdu I"!!")< "nd "%ter th"t he? "!!e)b e " /"n(tion Crew to !h"ke thi! (ity to it! %ound"tion!= He?! !ur*i*ed "n en(ounter with the L"dy De!de)on"B he?! pr"(ti(" y "n i))ort" hi)!e %= Preo((upied with thought! o% tonight?! )ir"(u ou! e!("pe< ."nk doe!n?t !ee the (r"b )ine! !(utt ing out o% the !h"dow! to ie ike inno(uou! pebb e! in hi! p"th= 0hen he !tep! on one he in!t"nt y re(ogniAe! th"t !teri e itt e ( i(k "! the )ine "r)! it!e %= $here i! ti)e %or " %in" >uirky thought< 'he always gets the last laugh!< be%ore hi! wor d i! "brupt y torn "p"rt=
STARK!!!
$HE $HIE' He i! )eti(u ou! "nd p"tientB >u" itie! th"t !t"nd "ny thie% in good !te"d= He we"r! " (")ou% "ged ("t !uit th"t b end! per%e(t y with the grey w" ! o% the de uCe "p"rt)ent b o(k he i! (urrent y !(" ing= Gi*en it! uni>ue (h")e eon propertie!< the !uit wou d b end in with "ny b"(kground= D $he /pider w"t(he! the thie%= /he re!t! in " te)por"ry orb web !pun in the (ore o% " !"te ite di!h= $he di!h< ike hundred! o% other!< i! o("ted on the top o% " ! ender (o))uni("tion! tower o*er ooking the uCury "p"rt)ent! o% ,per" ."rdi< " we ;to;do (ro)e in the di!tri(t o% Cornu(opi"= $he /pider h"! w"t(hed the thie% %or two hour!= /he i! in " ei!ure y )ood= $he thie% i! not preyB he eC(ite! nothing but (urio!ity in her "nd !o !he (ontinue! to !py on hi)< (ontent to re)"in hidden< %o owing hi! progre!! with !uperhu)"n !en!e!< !(rying eye! predi(ting the prob"b e out(o)e o% hi! e*ery )"noeu*re= It i! "n id e indu gen(e< no )ore= /e(urity (entipede! with "dhe!i*e i)b! "nd ong !eg)ented bodie!< !(utt e "(ro!! the w" ! o% the "p"rt)ent b o(k= $hey "re per%or)ing " routine !weep o% the bui ding?! peri)eter "nd wi >ui(k y di!(o*er the intruder i% he doe! not "(t %"!t= $he thie% h"! %igured thi! out %or hi)!e %< De!de)on" i! p e"!ed to !ee< "nd re e"!e! " )ini drone o% hi! own= $he (ontr"ption i! "bout the !iAe o% " (r"b & it !(r")b e! "(ro!! the w" < "ttr"(ting the "ttention o% the (entipede!< dr"wing the) "w"y %ro) the thie% "! they !et o%% in pur!uit= Un(h" enged< the thie% re"(he! the b" (ony window! o% hi! t"rget "p"rt)ent= He i! p"tient= He know! the (entipede! wi !oon return< retr"(ing the p"th o% the drone< but he wi not be hurried= $hi! i! )ore th"n the !i)p e "(t o% bre"king "nd entering< the /pider !u!pe(t!B thi! i! "n "(t o% p"!!ion= $he thie% reroute! the need e;thin !en!or be")! th"t web the b" (ony= $he be")! "re in*i!ib e< but the thie% e)p oy! )u ti ph"!i( gogg e! to re"d their !ign"ture= He ook! "! though he i! per%or)ing " uni>ue %or) o% t"i (hi "! he te"!e! the be")! out o% po!ition< redire(ting their p"th without bre"king the !ign" = It i! " (o))end"b e %e"t= $he /pider w"t(he! in open "d)ir"tion "! the thie% ( e"r! " p"th "(ro!! the b" (ony to the "rge g "!! p"ne door! o% the "p"rt)ent= 0ithin !e(ond! he h"! broken in< de%e"ting the !i)p e !e(urity o(k! on the door!< neutr" i!ing the " "r)!< ! iding the b" (ony door! open "nd di!"ppe"ring in!ide= $here i! !o)ething !en!u" "bout the w"y he bre"(he! the "p"rt)ent= He i! tender< " )o!t o*ing< "! though thi! "(t were !ynony)ou! with the "rt o% !edu(tion= D $he /pider y"wn!= /he think! "bout dropping in on the b"!in di!tri(t! where !he )"y %ind " robu!t o*er or two to whi e the night "w"y be%ore !he de!p"t(he! the)= #ut the thie% prey! on her )ind= 0h"t " p u(ky %e ow= 0h"t " per%or)"n(e= ,ravo! /he %ee ! pri*i eged to h"*e witne!!ed !u(h )ort" d"ring "nd !udden y %ee ! (o)pe ed to )eet with thi! petty *i "in< to %ind out wh"t )"ke! !u(h " )"n ti(k= D /he !pin! " web !tr"nd %ro) her !pinneret< bridging the g"p between (o))uni("tion! tower "nd "p"rt)ent b o(k in "n in!t"nt= It i! "n eCpert ("!t< the !tr"nd "n(horing the *ery b" (ony
the thie% u!ed to g"in "((e!!= Probing the bui ding %or n"!ty !urpri!e!< the /pider !en!e! the (entipede! returning " ong the we!t w" < !w"r)ing b"(k tow"rd! the north %"(e= $hey ("nnot probe "round (orner! "nd wi h"*e to be in *i!u" !ight o% the /pider be%ore they ("n dete(t her= $he /pider (" (u "te! !he h"! e!! th"n ten !e(ond!< no )ore< be%ore the (entipede! (o)e into *iew= /he !(utt e! out " ong the web !tr"nd< her eight i)b! e"!i y prope ing her tow"rd! the bui ding= In !e(ond! !he h"! re"(hed the b" (ony< ! ipping o*er the r"i ing! "nd !>u"tting %or " )o)ent on the po i!hed )"rb e % oor= /he u!e! her !(rying eye! to o("te the b" (ony !en!or! then !e*er! her web ine "nd )o*e! %orw"rd< e*"ding their "n(et be")! with e"!e= $he b" (ony door! "re without prote(tion "nd ! iding the) open the /pider >uiet y enter! the "p"rt)ent= $HE $+AP In!ide the "p"rt)ent the thie% !t"nd! %roAen= He !t"re! !tr"ight "he"d o% hi)< hi! b"(k to the /pider= /he ("n !ee the white o*" o% hi! %"(e re% e(ted in the w" ;to;w" )irror dire(t y in %ront o% hi)B !he ("n !ee her own d"rk out ine in the !")e )irror= /he ("n dete(t !o)ething in the "ir & faint & !o)e kind o% (he)i(" !(ent= It i! %")i i"r< but !he ("n?t >uite identi%y it= /he !hrug! "nd !tudie! her !urrounding!= $he "p"rt)ent i! eCpen!i*e y %urni!hed though in " !o)ewh"t t"(ky !ty e= +ed e"ther !o%"! re( ine in one (orner< (re"ting " ( o!ed o%% !e"ting "re" "rr"nged "round " "rge (entre t"b e o% )ou ded "ni)" bone= ' oor;to;(ei ing !he *e! ine the w" !< e"(h (o)p"rt)ent ho ding the re i( or "rte%"(t o% !o)e %"r or )id;(o ony (u ture< )o!t prob"b y eCtin(t= G o;orb! % o"t @u!t bene"th the (ei ing< !ubt y i u)in"ting the roo)= $he /pider return! her "ttention to the "ni)" bone t"b e= A !tr"nge (ontr"ption re!t! on it< re!e)b ing the (ro!!;!e(tion o% " do ?! hou!e< the %ront w" re)o*edB but in!te"d o% di!p "ying !)" ;!(" e p"!!"ge! "nd bi!e(ted roo)!< the hou!e (ont"in! " !erie! o% )ini"ture p "t%or)!< !t"(ked one "bo*e the other "nd ! oping ! ight y "! they (ri!!;(ro!! the interior o% the do ?! hou!e= $he p "t%or)! "re inked by " (o)p eC !erie! o% e e*"tor!< tr"pdoor!< "nd )ini"ture !wing bridge! th"t "ppe"r to be (ontro ed by " !y!te) o% di!(reet pu ey! "nd e*er!= $he /pider !u!pe(t! the entire (ontr"ption i! !o)e !ort o% ("u!e;"nd;e%%e(t de*i(e< prob"b y run by ( o(kwork "nd gr"*ity= ,ne other %e"ture th"t intere!t! her i! the "rge go d pendu u) h"nging %ro) " @oint in the (entre o% the "p"rt)ent (ei ing= It !wing! in )etrono)i( "r(!< b"(k "nd %orth< b"(k "nd %orth< ike " ro*ing eye "t " !pe(t"tor !port= A! " pie(e o% "rt dJ(or it "ppe"r! intru!i*e< out o% p "(e= /he wonder! wh"t it! true purpo!e i!= 'in" y the /pider note! the (rude wooden e%%igie! th"t ine the !kirting o% the % oor< !p"(ed "bout three %eet "p"rt= $here "re twenty !t"tue!< ten on either !ide o% the roo)B ug y< )i!!h"pen itt e thing!< !>u"tting in " )en"(ing row< pebb e;b "(k eye! g "ring "he"d o% the)= $hey ho d tiny b ow pipe! in their (rude h"nd!< pre!!ed to bu bou! ip! "nd "i)ed dire(t y "t the thie%= $he /pider !en!e! !o)e o% the )"n?! peri "t on(e= /he i! "bout to )o*e= GI wou dn?t do th"t i% I were you<? the thie% w"rn!< hi! eye! !t"ring "t her through the )irror= GAnd why i! th"t< pre(iou!E? !he "!k! hi)= G$he % oor i! pre!!ure )ined & one )o*e "nd it?! bye;bye )"ny"n"=? /he %o ow! the dire(tion o% hi! pointing %inger= $he itt e %eti!h %igure! %or) "n "*enue o% thre"t on either !ide o% hi)< p"rt o% !o)e (o)p eC !e(urity !y!te)< the /pider !u!pe(t!= I% the thie% )o*e! the %igure! wi in!t"nt y %ire their b owpipe! "t hi)B high pre!!ure b"rb!< no doubt< !ub;!oni( but !ti %"!t enough to hit the thie% " doAen ti)e! be%ore he h"! (o)p eted hi! %ir!t !tep=
GNot >uite the thie% I thought you were<? !he !"y!= GI h"*e )y o%%;d"y!<? he rep ie!= G$hi! (ou d *ery we be the d"y you die<? the /pider in%or)! hi)= G$he b"rb! in e"(h o% tho!e b owpipe! undoubted y (ont"in eCoti( neuro toCin!= 3our neCt )o*e wi be the one th"t ki ! you=? G/o et?! not )o*e< okE? GI ") in no d"nger<? !he te ! hi)< GI ") out!ide their !en!or r"nge=? G0e don?t know th"t %or (ert"in=? GIt?! " theory I?) wi ing to te!t=? $he )"n r"i!e! " %ore!t" ing h"nd= GDon?t do th"t & why wou d you do th"tE 0e ("n %igure !o)ething e !e out=? He !t"re! h"rd "t her re% e(tion= G0ho "re you "nyw"yE? he de)"nd!< Gyou ook ike !o)e kind o% godB I bet you "re< one o% the) !pider god!= I?*e " w"y! "d)ired your ot & you know< the "gi ity< the deCterity & I te )y d"ughter i% e*er one o% the !pider god! t"ke! to the pro%e!!ion< the ri(h "nd %")ou! better ook out= ? G$he pro%e!!ionE? G#urg "ry=? GGod! do not burg e=? $he thie% !)i e!< GCo)e on< you te ing )e you?*e ne*er been te)ptedE? GI ob@e(t to your tone< )ort" <? the /pider brid e!= GI?) in no po!ition to ob@e(t to your!<? the thie% !hrug!= GDon?t )ind )e< I " w"y! b"bb e when %"(ed with i))inent de"th= /o)e peop e whi!t euite %r"nk y I pre%er the %or)er=? GAre the rew"rd! worth itE? He think! "bout thi!= GI don?t know th"t I do it %or the rew"rd!< "dy= I r"ke in " tidy pro%it< no doubt= A %ew o*erhe"d! here "nd there< but be ie*e )e< in thi! tr"de< it?! )o!t y " pro%it= #ut in " pin(h I?d h"*e to !"y I do it )ore %or the buAA=? G$he buAAE? G$he "dren" ine ru!h< the high I get whene*er one o% )y ("per! )"ke! the d"i ie!= It?! ike )o!t o% the ti)e I?) p ugged into thi! !t"ti!ti(" )"in%r")e< ike " perpetu" ! ow;)otion )"(hine< but the )o)ent I?) out on " @ob< the )o)ent I?) working the %ringe! o% !o(iety< "h< th"t?! the )o)ent I be(o)e tot" y unp ugged< " i*e< ")ped up< %re"ked out= $he on y p "(e I ("n bre"the i! beyond the p" e=? $he /pider i! %")i i"r with thi! GbuAA?= /he know! it by other n")e!< but the (on(ept i! !ti the !")e= In )"ny w"y! !he too work! the %ringe! o% !o(iety= /he i! ")u!ed th"t !he "nd thi! petty *i "in h"*e !o )u(h in (o))on= GAre you )"rriedE? !he "!k! hi)= G0"!= Died=? C o!e (ropped "n!wer!< the /pider !en!e! there i! )u(h p"in hidden here= G0h"t doe! your d"ughter think o% your (ho!en pro%e!!ionE? G/he?! twe *e ye"r! o d<? the thie% rep ie!= GAnge "< th"t?! her n")e< be"uti%u gir < the on y tre"!ure I po!!e!! I didn?t h"*e to !te" =? GI% you die who ook! "%ter herE? GI% I don?t work who ook! "%ter either o% u!E? he !n"p!= He ook! "nnoyed %or " )o)ent< but then !hrug!< "nd in " !o%ter *oi(e he !"y!< GI know< you?re right< I?) di(ing with her %uture= 3ou don?t h"*e to !pe it out= I wre!t e with )y (on!(ien(e e*ery ti)e I e"*e her< e*ery ti)e I !"y goodbye< "nd I wonder i% I?) e*er going to !ee her "g"in=? G3et !ti you t"ke the ri!k! you do=? GIt?! not ike I h"*e " (hoi(e<? he prote!t!= G3ou?re " god< th"t?! e"!y to !ee= 3ou don?t h"*e to i*e in the b"!in di!tri(t! with the re!t o% u! & we i*e ike "ni)" ! & the (ity i! bui t on our
bone! "nd our b ood "nd our "bour "nd there?! not )"ny o% u! i*e to o d "ge or " (o)%ort"b e pen!ion< I? te you= 3ou e*er been to .yopi"E E*en the n")e?! " god?!; d")ned @oke=? GI?*e been to .yopi"<? the /pider rep ie!= G/o you?*e !een it %or your!e %=? GI?*e !een it %or )y!e %=? /he think! o% th"t god%or!"ken w"!te "nd they (" " di!tri(t= /he trie! to i)"gine h"*ing to (" it ho)e= GI! th"t where you?re %ro)E? !he "!k!= GI?) not !"ying where I?) %ro)<? he rep ie! gu"rded y< Gbut you get the pi(ture=? GAnd !o you !te" %ro) the ri(h< to %eed your !t"r*ing (hi d<? the /pider "ugh!= GI?*e he"rd !o)e !ob !torie! in )y ti)e< d"r ing &G $he thie% !hrug!= G#e ie*e wh"t you w"nt< I don?t ("reB I?) not eC(u!ing )y!e %= I?) @u!t te ing you the %"(t! "! I !ee the)= I do wh"t I do to get by< @u!t ike you=? *es, !he think!< 2ust like me. GI ") L"dy Gene*ie*e De!de)on"<? !he in%or)! hi)< G%or)er y o% the Hou!e o% Ar"(hnid!=? He whi!t e!= GAnd who h"!n?t he"rd o% herE 3ou e"*e " b "Ae o% un!o *ed di!"ppe"r"n(e! in your w"ke< )y "dy< "nd " ot o% biA"rre ru)our!=? G3ou h"*e nothing to %e"r %ro) )e<? !he "!!ure! hi)= GA! i% I didn?t h"*e enough to %e"r " re"dy<? he )utter!= GI?) !tu%%ed< "dy= I?*e been trying to %igure the!e itt e b owpipe )un(hkin! out<? he point! to the e%%igie!= G3ou know === wh"t )"ke! the) ti(k< but )ore e!pe(i" y wh"t )"ke! the) to(k< be("u!e I h"*e the %ee ing it?! the to(k th"t?! going to ki )e=? GAnd you?re none the wi!erE? $he /pider !igh!< GIt?! " wonder you?*e !ur*i*ed !o ong=? GA right;" right<? he !"y! i)p"tient y< GI? %igure it out !ooner or "ter & I?) not u!ed to working with di!tr"(tion!=? GI? re)"in !i ent then<? the /pider !"y!< Gwhi !t you %igure it out=? /he !"y! nothing %urther %or " whi e= /he !ni%%! the "ir= $he (he)i(" !(ent !he?d dete(ted when !he?d %ir!t entered the "p"rt)ent< !he now re(ogniAe! ; $ripto)ine Nitr"teB " )i d neur" "gent< not i))edi"te y %"t" un e!! )iCed with other toCin!< "nd then on y in the (orre(t do!"ge= #ut why wou d thi! roo) ("rry tr"(e! o% th"t p"rti(u "r !(entE GAre you @u!t going to !t"nd thereE? the thie% de)"nd!= De!de)on" turn! her "ttention b"(k to hi)= G3ou "!ked )e not to di!tr"(t you=? $he thie% %rown!= GLi!ten<? he !"y!< GI know you?*e got " kind! o% enh"n(ed "bi itie!= 3ou?re " god= How the he did you get in here in the %ir!t p "(e i% you weren?tE I know you don?t know )e "nd I don?t know you< but how "bout we !u!pend the u!u" %or)" itie! "nd you end )e " h"nd< "ye< %or )y d"ughter?! !"keE? G3ou !hou d h"*e thought "bout her be%ore you !t"rted out on thi! *enture=? GI did< I do<? the thie% prote!t!= GI?) not (opping " )er(y % ight here< I?) @u!t "!king %or " bre"k=? GAre you "%r"id to dieE? GC"n?t !"y I ")<? the thie% !hrug!< G(o)e! to u! " in the end= #ut when you h"*e " itt e one it )"ke! it h"rder to be !o b "!J= 3ou be(o)e "%r"id %or the)= I% !he o!e! )e !he?! not going to !ur*i*e< it?! th"t !i)p e= /he?! !pe(i" < you !ee=? G/pe(i" E? $he burg "r !h"ke! hi! he"d= GIt?! h"rd to eCp "in= 0h"t doe! it )"tterE 0e?re " !pe(i" < rightE? GI% you !"y !o=? He grin!= G/o)ething I he"rd on(e= 0e?re " !pe(i" or e !e we wou dn?t be here= It?! one o% tho!e ( o!ed ogi( !t"te)ent!< ike !"ying " thing i! true be("u!e you !"id it w"! true "nd i% it w"!n?t true you wou dn?t h"*e !"id it w"!=?
G3ou?re b"bb ing "g"in=? GA) IE D")n< it?! h"rd to think= How ong h"! it beenE? G'i*e )inute! "nd thirty;two !e(ond!=? G'ee ! onger=? GAre you "ny ( o!er to " !o utionE? GIt?! h"rd to te = .y option! "re i)ited e*ery w"y I ook "t it=? He g "n(e! up "t the pendu u) !winging "bo*e hi! he"d= G0h"t do you !uppo!e th"t?! %orE? he "!k!= GIt !t"rted )o*ing the )o)ent I entered the roo)=? G3ou triggered it with your body weight<? the /pider eCp "in!= GIt! "r( h"! been !te"di y de("ying in the "!t %ew )inute!= 0hen it (o)e! to " !t"nd!ti the tr"p wi be !prung "nd you wi die=? /he he"r! the thie% gu p= GHow ong do you !uppo!e IG*e gotE? he "!k!= G#y )y (" (u "tion!< e!! th"n two )inute!<? the /pider rep ie!= $he thie% gro"n! deep in hi! thro"t< the !ound o% " tr"pped "ni)" = GI ("n?t %igure it &? he whi!per! to hi)!e %= GPre!!ure tr"pB why " pre!!ure tr"pE 0hy not " !i ent " "r)E $hi! i! " too e "bor"te< I?) )i!!ing !o)ething= 0h"t i% I )o*e be%ore the pendu u) !top!E? G3ou wi trigger the tr"p !ooner=? the /pider !"y!= G/o I?) roy" y !tu%%edE? G/o it wou d !ee)=? G0hyE 0h"t kind o% !i(k )ind de*i!e! " tr"p ike thi!E? G3ou )e"n you don?t knowE? He twi!t! hi! he"d to !t"re "t her= GKnow wh"tE? he "!k!< hi! *oi(e ho"r!e with e)otion= G$he !tory o% $ino /t"rk ; the gre"te!t thie% th"t e*er i*ed=? $he thie% (ontinue! to !t"re "t her= $he /pider !igh!= G0ho own! thi! "p"rt)entE? !he "!k! hi)= $he thie% %rown!= GDunno<? he !"y! % "t yB then "brupt y !h"ke! hi! he"d= GA(tu" y I do< !o)e b oke (" ed Au!tin P 0inter!< dunno )u(h "bout hi)< on y th"t he?! " !i(k )other%u(ker=? G0hy do you think he wou d !et !o e "bor"te " tr"pE? A%ter thinking "bout thi!< the thie% !"y!< G."ybe he?! been robbed be%ore= ."ybe he?! !i(k o% being robbedB w"nt! !o)e p"yb"(k=? GIt he p! to under!t"nd your "d*er!"ry<? !he !"y!= $he thie% h"wk!< but think! better o% !pitting= GI under!t"nd he?! "n "r!eho e<? he )utter!= GI do not (ondone %ou "ngu"ge in )y pre!en(e=? G3ou don?tE? he "ugh! "br"!i*e yB then (" )! hi)!e % with "n e%%ort= GI?) !orry<? he )utter!< Git?! @u!t th"t I?) h"*ing " %ou "ngu"ge d"y=? G0ou d you ike to he"r the !tory o% $ino /t"rkE? $he thie% g "n(e! up "t the pendu u) "bo*e hi)< it! "r( *i!ib y de("ying< it! !peed ! owing & !oon it wi !top ; soon it will sto!! G$ino /t"rk<? the thie% !"y! to te"r hi)!e % "w"y %ro) thi! )orbid thought= GGo on< godde!!B te )e "bout $ino /t"rk= .ight we be the "!t !tory I e*er get to he"r=? $HE $A, ,' $IN, $he /pider nod!= G9ery we <? !he !"y!< G et )e be brie%= $ino /t"rk w"! " *ery un(o))on (ri)in" < " *i!ion"ry ")ong!t thie*e! one )ight !"y= He i*ed be%ore the D")"!(u! 0"r< o*er " hundred "nd %i%ty ye"r! "go< "nd during the (our!e o% hi! ("reer p undered )ore th"n eighty (ro"t! worth o% @ewe ! "nd pre(iou! )et" ! %ro) the ri(h "nd the ob!(ene y ri(h= $here w"! no !e(urity "pp"r"tu! he (ou d not de;ridd e< no per%e(t de%en(e grid he (ou d not de%e"t=
He w"! " egend in hi! i%eti)e< "(>uiring )ythi(" !t"tu! ")ong!t hi! peer!< whi(h i! why I?) !urpri!ed you?*e ne*er he"rd o% hi)=? G0e I h"*en?t<? the thie% !"y!= Hi! *oi(e !ound! in(re"!ing y !tr"ined= He g "n(e! up "t the pendu u) "g"in= GHow ong h"*e I gotE? GA )inute "nd " h" %< d"r ing<? purr! the /pider< G)ore th"n enough ti)e to %ini!h )y t" e=? GP e"!e do<? the thie% en(our"ge! her= $he /pider nod!= G$hi! i! not gener" y known< but $ino /t"rk w"! the on y thie% to bre"k into Cogniti" it!e %& th"t o*er gi ded ("ge they (" the City o% God!=? $he thie%?! eye! )eet the /pider?! in the )irror= G$he City o% God!<? he !"y!< im!ossi&le! He !ee)! " )o!t in!u ted by the !ugge!tion= G/u(h " thing (ou d not h"*e h"ppened= $h"t wou d be ike bre"king into the *"u t! o% he"*en it!e %=? GI wi not w"!te the "!t two )inute! o% your i%e !pinning y"rn!<? the /pider "!!ure! hi)= G$"ke )y word %or it< $ino /t"rk "((o)p i!hed the i)po!!ib e= He broke into Cogniti" "nd robbed the god! in their own "ir=? $he thie% grin!< hi! eye! reg"in their !p"rk e %or " )o)ent= G$h"t )u!t h"*e been the gre"te!t hei!t in " o% hi!tory<? he !"y!= $he /pider nod!= G3et it i! "rge y unknown out!ide o% (ert"in (ir( e!= How (ou d the god! et new! o% thi! hu)i i"tion !pre"d to their )ort" !ub@e(t!E $he eCtern" !e(urity o% Cogniti" i! *irtu" y i)penetr"b e< but in!ide the di*ine di!tri(t it!e % !e(urity i! !ingu "r y "C= $he god! did not be ie*e "nyone (ou d penetr"te their outer de%en(e!= $hey were to p"y %or th"t (o)p "(en(y be("u!e on(e he got in $ino /t"rk h"d " %ie d d"y=? GHow )u(h did he !te" E? /he ("n he"r the eC(ite)ent in the thie%?! *oi(e= GHow )u(hE? GNobody know!<? the /pider rep ie!= G$ho!e who h"d been robbed were re u(t"nt to "d)it to their o!! "nd !o "n eC"(t %igure w"! h"rd to t" y= No one re" i!ed $ino h"d e*en been in the di!tri(t unti )ore th"n " week "%ter he?d )"de good hi! e!("pe= $o "*oid e)b"rr"!!)ent< the god! !uppre!!ed "ny new! o% the bre"k;in< but they were under!t"nd"b y )i%%ed= $hey (" ed in the Gui d o% A!!"!!in! "nd in >uite b unt ter)!< re>ue!ted the he"d o% $ino /t"rk=? G$he Gui d o% A!!"!!in!<? the thie% whi!t e!= G$ino?! goo!e w"! (ooked %or !ure=? De!pite the de"th !enten(e h"nging o*er hi! own he"d< he !ee)! genuine y intere!ted in the %"te o% $ino /t"rk= G0h"t h"ppened< godde!!< did they get hi)E? G$he "!!"!!in! !et " tr"p %or $inoB " *ery (unning tr"p= $hey pre!ented hi) with b"it they knew he (ou dn?t re!i!t= .i enniu) H"r(ourt< the he"*y )et" )er(h"nt< w"! ho ding "n eChibition "t hi! ho)e )"n!ion th"t wou d !how("!e !o)e o% the %ine!t @ewe ! in hi! (o e(tion= $he e*ent w"! he"*i y "d*erti!ed in the pre!!= $he d"y o% the eChibition w"! bi ed "! .i enniu) D"y=? $he thie% nod! i)p"tient y= GAnd $ino /t"rk went %or the @ewe !E? he !"y!= GI don?t )e"n to hurry you< "dy< but ti)e i! pre(iou! i% you know wh"t I )e"n=? $he /pider nod!= G$he night "%ter the eChibition $ino /t"rk broke in to the )"n!ion< e*"ded !e(urity "nd )"de hi! w"y to the eChibition h" = It w"! there< in the h" < th"t he w"! tr"pped in wh"t be(")e known "! " stark enigma=? GA wh"tE? $he /pider point! to the ("u!e;"nd;e%%e(t (ontr"ption= G3ou !ee th"t de*i(eE? !he "!k!= G3ou )e"n the do ?! hou!e<? the thie% i! under!t"nd"b y edgy< Gye"h< I !ee it< wh"t "bout itE? GIt i! " *"ri"tion o% " !t"rk enig)"= 0hen the pendu u) "bo*e you !top! !winging< " b" be"ring wi be re e"!ed onto the p "t%or) "t the *ery top o% the hou!e= $hrough " !erie! o% ingeniou! de*i(e!< (ontro ed by (ounterweight!< tr"pdoor!< e*er!< "nd hidden !pring!< the b" wi )"ke it! predeter)ined w"y down to the botto) o% the hou!e where it wi !trike the tiny %igure you !ee !t"nding in the h" = $h"t %igure repre!ent! you= 0hen the %igure %" ! it !trike! " e*er "nd the e%%igie! "round you %ire toCi( b"rb! into your % e!h=?
$he thie% (onte)p "te! thi!= He !t"re! "t the do ?! hou!e with new%ound re!pe(t= At "!t he !"y!< G$h"t?! wh"t they did to $ino /t"rkE? G$he de*i(e they u!ed w"! )"ny ti)e! "rger< "nd %"r )ore e "bor"te th"n thi! one< but the prin(ip e w"! the !")e<? the /pider rep ie!= $he thie% !h"ke! hi! he"d= G#ut whyE? G$he Gui d o% A!!"!!in! i! " >u"!i;re igiou! !e(t=? the /pider rep ie!< G$hey be ie*e in the (h"o! th"t underpin! (re"tion= $hey wi!hed to ki $ino /t"rk= $hey were %ore!worn to ki hi) in %"(t= #ut the A!!"!!in! ("nnot ("rry out " t"!k without introdu(ing "n e e)ent o% (h"n(e into the e>u"tion= $he !t"rk enig)" i! ninety;nine per(ent "((ur"te e"(h ti)e= #ut it h"! " redund"n(y %e"ture< " one per(ent (h"n(e o% %"i ure= I% the de*i(e %"i ! the tr"p %"i ! "nd you go %ree=? $he thie% b ew hi! (heek! out= G0h"t h"ppened to $inoE? he whi!per! "! though hi! i%e h"ng! on the "n!wer to thi! >ue!tion= G$ino<? the /pider rep ie!< Gbe"t the tr"p=? GHowE? GNo one know!= $he /t"rk Enig)" did not %"i = $he tr"p w"! !prung= #ut when the h" w"! opened the neCt )orning< /t"rk w"! gone "nd !o were the @ewe !=? $he thie% hi!!e!< GHow< d")n youE? $he /pider ignore! the >ue!tion= GA%ter th"t $ino /t"rk *"ni!hed %ro) the p"ge! o% hi!tory "nd no one know! wh"t be(")e o% hi)=? /he !hrug! indi%%erent y< G$he !t"rk enig)" be(")e " (r"Ae= It w"! u!ed )"ny ti)e! o*er the en!uing de("de!= It ne*er "g"in %"i ed= $hou!"nd! o% thie*e! died in the tr"p= No one e*er "g"in be"t the "w o% "*er"ge!=? G/o thi! i! " !t"rk enig)"=? $he thie% g "n(e! up "t the pendu u)= It i! " )o!t )otion e!!= He !ee)! (" ) " o% " !udden= Hi! te ! h"*e be(o)e !tr"nge< hi! he"rt r"te ! owing< hi! thought! be(o)ing "b!tr"(t "nd %or) e!!= $he /pider w"t(he! hi) intent y= /oon he wi die= He i! on y !e(ond! "w"y< yet he !ee)! to be !hedding hi! %e"rB growing !tronger< not we"ker< "! though ! ow y e"rning to e)br"(e the ine*it"b e= G$hi! i! the !t"rk enig)"<? the /pider !"y!= GH"*ing been robbed eighteen ti)e! be%ore< twi(e "t gun point< the )"n who own! thi! "p"rt)ent h"! " p"tho ogi(" "nd >uite under!t"nd"b e h"tred o% burg "r!= He in!t" ed thi! de*i(e to in!ure your de"th w"! "! ! ow "nd "goni!ing "! po!!ib e= $he poi!on i! ! ow;"(ting "nd >uite irre*er!ib e= It wi t"ke twenty;%our hour! to ki you= #y th"t ti)e you wi be in !u(h "gony th"t de"th it!e % wi be " )er(i%u re e"!e=? G/o the pendu u) i! @u!t to )"ke )e !we"tE +"t(het up the dr")"=? $he /pider !h"ke! her he"d= G$he pendu u) pro*ide! you with ti)e=? G$i)eE? GEnough ti)e to %igure " w"y out o% the tr"p= #ut there i! no w"y out= $he tr"p i! per%e(t= 0hen the b"rb! !trike< your %ir!t in!tin(t wi be to % ee thi! "p"rt)ent< to e!("pe the "w= 3ou wi die e !ewhere< e"*ing no (orp!e behind "nd no tr"(e o% your )urder=? $he thie% grin!= G0e <? he !"y! in "n " )o!t (heery *oi(e< Ghere go the "w o% "*er"ge!< ("re to p "(e " betE? A! the pendu u) (o)e! to " (o)p ete !top< the /pider rep ie!< GI do not bet on de"d )en=? $HE ENIG.A .ACHINE $he )o)ent the pendu u) !top! the enig)" b" i! !prung= $he thie% "nd the /pider w"t(h it ro " ong the top)o!t p "t%or) o% the do ?! hou!e= It! progre!! !ound! thunderou! y oud in the "p"rt)ent< ike " bou der dr"gged downhi by it! own ro ing )o)entu)= G3ou h"*e e!! th"n thirty !e(ond!<? the /pider in%or)! the thie%< Gbe%ore the b" trigger! the tr"p= How doe! it %ee to be thi! ( o!e to eternityE?
GLike the gre"te!t buAA in the wor d<? the thie% bre"the!< Gbut I !ti h"*e " ("rd up )y ! ee*e=? $he /pider !t"re! "t hi)= G3ou h"*e %igured " w"y out o% the tr"pE? GI h"*e<? the thie% rep ie!= He ho d! up " !)" tr"n! u(ent phi" in hi! h"nd= G#e%ore I broke in I in@e(ted )y!e % with " do!e o% $ripto)ine Nitr"te<? he !"y!= G0hen the tr"p goe! o%% "nd the b"rb! !trike )e< the poi!on they (ont"in wi )iC with the $ripto)ine ("u!ing in!t"nt"neou! de"th r"ther th"n the ! ow "nd "goni!ing one p "nned %or )e=? He to!!e! the phi" o*er hi! !hou der "nd the /pider ("t(he! it< eC")ining it ("re%u y= It i! "n in@e(toid< one end (ont"ining " tiny need e< the other end " !)" p unger= ,n(e pre!!ed "g"in!t the % e!h the phi" i))edi"te y re e"!e! it! toCi( ("rgo into the b ood!tre")= P "(ing it under her no!e< the /pider ("n dete(t the %"int !)e o% $ripto)ine= $he !")e !(ent !he h"d noti(ed e"r ier= $he thie% i! not ying= G$o wh"t purpo!eE? the /pider %rown! "! !he % ing! the phi" "!ide= $he enig)" b" %" ! through it! %ir!t tr"pdoor< "nding on the !e(ond o% the hou!e?! %i*e p "t%or)!= It !trike! " e*er th"t % ip! it up into " !)" )et" hoop th"t then !wing! the enig)" b" into po!ition o*er " !erie! o% AigA"gging runner! be%ore re e"!ing it= $he thie% w"t(he! "! the b" ro ! " ong e"(h runner< dropping down to the neCtB it! p"th !te"dy "nd irre*er!ib e= GI w"! "w"re o% you w"t(hing )e %ro) the (o))uni("tion tower "(ro!! the ro"d<? the thie% !"y!< G"nd why wou dn?t you w"t(h )e< I?) pretty d")ned good "t wh"t I do= $wo hour! you w"t(hed )y progre!!< godde!!< "nd when I broke into the "p"rt)ent you %o owed< @u!t "! I knew you wou d=? He !h"ke! hi! he"d "! the enig)" b" "nd! on the third p "t%or)= $here "re on y two p "t%or)! e%t be%ore it re"(he! the )ini"ture %igure !t"nding in the h" = G0e w"t(h the thing! we don?t under!t"nd<? he !"y!= G0e try "nd e)u "te the thing! we "d)ire= I?*e w"t(hed you )"ny ti)e! )y!e %< De!de)on"=? G0hyE? G#e("u!e you?re pretty d")ned good "t wh"t you do<? he grin!= G0e?re " ike< you "nd I< )ore " ike th"n you ("re to "d)it= 0e both (h"n(e the "by!!B we?re both re%ugee! %ro) the "w o% "*er"ge!=? GHow ong h"*e you w"t(hed )eE? GA (entury<? the thie% !hrug!< G)"ybe )ore= Not " the ti)e< but o(("!ion" y< e*ery now "nd "g"in= Kind o% "n o%%;duty hobby= I know wh"t you?re ooking %or=? G0h"t ") I ooking %orE? GAn "n!wer to your one burning >ue!tion=? GAnd wh"t i! th"t >ue!tion< thie%E? G0h"t i! it ike to be hu)"nE? /he !t"re! "t hi) "! the b" drop! onto the penu ti)"te p "t%or)= G0ho "re youE? !he de)"nd!= G3ou know who I ")<? the thie% !pre"d! hi! h"nd!= G3ou?*e known " " ong< godde!!=? G$ino /t"rkB? the /pider bre"the!< Gthe gre"te!t thie% o% " ti)e=? GIG*e h"d )"ny n")e!<? $ino !hrug!= GDown through the "ge! I?*e been known to )"ny (u ture!< )"ny (i*i i!"tion!= I gue!! i% I h"d " true n")e it wou d be #han#e, or enigma= Peop e ike )e eCi!t to b" "n(e the "w! o% ("u!e "nd e%%e(t= 0e?re the *iru! in the (o)puter "! it were=? GAnd how wi you e!("pe thi! ti)e< $inoE? G*ou wi re!(ue )e=? $he /pider !)i e! in (o d ")u!e)ent= GI wi E? $he thie% nod!= G3ou were " w"y! p"rt o% )y e!("pe p "n<? he !"y!= GI% the b"rb! took ! ow e%%e(t you wou d h"*e >ue!tioned )e be%ore I died< I?) pretty (ert"in o% th"t= It he p! to know your "d*er!"ry === your word!< not )ine= #ut now I?*e )"de (ert"in )y de"th i!
in!t"nt"neou!ue!tion th"t p "gue! you= .y ong i%e wi be o*er "nd I wi die here on thi! "p"rt)ent % oor=? $he b" h"! re"(hed the %in" p "t%or)= Now it )"ke! it! (o)p eC w"y tow"rd! the %igure !t"nding in the h" = $he thie% i! (" )= He w"t(he! the b" = $here i! no e)otion on hi! %"(e= No te ! to re*e" hi! !t"te o% )ind ; nothing= G3ou wi die<? the /pider whi!per!= GIt i! (ert"in=? GI! it< godde!!E? the thie% !hrug!= G$hen I wi (ert"in y die= #ut you "nd I both know we i*e in " %"r %ro) (ert"in uni*er!e=? $he b" h"! " )o!t re"(hed the %igure in the h" = He i! right= $he thie% h"! gue!!ed the /pider?! intention!= /he had w"nted to >ue!tion hi) "%ter the tr"p w"! !prung= 0ith the toCin! r"*"ging hi! body< the thie% wou d h"*e been )" e"b e to interrog"tion= #ut now he wi die too !oon "nd the opportunity wi be o!t= $he thie% !pre"d! hi! "r)!B hi! eye! ( o!e< he !)i e! !e(ret y to hi)!e %= 0h"t i! he thinkingE /he trie! de!per"te y to penetr"te hi! w" o% (" )< but !he ("nnot= It?! "! though he i! %" ing "w"y %ro) her< down into the truth o% hi! own being= G0ho "re youE? !he whi!per! "! the b" ro ! tow"rd! the %igure in the h" = GI ") hu)"n<? he !"y! "nd hi! %"(e h"! t"ken on " pe(u i"r g ow< "! though the pore! o% hi! % e!h "re !hedding the *ery ight o% hi! )ind= $he b" !trike! the %igure= $he thie% i! !o (" )= Where is he( What has &e#ome of him( What is this !ower within him that #annot &e #ontained( $he %igure in the h" topp e!< %" ing tow"rd! the e*er th"t wi trigger the tr"p= What is this !ower within him( Is he divine( Is he the hidden !ower within all mortals( $he %igure !trike! the e*er= GN,1? $he /pider )o*e! with the !peed o% di*inity< her )edu!" (oi ! triggering " h"i !tor) o% b"rb! th"t eCp ode out in " dire(tion!< tiny pro@e(ti e! with eCp o!i*e tip!< g owing with the he"t o% their propu !ion= $he b owpipe e%%igie! in!t"nt y di!integr"te< eCp oding *io ent y "! the /pider?! pro@e(ti e! !trike true= KEL $he thie% open! hi! eye! "nd ook! "round hi)= G$h"nk the god! th"t?! o*er< "yeE? He !tret(he! "nd hi! @oint! pop in the !udden de"th y >uiet= $he /pider !t"re! down "t hi)= /he %ee ! unu!u" y ru%% ed= GI (ou d !ti ki you<? !he !"y!= G#ut you won?t<? the thie% du!t! hi)!e % o%%= G3ou "d)ire )e too )u(h= Ad)it it=? GDon?t pu!h your u(k< )ort" <? !he grow != G3ou "re entit ed to one >ue!tion<? the thie% he p! hi)!e % to " g "!! o% bourbon %ro) " ne"rby ("binet= GI% I "n!wer it hone!t y you wi et )e (o)p ete )y bu!ine!! "nd e"*e=? $he /pider in( ine! her he"d= G3ou?*e e"rned th"t )u(h<? !he "d)it!= $he thie% !ip! %ro) hi! g "!!= G'ire "w"y<? he win(e! ! ight y "! the i>uor !(or(he! the b"(k o% hi! thro"t= /he w"nt! to "!k hi) how he broke into the City o% God! o*er " hundred ye"r! "go= /he w"nt! to "!k hi) how he e!("ped the origin" !t"rk enig)" in .i enniu) H"r(ourt?! eChibition h" = /he w"nt! to "!k hi) how he h"! i*ed thi! ong= I! he )ort" E I! he " godE C"n he dieE 0"! he e*er re" y in d"ngerE /he h"! " )i ion "nd one >ue!tion!< but in the end !he "!k! hi) on y the one he h"! per)itted her= G0h"t?! it ikeE? He !tudie! her %or " ong ti)e= $hen he %ini!he! hi! drink "nd !tr"ighten! up= GIt?! ike you %in" y under!t"nd wh"t you "re<? he !"y! !o%t y= GGod< )ort" < "nge or de)on< we?re " *"ri"tion! on the !")e the)e< " o% u! hu)"n in our own w"y< "nd "t the (ore o% th"t hu)"nity i! the e*er pre!ent >ue!tion- I! thi! all I ")E 0h"t?! it ike< godde!!E It?! ike
!urrendering your pride< your ego< your !trength< your *ery i%eB it?! ike etting go o% the %e"r o% dying "nd @u!t e"rning to i*e< one b e!!ed )o)ent "t " ti)e=? G0h"t "re youE? G$ut;tut<? the thie% w"g! hi! %inger< Gone >ue!tion on y=? GI need to know<? the /pider in!i!t!= G9ery we < but then I re" y )u!t be "bout )y bu!ine!!= What am I( It?! e"!ier to te you wh"t I was= I w"! )ort" on(e= I w"! bornB I i*ed "nd died "! " )ort" < )"ny ti)e!< o*er "nd o*er= A! the gre"t "ge! went by I beg"n to e*o *e< to "((u)u "te know edge< wi!do)= I e"rnt how to in(re"!e )y )ort" i%e!p"n< to )"ni%e!t )y inner potenti" <? he "ppro"(he! her "! he t" k!< hi! eye! !ee)ing to eCp"nd the ( o!er he get! unti they "re "! "rge "! twin )oon! "nd the /pider ("nnot te"r her g"Ae "w"y %ro) their gr"*ity= GI ye"rned to be " god<? he !"y! "! he p "(e! " h"nd "g"in!t her bre"!t< "! though to %ee the power%u be"ting o% her he"rt= /he doe! not prote!tB !he i! he d in thr" by hi! word!= G$o be i))ort" <? he (ontinue! "! he withdr"w! hi! h"nd< Gto i*e beyond the r"*"ge! o% o d "ge< beyond the (ert"in ( "i) o% de"th< to h"*e power o*er )y own de!tinyB the!e "re the thing! I ye"rned %or when I w"! hu)"n= E*entu" y I "(>uired enough know edge to un e"!h )y wi upon the % e!h= I be(")e " god< iter" y tr"n!(ending the (y( e o% i%e "nd de"th= I w"! in%inite= I i*ed " )i ion ye"r! in )y (o!)i( !he < " (re"ture o% uni)"gin"b e wi < in(on(ei*"b e power< "nd "t the end o% )y ti)e "! " god I (")e to re" i!e th"t " I re" y w"nted w"! to be hu)"n "g"inB to be !)" "nd *u ner"b e< to tre"!ure e*ery )o)ent "! though it were )y "!t= $h"t?! wh"t I wi!hed %or< "nd !o I wi now "n!wer your >ue!tion< godde!!= What am I( I ") human. I ") %in" y "nd tru y hu)"n= It took " ong ti)e< but tru!t )e< in the end it w"! worth the e%%ort=? $he godde!! bow! her he"d "nd then !t"nd! >uiet y w"t(hing "! the thie% !et! "bout robbing the p "(e o% *" u"b e!= /he think! "bout wh"t he h"! @u!t to d her= /he think! "bout it %or " ong ti)e D ,n the w"y b"(k to her ("!t e the /pider !wing! by the b"!in di!tri(t o% .yopi"< " !>u" id di!tri(t o% ruin "nd ungo*ern"b e de!p"ir= /he doe! not (o)e here to huntB !he h"! no "ppetite tonight= /he !i)p y ob!er*e! the tee)ing !treet! %ro) her !h"dowy roo%top per(he!= $here i! " !tr"nge ye"rning in her th"t !he ("nnot identi%y= /he w"t(he! unti the !treet! begin to e)pty< "nd then !he e"*e!< ri!ing tow"rd! her own di!tri(t o% N"r(i!!u!= /he %ee ! e)pty< " one< her "n(ient he"rt %i ed with un%")i i"r !"dne!!= $onight !he doe! not %ee ike " godde!!= $onight !he %ee ! ike " gho!t in !e"r(h o% it! hu)"nity= /he i! di*ine "nd yet !he wou d gi*e up th"t di*inity to be )ort" < i% on y %or " nightB to o*e "nd be o*ed "nd to be we"k< de!per"te y re ying on the !trength o% "nother= What must that &e like( /he "bhor! th"t we"kne!! in )ort" !< "nd yet tonight !he (r"*e! it= $o)orrow I wi be " godde!!< !he pro)i!e! her!e %< but tonight @u!t et )e be hu)"n= D It i! on y when !he get! b"(k to her ("!t e th"t !he re" i!e! her *" u"b e di")ond bro"(h i! )i!!ing %ro) her right bre"!t=
TEMPLE OF THE FLY

$HE KILL $he /pider i! p"tient= /he h"! hung here %or o*er two hour!< dri%ting ! ight y in w"r) updr"%t! o% "ir< her web !tr"nd "n(hored to the girder! "nd (ro!! (onduit! th"t roo% the (entr" p "A"! "nd thorough%"re! o% Di!tri(t H" (yon= 'our "r)! %o ded "(ro!! her e ong"ted tor!o< (o(ooned in !h"dow< ooking down on un!u!pe(ting !treet! & w"iting & w"iting & D #e ow her the !treet! o% H" (yon "re di!p "yed in grid;%"!hion< pede!tri"n herd! !h")b ing " ong neon; it ("u!ew"y!B "rteri" bur!t! o% )otion th"t ( ot "nd (onge" "round the ight! "t nu)erou! inter!e(tion!= $he /pider h"! e"rnt to re(ogni!e prey by the w"y it w" k! through !u(h (rowd!B " (ert"in g"it< " pe(u i"r !trut< " !ubt e (ode th"t %ire! the in!tin(ti*e ki er in her= /he i! w"iting %or the hunt to begin= $endri ! o% web d"ng e be ow her< dri%ting in (urrent! o% re(y( ed "ir= $hey "(t ike org"ni( "ntenn"e th"t ( o!e y )onitor the !treet!< %i tering out ")bient b"(k noi!e< %o(u!ing on !pe(i%i(!= /he tune! in "nd out o% (on*er!"tion!< %o owing indi*idu" %oot%" !< bre"th rhyth)= I% !he %o(u!e! h"rd enough !he ("n pi(k up on di!ti ed thought! ike di!t"nt *oi(e!< !pouting g"rb ed non!en!e )o!t y< but o(("!ion" y o%%ering up !nippet! o% u(id in!ight= /he harder the hunt, !he re% e(t!< the sweeter the meat. D Ah< here he (o)e! & the prey !he h"! been w"iting %or= $he /pider pi(k! up on the )"n?! te ! ong be%ore he (o)e! into *iew= /he de iber"te y re!t! in the he"rt o% neon w"!h< the ")bi*" en(e o% g "!! re% e(tion< !urrounded by the thunder o% he"*y )et" < the t"unt "nd w"rb e o% e)ergen(y !iren!= ,*erhe"d the !kie! "re !w"r)ing with g"* ("r! "nd % o"ting tr")!< @"gged !p inter! o% ight (on*erging "nd !("ttering into p"ttern! o% gr"nd de u!ion= Po i(e hopper! hu) p"!t ike )et" i( )"nti!< !i i(on wing! be"ting " (ontinuou! b ur= $he (rowd! be ow h"*e )erged into " !ing e (on*o uted be"!t= $he /pider think! o% the) "! nihi i!ti( & dead minds & purg"tory de%ined in the b "nk o% their !t"re< the h"r)ony o% their !tupor= D /a!"ta!a"ta!"ta! & out o% !e>uen(e< purpo!e%u "nd ! y= /he %o ow! the broken rhyth) o% her prey< tuned in with !uperhu)"n !en!e!< listening through the ! i*er! o% web *ine th"t tr"i be ow her= He i! " ki er< here to hunt down prey o% hi! own= /he ("n he"r hi! "((e er"ted he"rtbe"t< te!to!terone pu)ping= /he ("n !en!e hi! pri(k h"rdening in "nti(ip"tion o% the ki = L"dy De!de)on" !)i e!B her w"it i! " )o!t o*er= D $he ki er (o)e! into *i!u" r"nge= $he /pider ("n !)e the ("rn"ge eCh" ed on hi! e*ery bre"th= He i! "rge< young "nd %it= Fu!t the w"y !he ike! the)= De!pite hi! !iAe he )o*e! in*i!ib y through the (rowd< "ttention %o(u!ed on " !)" port y )"n !e*er" p"(e! "he"d o% hi)= $hi! )"n i! the ki er?! intended *i(ti)B o% thi! the /pider i! (ert"in= He tr"i ! the port y )"n with "n e"!e born o% eCperien(eB he h"! done thi! )"ny< )"ny ti)e! be%ore< di!!o *ing
into !h"dow whene*er the t"rget he!it"te!< pi(king up the tr"i "g"in when he re!u)e! hi! !tro = D $he /pider t"ke! ti)e to !tudy the ki er?! intended *i(ti)< " !o%t "nd (i*i iAed )"n with )"ni(ured h"nd! "nd ob*iou! y p")pered t"!te!= He i! "n e"!y ki - nonde!(ript< ( othe! we ; t"i ored< "%ter!h"*e )iCed with eCpen!i*e phero)one! th"t no doubt )"ke hi) )ore "ttr"(ti*e to the oppo!ite !eC= A robberyE $here ("n be no other )oti*e %or ki ing hi)= /he i! (uriou! "bout the brie%("!e the *i(ti) ho d! tight y ( "!ped in one h"nd= Cou d th"t be the ob@e(t o% the ki er?! )i!!ionE Perh"p! the ("!e (ont"in! @ewe ery< un(oded (redit (hip!< d"t" (ry!t" != 0h"te*er the (ontent! " )"n i! "bout to o!e hi! i%e o*er the) "nd the /pider i! )o)ent"ri y te)pted to et the ki er h"*e hi! w"y< @u!t to (on%ir) it w"! the brie%("!e he w"! tru y "%ter= #ut !he de(ide! on " whi) to t"ke hi) @u!t be%ore he ! "y! the port y )"n= It i! )ore o% " (h" enge to bring down " pred"tor in )id (h"rge th"n "%ter it i! !"ted on the ki = D 'or )ore th"n two hour! De!de)on" h"! hung !ti "! " g"rgoy e "bo*e the (ity !treet! "nd now< in "n in!t"nt< !he eCp ode! into "(tion= /pinning web "(ro!! open !p"(e< !he !n"g! the u; bend o% " !tee pipe< pu ing the ine t"ut be%ore ! iding her body out o*er the pre(ipi(e= ECtruding " !e(ond !tr"nd %ro) the b"!e o% her !pine< the /pider p "y! it out behind her "! !he !(utt e! " ong the )"!ter !tr"ndB the !e(ond !er*e! "! " (ontro webB i% !he ! ip! it wi in!t"nt y "rre!t her %" = A! !he )o*e! into the open< her !i houette i! eCpo!ed %or tre"(herou! !e(ond! to !udden ight w"!h %ro) be ow< but no rew"rd without ri!k !he re)ind! her!e %= ,n(e "(ro!! the !treet !he !(r")b e! " ong the w" o% " bui ding< her !pinneret unr"*e ing (ontro web! behind her= /he doe! not need to !ee her prey< !he ("n %ee hi) through her web "ntenn"e "nd the h"ir! !t"nding up " ong her !pine= /he ("n %ee hi! "rrog"n(e< hi! eC(ite)ent< "nd i% !he i!ten! h"rd enough !he ("n he"r the du boo) o% hi! thought! & D ,n y " (ore o% )i it"ry indo(trin"tion ho d! the ki er?! )ind together= He *i!u" i!e! the i))inent eCe(ution o% the port y )"n "! " !erie! o% pre(i!e !tep!< " &allet fat3l= /)ooth= Le!! th"n " !e(ond wi p"!! "nd the deed wi be done< "nd by the ti)e peop e noti(e th"t the )"n ying in the !treet i! dying "nd not )ere y intoCi("ted the ki er wi be ong gone= $he /pider "d)ire! hi)< one )urderer "d)iring "nother= /he re!pe(t! hi! (o))it)ent to the hunt< e*en "! !he !et! in )otion " hunt o% her own= D In the in!t"nt be%ore !he !trike!< her !(rying eye! % "!h open "nd it i! then th"t the ki er?! %"te i! !e" ed %or L"dy De!de)on"< ike " )"!ter (he!! t"(ti(i"n< not on y !ee! e*ery )o*e he h"! )"de in the "!t thirty !e(ond!< but e*ery )o*e he ("n po!!ib y )"ke in the ne4t thirty= D /he i! % uid< !urrendering in "n in!t"nt to i>uid )indB three p"ir! o% eye!< three point! o% *iew ; p"!t< pre!ent< "nd %uture< merging into " %o(" !ingu "rity= A! !he )o*e!< her br"in ! ip! into %"!t "b!tr"(tion= De!de)on" retr"(e! the ki er?! !tep! in " )o!t ho ogr"phi( det"i < going "! %"r b"(k "! the )o)ent he %ir!t ("ught !ight o% hi! intended t"rget in " !treet;!ide ("%J=
At the !")e )o)ent !he !tudie! e*ery )o*e the ki er will )"ke= /he !ee! the )urder o% the *i(ti) in gr"phi( det"i = /he !ee! hi! body hitting the ground< thrown into *io ent !p"!)! by the ki ing !hotB neuron! )i!%iring ike !p"rk er! "t " (hi d?! # e!?)"! p"rty= /he !ee! the ki er !(ooping the brie%("!e up "nd di!"ppe"ring b"(k into the (rowd< hi! "nony)ity en!ured by the !heer *o u)e o% peop e= $he /pider re)e)ber! the %uture %r")e by %r")e "nd by the ti)e the ki er )"ke! hi! )o*e in re" ;ti)e< !he i! inti)"te with hi! de!tiny= D /he )"ke! her )o*e when the ki er )"ke! his )o*e= /he very instant. He i! "! %"!t "! thought< but !he i! "! %"!t "! in!tin(t "nd %"r %"!ter th"n he= $he ki er i! r"i!ing hi! "A gun< " tiny )et" i( ob@e(t th"t %it! !nug y in the p" ) o% hi! h"nd= He i! )o*ing between two pede!tri"n!< ining hi! gun up on the (entre o% the port y )"n?! b"(k< hi! %inger poi!ed "g"in!t the trigger= /he "un(he! " do(i e %ro) one o% her )edu!" (oi ! "nd " tiny ! i*er o% !tee ! i(e! ( e"n y through the "ir "nd !)"(k! into the !ide o% the ki er?! ne(k= It i! !)" "nd p"in e!! "nd the ki er doe!n?t e*en noti(e it "! the ! i*er depo!it! it! p"y o"d into hi! b ood !tre")= 0hen it i! e)pty it i))edi"te y grow! britt e "nd drop! %ro) hi! ne(k< !h"ttering "g"in!t the ground= $he ki er t"ke! "nother h" % doAen !tep!< keeping hi! gun !te"dy< "((e er"ting hi! p"(e< ( o!ing %"!t with hi! *i(ti)= $hen he %reeAe!< hi! eye! going wide "! the e%%e(t! o% the /pider?! toCin !)"!h into hi! br"in= Hi! ip! (ur with horror "nd "! though )o*ing underw"ter he begin! to be"t "t hi! % e!h in " ! ow< drugged %renAy= He drop! the "A gun "! hi! %e ow pede!tri"n! ree "w"y %ro) hi)= Hi! "nony)ity i! gone= He i! now the ob@e(t o% (on!tern"tion "nd !(orn< pity e*en & "nd )e"nwhi e the port y )"n ! ip! "w"y< ob i*iou! to how ( o!e he h"d (o)e to de"th= $he /pider i! no onger intere!ted in hi! %"te= It i! the wou d; be ki er th"t !he w"nt!= $he toCin! in@e(ted into hi! body )e t the ki er?! )ind into " %ugue o% )"dne!!= He i! be"ting "t i)"gin"ry !pider! !w"r)ing hi! % e!h= In hi! )ind they "re de*ouring hi)= He begin! to run< b"rre ing into peop e< !(re")ing< trying to bru!h hi! i u!ion"ry tor)entor! %ro) hi! !kin= $hey "re burrowing into hi! body< "tt"(king hi! in!ide!< e"ting hi! !p een "nd hi! i*er "nd hi! he"rt< "nd in hi! de)enti" the ki er begin! to %roth "t the )outh= And then the wor!t o% hi! terror i! o*er= He be(o)e! ! uggi!h< p "(id= He ! ow! to " trot "nd e*entu" y (o)e! to " !t"nd!ti = Hi! )ind i! b "nk now< the terror! gone= He be ong! to the /pider= 0e has &e#ome her fly. #y rubbing the e bow! o% her tru;"r)! together< the /pider e)it! " high;pit(hed %re>uen(y= It (re"te! " !ub;!oni( *ibr"tion< unhe"rd by " but the ki erB " !ugge!tion th"t "(t! in ieu o% the ki er?! )ind< "nd " )o!t "t on(e hi! body @erk! to "ttention< hi! eye! !t"ring b "nk y "he"d= Hiding in the !h"dow! "bo*e the !treet< De!de)on" urge! her % y to go to " p "(e o% her (hoo!ing< "n " ey no gre"t di!t"n(e %ro) where he pre!ent y !t"nd!= It i! de!erted "nd wh"t !he intend! %or hi) re>uire! pri*"(y= $he ki er w" k! dre")i y through the (rowd!< the godde!! guiding hi) %ro) her re)ote po!ition< te"!ing hi) e%t "nd right unti it i! " !tr"ight run to the )outh o% the " ey< "nd then !he )o*e! "he"d to )eet hi)= D In the g oo) o% the " ey the ki er !n"p! *io ent y out o% hi! tr"n(e< hi! "r)! % "i ing< hi! eye! wide "nd ro ing= An in!t"nt "go he h"d been out on the !treet< )o*ing through *ibr"nt (rowd!= He ook! "round< (on%u!edB )uttering (hoi(e eCp eti*e! & some kind of alley & what the hell was he doing in an alley( Hi! "A gun i! gone= He re)e)ber! the port y )"n< the brie%("!e< the p "nned "!!"!!in"tion= It " (o)e! b"(k to hi) in " ru!hB "i)ing "t the )"n?! b"(k< e"!y t"rget< h"rd to )i!! & "nd then in " % "!h he i! here< in thi! " ey< "nd it?! %re"king
hi) out & Is he losing his mind, 2ust like they said he would( 5ike mother, like son, they told him. He !t"re! "round "t the (r"w ing w" !< the !epti( pipe!< the gr"%%iti rune!< the high window e!! w" ! o% the " ey< ! i(k "nd b "(k with !oot= He know! " de"th tr"p when he !ee! one= /udden y terri%ied he !t"gger! tow"rd! the entr"n(e "nd th"t?! when !he !tep! out o% the !h"dow! & D He !t"re! "t her in di!be ie%= /e*en< eight %eet t" < !weet b" ! o% Foot1 0h"t the %u(k is !heE # "(k "r)oured< !iC eye! b "Aing down on hi) ike the ight! o% kingdo) (o)e< "nd !udden y he i! pi!!ing hi)!e % in " %renAy o% terror< h" % re)e)bered pr"yer! tu)b ing %ro) hi! ip!= GDo you wi!h to i*e or dieE? !he "!k! hi) "nd it i! not " re" *oi(e< not " !"ne *oi(eB it i! )ore ike " ti(k ing in hi! )ind "nd in hi! b" !< it i! the *oi(e o% pre)onition & it i! the %u(king *oi(e o% ine*it"bi ity & G,h< I!ht"r<? he bre"th! in " r"tt ing !igh= GI w"nt to i*e< )other< I w"nt to %u(kin? i*e & ? G$hen i*e1? !he hi!!e! "nd i! on hi) be%ore he ("n !(re")= He doe! not e*en !trugg e= /he i! di!"ppointed= He i! i)potent with %e"r= /he de!pi!e! hi) hi! we"kne!!= /he de!pi!e! the w"y the "ggre!!ion e"*e! hi) the in!t"nt he "y! eye! on her= I% he h"d %ought b"(k< (ur!ed her< !pit in her %"(e< "nything< !he wou d h"*e !p"red hi) " whi e onger< !he wou d h"*e brought hi) b"(k to her "ir "nd be>ue"thed hi) hour! o% !en!u" b i!! be%ore de*ouring hi! i>ue%ied re)"in!= #ut the thought o% )"ting with thi! !ni*e ing (ow"rd >uite %r"nk y repe ! her= De!de)on" )"te! on y with the !trong= He pi!!e! hi)!e % ike " dog "! he !t"nd! >ui*ering in %ront o% her< hi! )ind retre"ting into in%"n(y= He doe! not e*en "tte)pt to i%t hi! h"nd! in de%en(e o% hi! i%e= /he i! on hi) in "n in!t"nt< !nu%%ing out th"t i%e "! !he bring! hi) to the ground "nd !he i! "ngered by how e"!y it i! & how worth e!! her prey turned out to be= D 0hen it i! o*er !he (o(oon! hi) "nd h"rne!!e! hi) to her tor!o by two !tr"nd! o% web= /he ("n ("rry ten ti)e! her own body weight "nd de!pite hi! two hundred pound %r")e< !he hoi!t! hi) e"!i y< ("rrying hi) b"(k to Phobi"< her di*ine ("rri"ge= ,n the !treet! be ow it i! "! i% the ki er h"! *"ni!hed o%% the %"(e o% the p "net= $HE HI$ G.other<? D@ob" (rie! "! the /pider h"u ! her )o!t re(ent ("t(h through "n upper % oor window o% her ("!t e= GD@ob"<? the /pider rep ie! dry y "! !he win(he! her!e % down to ground e*e on " !tr"nd o% !i k= D@ob" i! " de)igod %" en on h"rd ti)e!< !("*enging the )"rgin! o% the /pider?! ne!t %or "nything he ("n u!e= He h"! no p"rti(u "r t"!te %or hu)"n % e!h< but being "n opportuni!t wi t"ke wh"t he ("n= $he /pider o*e! hi) "nd o"the! hi) in e>u" )e"!ure= /he to er"te! hi) be("u!e he i! in%inite y re!our(e%u "nd be("u!e Lord D"gd"< known "! the good god< h"! gi*en de)i! !pe(i" prote(tion !t"tu!= De!de)on" (ou d not ! "y D@ob" e*en i% !he?d w"nted to= D@ob" w"! born with on y one eg< " thi(k y )u!( ed i)b th"t !ee)! )ore ike "n "rti(u "te (ontinu"tion o% hi! tor!o= $he %"(t he h"! one eg doe! not ! ow the bu bou! )"n;to"d down one @ot !in(e he w" k! on hi! h"nd!< !upporting the weight o% hi! body on hi! enor)ou! y
power%u "r)!= Hi! eg i! u!ed "rge y %or hopping "nd when (o)pre!!ed bene"th hi) "nd re e"!ed !udden y< D@ob" ("n e"p " !t"rt ing di!t"n(eB one o% hi! )"ny e((entri(itie!= G.other?! brought "rt %or the "rti!t<? D@ob"?! bu ging eye! g int in the h" !h"dow!< greedi y !(rutiniAing the /pider?! "te!t *i(ti)= G3ou? h"*e none o% hi) ti I?) %ini!hed=? $he /pider "y! the (o(ooned (orp!e out on the ground then !tro ! "(ro!! to " ! "b o% po i!hed !tee < bru!hing it %ree o% %ro!t "nd eC")ining her re% e(tion in the !ur%"(e= /he !u))on! D@ob" to her !ide with " ( i(k o% her %inger!= Duti%u y the de)igod he p! the godde!! unbu(k e her body "r)our< hi! thi(k y (" ou!ed toe! !urpri!ing y deCtrou! "! he un(oup e! the tor!o !eg)ent!< un( "!p! the !hou der "nd upper "r) !hie d!< "nd %in" y the hip< thigh "nd (" % p "te!= G.other<? he !"y! "! he (o e(t! the "r)our together< G!h" I run your b"thE I pi(ked up yo)bi oi ! when I went %or gro(erie! tod"y= I ("n gi*e you " )"!!"ge right "%ter " hot bubb e b"th< wou dn?t th"t be ni(eE? He i(k! hi! ip! "! he !ur*ey! the /pider?! n"ked body= GI? be %ine<? the /pider "ppr"i!e! her!e % in the )irrored !tee = G+un " ong "nd )"ke your!e % u!e%u < D@ob"<? !he te ! hi)= GI% you re" y w"nt to be he p%u < po i!h )y "r)our< it?! beginning to o!e it! di*ine !p"rk e= ."ke !ure you get right down between the !(" e!< %u ubri("tion< "nd don?t !ki)p on the po i!h thi! ti)e=? G3e!< .other<? D@ob" !hrug! hi! di!"ppoint)ent "! he he"d! o%% to the "r)oury= He gi*e! the (o(ooned (orp!e "n eCperi)ent" nudge on hi! w"y p"!t< @u!t to !ee i% there?! !o)e i%e e%t in it= %h"uh! Iuite de"d= Another di!"ppoint)entB D@ob" ike! it when they !>ue" = D D@ob" i! " !("*enger< it i! true< but thi! i! re" y the e"!t odiou! o% hi! tr"it!= He i! " (o e(tor< you !ee= A (o e(tor o% teeth< h"nd!< bone!< eye!< e"r!< !(" p!< "nything he ("n %i (h o%% the dying or the de"d= He u!e! the!e trophie! "! r"w )"teri" %or hi! G"rt?< )"king !(u pture! out o% % e!h "nd boneB "bo)in"tion! he )ount! "nd di!p "y! in the we!t wing o% the ("!t e< right "t the b"(k o% hi! "bor"tory= .o!t o% D@ob"?! work in*o *e! )er(uriou! nitr"te< " !ub!t"n(e he u!e! to (ure hu)"n % e!h be%ore tr"n!%or)ing it into "rt= .er(ury poi!oning h"! been the !"d re!u t o% thi!< "nd D@ob" h"! be(o)e< o*er ti)e< >uite )"d= He !e ! hi! "rt to "nony)ou! (o e(tor! in the b"!in di!tri(t! !outh o% the .eridiu) M"ny di!tri(t !outh o% Di!tri(t .eridi"< !itu"ted on the (ity?! *erti(" e>u"torN= Hi! work i! we known in the (u tur" underground "nd )u(h !ought "%ter< "! )u(h %or hi! (hoi(e o% )"teri" "! %or "ny *irtue! inherent in the "rt it!e %= $o " outw"rd "ppe"r"n(e! D@ob" re!e)b e! " to"d< #annis sa!ien su!erior, " r"ther eCtr"ordin"ry hu)"nO")phibi"n hybrid with " ong % i(kering tongue he u!e! to gre"t "nd per*er!e e%%e(t< "nd bu ging )i k;grey eye! !et dire(t y on the top o% hi! !ku = Hi! on y "ttire i! " !ku ("p with !ide % "p! "nd !o)eti)e! " p"dded w"i!t(o"t< hi! on y re" *"nity " w" ru! )ou!t"(he th"t (ur*e! "w"y %ro) hi! %"(e ike the horn! o% " !teer= D@ob" work! in " !)" "nte(h")ber in the we!t wing o% the ("!t e th"t !er*e! hi) "! "bor"tory< work!hop< "nd i*ing >u"rter!= E"(h night< to the /pider?! utter (on!tern"tion< he %i ! the ("!t e with the e(hoe! o% hi! %e*ered indu!try< "nd now "nd "g"in !h"ke! the bui ding to it! %ound"tion! with the )u%% ed boo) o% !o)e eCperi)ent gone "wry= He he"d! now tow"rd! hi! "bor"tory< (" ing out to the /pider @u!t be%ore he eCit! the h" = He i! (on(erned e!t De!de)on" d")"ge hi! priAe be%ore he get! " (h"n(e to work on it= G$hrow )e hi! teeth "t e"!t<? he (rie!< G!"*e )e the bone!= Don?t )"rk the ("n*"!!= I ("n?t )"ke "rt o% the poor )un(hkin i% you brui!e hi) upH? GI?) !"*ing thi! one %or "ter<? De!de)on" w"rn! the de)igod= GDon?t you d"re tou(h hi)< D@ob"< unti I gi*e per)i!!ion=?
G,% (our!e< o% (our!e<? D@ob"?! podgy %e"ture! %o ow the ine! o% " !udden gri)"(e= GNe*er pi %er %ro) " god?! "rder<? he )utter!= GI?*e e"rnt th"t e!!on we enough< .other< be ie*e )e=? N"ked< De!de)on" ("rrie! her *i(ti) up into her ne!t< D@ob" "nCiou! y w"t(hing her %ro) the doorw"y o% hi! "bor"tory= G.y< )y< he?! bu%%" o big<? he (roon! to hi)!e %= G+e(kon I (ou d )"ke >uite " ot out o% hi)= #et he?! got o"d! o% t"t!< th"t " w"y! r"i!e! the )"rket *" ue= ,h< p e"!e be ("re%u with hi)< .other< he?! " tru y )"gni%i(ent !pe(i)en=? GI o"the you< D@ob"<? the /pider hi!!e! b"(k o*er her !hou der= GI o*e you< .other< !i)p y luuuurve you<? D@ob" re(ipro("te! by b owing her " t"rty ki!!= He know! !he h"te! !u(h (r"!! ge!ture!= D /he e"*e! the ki er h"nging in her "rder= In under h" % "n hour he wi be %roAen !o id= D@ob" o%ten (o)p "in! th"t >u" ity i! redu(ed when the !kin e*entu" y th"w!= $o whi(h the /pider po ite y !ugge!t! the itt e p"r"!ite go out "nd hunt down hi! own g")e= D /he re!t! in the eye o% her ne!t= /he on y e*er %ee ! "t pe"(e when !he i! here< in the n"*e o% her own pri*"te uni*er!e= And when !he i! per%e(t y !ti her !iC eye! %" inw"rd! upon the)!e *e!< her tri %o(u! )erging into one " ;!eeing !t"te= /he be(o)e! e*ery ro(k< e*ery nook< e*ery "ng e o% her be o*ed ("!t e< her !en!e! "w"!h with the )i ion! o% )inute !ign" ! th"t whi!per to her " ong in%inite ine! o% ten!ion= And !oon !he begin! to dre")= A !pider dre")! in geo)etry< they dre") E!(here!>ue %r"(t" ! th"t eCp"nd to be(o)e k" eido!(ope !kie! "nd %e*eri!h "nd!("pe!= $hey dre") ."nde brot "nd Fu i" !et!< i)bued with the power o% un i)ited !e %;rep i("tion= $hey dre") "nd!("pe! o% (e u "r "uto)"t" "nd gre"t %r"(t" tree! th"t ("n !w" ow the !"nity o% e!!er )ind!= $hey !ee the wor d "! " (o e(tion o% end e!! "n(hor point!< !p"(e "! " !erie! o% ,)ni;dire(tion" (" (u "tion! where the "w! o% gr"*ity ("n be re)"de "! they !ee %it= De!de)on" dre")! o% " web th"t (o*er! the entire !ur%"(e o% the p "net< " wor d wide web< bui t by hundred! o% )i ion! ; &illions ; o% her kind< " working together in g ob" h"r)ony= It i! the dre") o% e*ery one o% her !i!ter!< e*ery one o% her brother!B " web p "net< it! !tr"nd! !tret(hing "(ro!! (ontinent" "nd )"!!e! "nd *"!t )ount"in r"nge!< !ounding the o(e"n depth!< "n(horing e"rth to !ky "nd !ky to e"rth= $he !ound o% e*ery e"rth tre)or< e*ery bre"th o% wind< e*ery ro(k %" < wou d be ("ptured "nd ")p i%ied by !u(h " web= $he e"rth it!e % wou d %ind new *oi(e " ong the in%inite ine! o% !u(h " !i ken )"triC= D $he /pider i! "w"re o% the )en (o)ing to ki her= /he h"! been "w"re o% the) %or !o)e ti)e= $hey p "n to g"in "((e!! to her ("!t e through Her)e!< the bui ding upon whi(h it i! bui t= $hey "re )ore th"n !i)p e "!!"!!in!< De!de)on" !u!pe(t!= ,n y %"n"ti(! wou d t"ke on the )ight o% " godde!!= In "ddition to C"!t e Arine"e< the /pider own! !e*er" other propertie! !("ttered "(ro!! the (ity< in( uding the top three % oor! o% the Her)e! bui ding= $hi! i! " prudent !e(urity )e"!ure< De!de)on" be ie*e!< gi*en the proCi)ity o% the penthou!e !uite to her "ir= It i! thi! proCi)ity th"t the "!!"!!in! "re trying to eCp oit= D
$he /pider?! web !tr"nd! "re )ore !en!iti*e th"n (on*ention" !en!or!= /he h"! !pun the) "(ro!! the % oor!< w" ! "nd (ei ing o% the penthou!e !uite! be ow< (onne(ted through )u tip e "ir *ent! to the !tr"nd! in her ("!t e= $hi! i! "kin to inking the !uite! dire(t y to her ner*ou! !y!te)= $he ! ighte!t )o*e)ent in the top % oor! o% Her)e!< the !)" e!t !hi%t in pre!!ure< i! re "yed to the /pider " )o!t in!t"nt"neou! y= Unbeknown to the "!!"!!in! be ow< the godde!! De!de)on" h"! been %o owing their progre!! up through the % oor! o% her !uite! %or !o)e ti)e< tuned to their e*ery )o*e< their !h" owe!t bre"th< "nd p"tient y !he w"it! "! they prep"re to enter her %roAen %ortre!!= D It i! night ti)e when the "!!"!!in! (o)e %or her "nd !he i! %or(ed to gi*e the) their due!B (our"ge born o% de!per"tion ("n )"ke heroe! out o% )"d)en< !he )u!e!= $heir d"ring enthr" ! herB they "re )ere )ort" !< yet they h"*e e)b"rked on thi! )o!t peri ou! "nd %oo h"rdy o% )i!!ion! & to "!!"!!in"te " godde!! no e!!= De!de)on" !u!pe(t! they "re )e)ber! o% the He"then= ,n y th"t out "wed b"nd o% %"n"ti(! wou d be !o bo d= $hey wi die< !he think!< it i! !"d y ine*it"b e= And !he wi %eed & thi! too i! ine*it"b e ; but !ti < their *ery pre!en(e worrie! her= $hey h"*e (o)e to ki her in her own "ir "nd thi! "(t " one !ugge!t! the ru e! o% the ong g")e "re (h"nging "t "!t= $he /pider i! perturbed= And !e(ret y de ighted & D $he % oor! o% the ("!t e "re (r"w ing with trip wire! "nd booby tr"p!< but De!de)on" doe! not " ow "ny o% the!e to be triggered= ,n(e in!ide C"!t e Arine"e !he i! >uiet y (on%ident her ene)ie! wi ne*er "g"in e"*e= /he w"rn! D@ob" to prep"re %or the (o)ing "!!"u t "nd the de)i wi!e y % ee! to hi! work!hop< ! "))ing "nd bo ting the door behind hi)= De!de)on" he"r! hi) !(r")b ing "round hi! roo)!< de!per"te y trying to %orti%y hi! "ir with wh"te*er (o)e! to h"nd= D /he w"nt! the "!!"!!in! to (o)e to her= 'ro) their own tortured ip! !he w"nt! to he"r their (on%e!!ion= 0ho !ent the)B who dared !ut out a #ontra#t on a god( /he w"it! in the (entre o% her web< i!tening to *ibr"tion!= Her %inger! "nd toe! "re in dire(t (ont"(t with the dr"g ine! th"t %or) the %retwork o% her ne!t= $he ! ighte!t tre)or re*e" ! *o u)e! o% in%or)"tionB height< gender< "ge< e*e o% %itne!!= $here "re !iC "!!"!!in!= /he i! inti)"te with e"(h one be%ore they h"*e e*en bre"(hed the ("!t e w" != 'i4 &lind mi#e sent to kill a god. /he "ugh!= /he !en!e! the )en %" ter "! the !ound o% her )irth e(hoe! through the h" ! o% the ("!t e= $heir %e"r inten!i%ie! "nd %or " %ew )o)ent! De!de)on" %e"r! they wi turn b"(k= #ut then they )o*e %orw"rd "g"in< he!it"nt y< !p itting into two group! o% three< trying to (o)e "t her %ro) (on*ergent dire(tion!= /he et! the) (o)e= /he !end! the) "n in*it"tion< " !ub i)in" di!turb"n(e in the "ir= /he !en!e! the )en grow bo der in re!pon!e to her !u))on!< "nd ! ow y !he )o*e! down out o% her ne!t to greet the)= D
He"*i y "r)ed< dre!!ed in bio !uit! to re!i!t the inten!e (o d o% the ("!t e< the )en "ppe"r (u)ber!o)e< re ying< no doubt< on %irepower " one to ("rry the d"y= H"d !he wi!hed the /pider (ou d h"*e ki ed the) " doAen ti)e! o*er by nowB ignoran#e is &liss. $he %ir!t group )o*e! up the re)"in! o% the gr"nd !t"ir!< the !e(ond group (ir( ing "round the b"(k o% the ("!t e in "n e%%ort to out% "nk the /pider= /he )"ke! her own )o*e< !(utt ing %"!t "(ro!! the (ei ing< " ph"nto) ( o"ked in !h"dow= /he he"r! the p"ni(ked thought! o% the "!!"!!in!B >ui(k< g"rb ed= $hey we"r )u ti;!pe(tru) gogg e!< !("nning e*ery nook "nd (r"nny "! they !ne"k through the ("!t e< but the /pider i! too %"!t %or the) "nd t"ke! the "!t )"n in the %ir!t group with b"re y " !trugg e= D /he ! ip! " web noo!e down o*er hi! ne(k "nd dr"w! it tight< in!t"nt y (utting o%% hi! !(re")!= /he y"nk! her (hoking *i(ti) upw"rd!B %i*e %eet< ten< %i%teen= Hi! eg! per%or) " %r"nti( @ig< h"nd! ( "wing "t hi! thro"t= Le"*ing the )"n h"nging in p "in !ight< De!de)on" i! gone be%ore hi! (o)p"nion! h"*e " (h"n(e to re"(t= /he h"! )"de it i)po!!ib e to re"(h hi) in ti)e= $hey )u!t w"t(h their (o)p"nion die< hi! (on*u !ion! growing %eeb er by the !e(ond< hi! gogg e! (on(e" ing the terrib e e%%e(t the !tr"ng ing noo!e )u!t be h"*ing on hi! %e"ture!= Hi! (o)p"nion! %ire wi d y "t the (ei ing< *enting their %ru!tr"tion in "n orgy o% point e!! de!tru(tion= At the !")e in!t"nt< the /pider p u(k! " ne"r in*i!ib e dr"g ine< "(ti*"ting one o% her )"ny booby tr"p!= A !pe(i" i!ed web !n"p! up %ro) the ground< !he"ring through the tor!o o% " !e(ond "!!"!!in= A !heet o% b ood erupt! outw"rd! "! hi! body (o "p!e! into two ne"t !eg)ent!= Hi! we"pon i! !ti di!(h"rging "! it %" !B the he"ted pro@e(ti e! b ow the "!t )"n?! eg! out %ro) bene"th hi)= He goe! down in !ho(k "nd the /pider i! on hi) be%ore he ("n )o*e= /he t"ke! hi! he"d< in(i!or! ! i(ing down through the thi(k p "!ti( o% hi! bio !uit< !e*ering the )u!( e! "nd bone! o% hi! ne(k= 0ith hi! he"d !"%e y !e(ured !he return! to the (ei ing "nd i!ten!= D A erted by the !ound o% gun%ire< the !e(ond group r"(e! tow"rd! her po!ition "nd the /pider )o*e! to )eet the)< her he"rt %i ed with " d"rk eC(ite)ent= $hree )en< three br"*e !ou ! r"(ing tow"rd! their de"th!< he"rt! be"ting " ter)in" dru) ro = In )o)ent! the dru))er! wi be !i en(ed %ore*er= $he /pider e"p! "(ro!! y"wning tren(he!< !(utt e! up broken w" !< !pinning r"Aor keen web in her w"ke< !e(uring it under eCtre)e pre!!ure to !tone out(rop! "nd !)" < broken "ng e!= /he de!(end! to the ground< "ying down trip wire th"t !he then !e(ure! to the o*erhe"d webbing= Now " !he need do i! w"it= /he )o*e! b"(k into !h"dow "nd !ett e! down= /he i! un(o)%ort"b e w"iting here< the "ir i! her n"tur" e e)ent "nd !he %ind! the ground too re!tri(ting= #ut !he w"it! be("u!e !he )u!t= Nor doe! !he h"*e to w"it ong= $he !e(ond group (o)e down the p"!!"ge in " re(k e!! (h"rge< he"ding tow"rd! the h" where the /pider w"it! in ")bu!h= Here they he!it"te< !en!ing !o)ething ")i!!= $hey !("n the (ei ing!< peering into the inten!e d"rkne!! on e*ery !ide< we"pon! "t the re"dy< but they do not (ro!! the thre!ho d= $he /pider ri!e! %ro) the d"rkne!!B !h"dow ! ipping %ro) her n"ked % e!h ike " *e *et b "(k ( o"k= /he !t"nd! !e*en "nd " h" % %eet t" in the open< her %our "r)! !pre"dB )u tip e eye! b "Aing ike he ight!= $he *i!ion !he pre!ent! p"r" y!e! the )en= $hey !t"re "t her
through "nony)ou! gogg e!< rooted to the ground by terror= /he to!!e! the !e*ered he"d o% their (o)p"nion "t their %eet= $hey re(oi "! though the he"d h"d been " *iper= /he "ugh! "nd i! )o*ing be%ore they ("n re(o*er< !printing "w"y %ro) the)< e"ping< ("t(hing ho d o% d"ng ing tow ine! "nd !winging b"(k up into the r"%ter!= $here i! " %r"nti( (h"tter o% gun%ire< tr"(er! t"ttooing the !h"dow! behind her< b owing @"gged (hunk! out o% the )"!onry= $he "!!"!!in! )o*e "%ter the /pider in " !tu)b ing ru!h= 6 ta#ti#al mistake! $he %ir!t "!!"!!in hit! the hidden trip wire! "nd !udden y the "ir i! " i*e with the ! i(ing whine o% r"Aor !h"rp web= $wo o% the )en iter" y di!integr"teB "r)!< eg! "nd he"d! !pinning o%% in "b!tr"(t dire(tion!= $he third i! untou(hed phy!i(" y< but when he !ee! the %"te o% hi! (o)p"nion! hi! )ind !n"p!= He (o "p!e! to the ground "nd begin! to !(re")= 0hen he ook! up "t "!t the /pider i! !t"nding o*er hi)= He ho d! hi! "r)! upuire! by eC(ru(i"ting y ! ow degree!= #e%ore he die!< De!de)on" *ow!< her wou d;be "!!"!!in wi h"*e (on%e!!ed " hi! dirty itt e !e(ret!= $HE CUL$ ,' /PIDE+ 0ho wou d d"re !end "!!"!!in! "g"in!t herE $he )"n !he ("pture! ("n te her nothing= Hi! )ind i! in (h"o!B !o)e kind o% neur" inhibitor !t"rt! !y!te)"ti(" y !hutting hi! br"in down the )o)ent De!de)on" begin! interrog"ting hi)= He "ugh! idioti(" y when !he pee ! the % e!h %ro) hi! %"(e< (rooning nur!ery rhy)e! whi !t !he p u(k! the eye! %ro) hi! he"d= He i! u!e e!! "nd !he de!p"t(he! hi) !oon "%ter< to!!ing hi! re)"in! down to D@ob"= G+un " DNA !("n on " !iC o% the)<? !he in!tru(t! her !ideki(k "! !he de!(end! %ro) the ne!t= GI w"nt the) t"gged "nd "be ed be%ore I return=? /he !ti !u!pe(t! the He"then< but won?t know %or (ert"in unti the re!u t! o% the DNA !("n "re b"(k in= D In the Di!tri(t o% /inner!< between the )ortu"ry te)p e o% A)un;+" "nd the /"n /"h"r" ("thedr" (o)p eC< !t"nd! " (hur(h dedi("ted !o e y to the wor!hip o% Her Gr"(e< L"dy Gene*ie*e De!de)on"= $here "re )ore th"n !e*en thou!"nd (hur(he!< te)p e!< ("thedr" !< )on"!terie!< !hrine!< )o!>ue!< "nd "!hr")! in the (ity o% Go goth" '" !< h" % th"t nu)ber !itu"ted right here in the Di!tri(t o% /inner!< " p "(e be!t de!(ribed "! " re igiou! ghetto= It i! Go goth" '" ?! )o!t popu "ted di!tri(t= A p "(e where t"(ti e p e"!ure (u t! rub !hou der! with ob!(ure< )on"!ti( order!B where de"th (u t! "nd !e(u "r nihi i!t! prow %or (on*ert!< their (rude )ethod! o% re(ruit)ent !t"nding out in *io ent (ontr"!t to the pro!e yti!ing o% gent er %"ith!= $here "re ritu" ! here< %e!ti*" ! "p enty< e*ery d"y "nd night !o)e god or other i! honoured with pub i( di!p "y! o% "%%e(tionB be ! to < tru)pet! b "re< dru)! boo) in(e!!"nt y< %irework! (r"(k e "nd thunder "(ro!! the ho ogr"phi( !ky= $he /pider )"ke! her w"y tow"rd! her per!on" (hur(h< the (rowd! !urging "nd b ending "round her< "n(ient %"ith! di!integr"ting into one "nother< (o our! )ing ing< pr"yer! )erging= /he !tride! " ong the 'ourth /treet o% ."rtyr!< )ort" ! )o*ing in!tin(ti*e y %ro) her p"th< he"d! owered e!t they in"d*ertent y ("t(h the godde!!? eye= /he re i!he! their %e"r< etting it enter her "nd w"!h o*er her ike " !weet< intoCi("ting wine= D
GA %" down1? (rie! the Pent")oter< " de)igod with eg! "! thin "nd ong "! !ti t!= He tower! "bo*e the (rowd!< pu%%ing %uriou! y on hi! prophe(y pipe< g "ring down through thi(k opti( %i ter!= GA %" down1? he (rie! with pr"(ti!ed re!on"n(e= GNo one e%t !t"nding= ,ur %e"r! be(o)e our %uner" !hroud= De"th be the w"t(h)"n o% our ti)e!=? He "ugh! "nd t"p! "!h onto the upturned %"(e! o%% hi! %o ower!= G'o ow )e<? he thunder!= GI te you w"r i! (o)ing to Go goth" '" != 0e ("nnot "*oid it by ignoring it= 0e ("nnot ignore it in the *"in hope o% "*oiding it= 0e )u!t prep"re %or w"r "! though prep"ring %or the return o% " o*ed one= 0e )u!t e)br"(e it "! we wou d our own prodig" (hi dren=? $he "ir i! "(y with (o oured in(en!e= $he pungent !ten(h o% open;"ir (re)"toriu)! dri*e! " b "de o% hunger through the /pider?! be y= N"ked "(o yte! %ro) the Chur(h o% Niopi" be"t their %orehe"d! with bri(k! unti the !kin (r"(k! "nd the b ood run! red= A! they redu(e their he"d! to red ruin< they )outh ho!"nn"! "nd "ugh )"ni"(" y "nd the /pider "ugh! with the)< "! i% they " !h"re !o)e d"rk y ob!(ene @oke= $he %ighting brother! o% the Ho y ,rder o% #ed ") @og down the !treet in )i it"ry %or)"tion< "nding puni!hing b ow! on the he"d! "nd %"(e! o% their brethren< " %or) o% purging (o))on ")ong!t thi! !e(t= $he /pider ( "p! in )"ny;h"nded g ee= $he !inging /i!ter! o% Ne!t" %i the "ir with ("n"ry;!weet ")ent!< their !e %;b inded eye! (on(e" ed behind % e!h (o oured ( oth !o th"t< "t " di!t"n(e< it "ppe"r! "! though the !i!ter! were born eye e!!= $he /pider who h"! !iC eye!< !" ute! tho!e with none= $he /i!ter! o% Ne!t" "re " %itting tribute to the b indne!! o% %"ith= /o )"ny %"ith!< !o )"ny w"y! o% wor!hipping di*inity< hu)"nity?! (on!t"nt need %or (e e!ti" "ppro*" ne*er (e"!e! to ")"Ae the /pider= It re)ind! her o% " !tr"y dog %ore*er on the ookout %or " new h"nd to %eed %ro)< un"b e to re(on(i e it!e % to the ide" o% per!on" iberty= D@ob" in%or)! her th"t the re"!on there "re !o )"ny god! i! be("u!e there?! ne*er " !hort"ge o% hu)"n! wi ing to wor!hip the)= D@ob" i! u!u" y right "bout !u(h thing!= D $he Di!tri(t o% /inner! i! the uno%%i(i" ("pit" o% )idd e di*inity= $here "re de)igod! here "p enty< e"(h one !p"wned %ro) " b "!phe)ou! union between god "nd )ort" = ."ny "(t "! ")b"!!"dor! or en%or(er! %or the wi o% the E ohi)= $hey tr"%%i( e"!i y between the wor d o% )ort" ! "nd the wor d o% god!< % uent in the "ngu"ge o% both= $hey "re ("pri(iou!< "*"ri(iou!< "nd downright !ini!ter= $hey "re !ub;god< yet !ti !uper hu)"n< di%%i(u t to de%ine & )ore th"n one< e!! th"n the other= E)otion" y it i! !"%er to !"y they h"*e )ore in (o))on with )ort" ! th"n god!= $hey e)br"(e the hu)"n i%e!ty e with gu!to< whee ing "nd de" ing ")ong!t the (ity?! underwor d ("rte !< indu ging e*ery hu)"n *i(e< e*ery )ort" per*er!ion= $heir "ppetite! know %ew re!tr"int! "nd they "re prep"red to go to e*e ! o% eC(e!! not e*en the )o!t depr"*ed hu)"n! wou d (onte)p "te= 3et the de)igod! h"*e the e"r o% the god!= And D"gd"< the good god< prote(t! the) " < e*ery "!t !"(ri egiou! one o% the)= $hey h"*e their u!e!< the /pider !uppo!e!= $"ke her *ery own D@ob" %or in!t"n(e< )u ti; t" ented< end e!! y re!our(e%u < with *" u"b e (ont"(t! ")ong!t both god!< )ort" ! "nd< !he !o)eti)e! !u!pe(t!< the o)inou! $it"n! urking in the !ubterr"ne"n di!tri(t! o% Gehenn"= $he /pider i! %or(ed to (on%e!! !he h"! grown >uite "tt"(hed to D@ob"< the ")orphou! itt e )on!ter th"t he i!= $he !o it"ry i%e o% "n i))ort" ("n grow >uite one!o)e "t ti)e! "nd he h"! pro*ided her with " %"ir ")ount o% di!tr"(tion in hi! ti)e= D /o)e o% the de)igod! Mdemis " )" e7devis ; %e)" eN "re !tr"nger to ook upon th"n the god! the)!e *e!= $"ke e eph"nt;he"ded .o Fu)b" %or in!t"n(e= Eight %oot t" "nd weighing o*er
two tonne!< !tro ing through the tee)ing !treet! with hi! hundred! o% hu)"n (on!ort! in (on!t"nt "ttend"n(e< e"(h one *ying %or the %"t god ing?! "%%e(tion!= $hen there?! #"b" Pen< " de)i the !iAe o% "n o d;e"rth !u)o wre!t er= 0ith the rounded %e"ture! o% " )ort" in%"nt< he % o"t! down the !treet on "n "nti ;gr"* di!( be("u!e hi! eg )u!( e! "re too we"k to !upport hi! i))en!e %r")e= He !u(k! on "n opiu) pipe "! he !troke! hi! !wo en be y "nd b ink! "round hi) with "rge !opori%i( eye!= H")" .")"?! p" "n>uin !weep! p"!t the /pider< her %oot)en !("ttering wor!hipper! with (ur!e! "nd the !h"rp end o% hor!ewhip!= H")" .")" i! " r"ther )y!teriou! de*i who run! brothe ! in the di!tri(t! o% Gr"nd #"by on "nd H" io!< "! we "! the )"ny p e"!ure di!tri(t! in City E"!t= /he ("ter! to " t"!te!< e*ery po!!ib e per*er!ion< ("rried on " go d gi t p" "n>uin where*er !he tr"*e != No one >uite know! wh"t !he ook! ike< the p" "n>uin i! " w"y! !hie ded by "(e (urt"in! th"t (on(e" H")" .")" %ro) pub i( *iew< " though ru)our! "bound< %ue ed< ike )o!t thing!< by (urio!ity "nd " "(k o% h"rd %"(t!= $he !tr"ngene!! o% thi! di!tri(t "nd it! !e)i;di*ine inh"bit"nt! eCtend! into the !ky where gre"t te)p e !hip! h"ng in per)"nent !t"!i!B % o"ting ("thedr" ! "nd )o!>ue! re!e)b ing "pp"rition! %ro) " %e*er dre")< )ore !o when !een re% e(ted "g"in!t the w"ter! o% the di!tri(t?! %i*e gre"t re!er*oir!= At night the!e gre"t )"n;)"de "ke! erupt into d"AA ing p"ttern! o% ight "! thou!"nd! o% de*otion" "ntern! "re i u)in"ted "nd !et "dri%t= #ordering the re!er*oir! "re the hou!e! o% )idd e di*inity< )"gni%i(ent p e"!ure p" "(e! "nd uCury )"n!ion! th"t (o)pete in !p endour "nd !heer !e %;indu gen(e= $here "re )"ny *"!t g"rden bridge! !p"nning the re!er*oir!< the!e too !et "b "Ae "t night< "nd it " w"y! ")u!e! the /pider how the @oining o% e"(h bridge with it! w"tery re% e(tion (re"te! the i u!ion o% " per%e(t %iery eye= It gi*e! the i)pre!!ion the de)igod! "re " !eeing< " knowing< whi(h o% (our!e !uit! the) @u!t %ine= A! !he "rri*e! "t her own hu)b e (hur(h< the /pider i! (on!(iou! o% D"gd"?! pyr")id te)p e brooding to the we!t ike " dor)"nt *o ("no< " )i ion ight! b "Aing %ro) %orti%ied tier! th"t (on*erge on " ("p!tone o% !o id @"de= It %ee ! ike the o d god hi)!e % w"t(he! o*er the) " = $he /pider?! wor!hipper! ; b e!! their !er*i e itt e he"rt! ; bui t her " (hur(h in "n e%%ort to (urry %"*our with their i*ing deity= /he "((epted the gi%t in the !pirit it w"! gi*en "nd "t on(e brought it! !pon!or! under her per!on" prote(tion= 0h"t deity i! not % "ttered by !u(h " ge!ture< %or wh"t i! " god without " % o(k to wor!hip herE $HE /AC+I'ICE Entering her (hur(h through " !tr"tegi(" y p "(ed !ky ight< the /pider h"ng! !u!pended %or " )o)ent= 'ro) thi! po!ition !he !t"re! down into " we o% !tone< (ir( ed by " ri!ing !erie! o% !pe(t"tor g" erie!= $he w" ! "re de(or"ted with g"rgoy e! "nd "b!tr"(t )oti%!< the entire ground e*e do)in"ted by "n "n(ient "nd b ood;!t"ined " t"r< the (entre pie(e o% the godde!!? de*otion" = $he (hur(h i! (urrent y in !er*i(e< the g" erie! %i ed with de*otee! to the Cu t o% /pider= $hey (o)e here to wor!hip her< the /pider< the d"rk one< )i!tre!! o% the web= $hey %e"r her "nd "re in o*e with their own terror< inge!ting te)p e n"r(oti(!< high on dop")ine< en% ")ed by the )u!i( th"t %i ! the (hur(h with !n"r ing e(ho= $hey d"n(e "nd gyr"te on the b" (onie!< !we"ting "nd )"!turb"ting in "n orgy o% "b"ndon & they h"*e (o)e here to o%%er their i*e!= $he !eed they r"in down on the @"de " t"r i! but " p" e )et"phor %or their one burning de!ire= $hey h"*e (o)e here to be (on!u)ed by the *ery ob@e(t o% their de*otion= D
'"ther '"bi"n< high prie!t to the Cu t o% /pider< !t"nd! be%ore the @"de " t"r= He i! b ind< hi! u!e e!! eye! (on(e" ed behind tinted wie ding gogg e!< but he sees the wor d through other !en!e! "nd i! "w"re the )o)ent the /pider enter! the (hur(h= He i! (onne(ted to " h"r)ony de(k< "n in!tru)ent in*i!ib e to the n"ked eye< eCi!ting in the p "(e where )ind "nd *irtu" te(hno ogy )eet= Hi! %inger! % "!h o*er theoreti(" keybo"rd!< %i ing the (hur(h with " grow ing< h"unting )e ody th"t D@ob" on(e de!(ribed "! Ge e*"tor )u!i( to he =? E*ery ner*e;ending i! !et ting ing " ong the ength o% De!de)on"?! !pine= Her )edu!" (oi ! % "re< we"*ing b"(k "nd %orth "round her %"(e< ike (obr"! entr"n(ed by '"bi"n?! "(ou!ti(!= Her "n(ient he"rt be"t! %"!t "! !he "b!ei ! ! ow y down p"!t the !pe(t"tor g" erie!< in*erted on " ne"r in*i!ib e web !tr"nd= Her %our "r)! "re !tret(hed wide< )o*ing in ! ow !troke!< ike " !wi))er working downw"rd! "g"in!t !trong (urrent! o% w"ter= Her de*otee! (ry out in @ubi "tion "! they ("t(h !ight o% their godde!!= A! !he )o*e! p"!t the)< de!(ending " ong " tight !h"%t o% )oon ight< they re"(h out< de!per"te to tou(h the /pider< their %e"ture! twi!ted by the power o% their %"ith< eye! g "Aed with "dor"tion= /o)e o% the) h"ng their in%"nt! o*er the edge! o% the g" erie!< p e"ding %or her to b e!! their progeny with but " !ing e tou(h< " g "n(e< no )ore th"n " pr"yer= D L"dy De!de)on" de!(end! unti !he h"ng! in*erted e!! th"n " %oot "bo*e the high prie!t= '"ther '"bi"n ook! up "nd the /pider !ee! her own terrib e be"uty re% e(ted in the twin en!e! o% hi! gogg e!= Hi! )outh %or)! " b ood e!! !)i e o% greeting "nd without he!it"tion he (r"ne! hi! he"d upw"rd! "nd ki!!e! her on her b ood red ip!= It i! thi! thing th"t di!tingui!he! hi) %ro) e*ery other )ort" !he h"! e*er )et< thi! utter %e"r e!!ne!!= 0h"t other )"n wou d d"re greet hi! god with " ki!!E GH" owed be the web<? '"ther '"bi"n intone!< hi! *oi(e g"thering power%u re!on"n(e "! it ro ! out into the (hur(h= G0or!hip I " one !he th"t re!t! in it! %iery he"rt< % y ") I< !pider !he< "nd " the wide wor d her web= # e!!ed be the web1 # e!!ed be the *oi(e o% the web1? G# e!!ed be the web1? " thou!"nd %o ower! (h"nt in the g" erie! "bo*e= G# e!!ed be the *oi(e o% the web1? D $he /pider !trip! her "r)our %ro) her body "nd ie! b"(k n"ked "g"in!t the !e)en;"nd b ood !p"ttered " t"r= A(o yte! "ppe"r "t on(e to )"!!"ge 3o!hi)e oi ! into her p" e % e!h= $he deep< intoCi("ting "ro)" o% the!e oi ! be(" )! her= 3o!hi)e h"! no di!(ernib e e%%e(t on )ort" !< but to the "r"(hnid god! it i! " b i!!;!end "nd De!de)on" !pre"d! her i)b! "nd re "Ce! (o)p ete y "! the oi ! "re worked deep into her )u!( e! "nd @oint!= A! !he re "Ce!< her (he)i(" (o)po!ition (h"nge!< the *eno) in her )edu!" (oi ! !hi%ting %ro) toCi( to h" u(inogeni(= It i! " te)por"ry !hi%t< brought on by the e%%e(t! o% 3o!hi)e< but whi !t the e%%e(t! "!t De!de)on" " ow! her )"ne o% !tee to !pre"d "round her he"d ike the tent"( e! o% " *"!t !e" (re"ture= $ho!e who wi!h to re(ei*e her !"(r")ent de!(end %ro) the g" erie! "nd g"ther "round the @"de " t"r= A! they (ongreg"te< e"(h t"ke! " )edu!" (oi between their teeth "nd bite! o%% the !tee he"d o% the b"rb!< !pitting the) out onto the ground "nd !u(king greedi y on the whiti!h e iCir th"t !purt! %ro) the opened %i ")ent!= $he /pider?! body i! >ui(k y !urrounded by de*otee!B drinking %ro) the !tee !tr"nd! o% her h"ir ike h"!hi!h "ddi(t! !u(king on w"ter pipe!= Known "! 0idow! # i!!< the e iCir !pi ! onto the " t"r to be "pped up by tho!e who ("nnot the)!e *e! re"(h the godde!!? (oi != D
A! the drug t"ke! e%%e(t there i! " %renAy o% !o%t !igh! "nd )o"n!< bodie! !>uir) "nd writhe "round the /pider< ("re!!ing her n"ked % e!h< i(king err"nt drop! o% e iCir %ro) her " "b"!ter !kin= '"ther '"bi"n re(onne(t! to hi! h"r)ony de(k "nd hi! tr"n(e;be"t in!t"nt y ri!e! to %i the (hur(h= $ho!e who h"*e drunk their %i return to the g" erie! to d"n(e in the throe! o% indi*idu" e(!t"!y< their p "(e "t the " t"r !wi%t y t"ken up by other!= 0hen one b"rb i! te)por"ri y !u(ked dry< "nother i! t"ken ho d o%< the tip bitten ( e"n< "nd " )outh begin! to !u(k (on*u !i*e y on it= 9o(" (hop ride! the (re!t o% '"ther '"bi"n?! )u!i(= #roken *oi(e! )o*e in "nd out o% the )iC= A)bi*" ent !opr"no! !o"r "nd %"de ike do*e! in !t"rt ed % ight= $he (ore o% hi! be"t i! %i ed with b"!! "no)" ie!< !udden %oghorn b "!t!< twi!ting wh" e !o o! th"t (rowd the (hur(h with e*i"th"n p"!!ion= E(hoe! ri(o(het %ro) w" to w" < dri*ing the )u!i( to !ub i)e height!< twi!ting "nd di!torting it into e*er )ore epi( r"nge= $he (o)bin"tion o% )u!i( "nd n"r(oti(! power! "n " )o!t de!per"te re!pon!e in the /pider?! (ongreg"tion= $hey te"r "t their ( othe!< twi!ting "nd gyr"ting on the r"Aor?! edge between e(!t"!y "nd de!p"ir= +"*e< be"t< pu !e< dub< org"n pipe! web the w" ! o% the (hur(h ike the gi ! o% *"!t ")phibiou! be"!t!= +e*erb ("reen! o%% !h"rp "ng ed !tone< b"!! !p it! the "ir< den!e "! thunder< ightning !h"rp guit"r ri%%! pee o%% into eC(ited e(ho< the w"rping e%%e(t o% !udden *io in !y)phonie!< the de!(ending ro"r o% dru) "*" "n(he!= 0hen the "!t o% the "(o yte! h"! p"rt"ken o% the e iCir "nd returned to the g" erie!< the /pider ri!e! to her %eet "nd !t"re! down "t the be"uti%u youth who " one re)"in!< !t"nding be%ore the @"de " t"r= He i! dre!!ed in b "(k !"(ri%i(i" robe!= He !t"re! up "t the /pider in "we< hi! )outh open "nd du)b !tru(kB hi! b ue eye! wide "nd "!toni!hed= /he !)i e! down "t hi)< " re"dy in o*e with thi! de i("te (re"ture< "nd )ore !o when he %" ! to hi! knee! "nd ( "!p! hi! h"nd! together in !i ent pr"yer= $he /pider de!(end! the b i!!;!p"ttered !tep! o% the " t"r "nd !t"nd! towering o*er the youth= He ! ow y ook! up "t her "nd in " %" tering ru!h he re(ite! the %ir!t o% hi! rehe"r!ed ine!= GI ") bound to you in i%e "! in de"th<? he !t"))er!= GI know<? De!de)on" rep ie!< !troking hi! h"ir= He b ink! "t her= He h"! e"rnt hi! ine! by he"rt= He h"! been re"red to !"y the!e !i)p e word! in her pre!en(e< yet now hi! ti)e h"! (o)e he !ee)! too terri%ied to (ontinue= G$"ke your ti)e<? !he te ! hi)= $he youth?! )outh "nd )ind !ee) to be )o)ent"ri y de"d o(ked "nd on y "%ter " !tuttering eternity i! he %in" y "b e to g"!p< GI ") your!Hto do with "! you wi!h=? GAnd !o I !h" <? !he "ugh!< de ighted with thi! gi%t o% the (hur(h= Gent y !he (o(oon! hi) in %ine !i k "nd !e(ure! hi! body to her tor!o= 0hen !he tou(he! hi) !he %ind! hi) tre)b ing with %e"r= /he trie! to !ooth hi)= It wi be better %or hi) i% he i! )ore "((epting o% hi! %"te= /he ("rrie! hi) to the top o% the " t"r where !he retrie*e! her web ine< u!ing it to !(r")b e b"(k up to the do)ed roo% o% the (hur(h= Her (ongreg"tion (rie! out "! their godde!! dep"rt!= /o)e o% the) weep open y< other! be"t their bre"!t!< "nd one %e ow ( i)b! o*er the g" ery r"i ing! "nd % ing! hi)!e % to " wi ing< drug;indu(ed de"th= '"ther '"bi"n " w"y! "nti(ip"te! thi! eCtre)e ritu" "nd !t"nd! to one !ide "! the body hurt e! down to !)"!h "p"rt "g"in!t the un%orgi*ing !ur%"(e o% the " t"r= G/u(h de*otion<? the /pider whi!per! to the tre)b ing youth= G0i you be !o de*oted< )y d"r ingE? /he ("re!!e! hi) through the !i k o% hi! (o(oon "! !he bring! hi) up onto the (hur(h roo%!= GI?) !ure you wi <? !he te ! hi)= GI?) !ure you? de*ote your " =? D In C"!t e Arine"e< her "ir "t the top o% the wor d< the godde!! )"te! with the de i(iou! youth= /he !edu(e! hi) by pre!!ing her 0idow?! # i!! upon hi) "nd he drink! "nd i! tr"n!%or)ed by the %ire! o% her e!!en(e= /he en@oy! hi! % e!h )"ny ti)e! th"t night< )"ny
ti)e! )"ny= And when !he i! %in" y !"ti"ted !he i>ue%ie! hi! in!ide!< !inking %"ng! down through the roo% o% hi! !ku "nd !e(reting dige!ti*e @ui(e! into hi! body= He i! de"d " )o!t in!t"nt y "nd (hewing the top o%% hi! !ku < De!de)on" pro(eed! to !u(k hi) dry= 0h"t re)"in! o% the youth by the ti)e d"wn p" e! the !h"dow! o% C"!t e Arine"e< !he be>ue"th! her !ideki(k< D@ob"= He wi do the youth @u!ti(e< !he i! (on%ident= /he intend! keeping " )e)ento o% the doo)ed boyB " bone gob et< " tooth ne(k "(e< !o)ething to re)ind her o% their !ing e night o% p"!!ion together< !o)ething p e"!"nt to @oin the (ount e!! other )e)entoe! th"t de(or"te the ining o% her ho)e ne!t= In her )i enni" o d eCperien(e< !eC "nd de"th "re i%e?! on y true (ert"intie!< "nd tonight the /pider h"! "n in!"ti"b e "ppetite %or both=
SERAPH
IN9I$A$I,N $, A #ALL H"*ing !("nned the DNA pro%i e! o% the /pider?! !iC wou d;be "!!"!!in!< D@ob" )"t(he! the re!u t! "g"in!t the CCI d"t" (ore= Hi! !e"r(h return! neg"ti*e= $here i! no )"t(h= $hi! i! !o)ething o% " )y!tery to D@ob" !in(e e*ery )ort" in Go goth" '" ! !hou d h"*e " DNA pro%i e= He !ugge!t! to De!de)on" th"t the "!!"!!in! were not indigenou! to the (ity= $he /pider i! !e"ted in the dr"wing roo)< !)oking on " herb pipe= /he !ee)! o!t in no!t" gi( re% e(tion "nd it i! !o)e ti)e be%ore !he re!pond! to D@ob"?! report= GHow )"ny group! in Go goth" '" ! h"*e the )e"n! to (ontro their own p"r"doC port" E? !he "!k!= D@ob" "!!u)e! the /pider i! @oking "nd !)i e!= GNone th"t I know o%<? he rep ie!< Gth"t wou d re>uire )ore energy th"n it t"ke! to ight thi! (ity %or " ye"r=? GAnd yet th"t?! how the "!!"!!in! entered the Her)e! bui ding=? $he /pider eCh" e! " "dder o% p" e b ue !)oke= G$hrough " p"r"doC port" E? D@ob" (hoo!e! hi! word! with ("re< G$h"t?! eCtre)e y un ike y< )other &? G$"ke )y word %or it< D@ob"=? GNot e*en the god! ("n (ontro p"r"doC<? D@ob" "rgue!< Gth"t?! why " te(hno ogy re "ting to it w"! out "wed in the 621 Con*ention on ECoti( 0e"pon!=? $he /pider !hrug!= G/o)eone?! ob*iou! y per%e(ted it !in(e then<? !he !"y!= A ook o% (on(ern (ro!!e! D@ob"?! %"(e= GA p"r"doC port" i! iter" y " (rude te"r in the %"bri( o% !p"(e "nd ti)e<? he !"y!= GA per!on (ontro ing one wou d h"*e the )e"n! to bre"(h "ny %or) o% terre!tri" !e(urity< .otherB di*ine or otherwi!e= Perh"p! we !hou d report thi! to the proper "uthoritie!=? GAnd "!k %or he pE? $he /pider (hu(k e!< G$hey?d !i)p y o*e that< d"r ing=? /he !h"ke! her he"d< GNo< I pre%er to h"nd e )y own "%%"ir!=? G#ut thi! )"tter (on(ern! " the god! &<? D@ob" prote!t!= GI?) on y intere!ted in one god<? the /pider retort!= GNow< in!te"d o% %retting< )y d"r ing< why don?t you pop down to the Her)e! bui ding "nd run " tr"(eE /ee i% you ("n pi(k up " di!p "(e)ent e(ho= 0e )"y be "b e to o(k onto the !our(e o% the port" =? GNot ike y<? D@ob" )utter!< Gthere?! no tek in eCi!ten(e th"t ("n tr"(e " >u"ntu) !ign" < .other= $he !ign" eCi!t! in theoreti(" !p"(e= I do not po!!e!! theoreti(" e>uip)ent=? GI)pro*i!e<? De!de)on" purr!< G" re!our(e%u itt e de)igod ike you !hou d be "b e to bend the odd "w o% phy!i(!=? D@ob" !hrug!= GI? do )y be!t<? he !"y!< Gbut I !ti !"y you !hou d t"ke thi! to the (on!u "r=? GI% " the hound! o% he were "%ter )e I wou d not turn to the E ohi) %or he p<? De!de)on" *ow!= GNow go< D@ob"< ("rry out )y in!tru(tion! "nd no )ore o% your whinging=? D /he know! D@ob" wi %ind nothing= It i! (ert"in th"t whoe*er !ent the "!!"!!in! wi h"*e ("re%u y (o*ered their tr"(k!< but it i! better to keep her !ideki(k bu!y "nd out o% her w"y= /he need! ti)e to think< " pro(e!! D@ob" )ore o%ten hinder! th"n he p!= 0ho wou d go to the troub e o% opening " p"r"doC port" < in it!e % " !ee)ing y i)po!!ib e %e"t< on y to !end !iC bung ing "!!"!!in! throughE $hi! i! the gre"ter p"r"doC= Did the "!!"!!in! e*er re" y po!e " thre"t or h"d they been !er*ed up )ere y "! " w"rningB " )e!!"ge th"t De!de)on" w"! *u ner"b e= /he brood! upon the!e >ue!tion! " th"t e*ening "nd ong into the night< !)oking her herb!< " owing her )ind to % ow where it (hoo!e!=
0ho i! behind thi! "te!t "%%rontE /he ("n think o% "ny nu)ber o% ene)ie!B )ort" "nd di*ine< but !he ("n think o% none with the "bi ity to )"nipu "te ti)e "nd !p"(e= It !t"nd! to re"!on !he i! de" ing with "n ene)y un ike "ny !he h"! e*er %"(ed be%ore= 0orthy ene)ie! "re r"re "nd with boredo) the ine*it"b e pri(e o% i))ort" ity< De!de)on" i! not (ert"in whether to be worried or p e"!ed by thi! new thre"t= D In the e"r y hour! o% the )orning D@ob" po ite y interrupt! her thought!= /he h"! !"t in the gr"nd h" " night ong< i))une to the bitter (o d< ob i*iou! to the d"rk= A g o;b" % o"t! "bo*e D@ob"?! he"d< winking on ike " "rge< di!e)bodied ("t?! eye "! !oon "! he enter! the h" = De!de)on" n"rrow! her eye! in the !udden % ood o% unwe (o)e ight "! D@ob" ner*ou! y in%or)! her he h"! @u!t re(ei*ed " )e!!"ge %ro) Aphrodite< " godde!! o% the Hou!e o% Peu!= $he )e!!"ge "rri*ed di!gui!ed "! " ("n"ry< " be"uti%u ho ogr"phi( bird th"t % ew in through " we!t tower window< "nnoun(ing it! pre!en(e with (iphered bird!ong= Iui(k y tr"n! "ting the )e!!"ge< D@ob" h"! pro)pt y brought it to the godde!!? "ttention= GIt?! "n in*it"tion to " b" <? he te ! hi! p"tron= De!de)on" !hrug! "nd the !kin o% i(e th"t h"! %or)ed "round her bre"k! "p"rt with " %ier(e (r"(k ing !ound= G+e(ite the )e!!"ge *erb"ti)<? !he order! D@ob"< GI di! ike he"r;!"y=? D@ob" ( e"r! hi! thro"t "nd duti%u y re(ite!= 0er divine gra#e, Gaya 6!hrodite, daughter of the 0ouse of 8eus, re9uests the #om!any of her sister god, Genevieve .esdemona of the 0ouse of 6ra#hnids, at the /em!le of the ,la#k 5otus on the night of the !assing gra#es. $he /pider !igh!= GAn in*it"tion to " b" <? !he !"y!< Ghow *ery thought%u o% G"y"=? G/h" I %"!hion " re!pon!eE? D@ob" "!k!= GIn%or) her I !h" "ttend<? the /pider te ! hi)= G/he !ent )e " ("n"ry< et?! !end her " t"r"ntu " & "nd get the nu)ber o% eg! right thi! ti)e< D@ob"=? D In their gre"t *"nity the Elohim h"d n")ed the)!e *e! "%ter the god! o% o d= It w"! their (ontention th"t to po!!e!! the %uture one )u!t %ir!t "y ( "i) to the p"!t= #y "!!o(i"ting the)!e *e! with "n(ient )yth they h"d hoped to we"r the )"nt e o% o)nipoten(e< to be "((epted "! god! the)!e *e! by o d e"rth?! re)n"nt popu "tion= #ut the E ohi) were not the god! o% o d= $hey were ong i*ed to be !ure< but they were not tru y i))ort" < "nd nor were their power! without i)it= $he E ohi) !(orned hu)"nity %ro) " di!t"n(e< w"t(hing the) toi "nd "bour through their brie% tor)ent on e"rth< bowed ow by the %r"gi e "nd r"ndo) n"ture o% eCi!ten(e< yet !o)ehow !ti )"n"ging to deri*e )e"ning %ro) the )e"ning e!!= Perh"p! the E ohi) !e(ret y en*ied thi! !tubborn re!i ien(e= 0"! not the )ort" i%e!p"n !o )u(h !weeter %or being !o *ery brie%E E*ery )o)ent w"! " pre(iou! ge)= E*ery tender ki!!< e*ery ("re%ree "ugh< e*ery p"!!ion"te e)br"(e w"! in de%i"n(e o% " th"t i%e threw "t the)= $he god! o*ed nothing "nd )ourned no oneB in )"ny w"y! they h"d out i*ed their own hu)"nity= D $he /pider ("n?t re(" the "!t ti)e !he "ttended " di*ine %un(tion= ,% "te !he h"! %ound her!e % in(re"!ing y i!o "ted %ro) the E ohi)= /he h"! not eC"(t y G%" en? %ro) gr"(e !o )u(h "! Gdri%ted? %ro) re!pe(t"b e !hore!= /he i! we known %or oper"ting on the nu"n(ed edge o% "((ept"b e beh"*iour< %or whi(h petty (ri)e !he h"! %ound her!e % uno%%i(i" y b"ni!hed to the %ringe! o% di*ine !o(iety< th"t grey "re" o((upied by the neither e!pe(i" y
d")ned nor the e!pe(i" y %"*oured= /he prep"re! %or Aphrodite?! b" with un(h"r"(teri!ti( eC(ite)ent= 6!hrodite i! we n")ed= Her be"uty i! o%ten (on!idered her gre"t tr"gedy= It e( ip!e! her !i!ter god! "nd pro*oke! the) o%ten to r"ge "nd petty @e" ou!ie!= No god ike! to be di)ini!hed in the pre!en(e o% "nother= #ut it i! " !o the )"nner in whi(h Aphrodite u!e! her be"uty th"t ("u!e! !u(h di*ine re!ent)ent= /he h"! !edu(ed egion in her ti)eB )en and wo)en< )ort" "nd di*ine< )"rried< !ing e or (o;h"biting & her "ppetite! know %ew )or" bound"rie! & her !e(ret !oiree! "re (on!idered the *ery epito)e o% de("den(e= /he i! e*en ru)oured to be " %re>uent (on!ort o% the Lord D"gd" hi)!e %< ru)our! !he doe! nothing to >ue = A re"!on enough to de!pi!e Aphrodite< but the /pider o*e! her "! !he o*e! " thing! de!pi!ed= /he o*e! her %or her !p endid !en!e o% )or" "n"r(hy< %or the gener"tion! o% %"ith%u hu!b"nd! !he h"! turned into !i)pering pet!< %or the )"ny proud )en !he h"! broken "nd hu)i i"ted on the whee o% her (h"r)!= If they were not meant to &e &roken would nature have made them so damned &rittle( De!de)on" h"! " w"y! o*ed Aphrodite< e*en when !he !i)p y o"thed her= /u(h h"! e*er been the n"ture o% their re "tion!hip= D $he /pider dre!!e! to ki in " one;pie(e ("t !uit< per%e(t y t"i ored to "((o))od"te her eight i)bed< !e*en "nd " h" % %oot %r")e= $he !uit i! in%inite y re% e(ti*e< )i(ro )irrored !ur%"(e !hi))ering in ho ogr"phi( !t"r ight< di%%u!ing her out ine "! !he web! her w"y through the e eg"nt night ti)e o% N"r(i!!u!= /he o*e! the %reedo) the !uit "%%ord! her= It w"! )"de by her per!on" t"i or!< Cro)by "nd Ni(e< )"!ter %"!hionett"! "nd hideou! y eCpen!i*e< but worth e*ery penny in the /pider?! opinion= A! "ppointee! to the god!< Cro)by "nd Ni(e "re u!ed to "((o))od"ting e*en the )o!t de)"nding o% phy!i>ue! "nd their e*ery out%it i! (on!idered " )"!terpie(e= /pinning "(ro!! N"r(i!!u!< the /pider n"*ig"te! )"n)"de ("nyon! "t o*er !e*enty k ik! "n hour< !winging in*erted %ro) ine to ine through "n up!ide;down *iew o% the di!tri(t= 0"! thi! not di*inityE /o)er!"u ting o%% the "ng ed w" ! o% (hro)e tower!< (he"ting the "by!! with i)po!!ib e "!t !e(ond )"noeu*re!< her )u ti @ointed body (ontr"(ting "nd (ontorting "! !he pu!he! it to inhu)"n i)it!= Was this not the very nature of divinity( D Cont"ined within "t)o!pheri( )e)br"ne! th"t !e" e"(h )etropo i! bene"th " !e)i; per)e"b e u)bre "< the te)per"ture< "ir "nd ong;ter) ( i)"te o% Go goth" '" !? ninety;!iC di!tri(t! "re ("re%u y regu "ted by the CCI MCypher;Cyber;Iu"ntu)N< "n Ai (o e(ti*e th"t (ontro ! " o% Go goth" '" !? "uto)"ted %un(tion!= $he "t)o!pheri( )e)br"ne! en("!ing the di!tri(t "re )ore (o))on y re%erred to "! Ho ogr"phi( /kie! %or their "bi ity to )i)i( the !kie! o% o d e"rth< but out!ide the!e )e)br"ne!< between the )ighty p"rent tower! o% Go goth" '" !< there i! on y de"d !p"(e< the InfernumB "n i))en!e "ir e!! *oid without !ound or bre"th o% wind= $he /pider ("n ho d her bre"th %or o*er h" % "n hour< "n "bi ity th"t !er*e! her we when !he ! ip! ike " gho!t through N"r(i!!u!? !e)i;per)e"b e !ky "nd he"d! out into the In%ernu)= #eyond the %"(!i)i e night o% her ho)e di!tri(t< the In%ernu) open! be%ore De!de)on" ike "n in!"ne dre")< re*e" ing the true n"ture o% Go goth" '" != It i! " (ity o% *i!u" eC(e!!< %i ed with )eg" !tru(ture! twe *e ki o)etre! high< di!tri(t! r"nked ike g"rg"ntu"n b" (onie! " ong end e!!< *erti(" % "nk!= A bi ion ight! dri%t ike burning "!h between the!e epi( tower! "! pri*"te !hutt e! "nd (orpor"te ("rgo !hip! p y their %reight b"(k "nd %orth= 'reew"y! (r"w up "nd down the !heer w" ! ike r")b ing! o% !i i(on *ine< !hunting *erti(" tr"%%i( %ro)
di!tri(t to di!tri(t< horiAont" %reew"y! (ri!!(ro!!ing the In%ernu) it!e %< (onne(ting the tower! ike " *"!t "!y))etri(" !pider?! web= ,n(e out in the In%ernu) the /pider u!e! the!e %reew"y! "! "n(hor point! "! !he n"*ig"te! her w"y down into the (ity?! in%ern" region!= /he )u!t be ("re%u now< there i! no %ri(tion to re!tri(t her !peed "nd the ! ighte!t )otion ("n prope her hundred! o% )etre! in !e(ond!= Here in the In%ernu) " )inor )i!(" (u "tion ("n be in!t"nt y ter)in" = ,n " !ing e bre"th o% "ir< her !pir"( e! ("re%u y regu "ting her intern" pre!!ure< !he drop! %ro) %reew"y to %reew"y< working her w"y down %ro) the high " titude Corinthi"n di!tri(t! "nd into the (ity?! .eridi"n or )idd e be t= Her de!tin"tion i! the # "(k Lotu!B " p" "ti" bui ding th"t % o"t! " one in the d"rk o% the In%ernu)= $hi! i! Aphrodite?! p e"!ure p" "(e< " be@ewe ed wonder "nd o% g"rden terr"(e!< orn"te (it"de !< "nd b ue onion turret! th"t g ow ike the en(h"nted turb"n! o% genie!= Abo*e e"(h (it"de "nd turret % o"t! " !)" ho ogr"phi( )oon< turning ! ow y on it! "Ci!= Abo*e the (entr" tower % o"t! " b "(k !un th"t !hed! no *i!ib e ight= $HE /EN/UAL G,DDE// $he # "(k Lotu! te)p e i! per)"nent y G)oored? )ore th"n three k ik! "bo*e the e"rth< re ying on " !erie! o% *"!t pendu u)! !u!pended %ro) the b"!e o% the te)p e to keep it " o%t= $he!e pendu u)! !er*e "! gr"*ity "n(hor!< e"(h one ("p"b e o% redu(ing o*er " thou!"nd gro!! tonne! to in!t"nt Aero )"!!= $here "re o*er " hundred o% the!e pendu u)!< )ore th"n enough to di!p "(e the te)p e?! thirty thou!"nd tonne )"!!= $he # "(k Lotu! i! " )u ti;tiered hou!e o% !p endourB " % o"ting b"!i i(" th"t bri!t e! with hidden gun port!= 0"ter%" ! ("!("de %ro) one !p endid e*e to the neCt< poo ing into !)" g"rden "ke! th"t g itter "nd twink e bene"th "rti%i(i" )oon ight= $here "re )ini"ture te)p e (o)p eCe! !e( uded ")ong!t %ore!t! o% pyg)y o"k "nd here "nd there p"god"! !t"nd out ike gi ded !entine ! on u!h< b ue "wn!= It i! " %e"!t %or the !en!e!< " )onu)ent to Aphrodite?! o*e o% " thing! )"teri" = /)" enough to ! ip p"!t the gun !en!or!< the /pider !i ent y bre"(he! te)p e !e(urity= A kep er;!hie d en( o!e! the entire (o)p eC< the !hie d )u ti;ph"!i(< u!ed to )"int"in "t)o!pheri( integrityB De!de)on" ("n pier(e it i% her ti)ing i! @u!t right< i% the "ng e "nd !peed o% her "ppro"(h i! eC"(t to " de(i)" point< but there i! no )"rgin %or error< her (" (u "tion! )u!t be "b!o ute y pre(i!e= /he "un(he! her!e % o%% the ri) o% N"o)i< " di!tri(t !itu"ted !o)e %i*e hundred %eet "bo*e the highe!t !pire o% Aphrodite?! te)p e= /he (ur ! her "r)! into her tor!o< tu(k! her eg! bene"th her "nd ower! her he"d !o the (ontour! o% her !ku )erge with her !pine< (re"ting " (ontinuou! (ur*e th"t "((e er"te! her )o)entu)= $he )i k b ue g ow o% the K;!hie d pu !e! "round the te)p e ike " di*ine "ur"= De!de)on" twi!t! her tor!o ! ight y< re;"ng ing her de!(ent !o !he !trike! the !hie d "t " per%e(t ninety;degree "ng e= I% her ti)ing or *e o(ity h"d been o%% by " %r"(tion !he wou d h"*e been !)"!hed "p"rt "g"in!t the !hie d= In!te"d !he penetr"te! "t " )o!t two hundred kph< her body *io ent y de(e er"ting "! !he p unge! into the !oupy interior o% the !hie d= Kep er )o e(u e! how "nd r"ge " "round her< ! owing her %"!ter th"n !he?d "nti(ip"ted= Like " % y ("ught in ")ber the /pider?! *e o(ity drop! "w"y to nothing< te)por"ri y tr"pping her be%ore !he h"! >uite ( e"red the !hie d= $o %ree her!e % !he i! %or(ed to !wi) the "!t %ew %eet "g"in!t %ier(e (urrent! o% Kep er energy= ,n(e %ree the /pider drop! "w"y %ro) the !hie d "nd down tow"rd! the i u)in"ted (o)p eC be ow= /he !pin! web "! !he %" !< "n(horing the hi t o% " bronAe !pire< "t the !")e ti)e !pinning " (ontro web in the oppo!ite dire(tion th"t !n"g! the bu!t o% " ne"rby !t"tue= /he unite! the two !tr"nd!< pu ! the) t"ut< "nd her %" i! in!t"nt y "rre!ted= A%ter th"t !he work! her w"y "(ro!! to the !pire< (o)ing to re!t " (oup e o% %eet be ow it! bronAe (re!t= /he !t"rt! bre"thing "g"in in the te)p e?! oCygen ri(h "t)o!phere=
#e ow her the g"rden! "re %i ed with ight "nd %e!ti*ity= 9"!t u)inou! b" oon! % o"t through the "ir< !h"ped ike pot;be ied gre) in! "nd piou! !"int!= Loo) dr"gon! !woop down ")ong!t the tree! "nd % "!h b"(k into the !ky "g"in< tr"i ing %ire in their w"ke= $hou!"nd! o% "ntern! h"*e been it< )"rking out p"thw"y! through the %ore!t!< "nd i u)in"ting the border! o% "rti%i(i" "ke!= $he /pider (r"w ! down the w" o% the tower "nd e"p! !o%t y "(ro!! to " ne"rby b" (ony per(h= /he %reeAe! "! !he !(ry! the %uture= /he w"it!< ti)e! her neCt )o*e< "nd "! " p"ir o% oo) dr"gon! % "!h p"!t her b" (ony !he !pin! web "nd !wing! down "(ro!! their %iery (ontr"i != D C"utiou! y De!de)on" )"ke! her w"y downw"rd!< )o*ing %ro) per(h to per(h< ! ipping through the !h"dow! ike "n eight; i)bed ph"nto)= At "!t !he drop!< !o)er!"u t!< "nd " ight! !o%t y upon the ground= /he t"ke! " )o)ent to ("t(h her bre"th= In!ide the K;!hie d the "ir i! " )o!t !ub;tropi(" < out!ide the In%ernu) i! " eth" !e*enty degree! be ow= I(e p"rti( e! %or)ed on the /pider?! body h"*e )e ted in the w"r)th "nd !he !hed! w"ter with e*ery !tep= /he i! on the thre!ho d o% " (ourty"rd< he))ed in by high te)p e w" != $hree )en oiter "round " (entrepie(e %ount"inB their uni%or) identi%ying the) "! ground !e(urity< though their de)e"nour !ugge!t! their ro e i! )ore de(or"ti*e th"n %un(tion" = $he /pider !i ent y (ro!!e! the (ourty"rd< the )en un"w"re o% her pre!en(e unti the "!t )o)ent= D $hey re"(t in terror "! !he "ppe"r! ")ong!t the)< dropping "t on(e to their h"nd! "nd knee!= GI h"*e "n in*it"tion to "ttend Aphrodite?! b" <? !he te ! the)= GI "!!u)e I w"! eCpe(ted=? GECpe(ted< ye!<? !t"))er! one o% the gu"rd!< r"i!ing hi! he"d "nd d"ring to )eet the godde!!? eye %or " %r"(tion o% " !e(ond be%ore owering it "g"in= G0e @u!t didn?t eCpe(t you to "ppe"r out o% nowhere<? !tu)b e! "nother< %"(e pre!!ed %ir) y to the ground= /he "ugh!= G0h"t u!e %or gu"rd! i% e*eryone did the eCpe(tedE 3ou< young )"n< !t"nd up "t on(e "nd et )e h"*e " ook "t you=? A youth< no )ore th"n !e*enteen or eighteen< e"p! to hi! %eet with " horri%ied !>u"wk "nd !t"nd! wringing hi! h"nd! "nd trying to !w" ow p"!t " p"rti(u "r y pro)inent Ad")?! "pp e= G3ou wi do<? !he te ! hi)= G/t"nd up !tr"ight< ook " i*e< boy< h"*e !o)e b"(k bone=? /he !n"p! her %inger! i)p"tient y "nd he @u)p! to "ttention= G$"ke )e to your )i!tre!! "t on(e=? He )o*e! in wooden @erk!< "! though e"ding hi! own eCe(utioner to the g" ow!= /he ike! hi)= He i! e"n "nd in%u!ed with the g ow o% youth< hi! bone !tru(ture pro)inentB hi! eye! deep !et< gi*ing hi! %"(e the ook o% " doo)ed ro)"nti( hero= /he %o ow! hi) " ong !(ented g"rden p"th!< p"!t bu!he! !(u pted into the !e)b "n(e o% %orni("ting "ni)" !B ph" i( %ount"in! !purting b ue;green "r(! o% w"ter into the per%u)ed "ir= E*erywhere !he ook! !he !ee! be"uti%u !tone e%%igie! !t"ring b"(k "t her< e"(h !t"tue " *"ri"tion o% the !")e )ort" youth= $he !tonework i! rendered in o*ing det"i < ending the !ub@e(t "n " )o!t i%e ike *it" ity= $he !t"tue! repre!ent Heph"!tu!< Aphrodite?! %or)er "nd gre"te!t o*er= /he ne*er )ention! hi)< but De!de)on" know! Aphrodite )ourn! hi) !ti < e*en though )i enni" h"*e p"!!ed !in(e hi! de"th= $here i! %urti*e )otion ")ong!t the tree! "nd !(reening bu!he!= Here "nd there " g i)p!e o% n"ked % e!h through bre"k! in the %o i"ge< )uted (rie! o% p e"!ure< the !ound o% deb"u(hery b ending with the ")bient noi!e o% night ti)e g"rden!= De!de)on" pier(e! the d"rk with her !en!e!< noting the hidden !entine ! w"t(hing her< we"pon! tr"(king her progre!! %ro) !iC di%%erent point! in the !h"dow!= /he i! "w"re o% the)<
but )"ke! no de%en!i*e )o*e= $hey "re no thre"t to her "nd !o ong "! they keep their !"%ety ("t(he! on< !he wi po!e no thre"t to the)= G0hy don?t you @oin my (u t<? the /pider urge! her youth%u guide< GeCp"nd your horiAon!B get in*o *ed with !o)ething d"ngerou! "nd worthwhi eE? GN;no thu;th"nk you< guh;guh;godde!!<? !t"))er! the youth= GI?) (uh;(uh;>uite huh;h"ppy here=? GI?) !ure you "re< d"r ing<? the /pider re"(he! out "nd !troke! the youth?! ne(k= He % in(he! %ro) the (ont"(t "nd !he "ugh!= G#ut thi! i! @u!t !o pede!tri"n< your %e ow wor!hipper! !ound ike !o )"ny rutting pig! in the d"rk=? /he indi("te! the g"rden "round the)< " i*e with ("rn" !e(re(y= G$hu;they honour the guh;godde!! Aphrodite with thu;their bodie!<? the youth re!pond!= GIt i! the nuh;night o% the puh;p"!!ing gr"(e!=? GAny eC(u!e %or "n orgy< I !uppo!e<? the /pider !igh!= G,h we < !weetne!!< you know where )y (hur(h i! i% you e*er (h"nge your )ind=? G$hu;th"nk you< godde!!<? the youth !ound! "nything but gr"te%u "! he e"d! the /pider through " % or" "r(h "nd out onto the !pr"w ing "wn! o% the !u))er g"rden= D $he /pider re(ogni!e! )"ny o% the gue!t! g"thered on the !u))er "wnB god! o% her "(>u"int"n(e< "nge ! "nd de)igod!< high;r"nking )ort" ! "nd the ob ig"tory ( ut(h o% )edi" (e ebritie!= ,n y Aphrodite (ou d h"*e g"thered together !o e( e(ti( " )iC= /he !)i e!< p"u!e!< t"king " )o)ent to !tudy the g"thering be%ore )"king her %in" "ppro"(h= Her guide inger! ner*ou! y by her !ide= $he (entrepie(e o% the p"rty i! " *"!t i(e !(u pture repre!enting D"gd"?! )"in pyr")id te)p e< the ("rdin" point! )"rked out by %our )"rb e (o u)n!= A )" e or %e)" e ( one;! "*e d"n(e! on the % "t inte o% e"(h (o u)n< di"ph"nou! robe! % owing "nd !pi ing "round p" e< writhing i)b!= De!de)on" note! the gi"nt de)igod< Her"( e! A ("eu!< h"! )"de the gue!t i!tB " gorgeou! % "Cen h"ired h" %;god< we o*er eight %eet t" < !urrounded by " h"re) o% nubi e %e)" e! who "ttend to hi! e*ery whi)= $o !eek "n "udien(e with Her"( e! one )u!t %ir!t w"de through " !e" o% per%u)ed %e)" e % e!h= $he hero A(hi e! i! here too & "h< "t "!t< " hero worthy o% the n")e= /on o% the god;king< Pe eu!< A(hi e! ed the %in" "!!"u t o% the god! during the D")"!(u! w"r!= He i! (on!idered to be the gre"te!t o% the de)igod! "nd their undi!puted e"der= He(tor< the #"by oni"n !phinC< !tro ! reg" y through the g"thering< (h"r)ing " with hi! >ui(k wit "nd e"!y )"nner= H" % )"n< h" % ion< hi! e"g e wing! "re "rge y (ere)oni" !in(e He(tor< to the be!t o% the /pider?! know edge< ("nnot % y= He i! )"!!i*e in girth< " w"rhor!e o% " (re"ture< yet gent e in di!po!itionB " owing (hi dren to ride hi! bro"d b"(k "nd tug on hi! % "Cen )"ne= He i! p "(id "! " %"irground pony< yet %or)id"b e when r"i!ed to wr"th= L"A"ru!< wi!e!t "nd o de!t o% the de)igod!< we into hi! %i%th )i enni" "nd !ti running inte e(tu" (ir( e! "round the (ity?! e"ding theo ogi"n!< e"*ing the) !tupe%ied with hi! phi o!ophi(" in!ight!< !tu)ped by hi! %")ou! logi#a #ir#uitus= $hey g"ther "round hi) "nd !(ribb e note! ike !(ho "r! in the pre!en(e o% " re*ered )"!ter= $here i! the "r(h"nge Urie < !o be"uti%u he !(or(he! " per)"nent i)pre!!ion upon the )ind?! retin"= $he Ar(h"nge Chi)ene< h" %;!i!ter o% +"ph"e < e*ery bit hi! e>u" in (o)b"t "nd " de"d y "dept "t poi!on!= Her e)b e) i! the p"nther "nd !he w" k! "round with two o% the!e be"!t! in per)"nent tow= /he (ontro ! the notoriou! Gui d o% A!!"!!in!< their n")e " one enough to in!pire %e"r in e*ery >u"rter o% the (ity= P"ndor"< in!"ne one y P"ndor"< (ur!ed with !e(ond !ight< be!et by terrib e *i!ion!< !e %; b inded "nd uni*er!" y o"thed= /he !it! on " de!erted p"t(h o% "wn< her !h"*en he"d
g i!tening in "rti%i(i" )oon ightB " p" e "nd tr"gi( %igure< wringing her !("rred h"nd! "nd !inging " !o%t dirge to her!e %= /ophi" i! here too< the %e)inine e>ui*" ent o% D"gd" "nd !e(ond )o!t power%u o% the e"rth; bound E ohi)= Her pre!en(e !urpri!e! the /pider !in(e /ophi" r"re y e"*e! Cogniti" the!e d"y!= /he !t"nd! @u!t !hy o% nine %eet< % o"ting "(ro!! the "wn!< wi owy "nd det"(hed< her di*ine "ur" ("!ting " !o%t b "Ae "round her "! !he bow! ow to ("t(h the word! o% her %e ow gue!t!= /he tou(he! e*eryone< " !o%t tou(h o% "(know edge)ent< " gent e< )o)ent"ry ("re!!< "nd "%terw"rd! tho!e !he tou(he! we"r the ook o% peop e who h"*e %ound the o*e o% their he"rt! in one in!t"nt "nd o!t it %ore*er in the neCt= # e!!ed /ophi", 'he"of"the"left"hand. I% D"gd" i! the %"ther o% the terre!tri" god!< then /ophi" i! the undi!puted )other= E !ewhere there i! ,ye@i< A%ri("n godde!! o% "gri(u ture "nd " d"ughter o% the Hou!e o% ,gun= /he de ight! the gue!t! by ("u!ing the !)" hi !he !it! on to !prout " )"nner o% ")"Aing % or"B gorgeou! ro!e bu!he! "nd rhododendron! "nd !u))er hibi!(u!= /he !pi ! !eed! whene*er !he !h"ke! her p "ited h"ir "nd eCh" e! r"in ( oud! th"t drop !p"rk ing p"y o"d! o% w"ter< (re"ting " o(" i!ed e(o!y!te) "round her th"t dr"w! " *"!t (rowd o% "ppre(i"ti*e on ooker!= ,ye@i i! !e(ret y trying to ("t(h the eye o% the A%ri("n de)igod /e)pu< hero o% the Hou!e o% #"ntu= /e)pu i! tr"ding w"r !torie! with Her"( e!< the two o% the) ro"ring with "ughter< bu%%eting e"(h other with "%%e(tion"te ! "p! "nd brother y b ow!< drinking the)!e *e! !te"di y under the t"b e< gob et %or gob et< ("!ket %or ("!ket< "nd " o% ,ye@i?! the"tre i! %or nothing %or /e)pu p"y! her no "ttention= In good hu)our< ,ye@i weep! go den winged butter% ie! th"t %or) @ewe ed he"rt! in the "ir be%ore % uttering o%% into the !h"dow!= Aphrodite?! )ort" gue!t! we"r eCoti( (o!tu)e in " *"in "tte)pt to be noti(ed in thi! g"rden o% g"rg"ntu"n ego!= $he gue!t i!t in( ude! !o)e o% Go goth" '" !? )o!t power%u (itiAen! "! we "! it! )o!t !" "(iou!B (e ebritie!< po iti(i"n!< indu!tri" i!t!< )edi" )ogu !< d"t" b"ron!< body !(u ptor!< g")er!< phre"ker!< "nd %"r pi ot!< de!per"te y (o)peting %or "ttention< trying to ("t(h the e"r o% "t e"!t " de)igod< i% not " god her!e %= D A! De!de)on" re!u)e! her "ppro"(h " he"d! !wi*e in her dire(tion= A ripp e o% %e"r !pre"d! outw"rd!< !t"rting with tho!e ne"re!t her "nd !wi%t y en(o)p"!!ing the who e g"rden= .ort" ! un(on!(iou! y g"ther "round their god! ike (hi dren "round p"rent!= $he /pider?! guide t"ke! the opportunity to )o*e ( o!er to her< "! though b"!king in the %e"r !he gener"te!= A! he e"d! her through " !e" o% %"(e! the gue!t! p"rt ike en(h"nted w"ter!< )outh! "g"pe< eye! ( ouded with @u!ti%i"b e (on(ern!< the god! !t"ring "t her with open ho!ti ity= G0here i! AphroditeE? De!de)on" de)"nd! o% her guide= G/he wi be here !oon< godde!!<? the youth "!!ure! her= /he !troke! hi! (heek= G3ou "re " !weet boy<? !he te ! hi)< knowing thi! wi enh"n(e hi! i)"ge in the eye! o% hi! %e ow )ort" != G3ou h"*e )y b e!!ing= Go "nd be"r in )ind wh"t I te you< )y (hur(h door! "re " w"y! open i% you?re intere!ted=? $he guide bow! "nd retre"t! into the !urrounding (rowd!= ,b!er*ing proto(o < De!de)on" %ir!t w" k! up to /ophi" "nd bow! ow be%ore her in de%eren(e to her !t"tu! ")ong!t the god!= A! !he bow!< De!de)on" i! "(ute y "w"re o% the e der godde!!? eye! on her= /ophi"?! "ur" ("re%u y !hie d! her thought! "nd e)otion" te ! but De!de)on" !en!e! " )iCture o% ")u!e)ent "nd (urio!ity in her= G3ounger !i!ter<? /ophi" in( ine! her he"d< Gwe h"*e been too ong !t"r*ed o% your (o)p"ny=? G3ou h"*e " w"y! been in )y he"rt< e der !i!ter<? De!de)on" te ! her= /he doe! not hide the %"(t !he ike! /ophi" who r"re y inter%ere! in the po iti(! o% the god!< "nd ne*er de)e"n! her!e % by )"king "rbitr"ry @udge)ent! or t"king !ide!= It wi one d"y be her undoing<
De!de)on" i! (ert"in= #ut %or now her i)p"rti" ity i! the bedro(k upon whi(h di*ine !o(iety %e!ter!= /ophi" tou(he! the /pider "%%e(tion"te y on the !ide o% her %"(e "nd it i! " !ho(k %or De!de)on" to be tou(hed thi! w"y= /he h"! not %e t "n "%%e(tion"te h"nd< " o*ing tou(h< in " ong ti)e= /he !t"re! up "t /ophi"< (on%u!ed %or " )o)ent= /ophi" !)i e! "nd in " !o%t *oi(e< !"y!< G$here i! " prophe(y th"t you wi one d"y bring down the god!< L"dy De!de)on"=? $he /pider !hrug!= GI p "(e no %"ith in prophe(y<? !he rep ie!= G3et there "re tho!e who be ie*e in thi! prophe(y=? GPeop e wi be ie*e wh"t they (hoo!e=? GProphe(y ("n be d"ngerou! i% peop e (hoo!e to "(t upon it= +e)e)ber th"t< )y !i!ter=? /ophi" )o*e! on< e"*ing De!de)on" !o)ewh"t bewi dered by her word!= /he !t"re! "%ter the e der godde!! "nd there i! " onging in her he"rt !he h"! not %e t in " *ery ong whi e= D /he i! "w"re o% the /er"ph Gw"t(hing? her %ro) " !p"r!e y popu "ted p"rt o% the g"rden= $he!e b ind "nge ! in!pire " )o!t "! )u(h %e"r "! the /pider doe!= $hey "re !e*en;%oot h"rbinger! o% de"th< (hro)e "r)oured with )"!!i*e !tee wing! %o ded behind the)= $hey re)"in " oo% %ro) tho!e "round the)< he"d! )o*ing to %o ow De!de)on" "! !he (ro!!e! the g"rden= $hey "re d"ngerou! "nd unpredi(t"b e "nd the /pider !teer! we ( e"r o% the)= /he i! w"ry o% the /er"ph in the w"y one pred"tor i! w"ry o% "nother= ,ye@i< d"ughter o% the Hou!e o% ,gun< "ppro"(he! De!de)on"< % ower! b oo)ing "nd withering ")ong!t her thi(k p "it!= $here i! the "ro)" o% )on!oon! "nd green growing thing! "bout her= Her "ur" i! green "nd ( e"r "! (ry!t" = $he /pider %ee ! it! %erti e power< ike pri(k y he"t "g"in!t her % e!h< " !en!e o% being gent y dou!ed in )y!ti(" e"rth energie!= $he A%ri("n godde!! o%%er! her " (ere)oniou! bow< @u!t enough to "(know edge the /pider "! "n e>u" < but not enough to !ugge!t %")i i"rity= G/i!ter<? !he !"y! in Eno(hi"n< %ir!t "ngu"ge o% god! "nd "nge !< Gwe "re r"re y )et< yet new! o% you i! e*er on the wind=? GI h"*e "d)ired you %ro) "%"r<? the /pider?! rep y i! wr"pped in the poeti( "ngu"ge o% di*inity= G.oon! "go I "ttended )"!! in your g"rden te)p e!= It w"! " be"uti%u (ere)ony< high y poign"ntB it! )e)ory h"unt! )e !ti =? ,ye@i in%or)! the /pider o% propo!ed g"rden pro@e(t! in her ho)e (ity o% Aby!!ini"= /he goe! into gre"t det"i "bout the ")ount o% p "nning thi! re>uire!- the type o% "bour !he wi e)p oy< the %in"n(e!< the %unding< the engineering di%%i(u tie!< but< bene"th thi! !ee)ing y point e!! (on*er!"tion< the /pider he"r! her thought!< the !ubteCt "nd the hidden w"rning!= *ou are in danger, sister, ,ye@i te ep"thi(" y pro@e(t!= G.o not trust 6!hrodite, do not turn your &a#k tonight. $hey t" k o% other thing!< )inor go!!ip< "nd then< "%ter " po ite ti)e< they p"rt (o)p"ny= $he /pider be"r! ,ye@i?! w"rning in )ind though !he dee)! it unne(e!!"ry= /he h"! no intention o% etting her gu"rd down thi! night or "ny other= D 'or the )o!t p"rt the /pider ignore! the )ort" "nd i))ort" gue!t! "nd (h"t! in!te"d to the !e*er" de)igod! pre!ent= $hey "re preening< *"in< greedy "nd de i(iou! y witty "nd the /pider re*e ! in their (o)p"ny= $hey "re >uite open "bout their per*er!ion!< e"ger to i)p"rt to her their )o!t b"!e deed!= Like !(hoo (hi dren they br"g "bout petty *i "inie!< boi!terou! eCp oit!< in%")ou! "d*enture!< "nd the /pider i!ten! be("u!e they de ight her with their >ui(k turn;o%;phr"!e< their "gi e )ind! "nd their un"!h")ed i(entiou!ne!!= Nubi e te)p e ! "*e! w"nder< h" % n"ked< ")ong!t the gue!t!< o%%ering their % e!h " ong!ide tr"y! o% !weet p"!trie! "nd intoCi("nt!= $hey pro*ide Aphrodite?! gue!t! with e*ery !eCu"
!er*i(e< either in open *iew o% the g"rden p"rty or in !h"dowy " (o*e!< behind the )ode!ty o% !(reening bu!he!= $he /pider grow! bored= /he h"! been here two hour! "nd i! !ti to )eet L"dy Aphrodite< her ho!t= /he i! (onte)p "ting "n e"r y dep"rture when " ! "*e ner*ou! y "ppro"(he! her= G$he godde!! wi )eet with you<? !he !"y! !o%t y= G0i you "((o)p"ny )eE? $he /pider i))edi"te y brid e! "t the !ugge!tion o% " !u))on!< but thi! i! Aphrodite?! te)p e "%ter " < !he h"! e*ery right to "(t i)periou! y= 0ith " re!igned !hrug< the /pider %o ow! the ! "*e= D 'or !o)e ineCp i("b e re"!on L"dy Aphrodite h"! h"d the /pider?! youth%u guide de("pit"ted= Hi! he"d re!t! on " !tone " t"r< hi! per%e(t %e"ture! !et in ine! o% pre)"ture de"th< " bun(h o% gr"pe! !tu%%ed into hi! ruby ipped )outh= G0hy did you do th"tE? the /pider "!k! "! !he !t"re! "t the he"d on the " t"r= G#e("u!e you o%%end )e< !i!ter=? Aphrodite "ddre!!e! the /pider %ro) the wood "nd !h"dow! beyond the " t"r= GI wou d h"*e thought pro!e yti!ing bene"th you=? $here i! " note o% "((u!"tion in her *oi(e= GI o%%ered hi) " (h"nge o% %"ith!<? the /pider rep ie! ("!u" y= GHe turned )e down= 0hy ki hi)E? G#e("u!e you opened hi! )ind up to (hoi(e<? Aphrodite !"y!< G"nd th"t r"ther brui!e! the %ruit< wou dn?t you "greeE? /he !tep! out o% the !h"dow! "nd they !t"nd %"(ing e"(h other< !i!ter godde!!e!< yet the n"ture o% their indi*idu" di*inity i! "! di%%erent "! night %ro) d"y= Aphrodite !ee)! )ore " (re"ture o% ight< De!de)on" )ore " (re"ture o% d"rkne!!= $he /pider id y wonder! how two !u(h (ontr"di(tory !ou ! (ou d e*er h"*e been o*er!< " )i enni" "go< perh"p! two= It !ee)! ike "n eternity h"! p"!!ed "nd the per!on the /pider w"! then i! not the per!on !he i! now= Aphrodite i! be"uti%u = Eternity< it !ee)!< h"! h"d no *i!ib e e%%e(t on her= It i! "n i)peri" be"uty< bo d y e)ph"!i!ing her di*ine b ood ine= Her eye! "re (o)pe ing< entr"n(ing & the eye! o% " )"!ter !edu(tre!!= Her! i! not " poet?! be"utyB there i! no inno(en(e here= Nor i! it tru y the be"uty o% " )ort" B it i! too !e %;po!!e!!ed< too (on%ident o% it! "uthority= It i! !ini!ter in it! per%e(tion< "! though !pe(i%i(" y de!igned to en!n"re the hu)"n he"rt= /he we"r! " % i)!y (o!tu)e o% ho ogr"phi( butter% ie! th"t !pre"d their wing! to re*e" eye; p"ttern! th"t !ee) to w"t(h the /pider %ro) e*ery point on Aphrodite?! body= GAre you !ti " rebe godE? Aphrodite "!k! "! !he re"(he! out "nd !o%t y< " )o!t "b!ent y< !troke! the h"ir o% the de"d guide= GI ") my own god<? De!de)on" !"y! with de iber"te e)ph"!i!= GAre you perh"p! !ugge!ting th"t I ") not )y own godE? Aphrodite !)i e!= G0e i*e the i*e! we (hoo!e<? the /pider g "n(e! )e"ning%u y "t the !e*ered he"d o% the guide< Gor not< "! the ("!e )ight be=? GHe w"! " *irgin<? Aphrodite !igh!< Gunb e)i!hed by ("rn" ity< b ")e e!!= Hi! i%e w"! " !i)p e dre") "nd now th"t dre") i! o*er= How e%%ort e!! it i!< to !nu%% out the dre")! o% )ort" !=? G3ou !ee) de!pondent< !i!ter<? the /pider !"y!= GDo IE? Aphrodite "ugh! !o%t y< GI !uppo!e I )u!t= P e"!e< Gene*ie*e< %o ow )e<? !he !tep! "w"y %ro) the " t"r< GI wi!h to !how you !o)ething=? D /he e"d! De!de)on" " ong " p"th i u)in"ted by % o"ting "ntern!= $he p"th (ut! deeper into the wood! "nd the !ound o% Aphrodite?! b" gr"du" y %"de! behind the)= ECoti( o%%;
wor d % or" (o oniAe the wood "nd !h"dow!< e!pe(i" y (ho!en %or their photo"(ti*e propertie!B u)inou! e)peror or(hid! "nd % uore!(ent gy" i ie!< pygno i"! ike i u)in"ted borde o!< )edit"tion *io et! with !o%t y pu !ing he"rt!= A! they w" k< Aphrodite turn! b"(k "nd gi*e! De!de)on" " gent y "ppr"i!ing ook= G.y de"r<? !he !igh!< Git h"! been too ong= 3ou ook !in%u in th"t out%it= It?! )"de %ro) ."y" !i i("te< i! it notE? $he /pider nod!< p e"!ed with Aphrodite?! keen ob!er*"tion< G,ne o% Cro)by "nd Ni(e?! itt e nu)ber!<? !he !"y!= G$ho!e two "re "b!o ute geniu!e!<? Aphrodite "(know edge!= G$hey?re the *ery b"(kbone o% di*ine (outure=? G3ou ook r"*i!hing your!e %< )y de"r<? De!de)on" (o)p i)ent! her< Ge*ery in(h the godde!!=? GH"*e you )i!!ed )eE? $he /pider !"y! nothing= A rep y wou d be point e!!= /he wi %ind her!e % either ying or (on%e!!ing "nd neither re!pon!e wi "d*"n(e her "gend"= $he p"th e"d! the) to the *erge o% " we ;)"ni(ured "wn (o)po!ed o% " tern"ting !tripe! o% ighter "nd d"rker gr"!!= In the )idd e o% the "wn three )en !>u"t on their h"un(he!< !hou der! hun(hed< he"d! bowed< re!igned to !o)e yet n")e e!! %"te= G0ho "re the!e )enE? $he /pider i! intrigued= G.y (hie% o% !e(urity "d*i!e! )e they "re in!urgent!<? Aphrodite re!pond!< Gbut I think he eC"gger"te! the thre"t they po!e= $hey "re (ert"in y "n"r(hi!t!= $hey were ("ught p"inting gr"%%iti on the w" ! o% one o% )y te)p e! "nd !o I h"d the) brought here=? GDe%"(ing di*ine property<? De!de)on" !hrug!< Gwh"te*er i! the wor d (o)ing toE 0h"t wi you do with the)< G"y"E? Aphrodite turn! to her !i!ter godde!!< G0h"t wi you h"*e )e do with the)< Gene*ie*eE? GECe(ute the) o% (our!e<? De!de)on" !"y! without he!it"tion= G$heir (ri)e )"y "ppe"r tri% ing< but " ( e"r eC")p e )u!t " w"y! be !et=? Aphrodite !igh!= G$hey "re but )i!guided youth!< "nd the )idd e one i! " re"dy ripe %or !edu(tion= #ut I %e"r you "re right< /i!ter= An eC")p e )u!t be !et=? /he ti t! her he"d to one !ide< Gun e!! you wi!h to h"*e the)= I (ou d h"*e the) tr"n!ported to th"t dre"d%u ("!t e o% your!=? G3ou (ou d< but why botherE .ort" ! "re ten " penny= De!p"t(h the) "nd et u! return to the b" =? G9ery we <? Aphrodite !n"p! her %inger!< the !ound e(hoing out "(ro!! the "wn= At on(e two !h"dow! det"(h the)!e *e! %ro) the tree ine "nd (ro!! the "wn tow"rd! the !>u"tting youth!= G$o)b F""g!<? De!de)on" re(ogni!e! the) "t on(e= /he turn! to Aphrodite< G3ou re" i!e the po!!e!!ion o% the!e (re"ture! i! high y i eg" E? G#ut they?re !o eC>ui!ite y ug y<? Aphrodite !igh!= GFu!t ook "t the)= $hey "(tu" y get ere(tion! when they?re "bout to )"ke " ki = '"!(in"ting (re"ture!=? $hey "re indeed %"!(in"ting= $hey ope !i ent y "(ro!! the "wn tow"rd! the three youth!< hu)"noid< t" < thin "nd h"ir e!!< with (orp!e white % e!h "nd !)" < )i!!h"pen he"d!= In proportion to the!e he"d! their @"w! "re !i)p y enor)ou!< %i ed with d"gger ength teeth< their eye! b "(k "! pit(h= $o)b F""g! "re !("*enger!< gr"*e robber!< uni*er!" y "bhorred= $hey eCi!t in the b e"k !ubterr"ne"n di!tri(t o% Gehenn" "nd "re *ery r"re y !een "bo*e ground< be onging "! they do to the geneti( !ub;!pe(ie! known "! I)p!= ,ne o% the !>u"tting youth! !pot! the "ppro"(hing F""g! "nd i))edi"te y (rie! out " w"rning to hi! (o)p"nion!= At on(e " three e"p to their %eet "nd "tte)pt to % ee< but the /pider know! it i! u!e e!!B F""g! ("n re"(h " !peed o% %orty kph o*er % "t terr"in= $he youth! h"*e no (h"n(e= $he F""g! how in g ee "nd !et o%% in pur!uit o% the % eeing boy!= $heir ong<
bony eg! e"t up the di!t"n(e< ("rrying the) " ong "t " tre)endou! p"(e= It i! "! though the youth! "re running in ! ow )otion= ,ne o% the boy! !tu)b e! "nd %" ! "nd be%ore he ("n ri!e< " F""g i! on hi)= $he boy !trugg e! de!per"te y< but " !"*"ge bite to the b"!e o% hi! ne(k< " *i(iou! twi!t< "nd he !hudder! *io ent y "nd i! !ti = $he !e(ond youth %"re! no better= $he third turn! "nd "tte)pt! to )"ke " %in" !t"nd= $he F""g! (ir( e hi)< "ughing< )o(king "nd )"!turb"ting "! they unge "t hi)< !n"pping their @"w!< be%ore >ui(k y retre"ting= $he youth know! he i! %ini!hed< but there i! de%i"n(e in hi! eye!= He wou d r"ther %ight th"n die with hi! b"(k tuned= GEnough1? De!de)on" (o))"nd!= Her *oi(e i! gun!hot oud< in!t"nt y %reeAing the t"b e"u on the "wn= Aphrodite turn! to her= G/i!terHE? !he begin!< but De!de)on" i! " re"dy !triding "(ro!! the "wn tow"rd! the !ur*i*ing youth "nd hi! )i!!h"pen "nt"goni!t!= $he F""g! how "t her "! !he "ppro"(he!< %uriou! "t the interruption< but they gi*e ground< their eye! regi!tering un(ert"inty= $hey "(k the !to)"(h %or " (on%ront"tion with di*inity= #y the ti)e De!de)on" re"(he! the boy< the F""g! h"*e !(utt ed o%%< oping b"(k to the (orp!e! o% hi! ! "in (o)p"nion! "nd dr"gging the) o%% into the !h"dow!= G0h"t?! your n")eE? De!de)on" "!k! the youth= He i! wi d;eyed< no )ore th"n eighteen< hi! (he!t he"*ing with eCertion< *oi(e !h"king "! he rep ie!< G/")ue < godde!!=? G$e )e< /")ue < wh"t (h"n(e did you !t"nd "g"in!t $o)b F""g!E? He !h"ke! hi! he"d de%i"nt y< GCou d h"*e in% i(ted !o)e d")"ge be%ore they got )e=? He !ound! (on%ident enough< but De!de)on" doubt! the *" idity o% thi! ( "i)= G3ou "re %ree<? !he te ! hi)< Gbut you?d do we to re)e)ber the %"te o% your (o)p"nion! the neCt ti)e you h"*e the urge to de%"(e di*ine property=? He ook! "t her "! though he !u!pe(t! " tri(k< then ! ow y retre"t!< !tep by he!it"nt !tep< "nd when he i! %"r enough "w"y< he turn! "nd run!= G#ene"th th"t !tern eCterior<? Aphrodite !"y! when De!de)on" return! to her !ide< Gyou h"*e " !urpri!ing tenderne!!< /i!ter=? GCour"ge !hou d " w"y! be rew"rded<? De!de)on" rep ie! (urt y= D Aphrodite e"d! the /pider to " !tone !undi" p"rti" y hidden bene"th " ring o% !"(r")ent tree!= It protrude! up out o% the e"rth "t " drunken "ng e< h" % !tr"ng ed by *ine= G$here?! been t" k o% you in the City o% God!=? Aphrodite (onte)p "te! the d"i! "! !he !pe"k!< G$hey (" you the rebe god= I !hou d think th"t wou d ")u!e you=? GI keep )y!e % to )y!e %<? the /pider rep ie!= G/in(e when h"! th"t been " (ri)eE? Aphrodite in( ine! her he"d= G3ou open y prey on )ort" !? !he !"y! !o%t y= G3ou )o*e without the !"n(tion o% " di*ine hou!e= +e" y De!de)on"< you p "y %"r too d"ngerou! " g")e=? In the di!t"n(e the /pider ("n he"r the %"int !ound! o% Aphrodite?! p"rtyB the )ur)ur o% *oi(e! beyond the !(reening tree!< the tink e o% wine g "!!e!< " !udden pred"tory "ugh th"t !woop! "nd %"de! "g"in!t the b"(kground hu)< " wo)"n?! pier(ing gigg eB h" % % irt"tiou!< h" % inebri"ted= G0h"t w"! the re" re"!on you in*ited )e here tonightE? !he "!k! "t ength= Aphrodite !weep! de"d e"*e! %ro) the %"(e o% the !undi" B it! bronAe pointer i! bent "nd broken= G3ou h"*e been n")ed in " prophe(y<? !he !"y! "! !he "b!ent y trie! to !et the pointer !tr"ight= GA prophe(y th"t the god! wi %" < "nd th"t you< de"r !i!ter< wi be in!tru)ent" in th"t %" =? $he /pider !hrug!= GP"ndor"?! prophe!y<? !he !"y!= GIt?! ob*iou! th"t itt e bit(h h"! her own "gend"= I% !he didn?t h"*e di*ine prote(tion< I?d h"*e thrott ed her ong "go=?
G$he end ti)e! "re upon u!<? Aphrodite rep ie!= G$he E ohi) !en!e itB the w"r with D")"!(u! w"! @u!t the beginning= $he )ort" ! wi ri!e "g"in= /oon the w"r to end " w"r! wi begin "nd in ti)e! !u(h "! the!e e*en prophe!ie! ("rry gre"t weight=? GI h"*e no intere!t in P"ndor"?! h" %;)"d r"*ing!<? the /pider !n"p!= GNo intere!t wh"t!oe*er=? G/e*er" di*ine hou!e! do be ie*e in P"ndor"?! h" %;)"d r"*ing!<? Aphrodite rep ie!= G$hey be ie*e it?! in their be!t intere!t to h"*e you e i)in"ted=? G,*er " )ere prophe!yE? the /pider i! in(redu ou!= G.urder h"! been ("rried out %or %"r e!!er ("u!e<? Aphrodite point! out= /he h"! %ound " de"d !p"rrow ying on the ground be!ide the d"i!< it! re)"in! )u))i%ied "nd powdery= Gent y (upping the tiny ("r("!! in her h"nd! !he pre!!e! it to her bre"!t= GI !ee you in*ited P"ndor" here tonight<? the /pider !"y!= GDid you wi!h )e to (on%ront herE 0ere you hoping %or " itt e dr")" perh"p!E? G/he in*ited her!e %<? Aphrodite rep ie!= GP"ndor" goe! where !he p e"!e! "! you we know=? /he r"i!e! the de"d bird to her ip! "nd b ow! upon it= A !o%t bre"th th"t i! " )o!t " !igh "nd " )o)ent "ter< ")id!t " % urry o% %e"ther!< the bird !tir! "nd begin! (hirping u!ti y in the godde!!? (upped h"nd= /he whi!per! to it< "! though p"!!ing the !p"rrow " )e!!"ge< "nd then re e"!e! it into the night= $he bird % itter! "w"y into !h"dow!= GI! the Hou!e o% D"gd" ")ong!t tho!e who wi!h to !ee )e e i)in"tedE? the /pider "!k!< her *oi(e h"r!her th"n !he intend!= Aphrodite !h"ke! her he"d= GI% it were<? !he !"y!< Gyou?d be de"d " re"dy=? G$hen wh"t hou!e thre"ten! )eE? Aphrodite !hrug!= GI h"*e !"id " I ("n= I o*e you< !i!ter< "! I " w"y! h"*e= I wi!h you we "nd wou d !ee no h"r) be%" you= Heed )y word!= $he!e "re d"ngerou! ti)e!=? /he !)i e! to bre"k the !o e)nity o% her word!= $he /pider doe! not return the !)i eB GI h"*e enough prob e)! without "dding prophe!ie! to the i!t<? !he !"y!= GP"ndor" i! " *e!!e <? Aphrodite !"y!< G"n e)pty *e!!e = /he !"y! wh"t !he i! (o)pe ed to=? G$hen you be ie*e there i! !o)e truth to her prophe(yE? Aphrodite !hrug!= 'or the %ir!t ti)e her (o)po!ure ! ip!= It i! " )inute ! ip< but in th"t % eeting in!t"nt the /pider !ee! there "re troub ed w"ter! bene"th her g "(i" eCterior= GNot e*en the god! "re %ore*er<? !he whi!per!= GDo you %e"r de"thE? the /pider i! pro)pted to "!k her= Aphrodite !hudder! "nd hug! her !hou der!= G/t"y with )e tonight< !i!ter<? her eye! "re %i ed with the urgen(y o% her re>ue!tB GI know it?! " ot to "!k< but !t"y with )e & i% on y %or thi! one night=? 'LIGH$ ,' $HE /E+APH It i! noon the neCt d"y when the /pider e"*e! Aphrodite?! te)p e !hip= Aphrodite o%%er! her the u!e o% her per!on" !hutt e< but De!de)on" re>uire! on y the Kep er ( e"r"n(e (ode< " owing her to p"!! e"!i y through the te)p e?! K;!hie d= ,n the other !ide< !he e"p! ( e"r o% the te)p e?! port b" (ony< "r)! !pre"d to e)br"(e the In%ernu)= A! !he e"p!< De!de)on" "un(he! " web !tr"nd th"t !n"ke! "w"y %ro) her "nd "n(hor! the hu o% " ! ow )o*ing b"rge !hip= Gr"bbing the ine with her %our upper i)b!< !he endure! deep body !ho(k "! !he?! !n"pped in the dire(tion o% the b"rge= U!ing " !erie! o% tr"n!port !hip! "nd ("rgo h"u er!< the /pider piggyb"(k! her w"y "(ro!! the In%ernu) unti !he %ind! "n "uto)"ted tr"n!it !hip de!tined %or her ho)e di!tri(t= /he " ight! on the !hip "nd >ui(k y !pin! " web h"))o(k between *erti(" %in!< re!ting in the eye o% her te)por"ry ne!t "! the !hip ("rrie! her ho)e=
D P"rting (o)p"ny with the tr"n!it !hip @u!t be%ore they "nd "t N"r(i!!u!? pri)"ry !o%t;port< De!de)on" web! her w"y b"(k "(ro!! the di!tri(t?! %")i i"r !ky ine with the (on%iden(e o% " hunter returned to her own b"(ky"rd= /he doe! not i))edi"te y return to C"!t e Arine"e< in!te"d he"ding tow"rd! " /i g"te tower in the neighbouring (ro)e o% D"nube= It i! !o)ething o% " ritu" with her< the tower be(o)e! " (o u)n o% %ire when the noon !un hit! it @u!t rightB there i! !o)ething *ery ne"r y re igiou! "bout the eCperien(e o% !t"nding "nd b"thing in th"t %iery g ow= $he tower i! (o))on y known "! the .ontgo)ery Grey bui ding< or the .G %or !hortB " be"uti%u ! i(e o% !i i(on engineering th"t re!e)b e! the )"!t !"i o% "n o d;e"rth wind g" eon< " beit reprodu(ed on " bre"th;t"king !(" e= $he /pider *i!it! the tower e"(h !pring )orning @u!t "%ter d"wn< re!ting on the highe!t o% it! )"ny !o "r p"ne ed roo%!= $he !e(ond t" e!t bui ding in Di!tri(t N"r(i!!u!< the .G h"! "n uninterrupted *iew o% the entire di!tri(t= 'ro) her roo%top per(h the /pider ("n e"!i y )"p the re)"inder o% her @ourney ho)e< but the tower " !o "%%ord! her " p "(e to re "C in te)por"ry !o itude= $od"y Aphrodite h"! de "yed her "nd !he "rri*e! "t the tower " )o!t too "te to ("t(h the noon di!p "y= At the de("ying end o% her web "r(< De!de)on" @et! " !e(ond ine "he"d o% her th"t hook! the @utting "ng e! o% the .G bui ding "nd "t on(e her *e o(ity drop! to Aero= /he h"ng! !u!pended %or " )o)ent between the o d ine "nd the new= A high wind bu%%et! her "! !he work! >ui(k y to !p i(e the two ine! together= ,n(e thi! i! "((o)p i!hed !he u!e! the %u!ed ine to tightrope the re!t o% the w"y "(ro!! to the roo% o% the .G= Here !he re!t!< " w"*e o% in%or)"tion % ooding her %ro) p"!t "nd %uture "! !he !(ry! the )o!t energy e%%i(ient p"th ho)e= It i! in thi! )o)ent !he h"! wh"t !he wi "ter de!(ribe to D@ob" "! " G*i*id h" u(in"tion<? but "ter< )u(h "ter< !he wi (o)e to (" it "n epiph"ny= It begin! with " %ee ing !he i! no onger " one= /he ( o!e! her !(rying eye!< poo ing her "ttention b"(k into the pre!ent "nd it i! then !he be(o)e! "w"re o% !tr"nge ob@e(t! % o"ting " "round her= /he !t"re! "t the!e ob@e(t!< not >uite (ert"in wh"t !he i! witne!!ing= $he "ir "round her i! %i ed with tiny (re"ture! th"t "ppe"r h" % hu)"n< h" % !i)i"n= $hey !t"re "t De!de)on" with huge unb inking eye!< % o"ting in !erene de%i"n(e o% gr"*ity= $here "re thou!"nd! o% the)< hundred! o% thou!"nd!< )i ion! e*en< eCtending in e*ery dire(tion ike )"rker! "t the inter!e(ting point! o% " *"!t< three di)en!ion" grid= 'or the %ir!t ti)e in " )i enniu) De!de)on" doubt! her !"nity= /he h"! ne*er be%ore !een the ike< !o !)" !he (ou d e"!i y ho d %our o% the!e (re"ture! in the p" ) o% one h"nd= $hey )"ke her %ee une"!y< the w"y they !t"re "t her with tho!e huge di!(; ike eye! th"t !ee) to !ee " "nd know " = /he open! her !(rying eye!< but ("n neither !ee the!e (re"ture! in the p"!t ten!e nor the %uture= $hey !ee) to eCi!t on y here ; in the pre!ent= Are they h" u(in"tion!E Ho ogr")!E E*en ho ogr")! ("!t re% e(tion! into p"!t "nd %uture= $hey %ee o)inou!= Like " pre!enti)ent o% doo)= In!tin(ti*e y !he %ee ! they "re " w"rning= /he re"(he! out to tou(h one o% the) "nd the in!t"nt !he doe! they all pop out o% eCi!ten(e= :ust like that. ,ne )o)ent there "re " i)it e!! nu)ber o% the (re"ture!< "rr"nged ike the point! on "n in%inite grid;!>u"re< the neCt )o)ent they h"*e *"ni!hed< e"*ing De!de)on" un(ert"in they h"d e*er tru y eCi!ted= D Perturbed by thi! *i!ion !he %ire! web gr"pp e! "he"d o% her "nd !wing! gr"(e%u y "w"y %ro) the roo% o% the bui ding= A! !he doe! !o the ( oud! ! ip %ro) the %"(e o% the di!tri(t?! noond"y !un "nd the .G tower be(o)e! " )o)ent"ry be"(on o% %ire< !un ight re% e(ting
power%u y o%% it! !i i(on e!("rp)ent!= In the !")e in!t"nt " terrib e !hriek pier(e! the "ir< re*erber"ting o%% the bui ding! "round De!de)on"< unner*ing her< "! it i! no doubt intended to= /he open! her !(rying eye!= $he neCt thirty !e(ond! un%o d be%ore her in " p"nor")i( % "!h= $hrough her !(rying eye! !he !ee! her!e % broken "nd b oody< two i)b! !e*ered< (he!t ("*ity (ru!hed= /he !ee! her!e % dying< i%ted in the "r)! o% " w"r "nge < it! hundred %oot wing!p"n e"!i y ("rrying her into the !kie! o*er N"r(i!!u!= It i! "n ")bu!h= In!t"nt y De!de)on" ( o!e! her !(rying eye! "nd !e*er! her web ine= /he drop! ike " !tone< !(run(hing her body into " %oet" b" to pre!ent "! !)" " t"rget "! po!!ib e= A huge !h"pe ! "!he! p"!t her< !o ( o!e !he %ee ! the bu%%eting %or(e o% it! ! ip!tre")= De!de)on" twi!t! *io ent y< trying to " ter the predi(t"bi ity o% her p unge= /he !en!e! !h"dow! (ir( ing b"(k tow"rd! her= A !e(ond !(re") rent! the "irB )ore !hri < )ore pier(ing th"n the %ir!t= /he drop! "t )ore th"n " hundred %eet per !e(ond< !pinning web ine! in de!per"tion= /he %ee ! one !n"g= $he !"ti!%ying !hudder "! it %ind! "n "n(hor point= /udden y De!de)on" i! twi!ting up out o% the "by!!= /he begin! to "r( e%t< dr"gged in the dire(tion o% her web ine< re e"!e! it< !n"g! " !e(ond ine "nd " )o!t "t on(e !he i! !n"pped in the oppo!ite dire(tion= $hi! )"noeu*re undoubted y !"*e! her i%e= Her un!een "tt"(ker trie! to "nti(ip"te the /pider?! )o)entu)< but her "brupt (h"nge in dire(tion throw! hi!Oher (" (u "tion! o%% by )i i!e(ond!= Her "nt"goni!t hurt e! p"!t the /pider< it! ! ip!tre") throwing her into "n un(ontro "b e !pin= /he twi!t! de!per"te y to "*oid getting ent"ng ed in her own ine!= At the de("ying end o% her web;"r( !he i! he"ding tow"rd! " !o id tower w" "t @u!t under !e*enty k ik! "n hour= /he !e*er! her web "t the "!t po!!ib e )o)ent to "*oid being !)"!hed to pie(e! "g"in!t unyie ding peCi;g "!!= U!ing " (ontro ine to !t"bi iAe her de(ent De!de)on" % o"t! down onto the prote(ti*e do)e o% " tower b" (ony= /he i! !"%e= 'or the )o)ent= D 'era!h. 0"r "nge != $wo o% the)B )" e "nd %e)" e= /he !ee! the) (ir( ing the "by!! between !pind e "nd )eg" tower!< )"@e!ti( "nd de"d y "! bird!;o%;prey= $hey "re %ru!tr"ted< no doubt< by the /pider?! e!("pe= 0ith their (o o!!" wing!p"n they ("nnot )"noeu*re thi! ( o!e to the bui ding!< but the /pider ("nnot re)"in on her per(h inde%inite y= 'or the )o)ent it i! " !t"ndo%%= /he i! in deep peri "nd De!de)on" know! it= /er"ph "re ")ong!t the highe!t order o% "nge "nd two o% the) oper"ting in p"rtner!hip "re )ore th"n the /pider?! )"t(h= /he open! her !(rying eye! "g"in= /he %o(u!e! on the %uture ten!e= $he new! i! gri)B e*ery " tern"te %uture !he !tudie! end! b"d y %or her= $he /er"ph e)it pier(ing !hriek!< trying to p!y(he the /pider out= Her % e!h (r"w ! with the !epti( horror o% th"t !ound< pit(hed "t @u!t the right %re>uen(y to indu(e p"r"noi"= /he %ight! the power%u i)pu !e to % ee= /he i! he p e!!< (ornered ike prey< but i% !he )u!t die it wi be in (o)b"t< not running with her b"(k tow"rd the ene)y= $hey "re be"uti%u to ook upon ; the!e /er"ph= $heir wing! "nd body "r)our "re i>uid (hro)e< re% e(ting !ky "nd (ity< )erging the two into " r"inbow (o" ition o% (o our!= #ut their true (o our i! the grey o% o*er("!t !kie!= $heir bodie! "re ithe "nd per%e(t y %or)ed< their %"(e! (on(e" ed by ! eek he )et! th"t ook wind !(u ptured= $hey "re b ind= $hi! )u(h i! (o))on know edge= $hey oper"te through e(ho; o("tion< boun(ing high pit(hed !ign" ! o%% ob@e(t! whi !t in % ight "nd dr"wing up " )ent" )"p o% the terr"in %ro) the returning e(ho= De!de)on" know! )u(h "bout their %ighting te(hni>ue!= /he h"! %ought " ong!ide the /er"ph in the di!t"nt p"!t= 3et e"(h ti)e !he !ee! the) !he i! !edu(ed "%re!h by their !heer e eg"n(e in the "ir= No other ( "!! o% "nge ("n )"t(h the!e (re"ture! in "gi ity or prowe!!= In Eno(hi"n they "re known "! e e !hi)oor- the &eautiful ones. /he h"! ti)e to !tudy her
"d*er!"rie!< to "ppre(i"te hunter! e*ery bit her e>u" < "nd de!pite her enor)ou! peri De!de)on" %ind! her!e % "d)iring the) ; %" ing in o*e with their (rue !y))etry< their !o id"rity o% purpo!e= $hey "re per%e(t eCe(utioner!B their wing! "re r"Aor keen< e"(h one " %i%ty %oot gui otine< their "r)oured i)b! %e!tooned with !tee thorn!< h"nd! "nd %eet ending in *i(iou! hook ( "w!= $hey "re here to ki her "nd De!de)on" know! they wi not e"*e unti the @ob i! done= D /he i! not >uite wi ing to !urrender to her %"te= $he /pider ("nnot )"t(h the!e (re"ture! in the "ir< but !he ("n !hi%t the odd! ! ight y in her %"*our= /he @et! *irgin web out "(ro!! the "by!!= $he web ine ! i(e! through the "ir< too %"!t %or the hu)"n eye to dete(t= It hook! "n orn"te %e"ture on " neighbouring bui ding "nd !n"p! t"ut= $he /pider !e*er! the ine "nd "n(hor! it! %ree end to the w" behind herB then !he repe"t! the eCer(i!e< @etting " !e(ond !tr"nd "(ro!! to @oin the %ir!t< "n(horing it! %ree end< "nd !o on< unti !he h"! !trung " doAen ine! between her per(h "nd the neighbouring tower= /he begin! to !tru) the web ine! with her %" !e eg!< eC(iting e"(h one to " p"rti(u "r re!on"n(e= /he i!ten!< e"r! keen "! t"(hyon !en!or!< " tering the pit(h< tightening the rhyth)< unti !he h"! reprodu(ed her own %re>uen(y on " two doAen web ine!= $o the /er"ph it i! "! though the /pider h"! %r"(tured into two doAen di%%erent< yet identi(" < entitie!< e"(h with identi(" )"!! "nd den!ity< e"(h )o*ing " ong it! own !ep"r"te web ine= $he /er"ph oper"te on %re>uen(y " one whi(h e"*e! the) uni>ue y !u!(eptib e to the ph"nto) *ibr"tion! De!de)on" i! produ(ing= It i! good to know one?! ene)ie!= /he !(utt e! out " ong the ! ender web; ine!< )o*ing %ro) ine to ine< !tru))ing the) with her hind; eg!< )"king it i)po!!ib e %or the /er"ph to o(k onto "ny one !ign" = $he "nge ! dr"w " ring "round the *ibr"ting web ine!< % "!hing b"(k "nd %orth "! they try to !ort out the )u tip e re"ding! they "re re(ei*ing= $hey (ou d "! e"!i y ! i(e through the ine!< but they "re u tr";"dhe!i*e "nd the /er"ph %e"r be(o)ing en!n"red in the)= $he /pider ("re%u y )"int"in! her de(eption "! !he d"n(e! " ong the web ine!= /he he"r! the /er"ph (o))uni("ting with e"(h other "! they (ir( e< their *oi(e! pit(hed too high %or )ort" he"ring= $he /er"ph "re " breeding p"ir< bonded %or i%e= $hey oper"te "! " !ing e hunting unit< "b e to "nti(ip"te e"(h other?! need!< eC(h"nging in%or)"tion %"!ter th"n the !peed o% thought= $hey !t"rt % "pping their huge !i i(on wing!< (re"ting " bu%%eting wind th"t whip! the de i("te ("t?! (r"d e o% ine! into " %renAy o% )otion= It i! i)po!!ib e to )"int"in her (h"r"de now "nd it i! " De!de)on" ("n do to h"ng on "! !he i! to!!ed *io ent y by the %or(e o% the /er"ph!? he"d wind= $he !h"rp "ro)" o% gods gra#e en*e ope! her< ("t(hing "t the b"(k o% her thro"t< !e"ring her ung!= $hrough her !(rying eye! !he e*" u"te! the /er"ph?! e*ery po!!ib e )o*e in the neCt thirty !e(ond!< "nd !he i! re"dy when they %in" y dete(t her= #y thi! ti)e the /pider?! gho!t !ign" ! h"*e (o)p ete y e*"por"ted= /he i! eCpo!ed "nd ne"r de%en(e e!! "! the (hro)e "r(h"nge ! !woop down on her with b ood (urd ing (rie! o% triu)ph & but !he i! not ne"r y "! de%en(e e!! "! !he h"! ed the) to be ie*e= /he h"! one "d*"nt"ge th"t pro*e! (riti(" in the neCt %ew !e(ond!= /he ("n !ee the %uture= $he /er"ph ("nnot= /he !e(ure! " web;("!t to the ine !he i! ( inging to< "nd "! the /er"ph drop down on her ike (hro)e "*" "n(he! !he et! go her grip "nd "b!ei ! into the )outh o% gr"*ity= $he "r(h"nge ! "re "%ter her in "n in!t"nt= A! %"!t "! !he %" ! they ("n %" %"!ter "nd De!de)on" e"n! into her de!(ent< wr"pping her i)b! "round her tor!o !o th"t there i! no dr"g to ! ow
her= /he p unge! down through "yer! o% !i en(e< !urrendering to gr"*ity< e*ery !en!e tuned to the !ound o% the /er"ph?! )urderou! pur!uit= E*erything i! down to !p it;!e(ond (" (u "tion!= I% !he i! o%% by " )i(ro %r"(tion !he wi die= Her "n(ient he"rt !we ! with the eC(ite)ent o% the (h" enge= /he h"! !een the %uture< now !he )u!t put the know edge to u!e= $he )" e i! ! ight y "he"d o% hi! (o)p"nion< hi! b "ded wing! )"king " pe(u i"r keening !ound "! they ! i(e through the "ir= He i! " )o!t upon the /pider= He *io "te! " her !en!e!< " hound running " r"bbit to ground< but thi! r"bbit h"! "n "(e up it! ! ee*e= /he ( o!e! her b"!e "perture "t the "!t po!!ib e )o)ent "nd the web; ine un!poo ing %ro) her !pine i! !n"pped tight= $he /pider?! de!(ent i! ter)in"ted in "n in!t"nt= $he )" e /er"ph hurt e! p"!t her "nd "! he doe! !o< De!de)on" in!t"nt y !e*er! her web ine "nd drop! down onto hi! bro"d b"(k< eight i)b! wr"pping the)!e *e! "round hi! de i(iou! tor!o "nd dr"wing tight= /he %ee ! hi! r"ge< hi! %ru!tr"tion= He trie! to ! "!h b"(kw"rd! with hi! r"Aor keen wing!< but they "re hope e!! y unwie dy in >u"rter! thi! inti)"te= /he )o*e! %"!t= De!de)on" h"! !e(ond! be%ore the %e)" e wren(he! her %ro) the b"(k o% her )"te= /he re e"!e! " thi(k< *i!(ou! web ine< (on(entr"ting " her wi into )"king it "! "dhe!i*e "! po!!ib e< her hind eg! p "ying it out r"pid y< (o(ooning the /er"ph?! wing @oint!= He h"! !o)e ink ing o% wh"t !he i! "tte)pting "nd goe! into " %"!t< (ontro ed !pin< hi! wing! !hortening< )u!( e! bun(hing "! he twi!t! %"!ter "nd %"!ter= $he /pider ( ing! to hi)< tight "! hi! own !kin= $he wor d i! " k" eido!(ope b ur "round her "! !he (ontinue! to ( og up the /er"ph?! @oint!= Hi! "(tion! h"*e in"d*ertent y bought the /pider pre(iou! !e(ond!= 0hi !t he !pin! the %e)" e i! un"b e to "ppro"(h "nd De!de)on" h"! the ti)e !he need! to (o)p ete the t"!k "t h"nd= 0ith " !hriek o% de!p"ir th"t per%or"te! her !en!iti*e e"rdru)! "nd b ow! out e*ery peCig "!! p"ne in " ki o)etre r"diu!< the )" e /er"ph i! dr"gged into " de"th di*e< hi! wing! %roAen< un"b e to !pre"d= $he wor d !(re")! "round the) "! !pider "nd "nge p unge to their de"th!< but De!de)on" i! not %ini!hed yet= /he e"p! ( e"r o% the doo)ed /er"ph< u!ing her !(rying eye! to !ee "he"d o% her own )o)entu)= /he know! eC"(t y where the b" (ony ip i!< !he know! the eC"(t di!t"n(e between web; ine "nd "n(hor point= In %ree %" !he re e"!e! her web pro@e(ti e< !n"gging the b" (ony with pre!(ient !ki < "nd i! in!t"nt y dr"gged out o% her p unge= U!ing power%u )u!( e! in the b"!e o% her !pine to retr"(t the web< the /pider dr"g! her!e % up "nd o*er the b" (ony in " % "!h= /he ook! down o*er the r"i ing!= $he %e)" e i! %o owing her )"te " the w"y down< w"i ing in di!tre!!< trying de!per"te y to ("t(h up with hi)= He i! doo)ed "nd by now they )u!t both re" i!e it= $he %e)" e b"re y h"! ti)e to pu out o% her own di*e be%ore her (o)p"nion hit! the ground !e*er" hundred )etre! be ow= $he /pider doe! not inger= /he i! " re"dy re e"!ing !upport ine!< !winging "w"y "t re(k e!! !peed< putting "! )u(h di!t"n(e between her!e % "nd the !ur*i*ing /er"ph "! !he ("n= D /er"ph do not t"ke the de"th! o% their (o)p"nion! ight y "nd !itting in the he"rt o% her web "ter th"t night the /pider i!ten! to the terrib e !ound! o% the %e)" e?! keening "! it e(hoe! out o*er Di!tri(t N"r(i!!u!= $here ("n?t be )"ny "bro"d tonight who won?t be ("!ting %ret%u g "n(e! into the ho ogr"phi( !ky= $he /pider brood! in terrib e !i en(e= /he h"! been betr"yed= $he /er"ph knew where !he wou d be= It w"! no "((ident the !un (")e out to b ind her @u!t "! they "tt"(ked= It w"! " ne"r per%e(t ")bu!h= $here i! on y one entity in " o% Go goth" '" ! who (ou d h"*e known De!de)on"?! !(hedu e= Aphrodite= $he /pider !)i e!= /o s!eak so softly to me; !he think!- to dro! veiled warnings that I was in 2eo!ardy, and all the while she was !lotting my demise; the #old hearted &it#h. Gods, how
I love her. $here "re )"ny who ("n )urder< yet %ew who ("n !)i e whi !t they do it= $he re"!on %or her betr"y" wi p "gue the /pider to)orrow< but %or tonight !he i! h"ppy !i)p y to be " i*e= /he i!ten! to the "ngui!hed (rie! o% the /er"ph< %i ing the he"*en! with r"ge "nd o!!= $he %e)" e wi (o)e !eeking *enge"n(e !oon enough< "nd the /pider wi be re"dy when !he doe!= #ut %or now !he !it! >uiet y in the he"rt o% her web "nd !he think! o% !o)ething D@ob" to d her " ong ti)e "go= GE*en "nge ! grie*e<? he?d !"id= $he /pider %orget! the o(("!ion th"t pro)pted thi! re)"rk< but the word! ring true tonight= G3e! they do< d"r ing<? !he whi!per! into the d"rk= GAnge ! grie*e "nd !pider! dre") "nd " the wor d tre)b e! "t the r"ge o% " god betr"yed=? $onight !he re!t!< but !he i! " re"dy we"*ing her p "n!= In the d"y! "nd week! "he"d !he ("n %ore!ee b ood< p"in "nd in%inite *"rietie! o% de"th= /he doe! not need her !(rying eye! to %ore!ee this %uture= #ut tonight !he re!t!= /he i! p"tient= It i! e*er the *irtue o% " !pider=
CARAPACE
DEA$H AND $HE /PIDE+ 'he is dead < falling < &ody &roken and van9uished, &lood trailing her like #rimson smoke markers < 'he is mostly torso, arms severed, her head only !artially atta#hed to her shoulders < the world is 9uiet when youre dead, silent and glorious, the light &urning right through you, and there is su#h a sense of !ea#e, su#h a feeling of a&andonment, and you think= deaths not so &ad, deaths not so frightening < and then you relin9uish the last of your flesh and wat#h it dro! away like so mu#h &allast, s!iralling in &roken #ir#les, and there is only a moment of fleeting nostalgia for the shell you o##u!ied for three and a half millennia < and then you are moving outwards in all dire#tions and it is as though the se#ret heart of the universe summons you home < your task done < your rest well deserved < D 0hen the *i!ion! o% de"th begin !he know! !he i! ( o!e to tr"n!%or)"tion= $he /pider "w"ken!= /he h"! h"d the dre") "g"in= /he ( ing! to the !i k w" o% her ne!tB !we"t be"ding her brow< !tinging her eye!= /he et! the !we"t drip< w"t(he! it run down the w" "nd (o e(t ike te"r! in !i *er poo ! "t the botto)= /he )u ! o*er the dre") in her )ind= A w"y! the !")e dre")= /he i! %" ing< !urrendering to *oid< de"th !pinning up %ro) be ow "! the /pider?! b ood (o our! the !ky "bo*e with ribbon! "nd !tre")er! o% (ri)!on= At the botto) o% her web (h")ber i*ory !ku ! g e") ike broken (er")i( bow ! th"t on(e (ont"ined the thinking< "rti(u "te broth o% hu)"nity= /he h"! drunk her %i "nd di!("rded the *e!!e != De"th !urround! her= De"th %i ! her= De"th ob!e!!e! her e*ery w"king )o)ent= Her time i! ( o!e= $he )o)ent o% tr"n!%or)"tion i! ne"r= D /he w" k! n"ked through the gothi( h" ! o% her ("!t e< " p" e e ong"ted %igure ! ipping through e*i"th"n !h"dow!= Her eye! "re %e*er bright< the de i("te bone! o% her %"(e e*en )ore pro)inent "! the !tr"in o% the tr"n!%or)"tion begin! to !how= /he i! " new;"ge K" i< be"uti%u to beho d yet in%inite y d"ngerou!= Her )edu!" (oi ! we"*e !en!uou! y "round her %"(eB her high %orehe"d "nd !h"rp (heekbone! gi*e her the ook o% "n(ient nobi ity= It i! not " hu)"n %"(eB it i! too ong< too per%e(t= It i! the %"(e o% " godde!!< enig)"ti( "nd %e"r!o)e< !ugge!ting th"t bene"th the be"uty e*er urk! the be"!t= D /he enter! the gr"nd dr"wing roo) where the w" ! "re (o*ered by per)"%ro!t "nd !t" "(tite! re"(h down %ro) the high (ei ing "nd e*erything h"! the "ppe"r"n(e o% b ue;rin!ed g "!!= It i! !o)e %orty degree! be ow Aero< but the /pider i! i)per*iou! to the (o d< her % e!h ("rked to with!t"nd the wor!t eCtre)e! o% deep !p"(e eCp or"tion= /he !it! "t the ong t"b e "nd ponder! the %uture= P"rt! o% the w" h"*e been %ro!t !h"ttered< %roAen )"!onry peppering the % oor bene"th her %eet= $he t"b e i! !o id )"g)ite< i)ported %ro) the o%%;(o ony wor d o% N"A"rineB b "(k !tone with " petro eu) !heen th"t in!t"nt y bewit(he! the eye= /he !t"re! down into it "nd !pre"d! her %inger! "g"in!t it! !ur%"(e= My enemies are legion.
3e!< her ene)ie! "re egion< their r"nk "nd %i e without nu)ber= Her i%e h"! been one (ontinuou! !trugg e= Her !ur*i*" te!ti)ony to her gre"t !ki "nd "ggre!!ion< but it on y t"ke! " !ing e de%e"t< one !i)p e "p!e in (on(entr"tion< "nd " her *i(torie! wou d be(o)e )e"ning e!!= It wou d be "! though !he?d ne*er i*ed "t " = /he (rie! out "nd i! h"unted by the e(hoe! th"t return to her= Why am in des!air( Her ti)e i! ne"r= ,n(e e*ery twe *e ye"r! thi! tr"n!%or)"tion t"ke! p "(e= It i! ne(e!!"ry< !he keep! re)inding her!e %< ne(e!!"ry thing! "re p"in%u = #ut the (h"nge wre(k! h"*o( on her e)otion!< her hor)one!B it !h"tter! her u!u" y !tru(tured i%e "nd ("n )"ke her )oody "nd err"ti( %or d"y! on end= +i!ing !udden y %ro) the dr"wing roo) t"b e the /pider de(ide! then "nd there to i)po!e order upon her i%e= /he need! to keep the whee ! turning= /he i! in the )idd e o% " per!on" *endett" with the "r(h"nge ! "nd !he ("nnot et her gu"rd down %or "n in!t"nt= D In the (ro)e o% C"rth"bbey there i! " !treet (" ed $he Diner?! 0" k th"t ho!t! !o)e o% the %ine!t e"terie! in Di!tri(t N"r(i!!u!= Here the re!t"ur"nt! "nd ("%J! ("ter to o d;e"rth p" "te!< re(re"ting )"ny di!he! popu "r ")ong!t )"nkind be%ore the %" = ,% " the!e re!t"ur"nt!< EnAo;the;/wine i! the /pider?! "b!o ute %"*ourite= EnAo '"ubier< the proprietor "nd he"d (he% "t EnAo;the;/wine< i! " per!on" %riend o% the /pider?! "nd it i! here th"t !he ("n dine (o)%ort"b y< her per*er!e t"!te! ("tered %or with no >ue!tion! "!ked "nd no %u!! r"i!ed= $onight !he i! dre!!ed in % owing robe! o% )uted b "(k with " *ei o% %ine y e)broidered "(e= Her %" !e "r)! "nd eg! "re %o ded behind her< re!e)b ing the (ro!!ed hi t! o% orn"te !word!= 0hen !he "rri*e! "t EnAo;the;/wine the )"QtreGd u!her! her "t on(e to " di!(reet booth "t the b"(k o% the re!t"ur"nt< (u!to)i!ed to "((o))od"te her !e*en "nd " h" % %oot %r")e= D $onight !he dine! on ro"!ted t"r"ntu "< " )o!t eC>ui!ite de i("(y= /he %ee ! (" )erB )ore in (ontro o% her!e %= Good. It i! i)port"nt to re)"in %o(u!!edB her (ont"(t wi be here !oon= 0hi !t !he e"t! De!de)on" e*" u"te! the re!t"ur"nt< !e"r(hing %or thre"t!< "no)" ie!< "nything th"t !t"nd! out in her i))edi"te en*iron)ent= /he probe! the other diner!< twenty; nine in " "nd %ourteen )e)ber! o% !t"%% ; two new waiters, an unfamiliar &arman. /he !)e ! igneou! wor)! !pitted o*er "n open %ire< the )et" i( t"ng o% (ob" t beet e!< their gi"nt tu!ked ("r("!!e! h"nging on !tee hook! !o)ewhere "t the b"(k o% the re!t"ur"nt= /he ("t(he! !(ent o% bou*e )i ipede!< pro(e!!ed %or their !weet< ! ight y !)oky )e"t< "nd b ood "nt!< their honeyed be ie! "n o%%;wor d "phrodi!i"(< " (o(kt"i o% "ro)"! th"t )"ke! her diAAy< ! ight y di!orient"ted= /he i! not pro(e!!ing in%or)"tion proper y< or i! o*er pro(e!!ing< !he ("nnot te whi(h= /he !en!e! the )"n ! ip into the booth neCt to her= /he !)e ! the %"int whi%% o% eCpen!i*e (o ogne< he"r! hi! he"rtbe"t "! "n irregu "r )ur)ur= /he h"! w"rned hi) o%ten "bout hi! he"rt< but the o d %oo wi i!ten to no one= G,n the %"r (o ony wor d o% Legion<? !he te ! her in*i!ib e neighbour "! !he (ontinue! to dine< Gthere i*ed " r"(e o% gi"nt !pider!< the do)in"nt !pe(ie! on th"t p "net= $hey were te ep"thi( "nd wo*e web! o% !u(h intri("(y "nd on !u(h " !(" e "! to tr"n!%or) the e(o ogy o% th"t wor d %ore*er=? A r"!py< (h"in;!)oker?! *oi(e )ur)ur! through the (urt"in di*ide= G0h"t be(")e o% the gi"nt !pider! o% Legion< L"dy De!de)on"E?
G$hey died<? De!de)on" rep ie!= G6ll of them. /he !hrug!< G$he w"r between the E ohi) "nd )"nkind (on!u)ed )"ny wor d!< in( uding the wor d o% Legion< "nd !o the !pider! died< " bi ion ye"r o d !pe(ie! & eCtingui!hed in the b ink o% " (o!)i( eye=? GI?) tru y !orry to he"r th"t=? GAre youE? $here i! " )uttered "ugh "nd the (urt"in! th"t !ep"r"te the two diner! tre)b e ! ight y= GNot e!pe(i" y< )y "dy= How are youE? GA i*e< Abdu <? the /pider d"b! her ip! with the (orner o% her n"pkin= G$h"t p e"!e! )e<? Abdu I"!!") rep ie!= GAnd wh"t ("n o d Abdu do %or )y "dyE 0h"t?! !o urgent th"t it re>uire! )y !pe(i" i!ed "!!i!t"n(eE? De!de)on" he"r! the w"iter "ppro"(h Abdu ?! t"b e= /he !"y! nothing %urther whi !t Abdu order! " *eget"ri"n two;(our!e )e" = GE*ery night re(ent y<? !he !"y!< when the w"iter h"! e%t< GI h"*e h"d dre")!=? GI h"*e h"d )y own dre")! re(ent y<? Abdu rep ie! wi!t%u yB GI ") being r"ped by " be"uti%u whore o% H"rrigon eCtr"(t= /he we"r! " ph" u! the !iAe o% " hor!e?! &? GIrre e*"nt<? !n"p! the /pider i)p"tient y= Abdu !igh! he"*i y= GI ") une>ui*o(" y "nd irredee)"b y ho)o!eCu" <? he !"y!= G$o be !o r"*i!hed by " )e)ber o% the oppo!ite !eC< no )"tter how begui ing< i! re" y >uite " tri" < be ie*e )e=? $he /pider !ip! her wine= GAre we t" king "bout your dre")! or )ineE? G$ou(hy tonight< "ren?t weE? GI?) ( o!e to time=? G3ou poor de"r<? Abdu !ound! " )o!t genuine in hi! (on(ern< GI !hou d h"*e known= Are you in p"inE? G$here i! no p"in< on y " %ee ing o% (on%ine)ent=? GLike being in " re "tion!hip you ("n?t get out o%E? GI% you ike=? G0e?*e " h"d one o% tho!e<? the !ound o% hi! %inger! dru))ing the t"b e< hi! n"i ! ong "nd ("re%u y %i ed= He we"r! " ring< the /pider ("n he"r it "! hi! %inger! !o%t y !trike the t"b e top= It )"ke! " !ound be ow the hu)"n "udio r"nge< but to the /pider it (hi)e! oud "! " be = GI he"rd you h"d "n en(ounter with " p"ir o% /er"ph<? Abdu !"y! "%ter " re% e(ti*e p"u!e= GI w"! "tt"(ked=? /he !en!e! hi! %rown< the >ui(kening o% hi! he"rtbe"tB the !ubt e "((e er"tion o% hi! bre"th= /he !u!pe(t! he i! !e"r(hing %or the right word!= G+u)our h"! it<? he !"y! he!it"nt y< G"nd I?) not one to entert"in ru)our< you under!t"ndE #ut ru)our h"! it you were the one %ir!t "tt"(ked the /er"ph=? $he /pider "ugh! h"r!h y< dr"wing the "ttention o% !e*er" ne"rby diner!= /he !en!e! the) ooking in the dire(tion o% her booth< wondering "t the !our(e o% th"t di!"gree"b e "ugh< "nd thi! on y )"ke! her "ugh ouder= GAnd you re" y be ie*e th"tE? !he !"y!= G$h"t I< " one< wou d "tt"(k bonded /er"ph in bro"d d"y ight= I?) re(k e!!< d"r ing< but !ui(id" I?) not= Anyw"y<? !he w"*e! " di!)i!!i*e h"nd< Gthere?! going to be " he"ring in Cogniti" to deter)ine the %"(t!=? GAnd wh"t are the %"(t!< )? "dyE? GI w"! "tt"(ked< "! I h"*e !t"ted=? Abdu pit(he! hi! *oi(e ower= GDo you know whyE? G3ou?re the " ;!eeing< " ;knowing one= I!n?t th"t wh"t you?d h"*e your punter! be ie*eE? /he he"r! hi) t"p the !ide o% hi! no!e= G.y bu!ine!! i! in%or)"tion<? he !"y!< GI ike to be ie*e I !t"y "he"d o% )y (o)petitor!< but with reg"rd! to the /er"ph "tt"(k< L"dy De!de)on"< I have he"rd ru)our! (on(erning " (ert"in prophe(y=?
G0h"t " (oin(iden(e<? the /pider !"y! dour y< G!o h"*e I=? GAh< th"t?! the rub< "yeE? Abdu ru)b e!= GProphe!ie! "re !o d")ned h"rd to in!ure "g"in!t= ,n(e they get going they g"ther " )o)entu) " their own=? Lowering hi! *oi(e to " ne"r whi!per< he !"y!< GIt w"! P"ndor" th"t !t"rted thi! p"rti(u "r oneB ( "i)ed you?d bring "bout the %" o% the god! "nd !he )"y "! we h"*e h"nded out /hoot;$o;Ki po!ter! with your %"(e printed on the)= I re(kon the /er"ph were )"king d")ned !ure the prophe!y didn?t (o)e true=? G#y ki ing )eE? $he /pider nudge! her p "te "w"y %ro) her= /he h"! o!t her "ppetite= GIt?! " bit (rude< I gr"nt you<? Abdu gi*e! "n un!een !hrug< Gbut )urder h"! the "d*"nt"ge o% being ti)e;te!ted=? GIt?! not the "nge ! I?) worried "bout<? the /pider !"y!= G$h"t?! not why I (" ed you here=? G$hen wh"t does "i )y "dyE I?*e noti(ed you !ee) " bit twit(hier th"n u!u" =? GA week "go I w"! "tt"(ked in )y ho)e ("!t e? the /pider eCp "in!= G$hey (")e up through the "p"rt)ent b o(k be ow< !iC "!!"!!in! in " =? /he de iber"te y re%r"in! %ro) )entioning the p"r"doC port" !he !u!pe(t! the "!!"!!in! u!ed to g"in entry to the Her)e! bui ding= GI had he"rd !o)ething "bout th"t<? Abdu (on%e!!e!= $he /pider !t"re! "t her p "te= GI wonder how<? !he !"y! !our y= Abdu ignore! thi!= G$he i)port"nt thing i! you?re ok<? he !"y!< G"nd the !(u) th"t "tt"(ked you "re " de"d= It?! e!!enti" you !end out the right )e!!"ge= $hey? think twi(e be%ore they try that "g"in=? G#ut why did they try it in the %ir!t p "(eE $h"t?! wh"t I w"nt to know= 0h"t wou d pro)pt "!!"!!in! to t"rget )eE? GIt?! got to be the He"then<? Abdu !ound! (on*in(ed= G3ou?re the third )e)ber o% di*inity they?*e "tt"(ked thi! )onth=? He p"u!e! "! hi! !t"rter! "rri*e< th"nk! the w"iter< "nd when he i! " one "g"in< (ontinue!= GAnd @u!t ook "t Ni(tu!= $he poor !ou w"! gutted in hi! own bed three week! "go< the !y)bo o% the He"then d"ubed " o*er hi! "p"rt)ent w" !B " de)igod ! "in by )ort" !E It?! unhe"rd o%= $he de)i! "re !(re")ing b oody )urder "nd I ("n?t !"y I b ")e the)=? $he /pider (hoo!e! her word! ("re%u y= It i! i)port"nt !he !t"y %o(u!!ed on wh"t !he h"! to !"y= #ut it i! di%%i(u t= /he %ee ! n"u!eou! " o% " !udden< the !ound! in the re!t"ur"nt (o "p!ing in on her< )erging into one tit"ni( hu)= /he !hou dn?t h"*e h"d the t"r"ntu "!= $onight !he !hou dn?t h"*e e%t the ("!t e "t " = GP"ndor"?! prophe(y<? !he !"y! with )e"!ured ! owne!!< Gn")e! )e "! the ike y ("u!e %or the %" o% the god!= A) I rightE? G$h"t?! the (ruC o% it<? Abdu "gree!= G$he !")e god! the He"then h"*e pub i( y de( "red the)!e *e! in (on% i(t withE? Abdu he!it"te! be%ore "n!wering= GI !uppo!e !o=? $he /pider pre!!e! on= G0ou dn?t th"t )"ke )e " de %"(to " y o% the He"thenE? !he "!k!= GPut ike th"t I !uppo!e it wou d<? Abdu !"y! thought%u y= G$hen why try to ki )eE? /he p "(e! her %inger! "g"in!t her te)p e where the beginning! o% " )igr"ine "re !tirring= $u(king into hi! !t"rter!< Abdu !"y!< GI !ee wh"t you?re dri*ing "t= /ee)! " bit !tr"nge< I !uppo!e= ."ybe the He"then "ren?t "w"re o% the prophe(y= It?! not eC"(t y (o))on know edge ")ong!t )ort" !=? $he /pider !h"ke! her he"d i)p"tient y= GI?) "!!u)ing the He"then h"*e " pretty !ophi!ti("ted !py network= I?) !ure they?*e he"rd "bout the prophe(y by now= *ou h"*e=? G$hen perh"p! " !e(ret "gend"E? GGo on=? GI?) on y !pe(u "ting=? GI?) not !topping you=?
G0e < it !ee)! !tr"nge th"t the He"then "re "b e to "((e!! " )o!t "ny %"(i ity in the (ity no )"tter how !ophi!ti("ted the !e(urity pre("ution!= I be ie*e< "nd I h"*e be ie*ed %or !o)e ti)e< th"t the He"then "re being (ontro ed by " hidden p"rty< "n "gent pro*o("teurB !o)eone or !o)ething th"t u!e! their %"n"ti(" ideo ogy "! " !)oke!(reen= It?! " work"b e theory< noE? G0h"t )"ke! you think thi!E? G$here?! " (ert"in p"ttern to the He"then "tt"(k! & the three eCp o!ion! in Ab"ddon< the re(ent !ui(ide bo)bing in Ahur" /etti< the hi@"(king! in Lu)in" & there?! " (ert"in in(on!i!ten(y th"t?! h"rd to pin down= I don?t know< it?! @u!t " %ee ing= ,*er the ye"r! the # e!?)en h"*e ("ptured "nd >ue!tioned " nu)ber o% He"then oper"ti*e! "nd they?*e " h"d ne"r per%e(t )ind wipe!= #eyond " (ert"in e*e o% interrog"tion they !u%%er irrep"r"b e br"in d")"ge< (o)p ete neur" !hut down< ike they?*e been pre;progr"))ed to !e %;de!tru(t= 3ou get " !en!e they?re being (ontro ed< "nd not @u!t by %"ith=? GContro ed by who)E? $he /pider i! intrigued by thi! theory= GGehenn"< $he ,de!!" & )"ybe e*en " rebe group o% god! & who know!=? GI w"nt you to do )e " %"*our=? $he /pider win(e! "! " d"gger o% p"in ! i(e! through her br"in= /he )u!t e"*e thi! re!t"ur"nt !oonB the ( o!e (on%ine)ent i! (on%u!ing her !en!e!= GI?) "t your !er*i(e< )y "dy<? Abdu ?! *oi(e i! growing in(re"!ing y di!t"nt= G'ind out why I w"! " t"rget<? her own *oi(e boo)! !tr"nge y in her !ku = GI? !ee wh"t I ("n do<? Abdu "!!ure! her= GHow !oon ("n you get )e wordE? /he i! beginning to !h"ke< growing )ore %e*eri!h by the !e(ond= /he h"! to e"*e= 'oon. GHow >ui(k y do you need word< )y "dyE? G#e%ore d"wn=? G3ou?re "!king the i)po!!ib e=? G0ou d it he p i% I !"id !leaseE? Her h"nd! ( o!e into %i!t!= /he wi ! her!e % to re)"in %o(u!ed= /he )u!t not et the tr"n!%or)"tion get the better o% her in pub i(= GIt? (o!t you eCtr"= I? h"*e to pu in " ot o% %"*our!<? Abdu i! !"ying= G3ou h"*e )y per!on" (o) inkE? GI h"*e=? /he !t"nd!B her he"d "bout to bur!t< it i! " !he ("n do to bring the )eeting to " di!(rete ( o!e= GGi*e )e " (" when you h"*e !o)ething= 0e? )eet b"(k here= I?) re ying on you< Abdu = Don?t et )e down=? $HE EIGH$;',LD PA$H De!de)on" doe! not be ie*e the He"then "re behind the "!!"!!in"tion "tte)pt= $he He"then "re %"n"ti(!< !ui(id" B who ("n tru y under!t"nd their w"y!E 3et e*en %"n"ti(! h"*e " )ethod to their )"dne!!= $he He"then !i)p y h"*e nothing to g"in by ki ing De!de)on"= /he h"! " )o!t "! )"ny ene)ie! ")ong!t the god! "! they do= D #ut !he ("nnot think= $he (h"nge i! upon her= /he i! growing )ore %e*eri!h by the hour "nd nothing !ee)! r"tion" "ny)ore< nothing !ee)! !"ne= D $he /pider p"(e! her ("!t e h" ! ike " (re"ture de)ented= /he !hred! her ( othe! in de!p"ir "nd how ! in "ngui!h= /he %ee ! "! though !he h"! been buried " i*e in her own % e!h= Her body i! he"*y "nd un(o)%ort"b e< ike "n i ;%itting !uit= Her )edu!" (oi !< %r"nti( with her e)otion!< whip "bout her %"(e< d"rting thi! w"y "nd th"t "! they !eek the !our(e o% their
)i!tre!!? di!tre!!= Her eye! b "Ae with unho y %ire!< !(rying eye! wide open< " owing p"!t< %uture< "nd pre!ent to (o ide within her "nd !he ("n?t te the one %ro) the other= D D@ob" hide! in hi! >u"rter!= Not " peep out o% the itt e )i!%it= He know! " "bout the tr"n!%or)"tion= He know! better th"n to e"*e the !e(urity o% hi! >u"rter! tonight= $onight the /pider i! in " ki ing )ood "nd nothing th"t (ro!!e! her p"th wi be !p"red= D /he "!(end! the e"!t tower< but he!it"te! when !he (o)e! to the G" ery o% E(hoe! on the top)o!t % oor= /he !t"re! down "t the door h"nd e< o"the to turn it= /he ("nnot go in= /he doe! not tru!t her!e % to go in= /he i! (o)pe ed to *i!it thi! roo) e*ery (y( e o% Fupiter< on(e e*ery twe *e ye"r!< but between the!e *i!it! !he put! the roo) out o% her )ind (o)p ete y= It i! " roo) o% p"!t thing! "nd the p"!t< in her !"ge opinion< !hou d be *i!ited "! !e do) "! po!!ib e= /he e"*e! the G" ery o% E(hoe!< de!(ending the !t"ir! o% the e"!t tower< dripping !we"t "nd the %ir!t drop et! o% b ood onto the i(y !tep!= /he wi return to the g" ery when !he )u!t< but it i! not yet ti)e= D L"ter< the /pider de!(end! %ro) her ho)e di!tri(t o% N"r(i!!u! to hunt )ort" ! in the ower di!tri(t!= /he ("nnot re)"in he p e!! in her ("!t e= $onight it %ee ! too )u(h ike " to)b= D 'Rti)" i! " dre") in!pired di!tri(t o% ("thedr" uni*er!itie!< ibr"ry b"!i i("< the b "(k !i i(on tower! o% *"riou! w"rrior "dept!< the p"r i")ent bui ding! th"t go*ern not @u!t 'Rti)" but twe *e o% it! neighbouring di!tri(t!= It! !treet! "re tree ined "nd tidy< it! )"in thorough%"re! !pi into (ount e!! p"rk! "nd "re"! o% green repo!e= $he Ep!i on h"rbour %ront run! " ong 'Rti)"?! we!tern % "nge "nd h"! gi*en ri!e to " !pr"w o% d"rkened !treet! th"t !t"nd in !t"rk (ontr"!t to the re!t o% th"t di!tri(t?! gentee (h"r"(ter= In the !ky "bo*e the h"rbour " den!e !w"r) o% Funk !hip! "nd /")p"n! ho*er ike % ie! "bo*e " p"rti(u "r y (hoi(e ("r("!!= /")p"n! "(t "! ighter! to o"d "nd un o"d the huge ("rgo !hip! "n(hored @u!t o%% the di!tri(t= $he h"rbour it!e % gi*e! ri!e to " b"ttery o% wh"r% (r"ne! th"t "ng e out o*er the di!tri(t pre(ipi(e= $he Ep!i on H"rbour i! "n ug y !("r on the %"(e o% 'Rti)" "nd the re!ident! o% th"t di!tri(t h"*e %ought ong "nd h"rd %or it! re)o*" < but the h"rbour re)"in! "nd whi !t it doe! the /pider %ind! it! we ;hee ed b"(k !treet! " pre%erred p "(e to hunt= D Pro!titute!< thie*e!< (utthro"t!< "nd hu(k!ter! p y "ge;o d tr"de! ")ong!t the o%%;duty h"rbour worker!= /pe"ke"!ie! "nd h"rbour %ront t"*ern! !"g "g"in!t e"(h other " ong the pre(in(t?! unke)pt !treet!< %i ed with r"u(ou! "ughter "nd the !ound! o% br"w ing )en= $he /pider (r"w ! "(ro!! !oot b "(kened roo%!< !e"r(hing the !treet! be ow %or ike y prey= /he he"r! " b"bb e o% !ub i)in" *oi(e! ri!ing on the night (urrent!B thought!< whi!per!< !udden (ur!e!< " wo)"n?! %r"nti( he"rtbe"tB the "ir i! %i ed with !ubt e *ibr"tion!= $he /pider !pin! " te)por"ry ne!t between two (hi)ney!t"(k! "nd re!t! in it! (entre< w"iting= /ooner or "ter prey wi (h"n(e her w"y= D
$onight !he i! i)p"tient= Her b ood %ee ! "! though it i! boi ing in her *ein!= /he tre)b e! (ontinuou! y "nd !et! o%% un(h"r"(teri!ti( *ibr"tion! through the !tr"nd! o% her web= Her r"d"r i! %ou ed by her !i(kne!!< the %e*er !poi ! her (on(entr"tion "nd !he i! un"b e to o(k onto prey= /he ("n go "he"d "nd (h"n(e " ki reg"rd e!!< re ying on her !(rying eye! "nd her own !trength "nd "gi ity< but !he de(ide! "g"in!t thi!B the h"rbour !treet! "re too n"rrow to e"!i y )"noeu*re in< too unwie dy= I% !he i! ("ught un"w"re! it wi be h"rd to %ight her w"y out "g"in= D 'ru!tr"ted by her %"i ed hunt< the /pider e"*e! her per(h "nd web! her w"y o*er to the Di!tri(t o% /inner!= /he enter! her (hur(h through the roo% "nd "b!ei ! down into it! *"u ted !h"dow!= $onight the (hur(h i! de!erted= $here i! no )"!! "nd on y e(hoe! greet her "! !he " ight! !o%t y on the @"de " t"r= D '"ther '"bi"n !it! in the roo% e!! ( oi!ter th"t @oin! the )"in body o% the (hur(h to hi! per!on" >u"rter! in the we!t wing= He !)oke! E der weed "nd (onte)p "te! !i en(e "! the /pider "ppro"(he! hi)= He !ee)! un"w"re o% her pre!en(e unti !he !pe"k!= G$he hour i! "te=? GIt i! "te<? he "(know edge! with " ! ight bow< but doe! not turn in her dire(tion= GAre you "%r"id o% )e< '"therE? /he (rou(he! be!ide hi) "nd !t"re! up "t the gre"t te)p e !hip! % o"ting in the night !ky o*erhe"d= GI wor!hip you<? '"bi"n rep ie! !o%t y= G$h"t?! not "n "n!wer=? '"bi"n !h"ke! hi! he"d= GI ") not "%r"id o% you< !pider; "dy=? G0hy notE?< !he de)"nd!= G$he other! "re=? '"bi"n turn! hi! b ind eye! in her dire(tion= G$he other! "re tinder he"rt!<? he re!pond!< Gho ow o% purpo!e= H"*e I not !een the eight %o d p "n o% the /piderE Drunk I h"*e o% her widow?! b i!!< p"rt"ken h"*e I o% the ri(hne!! o% her *i!ion= 0e "re one< !pider; "dy= I ("nnot %e"r you "! I ("nnot %e"r the hour o% )y own de"th=? He !pe"k! in " *oi(e b"re y "bo*e " whi!per< but hi! word! e(ho in the /pider?! !ku ong "%terw"rd!= G/o)eti)e! I think you !ee thing! )ore ( e"r y th"n I do< '"ther<? !he !"y! wi!t%u y= /he wonder! i% !he i! de!er*ing o% !u(h de*otion "! !he !tudie! the high prie!t o% her (u t= /he i! (uriou! "bout the %i!hhook !("r! th"t ni(k hi! %"(eB where did he get the)E /he know! itt e "bout '"ther '"bi"n?! i%e be%ore he (")e to work %or her= G3ou "re the p"th< !pider; "dy<? '"ther '"bi"n rep ie! !o%t y= GI ") he th"t w" k! the p"th=? /he e"n! %orw"rd= G#ut why do you w" k the p"th< '"therE 0hy i! it i)port"nt th"t you w" k thi! p"rti(u "r p"thE? G3ou "re the p"th< !pider; "dy<? '"ther '"bi"n gent y repe"t!= GI ") he th"t w" k! the p"th=? $he /pider !igh!= /he wi get no )ore out o% '"bi"n= /he !t"re! "t hi) "nd think!- I wish I &elieved in something as mu#h as you do, Fa&ian= .ort" ! (on%ound her= $hey "re )"de !i)p e by their %"ith< "nd yet o%ten grow )ore power%u through it= A (ontr"di(tion the /pider h"! ne*er been "b e to re(on(i e= '"ther '"bi"n h"! hi! )u!i(= He !pend! end e!! hour! (o)po!ing on *irtu" de(k! "nd h"! (re"ted ho ogr"phi( progr")! th"t i))er!e the u!er in " wor d o% t"(ti e note! "nd !en!u" tone!< )u!i(" "nd!("pe! where e*ery !ound open! into " uni*er!e o% !en!"tion= '"ther '"bi"n (ou d !e hi! progr")! %or " %ortune on the open )"rket "nd yet he gi%t! the) %ree y to the (ity= He h"! no intere!t in )"teri" g"in= He h"! de*oted hi! i%e to L"dy De!de)on" "nd in her !er*i(e he !urrender! hi)!e % to hi! "rt "nd the !i)p i(ity o% hi! %"ith=
0h"t i! my p"!!ionE !he wonder!= 0h"t do I be ie*e inE 0h"t wou d I die %orE GDo you o*e )e< '"therE? !he "!k! "! $e)p e No*iti"te! eCe(ute :0 degree )"noeu*re! in the ho ogr"phi( !kie! "bo*e the di!tri(t= GA! I o*e the hour o% )y own birth<? '"ther '"bi"n rep ie!= G$h"t?! not "n "n!wer< '"ther=? GIt i! the on y "n!wer< !pider; "dy=? D /he return! to the hunt= /he h"! none o% her u!u" "ppetite= In the %ou b"(k !treet! o% Ab"ddon !he (h"!e! " r"pi!t to ground= $he notoriou! Hi ton ! u)! "re o("ted in the northwe!t !e(tor o% thi! ghetto di!tri(t< " )"Ae o% "w e!! !treet! run by w"rring drug g"ng! "nd p"r")i it"ry !n"t(h !>u"d!= $hi! i! where the /pider %ind! the prey !he (r"*e!= $he r"pi!t i! twenty ye"r! o dB !)" < !kinny< hi! %"(e po(k)"rked "nd r"w< " ro"d)"p o% he"*y "ddi(tion= He i! !e"r(hing %or " *i(ti) when the /pider en(ounter! hi)< too i))er!ed in hi! own hunt to noti(e th"t de"th h"! pi(ked up hi! tr"i = /he !h"dow! hi) %or " b o(k< keeping to the roo%top!< )o*ing %ro) roo% to roo% ike " ! i*er o% det"(hed night= /he keep! hi) o(ked within the (ro!!h"ir! o% her tri %o(u!< !(rying eye! open !o th"t hi! p"!t "nd prob"b e %uture be(o)e known to her= /he i!ten! to hi! he"rtbe"t unti !he be(o)e! en(h"nted by it= Her %e*er i! in te)por"ry re)i!!ion "nd !he %ee ! !o)e o% her o d !trength returning= $he r"pi!t !pot! " teen"ge gir (utting through "n " ey & (h"n(ing " !hort(ut ho)e< no doubt= /he i! %urti*e< !treetwi!e< )"king (ert"in !he i! not %o owed< but the r"pi!t i! !e"!oned= He p"!!e! her without g "n(ing in her dire(tion "nd when the gir di!"ppe"r! into the " ey he doub e! b"(k "nd %o ow! her in= He i! %"!t< deter)ined< )e"n "! " r"tt e!n"ke= He tr"i ! the gir eCpert y< d"n(ing %ro) !h"dow to !h"dow< )erging with the d"rkne!! whene*er !he g "n(e! o*er her !hou der< whi(h !he doe! (on!t"nt y= He i! en@oying hi)!e %= $he /pider ("n !en!e the h"rdening o% hi! re!o *e< " pe(u i"r )iC o% "nger "nd u!t ri!ing in hi) "! he power! into " %"!t run= $he gir turn!< her eye! wide with terror "! !he he"r! the pound o% the r"pi!t?! %eet= /he !(re")! on(e< " !hort< !hri !ound th"t pier(e! the " ey "nd then the r"pi!t i! on her< dri*ing her b"(k "g"in!t the w" < one h"nd ( ")ped o*er her )outh< the other "round her thro"t= He whi!per! ob!(enitie! in her e"r "! he pre!!e! hi)!e % "g"in!t her bodyB eC(ited by the power he h"! o*er her< hi! (on%iden(e growing with her terror= He i! !t"ring into the gir ?! %"(e< hypnoti!ing her with the wi(kedne!! in hi! eye!< ! ow y thrott ing her into (o)p i"n(e= Hi! pe *i! thru!t! urgent y "g"in!t her< " )ute indi("tion o% hi! intent= He i! !o %o(u!ed on the gir he !ee! nothing e !e= $he gir ?! eye! !wit(h %ro) the r"pi!t?! to the "pp"rition th"t "ppe"r! behind hi)= /he !t"re! up into the /pider?! inhu)"n %"(e "nd her ook o% terror be(o)e! one o% !tupe%ied wonder= /o)ething in her "ttitude " ert! the r"pi!t to hi! peri = He turn!< >ui(k "! " whippet< " ook o% %ury on hi! %"(e< hi! h"nd re"(hing %or !o)e we"pon buried in the depth! o% hi! (o"t= #ut he %reeAe! when he !ee! wh"t (on%ront! hi)= $hey " w"y! %reeAe= /o)eti)e! they *oid their b "dder!< !o)eti)e! they %ou their p"nt!< !o)e puke< other! begin to !ob< )"ny h"*e %"intedB )"ny other! begin to pr"y in the )o)ent! th"t %o ow< but in th"t %ir!t in!t"nt they " w"y! %reeAe< ike puppet! with " the )"!ter !tring! (ut= $he r"pi!t !t"re! up into the /pider?! %"(e "nd hi! %ury e"*e! hi) ike "n eCi ed gho!t= Hi! %"(e !"g! "nd he !udden y ook! de("de! o der= He ook! ike the %"ther o% the )"n he w"! " )o)ent "go=
/o%t y the /pider "ddre!!e! the gir = GGo ho)e<? !he te ! her= $he gir !(r")b e! "w"y< wren(hing her!e % %ro) the r"pi!t?! ner*e e!! grip= Un"b e to t"ke her eye! o%% the /pider< !he !tu)b e! "nd %" ! twi(e be%ore !he %in" y turn! "nd % ee! tow"rd! the di!t"nt )outh o% the " ey= $he r"pi!t begin! to whi)per= He i! trying to "rti(u "te !o)ething< but hi! word! "re " @u)b ed= Hi! %"(e h"! be(o)e "!hen "! the %"(e o% " (orp!e< hi! he"rt !wo en "nd e"den with %e"r= GDo you wi!h to i*e or dieE? !he "!k! hi) !i)p y= GLi*e< godde!!<? he rep ie! in " whi!pered !t"))er= ,h< p e"!e et )e i*e &G /he wou d h"*e ki ed hi) then= He h"! in*ited hi! own de"th with thi! (ow"rd y re!pon!e< but !o)ething (he(k! her= G0h"t do you be ie*e inE? !he "!k! the r"pi!t= GI be ie*e in E gin< p"tron god o% o*er!<? the )"n weep!< gr"te%u %or the opportunity to !"y !o)ething< "nything= GI w"! "bu!ed "! " (hi d & )y un( e & GEnough1? the /pider !n"p! "nd the r"pi!t %" ! in!t"nt y !i ent= G0h"t do you be ie*e inE? /he tower! o*er hi)< en*e oping hi) in !h"dow "! !he g "re! i)p"!!i*e y down "t hi)= He !h"ke! hi! he"d< (on%u!ed by the >ue!tion= GE gin &? he begin!= G0h"t do you be ie*e inE? !he "!k! "g"in< her *oi(e h"rd "! di")ond= $he r"pi!t !w" ow!< hi! eye! bu ging %ro) hi! he"d= GI & be ie*e & I & nothing & I don?t be ie*e in "nything & it?! hope e!! & it?! " %u(ked up< the !y!te)< the wor d< e*erything & wh"t?! e%t to be ie*e inE? G$hen why do you ( ing to i%eE? !he "!k!= $he )"n trie! to !)i e< but hi! %"(e twi!t! into " )"!k o% !e %; o"thing= GHope<? he whi!per!= /he pre!!e! hi)= GHope in wh"tE? G$h"t thing! wi (h"nge=? /he !)i e! "t thi!= GI h"*e new! %or you<? !he te ! hi)= He !t"re! up "t her< G3e!< godde!!E? G$hey ne*er wi =? And !he de("pit"te! hi) with " !ing e b"(k ! "!h o% her h"nd= D Who are you to 2udge others( Who stands in 2udgement over you( D /he )o*e! through the di!tri(t o% Pene ope= D /he i! wi(ked= # e!!ed !"(r")ent! o% nightB the !ky i! " )irror< the )oon her re% e(tion= $hey "re "n(ient !i!ter!< tr"(ing their ine"ge b"(k to the beginning o% )otion= /he i! %e*eri!h "! !he !wing! "(ro!! the g oriou! !ky ine o% Pene opeB " di!tri(t "b "Ae with ight< on %ire with nu)inou! in*ention< (e e!ti" !hip! % o"ting between r"di"nt tower! o% new wor d )et" !< !hip! ike dr"gon% ie! th"t ho*er in g i!tening !w"r)!< )i king the %ue u)bi i(u! th"t d"ng e %ro) re%ue ing *e!!e != In the !kie! "bo*e Pene ope there "re !hip! th"t u!e (h")e eon tek to (h"nge their outw"rd "ppe"r"n(eB !hip! th"t h"*e t"ken on the gui!e o% ("rtoon (h"r"(ter! or )ythi(" be"!t! or %"t "ughing deitie!< there "re !hip! th"t re!e)b e % o"ting )ount"in! "nd other! th"t re!e)b e di!e)bodied w"ter%" != D 1einvent me.
$he /pider ye"rn! %or rein*entionB !he i! %i ed with "n urge to die in order to be born= /he i! going )"d with the %ee ing= /he i! d"ngerou!< unpredi(t"b e< " thre"t to " i%e= At the !")e ti)e !he %ee ! (o)p"!!ion< tenderne!!B " ien "nd untru!tworthy e)otion!= /he regret! t"king the r"pi!t?! i%e= /he regret! " thing! tonight "nd yet !he hunger! to t"ke )ore i%e< to !hed ri*er! o% b ood< to b"the in the purity "nd the !i)p i(ity o% (o d )urder= D In H" ow P"rk !he per(he! in treetop! th"t ook out o*er the %ount"in! o% 9enu!= Co*ert o*er! h"*e g"thered "round the i u)in"ted %ount"in!< per(hed on )"rb e b"!in!< !i houetted by b ue ("!("ding w"ter!= $he /pider w"t(he! the)< trying to under!t"nd the!e brie% )o)ent! o% !to en p"!!ion= 0h"t do they !ee when they ook into the %"(e! o% their o*ed one!E $he ine*it"bi ity o% (orruptionE $he (reeping !ign! o% de(repitudeE C"n they b ind the)!e *e! !o (o)p ete y to the truth o% their )i!eryE /he p u(k! their thought! %ro) the "ir< di!ent"ng ing the)< unthre"ding their neuroti( (o)p eCity unti !he ("n %o ow indi*idu" n"rr"ti*e!= $hrough the!e !he (o)e! to know e"(h o*er inti)"te y= /he ("n re"d the !ubteCt o% betr"y" ! "nd he"rtbre"k th"t urk bene"th the !ur%"(e= /he ("n !en!e the ie behind the i u!ion= $here i! no o*e here by the %ount"in! o% 9enu!B on y (o d (" (u "ting de!ire< p"!!ion born o% de!p"ir< "! ug y "nd *u g"r "! r"pe= 3et !he ("nnot @udge the)= 0ho doe! !he o*eE 0here i! her p"!!ion tonightE /he %ee ! "! though !he i! bre"king into )"ny pie(e!= /he !we"t! "nd !hi*er! in the br"n(he! o% the tree< her !(rying eye! !por"di(" y % "ring open< %i ing her he"d with "w%u *i!ion!< %e*er indu(ed %uture!< p"!t! th"t ("nnot po!!ib y h"*e o((urred= $HE GALLE+3 ,' ECH,E/ Her ti)e i! ne"r= $he tr"n!%or)"tion i! !o ( o!e !he t"!te! it "t the b"(k o% her thro"t= D /he ki ! " )"n in the d"rk "nd !tink o% "n " ey= ,r !he i)"gine! !he ki ! " )"n= He we"r! " de)on )"!k "nd hi! eye! "re b "Aing red "! b ood!tone!= He i! h"rd to ki = He keep! "ughing e*en when !he ! i(e! hi! he"d o%%= /he h"! to (ru!h the he"d to " b oody pu p be%ore it %in" y !top! "ughing "nd by then !he i! eCh"u!ted by the e%%ort= D /he i! in " di!tri(t (" ed F"d"< or perh"p! $"r>uini"= /he i! brie% y in the di!tri(t o% $"uru!= $hen !he i! e !ewhere- "nother di!tri(t< "nother ti)eB perh"p! the !")e night< perh"p! )"ny night! "ter= $he %e*er (on!u)e! her % e!h= /he i! on %ireB her eye! %ee h"rd "nd p"r(hed= /he i! h" u(in"ting b"d yB !he h"! to (on*in(e her!e % th"t the (orp!e! w"t(hing her %ro) e*ery tower window ("nnot po!!ib y be re" = $he )oon h"! be(o)e " !ku = It "ppe"r! % eeting y between gi"nt ( oud b"nk! o% *o ("ni( "!h= It grin! down "t the /pider< it! eye !o(ket! %i ed with %roAen (o)et!= D G0here "re you goingE? the )oon "!k! the /pider= G$o the "nd o% the de"d<? the /pider te ! the )oon= G0h"t %orE? "!k! the )oon= G$o be reborn<? !"y! the /pider= $he )oon ( "(k! it! i*ory white teeth= G$h"t i! " good >ue!t<? it te ! the /pider=
D /he %" ! %ro) the !ky< (on%u!ed< % "i ing "bout in her terror= /he "nd! on the roo% o% " ("thedr" "nd pun(he! !tr"ight through< !n"pping r"%ter! "! !he p u))et! to the ground be ow= A web !tr"nd< re e"!ed in p"ni(< !"*e! her %ro) " bone bre"king i)p"(t= /he i! ! owed @u!t enough "nd (r"w ! "w"y %ro) her %" with on y !uper%i(i" brui!ing= /he (r"w ! into !h"dow! "nd trie! to !top !h"king= Her teeth r"tt e< her h"nd! ( en(h (on*u !i*e y= /he wi ! the tr"n!%or)"tion to t"ke p "(e !o th"t her !u%%ering )ight end< but it wi not be hurried "nd !he )u!t (ontinue to endure thi! )"dne!!= D /he !t"gger! out into the !treet! o% F"d"< or perh"p! Lu)in"= $he peop e !he )eet! on the !treet! " h"*e their eye! "nd )outh! !ewn !hut= $hey ook )u))i%ied< ong de"d= Her )ind i! p "ying tri(k! on her< but the tri(k! "re getting h"rd to te "p"rt %ro) the truth= /he !hou d not h"*e e%t the !"%ety o% her ("!t e when her ti)e i! !o ( o!e= #ut the ("!t e i! " to)b< " p "(e o% de"d !tone "nd i(y wind!= /he need! to %ee " i*e= E*en the (o)p"ny o% )ort" ! wi do her tonight= D /he hide! in " tr"!h !kip< burrowing bene"th the re%u!e< in!tin(ti*e y burying her!e %= /he ! eep! %it%u y "nd in her dre")! !he i! on(e "g"in %" ing into the "by!!< broken "nd *"n>ui!hed< but thi! ti)e !he i! on %ire= D G3ou ook "w%u =? $he *oi(e !u))on! her %ro) her %e*eri!h ! u)ber= /he open! her eye! "nd !t"re! "t the )"n (" ) y !itting in the !kip be!ide her= He we"r! " gre"t (o"t with br"!! po i!hed button! "nd he h"! (o d< h"rd eye! th"t !ee) to ook right into her= He h"! no te !< no !(ent< no thought per)ut"tion!= It?! "! though he doe! not eCi!t & "nd yet here he i!= GAre you re" E? !he "!k! hi)< r"i!ing her!e % %ro) her gr"*e o% tr"!h= GI ") " pre ude<? the )"n !"y! with " !)i e th"t !er*i(e! no )ore th"n hi! ip!= GA wh"tE? GA hint "t !o)ething to (o)e<? the )"n rep ie!= GIn )"ny w"y! I?) ike " pre*iew=? GA pre*iewE? G3e!= 0e wi )eet< you "nd I< but not yet= Not right now= +ight now we?re not )eetingB we?re eCperien(ing " pre*iew to " )eeting th"t h"!n?t yet o((urred=? GAre you " ho ogr")E? It !ee)! the )o!t ike y eCp "n"tion= GI ") " progr")<? the )"n de( "re!< G" progr") e)bedded deep in your br"in< !o< it i! !o= 0e re" y !hou dn?t be h"*ing thi! (on*er!"tion< you know< but the progr") e)bed h"! been pre)"ture y triggered by your un!t"b e neur" "(ti*ity= $hi! who e en(ounter i! nothing )ore th"n "n "((ident" e"king o% (o)p eC n"no (ir(uit! into !urrounding neur" ti!!ue= It doe!n?t re" y )"tter " th"t )u(h= ,n(e I?*e !orted the prob e) out I? !i)p y er"!e " your )e)orie! re "ting to thi! eCperien(e=? $he /pider !t"re! "t hi)< !pee(h e!! %or " !e(ond= 0hen !he %in" y g"ther! her wit!< !he !"y!< G3ou "re " progr") e)bedded in )y br"in= 0ou d you ("re to eCp "inE? GI re" y !hou dn?t h"*e to d you th"t<? the )"n !igh!< Gbut it?! >uite true= /o true th"t it i! true= I?) not re" y !uppo!ed to be "(ti*"ted yet & !oon< but not yet ; "! I !"id= 3ou !ee) to be !u%%ering !o)e kind o% neuroti( (ri!i!= I! it !eriou!E? GIt?! per%e(t y n"tur" =? $he /pider !t"nd! up "nd bru!he! her!e % down with "! )u(h dignity "! !he ("n )u!ter under the (ir(u)!t"n(e!=
G3ou don?t ook "t " he" thy=? GI?) %ine<? the /pider in!i!t!= GHow did you get in )y he"d in the %ir!t p "(eE? G,h< th"t?! e"!y<? the )"n !)i e! "g"in< GI w"! i)p "nted=? G#y who)E? G$he "n!wer to th"t won?t re" y he p you< I?) "%r"id<? the )"n eCp "in!< G!in(e "nything I !"y wi "uto)"ti(" y be eCpunged %ro) your )e)ory when I %iC the prob e)= /o & it i! !o=? Hi! eye! turn inw"rd! %or " )o)ent= GAh< ook! ike I?*e %ound the prob e)= ,ne o% the bu%%er !hie d! %"i ed on the re!i!tor (oi != I?) eCperien(ing " itt e he"t d")"ge< nothing (riti(" = 0e < I? be o%%< the prob e)?! %iCed= $";t" %or now= #y the w"y< you? eCperien(e " itt e ight he"dedne!! "! I er"!e !e e(t )e)orie!= A%ter th"t & we < it won?t )"tter "ny)ore< wi itE? And the )"n pro)pt y *"ni!he!= $he /pider ook! "round the !kip< de!per"te %or !o)ething to write with= /he h"! to re(ord thi! eCperien(e be%ore !he %orget! it= /he %ind! " ne"r e)pty tube o% tooth p"!te "nd (rou(hing down !>ueeAe! the "!t o% the p"!te out on " !oggy pie(e o% ("rdbo"rd= 0ith the p"!te the /pider )"n"ge! to %or) the word!P+,G+A. E.#ED & /he b ink! "! !he write!= $here i! " tight whirring in her !ku < ike " high pre!!ure dri going o%% !o)ewhere in the deep %o d! o% her br"in= /he !t"re! h"rd "t the etter! !he h"! %or)ed "! !he et! the tube o% toothp"!te %" %ro) her %inger!= P+,G+A. E.#ED & 0h"t doe! th"t )e"nE 0hy on e"rth i! !he writing !tu%% with toothp"!teE /he ("nnot under!t"nd her own "(tion! "ny)ore= /he !(r")b e! up the ! oping !ide! o% the !kip= /he %ee ! ! ight y better %or h"*ing ! eptB " itt e e!! )"ni(= /he h"! to !t"rt ho)e be%ore !he !u%%er! "nother "tt"(k= D D@ob" i! wi!e enough to keep "w"y %ro) the /pider tonight= 0h"t )u!t he be thinking to he"r her how ing with "ughter one )inute "nd !obbing un(ontro "b y the neCtE 0h"te*er he?! thinking he keep! to hi)!e %= He !t"y! hidden in hi! "bor"tory= He wi not e)erge %ro) hi! >u"rter! un e!! it i! "b!o ute y ne(e!!"ry= $he /pider "g"in ro")! the i(y h" ! o% her ("!t e< " ong p" e gho!tB eye! ( ouded with %e*er *i!ion!= /he i! b"bb ing !o)eti)e!= /he h"! no ide" wh"t !he i! !"ying= /he he"r! *oi(e! "!!"i ing her %ro) e*ery >u"rter= .ead voi#es. $he *oi(e! o% her prey< !we ing in *o u)e< be(o)ing )ore nu)erou!< )ore in!i!tent & /he (r"w ! into her ne!t but !e*ered he"d! d"ng e %ro) e*ery web !tr"nd< " g "ring "t her< d"ring to @udge her & /he (ur ! into " %oet" b" "nd tr"p! " )o"n in her thro"t= /he %ee ! !he h"! (o)e to " (ro!!ro"d!= /he ("nnot go b"(k< !he ("nnot go on< "nd i% !he re)"in! here !he wi !ure y bre"k in two & D D@ob" d"re! to !u))on her %ro) troub ed ! eep= /he r"i!e! her he"d we"ri y "nd !t"re! up "t hi)= /he h"! ! ept on the (o d ground< e!(hewing the u!u" (o)%ort o% her ne!t= How ong h"! !he been outE G.y % e!h i! not )y own<? !he te ! D@ob" "nd "ugh! "t the (r"(ked< b i!tered !ound o% her own *oi(e= G.other<? D@ob" wring! hi! h"nd! ner*ou! y< Gth"t odiou! (ont"(t o% your!< Abdu I"!!")< w"nt! to )eet you in the u!u" p "(e in "n hour=?
$he /pider h"! troub e %o(u!!ing on D@ob"?! word!= GDid you te hi) I w"! !i(kE? !he "!k! "t ength= D@ob" !h"ke! hi! he"d< un!ett ed by the >ue!tion= G3ou to d )e ne*er to te "nyone you were !i(k & ever=? /he re"(he! out "nd p"t! the de)igod?! podgy %"(e= GGood )"n<? !he !"y!< Gbe("u!e I?) not !i(k< you know< I?) per%e(t y %ine & @u!t di!orient"ted &? GI don?t think you !hou d go out<? D@ob" te ! her< Gnot in your !t"te=? /he w"*e! hi) "w"y= GDon?t be i)pertinent= $he night "ir wi do )e good=? /he !trugg e! to her %eet "nd re u(t"nt y D@ob" he p! her= G3ou are !i(k< )other<? he prote!t!= GI to d you I w"!n?t< didn?t IE? G3e!< )other=? G$hen it?! ob*iou! I?) not= #ring )y !uit=? G0hi(h oneE? G/o)ething !te" thy< I?) not %u!!y=? G#e ("re%u < )other<? ("ution! D@ob" "! he hurrie! "w"y to %et(h her ( othe!= GI h"te to !ee you ike thi!=? D It i! "n hour "ter "nd !he !it! in her %"*ourite booth "t the b"(k o% EnAo;the; /wine= /he t"ke! " )o)ent to e*" u"te her !itu"tion= /he )u!t e"*e the re!t"ur"nt be%ore the w"iter "rri*e! to t"ke her order= $he de"d )"n in the neCt booth )u!t not be (onne(ted to her= D 0ho h"! ki ed her (ont"(tE 0ho h"! ki ed Abdu I"!!")E It p "gue! her= He !it! in the neCt boothB %"(e down in " bow o% pot"to broth= $here i! " ne"t ho e in the b"!e o% hi! ne(k where " he)o bo t h"! !e*ered hi! !pine= De"th )u!t h"*e been in!t"nt"neou!= He h"! been de"d %or no )ore th"n " )inute= /he !u!pe(t! hi! ki er or ki er! "re !ti in the *i(inity= D /he e"*e! the re!t"ur"nt< ! ipping unnoti(ed out the b"(k entr"n(e= D /he t"ke! to the roo%top!< intent on hunting down her (ont"(t?! ki er< but in!te"d !he (rou(he! in roo%top !h"dow! "nd weep!= Her e)otion! "re " o*er the p "(e= $he o!! o% "n in%or)"nt "! *" u"b e "! Abdu i! regrett"b e o% (our!e< but (ert"in y not worth " thi! dr")"= /he %ee ! "!h")ed o% her we"kne!!= /he i! " godde!! "nd !he ought to beh"*e ike one= #ut her ti)e i! !o ( o!e "nd her e)otion! "re no onger her! to (ontro = /he h"! to e"*e= /he )u!t get ho)e= $he %e*er h"! gi*en w"y to "n inten!e (o d th"t goe! to the (ore o% her= It wi not be ong now= $he tr"n!%or)"tion h"! " re"dy begun= #ut when !he trie! to re e"!e " web !tr"nd her !pinneret i! dry= No web e)erge!= /he trie! "g"in & nothing= $he "perture "t the b"!e o% her !pine re)"in! !teri e= /he trie! to (r"w o*er the edge o% the roo%< but !he h"! no grip Her "bi itie! h"*e te)por"ri y !hort;(ir(uited= Her hor)one! "re in re*o utionB !he ("n (ontro no p"rt o% her!e % now= D
$hey "re here= /he !en!e! the) through " %og o% (on%u!ion= Ki er!- three o% the)= Not >uite the %u /"n(tion Crew !he eCpe(ted< but the /pider know! they "re "gent! o% Mother nonethe e!!= $hey h"*e tr"(ked her to the!e roo%top! "nd "re (urrent y working their w"y tow"rd! her= $hey know !he i! !i(k "nd *u ner"b e< but they "re !ti t"king no (h"n(e!= ,ne o% the) h"! the b ood o% De!de)on"?! (ont"(t on hi! h"nd!B the other! "re b"(k up= /he pro(e!!e! the) %ro) the !h"dow!< but it i! h"rd= $heir neur" tr"n!)i!!ion! )o*e in "nd out o% %o(u!< her "bi ity to tr"(k the) h"! been !eriou! y (o)pro)i!ed= D /he !u!pe(t! the de"th o% Abdu i! " tr"p to dr"w her in= $he ki er! were w"iting %or her= It i! te!ti)ony to how (on%u!ed !he i! th"t !he w" ked right into their tr"p= Now " they need do i! w"it %or the wor!t o% De!de)on"?! tr"n!%or)"tion to o*er(o)e her< the re!t wi be e"!y= In her (urrent !t"te the "d*"nt"ge! " ie with the /"n(tion Crew= /he !t"gger! "w"y %ro) the edge o% the roo%= /he ("n !)e the) but her !en!e o% dire(tion h"! gone= $hey (ou d be "nywhere= /he trie! to grin< but the e%%ort i! eCh"u!ting= /he wi go down %ighting= /he i! " godde!! o% the Hou!e o% Ar"(hnid! "nd !he? !e her i%e de"r thi! night & #ut then the (r")p! t"ke ho d o% her "nd the p"in hit! her ike the g"te! o% he y"wning wide= /he begin! to te"r her "r)our o%%< (on*u !ing "! the brut" "gony o% the tr"n!%or)"tion grip! her "t "!t= D $he ki er! he"r her !(re")= $hey (o)e %or her in " ru!h= $hi! i! the )o)ent when they )u!t !trikeB the )o)ent the godde!! De!de)on" i! "t her )o!t *u ner"b e= $here "re three o% the)< !treet h"rdened )en< !e"!oned ki er! e*ery one o% the)< but they h"*e ne*er (on%ronted "nything "! unner*ing "! thi! be%ore= 0e"kened though !he i!< the !pider god )u!t !ti be (on!idered eth" = $hey "ppro"(h the edge o% the roo%< h"rpoon gun! he d "t the re"dy< e"(h bo t %i ed with " (o)pre!!ion (h"rge th"t ("n !end !e*er" thou!"nd *o t! o% r"w e e(tri(ity through % e!h "nd !inew= De!de)on" i! (ornered= /he (rou(he! "t the edge o% the roo%< !t"ring b"(k "t the ki er! with the %ero(ity o% " !he;wo % brought to b"y= D $hey he!it"te when "t "!t they (on%ront her= /he i! be"uti%u beyond " (o)prehen!ion= $hey ("n?t be ie*e they "re thi! ( o!e to the )ythi(" !pider godde!!= $hey %ee " !en!e o% re igiou! "we in th"t )o)ent< h"nd! tre)b ing "! they t"ke " )o!t re*erenti" "i) with their we"pon!= /ti !he doe! not )o*e= /he i! " )o!t d"ring the) to %ire< egging the) on= I! th"t )o(kery they !ee in her !)i eE How ("n "ny (re"ture %"(e de"th with !u(h !toi(i!)E /he i! he p e!!< eCh"u!ted= $hey ("n !ee !ign! o% the tr"n!%or)"tion " o*er her< yet !ti !he !)i e!= $he ki er! re e"!e the !"%ety ("t(he! on their we"pon!= $here i! no hurry= $hey wi on y get one (h"n(e to %ire= $hey ("n !)e her hor)one! ike he"ted (opper in the "ir= /he ("nnot )o*e now e*en i% !he?d w"nted to= /he (rou(he! %roAen "t the edge o% the roo% "nd !o)ething in her !t"n(e )"ke! the ki er! think !he i! wi ing de"th upon her!e %< e)br"(ing it now th"t it h"! her (ornered= $hey !i)u t"neou! y pu their trigger!= $hree bo t! hi!! through the "ir< pier(ing the /pider through her right bre"!t< "bdo)en< "nd e%t !hou der= $hree ki ;!hot!< !tr"ight "nd true< the "ir (r"(k ing with the he"t o% di!(h"rged *o t"ge= $he e "tion die! in their thro"t!= /o)ething i! wrong= $hey begin retr"(ting the h"rpoon!= 'omething is dreadfully wrong.
$he /pider h"!n?t )o*ed= $hree h"rpoon! in her "nd !he (rou(he! in the eC"(t !")e !pot< !t"ring "t the) in the eC"(t !")e w"y< th"t ! ight y )o(king !)i e un(h"nged on her %"(e= $he bo t! h"*e torn right through her n"ked % e!h "! though it were )"de o% p"per= $oo e"!y= /oo damned easy. GIt?! not her<? one o% the ki er! whi!per!= Hi! *oi(e !ound! i%e e!!< "! though he i! " re"dy de"d= $hey turn< whir ing "w"y %ro) the %"i ed t"rget< he"rt! !we ing with p"ni(= $hey?*e )i!ti)ed it< !he?! tr"n!%or)ed " re"dy= $hey?*e (ornered her !hed !kin< no )ore= $hey know they h"*e (onde)ned the)!e *e!= $he re" /pider !t"nd! behind the)= /he h"! !tood there " " ong= /he i! n"ked "nd be"uti%u "! de"th in("rn"te= Her new !kin g i!ten! ike " "b"!ter in the )oon ight= Her eye! burn ike g ory %ire!< " !iC o% the) open "nd b "Aing down on the doo)ed ki er!= 'he always has the last laugh. $here i! no ti)e to re o"d the we"pon!= $here i! no ti)e %or "nything but to !t"nd "nd !t"re "nd %or) the word! o% h" %;%orgotten pr"yer!= $hey "re !ti pr"ying when the /pider !pring! upon the) "nd then there i! white;hot p"in< retribution too !wi%t to eCperien(e< %o owed by " !en!e o% weight e!!ne!!< gui t e!!ne!!< "! the /pider wre"k! her terrib e *enge"n(e= D L"ter the /pider return! to C"!t e Arine"e with her ("r"p"(e< her !hed !kin= /he %ee ! ike " (re"ture reborn= Her in!tin(t! "re r"Aor !h"rp on(e )ore< her !en!e! %re!h y tuned< her new born % e!h ting ing with !en!"tion= /he %ee ! "! though the who e wor d h"! be(o)e "n eCten!ion o% her wi = $he tr"n!%or)"tion i! o*er= $he !u%%ering !he h"! endured i! worth it= /he i! " )i ion ti)e! her o d !e %= $onight !he %ee ! ike the )o!t d"ngerou! thing " i*e= D 0hen !he re"(he! her ("!t e !he ("rrie! her ("r"p"(e up to the G" ery o% E(hoe! "t the top o% the e"!t tower= Here< in thi! *"!t h" < !he h"! (o e(ted " o% the)< going right b"(k to the beginning & the *ery %ir!t= 6ll her shed skins. $hey !t"nd ike e(hoe! o% her p"!t= Ho ow !he ! !he on(e wore "! % e!h= DoAen!< hundred!< " o% the) i%e ike< !t"ring b"(k "t her "! though< in the !p"(e o% thi! h" < !he h"! be(o)e egion "nd " the *"!t wor d her do)inion=
CROMBY AND NICE

$HE /EC+E$ D,,+ ,% (our!e they? b ")e )e< they " w"y! do= E*erything i! P"nto)on?! %"u t= I% the !un %"i ! to "ppe"r on "n "ppointed d"y it! b e!!ed P"nto)on they r"ke o*er the (o" != #y they I re%er to .andalus Wilhelm -rom&y "nd $rio Fali#imo )i#e o% Cro)by "nd Ni(e- h"ute (outure %"!hion de!igner! o% di!tin(tionB !e %;pro( "i)ed geniu!e!B "ppointee! to the god! "nd >uite " big de" they )"ke out o% th"t "ppoint)ent too= #y >antomon I )e"n )y!e %B Ah"b Anti(u u! P"nto)on "t your !er*i(e= Appointee to not )u(h )ore th"n !er%do)< "bu!e< "nd gener" b"d wi = Why do I take it( 0hy dedi("te )y i%e to the!e teCti e tyr"nt! when I (ou d !er*e "! "pprenti(e to " e!! ("nt"nkerou! %r"ternityE D Per)it )e to eCp "in th"t I ") )"n"ger o% the Cro)by "nd Ni(e Mpronoun(ed nie#eN %"!hion %r"ternity= I run " work!hop o% !o)e three hundred "pprenti(e t"i or! "nd )eet de"d ine! o% !u(h puni!hing eC"(titude "! to !w" ow " e!!er P"nto)on who e & but I per!e*ere< d"y in< d"y out< )onth "%ter )onth< ye"r "%ter ye"r< without !o )u(h "! " whi)per o% (o)p "int= $h"t?! the kind o% P"nto)on I ")= D Don?t get )e wrongB I ") entire y proud o% )y po!ition "! )"n"ger o% Cro)by "nd Ni(e< it i!< "%ter " < the )o!t (e ebr"ted o% " the !e*enty;!e*en gr"nd t"i oring %r"ternitie! in the , d /i k Di!tri(t= .y po!ition bring! with it )"ny perk! "nd )u(h (e ebrityB neither o% whi(h ("n be en@oyed owing to )y debi it"ting !(hedu e= #ut the )oney I e"rn keep! )y widowed )other< E en" P"tri(i" P"nto)on< in the i%e!ty e !he h"d grown "((u!to)ed to be%ore )y %"ther< &less his sainted soul, kee ed o*er "nd died o% " he"rt "tt"(k right here on the work!hop % oor= .y o*erhe"d! "re (ripp ing= .o) i*e! in ne"rby C"!!iopei"< in "n "p"rt)ent;with;"; *iew in the %"bu ou! y eCpen!i*e $#eanos Mansions= $he "p"rt)ent " one (o!t! )e h" % )y )onth y in(o)e= $he other h" % goe! on )other?! )edi(ine! "nd (on!t"nt ho!pit" "ppoint)ent! "nd %re>uent bout! o% (on*" e!(en(e in uCuriou! he" th !p"! "nd herb"riu)!= $he o d de"r i! " (redit *"(uu)< "nd " ong with )y w"ge! goe! "ny pro!pe(t! I wi e*er h"*e o% )"rrying we = D G3ou? ne*er )"rry we i% you don?t !"*e your pennie!=? E en" P"tri(i" P"nto)on< )y widowed )other< i! "n i)po!ing wo)"n o% !iC;%oot;two= /he ook! "bout %orty< when in %"(t !he i! ( o!er to !iCty;nine< (ourte!y o% "n eCpen!i*e (o!)eti( regi)en= I ") thirty;!iC< yet ook ( o!er to %i%ty= GI h"*e neither the ti)e nor the %in"n(e!<? I )uttered "! I )"r(hed " ong!ide her one "%ternoon= 0e were on Fu!tini"n?! P"r"de< "n eC( u!i*e !hopping pre(in(t in 0e!t C"!!iopei"= G+e" y< un2ustifia&le<? )other !n"pped= G0h"t do you w"!te your )oney on< Ah"bE A young )"n ike youB no re!pon!ibi itie!< no (o))it)ent!< I won?t he"r o% it &? I tried to re)ind her o% the )oney I !pent e"(h )onth )"int"ining her (o)%ort"b e i%e!ty e< but !he be(")e enr"ged by thi!< "((u!ing )e o% being "n ingr"te "nd " tight;%i!t @u!t ike )y %"ther< o% (ounting the )e"! y pennie! I threw her w"y e"(h )onth= It w"! >uite " !(ene in the
)idd e o% Fu!tini"n?! P"r"deB we ;to;do !hopper! ooked on with "n "ir o% gener" di!"ppro*" < no doubt interpreting our di!p "y o% pub i( e)otion "! " !ure !ign o% i breeding= I b"(ked down< "po ogi!ing pro%u!e y to )other whi !t in!ide I !eethed to !i ent boi ing point= '"ther h"d e%t her nothing but debt!< !he w"i ed< "! I tried )y be!t to hu!h her< (r"w ing with e)b"rr"!!)ent "! her *oi(e r"ng !hri y "round the up;)"rket !treet= It w"! the !")e o d tir"deB %"ther h"d e%t her de!titute< hi! entire pen!ion !w" owed by the g"ping ho e! in hi! po!thu)ou! %in"n(e!= And now the !on !he h"d !u(k ed "! "n in%"nt< the de!pi("b e ingr"te who?d !to en the be!t ye"r! o% her i%e< w"! !t"nding be%ore her< re!ent%u o% the %ew (redit! he ("!t her w"y e"(h )onth to )"ke up %or " the ye"r! o% !u%%ering "nd !o on "nd !o %orth= In the end I h"d to % ee< red "! " beetroot< )y e"r! %i ed with her w"i ing "((u!"tion!< "nd >ui(k y I o!t )y!e % in the (rowd!= I @udi(iou! y w"ndered "round %or " brie% !pe be%ore returning to her= $h"nk%u y )other h"d (" )ed down by thi! ti)e "nd it w"! "! though nothing untow"rd h"d e*er o((urred= /he w"! " !)i e! "g"in< " (h"r)< tugging on )y ! ee*e "! !he pu ed )e %ro) !hop to !hop "nd duti%u y I p"id %or " her e((entri(itie! "! )y own pro!pe(t! !hr"nk %urther "nd %urther %ro) *iew= D $hi! w"! the burden I bore "nd bore re)"rk"b y we < I )u!t !"y= I i*ed in " itt e roo) "bo*e Cro)by "nd Ni(e?! )"in work!hop< " %or)er !tor"ge roo) th"t the )"!ter t"i or! rented to )e when the o d b"!t"rd! (ou d h"*e gi*en it %or %reeB it w"! no !kin o%% their no!e!< "nd they knew it worked to their "d*"nt"ge h"*ing )e in;hou!e twenty;%our;!e*en= $he roo) they rented )e w"! " de"d;("t roo)= An(ient eCpre!!ion th"tB dead"#at room; I think it on(e h"d !o)ething to do with !winging de"d ("t! or !o)ething< but wh"te*er the origin" )e"ning it !uited )y >u"rter! @u!t %ine= I w"! "! (o)%ort"b e "! " )"n with %ew "!pir"tion! e%t in i%e (ou d be= I u!ed the work!hop kit(hen to (ook )y )e" ! "nd the )en?! roo) to w"!h= E"(h night< "%ter the "pprenti(e t"i or! e%t< the work!hop w"! entire y )ine= I worked on %or " (oup e )ore hour!< )"king (ert"in e*erything w"! !et %or the neCt d"y< "nd then I retired to )y roo) "t the top o% the bui ding where I %e into "n eCh"u!ted "nd %it%u ! u)ber= $h"t?! " I h"d< slee! and dreams, "nd pre(iou! itt e o% either= In )y dre")! I w"! !o)eone e !e= I w"! " P"nt")on I re!pe(ted< with " bu!y !o(i" i%e< " o*ing )"rri"ge< (hi drenB " hou!e with "n open *iew o% the !ky< "nd in the )ore ")bitiou! *er!ion! o% thi! dre") I e*en r"n )y own t"i oring %r"ternity= .y dre") wi%e ne*er h"d " %"(e= In the re" wor d I didn?t know "ny wo)en !o(i" y< !o there were no te)p "te! %or )y !ub(on!(iou! to work upon= In!te"d !he )"ni%e!ted her!e % "! " b ur o% %e)inine goodwi < e*er re!pon!i*e< e*er o*ing< "nd !he w"! my wi%e who o*ed me "nd I her= It w"! the gre"te!t %ee ing in the wor d unti the work " "r) wren(hed )e "w"y %ro) th"t !p endid %"nt"!y "nd pit(hed )e b"(k into )y hu)dru) re" ity< "nd e"(h )orning I "woke I (ou d " )o!t t"!te the "!he! o% th"t dre") on )y tongue= D In the , d /i k di!tri(t there w"! " !tri(t %or)" ity "tt"(hed to the ritu" o% (ourting "nd )"rrying " wo)"n= /t"tu! w"! e*erything= $he , d /i k Di!tri(t w"! )"de up o% "nded gentry< )er(h"nt %")i ie! who h"d !ett ed here !e*en (enturie! e"r ier %ro) e*ery >u"rter o% the o d e"rth= $hey were " )e)ber! o% the power%u Gui d o% $"i or!B "n e!oteri( "nd %"n"ti(" y !e(ret order th"t h"d tie! with di*inity d"ting b"(k to the %ir!t epo(h= 0ithout eC( u!i*e )e)ber!hip o% the Gui d " t"i or (ou d ne*er ri!e to the r"nk o% )"!ter< "nd without thi! r"nk he (ou d not po!!ib y hope to !e(ure hi! own %r"ternity= /in(e )e)ber!hip o% the
Gui d w"! !tri(t y heredit"ry the on y w"y o% @oining w"! to either inherit or to )"rry into the po!ition "nd need e!! to !"y< the (o)petition to )"rry into one o% the !o;(" ed GGui ded? %")i ie! w"! !ti%%= # unt y put I didn?t !t"nd " (h"n(e= Not with my %in"n(i" !t"tu!= .y %"!hion de!ign! )ight h"*e (o)pen!"ted %or )y "(k o% %i!(" pedigree h"d they won eC( u!i*e "w"rd! or been !"n(tioned by " )"!ter t"i or< but I %"i ed in )y e*ery "tte)pt to get )y )"!ter!< Cro)by "nd Ni(e< to !"n(tion )y work= $hey wou dn?t he"r o% it= I w"! " dog?! body "! %"r "! they were (on(erned "nd their indi%%eren(e to )e b inded the)< I ") (ert"in< to )y true (re"ti*e *irtue!= D GAh"b<? !"id D"nd" u! 0i he ) Cro)by< eC")ining )y port%o io through " be@ewe ed )ono( e< hi! )outh " tight ine o% di!"ppro*" "! he !ki))ed through the p"ge!= GP"nt")on<? !"id ,rio 'e i(i)o Ni(e< !ipping herb @ui(e through " !tr"w "nd !t"ring "t )e< b "nk "! " drugged %i!h= $he kind o% !t"re %or whi(h he w"! %")ou!B the kind th"t ne*er (e"!ed to )"ke )e ner*ou!= I ooked %ro) one to the other o% )y )"!ter!< eCpe(ting the wor!t= G3ou "re one he o% " )"n"ger<? D"nd" u! *ery r"re y (o)p e)ented "nyone< "nd when he did it w"! u!u" y to !et the) up %or " !ub!e>uent in!u t= I br"(ed )y!e % )ent" y< G#ut et?! %"(e it< de"r )"n<? D"nd" u! (ontinued< Gyou? ne*er )"ke it "! " bon" %ide )"!ter t"i or un e!! you?re prep"red to t"ke ri!k!=? G3ou p "y too !"%e<? ,rio (hipped in< wiping " d"b o% @ui(e %ro) hi! (heek with " !i k e)broidered h"ndker(hie%= G3ou?re too predi(t"b e &? GAnd !o "re your de!ign!=? D"nd" u! to!!ed )y port%o io b"(k "(ro!! the de!k "t )e= G$hey?re "de>u"te enough< de"r (h"p< but h"rd y in!pired=? GNot to put you down &? ,rio beg"n= G#ut wh"t?! the point in bui ding you upE? D"nd" u! (ontinued= G3our de!ign! "re !e(ond r"te< whi !t your )"n"geri" !ki ! "re !e(ond to none=? G'orget the %or)er<? ,rio "d*i!ed with " p"rent" w"g o% hi! %inger< G(on(entr"te on the "tter=? $hey to d )e the !")e thing e*ery ti)e I pre!ented )y work to the)= I !hou d h"*e been u!ed to it by now< but their word! !tung )e nonethe e!! "nd the !")e (ru!hing !en!e o% di!"ppoint)ent %i ed )e "t the end o% e"(h un!u((e!!%u bid %or re(ognition= GA h"ppy )"n i! " )"n who ne*er )"Ce! hi! (redit "nd ne*er (ro!!e! hi! i)it!<? D"nd" u! !)i ed "t )eB the !)i e " bene*o ent tutor gi*e! " p"rti(u "r y di);witted !tudent= GAnd re(ent y< Ah"b<? ,rio !"id "! he ! urped up the dreg! "t the botto) o% hi! g "!!< Gwe h"*e noti(ed you h"*e been %"r< %"r %ro) h"ppy= I! !o)ething bothering youE? GNothing<? I !t"))ered< GI?*e ne*er been h"ppierH? GAnd yet you (o)e to u! with designs,? ,rio ooked "((u!ing y "t )e< "! though )y de!ign! h"d been intended "! " per!on" "%%ront to hi)= I ( ut(hed )y port%o io de%en!i*e y to )y (he!t< !hie ding )y!e % %ro) the ho!ti ity o% hi! g"Ae= GDe!ign! t"ke ti)e to eCe(ute<? D"nd" u! opined< Ge*en !e(ond r"te de!ign!=? He w"! !t"ring "t )y port%o io "nd I !>ueeAed it ner*ou! y between )y %inger!= GPerh"p! you h"*e too )u(h ti)e on your h"nd!E? ,rio !ugge!ted= GI did the de!ign! in )y %ree ti)e<? I "!!ured the)= G'ree ti)e=? D"nd" u! "rti(u "ted the word! "! though they were %oreign to hi! *o("bu "ry= GI w"!n?t "w"re you h"d "ny free time=? G,h ye!<? ,rio (hipped in< "n unkind g e") in hi! eye!= GP"nto)on here *i!it! hi! )other in C"!!iopei" e*ery /und"y< re)e)ber< D"ndiE? G,% (our!e< o% (our!e<? D"nd" u! !hook hi! he"d !"d y= GHi! )other & C"!!iopei" ; o% (our!e< o% (our!e=?
GI work on )y de!ign! on the di!tri(t !hutt e to "nd %ro) C"!!iopei"<? I in%or)ed the)< )y *oi(e !ounding )i!er"b y !)" "nd %or orn in th"t uCuriou! o%%i(e o% d"rk wood "nd !i k t"pe!trie!= D"nd" u! !ighed= GI% on y your t" ent )"t(hed your deter)in"tion<? he !"id !o%t y= G0h"t " P"nto)on you wou d be< "yeE? He !ee)ed to o!e intere!t in the (on*er!"tion "t thi! point "nd getting up w"ndered "(ro!! to " b"by gr"nd pi"no ne!t ed in " (orner o% the o%%i(e where he beg"n "n o%%;key "nd de iber"te y )" i(iou! )e ody= G0e < Ah"b< th"nk you %or your ;uhm; uni>ue pre!ent"tion<? ,rio !"id< Gbut the "n!wer i! no= 0e?re not intere!ted in your de!ign!= 0hy wou d we beE 0e "re geniu!e!< "%ter " =? GAnd you "re one he o% " %"(i itie! )"n"ger<? D"nd" u! !"id o*er the !ound o% hi! pi"no (hord!= GCh" k "nd (hee!e< de"r Ah"b< (h" k "nd (hee!e=? ,rio winked "t )e "! I got up %ro) the de!k "nd e%t the o%%i(e= D 0e )eet " kind! o% %o k in the grooming roo)!= $he groo)ing roo)!< I !hou d eCp "in< "re " !erie! o% we ;%urni!hed roo)! where the ( iente e "re brought %or pri*"te out%itting= 'i ed with e"ther upho !tery< ri(h t"pe!trie!< unobtru!i*e ighting< "nd "rge< go d;%r")ed )irror!< the groo)ing roo)! "re de!igned to put our ( ient! "t e"!eB they are< "%ter " < !pending " !)" %ortune= E"(h ( ient i! in*ited by !pe(i" "ppoint)ent to try on " ho ogr"phi( prototype o% the (o!tu)e! they h"*e ordered ong be%ore tho!e (o!tu)e! go into produ(tion= A ne(e!!"ry twe"k! "nd "d@u!t)ent! "re rendered to thi! digit" o*er "y r"ther th"n the "(tu" (o!tu)e it!e %< "nd @u!t ike " re" out%it the prototype ("n be worn by the ( ient< " owing the) to !ee wh"t the %ini!hed produ(t wi e*entu" y ook ike= 0olo"fitting< "! it i! (" ed in the tr"de< render! eCpen!i*e "!t )inute "d@u!t)ent! " thing o% the p"!t< " owing the )"!ter t"i or the %reedo) to work on " three di)en!ion" interpret"tion o% hi! (o!tu)e de!ign without pre@udi(ing the %in" out(o)e= In theory thi! !hou d bring (u!to)er di!!"ti!%"(tion down to Aero< but %o k wi %ind !o)ething to (o)p "in "bout no )"tter wh"t pre("ution! you t"ke= D G$hi! (o!tu)e i! & i! & #om!romised &? the )oon;%"(ed de*i w"i ed< % inging " !i k p"(k"ge down on the (ounter top= GCo)pro)i!ed< )"d")E? I in>uired< !t"ring down "t the p"(k"ge without tou(hing it= GUn"((ept"b e<? the de*i (ried= GIt w"!n?t ike thi! in the %itting&? GI "!!ure )"d")B it w"! eC"(t y ike thi! during the %itting= Not !o )u(h "! " !)idgen h"! been " tered=? G0e I don?t know "bout !)idgen!<? the good "dy !n"pped< G" I know i! it )"ke! )e ook & ook &? "nd !he g "red "round "ngri y< to "!!ure her!e %< I h"d no doubt< th"t no one e !e w"! within he"ring di!t"n(e< then !he g "n(ed b"(k "t )e ! y y "nd in " )ore !ubdued *oi(e< !"id< Gfat.? $he de*i h"d indeed put on " (on!ider"b e ")ount o% weight !in(e her "!t ho o;%itting< but I w"! too di!(rete to point thi! out= I )"de gre"t !how o% eC")ining the o%%ending (o!tu)e< " o*e y out%it )"de %ro) /"ntrini"n " g"e< " )"teri" th"t h"! "n "b!o ute y wonder%u re "tion!hip with hu)"n % e!h< !ti)u "ting< re@u*en"ting< re "Cing< " (o!tu)e "nd %u body )"!!"ge ro ed into one= It! propertie! "re end e!! "nd< o% (our!e< it (o!t! "n ob!(ene %ortune= #ut it h"! one >u" ity th"t di!tingui!he! it %ro) " other )"teri" !B it i! inte igent= .ore "ni)" th"n *eget"b e it i! "n org"ni!) th"t !hrink! "nd %"de! in the "b!en(e o% o*e "nd ight< "nd in the pre!en(e o% both it wi >uite iter" y b oo)= $hi! pheno)enon t"ke! )"ny ye"r!
o% ("re "nd p"tient (u ti*"tion< but when it o((ur! it i! the )o!t d"AA ing di!p "y i)"gin"b e= Gorgeou! % ower! b o!!o)ing "(ro!! the !ur%"(e o% the dre!!< !ending out "n eC>ui!ite %r"gr"n(e th"t ("n bewit(h the !en!e! "nd en% ")e the ibido= G/"ntrini"n " g"e<? I eCp "in to thi! *u g"r itt e de*i< Gde)"nd! )ore th"n the "*er"ge ")ount o% ("re "nd "ttention= It i! "n in*e!t)ent in the %ine!t >u" ity )"teri" known to )"n or god= An org"ni!) th"t en@oy! "n e)p"thi( re "tion!hip with it! owner= It i!< in e!!en(e< " )"teri" th"t re% e(t! the be!t >u" itie! in " per!on= ."d")< do you o*e thi! (o!tu)eE? GLo*e itE? the de*i i! !o)ewh"t % u!tered by the >ue!tion= GI & I !uppo!e I want to o*e it & but it doe!n?t o*e )e & or e !e it wou dn?t )"ke )e ook %"t=? I owered )y e"r to the g"r)ent "nd n"rrowed )y eye! "! though i!tening to it! !e(ret!= $he de*i< b e!! her (otton!< w"! !t"ring gogg e eyed "t )e< trying to work out wh"t I w"! doing= /he beg"n to !"y !o)ething "nd I %ier(e y hu!hed her "! though in d"nger o% o!ing the thre"d o% " di!t"nt (on*er!"tion= $hen I r"i!ed )y he"d "nd in " *oi(e tre)u ou! with e)otion< I de( "red< G."d")< thi! (o!tu)e loves you=? GIt doe!E? the de*i !t"red "t )e in open )outhed "!toni!h)ent= GE*er !o )u(h<? I !"id= GHow do you knowE? GI i!tened< )"d")< "nd i% you i!tened "! we < you wou d (on%ir) thi! in "n in!t"nt<? "nd I he d the (o!tu)e out "nd the de*i pre!!ed her e"r to it "nd i!tened with " the (on(entr"tion !he w"! ("p"b e o% "nd it !ti w"!n?t enough< poor de"r= GI don?t think I he"r "nything<? !he !"id< r"i!ing her he"d "t "!t< her %"(e " red "nd !wo en %ro) !o )u(h (on(entr"tion= G$hen you do not yet o*e thi! )"teri" the w"y it o*e! you<? I !"id< %o ding the (o!tu)e "nd putting it b"(k in it! !i k wr"pping= I tre"ted it "! though it were " r"re ob@et d?"rt< win(ing with e"(h %o d I in% i(ted upon it< )"king !o%t hu!hing !ound! "! I wr"pped the !i k ( oth "round it= $he de*i w"! %"!(in"ted "nd w"t(hed )e "! though I were per%or)ing " "!t !"(r")ent on " o*ed one= GPerh"p! I have been " itt e i)p"tient<? !he (on%e!!ed= GI w"nted to we"r it out "t on(e< you !ee< there w"! thi! b" "nd I w"! "b!o ute y dying to !how it o%% &? I ooked "t her "gh"!t= G/"ntrini"n " g"e need! ti)e to %")i i"ri!e it!e % with you<? I !"id< Gyou ("n?t @u!t i)po!e your!e % upon it< )"d")=? GI %ee !o b"d<? the de*i !ni%%ed= GI! it !ti po!!ib e to %or) " bond with itE $he dre!!< I )e"n=? GPo!!ib e<? I !"id ! ow y< Gbut tri(ky= 3ou wi h"*e to be p"tient< )y de"r< gi*e it p enty o% dire(t !un ight "nd !hower it with "%%e(tionB whi!per to it< p "y )u!i( %or it< !ooth it "! you wou d " (hi d !t"r*ed too ong o% o*e=? GI wi <? the de*i g"!ped< GI !o wi <? "nd !he took the !i k p"(k"ge with gre"t ("re "nd bowed to )e "nd !(urried out o% the !hop= 0hen I w"! (ert"in !he w"! out o% e"r!hot I bur!t out "ughing "nd (ou dn?t !top %or " %u %i*e )inute!= /u(h "re the perk! o% )y @ob= D At Cro)by "nd Ni(e we !er*i(e di*inity o% the highe!t order= ,ur ( ient i!t in( ude! !o)e o% the )o!t di!tingui!hed n")e! in the di*ine p"ntheonB Aphrodite< 9enu!< Ph"ng E< Her"< wi%e o% Peu!< Funo< $e%nut< Nin i < "nd on "nd on= $he i!t i! >uite ineCh"u!tib e= 0e !er*i(e " the )"@or hou!e!< eC(ept the Hou!e o% ,din< the )e)ber! o% whi(h tend to )"ke their own ( othe! %ro) wh"te*er they ("n but(her "nd !kin= #"rb"ri"n!< I know< but to e"(h their own< I !uppo!e= 0e gu"rd our A;C "!! ( ient i!t @e" ou! y< !e(uring it in our nth (oded d"t" *"u t! o("ted bene"th the bui ding= A !o kept in the!e *"u t! "re the phy!i(" !pe(i%i("tion! o% " our di*ine ( iente e< "! we "! DNA b ueprint! %or tho!e out%it! th"t de)"nd !pe(i"
bio ogi(" bonding with their we"rer!= It wou d t"ke "n "r)y o% 9oodoo H"(ker! " thou!"nd terre!tri" ye"r! to bre"k into our d"t" *"u t! "nd we "re @u!ti%i"b y proud o% the)= D It w"! " h"rd i%e< I !uppo!e< but " %"ir one= I o*ed ( othe!= I o*ed %"!hionB it! idio!yn(r"!ie!B it! trend!B it! (u tur" "nd (re"ti*e "uthority= I o*ed the hundred! o% di%%erent teCti e! th"t p"!!ed e"(h )onth through the work!hop= E"(h new de i*ery brought on " ru!h o% eC(ite)ent in )eB the %ee o% tho!e %"bu ou! )"teri" ! in )y h"nd!< !hi))ering< ! iding< bubb ing through )y %inger!< )yri"d wor d;!(ent! %i ing )y no!tri != $here (ou d be no other pro%e!!ion %or )e< no other ("reer with >uite !o )u(h % "ir< "nd de!pite the odd ("u!e to gru)b e I w"! )ore or e!! (ontent with )y ot in i%e= I (ou d i)"gine growing o d "! )"n"ger o% Cro)by "nd Ni(e< eCp oited by )y e)p oyer! up unti the *ery end< but gr"te%u " the !")e= Gr"te%u %or " i%e ti)e !pent doing wh"t I o*ed to do "nd wou d h"*e done %or %ree i% I (ou d h"*e i*ed on %re!h "ir "nd wi!h%u thinking= #ut )y i%e w"! not to work out th"t w"y= It wou d h"*e been %"r< %"r better i% it h"d< but into e*ery )"n?! he"rt there w" k! one d"y " wo)"n who wi !n"t(h %ro) hi) " hi! dre")! "nd de!ire! "nd rep "(e the) with " gr"*en i)"ge o% her!e %= /udden y nothing e !e in the wor d )"tter! but to woo th"t wo)"n< to win th"t wo)"n< to w"ke up e*ery )orning %or the re!t o% your i%e with th"t wo)"n !nugg ed up tight "g"in!t you< knowing th"t !he i! utter y "nd %ore*er your!< " pre(iou! %i!h !n"t(hed %ro) "n o(e"n o% one ine!!= Into )y i%e w" ked !u(h " wo)"n one d"y "nd e*erything I h"d hitherto !tood %or b ew *io ent y "p"rt< !pre"ding the !hr"pne o% )y i%e %"r into the %uture where it !ti wound! )e tod"y= D Let )e %ir!t te you how I di!(o*ered the se#ret room= It w"! the e"r y hour! o% the )orning= Not !o "te th"t the dog! h"d !topped b"rkingB not !o e"r y th"t the roo!ter! h"d begun (rowing< th"t kind o% de"d ti)e in between !o)ething %ini!hing "nd !o)ething @u!t "bout to begin= I w"! working on in*oi(e!< upd"ting ("t" ogue!B I worked be!t "t night when the work!hop w"! e)pty= It %e t !tr"nge y poign"nt during tho!e >uiet hour!= Dre!!ed in h" %; %ini!hed (o!tu)e!< "nti>ue t"i or du))ie! were )y on y (o)p"nion!= Light h"! " di%%erent re "tion!hip with %"bri( "t nightB ( oth ook! !o !en!u" < the ripp e! "nd p e"t! ike ro ing w"*e! th"t !p "!h down into brui!ed !h"dow= It bewit(he! the !en!e!< thi! re "tion!hip< "nd I ("n be(o)e >uite entr"n(ed !t"ring "t the b" e! o% r"re teCti e! pi ed "g"in!t the rein%or(ed w" ! o% the work!hop= I ("n o!e " !en!e o% ti)e "! I i)"gine the be"uti%u de!ign! hidden within the!e ro ! o% un(ut ( othB the i*e! they !h" enh"n(e< the h" ! they !h" whi!per " ong< the gr"nd o(("!ion! they !h" t"ke p"rt in= It w"! one !u(h night th"t I he"rd " noi!e< " %"int !(u%% ing !ound th"t !ee)ed to be (o)ing %ro) up!t"ir!= I w"! working in the )"in work!hop "nd h"d ong be(o)e u!ed to th"t hu))ing !i en(e th"t %i ! the "ir on(e " true !ound h"! (e"!ed= /u(h " !i en(e doe! not ike to be di!turbed= It i! " @e" ou! !i en(e< " brooding !i en(e< "nd "ny !ound< howe*er !)" < ("n t"ke on o)inou! "nd %rightening proportion!= I ") not " br"*e )"n= $hi! i! !o)ething you !hou d know "bout )e= I h"*e ne*er pretended to be " )"n o% *" our< pre%erring to ! ink "w"y %ro) (on%ront"tion with )y t"i wedged %ir) y between )y eg!= 0hen the !(u%% ing !ound beg"n I e"pt up in %right "nd wou d h"*e % ed the work!hop without in*e!tig"ting i% I h"dn?t !topped to think "bout the (on!e>uen(e! o% !u(h " re"(tion= I% I % ed I wou d< in " prob"bi ity< o!e )y @ob= I% I o!t )y @obuen(e! o% th"t )ore th"n I %e"red " the !(u%% ing noi!e! in the wor d= D $h"t night I h"d o(("!ion to (e ebr"te= 0e h"d @u!t re(ei*ed " "rge (o))i!!ion %ro) the Hou!e o% E < " group o% di*ine being! who )ode ed the)!e *e! "%ter the "n(ient god! o% Phoeni(i"= 0e were to out%it %i*e hundred o% their (ourte!"n! %or " (ere)ony o% "!(en!ion in three )onth!? ti)e "nd I h"d been gi*en prin(ip e (ontro o% the pro@e(t= D"nd" u! Cro)by "nd ,rio Ni(e< the )"!ter t"i or!< were (urrent y on "n o%%;wor d buying trip< but they h"d e%t )e with pri)"ry de!ign b ueprint! to work %ro)= 'i*e hundred de!ign! (hurned out in e!! th"n " week= How they did itu" ity ne*er !u%%ered= I h"d ong "go !worn "n o"th th"t be%ore I died I wou d e"rn Cro)by "nd Ni(e?! !e(ret %or)u "< %or I !u!pe(ted the e!oteri( te"(hing! o% the Gui d o% $"i or! h"d " h"nd in their !upern"tur" geniu!= $he penu ti)"te twe"king "nd te"!ing o% the Phoeni(i"n (o!tu)e! w"! to be e%t to )y di!(retion< the %ir!t ti)e "nything h"d been e%t to )y di!(retion in " )y ten ye"r! "t the %r"ternity= It w"! "n opportunity to pro*e )y!e % to the o d dog!< to gr"du"te %ro) " )ere "pprenti(e t"i or< " beit one with " )"n"geri" ro e< to master tailor !otentate< with " the itt e tri))ing! th"t "((o)p"nied !u(h " pro)otion= A )"!ter t"i or potent"te i! not " )"!ter t"i or< I )u!t point out= He i! )ere y "n honor"ry )"!ter< or g ori%ied "pprenti(e< depending upon whi(h w"y you (ho!e to ook "t it= #ut the tit e wou d en"b e )e to enter )y de!ign! into the di!tri(t %"!hion "w"rd!B i% they won I wou d be "uto)"ti(" y "((epted "t the A("de)y o% #e!poke $"i or!< gr"du"tion %ro) whi(h gu"r"nteed )e eC( u!i*e Gui d )e)ber!hip= I wou d be thirty;!e*en in " )onth?! ti)e= I knew i% I didn?t !u((eed !oon then I ne*er wou d= D $he (o!tu)e! were to be !pun %ro) L"tin /i *er "nd Her"t< "n "rti%i(i" teCti e with " the >u" itie! o% (ru!hed *e *et "nd " (o)p ete de ight to work with "! " te"r! "nd i)per%e(tion! in the )"teri" "re !e %;he" ing< gi*ing it in(redib e dur"bi ity "nd " owing )e " "rger th"n u!u" )"rgin %or error= I w"! "bout to )"ke " !t"rt on the pro@e(t th"t *ery night when I he"rd the ! ight !(u%% ing %ro) up!t"ir! "nd being " )"n u!ed to (o)p ete !i en(e "t thi! hour< "ny !ound not )"de by )e w"! "n i))edi"te ("u!e %or (on(ern= I (ro!!ed to the ight boC "t the end o% the work!hop "nd triggered the up!t"ir!? ight!= A w"!h o% re"!!uring ye ow !pi ed down the !t"ir! "nd I )ounted the) ("utiou! y< one tre"d "t " ti)e< i!tening & $here were no r"t! or ike rodent! in the work!hop= 0e h"d "uto ("t! ro")ing the % oor!< progr"))ed to hunt "nd di!po!e o% " *er)inB whi(h< by the w"y< on(e ed to " r"ther n"!ty in(ident with the gr"nd du(he!! o% I )ore?! priAe Chihu"hu" & hah, remind me to tell you of this sometime. D I )ounted the !t"ir!< )y e"r! !tr"ining "he"d o% )e= I w"! " "r)ed< but not yet p"ni(ked= $he !(u%% e (")e "g"in when I re"(hed the %ir!t % oor= It !ee)ed to be (o)ing %ro) the % oor "bo*e "nd !o I !e"r(hed "round %or " we"pon< (o)ing up with " broo) h"nd e= I don?t know wh"t w"! going through )y )ind "t th"t point= Co)peting %r"ternitie! !o)eti)e! !to e e"(h other?! de!ign! "nd it w"!n?t unknown %or bre"k;in! to o((ur= $he (o)petition ("n be >uite (ut;thro"t "t ti)e! "nd I knew Cro)by "nd Ni(e?! de!ign! were the )o!t !ought "%ter in the (ity=
I ( i)bed up to the !e(ond % oor< ho ding )y broo) h"nd e with " *iew to @"bbing it upw"rd! i% "nyone (")e down tho!e !t"ir! "t )e= I re"(hed the !e(ond % oor !"%e y= $here were " nu)ber o% "rge !tor"ge "re"! here< %i ed with re)"inder !to(k "nd " %ew o d %"!hioned w"ter oo)!= 0e h"*e ong !in(e upgr"ded to the new "!er oo)! whi(h "re three ti)e! "! %"!t with on y h" % the energy eCpenditure= I didn?t %"n(y !e"r(hing through the!e "byrinthine !tor"ge roo)! !o in!te"d I !>u"tted down "g"in!t " w" "nd i!tened< !urpri!ed to note I w"! bre"thing h"rd< whether %ro) the eCertion or the %e"r I h"d no ide"= D I he"rd the !(u%% e " !hort whi e "ter= .u(h ouder now< but to )y !urpri!e it on(e "g"in !ee)ed to be (o)ing %ro) "bo*e )e= I r"i!ed )y he"d to !t"re "t the (ei ing= I do not po!!e!! T;r"y *i!ion "nd !o I ("n on y !ur)i!e I did thi! %ro) in!tin(t= $here "re on y three % oor! in the Cro)by "nd Ni(e work!hop< in( uding the ground % oor "nd the b"!e)ent= H"d !o)ething "nded on the roo%E I ro!e to )y %eet "nd !wit(hing the !e(ond % oor ight! on beg"n " !e"r(h o% the !tor"ge roo)!< ("re%u y )"king )y w"y through du!ty b" e! "nd di!u!ed )"(hine!< u!ing )y broo) to prod "nd poke "t wh"te*er eC(ited )y (urio!ity= I?) not eC"(t y (ert"in wh"t I w"! ooking %orB the !our(e o% th"t !hu%% ing !ound did not "ppe"r to (o)e %ro) "ny o% the!e roo)!= Perh"p! I?d %ind " ong o!t de!ign )"!terpie(e< perh"p! " pie(e o% %"!hion hi!tory< ("re%u y %o ded "nd !tored "w"y "nd ong %orgotten "bout= I !pent rough y h" % "n hour up there< in pur!uit o% D"gd" knew wh"t< "nd w"! "bout to "b"ndon )y >ue!t when I !tu)b ed< >uite by (h"n(e< upon the %"ded out ine o% " door in the b"(k w" o% the "!t !tor"ge roo)= It ooked ike !o)eone h"d tried to (on(e" thi! door= It "y behind !o)e !he *ing "nd I )ight h"*e )i!!ed it " together i% I h"dn?t been no!ing through the !he *e! "t r"ndo)= I h"*e %re>uent y noted th"t thing! ("n )ore o%ten be %ound >uite by (h"n(e th"n "! the re!u t o% " )ore de iber"te !e"r(h= I tried to pu the !he *e! ( e"r "nd w"! !urpri!ed when one end !wung %ree y "w"y %ro) the w" on we ;oi ed hinge!= I !tood be%ore the door "nd tr"(ed it! out ine with )y broo) h"nd e= I w"! %"!(in"ted but there didn?t !ee) to be "ny w"y to open the d")ned thing= #y thi! ti)e I w"! (on*in(ed gre"t !e(ret! "y on the other !ideB perh"p! the !tored e!oteri( te"(hing! o% the ."!ter $"i or! o% A binon the)!e *e!< it w"! not in(on(ei*"b e= #ut I w"! (ert"in th"t wh"te*er "y on the other !ide o% thi! door h"d !o)ething to do with the ineCp i("b e geniu! o% D"nd" u! Cro)by "nd ,rio Ni(e< "nd I *owed right then "nd there th"t I wou d get through the door "nd di!(o*er th"t !e(ret %or )y!e %= D I !u!pe(ted there w"! " ne"rby e*er th"t oper"ted the door< !o)ething th"t wou d not ook ike " e*erB !o)ething th"t wou d ook "nony)ou! "nd di!u!ed= $here were " ot o% "nony)ou! "nd di!u!ed ob@e(t! ne"rby "nd I !et "bout pu ing "nd pre!!ing on wh"te*er ("ught )y %"n(y< but " to no "*"i = I w"! !ti !e"r(hing when I he"rd the down!t"ir! !e(urity (o) go o%%= Iui(k y I !wung the !he *e! b"(k "g"in!t the !e(ret door "nd then I r"n down!t"ir! to the work!hop< !wit(hing the up!t"ir! ight! o%% "! I went= Who the hell #ould &e visiting at this ungodly hour( D GHe oE? G0e "re in need o% " dre!!< !irE? $he %"(e! o% the )"n "nd wo)"n "ppe"ring on the (o) *iew !(reen were un%")i i"r to )e= I w"! (ert"in they weren?t on "ny o% our ( ient i!t!= Perh"p! they were repre!enting "n "nony)ou! third p"rty= Ne*erthe e!!< thi! w"!n?t the ti)e to (ondu(t bu!ine!! "nd I inti)"ted "! )u(h to the)=
GI "po ogi!e %or the "tene!! o% our hour<? the )"n !"id "nd wou d h"*e !"id )ore< but the wo)"n !poke then "nd he %e !i ent "! though she he d the gre"ter "uthority= GI ") %ro) New Aby!!ini"<? !he to d the !e(urity (")er"= Her eye!< e*en through the %og o% digit" di!tortion< were e!pe(i" y h"unting "nd I %ound )y!e % e"ning ( o!er to the *iew !(reen "! I i!tened to her= G0e h"*e been tr"*e ing " night "nd on y "rri*ed "t thi! )o)ent= It w"! )y %"u tB I wi!hed to !pe"k to you "t on(e=? G3e!;ye!<? I !"id< G(o)e in< (o)e in=? And I?) re u(t"nt to "d)it it< but I?d %" en in o*e with thi! )y!teriou! !tr"nger right then "nd there< e*en be%ore I?d !et eye! on her in the % e!h= D )ew 6&yssinia w"! "n i)port"nt (ity in the gre"ter A%ri("n e)pire o% P")b"ne!h"= It! peop e were known "! /"be"n! or daughters and sons of Makeda< " t" < d"rk< wi owy r"(e< gent e o% %e"ture "nd gre"t o% be"uty= ,% the /"be"n! I know thi!B they !ki %u y br"id their h"ir into the )o!t intri("te de!ign! "nd re;en"(t their gre"t (o!)i( )yth! through the "rt o% d"n(e< )"r"thon tr"n(e (ere)onie!< "nd " r"ther biA"rre "(ti*ity known "! (o))un" dre")ing= A! %"r "! I know they "re " )"tri ine" !o(iety "nd (h"rt the !t"r! u!ing " !tr"nge te(hni>ue known "! H"r)ony ."the)"ti(! th"t ("n be tr"n! "ted into poeti( *er!e "nd !tored in the )o!t un)"the)"ti(" o% )ind!= $h"t i! "! )u(h "! I know o% the peop e o% New Aby!!ini"= $he wo)"n who entered the work!hop w"! t" < >uite " bit t" er th"n I< "nd " be"uty o% r"re de*i(e= Her %e"ture! were de i("te y !(u ptured< her %orehe"d high "nd reg" < her eye! ike white %ire ge)! burning in the (ir( e! o% koh !he?d !)udged "round the)= Her !kin w"! d"rk "nd burni!hed< inh" ing the "rti%i(i" ight o% the roo) "nd igniting it @u!t bene"th the !ur%"(e< re% e(ting it b"(k "t )e in w"y! th"t were wi(ked "nd in%inite y enti(ing= Her )outh w"! !)" "nd per%e(t y %or)ed< ip! p"inted berry b "(k with !o%t b ue high ight!= Her h"ir h"d been br"ided "nd !(u pted into !erpent (oi ! th"t %r")ed the )edu!" (h"r)! o% her %"(e= In "n in!t"nt )y he"rt w"! doo)ed< !we"ring b ind "nd etern" %e" ty to thi! )o!t eCtr"ordin"ry o% !tr"nger!= I h"d ne*er !een " wo)"n !o )"gni%i(ent in both "ppe"r"n(e "nd be"ring= /he w"! dre!!ed in % owing robe! o% !heer white< " go d Copti( (ro!! "tt"(hed to " !)" (h"in "round her w"i!t< her %or) ong "nd wi owy "! " reed th"t ("n bend %ore*er in the wind "nd ne*er bre"k= I %e t (ert"in %ro) the %ir!t in!t"nt th"t !he w"! roy" ty or e !e re "ted to roy" ty= A !u!pi(ion !oon (on%ir)ed when !he in%or)ed )e< GI ") the Prin(e!! ."ker" o% the %i%th roy" hou!e o% the /"be"n<? "nd it w"! >uite the )o!t eCtr"ordin"ry thing %or !he !ee)ed to !pe"k entire y with her eye!< the word! %or)ing out o% the brown poo ! "t the (entre o% e"(h= GPrin(e!!<? I re"(hed out to t"ke her h"nd in )ine= G3ou )"y not tou(h " )e)ber o% the roy" hou!eho d<? the %e ow who?d "((o)p"nied her here !ee)ed r"ther keyed up on thi! point "nd he !tepped between u! with "n "ir o% >uiet )en"(e= He w"! " bur y )"n< t" er th"n both the prin(e!! "nd I= He w"! 3orub"< hi! %"(e p"tterned with proud !("ri%i("tion< hi! de)e"nour th"t o% " )er(en"ry< " hired;gun< but I %ound out "ter hi! n")e w"! $u)i< " hero %ro) the Hou!e o% ,gun< "nd th"t he w"! t"!ked by ,gun hi)!e % to prote(t the Prin(e!! ."ker"< with hi! i%e i% need! be= $hi! prote(tion wou d be eCtended up unti the d"y o% the prin(e!!? )"rri"ge "nd then $u)i wou d return to the Hou!e o% hi! %"ther to de)"nd " new t"!k= $hi! w"! the w"y o% the hero= GIt?! ok< $u)i< #allas< #allas=? $he wo)"n tou(hed $u)i on the right !hou der "nd re u(t"nt y he )o*ed "!ide< hi! eye! thunderou! "nd thre"tening bene"th hi! knitted brow!= $he prin(e!! then took )y h"nd "nd !hook it= G0e "re not in /"be" now<? !he !"id with " !)i e th"t i u)in"ted " the d"rk p "(e! in )y he"rt= GI h"*e "rri*ed here to "ttend " )"rri"ge
(ere)ony<? !he !t"red dire(t y into )y eye! "! i% to dr"in )e o% the wi to re!i!t her= GI wou d ike you to de!ign )y gown=? Di!t"nt *oi(e! ( ")oured in )y he"d- *ou dont have time. 1emem&er the #eremony of 6s#ension. Five hundred #ostumes. /hree month deadline. /urn her down. >olite, &ut firm. 'ay no and walk away from this. GI wou d be de ighted< your highne!!<? I to d her in!te"d= G0hen do you re>uire thi! gownE? GI h"*e three week!<? !he to d )e= GAre you ( o!e to the brideE? I "!ked her= GI am the bride<? !he rep ied "nd " )i ion "nd one g "!! dre")! were in!t"nt y !h"ttered in )y he"rt= I (ou d on y !t"re "t her "nd it took " hideou! e%%ort to )u!ter the word!< G."d") i! getting )"rriedE? G3e!=? $he Aby!!ini"n be"uty nodded without "ny ide" o% wh"t !he w"! doing to )e in!ide= $hrough "n e "!ti( (ontortion o% )y (heek! I )"n"ged to %or(e " !)i e= GCongr"tu "tion! "re in order<? I (ro"ked= GI wi!h you the h"ppie!t o% o(("!ion!=? G$h"nk you<? !he !)i ed "nd )y he"rt % in(hed %ro) th"t !)i e< brui!ed by her re*e "tion= GAre you " right< )"nE? Her "ide w"! ooking "t )e (uriou! y= GIt?! the "tene!! o% hour<? I rep ied ho"r!e y= GI w"! ! eeping &? G,% (our!e<? the prin(e!! re"(hed out "nd gent y !>ueeAed )y h"nd "nd ye god!< the (on%u!ed %ee ing! th"t !ing e ge!ture " one et oo!e in!ide )e= I thought I w"! going to p"!! out on the !pot= G0e wi (o)e b"(k in the )orning<? !he !"id= GI ") p e"!ed you h"*e "((epted thi! (o))i!!ion= A)ong!t )y peop e your %"!hion i! high y re*ered=? I re" i!ed !he thought I w"! either Cro)by or Ni(e< neither o% who) were "*"i "b e "nd neither o% who) were ike y to h"*e "((epted !u(h " ru!hed order e*en i% they h"d been= I de(ided right then "nd there th"t I wou d de!ign her dre!!= I wou d be her Cro)by "nd Ni(e "nd et )y de!ign!< !o ong hidden in the !h"dow o% )y )"!ter!? geniu!< !hine %or " d"y= A *ery !pe(i" d"y= /he marriage of an 6&yssinian !rin#ess, no less. .y< )y< wh"te*er w"! I thinkingE $he #urgo! h"*e " !"ying %or thi!< "! they do %or )o!t thing! in i%e= $hey !"y- love deludes the wisest of fools= And " though they "re entire y wrong "bout )o!t other thing! they h"*e " !"ying %or< in thi! they "re entire y right= I w"! in o*eB " wret(hed< unre>uited o*e< the type o% o*e th"t ("rrie! you "w"y ike " wi d hor!e< ( inging to it! % owing )"ne< he"ding tow"rd! (ert"in doo)< but un"b e< unwi ing to et go= .A$E+IAL T $he !e(ret door be(")e "n ob!e!!ion with )e= I h"d to %igure out " w"y o% opening it= I w"! working )y!e % to eCh"u!tion prep"ring %or the Cere)ony o% A!(en!ion= $he Phoeni(i"n! "re " %"!tidiou! peop e "nd the (o!tu)e! h"d to be per%e(t down to the "!t !e>uin= ."teri" h"d to be ordered "t on(e i% it w"! to "rri*e in ti)e= De!ign! h"d to be ("!t b"(k "nd %orth between the work!hop "nd the di*ine Hou!e o% E B they in!i!ted upon being (on!u ted e*ery !tep o% the w"y "nd being "n eCtre)e y bure"u(r"ti( hou!e e*ery de(i!ion took "n inordin"te ")ount o% ti)e to "rri*e "t= I (ou d " re"dy %ee )y three )onth de"d ine ! ipping "w"y= ,n top o% thi! I h"d "((epted the (o))i!!ion %or the Prin(e!! ."ker"?! wedding dre!! "nd w"! " re"dy (ur!ing )y !tupidity= I (on!u ted with the prin(e!! the %o owing d"y= I knew !he w"! getting )"rried by thi! ti)e o% (our!e< but I !ti !howered< !h"*ed "nd put on )y be!t !uit in "nti(ip"tion o% her "rri*" = Her "ide< $u)i< w"! in "ttend"n(e "g"in< but I h"rd y noti(ed hi) "! I brought the prin(e!! into our (on!u t"tion !uite= I o%%ered her (o%%ee "nd !weet p"!trie! "nd !"t with )y notebook in h"nd< pen poi!ed to t"ke down ide"!= I w"! trying to be "! pro%e!!ion" "! po!!ib e< but tod"y the prin(e!! ooked e*en o*e ier th"n !he h"d the pre*iou! night= /he w"! we"ring " dre!! )"de o% e)er" d butter% ie! th"t ( ung to her body
ike " !kin o% ight= Her "r)! were b"re "nd I %ound )y!e % ("re!!ing the !o%t !heen o% her !hou der! with itt e %inger! o% de!ire whene*er !he w"!n?t ooking dire(t y "t )e= /he )"de her !ur y "ide w"it in " !ide roo) "! !he di!(u!!ed p "n! %or her wedding dre!! with )e= I @otted her ide"! down "nd )"de !ugge!tion! o% )y own< )"ny o% whi(h p e"!ed her= /he w"nted " dre!! !he (ou d d"n(e inB !he w"! *ery !pe(i%i( on thi! point= D"n(ing w"! *ery i)port"nt to her "nd !he w"nted " her gue!t! to d"n(e "t the wedding= /he h"d been p "nning thi! wedding in her dre")! e*er !in(e !he w"! " (hi d "nd !he w"nted it to be the h"ppie!t d"y o% her i%e= Her )other h"d gi*en her per)i!!ion to "rr"nge e*erything her!e % "nd ."ker"?! %ir!t (hoi(e o% de!igner h"d been )e< or r"ther the )"n !he thought I w"!= I nodded hu)b y "nd (on(entr"ted on )y note!= I dre"ded her %inding out I w"! neither Cro)by nor Ni(e< who) !he !ee)ed to think were one "nd the !")e per!on= I %er*ent y hoped !he wou dn?t pre!! )e on the i!!ue= 0e worked on the dre!! de!ign %or )ore th"n "n hour be%ore " rough !ket(h w"! "greed upon= I then took the prin(e!!? )e"!ure)ent!= $he "ide in!i!ted upon being pre!ent %or thi! pro(edure< "! though not tru!ting )e "nywhere near hi! pre(iou! prin(e!!= #ut )e"!uring the!e d"y! i! " (o)p ete y non;intru!i*e "%%"ir th"t on y re>uire! the ( ient to !tep through " )et" door%r")eB "!er !("nner! in!et on the in!ide! o% the door%r")e >ui(k y render " three;di)en!ion" wire %"(!i)i e o% the ( ient onto " (o)puter !(reen< (o)p ete with )e"!ure)ent! eC"(t to " de(i)" point= A%ter I?d %ini!hed !("nning her !t"ti!ti(! I !"id goodbye to the prin(e!! "nd it w"! ike !"ying goodbye to )y own he"rt= I w"t(hed her e"*e "nd )y !to)"(h !hr"nk to " tight b" o% )i!ery in!ide )e "nd I !"t %or "n unprodu(ti*e hour< !t"ring "t the wire %r")e )ode o% her< )y i)"gin"tion "dding % e!h to the digit" !("%%o ding< )y de!ire i)buing th"t )ode with the !")e re*eren(e " ong;*oy"ge pi ot re!er*e! %or !"(red geo)etry= D I threw )y!e % into )y work with " !"*"ge %ury= I be(")e tyr"nni(" in the "b!en(e o% )y )"!ter!< pu!hing )y te") o% t"i or! to bre"king point= ,*erti)e be(")e )"nd"tory< un(h "nd te" bre"k! were b ed to the b"re )ini)u)= I w"! ob!e!!ed with )y )i!!ion< de!per"te to )"ke "n i)pre!!ion & to )"ke " n")e %or )y!e % ; "nd "t the !")e ti)e I !e(ret y worked on the wedding gown< ordering the )"teri" on (o)p"ny "((ount! "nd %udging the re(ord! "! I did !o= It w"! " %"r )ore (o)p eC t"!k th"n I h"d en*i!ionedB the )"teri" the Prin(e!! ."ker" h"d de(ided on %or the wedding gown w"! known "! ,enedi#tion .amask< " gorgeou! !"tin %"bri( th"t g ow! "n i))"(u "te white< !urrounding the we"rer in "n "nge i( "ur" th"t i! @u!t right %or " *irgin bride= #enedi(tion D")"!k i! " )"teri" !"id to be in!pired by the )u!e o% d"n(e her!e %= 0hen the body o% the we"rer he"t! up during the "(t o% d"n(ing the %"bri( re e"!e! !)" b"ub e! o% ethere" ight into the "ir th"t % o"t "bout the d"n(er ike nu)inou! ( oud!= $he )"teri" i! h"rd to (o)e byB it i! %"r;(o ony produ(e "nd perh"p! the )o!t !ought "%ter o% " eCoti( )"teri" != I !("nned through i!t! o% who e!" er! "nd ret"i er!< (ont"(ting the) one "%ter the other< but they " !"id the !")e thing- $ut of sto#k, e4!e#ting a new delivery soon= I be(")e %r"nti(= I !("nned the b "(k )"rket!= I t"pped the re!our(e! o% " nu)ber o% !)ugg ing ring! )y )"!ter! h"*e de" ing! with< but they "ughed "t )y re>ue!t "nd to d )e it wou d be %"r e"!ier to "(>uire E )o?! 'ire< wh"te*er the he th"t i!= $hi! w"! the e"!t o% )y worrie!= $he Hou!e o% E !udden y re@e(ted the entire !et o% Cro)by "nd Ni(e?! de!ign!= .y )"!ter!? de!ign! "re *ery r"re y re@e(ted< "nd to h"*e %i*e hundred de!ign! re@e(ted !i)u t"neou! y i! !i)p y unpre(edented= $o "dd to )y woe! I (ou d not (ont"(t Cro)by "nd Ni(eB they were in %ree;%" !p"(e< %"r out on the g" "(ti( "r( "nd i)po!!ib e to re"(h unti they "rri*ed "t their de!tin"tion= $hi! !et )e b"(k to !>u"re one= I w"! pu!hing )y t"i or! to the point o% )utiny< trying to get new de!ign! in p "(e "! !oon "! po!!ib e= I w"! working twenty;two hour! out o% e*ery twenty;%our= .other kept ringing "nd
ringing "nd her )e!!"ge! were getting ug ier "nd ug ier< but I h"d no ti)e= E*erything h"d be(o)e " %r"nti( b ur= 6nd then there was the door. No )"tter how bu!y I w"!< I " w"y! %ound ti)e %or the !e(ret door= I wou d "w"ke %ro) " %og o% )"ni" "nd !o)ehow I wou d be !itting in %ront o% th"t door on the !e(ond % oor o% the work!hop< not knowing how I got there< !t"ring "t th"t !e(reti*e out ine with hooded eye! "nd droo running down the !ide o% )y @"w= ."ybe I thought I (ou d wi the door open @u!t by !t"ring "t it= ."ybe I w"! going " itt e )"d in tho!e he(ti(< ! eep;depri*ed d"y!= I pu!hed< !ho*ed< y"nked< ki(ked< !)"(ked< "nd bit e*erything in th"t !tor"ge roo)= I went through " the other roo)! in " ikewi!e )"nner< but nothing !ee)ed to open th"t b "!ted door= I w"! o(ked out o% " !e(ret th"t t"nt" i!ed )e with it! ne"rne!! "nd dro*e )e h" % )"d with %ru!tr"tion= I h"d "n irr"tion" %ee ing th"t " the prob e)! in the wor d (ou d be !o *ed i% on y I (ou d open th"t d")ned door= D G3ou ook dre"d%u <? )other to d )e when !he !"w )y !unken< ! eep depri*ed %"(e on her *id;(o)< G"b!o ute y dre"d%u < Ah"b= 0h"t h"*e you been doing to your!e %E? G0orking<? I !n"r ed= $he "(k o% ! eep w"! )"king )e te!ty "nd I %ound it h"rder th"n u!u" to %eign po itene!!= G0e < !p"re !o)e ti)e %or your own )other<? !he !"id !u ki y= GI h"*e !o)e bi ! th"t need p"ying &? GC"!t the) o*er<? I !"id= GI?) !w")ped &? G3ou )e"n you?re not *i!iting )eE? /he ooked "t )e !h"rp y< G3ou?*e t"ken up with " wo)"n< h"*en?t youE? GNo< )other< I h"*en?t<? I !"id= GI?) working % "t out= I?) )"nning the !hop " one "nd I?*e got " big produ(tion going=? GDon?t ie to )e<? !he !hrieked< her *oi(e ! i(ing "(ro!! the *id tr"n!)i!!ion "nd *ery ne"r y pun(turing )y e"rdru)!= I turned the *o u)e down= GI?) not ying<? I !"id= G0hy wou d I ieE? G3ou?*e t"ken up with !o)e bi)bo<? " ook o% pure *eno) h"d (rept into )other?! eye!< Gh"*en?t you Ah"bE /o)e ow ( "!! % y;by;night< th"t?! why you don?t h"*e ti)e %or your o d )other= And @u!t when I need you )o!t &? G0hen don?t you need )e )o!tE? I "!ked "nd broke tr"n!)i!!ion be%ore !he (ou d re!pond= I %i tered )y (" ! "%ter th"t "nd in th"t !ing e d"y " one I )u!t h"*e re(ei*ed twenty )e!!"ge! %ro) her< r"nging %ro) the (on(i i"tory to the downright ! "nderou!= D A week "%ter th"t (on*er!"tion the pre!!ure inten!i%ied "! " who e de i*ery o% %"bri( went )i!!ing en route to our ne"rby w"rehou!e!< !to en by gr"* pir"te!< no doubt= /o the entire !hip)ent h"d to be reordered on the !pot= 0e h"d " re"dy t"ken !y)bo i( re(eipt o% the %ir!t de i*ery be%ore it went )i!!ing "nd !o the %in"n(i" burden %e !>u"re y on our he"d!= $he in!ur"n(e (o)p"ny % "t out re%u!ed to (o*er the o!!< ( "i)ing th"t we h"dn?t t"ken "de>u"te pre("ution! to prote(t our ("rgo= $o "dd to thi! our !e(ond de!ign te!t w"! " !o turned down by the Hou!e o% E "nd I %e t the ( "w! o% de!per"tion tighten "round )y thro"t "! we !trugg ed to get " third de!ign te!t up "nd running= I w"! !ti twe"king "nd te"!ing Cro)by "nd Ni(e?! origin" b ueprint< but i% thi! third try w"! " !o turned down I wou d h"*e no " tern"ti*e but to rede!ign the entire r"nge %ro) !(r"t(h= It w"! either th"t or ("n(e the (o))i!!ion< " thing Cro)by "nd Ni(e h"d not done in ne"r y two (enturie! o% tr"de=
,n the *erge o% (o)p ete phy!i(" "nd )ent" (o "p!e I worked through the ong d"y! "nd night!< !n"t(hing wh"t ! eep I (ou d< doAing unti the *id (hi)ed "nd p unged )e into !o)e %re!h (ri!i!= $he on y thing th"t g"*e )e @oy in tho!e d"y! o% )"ni" w"! )y o(("!ion" )eeting with )y Aby!!ini"n prin(e!!= I %ound wh"te*er ti)e I (ou d %or her< de!igning her dre!! in " %renAy o% !e(re(y= I hid the (o))i!!ion e*en %ro) the "pprenti(e t"i or!< (ondu(ting )y )eeting! with ."ker" in the pri*"te o%%i(e !uite= /he did not turn up with $u)i< her 3orub" bodygu"rd< "%ter the !e(ond *i!it< %or whi(h !)" )er(y I w"! gr"te%u = It w"!< I w"! (ert"in< " !o " )e"!ure o% her growing tru!t in )e= A! we di!(u!!ed the de!ign o% the wedding dre!! I tried "! !ubt y "! po!!ib e to g e"n in%or)"tion "bout ."ker"?! intended hu!b"nd< but !he wou d not be dr"wn on the !ub@e(t= /he i*ed in the hote F"*i" in Lower C"!!iopei"< in the penthou!e !uite no e!!< "nd wou d do !o up unti the d"y o% the wedding= /he h"d ne*er e*en )et her intended hu!b"nd= E*erything h"d been "rr"nged through the )"tri)oni" br"n(h o% their re!pe(ti*e hou!e!< but !he be ie*ed he w"! " de(ent< kind "nd ("ring )"n< "nd th"t he too o*ed to d"n(e< @u!t "! she did= I pined %or her e*en "! !he !"t be!ide )e< eC")ining )y de!ign!< (o))enting upon thi! or th"t= I wou d inh" e her %r"gr"n(e "nd grow diAAy "nd intoCi("ted on it= I wou d !ne"k !ide ong g "n(e! "t the )ir"( e o% her !kin< the thi(kne!! o% her "!he!< owered "! !he !tudied the de!ign!< the per%e(t !h"pe o% her no!e< the !)" !en!u" )outh< the w"y !he bit her ower ip in (on(entr"tion= /he o*erwhe )ed )e< )"de )e bre"th e!! "nd giddy= I wou d be in*igor"ted in her pre!en(e< re"dy to (on>uer the wor d %or her !"ke< "nd "y it ike " )"nt e "t her %eet= I h"ted the )"n !he w"! to )"rry= I didn?t know hi)< but I h"ted hi) "nd w"nted hi) de"d= I dre"ded the )o)ent the dre!! wou d %in" y be re"dy be("u!e th"t wou d be the "!t ti)e I wou d e*er !ee )y prin(e!!= A%ter th"t !he wou d be ong to "nother< "nd the thought o% ne*er !eeing ."ker" "g"in %i ed )e with " dre"d th"t d"i y %retted "w"y "t )y in!ide!= D G3ou ook !o tired< .r= Ni(e<? !he to d )e on one o(("!ion= G3e!<? I rep ied< G" itt e & I?*e h"d " %ew prob e)! with produ(tion & but nothing I ("n?t h"nd e=? GI "d)ire you=? $od"y ."ker" wore " dre!! th"t w"! )i d y ho ogr"phi(= /(ene! %ro) her "n(ient Ethiopi"n high "nd! % itted ike dre")! "(ro!! it! !ur%"(e= A%ri("n !un!et! % u!hed the %"bri( with gorgeou! (ri)!on! "nd b u!h pink!< the %r"gi e !pire! o% her %"r "w"y (ity !hi))ering ike )ir"ge!< %o owing the (ur*e o% her bo!o) "nd the t"per o% her w"i!t= GI "d)ire wh"t you do<? !he (ontinued= GIn )y ho)e "nd t"i or! "re known "! )"!ter! o% )otion= $hi! i! wh"t we think o% the)= $hey (re"te work! o% "rt th"t h"ng upon the hu)"n body "nd the hu)"n body i! %ore*er in )otion< you !ee= $he t"i or )u!t under!t"nd )otion< we be ie*eB he )u!t under!t"nd how the body d"n(e! to the whi)! o% de!ire=? /he turned to )e "nd owered her *oi(e ! ight y< GI think th"t you "re " )"!ter o% )otion< .r= Ni(e= 3our de!ign! "re proo% o% your i))en!e t" ent!=? $e"r! (")e to )y eye! when I he"rd the!e word! o% pr"i!e< uttered by the wo)"n I o*ed= I b inked the) b"(k "nd !hrugged with %eigned indi%%eren(e< GIt i! e"!y to be(o)e " )"!ter o% )otion<? I !"id< Gwhen you< Prin(e!! ."ker"< "re the !our(e o% )y in!pir"tion=? /he "ughed when I to d her thi!< " high< (hi di!h "ugh= /he tou(hed )e ight y on the "r) "nd need e! o% p"!!ion "n(ed )y he"rt "t th"t !i)p e!t o% ge!ture!= G3ou "re " gre"t )"n<? !he !"id in th"t de ight%u "((ent o% her!= GI ") g "d th"t you "re )y t"i or< .r= Ni(e< my )"!ter o% )otion= 3ou under!t"nd %"bri( "! the poet under!t"nd! word!= 0ith you by )y !ide I %ee I ("n t")e the wind=?
I h"d !("nt ide" wh"t the!e word! )e"nt< but they h"d "n e%%e(t on )eB " %ee ing o% rebe iou!ne!! "nd un(ontro "b e power th"t %i ed )e %ro) he"d to toe< "! though< "t th"t )o)ent< I (ou d h"*e (h" enged the god! the)!e *e!= G$he prin(e!! i! too kind<? I !"id< (ontro ing )y *oi(e with "n e%%ort< Gbut h" % w"y through the !ong i! no ti)e to pr"i!e the !inger=? /he "ughed "g"in "nd we %e >uite n"tur" y b"(k into the )"tter "t h"nd< but her word! i*ed on in!ide )e "nd took root "nd grew ro!e bu!he! in )y he"rt th"t !pre"d their "ro)" e*en into )y dre")! where ."ker"?! %"(e h"d be(o)e the %"(e o% th"t "nony)ou! wi%e o% )y %"nt"!ie!= It w"! !he th"t !tood by )y !ide "nd !h"red )y "d*enture!< )y high! "nd ow!< )y @oy! "nd !orrow!= /he th"t in!pired )e to re"(h the height! o% the wor d< "nd in )y dre")! it w"! "! i% nothing (ou d !top )e< "! though I h"d p ugged into the uni*er!e it!e % "nd " it! in%inite power! o% (re"tion were "t )y di!po!" = D $he #urgo! "re " gyp!y b"nd th"t (o)e to the , d /i k Di!tri(t twi(e " ye"rB in high !u))er "nd )id;winter< !etting up d"AA ing y p"tterned tent! "nd ("r"*"n! in $h"d")u!? y"rd< o%% the Porto Con%e!!ione= $hey "re " rough ooking bun(h "nd "re ru)oured to be #rig"ndi "nd !)ugg er! in the o%%;!e"!on< p "guing the e!! we ;hee ed di!tri(t! to the !outh o% the .eridi"n= #ut here< in the , d /i k Di!tri(t< the #urgo! "re we re(ei*ed< %or they "rri*e "nd "t on(e !et up )"rket= In the !t" ! o% thi! )"rket ("n be %ound the )o!t wonder%u toni(! "nd e iCir! !)ugg ed in %ro) di!t"nt (o ony wor d!- toni(! to turn i)potent o*er! into r"p"(iou! %erti ity god!B toni(! to )"ke " b" d p"te %erti e with h"ir< to ("u!e " re u(t"nt )"iden to %" hope e!! y in o*e with the )o!t un"ppe" ing o% )en & oh< the wi(ked thing! they pro)i!e= $he di!tri(t (on!t"bu "ry turn " b ind eye to the "(ti*itie! o% the #urgo! who "re (on!idered " p e"!ur"b e p"!ti)e !o ong "! they !u!pend their d"rker "(ti*itie! "t the di!tri(t border!= $hey h"*e been (o)ing to the di!tri(t %or "! ong "! I ("n re)e)ber= E*en "! " (hi d their "rri*" w"! the high ight o% )y ye"r< "nd not on(e< !in(e )y !e*enth birthd"y< h"*e I %"i ed to "ttend " #urgo! %"ir= ,n the %ir!t d"y o% the %"ir< "%ter the !t" ! "nd "ttr"(tion! h"*e been !et up "nd te!ted by the di!tri(t he" th "nd !"%ety o%%i(er< the (rowd! g"ther in the )"in )"rket !>u"re "nd the #urgo! wo)en< dre!!ed in %u tr"dition" (o!tu)e< begin their opening )ed ey< !tru))ing on "r(h"i( in!tru)ent! "nd pounding on hide dru)!= $he )en !ing in oud< b"wdy *oi(e!0o)"n o% )y dre")! & /e )e " !)i e I wi br"id in )y he"rt And ("rry " whi e 0hen drunk on doubt ,r pi!!ed with %e"r I? we"r th"t !)i e From ear to ear And then the #urgo! )en (h"!e !hrieking )"iden! through the "ughing (rowd!< we"ring the )o!t ridi(u ou! grin!< big !)i e! p"inted on ("rdbo"rd th"t they ho d o*er their re" )outh!= It i! " )yth< indu ged by " < th"t who)e*er the #urgo! )en ("t(h "nd ki!! on th"t d"y wi )"rry the )"n !he o*e! within " ye"r= D GI wi te you o% wo)en<? the b ind %ortune;te er w"! o*er " hundred ye"r! o d= /he !"t in " tr"dition" #urgo! ("r"*"n< !urrounded by *ei ! o% e)broidered !i k< %eti!h do ! with pi(k ed %"(e! "nd button ho e eye!= /he !"t ho ding "n ,rb o% 0yrd in her wrink ed h"nd! th"t !he )"!!"ged "nd ki!!ed "nd rubbed "g"in!t her %orehe"d< ( "i)ing< "! did " #urgo! %ortune; te er!< th"t thi! "ided her !e(ond !ight= G$e )e o% wo)en< )other=? I !"t (ro!!; egged be%ore her= $hi! i! the pre%erred w"y to "ddre!! #urgo! %ortune;te er! %or they "re >ui(k to t"ke o%%en(e i% their tr"dition! "re not !tri(t y ob!er*ed=
GI !ee " wo)"n<? !"id the %ortune;te er< (hewing on Chot weed th"t !t"ined her three re)"ining teeth " bright green= G/he h"! (ontro o% your he"rt< !he ho d! it in the p" ) o% her h"nd "nd !>ueeAe! it "nd e"(h ti)e !he !>ueeAe! b ood % ow! "nd it i! your i%e b ood< P"nto)on< ! ow y dr"ining "w"y= Drop by pre(iou! drop=? I w"! >uite " "r)ed when I he"rd the!e word!= I thought "t on(e o% )other & it #annot &e denied, she is indeed draining my life &lood away, dro! &y !re#ious dro! & I be(")e bitter when I thought o% her< !>u"ndering )y h"rd e"rned (redit on her own *"nitie!= /he h"d (ontro o% )ore th"n )y he"rtu"int )y!e % with th"t %ee ing< or enough (redit e%t in the kitty by the ti)e )y r"p"(iou! )other took her !h"re= A I did w"! (r"w e"(h night into )y (ot< "(hing %ro) the d"y?! toi !< pu ing the (o*er! o*er )y he"d "nd tu)b ing wit e!! into ! eep= I e%t the %"ir in " b "(k %unk< deter)ined th"t by the ti)e the #urgo! (")e "g"in I wou d h"*e "t "!t put )y "%%"ir! in order= D I woke one night "nd the work!hop w"! (o)p ete y de!erted= It w"! ( o!e to three in the )orning "nd the p "(e ooked "! though " bo)b h"d gone o%% in it< %"bri( e*erywhereB ho ogr"phi( de!ign )odu e! % o"ting in the "ir ike neon gho!t!= I got we"ri y to )y %eet "nd wondered wh"t h"d woken )e when the !ound (")e "g"in= 6 faint s#uffling< (o)ing %ro) up!t"ir!= I re(" ed the %ir!t ti)e I h"d he"rd th"t !ound< it h"d ed to the di!(o*ery o% the !e(ret door< "nd now here it w"! "g"in= I (ou dn?t %"tho) it< but nor w"! I " "r)ed "! I?d been th"t %ir!t ti)e= I h"d no p"rti(u "r de!ire to ( i)b the !t"ir! to the !e(ond % oor to in*e!tig"teB I w"! !o tired "t th"t point it w"! " I (ou d do to %o(u! on not %" ing o*er on )y %"(e= I h"d re"(hed " grey p "(e in )y eCh"u!tion where nothing !ee)ed entire y re" or entire y unre" < the !(u%% ing )ight h"*e been )y i)"gin"tion< or it )ight not h"*e beenB "t th"t point in ti)e I re" y didn?t ("re= $he !ound (")e "g"in= I y"wned "nd !t"ggered into the kit(hen to )"ke " (up o% (o%%ee= 0hen I got b"(k there w"! " )"n !t"nding in the work!hop with " "rge ("!e in hi! h"nd "nd I et go o% )y )ug in !ho(k= It %e "nd !h"ttered on the ground "nd hot (o%%ee !p "!hed "g"in!t )y eg!< but I didn?t %ee " thing= I !t"red "t the )"n "nd !t"))ered< GHow the he did you get in hereE? GP e"!e<? the )"n he d up " h"nd< Gthe how or why o% it i! not i)port"nt< P"nto)on< we ("n both he p e"(h other= 3ou h"*e " t" ent I re>uire the u!e o% H? GI?) (" ing the (on!t"bu "ry<? I in%or)ed hi)< )o*ing tow"rd! the *id (o)< )y he"rt be"ting %"!t "nd h"rd= G,n )y p"rt<? the )"n (ontinued "! though I h"dn?t !poken "t " < GI ("n he p you get through the !e(ret door=? $h"t !topped )e in )y tr"(k!= I g "red "t hi)= G0h"t "re you t" king "boutE? I "!ked !u!pi(iou! y= GE*er wondered where your bo!!e! get their in!pir"tion %ro)E? the )"n !)i ed "nd !"t on the edge o% " work ben(h< !etting hi! ("!e down be!ide hi)< ginger y< "! though it (ont"ined !o)ething eCp o!i*e= I !"id nothing= $hi! (ou d be !o)e kind o% tr"p= I !tudied thi! )y!teriou! %e ow ( o!e y= He w"! not p"rti(u "r y t" < "n "*er"ge )"n o% "*er"ge bui d "nd ook!= He wore " d"rk< we ; de!igned !uit o% 3"(ek (otton< " Gu!t"* /h"%%er button;down !hirt with " /te " .onroe tie he d by " di")ond !tudded tie ( ip o% white go d= Hi! !hoe! were /tr"(Ayn!ki e"ther< h"nd per%or"ted= $he ("!e he?d !et "t hi! %eet w"! )"de o% (obb ed !tee < the o(k! !pring; o"ded
"nd power%u ooking= Ap"rt %ro) the indu!tri" ;!trength ("!e the )"n w"! !heer ( "!! %ro) he"d to toe= I re "Ced ! ight yB no one thi! we dre!!ed (ou d be bent on *io en(e= G3ou?re trying to h"nd e one "!!ign)ent %or the hou!e o% E <? the )"n !"id< Gone "!!ign)ent to pro*e your worth< "nd it?! " (r"!hing down "round your e"r!< "nd " ong with it "ny po!!ib e %uture you ("n !" *"ge %or your!e %= A) I wrongE? I !"id nothing= $he )"n nodded< "((epting )y !i en(e "! "%%ir)"tion= G3our )"!ter! ("n @ugg e ten !u(h "!!ign)ent! "t " go "nd !ti h"*e ti)e to %ro i(<? he (ontinued= GDo you re" y think their pro i%i( output n"tur" E? G$hey?re geniu!e!<? I !"id ")e y= GAre theyE H)))<? the )"n ooked "round the work!hop< "! though trying to di!(o*er thi! %"(t %or hi)!e %= GE*er !ee the) work on " de!ign< .r= P"nto)onE? G$hey work in pri*"te<? I %ound )y!e % in!tin(ti*e y de%ending )y )"!ter!= $he )"n %rowned= G#ut !o %"!t< !o pre(i!e< they !ee) to know wh"t " ( ient w"nt! be%ore e*en the ( ient doe!= $hey (hurn out )"!ter%u de!ign "%ter )"!ter%u de!ign= $hey b"re y do "ny re!e"r(h< they h"rd y t"ke note! & it " !ee)! !o & !o &? the )"n !n"pped hi! %inger "! though !e"r(hing %or " p"rti(u "r word= G/o un%"ir<? I rep ied< un"b e to he p )y!e %= GPre(i!e y<? the )"n !"id with " bright !)i e< G"nd now you h"*e di!(o*ered " !e(ret door in the "tti( o% thi! work!hop< "nd who know!< )"ybe " gre"t !e(ret ie! behind it< )"ybe not< but you w"nt !o *ery )u(h to open th"t door< do you notE? GI do<? I whi!pered< GI do=? GAnd why notE 0hy !hou dn?t you !h"re in thi! gre"t geniu! th"t bene%it! your )"!ter!E 0hy !hou d your n")e not !hine "! bright "! their!E It i!< "%ter " < the w"y to win the he"rt o% " prin(e!!=? I % u!hed with e)b"rr"!!)ent when he !"id thi!B in no doubt "t " he w"! re%erring to the Prin(e!! ."ker"= How did he know !o )u(h "bout )eE 0ho was heE How h"d he gotten in hereE I "!ked hi) the!e >ue!tion! with )ounting "nger "nd he w"*ed the) "w"y "! though they were bother!o)e % ie!= GI h"*e the key to th"t door<? he !"id< pointing up "t the (ei ing< G"nd you h"*e !o)ething I *ery )u(h w"nt in return=? G0h"tE? I !t"red "t hi)< bre"thing h"rd= What #ould I !ossi&ly !ossess that this man wanted( He pi(ked up hi! ("!e= It )u!t h"*e been >uite he"*y< but he he%ted it "! though it were "! ight "! " (hi d?! !"t(he = GI h"*e in here )"teri" %or " dre!!<? he !"id< ho ding the ("!e in one h"nd "nd !troking it with the other= I didn?t ike the w"y he !troked th"t ("!eB it w"! " )o!t ob!(ene= GIt i! " *ery !tr"nge )"teri" <? the )"n (ontinued< G"nd I?) !ure you wi not h"*e en(ountered it be%ore= #ut it i! "n e"!y )"teri" to work with= A *ery (o;oper"ti*e %"bri(=? GA dre!!E? I (ou d h"rd y be ie*e )y e"r!< G3ou w"nt )e to )"ke you " dre!!E? $he )"n nodded= GAnd in return I wi gi*e you the key to the he"rt o% " prin(e!!=? I i(ked )y ip!= G0h"t kind o% dre!!E? I "!ked= GA *ery !pe(i" dre!!<? he rep ied< G" dre!! th"t )u!t (on%or) to eC"(ting !pe(i%i("tion!=? GAnd wh"t "re tho!e !pe(i%i("tion!E $he dre!! i!n?t %or you< I "!!u)e=? $he )"n nodded= GIuite (orre(t= $he dre!! i! %or "nother= A ( ient o% your!< I be ie*e= Her n")e i! L"dy Gene*ie*e De!de)on" o% the Hou!e o% Ar"(hnid!=? GI know her<? I !"id "t on(e= G/he u!u" y order! through her de)igod< D@ob"= 0e h"*e her !t"ti!ti(! on re(ord=? GA! we "! her DNAE? the )"n !)i ed "nd thi! ti)e there w"! " (o d ight o% "nti(ip"tion in hi! eye!= GA! we "! her DNA<? I (on%ir)ed=
G$hi! dre!! i! to be de!igned "((ording to tho!e !t"ti!ti(!<? the )"n to d )e< G"nd %ed " !")p e o% her DNA=? G'ed " !")p e o% her DNA<? I !hook )y he"d< (on%u!ed by hi! word!= G0h"t do you )e"n Kfed a sam!leEL ? $he )"n !et the ("!e on " t"b e "nd ooked "(ro!! "t )e= GLet )e !how you !o)ething<? he !"id< G" thing th"t *ery %ew peop e "re pri*i eged to !ee in " gi*en i%eti)e= Co)e< Ah"b< et )e !how you the %uture o% %"bri(=? Intrigued I "ppro"(hed hi)= He w"ited unti I !tood be!ide hi)< then un( "!ped the ("!e "nd pu ed it open= /o)ething w"! %o ded in!ide< !o)ething d"rk "nd unre% e(ti*e th"t )ight h"*e been " !hroud o% )idnight !ky %or " I (ou d !ee= I !t"red into the ("!e< )y he"rt (uriou! y !ti < "! though I?d entered " ti)e e!! )o)ent where " nor)" re"(tion! were !u!pended= I !t"red deep into th"t ("!e< into the b "(kne!! o% it! (ontent!< "nd I %ound I (ou dn?t te"r )y eye! "w"y= Ne*er h"d I !een b "(k thi! &la#k< thi! botto) e!!< it! depth w"! in%inite "nd I %e t "! though I w"! ooking into " ne*er ending (h"!)= And deep down in the d"rkne!! o% th"t (h"!) I !"w ight! !wi))ing up tow"rd! )e< !pir" ing "round e"(h other in " nu)inou! "nd %renAied d"n(e< !we ing "nd inten!i%ying "! they ro!e= I !t"red down "t the) in %"!(in"tion "nd "! they "ppro"(hed )e the ight! beg"n to )u tip y< e*ery (o our< e*ery (on(ei*"b e (o our< pu !ing "nd throbbing ike i*ing thing!= $here were thou!"nd! "nd thou!"nd! "nd thou!"nd! o% ight!< !pinning up tow"rd! )e "t in(redib e *e o(ity "nd I (ou dn?t te"r )y eye! "w"y e*en i% I?d w"nted to< "nd @u!t when it !ee)ed the ight! wou d " (o)e gu!hing up out o% th"t d"rkne!! the )"n !tepped between )e "nd the ("!e "nd I returned to )y!e % with " grinding !ho(k< !t"ggering b"(k< (rying out "! I o!t )y b" "n(e= GH"1? (ried the )"n "! I !tu)b ed "g"in!t " work (h"ir< Git h"! th"t e%%e(t on e*eryone %ir!t ti)e=? G0h"t i! itE? I g"!ped "! I reg"ined )y b" "n(e= G0h"t indeed<? !"id the )"n with " wi d "nd %rightening "ugh= 0hen I ooked "g"in "t the ("!e the ight! h"d " *"ni!hed "nd it w"! on(e "g"in b "(k "! pit(h= I w"! !udden y "w"re o% the energy th"t h"d bui t in the roo)B I (ou d " )o!t he"r the (r"(k e o% di!(h"rged !t"ti(< " !o%t whi!pering !ound th"t inh"bited e*ery nook "nd (r"nny o% the work!hop< "! though in*i!ib e (rowd! were ho ding (oun!e in the !h"dow!= I returned to the )"n?! !ide "nd ooked down into the ("!e= $he )"teri" %o ded within w"! !o d"rk I %ound it " )o!t i)po!!ib e to )"ke out !ur%"(e det"i != It w"! "! though the )"teri" w"! not re" y there "t " < "nd wh"t I w"! !t"ring into in!te"d w"! " ho e in !p"(e th"t ne"t y %i ed the di)en!ion! o% the ("!e= De!pite )y %"!(in"tion with " thing! )"teri" I he!it"ted to tou(h th"t %"bri(= $here w"! !o)ething not >uite right "bout it= $he )"n< noting )y ner*ou!ne!!< re"(hed tow"rd! the ("!e "nd I thought he w"! going to t"ke the )"teri" out< but in!te"d he he d hi! h"nd o*er it< p" ) down< "bout "n in(h "bo*e the )"teri" < "nd then he )"de " !tr"nge (o"Cing !ound "t the b"(k o% hi! thro"t "nd be%ore )y !t"rt ed eye! the )"teri" )o*ed< !hi%ting ike " i*ing thing= I % in(hed b"(k< " dry (oppery t"!te (r"w ing o*er )y tongue= /udden y the )"teri" % owed upw"rd!< wr"pping it! i>uid %o d! "round the )"n?! h"nd "nd then hi! wri!t< (reeping up hi! %ore"r) "nd hi! upper "r) "nd up o*er hi! !hou der "nd I e"pt "bout %i*e %eet b"(kw"rd! with " i*id (ur!e= $he )"n "ughed "nd !"id< G3e!< >uite un ike "nything you?*e !een be%ore< i! it notE? I !t"red "t the )"teri" < " b "(k !kin th"t "b!orbed ight without re% e(ting it< th"t )o*ed ike i>uid yet )"int"ined " the propertie! o% %"bri(= I w"! %"!(in"ted "nd unner*ed by the !ight o% it ( inging to the )"n< te"!ing it!e % "(ro!! hi! tor!o< down hi! eg!< ( "i)ing hi! other "r)< unti he w"! ( othed %ro) ne(k to %oot in " @et b "(k body !uit= ,n y hi! he"d re)"ined %ree< "nd he grinned "t )e "nd nodded=
G$hi! i! the )"teri" I wi!h you to work with<? he !"id= GIuite " (h" enge %or "ny t"i or< "yeE? G0h"t the he i! itE? I de)"nded= G0e (" it material ?<? the )"n rep ied "! he !tret(hed hi! "r)!< de)on!tr"ting how % eCib e the )"teri" w"!B Git w"! di!(o*ered on " %"r;(o ony wor d "nd I?) "%r"id not )u(h )ore i! known "bout it "nd wh"t is known i! high y ( "!!i%ied=? G3ou eCpe(t )e to work on !o)ething without knowing wh"t it i!E? G0hy notE 3ou?re working on opening " door without knowing wh"t ie! beyond= 3ou w"ke "t the beginning o% e"(h new d"y without knowing whether you? )"ke it to the end= Li%e i! !t"ti(< Ah"b< without ri!k=? I !tudied the )"teri" B the w"y it ( ung to the )"n?! body< the w"y it !ee)ed to !hi))er "nd ripp e yet ("!t no re% e(tion= $here were no %o d! in it< no !e")!< it w"! " (ontinuou! )e)br"ne %ro) ne(k to %oot "nd on(e "g"in it %e t "! though I were ooking into !o)ething "nd not "(tu" y at it= A doorw"y into d"rkne!! !h"ped ike " )"n= A hu)"n he"d b" "n(ed "bo*e th"t doorw"y< grinning "t )e< "nd it w"! the )o!t !urre" thing I h"d e*er !een= $h"t< (oup ed with the eCh"u!tion< w"! " )o!t too )u(h to t"ke= GI ("n?t "((ept thi! (o))i!!ion &? I !"id= G9ery we <? the )"n !hrugged "nd on(e "g"in he d hi! h"nd out "nd the )"teri" % owed %ro) hi! body "nd down into the ("!e "nd when the ("!e w"! %i ed he !hut it with " de(i!i*e !n"p= GI ("n under!t"nd your he!it"n(y<? he !"id< Gtrue gre"tne!! (o)e! with t"king gre"t ri!k & "nd I ("n !ee you "re not yet prep"red %or true gre"tne!!=? I w"t(hed hi) pi(k the ("!e up "nd w" k b"(k "(ro!! the work!hop % oor "nd he w"! rough y h" % w"y to the eCit when I (" ed out to hi)< G0h"t do you w"nt )e to doE? +E'LEC$I,N/ ,' A NIGH$ $I.E GA+DEN ,n the !e(ond % oor o% the work!hop I !t"red "t the out ine o% the !e(ret door= /o ong I h"d !tood or !"t ike thi!< !t"ring "t it< wi ing it open= And now here I w"! on(e "g"in< on y thi! ti)e I h"d " )e"n! to )"ke )y !ing e )o!t burning de!ire (o)e true= Now I h"d " w"y to open the !e(ret door= D I h"d "((epted )y !tr"nge *i!itor?! (o))i!!ion< e*en though I w"! d")ned %or doing !o= 0h"t he h"d to d )e "bout hi! )y!teriou! )"teri" T w"! enough to e"*e )e bre"th e!! with eC(ite)ent= $he )"teri" w"!< "! I h"d !u!pe(ted< !o)e kind o% i*ing org"ni!)= 0h"t kind< the )"n (ou dn?t !"y< but he did know it w"! )ne)oni(< !toring de!ign d"t" "t " (e u "r e*e = A((ording to )y *i!itor it dige!ted the in%or)"tion %ed it by the de!igner< )ou ding it!e % to (on%or) to thi! in%or)"tion !o th"t !e*er" hundred ; perh"p! !e*er" thou!"nd ; (o!tu)e de!ign! (ou d be progr"))ed into the !ing e !heet o% )"teri" "nd it wou d re!h"pe it!e % e"(h ti)e "((ording to wh"te*er de!ign the we"rer (ho!e out o% thi! inbui t ("t" ogue= 0ith thi! )"teri" there w"! no (utting or !ewing in*o *ed "nd no rep"ir! needed to be ("rried out on(e the (o!tu)e w"! (o)p eted= GA)"Aing1? I g"!ped "! I thought o% the end e!! "pp i("tion! o% )"teri" T= It wou d re*o utioniAe the teCti e indu!try= Not on y th"t< but the )"teri" !ee)ed i)per*iou! to d")"geB it (ou d t"ke dire(t %ire %ro) " p "!)" ("nnon without !o )u(h "! " !(r"t(h= $he )i it"ry "pp i("tion! " one< I (ou d i)"gine< were enor)ou!= I !u!pe(ted thi! )"n h"d !o)ething to do with the )i it"ry< but wh"t did he need %ro) )eE $h"t w"! the true puAA e= 6 dress. It w"! "! !i)p e "! th"t= I w"! to progr") L"dy De!de)on"?! !pe(! into the )"teri" " ong with " !")p e o% her DNA= I w"! to !e e(t one o% her eC( u!i*e body !uit!< the de!ign o%
whi(h I w"! " !o to enter into the )"teri" = I re)inded the )"n th"t the u!e o% our ( ient?! !pe(! "nd DNA w"! prohibited under the ru e! o% the Union o% $erre!tri" $"i or! "nd th"t by !o bre"king the!e ru e! I w"! i"b e to ten ye"r! in pri!on "nd "uto)"ti( eCpu !ion %ro) the union i% %ound out= GI "!!ure you<? the )"n !"id< Gyou wi not be %ound out= $he rew"rd! %or your (o;oper"tion wi be i))e"!ur"b e= #ut it on y t"ke! you to turn " (orner in your i%e< think the unthink"b e< do the undo"b e< "nd then you wi h"*e e"rned the right to b"n>uet with god!=? GHowE? I "!ked= GHow ") I !uppo!ed to progr") the in%or)"tion into the )"teri" E It?! on y & material<? I !hrugged< Gwhere "re the entry port!E $he @"(k!E 0here?! the wiringE? G,h< nothing !o (rude<? the )"n !)i ed< G@u!t u!e " d"t" !tor"ge (ry!t" or I(e /p"r or wh"te*er it i! you u!e to tr"n!%er d"t" &? GAnd thenE? GI? et you %ind th"t out %or your!e %< !h" IE? I took the ("!e %ro) hi) "nd !tood ooking "t hi) eCpe(t"nt y= G$he door<? I re)inded hi) when it ooked "! though he w"! getting !et to e"*e= G,% (our!e<? the )"n ! "pped " h"nd to hi! %orehe"d< Ghow %orget%u o% )e= $he key to the !e(ret door i! re" y >uite !i)p e= 0hen you enter into the "!t !tor"ge roo) on the !e(ond % oor< !wit(h the ight on< (ount to three then !wit(h it o%% "g"in "nd on(e "g"in (ount to three= +epe"t thi! pro(edure one %in" ti)e "nd the door !h" open< )y %riend= $h"t I gu"r"ntee=? I nodded "! I (o))itted the!e in!tru(tion! to )e)ory= GDo you p "y the pi"noE? )y *i!itor "!ked= GFu!t out o% (urio!ity=? GA itt e<? I rep ied< %rowning "t the !tr"ngene!! o% the >ue!tion= G0hy do you "!kE? G.u!i( ("n tr"n!%or) re" ity<? the )"n !)i ed wi!t%u yB Git i! " thing we known ")ong!t the borg"!=? He !hrugged= GNo )"tter< you h"*e wh"t you w"ntB you wi !upp y )e with wh"t I w"nt= It i! "greed< ye!E? G3e!<? I !"id< !h"king o%% the "!t o% )y inhibition!< G"greed=? D 6s easy as that. I !tood ooking "t the out ine o% th"t !e(ret door one %in" ti)e< g"thering )y ner*e be%ore t"king the %in" p unge= $hen I went b"(k to the ight !wit(h "nd % i(king it o%% " owed " de(ent ")ount o% ti)e to e "p!e be%ore % i(king it on "nd beginning " (ount o% three= I then !wit(hed it o%% "nd repe"ted the (ount= I %o owed thi! ritu" one "!t ti)e "nd with )y he"rt be"ting "n e e(tri( !y)phony in )y (he!t I went b"(k to the !e(ret door "nd & It stood o!en. I !t"red "t it= I !t"red into it= $he d"rkne!! beyond< %i ed with thing! I (ou d not i)"gine< "nd I think it w"! " (o)bin"tion o% %"tigue "nd eC(ite)ent< but I re)e)ber e*erything !pinning "nd then the who e roo) *io ent y ti ted !idew"y! "nd the wor d went b "(k= I knew no )ore %or !o)e ti)e= D I woke up ! ow y< )uttering !o)ething "! )y eye! % i(kered open= E*erything "round )e w"! " b ur th"t !h"rpened on y gr"du" y= $he !e(ret doorw"y w"! open< but the b"(k o% )y he"d hurt %ier(e y= I?d ob*iou! y hit it on the w"y down= I got up "nd< du!ting )y!e % o%%< p"!!ed through the door without %urther de "y< deter)ined th"t nothing e !e get between )e "nd the priAe I %e t (ert"in "y beyond= $here were !t"ir! on the other !ide< e"ding up into " thi(k< "ir e!! d"rk= I ("re%u y )ounted the)< %ee ing " ong the w" ! %or " ight !wit(h "nd en(ountering one on y upon re"(hing the top)o!t !tep= I p" )ed it "nd ight !pr"ng up "round )e= I re" i!ed< "! I ooked "round< th"t I
w"! in !o)e kind o% "tti( roo)= $here were no window!= $he roo) "ppe"red e)pty "p"rt %ro) " too boC th"t "y in one (orner "nd "n eCtre)e y "nti>ue !ewing )"(hine th"t !"t in "nother< (o)p ete with %oot ped" ! "nd (o*ered in " thi(k !kin o% du!t= I w"! bitter y di!"ppointed= I h"d (o))itted )y " to opening thi! door "nd now here I w"!< in " b"re roo) with not one !e(ret to un(o*er= I went to the too boC "nd eC")ined it= $here w"! nothing e !e to do= It w"! "n ordin"ry work boC< (o duite re)"rk"b e key )"de o% go d "nd in "id with tiny @ewe != I !t"red down "t it< turning it thi! w"y "nd th"t< peering ( o!e y "t the de!ign "nd wondering wh"t on e"rth it opened= I got up "nd w" ked ("re%u y "round the roo)< eC")ining the w" !< running )y %inger! o*er the % or" p"tterned !ur%"(e< ooking %or the ! ighte!t irregu "rity< the !)" e!t in(on!i!ten(y= At "!t I %ound wh"t I w"! ooking %or< the *"gue out ine o% " !e(ond door< " tiny keyho e th"t ooked< "t %ir!t g "n(e< to be p"rt o% the w" p"per p"ttern it!e %= I ! otted the key into the o(k "nd turned it "nd )y he"rt g"*e " (on*u !i*e itt e !p"!) "! the o(k ( i(ked= I ( o!ed )y eye!< (ounted to ten< "nd pu!hed the door open= I))edi"te y " !e(tion o% w" !wung inw"rd!< re*e" ing yet )ore d"rkne!!< )ore )y!tery ; degree! o% in%inite te)pt"tion= #ut I w"! re u(t"nt to go %urther without ight "nd !o I hurried b"(k down into the work!hop "nd returned " %ew )inute! "ter with " tor(h= I thu)bed the tor(h on "nd i u)in"ted the g oo) beyond the !e(ond door "nd I !"w it ed into " !hort p"!!"ge "t the other end o% whi(h !tood yet "nother door= D 0ith the b ood pounding in )y te)p e! I hurried " ong the p"!!"ge< )y bre"thing "boured< )y %inger! twit(hing with ner*ou!ne!! "nd greed "nd " growing %ee ing o% p"ni(= ,ne door h"d !o %"r ed on y to "nother= I h"d no )ore key! "t )y di!po!" = I% the third door w"! o(kedui(k pr"yer to the p"tron god o% t"i or!= $he door did not )o*e= I g"*e " !)" whi)per o% %ru!tr"tion "nd with " )y )ight b"rged th"t door !hou der %ir!t "nd it !wung inw"rd! with !urpri!ing e"!e< pit(hing )e through be%ore I re" i!ed wh"t w"! h"ppening= D ,n the other !ide I (ou d h"rd y be ie*e )y eye!= 9enting " !uper!titiou! (ry I !t"ggered b"(k into the p"!!"ge "nd peered through the open door with " )iCture o% %e"r "nd open; )outhed "!toni!h)ent= $he roo) on the other !ide o% the door w"! the o%%i(e o% D"nd" u! Cro)by "nd ,rio Ni(e= ,ut how #ould that &e( $heir o%%i(e w"! o("ted two b o(k! "w"y on Copper L"ne= It h"d to be " dup i("te o%%i(e= I% !o it w"! " dup i("te per%e(t down to the "!t det"i "nd when I?d %in" y worked up enough (our"ge to !tep into the o%%i(e I went "t on(e to the window "nd peered through the b ind!= I !"w the !treet out!ide w"! not He i" /treet with it! o d< red bri(k work!hop!< " %re!(o de i("te!!en!< "nd >u"int (obb ed !treet!< but Copper L"ne with it! b"ro>ue bui ding!< i*y (o*ered b" (onie!< orn"te %ount"in!< "nd !i *er tr") ine! running " ong the )idd e o% the ro"d= It was im!ossi&le. I %e t re" ity whir ing "w"y %ro) )e< )y *i!ion (o "p!ing down " ong d"rk tunne < " pe(u i"r whi!t ing !ound in )y he"d "! though " the "ir w"! being et out= I !t"ggered o*er
to the te"k de!k "nd % opped down into Cro)by?! big !o%t e"ther !wi*e (h"ir "nd there I !"t< bre"thing h"rd< eye! h" % ( o!ed< trying to "b!orb the o*erwhe )ing !tr"ngene!! o% thi! )o)ent= I h"d )o*ed down " !hort p"!!"ge< no )ore th"n %i%teen %eet %ro) door to door< "nd "t the !")e ti)e I h"d e"pt "(ro!! two entire b o(k!= I got up "nd (ro!!ed o*er to the p"!!"ge< !t"ring down it< trying to )"ke !en!e o% thi! p"r"doC= $he p"!!"ge ed b"(k into the "tti( roo) on the !e(ond % oor o% the He i" /treet work!hop= 3et here I !tood in the Cro)by "nd Ni(e o%%i(e !uite on Copper L"ne= I (" (u "ted " di!t"n(e o% h" % " ki o)etre= $he p"!!"ge< "! in(redib e "! thi! )ight !ound< w"! !o)e kind o% !hort (ut between di!t"nt point! in !p"(e= I h"d he"rd o% !ro&a&ility ma!!ing< the te(hno ogy u!ed to e"p *"!t di!t"n(e! "(ro!! the !t"r! in " )"tter o% )o)ent!B "nd o% (our!e I h"d he"rd o% >arado4 >ortals< !tr"nge pun(ture! in the !p"(eOti)e (ontinuu)< e"ding into " )u ti;di)en!ion" re" ) known "! Creeptown= #ut I h"d ne*er en(ountered the!e %ourth di)en!ion" pheno)en" in per!on= 'or )e thi! w"! " (rude w"ke;up (" to " re" ity %"r gre"ter th"n the one I h"d thu! %"r been (ontent to i*e in= Cro)by "nd Ni(e< the o d de*i !< h"d been u!ing i eg" prob"bi ity tek or !o)ething *ery !i)i "r= I wondered i% thi! w"! p"rt o% the gui d o% t"i or?! gno!i!B (ou d they be u!ing prob"bi ity tekE H"d not the god! ong "go b"nned the u!e o% thi! te(hno ogy upon p"in o% de"thE It !ee)ed un ike y the )"!ter t"i or! wou d be u!ing the tek without di*ine "ppro*" = $heir *ery !ur*i*" depended upon )"int"ining (ordi" re "tion! with the E ohi)= #ut eCtr"ordin"ry "! thi! di!(o*ery w"! it did not he p )e one @ot= A%ter " the e%%ort to re"(h thi! point I %e t I de!er*ed " p"y;o%% "t the e"!t= I w"ndered "round the o%%i(e< eC")ining e*erything< ("re%u to di!turb nothing= $he p "(e reeked o% uCury= E*erything h"d been i)ported %ro) o%%;wor d< )"de %ro) wood! th"t h"d not e*o *ed here on e"rth< r"re ob@et d?"rt di!p "yed on )"rb e p inth!< !he *e! he"*y with "w"rd! "nd trophie!< but nothing I h"dn?t !een be%ore= 0"! there !o)e !e(ret in thi! roo) yet to be di!(o*eredE 0"! I on the *erge o% !o)ething )"r*e ou! or h"d I di!(o*ered " there w"!E I !e"r(hed the o%%i(e< eC")ining the de!k< ri% ing through do(u)ent!= I !e"r(hed the "d@oining b"throo)< e*en peering under the toi et ri)< "nd returned to eC")ine the o%%i(e " o*er "g"in= I (o)bed it %ro) top to botto)< ("re%u to )i!! nothing= I in!pe(ted the b"by gr"nd pi"no "!t "nd it w"! whi !t eC")ining Cro)by?! pride "nd @oy th"t I re(" ed )y )y!teriou! *i!itor?! !t"te)ent= Musi# #an transform reality, he?d !"id= It h"d !ounded ike " throw "w"y (o))ent "t the ti)e< but now I beg"n to wonder i% there h"dn?t been " hidden )e"ning to hi! word!= I !"t "t the b"by gr"nd "nd hit " %ew key! "t r"ndo)= I w"! ru!ty "nd " itt e ner*ou!= $he !ound o% the pi"no wou d dr"w unwe (o)e "ttention< but I g"ined (on%iden(e when I re)e)bered the o%%i(e w"! !oundproo%= I p "yed "! )"ny tune! "! I (ou d re(" %ro) )y !tudent d"y!= I p "yed the) b"(k to %ront< *"rying the te)po< @ugg ing the (hord!= $here were )u!i( book! !tored under the pi"no !e"t "nd I took the) out "nd p "yed e*erything I (ou d< ! ow y< trying to re)e)ber )y !heet )u!i(B it h"d been >uite " whi e !in(e I?d "!t h"d the ti)e or opportunity to p "y= #ut it (")e b"(k by ! ow "nd "goni!ing degree! "nd the >u" ity o% )y p "ying i)pro*ed i))e"!ur"b y "! I et )y %inger! h"*e their w"y "nd !topped trying to bend the) to )y ! uggi!h wi = A%ter th"t e*erything be(")e weird= Cert"in (o)bin"tion! o% note! opened up !e(ret p"ne ! in the w" !< re*e" ing !tr"nge "nd eCoti( we"pon! "nd !")p e! o% unknown "nd be"uti%u )"teri" !< whi !t other (o)bin"tion! " tered the ighting or (h"nged the te)per"ture or opened up drink! ("binet! or !u))oned up ho ogr"phi( ibr"rie! (ont"ining thou!"nd! o% unpub i!hed de!ign!= D
I w"! p "ying (o)bin"tion "%ter (o)bin"tion o% note!< "ughing with de ight "! )y %inger! % ew o*er the key!< the "ngu"ge o% )u!i( (o)ing b"(k to )e with e"(h p"!!ing )o)ent= It w"! "! )y )y!teriou! *i!itor h"d !ugge!tedB )u!i( (ou d indeed tr"n!%or) re" ity= At "!t I hit " p"rti(u "r (o)bin"tion o% note! "nd there w"! the !ound o% " oud (r"(k< "! though the *ery "ir h"d !p it "!under< "nd " "t on(e )y no!tri ! were %i ed with the !)e o% oAone "nd )y e"r! popped "! though the "ir pre!!ure in the o%%i(e h"d !udden y dropped= I ooked "round= Nothing "ppe"red to h"*e (h"nged "nd "t the !")e ti)e e*erything !ee)ed to h"*e (h"nged= $he "ir ooked gr"iny< the %urniture % "t "nd two di)en!ion" < the (o our b ed to " ne"r uni%or) grey= E*erything ooked in!ipid eC(ept the %u ; ength )irror th"t now !tood out in ne"r u)inou! (ontr"!t= I !t"red "t the )irror "nd re" i!ed it no onger re% e(ted the o%%i(e= In!te"d it !ee)ed to ook into " g"rden o% eC>ui!ite % or" de!ign!B " !t"te y g"rden b"thed in )oon ight< " white w" ed p" "(e o*er ooking it in the di!t"n(e= $here were gurg ing %ount"in! here "nd there< "nd p"god"! i u)in"ted by ")p ight= I !tood up in du)b di!be ie%< trying to !ee how thi! new Gre% e(tion? w"! po!!ib e= A! I "ppro"(hed the )irror I re" i!ed it w"! not " re% e(tion "t " = $he )irror !ee)ed to open out into the g"rden "! though it h"d !udden y been tr"n!%or)ed into " doorw"y= 6 !arado4 !ortal< I w"! (ert"in< "nd with th"t (ert"inty (")e !udden under!t"ndingB )y )"!ter!< Cro)by "nd Ni(e< h"d "n "(tu" p"r"doC port" in their o%%i(e< (unning y di!gui!ed "! " )irror= It w"! i)po!!ib e o% (our!e< but "b!o ute y in(ontro*ertib e< the )irror< the port" < !tood be%ore )e "! "b!o ute proo% o% it!e %= I w"! %rightened< I? "d)it< but it w"! " (ontro ed %e"r< )iCed with two p"rt! eC(ite)ent "nd one p"rt triu)ph= I h"d di!(o*ered Cro)by "nd Ni(e?! gre"t !e(retB "n i eg" per%or"tion into Creeptown "k" Feri(ho< where it w"! po!!ib e to !pend week! on " de!ign "nd not )ore th"n %i*e )inute! wou d h"*e p"!!ed in the re" wor d< where it w"! po!!ib e to h"rne!! " the (re"ti*e power! o% the !ub(on!(iou! "nd !"%e y tr"n!port the) b"(k "(ro!! the border! between dre")ing "nd w"king= $hi! )irror w"! one !u(h border= It w"! " !t"b e p"r"doC port" no e!!< " thing !o r"re "nd !o pro%it"b e th"t )en "nd wo)en were prep"red to ki %or the right! to po!!e!! one= How )"ny ti)e! h"d I !een thi! )irror "nd thought nothing o% it< " !e(ret hiding in p "in !ight " the!e ye"r!E Not on(e h"d I !u!pe(ted it! (o*ert purpo!e< th"t thi! (o))on t"i oring )irror (ou d be the !our(e o% Cro)by "nd Ni(e?! pheno)en" !u((e!!= I w"! "!tounded "nd I !tood !t"ring "t the port" %or " ong ti)e= In %"(t I w"! not e*en "w"re o% the p"!!"ge o% ti)e= Perh"p! "n hour p"!!ed< perh"p! on y %i*e )inute!< but it !ee)ed ike %ore*er "! I !t"red into thi! enig)"< ooking through it! gi ded %r")e "t the i)po!!ib e g"rden th"t "y beyond= I inh" ed !(ented breeAe! th"t w"%ted into the o%%i(e through the open port" < i!tening to the ru!t e o% %o i"ge< the !o%t (" o% no(turn" bird!= I w"! )e!)eriAed "nd )ight h"*e !tood there %ore*er i% " gr"nd%"ther?! ( o(k h"dn?t< "t th"t )o)ent< begun to (hi)e the hour= I !n"pped out o% )y tr"n(e "nd returned to the pi"no= I p "yed the !")e !e>uen(e o% note! "g"in< eCpe(ting the port" to turn b"(k into " )irror= ,ut it didnt= .y )outh be(")e (otton b" dry "! I tried " !erie! o% (o)bin"tion! "nd nothing h"ppened= I (ou d !ti !ee the g"rden through the )irror %r")e= .y %inger! % ew o*er the pi"no key!B )y bre"thing grew )ore !tr"ined= /o)ething w"! not rightB the !(ent o% g"rden % ower! w"! growing !i(k y !weet< o*erwhe )ing< the breeAe! th"t (")e through the )irror be(")e dry "nd p"r(hed "nd the !ound o% night ti)e bird! took on "n o)inou!< de"d >u" ity= I rep "yed (o)bin"tion "%ter (o)bin"tion "nd nothing worked "nd " the whi e the "t)o!phere in the o%%i(e (ontinued to thi(ken< %inger! o% i(e (r"w ing up "nd down )y !pine< per!pir"tion be"ding )y %orehe"d= 0hen I g "n(ed "(ro!! "t the )irror I !en!ed thing! w"t(hing )e %ro) the other !ide< (on(e" ed in !h"dow< !h"rpening their "ppetite %or hu)"n % e!h= I w"! growing )ore p"r"noid< )ore de!per"te by the !e(ond= /we"t !p "!hed "g"in!t the pi"no key! "! )y %inger! beg"n to !tu)b e< )y )u!i( !ounding in(re"!ing y di!(ord"nt< "nd the )ore di!(ord"nt )y
)u!i( the d"rker the )irror wor d be(")e< "! though the two were (onne(ted in w"y! I (ou d not begin to %"tho)= It !ee)ed " the ight in the o%%i(e w"! being !u(ked out through th"t )irror= $he o*erhe"d! were % i(kering on "nd o%%< )y )u!i( e(hoing b"(k "t )e in !tr"nge "nd ug y w"y!= /o)ething w"! )o*ing in the night ti)e g"rden< I w"! (ert"in o% it< ! y y % itting %ro) !h"dow to !h"dow "! it "ppro"(hed the )irror %ro) the other !ide= I didn?t d"re ook= I whi)pered in dre"d "! I !t"bbed "nd pounded "t the pi"no key!< trying to hit " !e>uen(e o% note! th"t wou d ( o!e th"t port" < but without !u((e!!= $he !ound o% the pi"no w"! !u))oning !o)ething< the %e"r in )y )e ody !h"rpening un!een "ppetite!= I didn?t d"re ook into the )irror= I (on(entr"ted on the key! be%ore )e "nd )y %inger! were " b ur o% p"ni( by thi! ti)e< tune! !tu)b ing into one "nother< (hord! pi ing up ike " three "ne ("r (r"!h= I w"! " un"ti(< " de)ented *irtuo!o< how ing in de!p"ir "! I b"ttered )y (" ou!ed %inger! "g"in!t the pi"no key!< trying to !u))on up the right !pe < the pre(i!e note th"t wou d ( o!e the port" < "nd " to no "*"i = $he g"rden in the )irror w"! turning b ood redB " he ight w"! !eeping out into the o%%i(e< w"!hing o*er e*erything= I i)"gined I was in he < buried bene"th )i e! o% !tr"t"< p "ying )u!i( to !u))on the de*i = 0h"te*er h"d been "ppro"(hing the )irror w"! in the o%%i(e now= I he"rd th"t %")i i"r !(u%% ing !ound "! it (rept into the !h"dow!= I w"! "bout to "b"ndon )y e%%ort! "t the pi"no when " !udden thought o((urred to )e "nd with " wi d (ry o% triu)ph I rep "yed the )e ody th"t h"d %ir!t opened the port" < but thi! ti)e I p "yed it in re*er!e "nd it took !e*er" "tte)pt! be%ore I got it right= Ag"in I he"rd " (r"(k "! though the !ky it!e % h"d %r"(tured= I ri!ked " g "n(e tow"rd! the )irror "nd )y he"rt e"pt %or @oy "! I !"w )y own %rightened %e"ture! on(e "g"in !t"ring b"(k "t )e= $he port" h"d ( o!ed "nd the )irror w"! " )irror on(e )ore= 0ithout %urther de "y I e"pt up %ro) the pi"no "nd r"(ed "(ro!! to the doorw"y th"t ed b"(k to the work!hop< not p"u!ing to !ee wh"t h"d (o)e through the port" = I r"n ike the hound! o% he were "%ter )e "nd I !wore I he"rd " (hi d?! %" !etto gigg e in the o%%i(e behind )e= $hen I w"! through< ! "))ing the door behind )e< r"(ing up the p"!!"ge between He i" /treet "nd Copper L"ne "nd b"(k into the "tti( roo)< ! "))ing the !e(ond door behind )e "nd turning the o(k with " de(i!i*e ( i(k= DE.EA I w"! too %rightened< too eChi "r"ted< to ! eep th"t night= I p"(ed the work!hop % oor ike " )"n po!!e!!ed< " thou!"nd i)"ge! oo!e in )y he"d "nd not one o% the) "dding up to " !ing e r"tion" thought= P"r"doC port" !< )irror! into e !ewhere< the gui d o% t"i or!< )y )y!teriou! *i!itor< )"teri" T< Prin(e!! ."ker" & )y i%e< )y wor d< h"d be(o)e in%inite y )ore (o)p eC re(ent y= I (ou dn?t deter)ine the beginning or end o% it= I )"de (o%%ee "nd )y h"nd! !hook !o )u(h I wound up !pi ing h" % the (ontent! o% the )ug o*er the work!hop % oor= I (ou dn?t !top thinking "bout the )irror< the p"!!"ge between He i" /treet "nd Copper L"ne< the night ti)e g"rden "nd the pi"no th"t !u))oned other re" itie!= In o d e"rth ore there i! " )yth "bout " gir (" ed ."ry who %o ow! " white %oC down " ho e in the e"rth "nd wind! up in " )"r*e ou! p "(e (" ed %nderland= I *ery )u(h %e t ike thi! gir < thi! ."ry= I h"d @u!t !een Under "nd %or )y!e % "nd >uite %r"nk y it h"d !("red )e wit e!!= I !ipped )y (o%%ee< gr"du" y o*er(o)ing the !h"ke!= .y )ind beg"n to th"w "nd ! ow y the ( ")our o% p"ni(ked thought! dwind ed in )y he"d= I w"! "%r"id< but th"t %e"r w"! gi*ing w"y to eChi "r"tion< " !en!e o% tre"ding ( oud!= I h"d di!(o*ered " gre"t !e(ret "nd it w"! on y " )"tter o% ti)e be%ore I?d (o)e up with " w"y o% eCp oiting it=
It w"! then I he"rd the !(u%% e "g"in= .y he"d @erked up< )y eye! r"king the (ei ing= I i!tened intent y< h"rd y d"ring to bre"the= $he !ound (")e "g"in= It !ounded )u(h ( o!er th"n on "ny o% the pre*iou! o(("!ion!= It !ounded "! though it w"! dire(t y o*erhe"d & in my &edroom= I @u)ped to )y %eet "nd the (o%%ee )ug hit the ground= Por(e "in !hr"pne peppered )y !hin!< but I ignored the )inor de!tru(tion< !t"ring "t the (ei ing< trying to !w" ow " (o d u)p o% %e"r ("ught in )y thro"t= /o)ething h"d (o)e through the port" @u!t be%ore I?d ( o!ed it= #ut I h"d o(ked the !e(ond door on the w"y into the "tti( "nd returned the key to the too boC= 0"! it po!!ib e th"t !")e !o)ething h"d %o owed )e into the work!hopE I ooked "round %or " we"pon= I pi(ked up " p"ir o% "!er !he"r! "nd !wit(hed the) on= A ni)bu! o% b ue ight % i(kered "t one end< not *ery e%%e(ti*e< but i)pre!!i*e to ook "t< "nd thu! %orti%ied I "!(ended the !t"ir!< !o%t tre"ding< bre"thing ("utiou! y through )y )outh< trying to !ti the r"pid %ire thud;thud o% )y he"rt= I (")e to the %ir!t % oor "nding "nd !tood there i!tening< !t"ring down the !hort p"!!"ge tow"rd! the ( o!ed door o% )y bedroo)= At e"!t it h"d been ( o!ed when I?d e%t it thi! )orning= Now it !tood ! ight y "@"r= A !t"rt ed whi!t e e!("ped through ( en(hed teeth= 0h"t the he h"d I brought b"(k with )eE I he d the !he"r! in %ront o% )e "nd "ppro"(hed )y bedroo) door with " !u%%o("ting !en!e o% %oreboding= 0hen I re"(hed the door I !topped "nd i!tened< !t"ring "t the open (r"(k o% d"rkne!! between door "nd @")b= I twit(hed with ner*e!< the "!er % ")e @u)ping "nd % i(kering in )y h"nd< gi*ing out " hot !iAA e "nd turning the "ir "round )e " !teri e b ue= I nudged the door open with the toe o% )y !hoe= $he d"rkne!! o% )y roo) y"wned wide "nd I %e t " dry be (h o% %e"r !we ing up %ro) )y be y= I i!tened h"rd< not twit(hing !o )u(h "! " )u!( e= $hen e*er !o ! ow y I e"!ed into the roo)< re"(hing out %or the ight p"ne = A wo)"n?! !o%t *oi(e )uttered out o% the d"rkne!!= GP e"!e don?t turn the ight on=? I ye ped in %right "nd dropped the "!er !he"r! "nd !n"t(hed the) b"(k up be%ore they burnt " pre(i!ion ho e in the % oor= I w"! "bout to % ee he"d ong b"(k up the p"!!"ge when the *oi(e !poke "g"in= GI won?t hurt youB I?) @u!t hungry "nd (o d=? $hi! !topped )e= I %e t )y!e % (" )ing down (on!ider"b yB there w"! !o)ething he p e!! "bout th"t *oi(e< ike " (hi d (" ing out o% the we o% it! own terror= G0ho "re youE? I "!ked< )y *oi(e !h"king "! )u(h "! )y h"nd!= GDe)e"<? !"id the *oi(e in the d"rkne!!< Gd"ughter o% .orn=? GHow did you get in hereE? I w"! reg"ining (ontro o% )y *oi(eB !o %"r I h"dn?t been "tt"(ked "nd e"(h !e(ond th"t p"!!ed I grew (" )er< )ore (on%ident= GI (")e through the )irror poo <? the *oi(e !"id= GI he"rd your )u!i( "nd I (")e= Did I do wrongE? GI need to !ee you<? I !"id= GI?) going to !wit(h the ight on &? GIt hurt!<? the *oi(e whi)pered "nd !he !ounded !o di!tre!!ed th"t I i))edi"te y re"!!ured her I wou d e"*e the ight o%%= I !tepped into the bedroo) "nd ( o!ed the door behind )e= $he on y !our(e o% i u)in"tion w"! the "!er %ro) the !he"r! "nd thi! b"re y put " dent in the d"rkne!!= I (ou d !ee *"gue !h"dowy out ine!B I (ou d di!tingui!h bed %ro) w" < but not )u(h e !e be!ide!= I "ddre!!ed the bed< G0here "re you %ro)E? G$he i! "nd o% .idir<? !"id the *oi(e< G!urrounded on " !ide! by the dre")ing "ke= Perh"p! you h"*e he"rd o% )y kin!)enE $hey "re known "! 'o)orii=? $he n")e! were un%")i i"r to )e= GI ") " t"i or<? I !"id to the un!een "dy in )y roo)= G.y n")e i! Ah"b P"nto)on=? G0h"t i! " t"i orE? the *oi(e "!ked )e= $hi! w"! " !tr"nge >ue!tion "nd I wondered i% !he w"!n?t pu ing )y eg= I eCp "ined the %un(tion! o% " t"i orB I eCp "ined the (on(ept o% %"!hion= I "!ked her wh"t kind o% (o!tu)e !he
wore< but !he to d )e !he wore nothing but the !kin !he?d been born with= Now thi! eC(ited )y i)"gin"tion in no !)" w"y= I %idgeted un(o)%ort"b y "! I tried to >ue " !udden !t"b o% de!ire in )y he"rt= I w"nted nothing )ore th"n to ook upon thi! wo)"n< but her "*er!ion to ight w"! " !tu)b ing b o(k= Perh"p! !he %e"red the ight be("u!e !he w"! n"ked< but !he g"*e no indi("tion her n"kedne!! "(tu" y bothered her= /he didn?t e*en !ee) to know wh"t ( othe! were= GDo you i*e in th"t p" "(e I !"w through the )irrorE? I "!ked= G$h"t i! )y %"ther?! ho)e<? the *oi(e rep ied= GDoe!n?t "nyone we"r ( othe! in your %"ther?! hou!eE? GE*eryone i! "! I ")=? G#ut there w"! ight in your %"ther?! p" "(e<? I pointed out< GI !"w it=? G$he ight i! di%%erent here<? the *oi(e eCp "ined= GIt i! h"r!h & without %ee ing & it i! de"d ight= I don?t ike it=? G0hy h"*e you (o)e here thenE? /o &e with you. $hi! !t"rt ed )e= G0h"t do you )e"nE? I de)"nded= GI w"! !u))oned by you<? the *oi(e !"id= GI w"! brought here by your )u!i(=? GDo you know two gent e)enE? I de!(ribed Cro)by "nd Ni(e in det"i = GDo they e*er *i!it your wor dE? G$hey ne*er *i!it u!<? the *oi(e rep ied= G$hey !u))on u! when they need u! "nd return u! when they h"*e %ini!hed< but they ne*er !tep into our wor d=? G0hy notE? G$hey "re "%r"id< I thinkE? G0h"t do they !u))on you %orE? GI do not know= I )y!e % h"*e ne*er been !u))oned< but )"ny o% )y !i!ter! have=? GI wou d ike to ook "t you< De)e"<? I !"id= GI?) going to !wit(h the ight on now= I% you don?t ike it< I? turn it o%% "g"in= I! th"t ,kE? $here w"! !i en(e %or " )o)ent "nd then the *oi(e< !ounding >uite !ubdued< !"id< G9ery we < Ah"b< I tru!t you=? D I went to the ight p"ne "nd p" )ed it with " b"re y di!(ernib e pr"yer "nd the roo) w"! in!t"nt y i u)in"ted %ro) % oorbo"rd! to r"%ter!= $he (re"ture !itting on the bed w"! not hu)"n< I !"w "t on(e< but nor w"! it entire y inhu)"n< whi(h %"(t pre*ented )e %ro) % eeing the roo) in )ind e!! p"ni(= It (ert"in y re!e)b ed " wo)"n "n"to)i(" y< the !we o% bo!o)< the (ur*e o% hip!< the roundne!! o% thigh< but it! !kin w"! (o)p ete y tr"n!p"rent "nd it! org"n! "nd in!ide! were un%or)ed< )i!ty< insu&stantial< "! though (onden!ing ! ow y out o% " %og o% (on%u!ion= G0h"t )"nner o% (re"ture "re youE? I g"!ped= GI ") De)e"< d"ughter o% .orn<? !"id the (re"ture on the bed< ooking up "t )e through h" % %or)ed eye!< " %i )y ("t"r"(t (o*ering e"(h huge orb< "nd I (ou d !ee the opti( ner*e! "nd the )u!( e "tt"(h)ent! o% e"(h eye through her % e!h= /he w"! not d"ngerou!< I (ou d !ee thi! "t on(e< but the !ight o% her b"d y unner*ed )e "nd it w"! " I (ou d do to !t"nd )y ground= G#ut you ook & you ook &? GI ") not "! you<? the (re"ture !"id= G$he wo)en o% .idir t"ke on the %or) o% their o*er?! deepe!t de!ire= Unti we )eet the )"n who wi !h"pe u!< we re)"in & unde#ided=? I w"! he d !pe bound by thi! (on(ept= I !t"red "t thi! tr"n!p"rent (re"ture with growing eC(ite)ent= G3ou )e"n your o*er gi*e! you %"(e "nd %or)E? I w"! %inding it di%%i(u t to bre"the= G3e!<? the (re"ture< De)e"< nodded< Git i! our gi%t to the )"n who win! our he"rt=?
GI t"ke it no )"n h"! yet won your he"rt<? I !"id= GNot unti now<? the (re"ture !"id "nd !t"red up "t )e eCpe(t"nt y= I !hook )y he"d= G0h"t "re you !ugge!tingE? GI wi!h to bond with you<? De)e" !"id= GI wi!h to be(o)e your o*er= I wi be(o)e wh"te*er you (hoo!e= I wi gi*e you the !e(ret! o% your tr"de "! dowry i% you on y o*e )e in return=? I !"t down on the % oor= A(tu" y I !"gged b"(k "g"in!t the w" "nd ! id down to the ground= I !t"red "t thi! eCtr"ordin"ry (re"ture "nd her word! were ike %ire! igniting in )y (oreB I will give you the se#rets of your trade as dowry if you only love me in return. $he word! were *ibr"nt< e e(tri( with )e"ning= G$he !e(ret! o% )y tr"de<? I !"id= GIt i! within )y power<? !he rep ied= G0h"t e !e i! in your powerE? G$hi! you wi e"rn in ti)e< "! we grow )ore inti)"te=? I knew th"t )y neCt word! wou d deter)ine )y %"te= $he )y!teriou! !tr"nger who?d brought )"teri" T to )y work!hop h"d to d )e i%e w"! nothing without ri!k= Hi! word! !ee)ed pretty poign"nt "t thi! )o)ent in ti)e= I thought o% the !e(ret! o% )y tr"de< )y gre"t dre") o% be(o)ing " )"!ter t"i or= I thought o% )y be"uti%u Aby!!ini"n prin(e!! "nd I thought o% )other "nd how I )ight now h"*e the )e"n! to bre"k "w"y %ro) her< to be(o)e the P"nto)on th"t hitherto eCi!ted on y in )y dre")!= GI wi "((ept< De)e"<? I !"id< Gbut you )u!tn?t )ention to "nyone where you (")e %ro)< "nd %or the ti)e being you )u!t re)"in in thi! roo) whi !t there "re peop e in the work!hop=? De)e" ( "pped her h"nd! in (hi di!h de ight "nd e"ping o%% the bed !he r"n to e)br"(e )e< burying her %"(e in )y (he!t= I w"! horri%ied< %or !he w"! h" %;%ini!hed in )y eye!< but I returned her e)br"(e "nd !he %e t !o w"r) "nd *u ner"b e th"t I tightened )y grip "round her "nd he d her to )e %or " ong ti)e= D G0h"t %"(e do you de!ire o% )e< wh"t wo)"n do you wi!h )e to be(o)eE? De)e" "!ked when "t "!t we !tepped "w"y %ro) e"(h other= /he w"ndered "round )y tiny roo)< eC")ining )y po!!e!!ion!< tidying thing!B !tr"ightening )y note!= In e*ery w"y !he w"! " wo)"n< " re"dy t"king (ontro < )"rking her territory< ( "i)ing her )"n< "nd eCtr"ordin"ry "nd di!>uieting "! !he w"! in "ppe"r"n(e I "(tu" y beg"n to !ee her "! " % e!h "nd b ood wo)"n< "nd "t th"t point I be(")e >uite o*erwhe )ed with e)otion= 0hen De)e" turned b"(k to )e !he !"w the te"r! in )y eye! "nd % in(hed %ro) the) "! though !he were the ("u!e= I re"!!ured her they were )ere y te"r! o% @oy "nd !he !)i ed "t thi! "nd beg"n to )"ke )y bed= I thought o% her >ue!tion= I (ou d h"*e her be(o)e "ny wo)"n I de!ired "nd there w"! on y one wo)"n I (ou d think o%< ."ker"< )y Aby!!ini"n prin(e!!= #ut !he wou d not be ."ker"< e*en i% !he ooked eC"(t y ike her= /he wou d not (ont"in the e!!en(e o% ."ker" "nd I w"! %rightened !he wou d )ere y (he"pen )y be o*ed?! i)"ge "nd !o I !"id to her< GDe)e"< I wi!h you to t"ke on the %or) o% your (hoi(e= $here i! no one I wi!h you to be(o)e )ore th"n the per!on you "re=? 0hen !he he"rd thi! De)e" r"n to )e "nd e)br"(ed )e "g"in "nd now !he too w"! (rying te"r! o% @oy "nd I %e t " !t"b o% gui t in )y he"rt< knowing )y re"!on! %or " owing her %reedo) o% (hoi(e were not "! generou! "! I?d ed her to be ie*e= D I took De)e" on " tour o% the work!hop< !howing her how " dre!! w"! %ir!t (on(eptu" i!ed then digit" y rendered< then %in" y how hundred! o% robot we"*er!< !)" "! !pider!< !pun
the ( oth o*er the digit" !("%%o ding< (re"ting the %ini!hed (o!tu)e to per%e(t !pe(= $he "pprenti(e t"i or?! %un(tion< I in%or)ed her< w"! to tr"n! "te the )"!ter t"i or?! de!ign into the digit" "ngu"ge o% the we"*er!= In other word! t"i or! were now no )ore th"n (o)puter progr"))er!< the we"*er robot! ("rrying out the "(tu" t"!k o% )"king the (o!tu)e= De)e" !o"ked thi! in%or)"tion up ike " !ponge= I (ou d "(tu" y !ee the in%or)"tion through the tr"n!p"ren(y o% her % e!h< go den ne(t"r entering her !ti de*e oping br"in< !pre"ding outw"rd! through the entire !yn"pti( network= /he !ee)ed to be (h"nging e*en "! I !howed her "roundB her % e!h be(o)ing )ore !o id< her %e"ture! e*o *ing< (ur ! o% red h"ir growing %ro) her !(" p< tu)b ing down her %"(e "nd !hou der! ike " ! ow )otion w"ter%" = At "!t I took her up to the !e(ond % oor where I h"d !e(ret y (on*erted one o% the !tor"ge roo)! into " per!on" work!hop= Here I !howed her the de!ign! %or ."ker"?! wedding dre!!= GAnd who i! thi! %orE? $here w"! " !h"rpne!! in De)e"?! *oi(e "nd I g "n(ed "t her "nd noti(ed< %or the %ir!t ti)e< th"t her eye! were green "! EAekie "(e= $he ("t"r"(t! were gone "nd !he !t"red "t )e with " pier(ing inte e(t th"t w"! both !ho(king "nd unner*ing= GAn i)port"nt ( ient<? I rep ied he!it"nt y "nd to di!tr"(t her %ro) %urther en>uirie! I !howed her the ("!e (ont"ining )"teri" T= G0h"t?! in hereE? !he "!ked< !t"ring "t the ("!e in wide;eyed (urio!ity= GA !pe(i" )"teri" <? I bo"!ted< Git (")e into )y po!!e!!ion thi! *ery night= A ow )e to !how you=? I un( "!ped the ("!e "nd pu ed it open= /o)ething w"! wrongB the d"rk )"teri" within the ("!e w"! writhing "nd !eething ike w"*e! ("ught in " %uriou! !tor)< *io ent ight! were eCp oding in it! deep (ore< %i ing the !tor"ge roo) with " *io ent bore" i!= De)e" !hrieked< GH"A?rhe"<? "nd e"ping %orw"rd ! "))ed the ("!e !hut= G0h"t i! itE? I "!ked< !h"ken "! )u(h by the wi d< %rightened ook in De)e"?! %"(e "! by the (uriou! beh"*iour o% )"teri" T= G$hi! )"teri" i! unho y<? !he (ried< )o*ing "w"y %ro) the ("!e "! though it (ont"ined poi!onou! *iper!= G0here did you get itE? GA )"n g"*e it to )e<? I !"id de%en!i*e y= GHe to d )e it (")e %ro) " %"r;(o ony wor d=? GHe ied<? De)e" hi!!ed "nd I (ou d !ee !p"rk! o% "nger in her eye!= G$hi! )"teri" (o)e! %ro) my wor d= It doe! not be ong here= It i! e*i < Ah"b= Do not u!e it= H"*e nothing to do with itui(k y ed her %ro) the roo)< )y )ind !t"ggering "round< bu)ping into ( u)!y thought! th"t (ou dn?t get out o% the w"y %"!t enough= D I %ed her "nd ( othed her in re)"inder !to(k< " oo!e robe "nd e)broidered ! ipper!= #y the ti)e I brought the) to her De)e"?! tr"n!%or)"tion w"! (o)p ete= /he h"d be(o)e " be"uti%u red h"ired wo)"n o% no )ore th"n twenty= Her !kin w"! % "w e!!< "n o i*e (o our with the burni!hed ki!! o% " ong "go .editerr"ne"n !un= Her %e"ture! were h"unting< " )o!t otherwor d yB too (hi d ike to be %u y wo)"n< too !edu(ti*e to be tru y (hi di!h= Her eye! were huge "nd inno(ent< her ip! %u "nd brui!ed= /he w"! be"uti%u in e*ery w"y< but !he w"! not ."ker" "nd th"t w"! the %ir!t un(h"rit"b e thought th"t (")e to )ind when I !"w her= GHow do I ookE? !he "!ked "nd I (ou d !ee !he w"! de!per"te %or "ppro*" = GLike "n "nge <? I !"id "nd it w"! true= I% )y he"rt h"dn?t " re"dy be onged to "nother wo)"n I )ight h"*e %ound her irre!i!tib e= /he w"! de ighted with )y word! "nd twir ed !e*er" ti)e! !o th"t I (ou d !ee her %ro) e*ery *"nt"ge point= D
I took De)e" up to bed "nd tu(ked her in "! I wou d )y own (hi d= /he ki!!ed )e "nd wou d h"*e pu ed )e into bed with her< but I re!i!ted her "nd to d her< GI )u!t %ini!h )y work< De)e"= / eep now< I? (he(k on you e*ery !o o%ten=? /he pouted with di!"ppoint)ent< then grinned i)pi!h y "nd pu ed the bed (o*er! up o*er her he"d= I p" )ed the ight o%% "nd returned to the work!hop= I worked unti the %ir!t (r"(k o% ight< re;@igging the )"!ter de!ign! %or the Phoeni(i"n (o!tu)e!< trying to re(" ibr"te the de!ign! without t"king "w"y %ro) their e!!en(e= It w"! " "boriou! t"!k with o*er %i*e hundred (o!tu)e! to per!on" y "ttend to "nd I w"!n?t e*en >u"rter w"y through= 0hen d"wn p" ed the !ky I went up!t"ir! to (he(k on De)e"= $he t"i or! wou d !t"rt turning up in "n hour "nd I w"nted to )"ke (ert"in !he wou d re)"in undi!(o*ered unti the %o owing night= 0hen I got to the bedroo) I %ound the door "@"r= 0ith " "r) )ounting in )y he"rt I pu!hed it " the w"y open "nd ! "pped the ight on= De)e" w"! gone= I r"(ed out o% the roo)< (on*in(ed !he w"! returning to the port" < th"t I wou d o!e her %ore*er i% I didn?t !top her< but "! I e)erged %ro) )y roo) I w"! re ie*ed to !ee her "ppro"(hing %ro) the oppo!ite end o% the p"!!"ge= $here w"! " bewi dered ook on her %"(e "nd !he didn?t e*en g "n(e "t )e when I h"i ed her= GAre you ok< De)e"E? I "!ked< but !he w" ked p"!t )e without "(know edging )y pre!en(e "nd entered the bedroo)= 0hen I returned to the roo) De)e" h"d tu(ked her!e % b"(k into bed= I turned the ight o%% "nd ( o!ed the door= /he h"dn?t gone to the b"throo)< there w"! on y one b"throo) in the who e work!hop "nd !he wou d h"*e p"!!ed )e to get to it= I thought o% )"teri" T "nd !udden y I w"! !printing up to the !e(ond % oor !tor"ge roo)< n")e e!! %e"r! pur!uing )e< but there w"! no need to be (on(erned= $he ("!e w"! untou(hed< the )"teri" "y p "(id y within= I bre"thed " !igh o% re ie% "nd w"! "bout to e"*e the !tor"ge roo) when I de(ided to (he(k on )y de!ign %or ."ker"?! wedding dre!!= I !wit(hed the (o)puter on "nd thu)bed up the ho ogr"phi( rendering= .y he"rt (")e to " thudding !t"nd!ti = It w"!n?t there= $he %i e w"! e)pty= I et out " (ur!e "nd !t"bbed up the b"(kup ("t" ogue= Wi!ed #lean= /he?d ter)in"ted the entire pro@e(t= I w"! "bout to et out " how o% grie% "nd r"ge when I noti(ed " w"rning ight b inking on the h"rd dri*e= I keyed in " >uery "nd " re"d;out % "!hed up= $he (o)puter?! )e)ory w"! ne"r (riti(" o*er o"d< the h"rd dri*e re>uired b"(kup )e)ory i))edi"te y or it %"(ed i))inent (r"!h= I w"! !t"rt ed= $he!e h"rd dri*e! h"d ne"r in%inite )e)ory= $here w"! !o)ething huge !tored in the dri*e< !o)ething "b!o ute y (o o!!" = I p ugged in "n eCtr" dri*e "nd b ed )e)ory b"(k into the origin" < boo!ting it! )e)ory b"nk! to " )o!t doub e= $he w"rning ight went out "nd I keyed up the o%%ending %i e= I et out "n in*o unt"ry whi!t e when I !"w how )u(h )e)ory it w"! u!ing= It (ert"in y w"!n?t one o% )ine= I up o"ded it into the ho o grid "nd !tepped b"(k "! the %i e w"! rendered in 2D= .y @"w hit the ground= I !t"red in b "nk wonder "t the ho ogr") % o"ting in %ront o% )e= Ne*er h"*e I !een "nything !o !p endid= It w"! " dre!!< but wh"t " dre!!= I (ou d not under!t"nd how it h"d been "((o)p i!hedB e*en to thi! d"y it re)"in! " )y!tery to )e= $here were %"r< %"r too )"ny "n(hor point! "nd too )"ny rendered ine! @oining point to point ike h"ir ine %r"(ture! in !p"(e= $he i)"ge thi! (re"ted w"! one o% o*erwhe )ing (o)p eCity< ike the %ree % o"ting )"p o% " %"r "w"y g" "Cy= ,n y there w"! nothing r"ndo) "bout thi! g" "Cy o% nu)inou! ine! "nd g owing "n(hor point!< in!te"d the ine! %or)ed the i)"ge o% " dre!! o% "b!o ute y eC>ui!ite de!ign= It w"! " wedding dre!! th"t de!(ended %ro) %itted bodi(e to " b" ooning gown in terr"(ed "yer!< ight !pi ing o*er the ip o% e"(h terr"(e ike %o") o*er the !tep! o% " )"ny tiered %ount"in= +ibbon! o% di")ond bright ight % o"ted "round thi! dre!!< re!e)b ing the tr"@e(tory o% orbiting !"te ite!= $he brid" *ei too w"! entire y )"de o% ight< % owing "round the ne(k ine o% the dre!! "nd gu!hing down the !upp e (ur*e o% it! !pine ike the "ur" o% "n "b!ent
!"int= I !t"red down "t the !pe( re"dout in the ower e%t h"nd o% the ho o;grid "nd I !t"ggered b"(k in "!toni!h)ent= 0hoe*er rendered thi! di"gr") h"d (r"(ked the ridd e o% #enedi(tion D")"!k= A ridd e th"t h"d b"%% ed t"i or! %or o*er three (enturie!= D Let )e u!e thi! opportunity to eCp "in !o)ething "bout #enedi(tion D")"!k< the )"teri" Prin(e!! ."ker"?! gown w"! to be )"de %ro)= #enedi(tion D")"!k i! " )"teri" on the *erge o% be(o)ing e e)ent" = It i! ("ught in " p"r"doCi(" % uC between re)"ining "! inert )"tter or tr"n!%or)ing into pure ight= $"i or! )"king u!e o% the )"teri" h"*e ong di!(o*ered th"t the ( o!er their theory o% de!ign (o)e! to the per%e(t h"r)oni( pit(h o% #enedi(tion D")"!k< the )ore ight the )"teri" !hed!= In order to (on*ert "! itt e "! %i%teen per(ent o% the )"teri" to ight< " t"i or?! de!ign (" (u "tion! )u!t be eC"(t to " !ub;de(i)" point= $he b" "n(e o% the de!ign )u!t be (on!idered when rendering "n(hor point!= E*ery %o d< e*ery tu(k< e*ery p e"t )u!t t"ke into (on!ider"tion the integrity o% the entire p"ttern be%ore it ("n be %"(tored in= I% the b" "n(e i! o%% the )"teri" re)"in! "rge y inert= In other word! the )ore b" "n(e " de!ign h"!< the )ore )"teri" it (on*ert! to ight= $here i! " theory th"t when the per%e(t h"r)oni( pit(h o% #enedi(tion D")"!k i! %"(tored into " de!ign the entire dre!! wi in!t"nt y be (on*erted into pure u)ino!ity= $hu! the per%e(t h"r)oni( pit(h h"! " w"y! been !een "! " +o!ett"?! !tone< %ore*er e u!i*e< ike the !e(ret n")e! o% "n(ient deitie!= No t"i or h"! e*er "(hie*ed )ore th"n " %i%teen per(ent (on*er!ion= 3et be%ore )e w"! " dre!! de!ign th"t w"! regi!tering eighty;%i*e per(ent (on*er!ion to ight= It w"! i)po!!ib eB no wonder the h"rd dri*e (ou dn?t h"nd e it= I h"d ne*er !een !u(h b" "n(e< !u(h i>uid poetry in " de!ign be%ore= Nothing (ou d (o)p"re to thi!< not e*en the %"b ed de!ign! o% /et" N"@"" < the mythi#al tailor of ,lue Mountain= It w"! " dre!! worthy o% gre"t /ophi" her!e % "nd I wept when I behe d it %or I under!tood "t on(e th"t De)e" h"d er"!ed )y de!ign to %ree up enough )e)ory %or her de!ign "nd th"t her de!ign w"! " gi%t to )e< G" dowry %or )y o*e=? It o*erwhe )ed )e= In return %or )y o*e De)e" h"d broken the ridd e o% #enedi(tion D")"!k= 0ith thi! de!ign " one I wou d be gu"r"nteed )e)ber!hip o% the Gui d o% $"i or!= 3et how (ou d I ( "i) itE $he de!ign w"! not )ine= 0hen "!ked to dup i("te it! !pe(! )y de(eit wou d !oon be un(o*ered= How (ou d I re*e" the true "uthor o% thi! de!ign without (o)pro)i!ing De)e"?! eCi!ten(eE I de(ided to !tudy the!e !pe(!< to unr"*e the )y!ti(" )"the)"ti(! th"t h"d )"de thi! de!ign po!!ib e= I !"t down "nd took up " notebook "nd beg"n to !et )y ob!er*"tion! down< working with g"thering h"!te< "! though "%r"id the de!ign w"! going to di!"ppe"r in " pu%% o% !)oke= D A )o!t "n hour "ter I he"rd " "rge (o))otion in the work!hop down!t"ir!= I h"d %orgotten "bout the "pprenti(e t"i or! "nd !wit(hing )y (o)puter o%% I hurried down to %ind out wh"t w"! going on= About twenty t"i or! h"d turned up %or the d"y?! !hi%t< but they were "t %ir!t h"rd to dete(t in the *i!u" (h"o! th"t greeted )e= $he work!hop w"! %i ed with " *irtu" %ore!t o% %ree;% o"ting ho o de!ign!= A! I de!(ended into the work!hop the "pprenti(e t"i or! were " !t"ring "t )e in "we "nd it w"! not h"rd to !ee why= $he ho o de!ign! were "b!o ute y !tunning= It w"! the Phoeni(i"n (o!tu)e!< " %i*e hundred o% the)< de!igned to "b!o ute per%e(tion< rendered in w"y! not e*en Cro)by "nd Ni(e< %ro) the *ery (ore o% their (o e(ti*e geniu!< (ou d e*er h"*e hoped to e)u "te= I w"! "! !tunned "! the t"i or!< but it w"! I they "pp "uded< "! though I h"d done thi! thing )y!e %B "! though I< Ah"b P"nto)on< w"! ("p"b e o% !u(h de!ign!< !u(h geniu!< "nd
" in the !p"n o% " !ing e night= It w"! udi(rou!< but the "pprenti(e t"i or! did not know who e !e to (redit with thi! )ir"( e "nd I (ou d not po!!ib y )ention De)e"= /o I bowed "nd !)i ed "nd )ode!t y "((epted their %e*ered pr"i!e= $he ook! on their %"(e! were enough to he"t the (o(k e! o% )y he"rt= GAt "!t?< I thought< Gtrue re(ognition=? D De)e" )u!t h"*e (o)e down "nd rendered the!e de!ign! whi !t I w"! bu!y !tudying the wedding gown= 0hen I %in" y got " (h"n(e to return to )y bedroo) I %ound her %"!t "! eep< her )outh open< her eye! ( o!ed tight< ike " (hi d dre")ing o% %re!h )i!(hie% when !he w"ke!= I ki!!ed her %orehe"d "nd went b"(k down!t"ir!= .ore "nd )ore t"i or! were turning up by the )inute "nd the ( ")our o% pr"i!e re"(hed ne"r p"nde)oniu)< "nd< %e"ring the noi!e wou d w"ke De)e"< I took the) " out to un(h< " three hundred o% the)< "nd (h"rged it to "((ount!= $he un(h be(")e " kind o% (e ebr"tion be("u!e we " knew in our he"rt! th"t the pro@e(t w"! o*er= $h"t the Hou!e o% E wou d "((ept the!e (o!tu)e de!ign!B th"t our %")e wou d be enh"n(ed no end on(e the Cere)ony o% A!(en!ion w"! bro"d("!t "round Go goth" '" !< high ighting our work< our geniu!< our towering triu)ph= And whi !t we (e ebr"ted De)e" ! ept on= D GHowE? I "!ked her when the "!t o% the t"i or! h"d gone ho)e %or the night "nd De)e" (")e to @oin )e in the down!t"ir! work!hop= GHow were you "b e to render tho!e de!ign! & they were be"uti%u =? G3ou "ppro*e<? De)e" hugged her !hou der! "nd !hi*ered with de ight= GI w"! "%r"id you wou dn?t ike the)=? I "ughed= GNot like the)< they were )"gni%i(ent= 0e ("!t the de!ign! o*er to the Hou!e o% E thi! "%ternoon= $hey (o))i!!ioned the) "t on(e= $h"t?! the %"!te!t I?*e e*er known the) to )"ke " de(i!ion=? De)e" ( "pped her h"nd! "nd per%or)ed " (hi di!h d"n(e= GNow you don?t h"*e to work !o h"rd<? !he !"id= GAnd the wedding dre!!<? I (ou dn?t !top t" king= GHow were you "b e to de!ign the wedding dre!!E 3ou (on*erted eighty;%i*e per(ent o% the )"teri" to pure ight= $h"t?! i)po!!ib e= I don?t know i% you under!t"nd wh"t im!ossi&le )e"n!=? G3e! I do<? De)e" !"id< !udden y !o e)n< Git )e"n! !o)ething th"t ("n?t be done unti you de(ide to do it=? I !t"red "t her %or " )o)ent< then I bur!t out "ughing "nd pi(king her up in )y "r)! I twir ed her "bout "nd !he gigg ed eC(ited y= G3ou?re "n "nge <? I !"id< G"n "b!o ute "nge = In one night you?*e !o *ed e*ery prob e) I e*er h"d= I ("n?t be ie*e it= It?! ike the weight o% the wor d h"! been i%ted %ro) )y !hou der!=? D I ordered " )e" o% N"k"di"n !our !pi(e ri(e "nd !un ro"!ted (hi(ken= 0e !nugg ed up on "n o d we"thered !o%" "nd w"t(hed ho o % i(k! rented %ro) the o(" ibr"ry= $here w"! no work e%t to do "nd we were " one in the "rge work!hop= 3et we were not " one< we were together= I %e t !u(h h"ppine!! "! I?*e ne*er %e t be%ore< @u!t !itting "g"in!t the w"r)th o% De)e"?! body< not hoping %or "ny )ore th"n thi! ; thi! night< thi! )o)ent< dre")ing it wou d ne*er end= #ut I?*e %ound th"t in i%e the !i)p e!t thing! "re o%ten the h"rde!t to ho d on to= D
GI% Cro)by "nd Ni(e !u))on your !i!ter!<? I !"id when the %ir!t o% the % i(k! h"d ended< Ghow (o)e their de!ign! "re not "! be"uti%u "! your!E? G3our )"!ter! i)po!e the)!e *e! on )y !i!ter!<? De)e" !"id !"d y= G$hey !h"pe )y !i!ter! with their de!ire! "nd they de)"nd their he p without on(e o%%ering the) "nything in return= 3ou et )e (hoo!e )y own %or)< Ah"b< you h"*e gi*en )e o*e "nd you h"*e "!ked %or nothing in return=? GI! th"t why your de!ign! "re !o be"uti%u E? GIt i! be("u!e you h"*e )"de )e be"uti%u < Ah"b= 'or thi! I th"nk you=? D In the e"r y hour! o% the )orning< when De)e" h"d gone to bed< I returned to )y !tor"ge roo) "nd (ontinued to !tudy the ho o de!ign o% the wedding dre!! !he h"d rendered= #ut I (ou dn?t (on(entr"te= I w"! !t"ring "t the de!ign< but )y )ind w"! %iCed on the ("!e in the (orner o% the roo)= $he ("!e (ont"ining )"teri" T= I h"d !tru(k " b"rg"in with the )y!teriou! *i!itor= In return %or " w"y through the !e(ret door I h"d pro)i!ed hi) !")p e! o% L"dy De!de)on"?! DNA "! we "! her *it" !t"ti!ti(!= It %e t ike "n "(t o% b "(ke!t tre"(hery= I w"! not u!ed to betr"ying " ( ient?! tru!t< but I (ou dn?t b"(k out o% the b"rg"in now= I (ou dn?t ri!k o!ing De)e"= I !wit(hed )y (o)puter o%% "nd %or " ong ti)e I !tood !t"ring "t the ("!e in the (orner= I re(" ed De)e"?! w"rning when !he?d !een )"teri" T= I re)e)bered the ook o% horror on her %"(e= I " !o h"d " !en!e o% %oreboding "bout the )"teri" = $here w"! !o)ething )" ign"nt "bout it< !o)ething ! y "nd " together )" i(iou!= I h"d %e t thi! the %ir!t ti)e I "id eye! on it< but it w"! not unti "%terw"rd! th"t I identi%ied the %ee ing= #ut " de" w"! " de" = $he )y!teriou! *i!itor h"d gi*en )e wh"t I h"d "!ked %or= It w"! ti)e to honour )y !ide o% the b"rg"in= D I thought h"rd "nd ong "bout the n"ture o% the t"!k be%ore )e= I ("rried the ("!e (ont"ining )"teri" T down into the b"!e)ent where the d"t" *"u t! were o("ted= $he d"t" *"u t!< de!pite their i)po!ing n")e< were >uite )ini)" i!t in de!ign= A !erie! o% !iC d"i!e!< e"(h one (o our (oded to )"t(h " p"rti(u "r !e(tion o% the "r(hi*e!= I !tood on the b ue d"i! "nd when the ho ogr"phi( inter%"(e "ppe"red in %ront o% )e I thu)bed in )y p"!!word= At on(e the "ir "round )e (")e " i*e with g owing (ode! "nd (ipher teCt= I r"pid y keyed in )y d"t" re>ue!t "nd L"dy De!de)on"?! *it" !t"ti!ti(! % "!hed up in %ront o% )e " ong with "n "we!o)e !e*en "nd " h" % %oot 2;d i)"ge o% the godde!!= I % in(hed when I !"w th"t )on!trou! i)"ge= In th"t )o)ent I *ery ne"r y o!t )y ner*e= $o )"ke "n ene)y o% the L"dy De!de)on" !ee)ed " *ery b"d ide" indeed= #ut I w"! (o))itted "nd !o with "n e%%ort o% wi I purged )y )ind o% %e"r! "nd doubt! "nd (on(entr"ted on the t"!k "t h"nd= I down o"ded L"dy D?! !t"t! onto " b "nk ICE !p"r " ong with the )o!t re(ent o% her (o!tu)e de!ign!< "nd then I tr"n!%erred " !")p e o% her DNA to " petri (ry!t" th"t (ou d ho d it in !t"!i! %or eternity i% I wi!hed= I didn?t need eternity= A I needed w"! enough ti)e to tr"n!%er the !p"r "nd (ry!t" to the )"teri" = How eC"(t y I w"! to en(ode h"rd in%or)"tion into !o%t )"teri" I w"!n?t yet (ert"in< but I tru!ted the w"y wou d be(o)e ( e"r !oon enough= I !tepped o%% the d"t" d"i! "nd (o e(ted the ICE !p"r "nd the petri (ry!t" %ro) the !o%tw"re point "nd hurried "(ro!! to the ("!e= I !et the (ry!t" "nd !p"r to one !ide "nd opened the ("!e with di%%i(u ty< )y h"nd! tre)b ing with ner*e!= ."teri" T !ee)ed inert tonight "nd "! I !t"red into the ("!e I on(e "g"in h"d the %ee ing I w"! !t"ring down into " botto) e!! "by!!= I pi(ked the (ry!t" "nd !p"r up "nd he d the)
tight y in )y h"nd!< !t"ring into the ("!e< wondering wh"t to do neCt= I be(")e %iCed in th"t po!ition< !t"ring down into the d"rkne!! o% )"teri" T= Gr"du" y I %e t th"t d"rkne!! (reep into )y )ind< !)othering " independent thought< !nu%%ing out )y )e)ory< )y hope! %or the %uture< )y re(o e(tion! o% the p"!t= I !t"red into "nother uni*er!e where %or) w"! not "nd ight w"! not "nd " th"t eCi!ted w"! d"rkne!! "nd in th"t d"rkne!! thing! (ried out to )e< thing! without %or) th"t en*ied tho!e with %or)< th"t !t"red out o% their %or) e!! uni*er!e "nd into " uni*er!e o% !h"pe "nd !ub!t"n(e "nd they were hungry %or !ub!t"n(e< de!per"te %or phy!i(" eCpre!!ion & I et go o% the !p"r "nd (ry!t" < dropping the) down into the ("!e= $here w"! " ! ight ripp e "! the ob@e(t! )"de (ont"(t with )"teri" T< but in!te"d o% !ett ing on it they !"nk right into it! %o ded "yer!= I (ou d !ee the !p"r "nd (ry!t" dri%ting down into d"rkne!! ike g "!! pebb e! dropped into the depth! o% " botto) e!! "ke= A tent"( e o% d"rkne!! re"red up %ro) the )"teri" < %or)ing into the eC"(t rep i(" o% )y h"nd= $he %inger! o% th"t h"nd tou(hed the %inger! o% )ine "nd !u(h " @"gged %ee ing o% (o d tore through )e th"t I w"! kno(ked b"(kw"rd!< %" ing to the ground with " wi d (ry= I !n"pped out o% )y tr"n(e "nd ro ed to )y %eet< ( ut(hing "t )y h"nd< b owing on the %inger!= It %e t "! though they?d been burnt in " %orge %i ed with % ")e! o% i(e in!te"d o% he"t= I %o ded )y "r)! "(ro!! )y (he!t< tu(king )y %inger! into )y "r)pit! "nd !t"red down "t the )"teri" < but the (ur!e I?d re!er*ed %or it died in )y thro"t= D $he )"teri" w"! on %ire< boi ing "nd bubb ing "nd %u)ing< w"*e! o% d"rkne!! "!hing it! *o "ti e !ur%"(e< "nd deep in it! depth! I !"w tit"ni( ( oud! ro ing in tur)oi < i u)in"ted %ro) within by @"gged ightning bo t!= $here were i)"ge! in tho!e ( oud!< i)printed in the !t"(("to % "!h o% e"(h bo t= 9io ent i)"ge!ui(k y ( o!ed the ("!e< !n"pping the o(k! ho)e< "nd ("rried it b"(k up to the !tor"ge roo) where I hid it behind !o)e p"(king (r"te!= $h"t w"! it= .y @ob w"! o*er= I?d keyed the re>uired in%or)"tion into the )"teri" "nd right now it w"! bu!y "!!i)i "ting it= A I need do w"! w"it= /oon )y )y!teriou! *i!itor wou d turn up to ( "i) hi! property "nd I wou d be rid o% )"teri" T %ore*er= D Prin(e!! ."ker" (")e to !ee )e the %o owing d"y= I w"! eC(ited to !how her the "te!t de!ign %or the wedding dre!!= ,n y " %ew t"i or! h"d turned up %or tod"y?! !hi%t= $he )"@or pro@e(t w"! o*erB there w"! no need to )"int"in " %u (o)p e)ent= I took ."ker" up!t"ir! "nd up o"ded the dre!! de!ign into the ho o;grid= ."ker" !t"red "t the de!ign "! though !he were !eeing her own !ou %or the *ery %ir!t ti)e= Gre"t te"r! we ed up in her eye! "nd ro ed down her (heek! "nd !he kept )uttering !o)ething to her!e % o*er "nd o*er< " !i ent pr"yer perh"p!= $he word! were in her own tongue "nd )"de no !en!e "t " to )e= G3ou h"*e de!igned )y he"rt<? !he !"id to )e when !he?d reg"ined her (o)po!ure= G3ou h"*e (re"ted !o)ething !"(red< .r= Ni(e= $here h"! ne*er been " dre!! "! be"uti%u "! thi!=? And with th"t !he bur!t into te"r! "nd I he d her "nd (o)%orted her "nd the he"t o% her %i ed )e with !u(h onging< !u(h unendur"b e p"!!ion th"t I r"i!ed )y %"(e to her! "nd !he !t"red down "t )e "nd there w"! " ight in her eye!< " )"dne!! I w"! to !ee on(e< in th"t )o)ent< "nd ne*er "g"in= 0e ki!!ed then "nd there in the du!ty (on%ine! o% " !e(ond % oor !tor"ge roo)< the )o!t per%e(t wedding dre!! in " the known uni*er!e % o"ting be!ide u! ike " gu"rdi"n "nge =
$hrough her ip! I dr"nk the e!!en(e o% her= I w"! %i ed with her %ire "nd her )y!tery< " thou!"nd g" "Cie! eCp oding "t on(e in )y he"rt< the eCp"nding w"*e! o% their de!tru(tion in(iner"ting " th"t h"d (o)e be%ore th"t )o)ent< e"*ing the %uture open to " bi ion "nd one d"AA ing po!!ibi itie!= It w"! " ki!! ike no other= It w"! " )o)ent th"t w"! ne*er to (o)e "g"in %or !he pu ed "w"y %ro) )e "t "!t "nd !he !"id< G$hi! )u!t not h"ppen< .r= Ni(e= I ") betrothed=? GI?) !orry<? I g"!ped= GI?*e o*ed you & I think o% you & )y dre")! & )y he"rt &?= How (ou d I eCpre!! " i%eti)e?! ye"rning in one !enten(eE #ut !he !hook her he"d "nd p "(ed " %inger on )y ip! "nd I w"! !i en(ed= G$hi! )u!t not h"ppen<? !he !"id "g"in "nd there w"! !u(h "uthority in her *oi(e "! to (h"!ten " god= .y he"rt ( en(hed p"in%u y when I he"rd tho!e word! %or I knew then !he wou d ne*er be )ine= GI?) !orry<? I !"id "g"in "nd !he bowed "nd< p "(ing the p" ) o% her h"nd "g"in!t her (he!t< !he !"id< G$h"nk you< .r= Ni(e< %or " you h"*e done= 3our n")e wi be (e ebr"ted %or thi! thing you h"*e "(hie*ed= ."y you one d"y %ind your he"rt?! de!ire=? How ("n you !"y th"t< I w"nted to !(re")< when you "re " )y he"rt de!ire!E D 0e !"id no )ore on the )"tter< but th"t d"y )y he"rt broke in two "nd I !ti %ee the p"in o% th"t in@ury= I know it i! one wound ti)e )"y " e*i"te< but wi ne*er he" = De)e" "nd I grew ( o!er "! the d"y! went by= /he w"! de ight%u < witty< inte igent "nd o*ing= E*erything I h"d e*er w"nted in " wo)"n "nd yet now it w"! no onger enough= 'he was not Makera. /he w"! not )y be o*ed "nd e*en when I w"! with her< when I "y with her< or !"t !ide by !ide with her on our we"thered !o%"< I (ou d ne*er truly be with her in )y he"rt= .y he"rt grie*ed %or the p"!t "nd h"d no roo) %or the pre!ent= $HE C,UN$E+'EI$ /PIDE+ G3ou?*e "b"ndoned )e<? )other !hrieked o*er the *id (o)= Her h"ir w"! in di!"rr"y< her ip!ti(k !)e"red "(ro!! one (heek= /he ooked h" % drunk= G.y own % e!h "nd b ood h"! "b"ndoned )e "t "!t= H"h1 I knew thi! d"y wou d (o)e= $he eop"rd !how! it! !tripe!= Fu!t ike your %"ther "b"ndoned )e &? G.o)<? I d"red to interrupt< Gd"d died o% o*erwork &? GHe h"d " (hoi(e in the )"tter<? )other !hrieked b"(k= GHe didn?t t"ke proper ("re o% hi)!e %= How ("n you t"ke ("re o% your %")i y i% you ("n?t t"ke ("re o% your!e %E He h"d "n ob ig"tion to u!= $h"t?! wh"t " re" )"n doe!< he %u %i ! hi! ob ig"tion!=? GD"d was " re" )"n<? I gritted )y teeth in "nger "nd "(tu" y hi!!ed the!e word! through ( en(hed teeth= GHe worked d"y "nd night be("u!e he h"d to p"y %or " the (redit you !pentH? GDon?t you d"re<? )other how ed "nd the de(ibe )eter to the e%t o% the !(reen "(tu" y !hot up into the red< Gdon?t you dare e(ture )e< you (ur= I h"d to u!e " !per) donor @u!t to (on(ei*e you< th"t?! how manly your godd")ned %"ther w"!< he didn?t e*en h"*e " high enough !per) (ount to (on(ei*e " (hi d= 3e"h< you didn?t know th"t< did youE? I !t"red "t her in drugged wonder th"t "ny hu)"n being (ou d be thi! )" i(iou!= I !t"red "t her %or " ong ti)e be("u!e I didn?t tru!t )y!e % to !pe"k= /he !t"red b"(k "t )e "nd I think< e*en through the %og o% her inebri"tion< there w"! !o)e re" i!"tion o% the )"gnitude o% wh"t !he?d @u!t !"id= Her eye! h"d grown ner*ou! "nd !hi%ty= I !t"red "t her unti I %e t I h"d !t"red enough= G/pe"k to )e< b"by<? !he whined= I re"(hed out "nd broke tr"n!)i!!ion=
D G3our )other i! "n "ngry !ou <? De)e" !"id= Unti !he !poke I h"d been un"w"re !he?d been !t"nding right behind )e< i!tening to the entire (on*er!"tion= I ( o!ed )y eye! "nd tried to (" ) down< but it w"! no u!e< I w"! !h"king ike " e"%= G/he?! "n e*i bit(h<? I !"id< G"nd I wi!h !he w"! de"d=? G/he in%e(t! you with her "nger<? De)e" !"id= G/he in%e(t! e*eryone with her "nger<? I rep ied< !t"ring "t the b "nk *id;!(reen< !ti !eeing )other?! !wo en< !odden %"(e< her !)e"red ip! %or)ing "round her word!< her re*e "tion< her bo)b!he = I am not my fathers son. In th"t )o)ent< i% I h"d (o)e %"(e to %"(e with )otheruen(e!= D #ut I?) no ki er= ,n th"t point et )e be entire y ( e"r= D $h"t night I h"d " dre") o% !u(h inten!ity I woke %ro) it dren(hed in !we"t= I dre")ed I w"! !o"ring "bo*e the gr"nd (ity o% Go goth" '" !< )o*ing between enor)ou! /tr"t" "nd Ki o tower!< *erti(" (itie! in their own right< " %ore!t o% !u(h bui ding!< )oon ight g inting o%% their d"rk< )irrored !ur%"(e!= I !wung on the end o% " )i(ro thin web ine< the wind " !"*"ge !(re") in )y e"r!< )y eye! n"rrowed to ! it! "! I !pun " !e(ond web ine %ro) the b"!e o% )y !pine< !n"pping it out "(ro!! the "by!!< !n"gging " di!t"nt "n(hor point< etting the %ir!t ine go "nd tr"n!%erring )y weight to the !e(ond= Ne*er h"*e I %e t !u(h power< !u(h indo)it"b e energy= I w"! " god< nothing e!!= $he !ky w"! )y do)"in< the e"rth no )ore th"n " re%eren(e point "! I !pun between the two< !o)er!"u ting "(ro!! !tret(he! o% in%inity< rebounding o%% per)" g "!! e!("rp)ent!< ri(o(heting o%% the !(" oped underbe ie! o% "eri" %reew"y!= $he dre") w"! !o *i*id= 'o intense. I w"! not I= 0h"t or who I h"d be(o)e I h"d no ide"< nor did I ("re< it w"! enough th"t I w"!= I h"d !iC eye! "nd when I opened the top p"ir o% eye! I !"w " th"t wou d (o)e "nd when I opened the !e(ond I !"w " th"t h"d been "nd through the third p"ir I !"w " th"t was= In )y he"d !e*er" )ind! %un(tioned "t on(e< working on )u tip e prob e)! !i)u t"neou! y= I te you I w"! not I= #ut wh"t or who h"d I be(o)eE I h"d )e)orie! o% !(" ing " *erti(" w" < )y "r)! "nd eg!< o% whi(h I h"d two p"ir! e"(h< "dhering to the g "(i" !ur%"(e< "*oiding peri)eter !("nner! with !en!e! honed to per%e(tion= I h"d )e)orie! o% entering into " roo) th"t w"! %")i i"r e*en in )y dre")= A %"(e & " %"(e th"t I knew "nd yet did not know & " wo)"n< !(re")ing< b ood e*erywhere< begging )e %or )er(y< but there i! no )er(y in )y he"rt & I ") " thing o% in!tin(t & I ") @udge< @ury "nd eCe(utioner & I ") de"th in("rn"te "nd thi! wo)"n & thi! known "nd unknown )ort" & )u!t re"p the whir wind th"t I h"*e be(o)e & D $he neCt )orning two dete(ti*e! %ro) the di!tri(t (on!t"bu "ry *i!ited )e "t the work!hop= GHe o< .r= P"nto)on<? !"id Dete(ti*e 0inter!= GI?) "%r"id we h"*e !o)e r"ther b"d new!< .r= P"nto)on<? !"id Dete(ti*e # oo)=
I brought the) into the pri*"te o%%i(e "nd ordered (o%%ee o*er the inter(o)= .y he"rt w"! be"ting %"!t= I h"d no ide" wh"t w"! going on< but " kind! o% %e"r! were bubb ing up in!ide )e= GIt?! your )other< .r= P"nto)on<? Dete(ti*e # oo) !"id= G/he w"! %ound de"d in her "p"rt)ent "t ,(e"nu! ."n!ion! in Lower C"!!iopei" "t 7-42 thi! )orning= /he w"! )urdered=? G.urdered<? I g"!ped= GHowE 0hoE 0henE? GA! %"r "! we?*e been "b e to deter)ine<? !"id Dete(ti*e 0inter!< % i(king " ho o;p"d out o% hi! wri!tw"t(h "nd (he(king through the det"i !< G!he w"! "tt"(ked "!t night !o)eti)e between ten "nd ten thirty by per!on or per!on! unknown= Her "p"rt)ent w"! broken into by " pro%e!!ion" o% !o)e "gi ity< !eeing "! it?! on the %ortieth % oor< but "pp"rent y they (")e up the w" "nd in through "n open !ky ight=? I !t"red "t the )en< the ight! in the roo) growing brighter by the !e(ond= I %e t "! i% I w"! going to p"!! out= I gripped the edge o% the de!k "nd ( en(hed )y @"w "! tight "! I (ou d< wi ing the n"u!e" to p"!!= $he )en !t"red "t )e without (o))ent= $hey th"nked the "pprenti(e t"i or po ite y when he brought their (o%%ee in "nd then they (ontinued !t"ring "t )e "nd i% there?! one thing gu"r"nteed to )"ke )e ner*ou! it! peop e th"t !t"re= G0here i! !heE? I wheeAed in " *oi(e I b"re y re(ogni!ed "! )y own= GIn the C"!!iopei" Di!tri(t )orgue<? Dete(ti*e # oo) !"id< !ipping hi! (o%%ee with " itt e win(e o% p e"!ure= I !hou d point out th"t we u!e on y the be!t be"n! %or our (o%%ee here "t the Cro)by "nd Ni(e work!hop= GIt?! not " pretty !ight< I?) "%r"id<? he (ontinued= G$he "tt"(ker !ee)ed to h"*e " re" grudge "g"in!t .r! P"nto)on= Do you know i% your )other h"! & had & "ny ene)ie!E? GNo & no< god!< no<? I !"id= G/he w"! h"r) e!!< " bit e((entri(< but nothing you wou d ki her o*er= I @u!t ("n?t be ie*e it= Why her(? G$h"t?! wh"t we?re trying to %igure out<? Dete(ti*e 0inter! !"id= GDid !he h"*e "ny out!t"nding debt! th"t you know o%E? GI p"id " her bi !<? I !"id= GI% there w"! "nything out!t"nding I wou d h"*e known "bout it=? GHow w"! her beh"*iour re(ent yE Noti(e "nything oddE? GNo odder th"n u!u" =? G0h"t doe! th"t )e"nE? GGent e)en< )y )other ne*er re" y got o*er the de"th o% her hu!b"nd< my %"ther= /he w"!< "! I?*e !"id< ! ight y e((entri(= #ut there w"! nothing unu!u" "bout her beh"*iour o% re(ent= 0"! "nything !to en %ro) the "p"rt)entE? G0e?d ike you to he p u! deter)ine th"t=? I pro)i!ed the) I?d he p in "ny w"y I (ou d "nd they th"nked )e %or )y ti)e< %ini!hed their (o%%ee< eCtended their (ondo en(e!< "nd then they e%t )e with )y br"in on %ire "nd )y he"rt r"i!ing tow"rd! it! own ter)in" "rre!t= /he w"! de"d= E en" P"tri(i" P"nto)on w"! de"d= Murdered. I (ou dn?t be ie*e it= I !"t !t"ring "t the w" in " d"Ae= I thought o% the "!t ti)e we?d !poken o*er the *id (o)= I %e t " % u!h o% gui t "nd then< hot on it! t"i < " !udden ru!h o% re ie%= $he (redit *"(uu) in )y i%e w"! gone< the in(e!!"nt de)"nd! were o*er= In one %e !woop !o)eone h"d re ie*ed )e o% the bigge!t !tu)b ing b o(k to )y own progre!! "nd I didn?t know whether to !(re") %or @u!ti(e or !end the) " etter o% gr"titude= #ut it w"! the dre") th"t bothered )eB the dream of &lood and death and of soaring through towers of verti#al glass. $he %"(e o% the known "nd unknown wo)"n in th"t dre") h"d been )other?! %"(e< begging )e %or )er(y< "nd there h"d been no )er(y in )y he"rt "! I tore her to pie(e!< I had en2oyed every se#ond of it. In th"t dre") I h"d be(o)e de"th= Now two dete(ti*e! h"d !hown up "nd )other w"! de"d "nd not @u!t de"d< but murdered de"d= $he wor!t kind o% de"d there w"!=
D I went up!t"ir! to the !e(ond % oor !tor"ge roo) "nd p" )ed the ight on= De)e" !"t on " b" e o% ( oth< hugging her knee!< !t"ring "t the ("!e (ont"ining )"teri" T= G0h"t "re you doing hereE? I de)"nded= G/o)eone (ou d !ee you=? GIt?! ki ed<? !he !"id b "nk y< !ti !t"ring "t the ("!e= GI ("n !en!e it< Ah"b=? G0h"t "re you t" king "boutE? I !n"pped< but I knew per%e(t y we wh"t !he w"! t" king "bout= GGo b"(k to your roo)< De)e"B we? t" k "bout thi! tonight=? /he !tood up "nd ooked "t )e "nd her eye! were "rge "nd h"unted= G/end it b"(k to where it (")e %ro)<? !he to d )e "! !he p"!!ed )e on the w"y to the door< Gbe%ore it?! too "te< Ah"b=? D I re(ei*ed " ong di!t"n(e *id (" %ro) Cro)by "nd Ni(e "ter th"t "%ternoon= $hey in%or)ed )e they wou d be returning to Go goth" '" ! in two week!? ti)e "nd they eCpe(ted "n upd"te "! !oon "! they )"de "nd%" = $he )e!!"ge h"d been !ent " week e"r ier< whi(h g"*e )e " week be%ore their return= I h"d !pent the )orning in the Druid L"ne po i(e he"d>u"rter!< going o*er "n in*entory o% )y )other?! be onging!= It w"! " dre"d%u ti)e= I h"d not h"ted )y )other= I h"d inten!e y di! iked her< but I h"d " !o %e t !orry %or her= /he?d h"d " h"rd ti)e o% it with )y %"ther< " dedi("ted t"i or who ne*er ro!e "bo*e the r"nk o% %r"ternity )"n"ger= Hi! dedi("tion kept hi) "w"y %ro) ho)e %or d"y!< !o)eti)e! week! on end< "nd )other h"d begun to t"ke !o "(e in )"teri" thing!B !hopping< !t"tu!< %"!hion< "nything to %i the ho e in i%e e%t by "n "b!ent hu!b"nd= It w"!n?t !uppo!ed to end ike thi!= )ot like this. It )"de no !en!e "t " = I h"d " w"y! "!!u)ed )other w"! going to i*e %ore*er< )eet !o)eone e !e< h"*e " !e(ond (h"n(e "t h"ppine!!< wh"te*er & but I h"dn?t eCpe(ted thi!= .urder i! the )o!t horri%i( o% thing! be("u!e it i! the )o!t ineCp i("b e= It i! the (hink in the hu)"n p!y(he< the thing th"t re)ind! u! th"t howe*er high we bui d our tower!< we "re< "t he"rt< )ere y "ni)" !< re!ponding to (ri!i! the w"y we " w"y! h"*e< with tooth "nd ( "w= $he po i(e h"d %ew e"d!= $he "tt"(k h"d been % "w e!!B " pro%e!!ion" hit right up unti the )o)ent o% de"th= At th"t point the "!!"i "nt !ee)ed to h"*e gone ber!erk< te"ring .r! P"nto)on >uite iter" y "p"rt= And !ti there h"d been no ( ue! e%t behind= None o% the eCtern" )onitor! h"d been triggered= None o% the in;hou!e " "r)! h"d gone o%%< nor the )otion dete(tor! & nothing. It w"! "! though " gho!t h"d ("rried out the "tt"(k< " p!y(hoti( gho!t with "n in!"ti"b e "ppetite %or de!tru(tion= D 0hen I returned to the work!hop %ro) the po i(e !t"tion " )"n w"! w"iting %or )e in )y pri*"te o%%i(e= He !tood up "! I entered the o%%i(e "nd re"(hed out to !h"ke )y h"nd< hi! %inger! bri!t ing with di")ond !tudded ring!= I !hook hi! h"nd "nd !tudied hi) ( o!e y= Hi! !uit " one )u!t h"*e (o!t in eC(e!! o% twenty;%i*e thou!"nd (redit!= It w"! Purit"n he)p "nd !pun go d< " r"re "nd eCtre)e y eCpen!i*e (o)bin"tion< de!igned "nd (ut by the )"!ter t"i or /h"ng $i"n= I re(ogniAed /h"ng?! tr"de)"rk "ttention to )inuti"e= Hi! !hoe! were !yntheti( repti e< tiny< ne"r in*i!ib e opti( p "te! (re"ting " ripp e o% ri(h (o our! "(ro!! the t"pered toe!= GI ") 'o!t"* Eugene Hu <? !"id the )"n with " ! ight bow< Go% Hu Indu!trie!= 3ou )"y h"*e he"rd o% u!=?
E*eryone h"d he"rd o% Hu Indu!trie!= $hey )"de the engine! %or the huge %"r;*oy"ger !hip! th"t opened deep !p"(e p"r"doC port" ! "nd e"pt to di!t"nt !t"r! in %r"(tion! o% " !e(ond= $hey were one o% the "rge!t o% the %i*e big engineering (orpor"tion! b"!ed in Go goth" '" ! "nd 'o!t"* w"! third gr"nd!on o% the i))en!e y power%u Hierony)u! Hu < %ounder o% the Hu dyn"!ty= 'o!t"*< I h"d he"rd o% by reput"tion on y= And wh"t I h"d he"rd w"! not good= He w"! ru)oured to be " phi "nderer %ir!t ( "!!< " !(oundre o% un!pe"k"b e *i ene!!= He p"rti(ip"ted in the egend"ry ne(rophi i" orgie! in Gr"nd #"by on "nd w"! "n "dept o% the (hur(h o% Foot< the god o% "!(i*iou!ne!!= He w"!< in "ddition< ru)oured to be " )e)ber o% b"nned (u t! who!e pr"(ti!e! *erged on the unho y= A thi! I h"d he"rd o% 'o!t"* Eugene Hu < but up unti now I h"d ne*er )et the )"n= He ooked to be in hi! "te thirtie!< good ooking< (hi!e ed %e"ture!= A ot o% (o!)eti( work h"d gone into tho!e ook!= Hi! h"ir w"! thi(k "nd b "(k "nd w"*y "nd ro ed o*er hi! !hou der! in eCoti( w"*e!= I ordered (o%%ee o*er the inter(o) "nd !ett ing into )y (h"ir I "!ked 'o!t"* wh"t I (ou d do %or hi)= GI?) here to !ee the dre!!<? 'o!t"* !"id= GI?*e he"rd eC(iting thing! "bout your work< .r= Ni(e=? I %rowned= GDo you h"*e " dre!! (o))i!!ioned with u!E? I "!ked hi)= G.y %i"n(Je ordered " wedding dre!! here<? 'o!t"* eCp "ined= G3ou?*e )et her< I be ie*e< the Prin(e!! ."ker"=? $he wor d ! ow y ti ted "w"y %ro) )e= I% I h"dn?t been !itting down I wou d h"*e %" en %or (ert"in= I !t"red "t 'o!t"* "nd tried to (o e(t )y !("ttered wit!< but )y wit! were h"*ing none o% it= I gu ped %or "ir "nd oo!ened )y tie "nd 'o!t"* e"pt out o% hi! (h"ir< " ook o% (on(ern on hi! %"(e= GAre you " right< .r= Ni(eE? he "!ked= G'ine & %ine<? I (ro"ked< Gtou(h o% indige!tion< been p "guing )e " )orning &? 'o!t"* nodded "nd !"t down "g"in= G$ry IAi prin<? he "d*i!ed= G$wo t"b et! with i)e @ui(e wi t"ke ("re o% th"t=? G$h"nk you<? I wheeAed< GI wi = Now<? I ( e"red )y thro"t no!i y< Gwh"t were we t" king "bout & I?) "%r"id I?*e o!t the thre"d o% the (on*er!"tion=? G.y bride;to;be< Prin(e!! ."ker"<? 'o!t"* re)inded )e "! i% I needed re)inding= I !t"red "t hi) "nd nodded ! ow y "nd in )y )ind I w"! ki ing hi) in " thou!"nd eC(ru(i"ting w"y!= $hi! hee < thi! )on!ter< thi! !odo)ite "nd god knew wh"t e !e & how (ou d thi! b"!e in!e(t be worthy o% the Prin(e!! ."ker" & )y be o*ed & )y he"rt= It w"! prepo!terou!< udi(rou!< "b!o ute y in!"ne= I !tood up= G$he wedding dre!! i! in %in" "d@u!t)ent !t"ge!<? I !"id= GIt ("nnot be !hown "t thi! point & the "(tu" )"teri" i! being rendered "! we !pe"k= I?) !orry< .r= Hu < but you )u!t w"it unti the gown i! (o)p ete be%ore you wi be " owed " %in" *iewing=? 'o!t"* nodded= G9ery we <? he !"idB Gyou?re " pro%e!!ion" < .r= Ni(eB I ("n !ee th"t= I ("n !ee why ."ker" (ho!e you= 0e < I? e"*e it to you< !ir= .y %i"n(Je ike! you "nd th"t?! good enough %or )e=? He got up "nd re"(hed out to !h"ke )y h"nd< but I (ou dn?t be"r to )"ke phy!i(" (ont"(t with hi) !o I gri)"(ed in p"in "nd ( ut(hed )y !to)"(h "nd grow ed< GD")n< thi! indige!tion< I?*e got to get to the b"throo) & you don?t )ind !eeing your!e % out< .r= Hu E? "nd with th"t I d"!hed %ro) the o%%i(e= D I %e!tered o*er the neCt d"y "nd " h" %= A thought! o% )y )other?! )urder were pu!hed "!ide by )y !ing e;)inded h"tred o% 'o!t"* Eugene Hu = I w"! in(on!o "b e= I r"ged in !o itude< !hutting )y!e % "w"y %ro) De)e"< ignoring her when !he p e"ded with )e to te her wh"t w"! wrong=
I !"t %or ong hour! in the !e(ond % oor !tor"ge roo)< !t"ring "t ."ker"?! wedding dre!!< )y he"rt !wo en with "nger "nd grie% "nd " %ee ing o% (o)p ete he p e!!ne!!= /ure y the prin(e!! h"d no ide" o% thi! )"n?! reput"tion= Hi! "nti(! were we known north o% the )eridi"n< but I doubted new! o% hi! eCp oit! wou d h"*e re"(hed "! %"r "w"y "! New Aby!!ini"= /he )u!t be w"rned= I h"d to go to her hote "t on(e "nd te her " th"t I knew o% her intended hu!b"nd= I !tood up "nd w"! "bout to turn the (o)puter di!p "y o%% when I noti(ed " nu)ber o% % "!hing ight! in the ower e%t h"nd (orner o% the grid= I !t"red "t the)= 're!h %i e!= De)e" h"d been bu!y "g"in= I up o"ded the %ir!t o% the %i e!= $he wedding dre!! *"ni!hed< to be rep "(ed by " % owing gown o% E y!iu) %i igree= I h"d ne*er !een " dre!! )"de %ro) E y!iu) %i igreeB it i! " teCti e ong "go "b"ndoned by e*en the )o!t )"!ter%u o% t"i or! %or it i! nigh on i)po!!ib e to work with= It i! !o %r"gi e it te"r! "t the ! ighte!t (ont"(t "nd e*en brui!e! i% !t"red "t too ong= C"n you i)"gine " %"bri( !o de i("te it ("n be " tered !i)p y by staring "t itE ."ny "re the wonder! di!(o*ered in the %"r;(o ony wor d!= A e%%ort! to bond E y!iu) %i igree with other )"teri" ! to "dd !trength h"*e %"i ed di!)" y= $he %"bri( w"! di!(o*ered in the ruin! o% " %"r;(o ony te)p e< pre!er*ed in two thou!"nd ye"r o d !t"!i!< but the !e(ret o% working with thi! )o!t gorgeou! o% %"bri(! h"d not !ur*i*ed " ong with it< e*en though te)p e p"inting! depi(ted the )o!t %"bu ou! (o!tu)e! wo*en %ro) the %i igree= $he )e"n! to dup i("te the!e (o!tu)e! h"d ong e uded the Gui d o% $"i or! "nd there w"! " huge rew"rd "w"iting "nyone who (r"(ked the (ode= Now I w"! !t"ring "t the !o ution= De)e" h"d e%t pre(i!e in!tru(tion! %or the prep"r"tion "nd !trengthening o% E y!iu) %i igree= It h"d to be i))er!ed in ("rbon"ted w"ter %or three week! "nd then dried "t " !pe(i%i( te)per"ture= 'o ded %ourteen ti)e! it w"! then !o"ked %or " %urther !e*enty;!iC hour! "nd e%t to dry "t eC"(t y the !")e te)per"ture "! be%ore= $he re!u t! were !tunningB " )"teri" d"rk "! the night !ky< the (o our! o% (on(eption ripp ing through it! !inuou! (ontour! "t the ! ighte!t )o*e)ent= It w"! "n "b!o ute )"!terpie(e "nd it !hou d h"*e e%t )e bre"th e!!< but in!te"d I !n"pped o%% the (o)puter< re%u!ing to ook "t the other %i e! De)e" h"d (re"ted= A I (ou d think o% w"! ."ker" "nd the )i!t"ke !he w"! )"king )"rrying th"t )on!ter< 'o!t"*= D I took the di!tri(t !hutt e to Lower C"!!iopei"< "nd %ro) there ("ught " ("b to the Hote F"*ier where I knew the prin(e!! w"! !t"ying< but hote re(eption to d )e !he h"d )o*ed out the d"y be%ore= I "!ked %or " %orw"rding "ddre!!< but " they g"*e )e w"! " !i)p e ("rd upon whi(h were written the word!.r= Ni(e P e"!e do not %o ow )e beyond thi! point= In " di%%erent i%e we )ight h"*e d"n(ed " di%%erent d"n(e= Lo*e< ."ker" I !t"red "t the ("rd "nd turned it thi! w"y "nd th"t in )y h"nd!< but whi(he*er w"y I turned it the ("rd !ti re"d the !")e= /he?d gone to him< I knewB to 'o!t"* in hi! p e"!ure p" "(e in North C"!!iopei"= /he?d gone to hi) ike " ")b to the ! "ughterB her inno(en(e< the pure!t o% ight!< "bout to be eCtingui!hed %ore*er= I ( en(hed )y %i!t! "nd how ed with r"ge "nd they h"d to (" hote !e(urity "nd h"*e )e e*i(ted !o gre"t w"! )y di!tre!!= I went b"(k to the work!hop "nd brooded the re!t o% th"t d"y< w"iting %or the t"i or! to e"*e !o I (ou d !hut up !hop "nd brood !o)e )ore= 0hen they?d %in" y gone De)e" (")e down!t"ir!= G/o)ething?! wrong<? !he !"id "! !he %iCed u! dinner in the kit(hen< G!o)ething?! preying on your )ind= I! it your )otherE?
G$o he with )other1? I !hrieked "nd !he % in(hed "t the r"ge in )y %"(e= I w"! p"(ing the kit(hen ike " )"d )"n< h" % out o% )y )ind with @e" ou!y "nd r"ge< )uttering to )y!e %= I )u!t h"*e ooked ike " p!y(hop"th= G$e )e wh"t?! wrong<? !he urged= G."ybe I ("n he p you=? G3ouE? I !t"red "t her "nd !o)ething in )y eye! )"de her !hrink into her!e %= G3ou?re @u!t " (hi d<? I !(o%%ed= G0h"t (ou d you po!!ib y under!t"nd "bout "du t e)otion!E? GI! it "nother wo)"nE? !he "!ked !o%t y= I !t"red "t her= $hen I pi(ked up )y dinner "nd in "n i)periou! *oi(e< I !"id< G$onight I dine " one=? And with th"t I w" ked out o% the kit(hen= D In the twi!ted )"the)"ti(! o% o*e< the o%%ended p"rty i! " w"y! right= I w"! *enge%u < !w")ped with !e %;pity "nd !e %; o"thing= I !hr"nk %ro) the %"(e in the )irror< the r"gged< hungry< "ging %"(e th"t w"! the )"n I h"d be(o)e= A "round )e De)e" w"! re*e" ing the !e(ret! o% )y tr"de< the )ir"( e o% )y (" ing< "nd " I (ou d think o% w"! ."ker" "nd th"t %iend< 'u!t"*= D De)e" (")e to )e th"t night "! I !"t in the b"!e)ent< w"t(hing the ight! o% the d"t" *"u t twink e b"(k "nd %orth in "Ay rhyth)= I he d " g "!! o% wine in )y h"nd< " bitter )"n?! tipp e )y %"ther h"d " w"y! to d )e= 5eave the wine to women and the &eer goes with everything else. I !u!pe(ted th"t %"ther too h"d o!t the o*e o% hi! i%e "nd th"t )other w"! !e(ond priAe in the r"(e o% the he"rt= He ne*er !"id "! )u(h< but there w"! " ook in hi! eye! !o)eti)e!< the w"y he?d !t"re o%% into !p"(e< or the w"y he?d g "n(e "t )other !udden y< when !he w"!n?t ooking= :ust a glan#e. #ut there were o(e"n! o% regret in hi! eye!= And "t ti)e! ike th"t I didn?t know who to %ee !orrier %orB d"d who?d o!t the o*e o% hi! i%e< or )other who wou d %ore*er p"y the pri(e= I !"t with )y he"d ! u)ped< )y !hou der! dropped in de%e"t= $here w"! "n un!e"ted %ee ing in the pit o% )y !to)"(hB I w"!n?t in (ontro o% )y!e % "ny)ore= .y he"rt "(hed "nd %e t ike it wou d ne*er re(o*er= I !ipped wine "nd t"!ted nothingB I w"! (h"!ing the high< the )e"n! w"! uni)port"nt= And the )ore I (h"!ed th"t high the ower I %e t= De)e" (")e to )e "nd !he h"d " )irror in her h"nd= An orn"te )irror th"t ooked to h"*e been !pun %ro) be")! o% )oon ight= I knew in!tin(ti*e y it w"! not %ro) thi! wor d= G0h"t?! th"tE? I "!ked !u en y "! !he !"t be!ide )e= /he !)i ed= G0hen " )"n ook! into thi! )irror<? !he !"id< Git re% e(t! the %"(e o% hi! one true de!ire=? I % in(hed when I he"rd th"t< !t"ring "t the )irror with )ounting (on(ern= GI w"nt you to ook into it<? De)e" !"id "! !he o%%ered the )irror to )e= I turned "w"y %ro) her= GI don?t w"nt " thi! hoku! poku!<? I !"id de%en!i*e y< GI?*e got enough on )y )ind=? GI know<? De)e" !"id= G3our he"rt i! no onger )ine= I ("n !en!e it=? GGo "w"y<? I p e"ded< GI w"nt to be " one=? G0e are " one=? G:ust " one= .e< by )y!e %=? GI% you w"nt )e to e"*e<? De)e" rep ied< G ook into the )irror< Ah"b< !how )e th"t you "re !ti )ine "nd I wi be h"ppy "nd then I wi e"*e= It i! " !)" thing to "!k o% you=? #ut I (ou dn?t ook into th"t (ur!ed )irror= I knew the %"(e I wou d !ee= It wou d be her %"(e< Makeras. A! "ngry "! I w"! I h"d no p"rti(u "r de!ire to hurt De)e" with thi! re*e "tion= I re%u!ed to ook into the )irror no )"tter how h"rd !he pre!!ed )e< knowing the
%"(e I wou d !ee wou d not be her %"(e< but the %"(e o% "nother= At "!t !he !tood up= G3ou know your own he"rt< Ah"b<? !he !"id bitter y "nd e%t the b"!e)ent= D $h"t night I h"d " dre")= Ag"in I w"! !o"ring ")ong!t the tower! o% Go goth" '" !B "g"in I eCperien(ed th"t weight e!! !en!e o% i))en!e power< o% being in "b!o ute (ontro o% )y body= I %e"red nothing= I (h" enged e*erythingB e*en gr"*ity w"! t")ed with )i(ro thin %i ")ent! th"t I !pun %ro) "n opening in )y !pine= I w"! in*erted< tr"*e ing " ong the "r(! o% )y web ine!< ooking down on the )yri"d e*e ! o% the (ity be ow )e "! they *"ni!hed< ike " tri(k o% )irror!< into in%inite re% e(tion= I w"! %i ed with )ore th"n %uryB I w"! %i ed with " !en!e o% di*ine @u!ti(e< o% (e e!ti" wr"th= I w"! r"ge it!e %< eight i)bed "nd !iC eyed "nd ! "*e to neither he"*en nor e"rth= I dre")ed I w"! !(" ing uni)"gin"b y high w" !< !(utt ing " ong the) in de%i"n(e o% phy!i(!< e*"ding "!er !("nner! "nd !oni( trip wire!< )o*ing in the !h"dow o% (onning tower! bri!t ing with he"*y gun!= I penetr"ted thi! %ortre!!< )o*ing through "ir in% ow!< e ong"ting )y!e %B !(r")b ing " ong (onduit! too n"rrow %or )ort" proportion!= I de!(ended into *e *et d"rkne!!< !o%t indire(t ighting< "n(ient t"pe!trie! h"nging %ro) teCtured w" != I de!(ended into w"r)th "nd uCury "nd the !(ent o% de("den(e= I )o*ed ike "n i wind & !(urrying " ong (ei ing!< "(ro!! w" ! & I ki ed two )en< "r)ed "nd "Ay with (on%iden(e= $hey died without !ound= $hey wi !(re") in the "%ter i%e< I ") (ert"in= A roo)= Go den door! opening into !u(h uCury "! I h"*e ne*er !een< dre")ing or "w"ke= I ignore the dJ(or< I hone in on the % e!h= 'o!t"* Eugene Hu know! hi! ti)e h"! (o)e= He !(re")!< but no !ound wi e)erge= He p e"d! in )i)e= Hi! *oi(e h"! % ed hi)B hi! terror !trike! hi) )ute= He p e"d! with hi! h"nd!< hi! eye!< "nd I "ugh "nd I te"r hi) i)b %ro) i)b "nd !("tter hi! re)"in! "round the roo)< !ti "ughing< %or )y he"rt i! on %ire with thi! h"r*e!t o% b ood "nd I know now th"t I ") de"th in("rn"te= D I woke %ro) thi! dre") !ti "ughing "nd then I be(")e *ery "%r"id= I !"t up in bed "nd De)e" w"! not there= I e%t the roo) "nd went to the !e(ond % oor !tor"ge roo)< "n o)inou! !en!e o% %oreboding %i ing the pit o% )y !to)"(h= $hi! ti)e I knew it h"d been no dre")= De)e" w"! !itting in the !tor"ge roo)< !t"ring "t the !i *er ("!e in the (orner= $he ("!e (ont"ining )"teri" T= GIt?! ki ed "g"in<? !he whi!pered without ooking "round "t )e= G0h"t i! itE? I "!ked< )y *oi(e hu!ky with %e"r= GIt i! the !kin o% e*i <? !he whi!pered< Gthe "%terbirth o% behe)oth=? Her word! )"de no !en!e= I "!ked her to eCp "in her!e %< but !he wou d !"y no )ore= GGet rid o% it<? w"! " !he wou d !"y< Git doe! not be ong in thi! wor d=? D It w"! on " the new! (h"nne ! th"t d"y "nd %or the re!t o% the week= 'o!t"* Eugene Hu < gr"nd!on o% the indu!tri" tri ion"ire< Hierony)u! Hu < h"d been horri%i(" y )urdered in wh"t po i(e were de!(ribing "! @+6n a#t of #om!lete &ar&ari# savagery.A I w"t(hed the *id (h"nne ! "nd the ho o upd"te! "nd I %e t (o d "nd e)pty "! the det"i ! o% the )urder were re e"!ed det"i by eC(ru(i"ting det"i = It w"! )"teri" T= I knew it in )y he"rt= I didn?t know how it w"! po!!ib e< but !o)ehow the )"teri" h"d %ed o%% )y e)otion!B "(ting "! the eCe(utioner o% )y deepe!t un(ontro ed de!ire!=
I w"! horri%ied= I w"! "pp" ed= .other= 'o!t"*= #oth unwitting re(ept"( e! o% )y r"ge "nd both de"d "t the h"nd! o% " p!y(hoti( )urderer< "nd wh"t was r"ge i% not " p!y(hoti( e)otionE It h"d been )y r"ge th"t h"d !ent the )"teri" out< )y r"ge th"t h"d !h"ped it "nd brought it )er(i e!! y down upon tho!e I r"ged "g"in!t= D I *i!ited the !e(ond % oor !tor"ge roo) o%ten throughout th"t ong d"y< !t"ring b "nk y "t the !i *er ("!e in the (orner= ."teri" T "y within< w"iting %or )y e)otion! to !end it out on "nother )urder !pree= I w"! terri%ied< "nd yet< "t the !")e ti)e< I w"! !tr"nge y (ontent= 'o!t"* w"! de"d= .y (o)petitor h"d %" en= $he )"rri"ge to ."ker" (ou d not go throughB the %uture h"d on(e )ore be(o)e ro!y with po!!ibi itie! It w"! " terrib e %ee ing< "n unworthy %ee ing< but I ") hu)"n< "%ter " = I did not (on!(iou! y wi thi! thing to h"ppen= I h"d r"ged "! (ount e!! peop e r"ge d"i y< "nd I h"d been (ontent to ("rry on r"ging unti the %ire! o% r"ge were " burnt out "nd then I wou d h"*e %" en into (yni(i!)< @u!t "! (ount e!! peop e do e*ery d"y= #ut I wou d not< under "ny (ir(u)!t"n(e!< h"*e re!orted to )urder= And yet I had )urdered< in the )o!t biA"rre w"y i)"gin"b e= $he )urder we"pon h"d been )y own e)otion! "nd I (ou d not t"ke the b ")e upon )y!e %= I w"! "n unwitting "((o)p i(e< " *i(ti) o% (ir(u)!t"n(e!= I knew nothing "bout )"teri" T "nd e*en i% the (on!t"bu "ry (ou d pro*e " ink between the!e (ri)e! "nd )y!e %< wh"t wou d they (h"rge )e withE I %e t (" )er now= $he r"ge w"! !pent= .y initi" !ho(k w"! o*er= .y )ind w"! th"wing= I w"! beginning to think "bout the po!iti*e! "nd not @u!t the neg"ti*e!= It h"dn?t worked out !o b"d y "%ter " = In " w"y I h"d !p"red the Prin(e!! ."ker" " i%eti)e o% )i!ery with the de"th o% the heinou! 'o!t"* Eugene Hu = In " w"y I h"d !p"red myself " i%eti)e o% )i!ery with the de"th o% E en" P"tri(i" P"nto)on< )y )other= $he #urg" h"*e "nother !"ying th"t !ee)! "ppropri"te %or the o(("!ionB " moments rage, s!ent wisely, #an &uy a lifetime of !ea#e. D $he )y!teriou! !tr"nger "rri*ed th"t night to (o e(t hi! )"teri" = I w"! pe(u i"r y re u(t"nt to p"rt with it= I h"d %or)ed "n "tt"(h)ent with )"teri" T th"t (ou d not be eCp "ined< "! though I owed it %or t"king )y i%e in h"nd "nd " tering it %or the better= In " w"y it h"d not been I th"t h"d t"i ored the ( oth< but *i(e *er!"= G'ro) the new! report! I?*e been he"ring<? the !tr"nger !"id with " twink e in hi! eye< GI wou d !"y you?*e %or)ed >uite " bond with our )y!teriou! )"teri" T=? G3ou knew wh"t it w"! ("p"b e o%<? I !"id "((u!ing y< G"nd you didn?t w"rn )eE? $he )"n !hrugged= G/o)e peop e the )"teri" bond! with "nd !o)e it doe!n?t<? he !"id with " !)i e= GI !"w no re"!on to " "r) you undu y=? G0h"t "re you going to do with itE? I "!ked= G0hy did you w"nt L"dy De!de)on"?! !pe(!E? G$he e!! you know the better<? the )"n !"id "nd there w"! !u(h " note o% w"rning in hi! *oi(e th"t I %e in!t"nt y !i ent= $he )"n bowed "nd !"id< G3ou?*e been o% !o)e gre"t !er*i(e to )e< !ir< I tru!t we wi not )eet "g"in<? "nd he turned on hi! hee "nd e%t the work!hop= D GI?) g "d it?! gone<? De)e" !"id %ro) the top o% the !t"ir!= GI?) g "d hes gone=? G0h"t do you know "bout hi)E? I "!ked her= /he (")e down into the work!hop= /he h"d been (ryingB her eye! were red "nd pu%%y "nd there were dried te"r tr"(k! down her %"(e= GI know he? u!e th"t )"teri" %or nothing good<? !he !"id= G3ou !hou dn?t h"*e "((epted it %ro) hi) in the %ir!t p "(e< Ah"b=?
G$hen I wou dn?t h"*e %ound you<? I !"id= GI h"*e been to thi! p "(e )"ny ti)e! be%ore<? De)e" rep ied !o%t y= G3ou did not %ind )e< Ah"bB it i! I th"t %ound you< in your dre")!= I w"! the wi%e who!e %"(e you (ou d ne*er !ee= I %e in o*e with your dre")!< Ah"bB they were on(e !u(h !i)p e dre")!= 3ou don?t dre") ike th"t "ny)ore= 3ou?*e (h"nged "nd the (h"nge i! not %or the better=? G0e " (h"nge<? I to d her= G$h"t?! wh"t it i! to be hu)"n=? G0e grow<? De)e" !"id< Gor we !hrink= I think you h"*e !hrunk " itt e !in(e the %ir!t ti)e I )et you=? I !hrugged= G0e <? I !"id< Gth"t?! )"teri" T out o% our i*e!= ."ybe thing! wi be(o)e nor)" round here=? I !poke the!e word!< but )y )ind w"! on ."ker"= I wou d (" her to)orrowB o%%er )y (ondo en(e!< re%u!e to (h"rge her %or the dre!!= ,% (our!e !he wou d in!i!t "nd I wou d re%u!e %ir) y< but po ite y= It wou d )"ke " good i)pre!!ion= D $he neCt d"y< be%ore I h"d " (h"n(e to (ont"(t Prin(e!! ."ker"< $u)i< her bodygu"rd< turned up "t the work!hop= $he u!u" y robu!t hero ooked !hrunken tod"y< withered by !o)e terrib e e)otion th"t p "gued hi)= Hi! eye! were h"unted< hi! ip! p"r(hed< hi! !uit " !iAe too big %or hi)= I "!!u)ed thi! w"! " (on!e>uen(e o% 'o!t"*?! de"thB perh"p! $u)i b ")ed hi)!e %= GI he"rd "bout the de"th o% 'o!t"* Hu <? I to d $u)i "! !oon "! I !"w hi)B GI wi!h to eCtend )y (ondo en(e! to the prin(e!!= I know it )u!t h"*e (o)e "! " gre"t !ho(k=? $u)i !i ent y he d out " (he>ue= I w"*ed it "w"y= GI ("n?t "((ept th"t<? I to d hi)= G$he dre!! w"! )e"nt %or " wedding< "nd now there wi be no weddingue %" %ro) hi! %inger! "nd I w"t(hed it % utter " the w"y to the % oor= GPerh"p! there wi be " wedding in the "%ter i%e<? he to d )e= G0h"t do you )e"nE? I "!ked< bending to retrie*e the (he>ue= I !"w it w"! to the *" ue o% twenty;%i*e thou!"nd (redit!< " !ub!t"nti" !u) o% )oney= G$he prin(e!! died in the e"r y hour! o% the )orning<? $u)i !"id wooden y "nd the (he>ue went % uttering b"(k down to the ground "g"in= G/he threw her!e % out o% the window o% her !uite "nd %e to her de"th !e*enteen !torie! be ow= /he w"nted you to h"*e thi!< I be ie*e= I %ound it ")ong!t her per!on" e%%e(t!=? He h"nded )e " ("rd "nd I took it )ute y< " !i ent !(re") !hredding "round )y he"d= I w"! %i ed with " !en!e o% (o "p!ing inw"rd!< "! though " the thing! th"t h"d e*er he d Ah"b Anti(u u! P"nto)on together were ! ow y (o)ing "p"rt= I !t"red down "t the ("rd "! $u)i e%t the o%%i(e= I " one know the %or(e! you !et "g"in!t )y intended I " one be"r the horror o% thi! betr"y" ,h< !weet )other< wh"t r"ge ie! in the he"rt! o% )enE How ("n I i*e with thi! horror< thi! p"inE $hi! night I wi d"n(e with )y "n(e!tor! ."ker" A d") w" (o "p!ed within "nd pure grie% bur!t upon )e< de!p"ir !u(h "! I h"*e ne*er known< gui t th"t burnt )e to the (ore= I w"! r"*"ged by the enor)ity o% th"t !ing e ("rd< tho!e !i)p e word! & she knew= In the end !he knew it h"d been )e= /he h"d gone to her de"th de!pi!ing )e "nd )y we"kne!! "nd I wou d !pend " i%eti)e knowing th"t in the end ."ker"< )y be o*ed< h"d h"ted )e=
0h"t h"d I doneE 0h"t in the n")e! o% the god! h"d I doneE I wept "nd r"ged "nd I tore the o%%i(e "p"rt in )y grie% "nd the "pprenti(e t"i or! tried to (" ) )e< but I !ent the) "w"y with (ur!e!= I de)"nded they e"*e< go ho)eB the work!hop w"! ( o!ed %or the d"y= 0hen " w"! e)pty "nd the "!t o% the "pprenti(e t"i or! h"d dep"rted< I r"n up!t"ir! to )y bedroo)= De)e" !"t on the bed= /he he d the )irror in her h"nd "! though !he h"d been w"iting %or )e< %"(e b "nk< her eye! without e)otion= GI w"nt to !ee her<? I w"i ed= GI w"nt to !ee the de!ire o% )y he"rtB I w"nt to !ee )y be o*ed one "!t ti)e= ,h< God!< wh"t h"*e I doneE? I !n"t(hed the )irror out o% De)e"?! i%e e!! %inger! "nd !t"red into it with )ind e!! deter)in"tion= I he d it in !h"king h"nd! "nd !t"red< )y red< !wo en eye! wi ing her to "ppe"r< wi ing ."ker"?! !"(red %e"ture! to rep "(e )y own worn out wre(k o% " %"(e= I w"nted to beg her %or %orgi*ene!!< to p e"d with her not to h"te )e= I w"! )"d with p"in< r"(ked by gui t= And then !he w"! there< !t"ring up "t )e< her high reg" brow< her !)oky eye!< her ip! !)" "nd %r"gi eB her !kin !o brown< !o be@ewe ed with ight= G."ker"<? I whi!pered< G)y be"uty< )y o*e & %orgi*e )e & %orgi*e )e )y r"ge< )y @e" ou!y< )y pettine!! & I w"! unworthy o% you & p e"!e %orgi*e )e &? #ut the i)"ge did not rep y< in!te"d it %"ded ! ow y "w"y "nd then the )irror !h"ttered in )y h"nd "nd I dropped it with " (ry o% de!p"ir= I turned to De)e" but De)e" w"! gone= I g"!ped in di!be ie%= ."ker" w"! !itting on the bed< we"ring De)e"?! ( othe!< !t"ring "t )e with undi!gui!ed (onte)pt= I %e to )y knee!< )y @"w unhinged< )y eye! bu ging out o% their !o(ket!= G$hi! i! the %"(e o% the wo)"n you de!ire<? ."ker" !"id< but her *oi(e w"! the *oi(e o% De)e"= G$hi! i! the ie you ed )e to be ie*e "nd I g"*e you )y o*e without (ondition= 3ou !"id I (ou d we"r " %"(e o% )y own (hoo!ing "nd I !howed you )y !e(ret %"(e "nd you !purned )e< Ah"b= I !howed you the !e(ret! o% your tr"de "nd you !purned )e= I wou d h"*e gi*en you h"ppine!! e*er "!ting< but you (h"!ed thing! th"t (ou d ne*er be "nd in the end you h"*e nothing< Ah"b< but the "!he! o% your dre")! "nd the bitter g" o% your %o y=? It w"! De)e"< but tr"n!%or)ed= /he w"! ."ker" now< down to the !)" e!t det"i = And yet it w"! De)e" th"t !t"red "t )e out o% tho!e " )ond !h"ped eye!< it w"! De)e" th"t !poke to )e through tho!e per%e(t y %or)ed ip!= G3ou "re " petty )"n<? !he !"id< G" !)" )"n< with " !)" )"n?! ide" o% gre"tne!!= 3ou "re not worthy o% " d"ughter o% .orn< Ah"b=? /he got to her %eet "nd "! !he e%t the roo)< I (ried out< GDe)e"< p e"!e< I?*e been %oo i!h= I?*e been unworthy o% you in e*ery w"y= P e"!e< don?t e"*e & I do o*e you & I?*e " w"y! o*ed you & p e"!e &? De)e" ooked b"(k "t )e through ."ker"?! eye! "nd there w"! !u(h !(orn in th"t ook th"t I %e !i ent "t on(e "nd owered )y own eye! to the ground= G3ou d"re to beg %or th"t whi(h w"! gi*en to you %ree y= 3ou h"*e turned your %"(e %ro) " b"n>uet o% p e"!ure!< Ah"b P"nto)on= $he b"n>uet i! ne*er o%%ered twi(e=? And with th"t !he e%t the roo) "nd )y i%e %ore*er= D I e"pt to )y %eet in "n in!t"nt "nd pur!ued her out into the p"!!"ge< but De)e" h"d gone= $here w"! no tr"(e o% her "nywhere= I r"(ed up to the !e(ret door on the !e(ond % oor "nd into the "tti( roo) "nd there I %ound the too boC e)pty= $here w"! no key= 0hen I tried to %ind the out ine o% the door th"t ed to Copper L"ne I %ound th"t too w"! )i!!ing= It w"! "! though the doorw"y h"d ne*er eCi!ted< "! though I h"d dre")ed the who e thing= I pounded on the w" "nd !(re")ed De)e"?! n")e< p e"ding %or her to return< but the w" ! e(hoed )y own word! b"(k "t )e in (o d )o(kery= D
I returned to the !e(ond % oor !tor"ge roo)= .y (o)puter w"! the on y ob@e(t e%t in the roo) "nd when I !wit(hed it on I %ound the )e)ory e)pty= A De)e"?! de!ign! h"d been er"!ed< her !e(ret theore)!< her )ir"(u ou! !o ution!< " gone< "! though they?d ne*er eCi!ted= I wou d h"*e wept i% I?d h"d "ny te"r! e%t to !hed= In!te"d I went b"(k down to the work!hop "nd !"t on the we"thered !o%"< the one I?d !h"red !o )"ny night! with De)e"< "nd I p "(ed )y he"d in )y h"nd! "nd ro(ked gent y b"(kw"rd! "nd %orw"rd!< (rooning the word! to "n o d N"k"di"n o*e !ong= I o"thed )y!e % !o thorough y= I h"ted )y!e % to the nth degree= I h"d o!t o*e twi(e in the !")e d"yB one i)"gined ; one re" = De)e" (ou d h"*e been the key to e*er "!ting h"ppine!! i% on y I h"d "((epted her %or wh"t !he w"!= It w"! too "te= 6ll too late. I w"! doo)ed to " i%e o% )edio(rity= I h"d et gre"tne!! ! ip through )y %inger! "nd ruined !o )"ny i*e! in the pro(e!!= 0h"t w"! there e%t to i*e %orE I w"! born to be " o!er "nd " o!er I wou d re)"in " )y d"y!= A! %"r "! I w"! (on(erned I?d h"d )y one !hot "t rede)ption "nd I?d b own it= I went to bed th"t night "%ter !e*en %"i ed "tte)pt! "t !ui(ide= It w"!n?t th"t the )ethodo ogy w"!n?t !oundB it w"! @u!t th"t< in the end< I (ou dn?t go through with it= /e %;ter)in"tion took )ore (our"ge th"n I po!!e!!ed "nd !o I went to bed with noo!e )"rk! "round )y thro"t "nd ! "!h )"rk! on )y wri!t! "nd the % oor ittered with "borted !ui(ide note! "nd I thought bitter y- GGre"t< Ah"b< you ("n?t e*en do th"t right=? I %e "! eep iter" y !h"king with !e %; o"thing "nd th"t night I on(e "g"in h"d the dre") o% !o"ring ")ong!t tower!< !pinning web ine! "he"d o% )e< "nd thi! ti)e I re(ogni!ed the neighbourhood o*er whi(h I !o"redB it w"! the , d /i k di!tri(t< the hou!e! "nd !hop! in!t"nt y %")i i"r e*en %ro) thi! " titude= I w"! )o*ing with th"t %")i i"r !en!e o% eChi "r"tion< o% ( o!ing in on " h"ted ene)y< re"dy to te"r % e!h "p"rt< to p"int the w" ! with the b ood o% )y prey= I w"! dropping down onto " roo%top< !(r")b ing up " !teep ! ope to re!t upon the !pine= I w"! ne"r )y prey< !o *ery ne"r= $here were no !e(urity !y!te)! to "*oid< no "r)ed bodygu"rd! to neutr" i!e< it w"! !i)p eB !o !i)p e I h"d ti)e to p"u!e< to !"*our the )o)ent & I went to " window "nd peered through= It w"! " bedroo) windowB )oon ight !pi ing through to i u)in"te the %"(e o% )y ! eeping *i(ti)= He ook! !o %")i i"r< thi! )"n< ike ooking into " )irror "t )y own re% e(tion & D I w"ke with " !t"rt= I !t"re "t )y bedroo) window< but there i! nothing out there= I i!ten h"rd< but I ("n he"r nothing unu!u" = $he work!hop i! >uiet= Not e*en the dog! b"rk in the di!t"n(e= $he night i! !ti = .y !kin (r"w ! with terror= A thou!"nd thought! (r"!h through )y br"in= 0h"t i% I?) !ti (onne(ted to )"teri" T !o)ehowE 0h"t i% it?! !ti tuned to )y r"geE 0h"t i% it interpret! )y !ui(ide "tte)pt!< )y !e %;h"tred< "! @u!t "nother )i!!ionE 0h"t i% I?) to be the %in" *i(ti) o% )y own wr"thE I whi)per with dre"d= I ie in bed< i!tening< un"b e to )o*e< p"r" y!ed with terror= I i!ten= " 5isten" /here & " !ound & " !(utt ing< in!e(t !ound< !o)ething (o)ing down through the !ky ight in the p"!!"ge out!ide & oh< god!< not me, not me & p e"!e don?t et it h"*e (o)e %or )e & I he"r it & out!ide the door & @u!t out!ide the door & !o ( o!e & !o ( o!e & not )e & not P"nto)on< not ike thi! < not like this <
TRIAL OF A SPIDER
C,GNI$IA $hey )"ke )e w"it in "n "nte(h")ber= I ") un"((u!to)ed to w"iting "nd !o I ")u!e )y!e % by !itting *ery !ti "nd (ounting the w" p"ne ! "round )e= #y the ti)e they (o)e b"(k in I h"*e (ounted nine thou!"nd< %our hundred "nd thirty;!iC p"ne !< "nd t"ken note o% !e*en "*enue! o% e!("pe= $he o%%i(i" ! o% the (ourt "re une"!y in )y pre!en(e= $hey hu) "nd h"h "nd !ee) un(ert"in how to "ddre!! )e without ("u!ing o%%en(e= G3ou "re L"dy Gene*ie*e De!de)on"< known " !o "! $he /pider<? the t" er o% the two )en h"! " *oi(e th"t *ibr"te! p e"!"nt y "round the roo)= I "d)ire hi! bone !tru(tureB high (heekbone!< " we !(u ptured @"w= He i! %ro) the di!tri(t o% Ge)ini< I be ie*e= Hi! "((ent p "(e! hi) north o% the )eridi"n "nd hi! be"ring i! )u(h ike the "ri!to(r"(y o% Ge)ini ."@or= GI ")=? I !t"nd< ooking down on hi) %ro) " height< !)i ing "! he (ro!! (he(k! hi! ho ogr"phi( %or)!= #u!y;bu!y bee< wh"t wou d !u(h " )"n be without hi! pre(iou! %or)!E GHow "re you being repre!entedE? the !)" er o% the two )en "!k! "nd I noti(e he wi not )eet )y eye= $heir %e"r i! t"ngib e "nd thi(k in the roo)< their b ood "nd !o%t p"rt! pu !e behind " thin *ei o% % e!h< "nd I ") ( o!e enough to %ee the he"t o% their onging< their dre"d "nd their gui t= It wou d be " !)" thing to re"(h out "nd !n"t(h their troub ed itt e i*e! %ro) the)= GI wi repre!ent )y!e %<? I te the !)" er )"n< the one who wi not )eet )y eye= $he o%%i(i" ! ook "t e"(h other "nd I !en!e " !ing e thought (ro!!ing the !yn"pti( *oid between the)- madness. 0ho but " )"d wo)"n wou d po!!ib y dre") o% de%ending her!e % "g"in!t (h"rge! "! !eriou! "! the!eE G%hm<? the t" er )"n ( e"r! hi! thro"t noi!i y< G)"d")< th"t )"y not in %"(t be to your be!t "d*"nt"ge & you !ee< the (h"rge! "g"in!t you "re >uite grie*ou! &? GIuite grie*ou!< >uite grie*ou!<? )u)b e! hi! (o e"gue "nd I ook %ro) one to the other "nd b"(k "g"in= GA /er"ph< the !e(ond highe!t order o% di*inity< h"! been ! "inH? the %ir!t o%%i(i" !t"rt! to eCp "in= GI ") "w"re o% the (h"rge!<? I te hi)< G"nd I !ti in!i!t upon de%ending )y!e %=? G9ery we < )"d")<? the %ir!t o%%i(i" nod! ike " b"d y (ontro ed puppet= GI% you wou d & i% you (ou d & uh) & !ign the!e %or)!< they (on%ir) th"t you "re "w"re o% the n"ture & uh) & the !pe(i%i( n"ture o% the & uh & the !"id & uh) ; (h"rge! "g"in!t youH? I !ign the %or)! with " % ouri!h< i)p"tient with their b e!!ed pro(edure!= GHow ong ") I to be kept w"itingE? I de)"nd= GI h"*e gi*en )y "((ount to the w"rd o% re(ord!< wh"t )ore do you re>uire o% )eE? GIt?! not " re>uire)ent eC"(t yE? the !hort one begin!= G$hen wh"t i! it? I !n"p< Ge4a#tlyE? GA *o unt"ry neur" !("n i! & uh) ; "!ked %or ; in the ("!e o% " &? the t" one !t"))er! be%ore I "g"in (ut hi) o%%= GI wi not !ub)it )y!e % to " neur" !("n< gent e)en= /hats final. ."y I re)ind you o% "rti( e 12< !e(tion 2< !ub;!e(tion 6 o% the di*ine pen" (ode KHA god or godde!! h"! %u pri*i ege o% re%u!" in the e*ent o% "ny pro(edure th"t re>uire! !he or he to (o)pro)i!e their "%ore)entioned right to p!y(ho ogi(" pri*"(y "! "id out in "rti( e 2< !e(tion 5< !ub;!e(tion 7 o% the di*ine (itiAen?! (h"rter=L ? /here is, of #ourse, no su#h !roviso, &ut who has the time to #he#k the details these days(
$he Ge)ini !>ue"k!< Gbut !u(h " re%u!" wi we"ken your ("!eH? I ("n !ee hi! )ind ti(king o*er ike "n uneCp oded bo)b= I h"!ten to di!"r) hi) be%ore it goe! o%%= G$hen !o it !h" <? I !"y< )y *oi(e (on*eying the %u %or(e o% )y di*ine "uthority= #oth )en *i!ib y !hrink into the)!e *e!= G9ery we < )"d")<? !"y! the !)" er one< hi! *oi(e b"re y regi!tering "bo*e " whi!per< Gyou "re %ree to go= 3ou wi be in%or)ed in due (our!e o% the d"te o% the he"ring=? I th"nk the) (ourteou! y "! I e"*e the "nte(h")ber "nd "! I p"!! the) I %ee their bodie! !ti%%en< their itt e )ind! !n"p tight< he"rt! >ui(kening ike the pitter;p"tter p"w! o% p"ni(ked )i(e & !u(h i! the e%%e(t I h"*e on )ort" != 'u#h are the #harms of the '!ider. D +e" y< the!e thing! "re " %or)" ity< no )ore= I w"! ")bu!hed by two /er"phB their intent w"! to ki )e= I w"! %u y @u!ti%ied in u!ing eth" %or(e whi !t de%ending )y!e %< "! open "nd !hut " ("!e "! "ny you?re ike y to %ind= ,r !o you wou d think= #ut @u!ti(e )u!t be !een to be done< e!pe(i" y ")ong!t the god!= /u(h in(iden(e! h"*e be(o)e the % "!hpoint! %or ong "nd b oody *endett"! "nd I know the di*ine @udi(i"ry wi )o*e %"!t to pre*ent thi! %ro) be(o)ing @u!t !u(h " (ri!i!= I ") not "bo*e the "wui" y "! the City o% God!< )o!t "*i!h o% " the di!tri(t! o% Go goth" '" !< "nd why wou dn?t it beE It i! "%ter " the dwe ing p "(e o% di*ine "ri!to(r"(y< the ne!ting he"rt o% (e e!ti" ego= $he entire di!tri(t i! bui t on " !erie! o% (o o!!" p "t%or)! known "! "r( b"rge! th"t h"ng !u!pended twe *e "nd " h" % ki o)etre! "bo*e the e"rth< higher th"n e*en the t" e!t o% Go goth"?! )"@e!ti( p"rent tower!= It i! " true !ky (ity< " %e"t to e>u" "ny o% the wonder! o% the "n(ient e"rth= Cogniti" g itter! d"y "nd night ike " %"bu ou! @ewe in the he"*en! "bo*e Go goth" '" !< in e*ery w"y " re)inder th"t thi! i! the pinn"( e o% hu)"n "(hie*e)ent< th"t thi! i! the (ei ing "bo*e whi(h there ("n &e no other= D A he"*en we h"*e !pun %ro) the b"!er )et" ! o% our e"rth< " new;"ge Feru!" e) th"t ("n be !een %ro) "ny >u"rter in the (ity< "nd e*ery )"n< wo)"n "nd (hi d )u!t ook upw"rd!< "! they do in pr"yer< in order to beho d be"uti%u Cogniti"< ho)e to di*inity= No )et"phy!i(" he"*en thi!< no E y!iu) o% the i)"gin"tion= It i! " phy!i(" )onu)ent to the god!B "n " ; !eeing< " ;knowing< (ity o% !ub i)e ("pit" ! "nd tur>uoi!e onion turret!< " (ity o% upw"rd % owing w"ter%" ! "nd p e"!ure g"rden! in p"r"doCi(" %ree;%" < " (ity o% !u))er "ke! "nd % o"ting p"god"! "nd white "nd b ue )"rb ed te)p e!= In %"ir Cogniti" p "!)" tower! "nd @"de pyr")id! ri!e ike geo)etri( )ount"in! out o% the per)"nen(e o% indigo ( oudb"nk!= #ridge! "nd g"rden tier! !hi))er ike the "rti(u "tion! o% " di!t"nt )ir"ge= It i! the )o!t !p endid o% the (ity?! )"ny p e"!ure di!tri(t!< "nd tru y the )o!t terrib e< %or here i! (o e(ted " the )ight o% Go goth"?! di*inity= Here in thi! !ky (ity o% wonder%u edi%i(e! "nd "(hing be"uty dwe ! the *ery he"rt o% tyr"nny= D A begg"r %ir!t greet! )e in thi! (ity o% !p endour!< " (e e!ti" dropout (" ed Hipi!(iu!= Iuite " tr"n!ient !ou < o d Hipi!(iu!< "nd *ery de"r to )e< the!e d"y! he i*e! in " ("rdbo"rd tent on
the #ou e*"rd o% 9"nitie!< "n "*enue th"t i!< in e*ery other w"y< "n "b!o ute %e"!t %or the !en!e!= Let )e de!(ribe the #ou e*"rd o% 9"nitie!= E*erywhere one ook! u!(iou! g"rden! !pi o*er orn"te b" (onie! %"t "! the bo!o)! o% (o oni" )"d")!= ,ne !ee! bui ding! de!igned "round the )otion! o% d"n(e< the @uCt"po!ition o% !phere!= $here "re no h"rd edge!< no right "ng e!< no )"!(u ine (ounterpoint!= E*erything i! i)bued with " de i(iou! !en!e o% the %e)inine< gre"t pi(ture window! ike the te"!ing eye! o% *irgin bride!< (o u)n! !)ooth "! the hip! o% #"ntu d"n(er!= I ") in "we o% the de("den(e< the d"AA ing !p endour< "nd >uite !t"rt ed by thi! tiny *"g"bond god peeping hi! he"d through the (urt"in! o% " tu)b edown dwe ing< h"i ing )e with " wink "nd "n "ud"(iou! !)i e= A)id!t " thi! in%inite uCury he ook! >uite the )o!t udi(rou! thing in the wor d= $hey !"y to bew"re ni)b e;)inded Hipi!(iu!< "n e der god who periodi(" y redu(e! hi)!e % to "!he! "nd de!p"ir< on y to ri!e "g"in into we" th "nd pro)inen(e= He )o(k! hi! own di*inity< )"ke! ight o% hi! gre"t "ge< "nd i! one o% the )o!t enig)"ti( god! I know< " %"u t %or whi(h I de"r y o*e hi)= 'or now he h"! (ho!en to i*e out on the open !treet in " ("rdbo"rd tent< begging " )! %ro) p"!!er!;by= A w"t(hing "nd i!tening po!t< "rge y ignored by " < !e do) inter%ering in the %iner po iti(! o% hi! brother "nd !i!ter di*initie!= I enter hi! dwe ing< (rou(hing ow "! I p"!! through the (urt"in! o% the tent< r"i!ing )y he"d in " !p"(iou! boudoir th"t in no w"y )"t(he! the tiny wind;torn eCterior= $he (ei ing o% the tent i! "t e"!t " )etre "bo*e )y he"d "nd i! )"de o% the %ine!t e)broidered !i k< " di")ond (h"nde ier h"nging %ro) " go d br"(ket in the (entre= $he % oor i! !trewn with eCpen!i*e o%%;wor d ("rpet!< %"t be ied hook"h! !itting on t"b e! o% %ine!t te"k< in "id with re" e)er" d!B it i! " per*er!e thri < entering into thi! )inor wonder "nd< "nd I "pp "ud the o d (on@urer with %our h"nd!= GHipi!(iu!< de"r brother<? I !"y< GI ne*er know wh"t to eCpe(t e"(h ti)e I )eet you=? GECpe(t the uneCpe(ted< di!tru!t routine=? Hipi!(iu! hurrie! "round the tent< prep"ring !weet tre"t! "nd !pi(y "!ide! %or )e= G0h"t new! do you h"*e %or )eE? I !ett e on " uCuriou! di*"n th"t per%e(t y )"t(he! )y e((entri( proportion!< gr"(iou! y "((epting the "periti%! he o%%er! )e on " !i *er tr"y= $he !weet! "re de i(iou! "nd I (on%e!! I )"ke >uite " be"!t o% )y!e %= Hipi!(iu! !igh!< G0h"t new!< wh"t new!=? He !ett e! onto " deep (u!hion oppo!ite )e< G0h"t new! indeed= Do you know wh"t thi! i!< de"r !i!terB thi! thing I pre!ent to youE? He h"nd! )e "n ob@e(t %ro) " !)" @ewe ed boC= GPretty< i!n?t itE? GA p"ir o% "nti>ue g "!!e!<? I !h"ke )y he"d< Go% wh"t !igni%i("n(e i! thi!E? I turn the ob@e(t o*er in )y h"nd!B " !i)p e p"ir o% ( e"r;g "!! en!e! !et in "n orn"te !i *er %r")e= $he %r")e i! !o)ewh"t intriguing "nd I peer ( o!e y "t it< t"king note o% the tiny (he*ron! )"rked "round the edge!< ne"r )i(ro!(opi( )"rking! th"t )ight h"*e been !etting!= $he %r")e! "ppe"r to rot"te< but when I try to turn the) they re)"in o(ked= G/pe(t"( e!<? Hipi!(iu! !"y!= GAd)itted y there?! nothing th"t !pe(t"(u "r "bout the)< but the !e(ret i! " in the working=? GAnd how do they workE? Hipi!(iu! t"ke! the !pe(t"( e! %ro) )e "nd per(he! the) on the end o% hi! no!e= G9oi U1? he grin!< b inking "t )e through the en!e!= G9ery %unny<? I !igh= GI pro(ured the) in Creeptown<? he !"y! t"king the) o%%< Gour *ery own o!t di!tri(t o% Feri(ho=? G3ou?*e been to CreeptownE? I?) i)pre!!ed "nd do not try to hide it= I?*e " w"y! he d " )orbid di! ike %or the p "(e= E*en the n")e pro*oke! "n in*o unt"ry !hudder= Hipi!(iu! ho d! no !u(h >u" )!= G#een there<? he bo"!t!< G"nd wh"t " !p endid y per*er!e p "(e it i! too= 3ou
)u!t "*"i your!e % o% it! p e"!ure!< De!i< don?t @u!t t"ke )y word %or it= 3ou ("n "(>uire " )"nner o% wh"t(h")"(" it! %ro) the Cir>ue F" " & "nything ("n be g"ined "nd e*erything ("n be o!t< it?! " g")b er?! p"r"di!e "nd " ogi(i"n?! night)"re=? I "ugh "t hi! de!(ription= #ut I?) being %r"nk when I !"y Feri(ho i! no "ughing )"tter= D Feri(ho< %i%ty;%ir!t di!tri(t o% Go goth" '" !< h"d been !w" owed " (entury "nd " h" % e"r ier by " pheno)enon known "! " Grants >arallelism= A Gr"nt?! P"r" e i!)< I !hou d eCp "in< i! " )i(ro te"r in the %"bri( o% !p"(e "nd ti)e< " )ini b "(k ho e "! it were= It w"! (re"ted by the re(k e!! u!e o% P"r"doC we"pon! "t the end o% the D")"!(u! w"r "nd ed dire(t y to the b"nning o% thi! te(hno ogy during the 621 Con*ention= #ut " th"t (")e too "te %or Feri(ho= $he Gr"nt?! P"r" e i!) !e*ered the di!tri(t?! )ooring! in phy!i(" !p"(e< (o "p!ing it into & nothing & no tr"(e o% the di!tri(t re)"ined< not !o )u(h "! " !pe(k o% du!t= /e*enty thou!"nd peop e di!"ppe"red in the twink ing o% "n eye< torn %ro) thi! uni*er!e "nd ("!t upon the %urthe!t !hore! o% !pe(u "tion= It w"! one o% the !ing e "rge!t di!"!ter! in Go goth" '" !? )i enni";o d hi!tory= /he story, however, did not 9uite end there. A (entury "%ter the di!"ppe"r"n(e o% Feri(ho< !e)i;!t"b e b "(k ho e! beg"n to "ppe"r "t r"ndo) throughout the (ity= $he!e !ingu "rity point! r"nged in !iAe %ro) )i(ro!(opi( to port" !iAed "nd the "rger one! (")e to be known "! !arado4 !ortals= .o!t "ppe"red "nd di!"ppe"red within )i(ro;!e(ond!B other! ingered %or hour!< !o)eti)e! d"y!< be%ore (o "p!ing b"(k in upon the)!e *e!< but !o)e o% the port" ! re)"ined !t"b e %or ye"r!< de("de! e*en< de("ying on y gr"du" y "nd gi*ing p enty o% w"rning be%ore the ine*it"b e (o "p!e= $o di!(o*er wh"t "y on the other !ide probe! were %ir!t !ent through the >u"!i;per)"nent port" !< "nd when the!e %"i ed to return (onde)ned pri!oner! were gi*en "n opportunity to win their %reedo)= $he pri!oner! " !o %"i ed to return< "nd !o *o unteer! were neCt !ent through< "nd when they e*entu" y re"ppe"red it w"! to "nnoun(e th"t they h"d indeed di!(o*ered the ong o!t di!tri(t o% Feri(ho< whereupon they (o "p!ed in " %it "nd h"d to be per)"nent y !e(tioned= $he di"gno!i!B irre*er!ib e de)enti"= $he p"r"doC port" ! pro*ed th"t Feri(ho !ti eCi!ted somewhere< but when the %ir!t pioneer! redi!(o*ered thi! *"ni!hed di!tri(t they %ound it h"d (h"nged beyond " re(ognition< tr"n!%or)ed by the p"r"doC w"*e th"t h"d !he"red it %ree o% phy!i(" !p"(e " (entury "nd " h" % e"r ier= Feri(ho h"! !in(e (o)e to be known "! -ree!town. D G$he!e !pe(t"( e!<? Hipi!(iu! te ! )e< G"re p"rt o% " )"t(hing p"ir< but to "(>uire the other p"rt o% the e>u"tion I?) "%r"id you?re going to h"*e to tr"*e to Creeptown your!e %< )y de"r= 0hen the two "re brought together they? be o% !o)e u!e to you< unti then (on!ider the) " gi%t<? he h"nd! the !pe(t"( e! b"(k to )e "nd % "!he! " grin< G" token o% )y e!tee) %or you=? GAnd wh"t h"ppen! when both p"ir! "re brought togetherE? I ") growing )ore "nd )ore intrigued by thi! (unning itt e ob@e(tB s!e#ta#les, yet more than s!e#ta#les a##ording to 0i!is#ius. How I o*e the!e itt e intrigue!= GI don?t w"nt to !poi the !urpri!e<? Hipi!(iu! !hrug!= GI got the) o%% the gre"t ."de ine< )y per!on" (ont"(t in Feri(ho< " )o!t twenty ye"r! "go tod"y= I?*e been ho ding onto the) e*er !in(e=? I %rown< G0h"t )"nner o% (re"ture i! thi! ."de ineE? GNot " god< "b!o ute y not " god<? Hipi!(iu! !h"ke! hi! he"d e)ph"ti(" yB G!o)ething )ore< !o)ething downrightH? he gi*e! " !)" !hudder< s!ooky.
G,de!!"E? He !hrug!< GLet?! @u!t (" her in%inite y (o)p eC "nd e"*e it "t th"t=? G$hen I "((ept your gi%t in the !pirit it w"! gi*en=? I?) !urpri!ed "t how p e"!ed I ") with thi! itt e "(>ui!ition= He h"nd! )e " ("!e "nd I ("re%u y p "(e the !pe(t"( e! in!ide< !n"pping the ("!e ( o!ed "nd ! ipping it into " !hou der pou(h= I ") (uriou! "! I !ip the te" Hipi!(iu! pour! %or )e= It i! hot "nd !)ooth "! !"%%ron "nd I en@oy the %ee o% it ! iding down )y thro"t< w"r)ing )y be y= G$e )e< brother<? )y eye! "re h" % ( o!ed< entr"n(ed by the wi(ked !edu(tion! o% ight in thi! tent< Gwhy do you "b"ndon your r"nk "nd !t"tu!< periodi(" y renoun(ing " you?*e g"inedB why redu(e your!e % to p"*e)ent dwe ingE? Hipi!(iu! !hrug! "nd hi! !o%t brown eye! grow !eriou!= GI )et the G"y"<? he put! !u(h %ee ing into thi! !tr"nge word th"t I r"i!e )y he"d "nd !t"re "t hi)= G$he G"y"E? G$he G"y"<? repe"t! Hipi!(iu!= G$he G"y" wi t"ke your p"in "w"y< De!i< "nd gi%t you with "b!o ution= Don?t you w"nt to be "b!o *edE I!n?t th"t the (r"*ing in your be y you !o o%ten )i!t"ke %or hungerE? G'ro) wh"t do I wi!h to be "b!o *ed< de"r brotherE? G'ro) e*erything=? G$hen no< I do not wi!h to be "b!o *ed= I re%u!e to be @udged "nd I h"*e not "!ked %or %orgi*ene!!< nor e*er !h" =? GAh<? Hipi!(iu! bru!he! " % op o% h"ir %ro) hi! brow< Gthen your burden i! not !o *ery gre"t< De!de)on"=? GIt i! my burden<? I "!!ure hi)= GAnd gr"(iou! y you be"r it=? Hipi!(iu! !tir! hi! te" with " tiny )other;o%;pe"r !poon< b owing !te") %ro) the !ur%"(e the w"y " (hi d wi < un!e %(on!(iou!< hi! eye! twink ing with )i!(hie%= G$here "re in%inite point! o% *iew in thi! gre"t (ity o% our!<? he de( "re! r"ther )y!teriou! y= GIn*i!ib e eye! w"t(hing our e*ery *irtue< our e*ery depr"*ity< "nd we go "bout our i*e! ob i*iou! to thi! pheno)enon< ne*er "w"re we "re being ob!er*ed=? /tr"nge word!< " )o!t p"r"noid< "t the ti)e they ho d no !pe(i" )e"ning< but it i! "ter< )u(h "ter< th"t I ") to re" i!e the %u !igni%i("n(e o% the)B infinite !oints of view, invisi&le eyes wat#hing our every virtue, our every de!ravity. 3e!= 0ord! I h"*e not !in(e %orgotten= #ut "t the ti)e I ignore the)= GDo you h"*e "nything e !e %or )eE? I "!k Hipi!(iu!= G$h"t?! your ot<? he "ugh!< "nd then i))edi"te y (orre(t! hi)!e %= G,h ye!< there was one other thing= 3e!;ye!< )u!tn?t %orget th"t other thing= 3ou !ee< th"t?! the prob e) with )euet tonight in 9" h" "= $hey he"rd you were in town !o )"ybe they?re being %riend y< but I wou dn?t re(o))end you turn your b"(k< De!i< th"t ot ("n be " itt e unpredi(t"b eH? GNon!en!e<? I te hi)< Gthe Nord! "re the %ew peop e I tru!t in thi! (ity=? G$ru!t i! good<? Hipi!(iu! nod!< Gbut w"t(h th"t Loki %e ow< he?! " ! y one=? G0i you "ttendE? I "!k hi)= GI?) *eget"ri"n<? Hipi!(iu! wrink e! hi! no!e= G$here?! nothing but )e"t "nd )e"d "t tho!e %e"!t!< but I? i!ten to the %"te!< perh"p! they? et ! ip their p "n! %or you= 9i!it )e "g"in< !i!ter< I )"y h"*e )ore )e!!"ge! "non=? $HE G,D/ ,' 9ALHALLA 0hi !t in the City o% God! I re!ide "t the Gr"nd Inn o% .ort" itie!< " p e"!"nt enough e!t"b i!h)ent< owned by the de)igod "nd !e %;!ty ed "ri!to(r"t< ,AAy)"ndi"h= ,A< "! he?! (o o>ui" y known< i! " ( o!e %riend o% D@ob"?!< "nd )y %")i i"r h"! )"n"ged to pro(ure "
generou! di!(ount on )y beh" %= I !t"y in " !p endid itt e !uite with per!on" "ttend"nt! "nd " !(ented b"th th"t i! %i ed e"(h )orning with eCpen!i*e 3o)bi oi ! "nd (ru!hed +o!e pet" != $hi! "rr"nge)ent pre!ent! )e with "n opportunity to unwind be%ore the he"ring< to !urrender )y % e!h to the di!(ounted uCurie! on o%%er "%ter week! o% !tre!!= D .y w"rdrobe ("t(he! up with )e " d"y "%ter I "rri*e in Cogniti"< per!on" y "((o)p"nied by D@ob" hi)!e %= A! u!u" he i! de ighted to !ee )e "nd "(t! "! though we h"*e been !ep"r"ted %or week! in!te"d o% )ere hour!= A%ter @udi(iou! y !("nning )y roo)! %or bug! he trie! to e)br"(e )e< G.other1? he !>ue" !< but I pu!h hi) i)p"tient y "w"y "nd !o he !t"rt! boun(ing up "nd down on the bed< trying hi! e*e be!t to irrit"te )e= Like " (hi d he? do "nything to "ttr"(t )y "ttention "nd it?! te!ti)ony to the !trength o% the bed th"t it?! "b e to with!t"nd hi! %i*e hundred ki o )"!!= GDoe!n?t " thi! opu en(e )"ke you w"nt to rede(or"te the ("!t eE? he (rie!= GDoe!n?t it @u!t bring out the interior de!igner in you< .otherE? GIt bring! out nothing o% the !ort<? I !n"p= GGet o%% the bed< D@ob"< "nd gi*e )e " !t"t report< you know< the one I "!ked %or=? D@ob" ("n?t re!i!t " "!t !o)er!"u t th"t % ip! hi) o%% the bed "nd "nd! hi) ne"t y on the p" )! o% hi! h"nd!= He hurrie! "(ro!! to )e "nd p onk! hi)!e % down "t )y %eet= G3our t"i or! !"y they w"nt %u !ett e)ent on your t"b or they?re withho ding your !u))er w"rdrobe &? he begin!= G#"!t"rd!<? I how < Gde!pi("b e wret(he!< &ut so damned talented= P"y the)< D@ob"< but p"y the) grudgingly= Let the) know I?) roy" y pi!!ed o%%=? G,h< they? know< they? know<? D@ob" "!!ure! )e= G$hey?*e been getting tighter on p"y)ent! e*er !in(e their %ore)"n< Ah"b P"nto)on< w"! )urdered=? G$h"t w"! week! "go<? I hu%%= G3ou?d h"*e thought they?d h"*e %ound " rep "(e)ent by now=? D@ob" pur!e! hi! ip!= GGood %ore)en "re h"rd to (o)e by<? he rep ie!< G"nd %r"nk y I %ound Ah"b " ot e"!ier to de" with th"n CSN the)!e *e!=? GAnything e !eE? I en>uire= G$he new p u)ber! !"y they ("n?t get in!ur"n(e to (o*er rep"ir! "t our " titude= App"rent y the ("!t e?! too high=? G/o wh"t the he ") I !uppo!ed to doE? I de)"nd< Gbring the ("!t e down to themE 0ho were the "!t p u)ber! we u!edE? GGone out o% bu!ine!!< I?) "%r"id=? D@ob" %rown!< GI? keep ooking< but I )ight h"*e to !he out " bit )ore= Anyw"y< your di*ine roy" tie! "re due< !o we? h"*e " itt e )ore %in"n(i" % eC= Ah< th"t re)ind! )e< the b"nk (" ed whi !t you were goneH? I !top hi) with "n eC"gger"ted gro"n= GGi*e )e !o)e good new!<? I p e"d= D@ob" (hort e!= G$he (hur(h h"! %orw"rded " hundred thou!"nd (redit! to your "((ount<? he !"y!- Gr"i!ed in "!t )onth?! don"tion!= $he b"nk @u!t (" ed to (on%ir) re(eipt=? I !igh with re ie%= GGood o d '"ther '"bi"n<? I )ur)ur< !ending out " !i ent pr"yer o% th"nk! to the he"d o% )y (hur(h< Gthe )"n?! "n "nge =? G0e ike '"bi"n<? D@ob" nod!= G'"ith i! " ne*er ending !our(e o% re*enue=? GI ike the )"n<? I retort< Gnot @u!t the %und! he r"i!e!= A though I h"*e to !"y they (o)e in r"ther h"ndy "! we =? G0e <? D@ob" gi*e! )e " op;!ided grin< Git?! " ooking pretty !t"b e< )other= A! %or the he"ring< I?*e (on!u ted with " nu)ber o% eg" eCpert! "nd they " think it high y unwi!e you de%end your!e %=? GIt )"ke! )e ook re(k e!!<? I purr= GI !ee<? D@ob" "ppe"r! doubt%u < G"nd th"t?! " good thing< i! itE?
G$he )ore unpredi(t"b e I "ppe"r< the )ore ner*ou! they get=? G/hey, )otherE? G$he one! th"t w"nt )e de"d=? GAny ide" who they )ight beE? GNot yet<? I "d)it< Gwhi(h i! why you?re going to !noop "round< u!e your (ont"(t! in thi! (ur!ed di!tri(t< try to bring )e !o)e %re!h e"d!=? GI?) on it< .other<? D@ob" !pring! to hi! h"nd! "nd !" ute! )e with hi! toe!= G,n y< wh"t eC"(t y ") I !nooping "round %orE? G$he /er"ph<? I grow = GI w"nt to know wh"t pro)pted their "tt"(k on )e=? GAnd !o you !h" < .other<? D@ob" pro)i!e! )e< G!o you !h" =? 0hen the door ( o!e! behind hi) I !et "bout (hoo!ing " (o!tu)e %or tonight?! b"n>uet= D A r"inbow !ky;bridge !o"r! h" % " ki o)etre "bo*e the %ore!t g"rden! o% A!g""rd= $hi! i! the )"in "ppro"(h to 9" h" "< ho)e to the Nordi( god ( "n known "! the V!ir= $he bridge i! (" ed #ir%rW!t "nd @oin! the )"in thorough%"re! o% Cogniti" with ,din?! i)pregn"b e %ortre!! (ity= #ir%rW!t pro*ide! )e with " p e"!"nt enough !tro ")ong!t ow ying ( oud!< it! ge) en(ru!ted (on(our!e re%r"(ting "nd !("ttering ight< whi(h in turn (re"te! the bridge?! %")ou! r"inbow e%%e(t= #e ow )e< through bre"k! in the ( oud< I g i)p!e thi(k %ore!t ("nopie!< per%or"ted here "nd there by )i k white !pire! "nd e)er" d (upo "!< "nd in the di!t"n(e< ri!ing "bo*e the %ore!t ike " !o)bre dre")< the r"*en b "(k tower! "nd )ighty w" ! o% 9" h" " it!e %= He"*i y "r)oured w"rrior wo)en gu"rd the entr"n(e to 9" h" "B they "re 9" kyrie "nd !er*e "! en%or(er! %or the Hou!e o% ,din= N"rrow ! it! in their %"(e *i!or! re*e" the !tee b ue o% their g"Ae "! they w"t(h )y "ppro"(h< b"tt e;"Ce! (ro!!ed to b"r the w"y= $hey !it "!tride winged w"r hor!e!< den!e y )u!( ed !t" ion! with b "Aing eye! "nd % ")e red )"ne!< )"!!i*e wing! %o ded b"(k " ong their % "nk!= $he hor!e! "re simula#rums< )u(h ike )y Night)"re!B "rti%i(i" (re"ture! engineered %ro) )ythi(" te)p "te!< ("p"b e o% % ight "nd de!igned to with!t"nd the )o!t ho!ti e o% ( i)"te!= A! I ne"r the )ounted w"rrior! I %o d )y "r)! "(ro!! )y (he!t "nd bow "! ritu" de)"nd!= G/i!ter! in di*inity<? I "nnoun(e< GI ") L"dy De!de)on" o% the Hou!e o% Ar"(hnid!= I !t"nd be%ore you< " gue!t tonight o% )ighty ,din< Lord o% " 9" h" "= 0i you gr"nt )e entr"n(eE? GNob e De!de)on"< " !o known "! the /pider<? one o% the 9" kyrie rep ie!< her *oi(e e(hoing "round )e ike !udden i(e%" < G%e ow w"rrior "nd !i!ter in di*inity< ,din "w"it! you in #i !kirnir= 'ind pe"(e "nd !"n(tu"ry within=? I bow "g"in "nd the w"rrior wo)en retr"(t their "Ce! "nd )o*e their (h"rge! %ro) )y p"th= D $he %ortre!! (ity o% 9" h" " i! " )"!terpie(e in !tonework= It! !t"tue! "re egionB god! "nd wood ny)ph!< !"tyr! "nd (ent"ur!< heroe! "nd d"e)on!< !o"ring< ("pering< d"n(ing " ong the b"tt e)ent!B !pinning ")ong!t the !o)bre tower!= It i! "! though the "rti!t! h"*e !o)ehow neutr" i!ed the gr"*ity o% !tone< re e"!ing !o)ething weight e!! "nd ethere" in their (re"tion!= $he bui ding! o% 9" h" " "re epi( in !(" e< *"!t enough to (ont"in entire "r)ie!< the w" ! de(or"ted with the bone! o% *"n>ui!hed %oe= ,*erhe"d< "r(he! o% >u"rtA "nd bridge! o% )i(" "dd " (ert"in (ry!t" ine e eg"n(e to the ph" i( turret! "nd thru!ting tower! they ink= In e*ery (ourty"rd< "n(ient o"k tree!< *"!t "! wooded b"!i i("!< h"*e t"ken !toi( root< "nd I ")
!urpri!ed to !ee i u)in"ted window! "nd o*" door! in their gn"r ed bough!B !urpri!ed "nd de ighted %or there i! " (ert"in wonder "t !eeing ight !hine %orth %ro) the interior o% " tree= I w" k bo d y up to the )"!!i*e door! o% the )"in p" "(e= $wo w"rrior!< b"tt e !("rred "nd !tout "! be"r!< unbo t the door! "nd !wing the) wide "! I "ppro"(h= I enter #i !kirnir< one o% 9" h" "?! prin(ip e )e"d h" !< "nd I ") "t on(e engu %ed by the w"r)th< the !ten(h< the upro"r< the !heer *it" ity o% thi! )o!t Nordi( o% b"n>uet!= D $here )u!t be " thou!"nd w"rrior! "ttending tonight?! b"n>uet< drunk to " )"n< "ughing< %ighting< (heering< %i ed with !odden gu!to "nd gener" good wi = $he!e "re the Einher2ar< !y)bo i(" y known "! the heroi# dead< )ort" ! ( oned %ro) the (re") o% Go goth"?! %ighting !to(k< %ore!worn to de%end the Hou!e o% 9" h" " on the d"y o% 1agnarok< the )ythi(" "!t b"tt e o% the god!= $he (ei ing i! (o*ered with thou!"nd! o% o*er "pping !hie d! th"t re!e)b e the !(" y % e!h o% " huge dr"gon< (h"nde ier! )"de o% hu)"n !ku !< r"*en! hun(hed in the r"%ter!< !t"ring down "t the %e!ti*itie! be ow with "n opportuni!ti( eye= 'ire! ro"r "nd %u)e in the gre"t he"rth!< "rge wo %hound! !>u"tting in their b "Aing w"r)th< gn"wing on bone! ("!t %ro) the b"n>ueting t"b e!= In one p"rt o% the h" bright y (o oured @e!ter! we"ring !t"g he"d! "nd be"r!kin robe! ("rtwhee "nd !o)er!"u t o%% the %urniture in " %ine "nd g"ri!h di!p "y o% gy)n"!ti(!< u!ing e"(h other?! bodie! "! e*er"ge to "un(h their own % e!h through the "ir= In "nother p "(e b"rd! re(ite epi( b"tt e poe)! %ro) Hei)!kring " "nd the Pro!e Edd"< !u))oning the gho!t! o% ong "go deed! whi !t )in!tre ! !trike the "ppropri"te (ord! on "n(ient !tring in!tru)ent!= Here "nd there d"n(ing gir ! writhe "nd twi!t in %er" p"!!ion< %"(e! "nd bodie! d"ubed with b ue "nd red pig)ent!< )"t(hing the he"rth % ")e! with the b "Aing inten!ity o% their d"n(e= $he entire h" %" ! !i ent "! I !tride tow"rd! the )"in b"n>ueting t"b e "nd the Einher@"r< )o)ent"ri y !obered by )y pre!en(e< !hu%% e %ro) )y p"th< !t"ring "t )e in !u en %"!(in"tion= $hey "re !e"!oned w"rrior!< one "nd " = $hey we"r the ook o% )en who h"*e !een too )u(h "nd grown o d too young= I he"r the r"tt e o% "r)our< the (re"k o% "ni)" hide "! they ( o!e r"nk! behind )e< !we"t< )e"d< "nd te!to!terone )ing ing to %or) " potent "ro)"= At the )"in t"b e I bow be%ore Lord ,din< )"!ter o% 9" h" "< "nd in keeping with ritu" < %ir!t pronoun(e hi! honoured ine"ge be%ore re>ue!ting !"n(tu"ry bene"th hi! roo%= G3e!< ye! "nd thri(e d")ned ye!<? ,din ro"r!= He power! out o% hi! (h"ir "nd !n"t(hing " gob et o% )e"d %ro) the t"b e< down! it in " !ing e !w" ow< hur ing the gob et o*er hi! right !hou der "nd thundering< GDe!de)on"< w"rrior >ueen< !i!ter godde!!< you honour )e with your pre!en(e< "t "!t< " god !tr"ight %ro) the o d !(hoo = $he Hou!e o% 9" h" " we (o)e! you "! one o% it! b e!!ed own=? And one thou!"nd w"rrior! ro"r their "ppro*" "nd thu)p their (he!t! in !" ut"tion "nd bowing "g"in be%ore the (hie% god o% 9" h" "< I t"ke )y p "(e "t the high t"b e= D ,din i! " gi"nt o% " god< !t"nding nine "nd h" % %eet t" "nd weighing o*er h" % " tonne= Hi! %"(e re)ind! )e o% " we"ther be"ten "nd!("pe< brow! knitted together o*er " !o it"ry green eye< the other " y"wning pit in hi! %"(e= Hi! on(e %iery be"rd i! tinged he"*i y with grey "nd br"ided to " %ine point= $he re!t o% hi! %"(e i! nothing )ore th"n )obi e !("r ti!!ue= He ("r*e! " ! i(e %ro) the ru)p o% " ro"!ted bo"r "nd de i*er! it into " p "te th"t " !er*"nt !et! be%ore )e= GE"t< !i!ter<? he in!tru(t! %ond y< Gyou?re ")ong!t %riend!=?
#e!ide hi) !it! $hor< hi! e de!t !on= He i! " )oody< unpredi(t"b e w"rrior< gi*en to ong bout! o% depre!!ion "nd *io ent !eiAure!= He h"! upon hi) the ber!erker (ur!eB )ut"ted gene! triggered by hi! own *ery wor!t r"ge!< tr"n!%or)ing hi) into " ki ing )"(hine on the %ie d o% b"tt e= $od"y $hor !ee)! in re "ti*e y high !pirit! "! he (h"t! to hi! brother $yr< " h"nd!o)e Nord with eye! the (o our o% di!t"nt )ount"in!= $o )y e%t !it! LokiB enig)"ti( "nd (unning< n"rrow %e"ture!< h"wki!h eye! th"t ob!er*e e*erything whi !t "ppe"ring to !ee nothing= He e"t! "nd drink! !p"ring y< pre!er*ing hi! wit! whi !t " "round hi) o!e their!= NeCt to hi) i! the de)igod 'enrir< hir!ute "nd )"!!i*e in girth< " be"!t o% " %e ow< !on o% Loki "nd the %ro!t gi"nte!!< Angrbod"< "nd ru)oured to be the p"tron o% the Lupine i)p! who dwe in !ubterr"ne"n Gehenn"= A !o !e"ted "t the b"n>ueting t"b e "re Hodr< b ind %ro) birth "nd gi%ted with !e(ond !ight< "nd #" der< hi! be o*ed brother= /ide by !ide they dine< #" der %eeding Hodr tender !trip! o% )e"t= I ") !urpri!ed to !ee the "r(h"nge .i(h"e " !o in "ttend"n(e< !e"ted be!ide #" der "nd (on*er!ing with KRr" o% the 9" kyrie= He doe! not on(e g "n(e in )y dire(tion= He dine! on " p "te o% !te")ed *eget"b e!< ignoring the )e"t th"t pro*ide! the )"in (our!e "t thi! b"n>uet= Hi! "nge i( wing! %o ded behind hi)< .i(h"e ook! " )o!t gho!t y & otherworldly ; !urrounded "! he i! by the d"rk "nd e"rthy god! o% 9" h" "= Hi! %"(e< be"uti%u "nd !erene< !ee)! to (ont"in it! own !our(e o% i u)in"tion= G0e were di!(u!!ing the growing thre"t o% the He"then<? ,din i! te ing )e through " )outh%u o% )e"t= GIt !ee)! the d")ned whore)onger! h"*e the upper h"nd "t the )o)ent=? G0h"t we need i! better inte igen(e<? Loki rep ie! be%ore I h"*e " (h"n(e to= G0e need to in%i tr"te their r"nk!< pu the entire org"ni!"tion "p"rt %ro) the in!ide out=? G0e?*e " he"rd your opinion<? ,din grow !< GI wou d ike to he"r the L"dy De!de)on"?! t"ke on thing!=? GI (on!ider )y!e % "n "po iti(" (re"ture<? I te hi)< GI don?t (on(ern )y!e % with thing! I ("n?t in% uen(e=? G,h (o)e< (o)e<? Loki gent y (hide! )e< Gwe?re " po iti(" < )y "dy< in "! )u(h "! we i*e in " po iti(" uni*er!e= 3ou )u!t h"*e "n opinion on (urrent e*ent!< howe*er *"gue=? GHer opinion! ("nnot be "ny *"guer th"n your!<? $hor grow ! "(ro!! the t"b e "t hi)= It i! the %ir!t ti)e he h"! !poken in )y pre!en(e "nd hi! *oi(e i! ow "nd thunderou!< r"tt ing the (ut ery with it! deep re!on"n(e= G3ou !ee< )y "dy< you !ee<? Loki (rie!< Gyou?*e been here but %i*e )inute! "nd " re"dy po iti(! h"! re"red it! ug y he"d= $hor h"! not yet %orgi*en )e %or be!ting hi) thi! )orning in hunting=? GI% the (ondition! h"d been %"ir &? $hor begin!= Loki !)i e!< G3ou begrudge )e )y *i(toryE? Hi! *oi(e ("rrie! the hint o% " (h" enge= $hor g "re! "t hi) %or " )o)ent then !hrug!< GN"y<? he !"y!< Gyou ("rried the hunt< Loki< et u! dwe no )ore upon the )"tter=? ,din ! "p! hi! !on "%%e(tion"te y on the !hou der= G$here i! honour in de%e"t<? he boo)!< G@u!t "! there i! !h")e !o)eti)e! in *i(tory=? Loki ower! hi! *oi(e "! he turn! to )e= G$here "re ru)our! (ir(u "ting< ug y< !>u" id ru)our!< th"t the He"then h"*e re(ent y )"de "n "tte)pt on your i%e< L"dy De!de)on"= I! there truth hereE? GI was re(ent y "tt"(ked<? I "d)it< wondering how he (")e to he"r o% thi!= G/iC )ort" ! entered )y ("!t e with intent to ("u!e )e in@ury= #ut I do not think they were He"then=? GI% not He"then< then who)E? GA *ery good >ue!tion< )y de"r Loki=? GDid you interrog"te the)E? GUn%ortun"te y they h"d neur" e)bed! th"t "(ti*e y di!(our"ged interrog"tion= $he )"n I >ue!tioned iter" y !hut down in %ront o% )e=?
G3ou?re too i!o "ted i*ing down there ")ong!t )ort" !<? Loki te ! )e= G3ou !hou d (o)e b"(k to Cogniti"< dwe ")ong!t your own kind=? I ") "bout to re!pond un%"*our"b y to thi! !ugge!tion when there i! " !udden (o))otion behind )e= I turn< "! do the other!< dr"wn by the !ound o% r"i!ed *oi(e!= $he Einher@"r "re (rowding "w"y %ro) " %igure who h"!< @u!t th"t in!t"nt< "ppe"red ")ong!t the)= It i! " wo)"n & I ("n te %ro) the out ine & but " wo)"n !u(h "! I h"*e ne*er !een be%ore= 'ro) he"d to toe !he i! dre!!ed in % ")e< %ier(e tongue! o% b ue< green "nd red i))o "tion ro ing o%% her % e!h< (on(e" ing her %e"ture! behind "n "ur" o% i*ing %ire= /he w" k! ike " d"n(er< on the b" ! o% her %eet with her he"d he d high< body per%e(t y poi!ed "! !he !hed! % ")e with e"(h !tep !he t"ke!= $he Einher@"r ( e"r " %r"nti( p"th< hurried y ( o!ing in "g"in behind her< de!per"te to be"t out the % ")e! !he e"*e! in her w"ke= #ut none "ppro"(h her= None wou d d"re= $hi! i! no )ort" (re"ture th"t h"! entered 9" h" "= $he r"*en! eCp ode down %ro) the r"%ter!< !(ree(hing with terror "! they eCit the h" through w" *ent!= $he wo)"n (ro!!e! the h" unti !he !t"nd! be%ore the )"in b"n>ueting t"b e= $he % ")e! th"t pour %ro) her body "re no i u!ion "nd I %ee their inten!ity %ro) where I !it= $he "ir (r"(k e! "nd !hi))er! "round her= Nothing )ort" (ou d ong with!t"nd th"t he"t= $hor h" % ri!e!< gripping the he ) o% hi! w"r h"))er< m2ollnir< but Lord ,din grip! hi! "r) "nd pu ! hi) b"(k into hi! !e"t= G."ke no )o*e1? ,din (o))"nd! the h" = GDr"w no we"pon1? G0h"t i! it<? #" dir hi!!e!= He wi not !how it in %ront o% hi! %e ow god!< but I ("n !)e #" dir?! %e"r< ro ing o%% hi) in pungent w"*e! "! he e"n! tow"rd! hi! b ind brother "nd de!(ribe! " he !ee!= $he burning wo)"n r"i!e! her h"nd "nd point!= I !t"re into the b "Aing (ore o% her %"(e< her %inger " ni)bu! o% % ")e< pointed dire(t y "t )e= G$hi! i! outr"geou!<? Loki whi!per!= GUnpre(edented=? Nothing !tir! in the h" = No one d"re )o*e= E*en the hound! "re !i ent= $here i! " p" p"b e !en!e o% dre"d "! we !t"re "t thi! e%%igy< w"iting %or her to !pe"k or "(t< but !he doe! neither= /he !i)p y point! "t )e< "nd "%ter " %ew !e(ond! di!"ppe"r!< i)p oding with " !o%t boo) "! "ir ru!he! in to %i the !udden *oid= .y e"r! pop "! the pre!!ure in the h" !hi%t! !udden y= $he other god! rub their e"r!< !u%%ering %ro) th"t !")e brie% )o)ent o% di!orient"tion= It i! $hor who bre"k! the !i en(e= He ! ")! hi! %i!t down on the t"b e= G,de!!"1? he ro"r!< the word e(hoing "round the h" ike " *io ent (ur!e= GI! thi! how they re!pe(t the ter)! o% the tru(eE $hey ( "i) indi%%eren(e to our "%%"ir!< "nd yet here they "re< "ppe"ring ")ong!t u! ike gho!t! "t the pro*erbi" %e"!t=? G/p"re u! the )e odr")"<? Loki gro"n! under hi! bre"th= ,din !h"ke! hi! he"d= GIt i! not wi!e to (riti(i!e the ,de!!" !o open y< !on<? he w"rn!= GI% th"t (re"ture h"d wi!hed !he (ou d h"*e "id w"!te to 9" h" " "nd there wou d h"*e been pre(iou! itt e we (ou d do to !top her=? He g "n(e! "(ro!! "t )e "nd I re"d the >ue!tion in hi! eye be%ore he "!k! it= G0h"t did the (re"ture w"nt with you< L"dy De!de)on"E? GI ("nnot !"y<? Lord ,din<? I te hi)= GI h"*e no tr"%%i( with the ,de!!"= $hey re)"in "! enig)"ti( to )e "! they do to you=? G3et !he pointed "t you=? Loki rub! hi! (hin< hi! eye! n"rrowed< G/he !ing ed you out o% the (rowd= Intere!ting< wou dn?t you !"yE? A! the b"n>uet ! ow y return! to nor)" < ,din !"y!< G0e wi !pe"k no )ore o% thi!< the ,de!!" "re " "w unto the)!e *e!= Let the) (o)e "nd go "! they p e"!e= Let the) point %inger! "nd (on@ure % ")e!= /o ong "! they do not inter%ere with our "%%"ir! we wi !"y no )ore on the )"tter=? G0e !"id=? Loki r"i!e! hi! gob et in !"rdoni( to"!t< GHere?! to not )entioning the ,de!!"=? No one @oin! hi) in to"!t "nd Loki drink! " one=
Lord ,din !wipe! "t the ripe butto(k! o% " p"!!ing !er*ing wen(h< )o)ent"ri y di!tr"(ted< "nd Loki t"ke! the opportunity to pu )e b"(k into pri*"te (on*er!"tion= GHow do you think you? %"re "t the he"ring< )y "dyE? He twi!t! "t " "rge go d ring on hi! right indeC %inger< hi! r"t; ike eye! peering intent y "t )e= G$he truth<? I te hi)< Gwi pre*"i =? GAh< but who?! truthE? I !hrug= GI w"! "tt"(ked= I de%ended )y!e %= An "nge died=? Loki %rown! "! he !tudie! )e= G$he %e)" e /er"ph< the one you didnt ki < !ee)! to re)e)ber thing! di%%erent y=? GI ") " i*e<? I te hi)< G%or whi(h %"(t I ") gr"te%u = 0h"t the %e)" e /er"ph re)e)ber! i! o% no (on!e>uen(eB !our gr"pe! "! %"r "! I?) (on(erned=? Loki nod! "! though he?d eCpe(ted )e to !"y "! )u(h= G#ut you?re "w"re you )ight be (" ed upon to %ight the %e)" e<? he per!i!t!= G$h"t?! wh"t !he?! "i)ing %or with thi! who e he"ring (h"r"de= 3ou )"rk )y word!B thi! entire "%%"ir i! @u!t !o !he ("n i!!ue you with " b ood (h" enge= $ho!e /er"ph t"ke the!e )"tter! per!on" y=? GI ") "w"re o% the po!!ibi ity<? I (on(ede= $here i! "n e"ger ight in Loki?! eye!= G0i you %ight herE? GI% I ") (" ed upon to do !o=? GI )u!t !"y<? Loki r"i!e! hi! *oi(e ! ight y !o th"t the other! ("n he"r< GI " w"y! %e t tho!e /er"ph needed to h"*e their wing! ( ipped=? It i! the %ir!t ti)e tonight th"t I he"r the Ar(h"nge .i(h"e !pe"k= He turn! tow"rd! Loki< hi! eye! b "Aing= G3ou weren?t !"ying th"t when they he d the g"te! o% Ebron<? he !n"r !< G(o*ering your di*ine b"(k!ide whi !t the re!t o% the god! !(utt ed to !"%ety= $hey %ought "nd died %or you th"t d"y< Loki< ne*er %orget th"t=? Loki ho d! up " p "("ting h"nd whi !t the other god! %" !udden y !i ent= It i! " !i en(e th"t r"di"te! outw"rd! ike " !ho(kw"*e< unti it %i ! the entire h" = /udden y " eye! "re on Loki "nd .i(h"e = GI?*e ne*er >ue!tioned their (our"ge &? Loki begin!= .i(h"e h"!n?t %ini!hed= He i! "ddre!!ing Loki< but he !t"re! dire(t y "t )e= GNor were you !o >ui(k to in!u t the /er"ph when they ed the "!!"u t on Litt e /i")<? he (ontinue!< G%orty /er"ph "g"in!t " the horde! o% D")"!(u!=? GA! I h"*e !"id<? Loki rep ie!< Gtheir (our"ge i! not in >ue!tion< but you )u!t "d)it they h"*e grown power%u in re(ent ti)e!< perh"p! too power%u to (ontro =? G$he /er"ph owe their " egi"n(e to D"gd"=? .i(h"e !t"nd!< hi! wing! !pre"ding "nd ( o!ing in "git"tion< GI? (h" enge "ny god th"t d"re! to !"y otherwi!e=? GEnough1? ,din ! ")! hi! %i!t into the t"b e "nd gob et! @u)p "nd !pi = GNo one i! (h" enging "nyone= Let the /er"ph de%end their own godd")ned reput"tion= I w"nt on y goodwi "t thi! t"b e=? .i(h"e bow! !ti%% y= GI "po ogi!e< Lord ,din<? he !"y!< Gbut I )u!t t"ke )y e"*e= I wi not !it "t the t"b e with !u(h "! she &? He !t"b! " %inger "t )e "nd I " )o!t eCpe(t " bo t o% % ")e to e)erge "nd !trike )e de"d !u(h i! the ook o% %ury in .i(h"e ?! eye!= G'orgi*e )e< Lord<? he !"y! "g"in "nd e"*e! the h" = ,din w"t(he! hi) go< then !igh! he"*i y= GH"h1 God! "g"in!t "nge !< we? h"*e "nother (i*i w"r be%ore ong< " the!e d")ned (h" enge!= De!de)on"< you?re in " pi(k e= E*en i% you )"n"ge to "*oid " %u tri" < the /er"ph "re going to w"nt " b ood !ett e)ent= 3ou?*e de!troyed " hunting p"ir= $he !ur*i*ing /er"ph wi o!e !t"tu! ")ong!t her ( "n= Either !he win! your he"d or you t"ke her! & th"t i! the w"y o% the /er"ph=? I nod= G'"te wi de(ide thi! )"tter<? I te hi)=
G0e !"id< "nd !o enough !"id<? ,din r"i!e! hi! gob et "nd the other god! do ikewi!e= GNow here?! " god !tr"ight out o% o den ti)e!<? he "nnoun(e!= GI wou d h"*e been proud to (" her )y own=? $hey to"!t hi! word!= I do not drink= $hey t" k o% other )"tter! "nd I @oin in when "ddre!!ed< but )o!t y I i!ten< nibb ing "t )y %ood< !ipping " itt e wine= ,n(e "g"in Loki turn! to )e= G$he He"then hit " we"pon! %"(tory in Ahur" /eti the other d"y<? he te ! )e< Gthirteen de"d< b"!t"rd! "re getting bo der &? GAnd yet no one know! wh"t they?re %ighting %orE? Loki !h"ke! hi! he"d= $he >ue!tion ob*iou! y troub e! hi)= G/")e thing they " %ought %or during the w"r<? he re"!on!= G'reedo) %ro) oppre!!ion< %reedo) %ro) t"Ce!< %reedo) %ro) who know! wh"t=? He !)i e!< but there i! no hu)our in tho!e grey eye!< G/o)e !"y the in!urgent! h"*e " ied the)!e *e! with Li ith & o% (our!e it?! entire y po!!ib e "nd how worried !hou d we beE How (on(erned !hou d th"t )"ke u!E .ort" ! " ied with $it"n! "nd Hobgob in!B !ound! ike " re(ipe %or w"r i% you "!k )e=? GI?) he"ring th"t word " ot "te y<? I !"y= Loki r"i!e! " >uiAAi(" eyebrow< GWar( 3e!< it?! in the ether< " ! ight !hi%t in the b" "n(e o% power "nd thi! entire (ity i! going to go up ike " powder keg=? GA wh"tE? G, d wor d eCpre!!ion<? Loki !hrug!= GI?) !orry I h"*e " %ondne!! %or "r(h"i( "ngu"ge!= #ut the point i! the pre!!ure?! bui ding= /ooner or "ter there?! going to be "n eCp o!ion=? G/ound! " )o!t !eCu" <? I rep y= GE*erything i! !eCu" <? Loki (on(ur!< Ge*erything i! b ind (opu "tion= /eC "nd w"r< "! they !"y< the twin pi "r! o% i%e=? D I ") to be ,din?! gue!t th"t night< he wi not t"ke Gno? %or "n "n!wer "nd it i! in the !)" hour! o% the )orning th"t I ") %in" y !hown to )y ! eeping >u"rter!= I ") " o("ted (h")ber! on the nineteenth % oor o% the )"in p" "(e "nd %or the %ir!t h" % hour I bu!y )y!e % we"*ing trip wire! "round the roo)!B pre!!ure !en!iti*e< "b e to pi(k up the ! ighte!t %oot%" within thirty )etre! o% )y (h")ber!= I then !et "bout we"*ing " !)" orb ne!t in one (orner o% the (ei ing< no )ore th"n " b i!ter< "rge enough to ho d )e< but too !)" to be tru y (o)%ort"b e= $onight I wi ! eep in*erted in " bed o% )y own )"kingB the gorgeou! %our; po!ter in the (entre o% the roo) i! too e"rthbound "nd *u ner"b e %or )y t"!te!= D I re!t< but do not ! eep= .y )ind !ep"r"te! into %our !ub;)ind!< e"(h %r"g)ent ("p"b e o% %un(tioning "! " who e< working on it! own !et o% prob e)!< >uite !ep"r"te %ro) e*ery other= I %ind it !"*e! )e ti)e when I h"*e )"ny thing! to dwe on "t on(e= I wi not ! eep tonight< I r"re y ! eep in !tr"nge !urrounding!= In!te"d I redu(e )y )et"bo i!) to ne"r Aero< entering into " !t"te o% te)por"ry hibern"tion< !ur%ing through re(ent e*ent! in )y i%e< di!"!!e)b ing< !hu%% ing< re(on!tru(tingB ooking "t %"(t! %ro) e*ery (on(ei*"b e "ng e= D $hey (o)e %or )e "t nine )inute! p"!t three in the )orning< three )ort" !< h"rd "nd %"!t & " teCtbook "!!"!!in"tion= I he"r the (r"(k e o% di!p "(ed "ir< " ripp e o% eCp"nding g"!!e! "! they !tep into )y (h")ber out o% thin "ir & /o)ething terrib e enter! the (h")ber with the)= A b"d wind< " !ten(h o% o%%" "nd %"e(e!< "! though< @u!t %or " )o)ent< " d"rk breeAe h"d b own into thi! uni*er!e %ro) !o)ewhere e !e< !o)ewhere too dre"d%u to (onte)p "te= Fu!t "! >ui(k y the !(ent i! gone "nd )y wou d;
be "!!"!!in! "re !pre"ding into the roo)< )o*ing >ui(k y to (ir( e )y ne!t= $hey we"r b "(k body "r)our< )"gneti(" y !e" edB he"*y we"pon! in h"nd< )i(ro pu !e! "nd !ho(k !to(k< we"pon! )e"nt to bring down big g")e= I note the "b!en(e o% in!igni"! or "ny other identi%ying )"rker!= It i! " I h"*e ti)e to note be%ore the )en open %ire on )y ne!t= $he we"pon! h"*e been !i en(ed "nd it i! eerie to witne!! the kind o% ("rn"ge they !ew without on(e ri!ing "bo*e " po ite (ough= .y ne!t i! in(iner"ted< (hunk! o% )"!onry b own out o% the w" ! "nd (ei ing< debri! pinb" ing "round the roo)< (re"ting " de"d y ("t?! (r"d e o% !e(ond"ry %ire= D $he ne!t i! )y itt e b u%%= In un%")i i"r !urrounding! I wi not re)"in in the )o!t ob*iou! p "(e= I have not lived so very long &y &eing #areless. $he "!!"!!in! re" i!e the ne!t i! e)pty "nd whir "round< %r"nti(" y !e"r(hing the roo)< e*en "! I de!(end upon the) %ro) the o*erhe"d r"%ter!= $hey "re not the %oo ! who "tt"(ked )e e"r ier & the!e "re *eter"n!< !e"!oned pro!< "nd they "re " re"dy !pinning "w"y %ro) their po!ition!< !("ttering "round the roo)< bringing their we"pon! to be"r on )e= $he we"pon! "re their undoingB too he"*y< too unwie dy= $he three )en try to tri"ngu "te their %ire< but )y !(rying eye! "re open< !peed;re"ding the %uture< (" (u "ting the out(o)e o% )y e*ery "(tion= I ") )o*ing too %"!t to regi!ter "! )ore th"n "n opti(" b ur< "nd the )en begin %iring "g"in< trying to ("t(h )e in their !ight! & " %or orn hope "nd I "ugh "! one o% )y "!!"i "nt! i! ("ught in the (ro!!%ire< pun(hed o%% hi! %eet with " g"ping ho e in hi! (he!t= I ri(o(het o%% w" !< rebound o%% r"%ter!< )y %u r"ge un e"!hed "! I !urrender to the he"t o% b"tt e= I (o)e down h"rd on the b"(k o% " !e(ond "!!"i "nt= Hi! "r)our i! too thi(k to penetr"te "nd in!te"d I wren(h hi! he )et "round on hi! he"d< b inding hi) "! the *i!or ! ip! "w"y %ro) hi! eye!= He trie! de!per"te y to gr"b "t )e "nd I e"p up "nd "w"y %ro) hi) @u!t "! hi! (o)p"nion open! up on u!= $he )"n I h"*e b inded die! in the !i ent b "!t< but I ") unh"r)ed "! I "nd ")ong!t the r"%ter!= I ("n re"d the %uture "nd I ") un(on(erned "! the !ur*i*ing "!!"!!in r"i!e! hi! gun to point dire(t y "t )e= I do not )o*e= I know the we"pon i! e)pty e*en be%ore the !ho(k !to(k ( i(k! dry= $he "!!"!!in (ur!e! "nd %r"nti(" y begin! re o"ding= I drop %ro) the (ei ing= I ("n t"ke )y ti)e now= I need thi! one " i*e= He !top! trying to re o"d hi! we"pon "nd !t"re! "t )e= Hi! eye! "re white (ir( e! o% %e"r !t"ring out o% hi! %"(e *i!or= I !)i e "t hi)= G/weetne!!<? I !"y< w"gging " di!"ppro*ing %inger "t hi)< Gyou?re e*er !u(h " n"ughty boy=? I ") on hi) in th"t !e(ond< pinning hi) to the w" < !t"ring into the bubb e *i!or o% hi! %"(e)"!k< the "ng e o% ight i! wrong "nd I !ee on y the twin re% e(tion! o% )y own %"(e= G0ho !ent youE? I !n"r B % "!hing )y !(rying eye! open< trying to re"d e*ery po!!ib e "n!wer he )ight gi*e )e= I !ee thirty !e(ond! "he"d o% the pre!ent= I !ee the eCp"nding bubb e o% !uperhe"ted % ")e th"t wi en*e ope )e= I %ee )y % e!h "nd bone e*"por"ting "! I die in th"t in!t"nt< )y !(re") burnt to "!he! in )y thro"t= $he )ort" i! booby;tr"pped= I he"r hi! *oi(e< )u%% ed through hi! )"!k< re(iting !o)ething o*er "nd o*er "g"in ike " )"d )"ntr"= 6ll roads lead to .amas#us. 6ll roads lead to .amas#us. I he"r the high ten!ion whine "! !o)ething bui d! within hi) "nd in "n in!t"nt I pun(h )y %i!t through the (entre o% hi! (he!t "nd ( o!e )y h"nd "round hi! pu !ing he"rt< ripping it %ree o% hi! body= I turn "nd hur the b oody org"n !tr"ight down " ne"rby "undry (hute< % inging )y!e % to the ground in the !")e in!t"nt= $he re!u ting eCp o!ion !h"ke! the p" "(e to it! %ound"tion!=
#LA.ING HEA$HEN/ In the dungeon th"t !er*e! the Nor!e god! "! " )orgue< Lord ,din i! "pop e(ti(= He p"(e! the !tone (rypt in " r"ge< grinding hi! teethB !pit %rothing hi! be"rd< hi! eye! burning hot "! iron %orge!= GIn )y own p" "(e<? he ro"r!= GHowE How the he were they "b e to penetr"te )y de%en(e! & ") I betr"yedE? I eC")ine the three bodie! o% )y "!!"i "nt!= $hey "re "id out on !tone ! "b!< !tripped o% their "r)our= ,ne o% the)< the booby;tr"pped one< h"! " g"ping ho e where hi! (he!t u!ed to be= I ") puAA ed to note the in!igni"! t"ttooed on the )en?! n"ked % e!h< "n T with (rooked !poke!= I ") un%")i i"r with the de!ign= GHow did )ort" ! get into Cogniti" in the %ir!t p "(eE? Loki i! >ui(k to "!k= G$he!e "re the *ery in!urgent! we were t" king o% e"r ier< L"dy De!de)on"< the !o;(" ed He"then= ,n y thi! e*ening we !poke o% their growing "ud"(ity "nd here they "re< in ,din?! *ery ("!t e< !eeking to )urder the god! in their bed!= Did I not !"y the b" "n(e o% power w"! !hi%tingE 0ere tho!e not )y *ery word!E? G$hi! i! "n i ;o)en=? $hor?! (he!t he"*e! in "git"tion< hi! h"nd! gripping the h"nd e o% hi! w"r h"))er !o tight the knu(k e! !hine white< G$hi! i! " portent o% end;d"y! i% e*er I !"w one=? GI w"nt to know who they "re &? Lord ,din r"ge!= GI w"nt the) tr"(ked b"(k to their ho)e; di!tri(t!= I w"nt their !(ion wiped outB their !on!< their d"ughter!= I w"nt entire neighbourhood! b otted o%% the )"p &? Loki !h"ke! hi! he"d with " !igh= GAg"in!t the ru e! o% the 620 tru(e< I?) "%r"id<? he point! out= GA poC on the tru(e<? Lord ,din how ! "nd !t"b! " %inger o% "((u!"tion "t the three (orp!e!= G$hi! i! how they honour the tru(e= $hi! i! how they re!pe(t the ter)!= H"h1? He !pit! hi! (onte)pt into the %"(e o% the ne"re!t (orp!e= $hor !tep! %orw"rd= G'"ther<? he ru)b e!< GI know o% thi! in!igni" on their (he!t!= I h"*e !een it be%ore=? E*en I ") intere!ted in thi! re*e "tion "nd I g "n(e up %ro) )y %oren!i( eC")in"tion o% the (orp!e!= G3ou know o% the)E? ,din round! on hi! !on "nd $hor nod! !toi(" y< %"(ing hi! %"ther?! %ury without % in(hing= GI %ought the) in +he" /i *i" during the "!t d"y! o% the D")"!(u! w"r<? he !"y! (" ) y< Gthey "re # "n(" Lupe< the white wolves< "n e ite %"(tion o% the He"then= $hey did not t"ke order! dire(t y %ro) D")"!(u!= I be ie*e they (")e under the per!on" "uthority o% Anthony ."nning< one o% hi! gener" !=? 6nthony Manning= I h"*e he"rd o% hi)B the re&el engineer "! he w"! then known= He w"! the on y one o% D")"!(u!? gener" ! to h"*e e!("ped eCe(ution "%ter the w"r= Litt e by itt e thi! entire "%%"ir i! (o)ing into %o(u!= GI re)e)ber hi) we <? ,din bre"the!= GHe in!pired %"n"ti(" oy" ty in hi! %o ower!=? G'"n"ti(" unto de"th<? $hor "gree!= GHi! %o ower! were the )o!t %ero(iou! o% " the )ort" w"rrior! we %"(ed during the w"r= $hey drew in!pir"tion %ro) the rebe engineer?! do(trine=? G0h"t in!pire! the) nowE? I wonder " oud= GIndeed<? Loki nod!= G."nning e!("ped the )"!! eCe(ution! "%ter the w"r< but th"t w"! " )o!t " (entury "nd " h" % "go= Cou d he !ti be " i*eE Do )ort" ! i*e th"t ongE? G0ith the right te(hno ogy it?! (ert"in y po!!ib e<? I rep y= G0ith the right te(hno ogy I !uppo!e "nything i! po!!ib e=? I re(" in photogr"phi( det"i the w"y the!e )en entered )y (h")ber!< ! ipping out o% thin "ir "! though p"!!ing through in*i!ib e (urt"in! in !p"(e= I h"*e en(ountered thi! pheno)enon
be%ore= It i! the !")e )ethod the "!!"!!in! u!ed to "((e!! C"!t e Arine"e !e*er" week! e"r ier= I point to the (orp!e!< G$hey u!ed Prob"bi ity ."pping<? I !"y< G%ine;tuned to (re"te "nd (o "p!e " p"r"doC port" "t wi =? GI)po!!ib e<? ,din grow !< GProb"bi ity ."pping i! too un!t"b e to be u!ed in;p "net= No one?! yet e"rnt how to %ine;tune it=? Loki nod! "gree)ent= GLook wh"t h"ppened to Feri(ho<? he point! out= G$he who e di!tri(t i)p oded= I)"gine th"t h"ppening on " (itywide or e*en p "net;wide !(" e= It wou d be ("t"!trophi(= $h"t?! the re"!on Prob"bi ity tek w"! out "wed in the 621 (on*entionB >uite right y !o< in )y opinion=? G0e know the ,de!!" h"*e %ine;tuned p"r"doC port" !<? I re)ind the)< Gwe " !"w the burning wo)"n "t the b"n>uet= I% nothing e !e it pro*e! !u(h %ine;tuning i! po!!ib e=? $he Nordi( god! !t"re "t )e %or " !i ent< un(o)%ort"b e )o)ent= GI! it po!!ib e the ,de!!" were behind thi!E? $hor *oi(e! e*eryone?! %e"r!= I !h"ke )y he"d= G$he ,de!!" don?t u!e "!!"!!in!<? I te hi)= G0e h"*e no de%en(e "g"in!t the)= $hey (ou d % "tten the (ity i% they (ho!e< !end the ot o% u! b"(k to 3e"r Pero=? GI "gree<? Lord ,din !"y!= G$hey )ere y ob!er*e< ne*er inter%ere< th"t?! the n"ture o% the ,de!!"=? G."ybe they?re tired o% w"t(hing<? Loki !ugge!t!= G."ybe they w"nt " pie(e o% three di)en!ion" "(tion=? GIt i! not the ,de!!"<? I !"y with %ir) (on*i(tion= G$hi! i! the work o% phy!i(" being!=? GNot the ,de!!"< not the He"then=? Loki !hrug!< GAre you !ugge!ting " di*ine hou!e i! behind thi! "tte)ptE? GIt?! not i)po!!ib e<? I rep y= GNot e*en the god! h"*e "((e!! to Prob"bi ity ."pping<? ,din retort!= G,n y the %"r;pi ot! u!e it "nd on y when they "re in deep !p"(e= I !ti doubt the!e "!!"!!in! u!ed " p"r"doC port" < the energy re>uired wou d h"*e been "!trono)i(" B it wou d h"*e %u!ed the entire p" "(e "t the *ery e"!t=? G#e!ide!<? Loki?! eye! h"*e grown )uddy< unre"d"b e< Gthere wou d h"*e been !o)e tr"(e e%t behind i% they?d been u!ing !u(h tekB irregular time flow< )"tter )orphing< " hundred "nd one ob*iou! te !=? G$hen how do you eCp "in their pre!en(e in )y (h")ber!E? I?) getting " itt e "nnoyed with " thi! deni" < it?! "! though they?re de iber"te y "*oiding the ob*iou!= G/te" th tek<? Lord ,din !ugge!t!= GIt )u!t h"*e been !o)e kind o% "d*"n(ed !te" th tek< (h")e eon %ie d! or ( o"ked "r)our=? I !h"ke )y he"d= GI?*e (he(ked their "r)our< no !te" th tek "tt"(hedB be!ide!< I %e t the di!p "(e)ent w"*e when they "rri*ed in )y (h")ber!B on y " p"r"doC port" (re"te! " w"*e= Let?! %"(e it< Lord ,din< they (")e %ro) elsewhere< opening " port" %or the ti)e it took to p"!! %ro) one point to the other= I?) e>u" y (ert"in they intended to e"*e the !")e w"y=? G3et there?! no e*iden(e o% !u(h tek on the)<? Loki in!i!t!= GPerh"p! it w"! (ontro ed %ro) !our(e<? I )u!e< G"n eCtern" oper"tor !ending the "!!"!!in! to "nd %ro) their t"rget= $he per%e(t hit= No (orner!=? G0hy do you think they were "%ter youE? ,din "!k! )e= GI don?t know<? I rep y< Gbut I do know they?re getting better "t it= E"(h ti)e they "tt"(k they !ee) to h"*e e"rnt the e!!on! o% the "!t en(ounter=? G$hey?re te!ting you %or we"kne!!e!<? $hor?! eye! burn through the red !tr"nd! o% hi! h"ir< G" (unning !tr"tegy< L"dy De!de)on"= $he # "n(" Lupe u!ed thi! !tr"tegy o%ten during the w"r=?
GEnough1? ,din ro"r!= G0e need to ho d (oun!e %ir!t thing in the )orning= I w"nt " g"thering o% the di*ine hou!e!= $hi! i! priority %ir!t ( "!!= $hor< Loki< !pre"d word & %ir!t thing in the )orning I w"nt " repre!ent"ti*e o% e*ery hou!e in the (entr" (h")ber=? A%ter the other! h"*e e%t Lord ,din !t"re! down "t the bodie! o% )y "!!"i "nt!< rubbing hi! be"rded (hin= GIn )y own p" "(e<? he !igh!< Gin )y own d")ned p" "(e=? He turn! to )e< GI ("n on y o%%er )y he"rt%e t "po ogie!< L"dy De!de)on"< I eCtended you )y prote(tion &? GAnd took " re"!on"b e !tep! to en!ure it<? I re"!!ure hi)< Gbut thi! w"! beyond " re"!on"b e eCpe(t"tion< Lord ,din= I% they "re u!ing prob"bi ity )"pping it )e"n! no one?! !"%e< not e*en gre"t D"gd" hi)!e %=? G0e "re %"(ing " gr"*e (ri!i!<? Lord ,din "(know edge!= GI hope you?re wrong< )y L"dy< be("u!e i% you?re not thi! (ou d !pe the end %or " o% u!=? D A one in )y (h")ber! I !t"re ong into the )irror< " tight< n"gging )igr"ine bui ding behind )y eye!= I rub )y te)p e!< but the p"in inten!i%ie! "nd I win(e & its her & I !en!e it< the )"tri"r(h o% )y hou!e< trying to %or(e her w"y into )y )ind "! !he o%ten doe! when I ") di!tr"(ted= /he i! u!ing the !ubt e web< *ibr"ting the web !tr"nd! o% her ho)e ne!t to !end her thought! out in !e"r(h o% )e= /pe(i" i!ed h"ir! " ong )y !pine dete(t the!e *ibr"tion! "nd tr"n! "te the) into word! "nd i)"ge!= I re!i!t the p!y(hi( "!!"u t< but the p"in !we ! unti it i! " d"rk< e*i throbbing= I he"r her *oi(e< beginning "! " tiny whi!per< bui ding in inten!ity< unti it e(hoe! %ree y "round )y !ku = I (ry out "nd the )irror !h"tter!= G3ou "re " %oo i!h (hi d<? her *oi(e< )other?! *oi(e< whi!per! in )y he"d= G3ou "re " *"in< %oo i!h (hi d & % eeing !o *ery %"r %ro) the ne!t< "nd in the end where wi you % ee toE $he ne!t i! within you= Mother i! within youB ("n?t you %ee )y o*e %or you< De!de)on"< !weet (hi d< ("n?t you %ee )y o*e % owing through your *ein!E? I %ee it< ike !n"ke *eno) (r"w ing under )y !kin= I ( en(h )y teeth "nd %i )y he"d with " !i ent !(re")< !)othering her *oi(e< drowning it in white noi!e= G/i y gir <? !he )o(k! )e= GP "y your itt e g")e!< De!i< ignore )e< re" y< how ong be%ore you (o)e (r"w ing b"(k ho)eHnot ongHI eCpe(t you "ny d"y nowH? I inten!i%y the !(re") in )y he"d< hur ing it "t her with " )y )ight< pounding )y he"d "g"in!t the w" in "n e%%ort to dri*e the po!!e!!ing de)on out= /he "ugh! "nd the wor d begin! to !pin "round )e "nd I o!e )y b" "n(e< %" ing b"(kw"rd! with " wi d (ry= 0hen I reg"in )y %eet !he h"! gone< her *oi(e e(hoing into grudging !i en(e< "nd "t on(e I %ee the )igr"ine beginning to !ub!ide= CHALLENGING $HE PA/$ L"ter th"t )orning Loki @oin! )e in " !h"ded (ourty"rd= I !it bene"th the br"n(he! o% "n "n(ient yew tree< "w"iting word on ,din?! e)ergen(y )eeting= GIt?! been "greed by " the di*ine hou!e!<? Loki te ! )e< Gth"t " puniti*e %or(e o% # e!?)en wi be !ent to Di!tri(t! D"ed" u! "nd $"r>uini"< known !trongho d! o% the He"then= $he!e di!tri(t! wi be !ub@e(ted to e)ergen(y (ur%ew! "nd ph"!ed !e(urity (ordon! unti %urther noti(e=? G3ou )e"n to u!e the) "! eC")p e!=? I !h"ke )y he"d rue%u y< G$h"t )"y pro*e (ounterprodu(ti*e= I don?t think the He"then were re!pon!ib e< I to d you th"t=? GA point I r"i!ed<? Loki ( u(k! hi! tongue "! though !u))oning " %"*ourite pet= G#ut !tronger he"d! pre*"i ed thi! )orning= $he god! w"nt "(tion< not dip o)"(y< they were e*en (onte)p "ting !ending in "n "nge i( %or(e= $h"nk D"gd" that one w"! *etoed= #ut th"t?! the on y good new! I h"*e=?
D GLot! o% t" k< )other< ot! o% new!<? D@ob" i! e"ger "! e*er to !h"re hi! h"r*e!t o% go!!ip with )e= /ett ing in " (orner o% )y !uite in the Gr"nd Inn o% .ort" itie!< he grin! i)pi!h y "t )e "! I !h"pe )y eyebrow! with " p"ir o% !i *er tweeAer!= GI h"*e new! the in!urgent! "tt"(ked Cogniti" "!t night<? he in%or)! )e< un"w"re I w"! the t"rget o% th"t p"rti(u "r "tt"(k= GNo one?! !uppo!ed to t" k "bout it< but e*eryone?! t" king "bout it< i% you know wh"t I )e"n=? GA thi! I know<? I !n"p= G$e )e !o)ething I don?t< D@ob"=? He ook! "t )e "nd I ("n !ee I?*e hurt hi! %ee ing!= I !ighB re" y< )u!t he be !o d")ned !en!iti*eE #rie% y I de!(ribe "!t night?! "!!"!!in"tion "tte)pt "nd D@ob" i! on hi! h"nd! in "n in!t"nt< de)"nding to know wh"t the Nord god! did to en!ure )y prote(tion= GE*erything within their power<? I te hi) "! I te"!e " r"ther unru y h"ir %ro) )y brow ine= G$he "!!"!!in! were u!ing p"r"doC te(hno ogyH? D@ob" interrupt! )e< in!i!ting the te(hno ogy %or (ontro ed p"r"doC port" ! doe!n?t eCi!t< the !")e ine o% re"!oning he e)p oyed %o owing the pre*iou! "!!"u t= I w"*e hi) to !i en(e< GIn(redu ity wi be your undoing<? I w"rn hi)= G0e de" with %"(t!< D@ob"< not (on*i(tion!=? I in*ite hi) to (ontinue with hi! report= G9ery we <? D@ob" )utter!< Gbut i% they are u!ing port" !< )other< then our goo!e i! (ooked %or !ure= How do we de%endH? G$he report< D@ob"<? I re)ind hi)= He ! ip! " itt e ring;bind notebook out o% hi! w"i!t (o"t po(ket "nd (on!u t! it< hi! eye! )o*ing in independent dire(tion! "! he !("n! both p"ge! "t on(e= GHere we "re1? he eC( "i)! "t "!t< GHeC?")o! Luther=? GAnd he i!E? GHe? be the "wyer repre!enting the /er"ph "t your tri" &? GIt?! " pre i)in"ry he"ring< D@ob"<? I (orre(t hi)< Gnot " tri" =? G$he w"y %o k "re t" king "bout it<? D@ob" gru)b e!< G)"y "! we be " tri" < )other< "nd you )"y "! we be gui ty= #e!ide!< you w"*ed your right! to " %u tri" < !o the re!u t! o% the he"ring "re bindingH? G#"(k to HeC?")o! Luther<? I !"y< Gwho is he "nd why !hou d I be (on(ernedE? GHe?! "n ")bitiou! egg=? D@ob" )"ke! " %"(e< G3ou (ou dn?t h"*e dr"wn " !horter !tr"w i% you tried< )otherB he? go %or the @ugu "r without " doubt< try to )"ke " n")e %or hi)!e %= I (he(ked hi! re(ordB he?! won " but one o% hi! "!t thirty ("!e!< " re" eg" e"g e=? G$hen he?! " worthy (h" enger<? I rep y< p u(king " !tr"nd %ro) )y e%t eyebrow= G+e" y< D@ob"< it?! " the"tre< nothing to get worked up "bout=? G3ou re" y !hou d get your own "wyer< )otherB de%ending your!e % i! @u!t sooo unwi!e=? GA "dy )u!t do wh"t !he )u!t<? I !igh< G"nd the %"(t I?) going up "g"in!t !u(h " eg" u)in"ry )"ke! it " !o )u(h )ore eC(iting< wou dn?t you "greeE? GI% you !"y !o<? D@ob" !ound! doubt%u "! he put! hi! notebook "w"y= G$h"t?! it< I?) "%r"id=? I !t"re "t hi)= G$h"t?! " you were "b e to )u!terE? D@ob" nod! )i!er"b y= G/ti ("n?t %ind out why the /er"ph "tt"(ked you<? he brighten! !udden y< Gbut I?*e he"rd " theory &? GLet?! he"r it=? GApp"rent y the /er"ph "re (on*in(ed you "tt"(ked the) %ir!t=? G3e!<? I ower the tweeAer!< Gth"t?! the !tory they?re !ti(king to &? GNo;no<? D@ob" e"n! %orw"rd< Gthey re" y do think you "tt"(ked the)B it?! not @u!t " eg" ru!e= At e"!t th"t?! wh"t )y (ont"(t! te )e=? G$h"t doe!n?t )"ke "ny !en!e=?
G#ut it )ight eCp "in why they "tt"(ked you & i% they thought you "tt"(ked the) %ir!t= It?! " bit round"bout< but it he p! i% you ook "t it in " round"bout w"y< )other=? GNon!en!e<? I inter@e(t< Gi% I had "tt"(ked the) I wou d (ert"in y re)e)ber doing !o= $hey (")e down out o% the !un "! I re(" < % "!hing (hro)e "nd @"gged ( "w!< I?) (ert"in they intended )e some )i!(hie%=? G0e <? D@ob" get! to hi! h"nd!< Gth"t?! "bout it< )other= I?) (h"!ing down " %ew e"d! "t the )o)ent= I? get b"(k to you "! !oon "! I he"r !o)ething=? G3ou?re " d"r ing<? I te hi) "nd hi! %"(e brighten! with p e"!ure= G+un " ong now< D@ob"< we? (o)e through thi! thinguite ridi(u ou! bow be%ore eCiting the roo)= A (ourier %ro) the $e "t on Furi!pruden(e />u"re "rri*e! " !hort whi e "ter with " )e!!"ge %ro) the ,%%i(e! o% Di*ine Pro!e(ution!= .y he"ring h"! been !(hedu ed %or nine;oh;nine< .ond"y )orning= $wo d"y! hen(e= $he )e!!"ge be"r! the .er(uri" !e" "! proo% o% it! "uthenti(ity "nd I !ign re(eipt "nd tip the (ourier h"nd!o)e y< when I re" y %ee ike wringing hi! ne(k= D I !pend the e*ening dining out= I (hoo!e " re!t"ur"nt >u"rtered on the de(k! o% one o% the )"ny !te")!hip! th"t p y up "nd down the be"uti%u +i*er .orig"n= $he ri*er w"ter%" ! o*er Cogniti"?! !e*en prin(ip e !upport p "t%or)!< %i ing *"!t b"!in re!er*oir! o("ted i))edi"te y bene"th the di!tri(t= $he w"ter! %ro) the!e re!er*oir! "re (ontinuou! y pu)ped b"(k up to the highe!t p "t%or)! where they %ue the ri*er?! etern" (y( e= $he +i*er .orig"n turn! ike the gre"t !i *ery whee o% " ( o(k "nd it i! one o% i%e?! gre"t p e"!ure! to !it on the %orede(k o% "n o d;wor d !te")!hip< ooking out o*er the d"pp ed !ur%"(e o% thi! ri*er< %or it i! the highe!t tribut"ry "nywhere in the wor d= D I h"*e dined we "nd %ee re "Ced "! I di!e)b"rk the !te")!hip ( o!e to the G"rden! o% Epon" in /outh Cogniti"= +e@e(ting the o%%er o% " per!on" guide< I enter the g"rden! through the we!t g"te "nd )"ke )y own w"y " ong the )"ny (on*o uted p"th!= $onight I ") not intere!ted in Epon"?! %")ou! % or" "r(hite(ture< it! green te)p e! "nd !t"tue! !(u pted %ro) %o i"ge "nd e)broidered with % ower!= ,n "ny other o(("!ion thi! )ight h"*e been " tre"t %or the !en!e!< but tonight I ") (on!u)ed by )y own thought!< w"ndering " ong "b!ent y< ob i*iou! to " "round )e= 6re you well, 'ister( I turn "t the !ound o% th"t %or)" greeting= Appro"(hing )e " ong " p"th gi ded with )u!(" "nd ro!ewood< i! " )" e !pider god< Lord $"ru!= I re(ogni!e hi! b "(k )"g)" "r)our< (o*ered in r"Aor !h"rp !pine!< hi! !tee dre"d o(k! % owing "round the h"rd "ng e! o% hi! %"(e< e"(h o(k ending in the no!e (one o% " )i(ro pro@e(ti e< e"(h pro@e(ti e %i ed with enough neuro toCin! to ! "y " b"tt" ion o% )ort" != He i! t" er th"n I< we o*er twe *e %eet< "nd de"d y in (o)b"t= I h"*e %ought " ong!ide hi) in the p"!t "nd " though I de!pi!e hi)< "! I de!pi!e " )y !ib ing!< I wi not undere!ti)"te hi)= GLord $"ru!<? I "(know edge< G)"y the god! %"*our you=? $"ru! !" ute! )e with hi! %our "r)! (ro!!ed o*er hi! (he!t< " !ti%% nod o% hi! he"d< "nd then he get! !tr"ight down to bu!ine!!= GI wi !pe"k %or you "t your he"ring<? he te ! )e "! though the i!!ue h"d " re"dy been de(ided= GI wi do thi! on beh" % o% the Hou!e o% Ar"(hnid!< /i!ter?=
I " ow )y !)i e to dr"w the poi!on %ro) )y neCt word!= GI wi !pe"k %or )y!e %< brother $"ru!<? $"ru! !t"re! down "t )e< hi! !(rying eye! go den ! i*er! in the "r( o% hi! %orehe"d< hi! true eye! ike burning t"r pit!= G3ou re%u!e our he pE? hi! *oi(e i! (o d "nd (ontro ed< but hi! te ! "re !eething with b"re y re!tr"ined "nger= I !ee there i! no o*e o!t between u!= GI h"*e no need o% your he p<? I rep y< Gor the he p o% )other= I !ett e )y own "%%"ir! "! we !he know!=? 0ith th"t !"id I w" k ! ow y "w"y %ro) hi)< knowing he wi %o ow< knowing he ("nnot !i)p y e"*e it "t th"t= G0hen one o% u! !t"nd! "((u!ed<? $"ru! %" ! into !tep be!ide )e< Gthe entire ( "n )u!t r" y behind the)= It i! " )"tter o% honour= E*en you ("n !ee th"t=? GI no onger (on!ider )y!e % " )e)ber o% the Hou!e o% Ar"(hnid!=? I know the (on!e>uen(e! o% the!e word!< "nd yet they "re word! th"t< !ooner or "ter< )u!t be !poken= I h"*e thought ong "nd h"rd on the )"tter "nd I know )y de(i!ion to di!t"n(e )y!e % %ro) )y ( "n i! binding= $"ru! "ugh! upro"riou! y "nd !e*er" god! "nd godde!!e! g "n(e in our dire(tion= G6 god without re!resentation<? he !(o%%!= GHow ong do you think you? !ur*i*eE? G'"r onger th"n your pre(iou! hou!e<? I !n"p b"(k= He grow ! deep in hi! thro"t= I %ee the !udden !t"b o% hi! r"ge= GDo not te)pt )e< !i!ter<? he w"rn!= G,r wh"t< $"ru!< you? go up "g"in!t )eE? I !h"ke )y he"d< GDo you think I %e"r you< !weet brotherE? Lord $"ru! (o)e! to " !t"nd!ti = I !top w" king "nd ook b"(k o*er )y !hou der "! he dr"w! hi)!e % up to hi! %u height o% ne"r y %i%teen %eet< %" !e eg! !n"pping down< t"king hi! weight< hoi!ting hi! e ong"ted tor!o into the "ir= 'ro) "n i)periou! height $"ru! !t"re! down "t )e through " !iC o% hi! eye!= G#e (ert"in th"t I wi te the )"tri"r(h o% your de(i!ion<? he hi!!e!= GECpe(t her "n!wer within the week= $hi! i! " !eriou! )"tter< !i!ter< to (ut your!e % o%% %ro) your own god;( "n= It i! "n in!u t th"t wi not !oon be %orgotten=? He retr"(t! hi! %" !e eg!< owering hi)!e % to the ground "nd %o ding the) behind hi)< "nd with " !nort o% (onte)pt< turn! on hi! hee ! "nd )"r(he! "w"y= I w"t(h hi) dep"rt< wondering wh"t the )"tri"r(h o% our hou!e wi !"y when !he he"r! o% )y de(i!ion= I !hi*er "! I re(" the )ind (urd ing !ound o% her *oi(e in!ide )y he"d< whi!pering to )e< trying to !edu(e )e b"(k to her gr"nd ne!t= I w"! on(e her )o!t wi ing o% "!!"!!in!= ,ut no more. I ") )y own god now "nd the p"!t i! p"!t= 1ather heavy handed, killing an angel no less. I turn to %ind the tri(k!ter god< .oki< !t"nding " itt e w"y o%% in the !h"de o% " pop "r tree< eyeing )e "! though un(ert"in whether to "ppro"(h or retre"t= GAnd wh"t do you know o% itE? I "!k hi)= He t"ke! thi! "! "n in*it"tion to "ppro"(h< !(utt ing "(ro!! to )e< rubbing hi! h"nd! in the )o!t ob!e>uiou! )"nner< !t"ring up into )y %"(e with the inten!ity o% " %"r)er !tudying the he"*en! %or b"d we"ther !ign= GI know it?! ti)e tho!e /er"ph were t"ught " e!!on<? he whi!per!< ooking "round ner*ou! y< Gnothing but D"gd"?! per!on" goon !>u"d< i% you "!k )e=? G3ou h"*e re"!on to h"te the /er"phE? $hi! i! new! to )e= .oki i! " )inor god in the di*ine p"ntheon< "rge y (ontent to h"r"!! )ort" ! with hi! @u*eni e tri(kery= I h"d ne*er re" y (on!idered hi) " po iti(" "ni)" = GNot hate<? .oki?! eye! !hi%t une"!i y< G)u!t be ("re%u with word! & no< no< not hate & !o)ething )ore< !o)ethingHI )u!t be ("re%u < you !ee &? GI under!t"nd<? I "!!ure hi)= G$he /er"ph "re in!idiou!=?
GIn!idiou!E? .oki ! "p! " h"nd to hi! )outh= GDid I !"y insidious<? he )utter! through hi! %inger!< GI )e"nt per*"!i*e=? G0hy !oE? I ") intrigued= GIndeed<? .oki nod!< Gwe you )"y "!k< but I he!it"te in "n!wering< "nd whyE 0hy ") I re u(t"ntE ,e#ause I fear the 'era!h. 3e!< I know< de!pi("b e "nd (ow"rd y o% )e< but I do not ( "i) to be other th"n I ")= And why do I %e"r the)E ,% (our!e< the !erfe#t 9uestion. #e("u!e they "re " !o(iety unto the)!e *e!< " %"(tion within the higher order o% "nge ! ; "n order within "n order< "! it were= And who (ontro ! the)< De!de)on"E 0ho ( "i)! do)inion o*er the /er"phE? GD"gd"<? I "!!u)e= .oki wink! "t )e< " ! y )otion o% the eye th"t i! not "t " p e"!ing to ook "t= GAnd who (ontro ! D"gd"< h))E? I %rown= G0h"t do you !ugge!tE? .oki gi*e! )e "n inno(ent !hrug= G/ugge!tE Nothing< nothing= It?! not %or )e to !ugge!t= I ") !i)p y "d)iring the *iew= Do you ike hibi!(u!E I %ind it " r"ther !ti)u "ting % ower< r"ther poign"nt too %or !o)e utter y unknown re"!on=? G0h"t do you !ugge!tE? I repe"t= .oki !igh!< )"king gre"t preten(e o% hi! re u(t"n(e to t" k= GI% the /er"ph h"d !u((eeded in ki ing you<? he !"y!< Gwho wou d h"*e (" ed %or *enge"n(eE 3our pre(iou! Hou!e o% Ar"(hnid!E C"n you re y upon your own ( "n to "*enge youE? I !h"ke )y he"d= GI ") e!tr"nged %ro) the)< "! we you know=? G3e!< ye!<? .oki nod!< G" one then< "nd who prote(t! you< De!de)on"E? GI ") )y own prote(tion<? I !"y !o%t y= GAnd !o the /er"ph h"*e %ound to their (o!t= A e!!er god wou d h"*e %" en= 3ou h"*e )"de )"ny ene)ie!< De!de)on"< but you h"*e )"ny "d)irer! too< be ie*e )e= E*en in the !treet! o% Cogniti" you wi %ind %riend! &? GIt?! )y ene)ie! I?) (on(erned with< .oki<? I rep y= GDo you h"*e n")e!E? GNo< no= No n")e!< o% (our!e not & %"r too ob*iou! th"t & but the one! th"t !et the /er"ph on you & ye!;ye!< the *ery one!< "re here in Cogniti"< ( o!er< %"r ( o!er th"n you think=? G/o the /er"ph weren?t "(ting " one=? GA oneE No< ne*er " one= Ange ! "re " ink in the (h"inB wh"t you !eek i! the one y"nking th"t (h"in= 3ou wi be ("re%u < won?t youE? GI ") " w"y! ("re%u <? I te hi) "nd he "ugh! "! though thi! i! " wonder%u @oke "nd then he !(utt e! o%% down the p"th< e"*ing )e with the!e p"rting word!< GI !"id nothing< nothing, wh"t h"r) i% nothing w"! !"idE? D I "ppro"(h the !"(red te)p e o% Foot in the !outh !e(tion o% the Epon"= Foot i! " e!!er known god o% "!(i*iou!ne!! "nd I dre"d thi! p" "(e o% (opu "ting % e!h= $he !tink o% de"d p"!!ion i! "n o%%en(e to )y no!tri ! "! I )ount the te)p e?! penitent !tep!< "! "re the !ight! "nd !ound! I en(ounter upon entering thi! )o!t w"nton o% p "(e!= A %ore!t o% (o u)n! popu "te the !h"dowy interior o% the te)p e< !upporting the bui ding?! *"!t "pi! "Au i roo%< e"(h (o u)n !h"ped ike " *o uptuou! )"iden or we ;proportioned youth= E"(h youth bo"!t! "n ob!(ene ere(tion< e"(h )"iden " (o)e;hither eCpre!!ion on her )"rb e %"(e= In the g oo)y re(e!!e! o% thi! te)p e I wi %ind the )"n I h"*e (o)e here to !ee< but in order to re"(h hi) I )u!t %ir!t p"!! o*er " i*ing ("rpet o% !we"ting< (opu "ting bodie!= $he!e "re Foot?! )" e "nd %e)" e neophyte!< )ort" %o ower! o% hi! ")or" order< de!per"te to !eek (o))union with their god through the g"ping doorw"y! o% their own % e!h=
# ue % ")e! % i(ker in pebb ed "ntern!= In(en!e burn! in "rge (opper bow !< eCpen!i*e o%%; wor d !(ent! th"t !ti)u "te the !en!e! "nd >ui(ken the he"rt= #ut I ") i))une to !u(h (h"r)!= I %iC )y "ttention on the (entre o% thi! ("rn" hou!e where "n o d )"n !t"nd! >uite !ti < eye! ( o!ed< e"ning on " w" king !ti(k "nd !)i ing in !erene (onte)p "tion= $hi! i! Art o% the Hundred #"tt e!< )y %or)er )entor= Art & @u!t y (" ed the bo d & )"!ter (o)b"t"nt "nd "n(ient o% d"y!= He !t"nd! with hi! tr"ining !t"%% he d rigid y in hi! h"nd!< the !h"rpened tip )o*ing gent y b"(k "nd %orth< in!(ribing intri("te ."nd" "! in the !"nd= He !ee)! ob i*iou! to the orgy t"king p "(e " "round hi)= I %ee "n inten!e ru!h o% p e"!ure when I ("t(h !ight o% Art through the *o uptuou! te)p e (o u)n!= /tepping o*er the "!t o% Foot?! %orni("ting !upp i("nt! I enter into )y )entor?! (ir( e o% !i en(e= A! !oon "! I (ro!! "n in*i!ib e ine the !ound! o% %orni("tion di)ini!h= I ("n no onger he"r the !igh!< the )o"n!B the u!ty ! "p;! "p o% % e!h "g"in!t % e!h= It i! "! though I h"*e entered " p "(e @u!t out!ide o% ti)e= Art doe! not open hi! eye!= #ut he know! I ") here= GDe!de)on"<? he !igh!< "! though he ("n !ee )e per%e(t y in the d"rkne!! behind hi! eye id!< Git?! been " (entury !in(e "!t we )et= .y )o!t (heri!hed pupi = How h"*e you %"redE? GHow do you "bide the!e ridi(u ou! per*er!itie!< )"!terE? I !weep )y h"nd "round to indi("te the !e" o% deb"u(hery th"t !urround! u!= Hi! !)i e bro"den! "nd I know I h"*e p e"!ed hi) with )y >ue!tion= ,n y I wou d e*er h"*e d"red "ddre!! hi) !u(h= GIt doe!n?t "rou!e you< ."!ter ArtE 3ou are " )"n< "%ter " =? G3ou !ee % e!h<? he te ! )e< GI !ee on y %or)=? G'or)E? G3e!< %or)<? he !"y!< Gthe eCp"nding p"ttern! o% " ."nd" "< w"*e! ro ing o*er " pri!tine be"(h< the ripp e o% " breeAe through b o!!o) tree!= Are the!e not n"ture?! orgie!< "re they not all !eCu" in n"tureE 3et in ti)e we e"rn to !ee beyond %or) "nd into the uni)"gined he"rt o% thing!< "nd then we !ee th"t the on y per*er!ion! "re in our own )ind!< our *ery own he"rt!=? I te"!e hi)= GAre you !u(h " per%e(ted !ou < )"!terE? Art !hrug!= GI %orge )y!e % in d"i y ritu" = 'ro) )orning to night I re(re"te the birth< the *"!tening "nd w"ning o% the uni*er!e entire= It !h"pe! )y )ind into "n "rrowhe"d< !h"rpening it< unti "t "!t it pier(e! the *ei o% i u!ion= I! th"t the "n!wer you were ooking %or< De!de)on"E? I !)i e de!pite )y!e %= He !n"p! hi! eye! open in th"t in!t"nt "nd I ") !ho(ked by the b ue o% the)B the depth e!! inten!ity< "! though they h"*e ooked upon re" itie! out!ide o% !p"(e "nd ti)e= I bow be%ore hi) "nd he tou(he! )y !hou der< " !o%t tou(h o% re"!!ur"n(e "nd< I !e(ret y hope< the ge!ture o% " proud p"rent= GDo you !ti te"(h "nge ! the "rt o% w"rE? I "!k hi)= GI in!tru(t to the be!t o% )y "bi itie!<? he "(know edge!= GA! you in!tru(ted meE? G3ou< )ore th"n )o!t< under!tood the n"ture o% the "rt=? GI h"*e (o)e to "!k " >ue!tion<? I in%or) hi)= G$hen %ight )e<? he !"y! !o%t y= GE"rn the "n!wer in the o d w"y=? I !t"re "t hi) "nd then "ughB both !urpri!ed "nd de ighted= G3ou think )e worthyE? I "!k= Art grin! "! he grip! hi! tr"ining !t"%% in both h"nd!= G3ou "re bo d< De!de)on"< you h"*e e"rned " n")e %or your!e % in thi! (ity=? GI i*e the whir wind<? I rep y= GAye< "! I t"ught you= ,n gu"rd then< !how )e you h"*en?t grown ! oppy in your eCi e=? He i! o dB o d "nd %eeb e to ook upon< but ook! ("n be de(epti*e %or here !t"nd! the "r(hite(t o% the %e"r!o)e Gui d o% A!!"!!in!< " n")e th"t dri*e! " !pike o% %e"r into e*ery di!tri(t o% Go goth" '" != He i! d"ngerou! beyond " doubt< "nd )u(h o% )y own (o)b"t
!ki ! he t"ught )e (enturie! "go when I w"! "n "pprenti(e "!!"!!in= I% I think he h"! ! owed down in the inter*ening ye"r!< I ") in %or " rude "w"kening= D I (ir( e hi)< eCtending )y %" !e "r)! "nd eg! %ro) )y body< r"i!ing )y!e % to )y %u nine %eet= .y true;"r)! %or) b "ded !hie d! in %ront o% )e= Knowing Art?! "bi itie!< I ") deter)ined not to be ("ught un"w"re!= Art doe! not )o*e= Hi! eye! ( o!e< he ro(k! gent y b"(k "nd %orth< ike " !erpent g"uging di!t"n(e be%ore the ki ing !trike= A! I )o*e in %or the "tt"(k he "!he! !idew"y! with hi! !t"%%= I %ee it whi!t ing p"!t "! I in!tin(ti*e y %" b"(k< but the o d )"n )o*e! "%ter )e< keeping )e o%% b" "n(e< %or(ing )e into unp "nned retre"t= I de% e(t hi! !trike!< u!ing the %ore;!hie d! o% )y true "r)!< "nd e*en through )y "r)our I %ee the %or(e o% e"(h i)p"(t= 0e %ight in ne"r %er" !i en(e< )o*ing %"!ter th"n !ound< !oni( boo)! deton"ting "round u! "! I !pin into the (ir( e o% hi! "tt"(k= I )o*e under the "r( o% hi! !t"%%< !eeking to !weep hi! eg! %ro) bene"th hi)< but he d"n(e! up onto )y b"(k "nd with " !h"rp (r"(k bring! the %u weight o% hi! !t"%% down between )y !hou der b "de!= $he p"in i! eC(ru(i"ting< but there i! no "!ting in@uryB he i! toying with )e< re)inding )e th"t in " w"y! he i! !ti the )"!ter= I go down with " (ur!e< (o)ing "t on(e to )y %eet< u!ing )y %our upper i)b! to w"rd o%% Art?! )urderou! on! "ught= $here i! " (ontinuou! whip "nd (r"(k "! he !trike! "g"in "nd "g"in "t )y "r) !hie d!< re ent e!! "! " !tor) !urge= I e"p upw"rd!< hoping to (o)e down on hi) %ro) "bo*e< but weight e!! he ri!e! with )e< !triking "t )e %ro) e*ery "ng e< %or(ing )e %ro) the "ir< b"(k to the ground where I ") )ore *u ner"b e= Lightning %"!t we d"n(e ")ong!t the %orni("tor! o% Foot< too !wi%t %or the )ort" eye to %o ow< "nd yet< "t the *ery (entre o% the %ight it i! "! though ti)e !t"nd! !ti = Art i! !)i ing= He h"! not yet broken " !we"t< yet he )"t(he! )e %eint %or %eint< !trike %or !trike< w"rding o%% )y )o!t %ero(iou! "tt"(k! with unner*ing e"!e< pre!!ing ho)e hi! own re ent e!! "!!"u t< pre!!uring )e into )"king )i!t"ke "%ter )i!t"ke= D In "n in!t"nt I )"n"ge to bre"k "w"y %ro) hi) "nd be%ore he ( o!e! with )e "g"in I t"ke to the "ir< !(utt ing up " te)p e (o u)n< u!ing the thru!t o% " )"rb e bo!o) to ri(o(het b"(k into the %ight= He puni!he! )y d"ring< !o)er!"u ting o*er )e< hi! body de!(ribing "n i)po!!ib e "r( o% !i *er through the "ir= Hi! !t"%% (o)e! down in " % "!h< !triking )y e%t !hou der< h"rd enough to %or(e )e %ro) the "ir= #e%ore I reg"in )y )o)entu)< Art i! on )e< bre"king )y bre"th;rhyth)< depri*ing )e o% the ti)e I need to re(o*er< "nd " the whi e he i! grinning< en@oying e*ery )o)ent o% our (on% i(t< "nd I w"nt !o *ery de"r y to wipe th"t grin o%% hi! %"(e= D I ") eCh"u!ted "nd he i! not e*en bre"thing h"rd< but I wi not gi*e upB no 9uarter asked, none given. It i! " !h"red under!t"nding between u!= I u!e the (o u)n! "round )e to "un(h " whir wind "!!"u t< )y ( "w! d"ggered< )y !(rying eye! trying to re"d "he"d o% the g")e< but Art i! not in the %uture< he i! grounded !o id y in the pre!ent< "nd " I !ee< ti)e "%ter ti)e< i! the ine*it"bi ity o% )y own de%e"t= He de(ide! to puni!h )e %or " p"rti(u "r y ! oppy "tt"(k< d"n(ing "%ter )e "! I try to retre"t< u!ing in*i!ib e !tepping!tone! in the "ir= He i! on )e be%ore I ("n e*"de hi)< %"!t "! " !triking !erpent= I "!h out in!tin(ti*e y< but the o d tri(k!ter i! not there< he i! "bo*e )e< bringing hi! !t"%% down on )y unprote(ted he"d "nd I @u!t h"*e ti)e to r"i!e " de%en!i*e "r) when ; C+ACK1111 I %ee the bone !n"p in )y e%t "r)< the p"in ike " bo t o% %ire th"t dri*e! )e to
)y knee!< but e*en "! I go down I !(ythe the "ir with )y %" !e eg!= /err"ted "nd de"d y they (re"te " ki ing "r( "round )e "nd "t "!t & "t the )o)ent o% )y de%e"t ; I penetr"te the )"!ter?! de%en(e!= I %ee the !ho(k o% i)p"(t "! Art i! kno(ked b"(kw"rd! out o% the "ir< !n"pping hi)!e % !ki %u y out o% %ree;%" "nd % o"ting to the ground " itt e di!t"n(e "w"y= He !)i e! "nd "pp "ud! )e !o%t y= G3ou h"*e o!t none o% your t"!te %or the b"tt e<? he !"y!= GNo )"tter wh"t they !"y o% you< De!de)on"B the w"rrior?! !pirit ("nnot be (ounter%eited=? C ut(hing )y broken "r) I pu )y!e % to )y %eet= G3ou "re !ti " de*i to %ight<? I g"!p< G%or )y !"ke I hope we ne*er h"*e to do th"t %or re" =? GA worthy e*ent i% e*er we do=? 0ith the tip o% hi! !t"%% Art dr"w! %igure! in the !"nd= I "ppro"(h hi)= GH"*e I e"rned "n "n!wer to )y >ue!tionE? I "!k hi)= He !hrug!= G$he /er"ph<? I (ontinue< Gyou tr"ined the)B you know the) better th"n )o!t &? He ook! up "t )e< GAnd your >ue!tionE? G0hy did they "tt"(k )eE? He !t"nd! b"(k "nd !tudie! the !"ndB then he ook! up "t )e "nd !"y!< G$here i! your "n!wer=? I !t"re down "t the dr"wing he h"! )"de in the !"nd= $wo identi(" !pider! (rou(hed !ide by !ide= It i! " !i)p e dr"wing< but I !en!e hidden !igni%i("n(e in it= I !t"re "t it %or " whi eB then !h"ke )y he"d= GI don?t under!t"nd=? GI h"*e gi*en you )y "n!wer< De!de)on"<? he er"!e! the dr"wing with the toe o% hi! right !"nd" = GI did not pro)i!e you wou d under!t"nd it=? He e"*e! )e puAA ing o*er hi! word!< !t"ring down "t the !(u%%ed !"nd th"t h"! rep "(ed hi! dr"wing= 0hen I ook up "g"in he h"! *"ni!hed= ,n y the %orni("tor! re)"inB " ("rpet o% de("den(e "pping "round eroti( te)p e (o u)n!< e*er (h"nging (on%igur"tion! o% % e!h< e*er eCp"nding ike the p"ttern! o% " ("rn" ."nd" "< the ro ing o% w"*e! "g"in!t " be"(h< the ripp e o% " breeAe through b o!!o) tree!H D 0hen I return to the Gr"nd Inn o% .ort" itie! I h"*e )y in@ured "r) en("!ed in "n "uto;do(= 0r"pped tight "round the broken bone< the AD pun(ture! the % e!h with hundred! o% )i(ro need e!< te"!ing the edge! o% the bre"k b"(k together "g"in= $he "r) wi be out o% (o))i!!ion %or " week "t the e"!t "nd I (ur!e )y re(k e!!ne!! %or "((epting Art?! (h" enge= 0h"t did it g"in )e< " broken "r)< "n enig)"ti( !"nd dr"wingE Not )u(h %or )y troub e!< but !ti < it w"! worth it to go %"(e;to;%"(e on(e )ore with the )"!ter= Fu!t ike the o d d"y!= $h"t brie% ook o% !urpri!e on Art?! %"(e "! I kno(ked hi) %ro) the "ir= H"dn?t that been worth the pri(e o% "d)i!!ion " oneE I think o% the dr"wing in the !"nd= $wo !pider!= /ide by !ide= #ene"th the )uddy !ur%"(e o% enig)" !o)ething !tir!= A re*e "tion= I try to ("t(h " g i)p!e o% it< but it !(utt e! b"(k into !h"dow! "nd (on%u!ion be%ore it! true %or) i! re*e" ed= DI9INE FU/$ICE $he god! o*e their gr"ndeur= $he (ourtroo) i! " h" o% epi( proportion!= Ch"nde ier! h"ng ike di")ond;!tudded %ruitB e"(h one weighing "t e"!t " tonne= $he w" ! "re (on("*e )irror! th"t (ur*e !e") e!! y "round the interior without on(e !urrendering to " right "ng e= $he (ei ing i! " d"AA ing !tudy in )"rb e< e)bo!!ed with !(ene! %ro) "n(ient )ytho ogy "nd (o!)ogeni( oreB "nge ! "nd god! w"rring "g"in!t the b ue o% "n "rti%i(i" !ky< de)on! in %" en r"pture!< !inner! drowning in ri*er! o% *i(e< dr"gged down by the weight o% their own !in= It i! " !ingu "r )"!terpie(e "nd I o%ten (")e here in the o d d"y! @u!t to !tudy it=
D It i! the d"y o% )y he"ring= I !t"nd in the (entre o% the H" ! o% Fu!ti(e< pub i( g" erie! ri!ing "round )e in !tru(tured tier!< e"(h one %i ed to ("p"(ity with )y %e ow god!= I ") en(ir( ed by " )u titude o% %"(e!< re% e(ting "n une*en )iC o% ho!ti ity "nd "d)ir"tion< "nd I ") unrepent"nt< un% in(hing & thi! i! my d"y in (ourt "nd I )e"n to eCp oit it %or " I ("n= In the highe!t g" ery I !ee the Ar(h"nge .i(h"e < g "ring down "t )e in !i ent r"ge= I !ee Lord ,din !t"nding in " ower tier< $hor "nd Loki % "nking hi)= A !o in "ttend"n(e "re the gre"t god! Peu! "nd Apo o< !urrounded by the e!!er god! o% their di*ine ( "n!< "nd !itting in her own pri*"te booth< ooking r"di"nt "nd b ")e e!! "! e*er< the L"dy Aphrodite< the wo)"n I b ")e %or " re(ent betr"y" = I !)i e "t e"(h in turn< "r)! %o ded< he"d he d high in de%i"n(e= D 0hen L"dy /ophi"< the )other di*ine< t"ke! her p "(e on the !ter ing throne "t the he"d o% the h" < the ru)b ing! o% (on*er!"tion dwind e to in!t"nt !i en(e= $wo /er"ph !t"nd to )y e%t on the (entr" % oorB one I re(ogni!e "! the %e)" e th"t "tt"(ked )e " ong with her )"te !e*er" week! e"r ier= $he !e(ond /er"ph I do not know< he i! )" e< o% higher r"nk th"n the %e)" e @udging %ro) the !("r et (he*ron! th"t )"rk hi! (hro)e he )et= $he /er"ph (on*er!e ")ong!t the)!e *e!< u!ing )i(robur!t tr"n!)i!!ion! th"t ("nnot be dete(ted in the hu)"n "udio r"nge< but to )y !en!iti*e e"r! they "re oud "! r"*en !hriek!= D A! the he"ring begin! the o*erhe"d! "re dou!ed< the h" p unged into neo ithi( g oo) whi !t )obi e;!pot! pinpoint the )"@or p "yer! in thi! dr")"< high ighting )y!e % "nd the %e)" e /er"ph< "nd wr"pping /ophi"?! %"(e in " !o%t h" o th"t e"*e! the re!t o% her in !h"dow= A % o"ting !pot "((o)p"nie! "n eC(eption" y ug y de)igod "! he !tro ! "(ro!! the (ourtroo) % oor= He ook! ike " gi"nt egg & I ("n de!(ribe hi) in no other w"y ; hi! tiny %"(e !(run(hed into the (entre o% " per%e(t y o*oid body= Hi! "r)! "re !(r"wny< bendy thing!B hi! eg! !o !ti(k; ike it i! gre"t wonder they ("n !upport the )"!! o% hi! body= $hi! i! the %")ou! HeC?")o! Luther< "(ting "wyer on beh" % o% the /er"ph= $here i! !("ttered "pp "u!e "! he )"ke! hi! w"y to the (entre o% the h" = /t"nding be!ide hi! ( ient< he (urt!ey! po ite y in L"dy /ophi"?! dire(tion= $hen< in " *oi(e th"t %i ! the entire (ourtroo)< Luther pronoun(e!< GI ") honoured to )"ke repre!ent"tion on beh" % o% the /"(red ,rder o% /er"ph in the )"tter (on(erning L"dy De!de)on" "nd the un "w%u ki ing o% .yCCiphe i" Urg" < " r"nking )e)ber o% the "%ore)entioned order=? He p"u!e!< no doubt %or dr")"ti( e%%e(t< then (ontinue! in th"t !")e boo)ing *oi(e= GDuring the (our!e o% the!e pro(eeding!< it i! to be "rgued by L"dy De!de)on"< " )e)ber o% the Hou!e o% Ar"(hnid!< th"t !he w"! "tt"(ked %ir!t by )y ( ient!< "nd th"t< in !o de%ending her!e %< the de"th o% Urg" w"! !ub!e>uent y brought "bout= $hi!< I wi "b y de)on!tr"te< i! b" d %"(ed prop"g"nd"=? Hi! *oi(e ri!e!B GLie! o% " )" i(iou! "nd (onte)ptib e n"ture< !pun in " de!per"te "tte)pt to ob!(ure the true %"(t!=? He !t"b! " thin< @oint e!! %inger "t )e= G$he truth i! it w"! L"dy De!de)on" who knowing y "nd with )" i(e "%orethought !et upon )y ( ient!< ! "ying Urg" in (o d b ood< "nd "tte)pting to ! "y hi! p"rtner< /hen@iier" K" i!ni" Urg" < who !t"nd! be%ore you tod"y to de)"nd rep"r"tion=? In !h"rp (ontr"!t to Luther?! o*erbe"ring po)p< L"dy /ophi"?! *oi(e i! (oo "nd !oothing< be ying the gre"t "uthority it ("rrie!= G$he L"dy De!de)on" h"! w"i*ed the right! to " %u tri" <? !he !"y!= G$he %inding! o% thi! he"ring wi there%ore be eg" "nd binding=?
$here i! " !urpri!ed )ur)ur %ro) the !pe(t"tor tier!= $he L"dy /ophi" r"i!e! her h"nd to >ue the di!turb"n(e= G$he (ourt wi he"r L"dy De!de)on"?! opening "rgu)ent!<? !he "nnoun(e!= I re"r up on )y %" !e eg!< towering o*er the /er"ph "nd their rotund b"rri!ter< "nd in " *oi(e th"t ("rrie! ( e"r to the highe!t g" erie!< I de( "re< GI ") L"dy Gene*ie*e De!de)on"= I )"ke repre!ent"tion on beh" % o% )y!e %= Not %or )e the !i ky p "titude! o% b"rri!ter!= $he %"(t! o% thi! ("!e do not need to be honey (o"ted< nor the truth be"uti%ied= ."ke no )i!t"ke "bout itB I ") the "ggrie*ed p"rty= I h"d no prior >u"rre with the /er"ph when they "tt"(ked )e= E*en now I be"r the) no i wi < h"*ing !ett ed the )"tter to )y !"ti!%"(tion= It i! the /er"ph who bring be%ore you thi! !puriou! ("!e o% un "w%u ki ing< "nd it i! the /er"ph who h"*e hired the gre"t HeC?")o! Luther< " "wyer %")ed (itywide %or hi! gr"nd )"nipu "tion o% the %"(t! &? GC"re%u < L"dy De!de)on"<? L"dy /ophi" w"rn! )e< G et u! not re!ort to per!on" in!u t!=? I bow re!pe(t%u y= I ") outw"rd y (ontrite< but inw"rd y (ontent )y point h"! been )"de= GI !t"nd be%ore you without eg" (oun!e or di*ine repre!ent"tion=? I turn in " ! ow (ir( e !o )y word! "re "ddre!!ed to the entire (ourtroo)= GUn ike the /er"ph I do not "tt"(k "! p"rt o% " bonded p"ir= I h"*e no i%e; ong )"te< no nu)eri(" !uperiority or t"(ti(" "d*"nt"ge on the %ie d o% b"tt e= I "(t " one= I %ight " one= I %" " one= And i% tod"y I ") to be (onde)ned %or )y "(tion!< then " one I %"(e the (on!e>uen(e! o% tho!e "(tion!= No >u"rter h"! been "!ked< et none be gi*en=? A! I (on( ude )y opening "ddre!! I ") p e"!ed to he"r " ight !("ttering o% "pp "u!e "round the (ourtroo)= Luther?! %"(e grow! e*en tighter< !u(king hi! )idd e into the *"(uu) o% " )urderou! !(ow = He d"n(e! %orw"rd< e"ger to reg"in the upper h"nd= GI wou d ike to pro*ide %oot"ge<? he thunder!< Gt"ken %ro) the !e(urity (")er"! "t the .G bui ding< the !(ene o% the /pider?! (ow"rd y "tt"(k=? I ") "!toni!hed th"t !o gre"t " *oi(e ("n e)erge %ro) !o di)inuti*e " )outh= Hi! entire egg;!h"ped body "ppe"r! to be one "rge re!on"n(e (h")ber= $wo (ourtroo) "ttend"nt! whee in " port"b e ho o;pro@e(tor< e"*ing it !t"nding in the (entre o% the h" "! they retre"t b"(k into !h"dow "nd ob!(urity= Luther pr"n(e! "round the )"(hine ike " (on@uror "bout to eCe(ute " (o)p eC i u!ion< (he(king (ontro p"ne !< running ightening >ui(k di"gno!ti(!= $hen< with " we ;(horeogr"phed % ouri!h< he !wit(he! it on= $he )"(hine i))edi"te y pro@e(t! " u)inou! 2;d (ube into the "ir th"t rot"te! ! ow y "bo*e u!= A! Luther )"nipu "te! the (ontro ! o% hi! pro@e(tor< the (ube be(o)e! %i ed with " p"nor")i( i)"ge o% b "(k tower! "nd !tee !pire!< gre"t !i i(on te)p e! "nd (orpor"te (it"de !< ten!ion bridge! !pun between the) ike !tr"nd! o% !i k= ,*erhe"d< re ent e!! ine! o% tr"%%i( !tre") " ong in*i!ib e !ky; "ne!= I ") %")i i"r with thi! *iewB it i! )y ho)e di!tri(t o% N"r(i!!u!< !hot %ro) the we!tern %"(e o% the .ontgo)ery Grey bui ding< the !e(ond t" e!t tower in N"r(i!!u!= A tiny %igure i! !een we"*ing ")ong!t the tower!< )o*ing %ro) web; ine to web; ine= I re(ogniAe )y!e % "t on(e= No one e !e (ou d )o*e with !u(h "gi ity< !u(h gr"(e= $he!e i)"ge! were !hot on the d"y the /er"ph "tt"(ked )e= $hi! w"! )y ho)ew"rd @ourney "%ter "ttending Aphrodite?! b" = $he /er"ph< I note< "re nowhere in *iew= I w"t(h intent y "! )y own i)"ge !ki %u y p "y! out web !tr"nd!< )o*ing out o% (")er" r"nge "! I p"u!e to re!t on the roo% o% the tower= How ong h"d I !pent on the tower roo% th"t d"yE I try to re(" = No )ore th"n " )inute< I ") (ert"in= $he ho ogr"phi( i)"ge @u)p! "nd !wit(he! (")er"!= Now I ") !hown %ro) " %re!h "ng e= It i! " )inute "ter< perh"p! two= I ") !winging into %r")e< )o*ing " ong the "r( o% )y web; ine= $hi! i! the )o)ent= $hi! i! the in!t"nt the /er"ph "tt"(ked )e= I ten!e< re i*ing their tre"(herou! "!!"u t in )y )ind< e*en "! I w"it %or it to be re(re"ted on !(reen= $here i! "
b inding % "!h o% !un ight !triking the p "!)" !ur%"(e! o% the tower= $he (ube i! w"!hed out in th"t in!t"nt= I (ur!e out oud= 0hen the (ube ( e"r! the (")er" "ng e h"! !hi%ted= $hirty !e(ond! h"*e p"!!ed= I ") now ( inging to the b"(k o% " /er"ph who "ppe"r! to be %ighting %or hi! i%e= 0e "re both !pinning down into the o%%;(")er" "by!!< the %e)" e /er"ph in de!per"te pur!uit= $he i)"ge i! %reeAe; %r")ed= ,ur de"th p unge i! i))ort" i!ed in the !t"ti( ho o;(ube= Luther en "rge! the (ube< )"king (ert"in the (ourt ("n !ee it %ro) e*ery po!!ib e "ng e= GAnd wh"t doe! thi! %oot"ge !howE? L"dy /ophi" "!k!= G0e !ee the L"dy De!de)on" ooking %or " !uit"b e point o% ")bu!h<? Luther intone!= G0e !ee her w"it unti the !un !trike! the tower "t noon pre(i!e y< te)por"ri y b inding the (")er"!< "nd when they "re on(e "g"in %un(tioning< we ( e"r y !ee L"dy De!de)on" "! the "ggre!!or=? G0hy h"!n?t the %oot"ge been %i teredE? $he *ery >ue!tion I w"! prep"ring to "!k< but wi!e /ophi" h"! be"ten )e to the pun(h= Luther doe!n?t )i!! " be"t= G$here w"! " te)por"ry power !urge in the di!tri(t ho ogr"phi(!<? he eCp "in!= G$he !un w"! !e*er" ti)e! brighter th"n nor)" th"t )orning< it w"!hed the %oot"ge out (o)p ete y I?) "%r"idB nothing w"! !" *"ge"b e=? GHow (on*enient<? I inter@e(t< G"nd !o we? ne*er know how the %ight beg"n= $e )e< Luther< how did I know the /er"ph wou d be % ying p"!t the .G bui ding "t @u!t th"t )o)entE? G$he .G bui ding i! under /er"ph p"tron"ge<? Luther re!pond! in " % "!h= GIt i! (o))on know edge they p"tro the bui ding "! p"rt o% their d"i y !e(urity routine "nd i% the /er"ph "re known %or one thing it i! pun(tu" ity= 3ou were tre!p"!!ing on pri*"te property< L"dy De!de)on"< "t " ti)e you knew the /er"ph wou d be p"!!ing= 0e " know you h"*e " p"tho ogi(" h"tred o% the "nge i( ( "!!e!=? GI wou dn?t !"y !athologi#al<? I purr= G#ut hatred !ure y=? GI do not h"te the "nge !<? I rep y= GI h"*e h"d di!"gree)ent with the) in the p"!t< "! I h"*e h"d di!"gree)ent with )"ny god! "nd godde!!e! pre!ent here tod"y= I h"*e not %e t the need to "!!"u t "ny o% )y peer!< why wou d I h"*e "!!"u ted the /er"phE? I turn to L"dy /ophi"= G$he i)"ge %"i ! to re*e" the )o)ent o% the "tt"(k<? I te her= GI! it not " (o))on t"(ti( o% /er"ph to !woop down on "n ene)y %ro) dire(t y out o% the !unE I! it not )ore ike y the 'era!h were u!ing the !un to di!gui!e their "tt"(k< r"ther th"n IE? A )ur)ur ripp e! "round the (ourt roo) "nd /ophi" (" ! %or order= Luther?! o*oid body !ee)! )o)ent"ri y de% "ted "! he begin! *igorou!< but )uted< di!(our!e with hi! ( ient!= I (ontinue to "ddre!! the (ourt= GIn the e"r ie!t %r")e! o% thi! !e(urity %oot"ge<? I !"y< Gon y my i)"ge i! re*e" ed= 0here "re the /er"ph during thi! ti)eE 0hy i! there no !e(urity %oot"ge to do(u)ent their )o*e)ent!E I !ugge!t they "re "t "n " titude %"r beyond the r"nge o% terre!tri" !("nner!< hiding in the !un< w"iting to poun(e= I! thi! !o %"r%et(hedE .ore !o th"n Luther?! theory th"t I< L"dy De!de)on"< ") to be (on!idered !o %e"r!o)e "nd !o re(k e!! I wi "tt"(k two %u y % edged /er"ph< w"rrior e ite "nd !ho(k troop! %or the Ange i( Ho!t< on )y own< without "((o)p i(e< we"pon or !tr"tegyE HeC?")o! Luther< " geniu! in " )"tter! re "ted to the theoreti(" < i! ob*iou! y not "(>u"inted with the %iner nu"n(e! o% pr"(ti(" (o)b"t=? $here i! "ughter %ro) the pub i( g" erie!= Luther "un(he! into hi! (ounter;"tt"(k be%ore the e(hoe! o% )y "!t word! h"*e %"ded= G0h"t po!!ib e re"!on do the /er"ph h"*e %or "tt"(king L"dy De!de)on"E? he de)"nd!= G$hey "re pro%e!!ion" w"rrior!< !t"nding re"dy to de%end the E ohi) "t " )o)ent?! noti(e= L"dy De!de)on"< on the other h"nd< i! we known "! " )"*eri(k in di*ine !o(ietyB her e*ery
re(k e!! deed i! de!igned to enh"n(e th"t reput"tion= $o "tt"(k " hunting p"ir o% /er"ph "nd ( "i) e*en p"rti" *i(tory w"! "n eCp oit the good "dy %ound too irre!i!tib e to p"!! up &? I interrupt= G$hen why i! the good "dy denying thi! eCp oit< i% the origin" intention w"! to !we the (o%%er! o% her reput"tionE? Luther !t"re! d"gger! "t )e< hi! h"nd! ( en(hing "nd un( en(hing in un(on!(iou! "git"tion= G0e "re ooking "t " godde!! who< by her own "d)i!!ion< p "y! out!ide the ru e! o% eng"ge)ent<? hi! *oi(e h"! t"ken on the ti)bre o% "n epi( poe) "nd I !e(ret y )"r*e "t the w"y he i! "b e to )"nipu "te !ound in hi! %"*our= G0e?re ooking "t " godde!! who prey! on hu)"n! de!pite the on;going tru(e between di*inity "nd )ort" ityB " godde!! who !ti "((ept! hu)"n !"(ri%i(e de!pite the (urrent b"n= /he ( "i)! !he i! " god o% the Hou!e o% Ar"(hnid!< yet where "re the Ar"(hnid! tod"yE $hey h"*e not r" ied "round her= I ("nnot identi%y their %"(e! in the pub i( g" ery= 0hy do they not !pe"k on her beh" %E 0hy do they not de%end herE $he truth i! L"dy De!de)on" i! " ied to no one= /he h"! e!tr"nged her!e % %ro) her own ( "n< " ien"ted her!e % through her "nti!o(i" "(ti*itie!= Doe! thi! not !upport the )odu! oper"ndi o% " wo)"n who wou d !et upon "nge ! in " bid to enh"n(e her "n"r(hi( reput"tionE? $he )ur)ur th"t w"!he! "round the (ourtroo) %"*our! Luther thi! ti)e= .y reput"tion i! doing )e %ew %"*our!< I !ee= Luther pu!he! on< e"ger to ("pit" i!e on hi! g"in!= GIt w"! her )" i(e< her @e" ou!y "nd her hunger %or "ggre!!ion< th"t ed her to (h" enge the "nge !B? he (ontinue!< G" !puriou! "tte)pt to de)on!tr"te prowe!! e*en i% it ed to her own de"th= In!te"d it ed to the de"th o% " /er"ph= I do not be ie*e L"dy De!de)on" intended thi! out(o)e= I do not be ie*e !he intended to ! "y the "nge = De%e"ting the /er"ph wou d h"*e been enough %or her= #ut e*ent! >ui(k y !pir" ed beyond her (ontro = Now !he denie! her (u p"bi ity< "%r"id to %"(e re!pon!ibi ity %or her )o!t re(k e!! o% "(tion!=? Ag"in he !t"b! " %inger "t )e= GI urge you to t"ke into "((ount L"dy De!de)on"?! hi!tory o% *io en(e "nd o*ert "ggre!!ion= I "!k thi! (ourt not to be !w"yed by her (h"r)!< nor be de% e(ted %ro) the ob*iou!= /he i! gui ty o% ki ing "n "nge < the !e(ond order o% di*inity< "nd o% bringing !h")e to u! " = I "!k %or nothing e!! th"n her in("r(er"tion in Purg"tory H" =? C" ) "! " w"y! L"dy /ophi" !)i e! down "t )e %ro) her throne< her eye! gent e "nd un"!!u)ing= G3ou "re %ree to !pe"k< L"dy De!de)on"=? G$h"nk you< e der !i!ter<? I bow= GI h"*e " %e"r!o)e reput"tion<? I te the h" < GI do not deny it= 0hen "tt"(ked I wi de%end )y!e %< "nd wh"t )"n or wo)"n here wou d do e!!E 3e!< I hunt )ort" !< !e e(ting )y t"rget! %ro) tho!e who prey on other!= I do not bre"k the ter)! o% the 621 $ru(e !in(e the Ar"(hnid! were ne*er !ign"torie! to th"t tru(e= 0e )"int"in p"rti" "utono)y %ro) the Di*ine Co e(ti*e "nd "re not bound by !pe(i%i( !t"tute!< " though we !ti "bide by (o))on "w= $hi! i! " )"tter o% pub i( re(ord= GAt no ti)e in )y p"!t h"*e I !puriou! y "tt"(ked " )e)ber o% di*ine !o(iety< whether god< "nge or de)igod< without pro*o("tion= 0h"t wou d pro)pt )e to "tt"(k the /er"ph nowE 0hy wou d I need to enh"n(e )y reput"tionE H"*e I not pro*en )y!e % ti)e "nd "g"in in (o)b"tE? L"dy /ophi" !t"nd! "nd de!(end! ! ow y %ro) her throne< GI wi (" re(e!! "t thi! ti)e<? !he "nnoun(e!= GA *ote wi be ("!t in the neCt round "nd " %in" ru ing wi be de i*ered=? $HE 9E+DIC$ GL"dy Aphrodite<? I @oin the !en!u" godde!! in " g"rden en( o!ure "d@oining the )"in (ourthou!e= /he !it! upon " !tone ben(h< her robe! g"thered "round her< "nd ook! up "! I "ppro"(h= Her be"uty i! " !t"b in the he"rtB her p" e b ue eye!< the high do)e o% her %orehe"d< !kin % "w e!! "! $"ure"n di")ond!= I !trugg e through " ri!ing tide o% de!ire= I w"! re"dy to "((u!e her o% betr"ying )e to the /er"ph & unti thi! )o)ent I w"! (ert"in it w"! her= Now I ") not !o !ure=
G$he /er"ph & E? I ("nnot (o)p ete the >ue!tion= G3ou know I didn?t betr"y you<? !he !"y!< her "ur" pu !ing in !o%t rhyth)i( w"*e!= GHow ("n I know "nythingE? I "!k= /he t"ke! )y h"nd "nd p "(e! it o*er her he"rt< her bo!o) ri!ing "nd %" ing bene"th )y %inger!< her "ur" yie ding to )y probe< " owing )e to %ee the e)otion! th"t !tir bene"th= 0e !h"re " )o)ent o% !i en(e< broken by the gent e ! "pping o% w"ter down the !tone !tep! o% " %ount"in= In th"t ")bient )o)ent " >ue!tion! "re "!ked "nd " doubt! "n!wered= 'he did not &etray me. I ") !edu(ed by thi! kinder truth "nd I withdr"w )y h"nd< re "Cing "! !he !)i e! up "t )e "nd re"(he! out< "nd I t"ke her p" e h"nd! in )y own "nd ki!! e"(h (heri!hed %inger= G$hing! wi (h"nge<? Aphrodite !igh!= GI?) " )o!t "%r"id< De!de)on"= /o)ething in )e ye"rn! %or (h"nge< "nd yet I %e"r it !o=? I !it be!ide her on the !tone ben(h= I i!ten to the (" o% bird! in the b o!!o) br"n(he! "bo*e u!= G0e "re " )"rked by the be"!t<? I te her= GIt i! the (h"nge within th"t we %e"r< G"i"=? GI ne*er >uite know how to t"ke you<? Aphrodite !troke! the *o "ti e !tr"nd! o% )y h"ir "nd they (ur !edu(ti*e y "round her %inger!= G3ou?re "n enig)" to u! " = Perh"p! th"t?! why they?re "%r"id o% you=? GPerh"p!=? GDo you think the he"ring wi end we %or youE? I !hrug= GIt (ou d go either w"y<? I te her= Aphrodite e"n! tow"rd! )e< G3ou )u!t enter the CCI< Gene*ie*e<? !he whi!per!= G3ou )u!t tr"*e into the he"rt o% the )"(hine )ind= $here "re !e(ret! there th"t ("n be "((e!!ed by one who i! both (unning "nd !wi%t=? Cyber;Cypher;Iu"ntu)= $he CCI i! the uni%ied Ai )ind th"t (ontro ! the "uto)"ted %un(tion! o% Go goth" '" != $o enter into it! *irtu" re" )! one )u!t %ir!t !urrender the % e!h< %or the CCI eCi!t! out!ide o% phy!i(" re" ity= It i! " p "(e I h"*e !e do) *i!ited< pre%erring in!te"d the wor d o% t"ngib e ob@e(t!= G0h"t !e(ret!E? I "!k= G$he !e(ret o% %ire<? !he "ugh!< Gthe !e(ret o% wind "nd w"ter= $hing! "re not " w"y! "! they !ee)= In thi! (ity there i! gre"ter truth in *irtu" !p"(e= +e" ity i! in % uC< " o% hi!tory i! nothing but e "bor"te i u!ion=? G3ou !ound " )o!t (yni(" =? G0i you go into the CCIE? G0h"t ") I ooking %orE? /he bre"the! " !igh< (hoo!ing her neCt word! with ("re< GEnter the Ak"!hi( +e(ord!< Gene*ie*e= A((e!! the Purg"tory %i e!< %ind out wh"t re" y h"ppened to the prophet D")"!(u!=? I !t"re "t her= GArgy D")"!(u! w"! eCe(uted o*er " (entury "go<? I te her< Ge*ery !(hoo (hi d know! th"t=? G0e "re not !(hoo (hi dren< Gene*ie*e=? G0h"t do you know o% itE? GI know nothing= I !u!pe(t )u(h=? G0h"t do you !u!pe(t thenE? G$h"t we h"*e been !o d " gre"t ie=? GAnd you think the CCI ho d! the truthE? G0i you go thereE? I !hrug= G3ou?*e "rou!ed )y (urio!ity=? G$h"t?! " good thing< !ure yE? /he ook! troub ed< G0h"t o% thi! he"ring< Gene*ie*e< wh"t i% the @udge)ent goe! "g"in!t youE?
GLet the) @udge )e<? I !"y< GI %e"r neither )ort" nor god= Let the) %ind )e gui ty= I wi in!t"nt y !ub)it )y!e % to their wi "nd they wi %e"r )e the )ore=? G3ou?re !t"king " ot on thi!=? GI !ur*i*e on )y reput"tion= I% they on(e think )e *u ner"b e I wi be %ini!hed=? GAnd are you *u ner"b eE? GAren?t we " < !weet !i!ter<? "nd I e"*e her with " ki!!< the ight tou(h o% )y ip! to her!< "n inti)"(y I tre"!ure %or the re!t o% th"t d"y= D L"dy /ophi" on(e "g"in t"ke! her p "(e on the !ter ing throne "nd in!t"nt y the (ourtroo) %" ! !i ent= GIt i! ti)e to p "(e the )"tter be%ore the god!<? !he "nnoun(e!= $he god! "re e"(h pre!ented with " b" ot ("rd upon whi(h to )"rk their *ote< G*ay or nay. $he ("rd! "re then ("!t in " nu)ber o% %e t; ined boCe! p"!!ed %ro) h"nd to h"nd "round the pub i( g" erie!= $he boCe! "re returned to the (ourt o%%i(i" !< who bring the) be%ore L"dy /ophi"< "nd in %ront o% e*eryone they "re opened "nd their (ontent! (ounted= $o i)it the opportunity %or %r"ud the who e "%%"ir i! "! o;tek "! po!!ib e= De iber"te y "dopting " neutr" po!ture I "w"it )y %"te with !toi(i!)= HeC?")o! Luther i)p"tient y p"(e! the % oor "! the ("rd! "re !orted "((ording to *ote= It i! " whi e be%ore the %in" (ount i! t" ied "nd the re!u t! pre!ented to L"dy /ophi"= /he !t"nd!= GIn thi! )"tter between the /er"ph "nd L"dy De!de)on"<? !he "nnoun(e!< Gthe god! %ind in %"*our o% the ,rder o% /er"ph by !iCty;!e*en *ote! to thirty;eight< with thirteen "b!tention!=? In hi! )o)ent o% triu)ph Luther (rie! out< whi !t behind hi) the two /er"ph *ent high; pit(hed u u "tion! th"t !h"tter !e*er" (ry!t" bu b!= I !t"re de%i"nt y "t /ophi"= Not b inking= Not )o*ing= I h"*e o!t the he"ring= .y )ind i! b "nk< )y bre"thing )e"!ured= GDo you wi!h thi! )"tter to go to %u tri" E? L"dy /ophi" "!k! )e= G3ou !ti h"*e the right to re%ute thi! (ourt?! %inding!=? GI yie d to the (ourt<? I rep y< G" he"ring i! good enough %or )e=? G#e%ore the )"tter ("n (o)e to re!t<? L"dy /ophi" turn! to the (ourt< Gi! there "nyone ")ong!t the god! who wi!he! to )"ke %in" repre!ent"tion %or either p"rtyE? $here i! !i en(e= I !t"re "t the g" erie!< but e*eryone i! "*oiding )y g"Ae= L"dy /ophi" i! "bout to !pe"k "g"in when " *oi(e !udden y (rie! out< GI w"! doAing< (on%ound it< >uite !i y o% )e< >uite re)i!! & o% (our!e I w"nt to )"ke repre!ent"tion< o% (our!e I do & eC(u!e )e< out o% )y w"y< b "!t it< et )e through &? "nd Hipi!(iu!< the p"*e)ent dwe ing god< pu!he! hi! w"y onto the (entr" % oor< du!ting down hi! dirt;!t"ined ( othe! "nd !)oothing b"(k hi! di!he*e ed h"ir "nd !o udi(rou! " !ight doe! he pre!ent th"t I " )o!t bur!t out "ughing= Hipi!(iu! !hu%% e! "(ro!! to HeC?")o! Luther who !t"re! "t hi) "! though trying to wi the r"g")u%%in god out o% eCi!ten(e= A! Hipi!(iu! p"!!e! the ho o;pro@e(tor he t"p! it with " gn"r ed %inger= GC"re%u <? Luther w"rn! hi)< Gth"t?! "n eCpen!i*e pie(e o% e>uip)ent=? GNeed to borrow it< o d (h"p<? Hipi!(iu! te ! hi)< G)u(h ob iged i% you?d !how )e how it work!= I h"*e " d"t" (ry!t" I?d ike to p "y %or the (ourt=? GI? do no !u(h thing<? Luther "ngri y de( "re!< Gget your own d")ned pro@e(tor=? GDon?t be (hur i!h<? L"dy /ophi" "d)oni!he! Luther< G!how the good gent e)"n how your )"(hine work!= I?) !ure thi! wi be o% intere!t to u! " =? Luther b u!he! bright pink "t the !ound o% (o d (onte)pt in L"dy /ophi"?! *oi(e< hi! %"(e thi(kening into "n e)b"rr"!!ed !(ow = Grudging y he !how! Hipi!(iu! how the pro@e(tor work!= Hipi!(iu! in!ert! hi! d"t" (ry!t" "nd " new ho o;(ube i! pro@e(ted into the "ir "bo*e the (ourtroo)= G$hi! i! d"t" (ry!t" T;1:< !erie! AAF 2502 ;7<? Hipi!(iu! "nnoun(e!= GI entered it into o%%i(i" d"t" re(ord! thi! )orning "%ter %ir!t *eri%ying it! "uthenti(ity in the CCI d"t" *"u t!=
3ou ("n !ee the "uthenti("tion (ode on the upper right h"nd o% the (ube= E"(h %r")e h"! been run through the !tri(te!t "n" y!i! "nd "dhere! to the CCI d"t" "(t 672 A,D=? GAnd !o it !h" be "((epted by the (ourt<? L"dy /ophi" rep ie!= G0"it " )o)ent&? Luther prote!t! "nd hi! b"ritone *oi(e h"! !udden y be(o)e !hri "nd ner*ou!< GI w"nt thi! (ube !our(ed=? GI ("nnot re*e" the !our(e o% the pro@e(tion<? Hipi!(iu! (" ) y rep ie!< Gnor ") I re>uired to= I ") )ere y re>uired to "uthenti("te it=? GI prote!tH=? Luther (rie!< GI )o!t *ehe)ent y prote!t=? Hi! eye! ook p"ni(ked< hi! %"(e b e"(hed o% " (o our= G,n wh"t ground!E? L"dy /ophi" "!k! hi)= G$he *ote w"! ("!t &? Luther begin!= G#ut not yet r"ti%ied<? L"dy /ophi" point! out= GNowu" ity I h"*e ne*er >uite !een be%ore= It i! "! though " window h"! opened in re" ity "nd we "re " peering into the di!tri(t o% N"r(i!!u!< !t"ring b"(k in ti)e to the %"te%u d"y "n "nge died= I he"r eC( ")"tion! "round the (ourtroo)B one o% the) )ight h"*e been )y own= $he i)"ge ook! )ore re" th"n the h" I !t"nd in= I h"*e to re)ind )y!e % it i! " )ere re(ording= #ut how w"! it (re"tedE It w"! not produ(ed by "ny o% the .G bui ding?! !e(urity (")er"!B in!te"d it "ppe"r! to h"*e been !hot !o)e %orty %eet o%% the we!tern % "nk o% the bui ding= I ("nnot re(" "nything ho*ering "t thi! di!t"n(e= $here were no "uto)"ton! ne"rby or p"!!ing !hip! or new! (rui!er!= /o where did Hipi!(iu! "(>uire thi! %oot"geE ,n(e "g"in )y i)"ge web! it! w"y "(ro!! to the roo% o% the .G bui ding< but un ike the !e(urity %oot"ge Luther !howed the (ourt< thi! re(ording i! pri!tine< " )o!t unn"tur" in it! ( "rity= De!pite the di!t"n(e I ("n e*en )"ke out the web; ine I ") !winging %ro)= I w"t(h "! )y i)"ge (o)e! to re!t on the .G roo%= I ") there %or h" % " )inute< no )ore< be%ore !winging %ree o% the bui ding< re!u)ing )y @ourney ho)e= In th"t in!t"nt the !un ! ip! %ro) behind " ( oud= Now i! the )o)ent o% the "tt"(k= $he )o)ent Luther?! %oot"ge %"i ed to re*e" = I ho d )y bre"th= /un ight !trike! the !i i(on w" ! o% the .G bui ding "nd ike " *erti(" %uner" pyre it ignite!< re% e(ting the %u %ury o% the noond"y !un= It w"! thi! re% e(tion th"t h"d !o (on*enient y b inded Luther?! (")er"!= Howe*er< Hipi!(iu!? %oot"ge redu(e! the !un g "re to ne"r Aero "nd the %oot"ge re*e" ! e*erything Luther?! %"i ed toB the )o)ent o% the /er"ph "tt"(k< )y de!per"te de%en(e th"t (u )in"te! in the p unging de"th o% the )" e /er"ph= 0hen the ho o;%oot"ge end! the entire (ourtroo) i! on it! %eet "pp "uding )y (our"ge< ye ing )y pr"i!e< ro"ring )y n")e & thi! i! the !tu%% o% egend ; thi! i! the kind o% b" d %"(ed d"ring the god! "d)ire "bo*e " e !e= It i! the on y thing th"t ("n i%t the) )o)ent"ri y %ro) their i))ort" eth"rgy= $hey "re in!pired= 'or " !ing e )o)ent they "re e e*"ted "bo*e the (ru!hing weight o% their ye"r!= G$hi! (ry!t" h"! been t")pered with<? Luther ro"r!= He ru!he! tow"rd! hi! pro@e(tor in "n "tte)pt to )"nu" y e@e(t Hipi!(iu!? d"t" (ry!t" %ro) the )"(hine= Hipi!(iu! )o*e! with !urpri!ing !peed %or !o di)inuti*e " god< % i(king hi! %oot out "nd tripping Luther?! !pind y eg!= $he o*oid de)igod (r"!he! o*er onto hi! %"(e "nd ro ! !e*er" %eet be%ore he i! "b e to right hi)!e %= $he (ourtroo) %" ! !i ent= G,ne )ore outbur!t< #"rri!ter Luther<? L"dy /ophi" hi!!e!< G"nd I? ho d you in (onte)pt=? G#ut the (ry!t" h"! been t")pered with< your honour<? Luther w"i != GHe?! u!ing out "wed tek & prob"bi ity )"pping or >u"ntu) (" (u u!H=?
G$he in%or)"tion h"! been *eri%ied by the CCI<? L"dy /ophi"?! *oi(e (ut! Luther to !i en(e= GDo you >ue!tion the "uthority o% the Ai God%"ther!< Luther HeC?")o!E? $hi! (h"!ten! the b"rri!ter= GNo< L"dy /ophi"<? he )u)b e!< Gne*er & o% (our!e not & I "po ogi!e=? G$hen be w"rned< I wi to er"te no %urther interruption!=? Luther ook! (ru!hed "! he !i ent y !t"re! up "t the ho o;(ube= A! the god! t"ke their !e"t! "g"in one )"n re)"in! !t"nding< g "ring down "t )e with p" p"b e r"geB it i! .i(h"e < "r(h"nge "nd w"rrior !upre)e= G#e !e"ted< Lord .i(h"e <? L"dy /ophi" in!tru(t! hi)= He !t"nd! " )o)ent ongerB then ! ow y< grudging y< return! to hi! !e"t< hi! eye! ne*er on(e e"*ing )y %"(e= G$he )"tter i! now de(ided in %"*our o% L"dy De!de)on"<? /ophi" "nnoun(e!< Gthe pre*iou! *ote i! de( "red nu "nd *oid= Do "ny prote!t thi! de(i!ionE? $he /er"ph !hriek in outr"ge< "nd .i(h"e e"p! to hi! %eet "nd ro"r!< G$ri" by (o)b"t= I de)"nd it= A hunting p"ir o% /er"ph h"*e been de!troyed< L"dy /ophi"< no )"tter th"t they %ir!t "tt"(ked the !pider god= Honour de)"nd! " b ood !ett e)ent "t the *ery e"!t= Are we not worthy o% th"tE H"*e we not de%ended with our b ood the *ery pi "r! o% di*ine !o(ietyE H"*e we e*er % in(hed %ro) the dutie! o% our ("!teE Are we not worthy o% !ett e)entE Are we to be ("!t out ike thie*e! "nd (o))on "!!"!!in!E No )"tter the re"!on %or the /er"ph?! indi!(retion< we "re worthy o% !ett e)ent in the o d w"y< thri(e worthy< "nd I (h" enge e*en the throne o% @u!ti(e to !"y it i! not !o=? $here i! " thi(kening in the !i en(e th"t %o ow! the!e word!= L"dy /ophi" ri!e! to her %eet "nd !t"re! up "t .i(h"e < " ight in her eye! th"t I h"*e not !een be%ore "nd I h"*e not !een !in(e= .i(h"e !t"re! b"(k "t her< hi! wing! !pre"ding ike the @"w! o% hi! r"ge= Hi! eye! b "Ae with open de%i"n(e= GDo you d"re (h" enge )eE? L"dy /ophi" !ound! " )o!t p e"!"nt< but there i! " !tr"nge re!on"n(e in her *oi(e= $he word! "re !o%t< but the e(hoe! r"in down upon the (ourtroo) ike in*i!ib e (o)et!= We are on the verge of war. I ("n !en!e it in the "ir= It on y t"ke! .i(h"e to nod hi! he"d & @u!t the ! ighte!t ti t in the dire(tion o% de%i"n(e "nd the !e(ond di*ine w"r wi be upon u!= And into thi! I !tep= .y ti)ing< "! e*er< i! i)pe(("b e= GI "((ept " b ood !ett e)ent<? I "nnoun(e< )y *oi(e ! i(ing through the ten!ion ike " @"gged bo t o% ightning< Gwith L"dy /ophi"?! kind per)i!!ion= $he /er"ph "tt"(ked )e< it i! true< "nd I ") not eg" y ob iged to re!pond to their (h" enge< yet I !h" = Let Lord .i(h"e be !"ti!%ied with thi! out(o)e< un e!! he h"! %urther ("u!e to prote!t=? .i(h"e ?! )o)entu) h"! been o!t= He ook! (on%u!ed< hi! eye! !hi%ting b"(k "nd %orth between /ophi" "nd )y!e %= $hen ! ow y he %o d! hi! wing! behind hi) "nd thru!ting hi! (hin out< ru)b e!< GI %ind thi! !"ti!%"(tory= I withdr"w )y (o))ent! "nd o%%er %u "po ogy to L"dy /ophi" "nd to " tho!e pre!ent= I !poke in h"!te= I wi repent "t ei!ure=? He !it! down !ti%% y "nd hi! he"d re)"in! bowed throughout the re!t o% the pro(eeding!= G9ery we <? L"dy /ophi" pronoun(e!< Gthe )"tter wi ie thu!= /in(e L"dy De!de)on" h"! "greed to thi!< I gr"nt the !ur*i*ing /er"ph right to tri" by (o)b"t= $he L"dy De!de)on" h"! " )onth in whi(h to retr"(t her (h" enge= I% !he !o retr"(t!< the i!!ue wi re!t "nd no puniti*e )e"!ure! wi be " owed "g"in!t her per!on= I% !he i! o% the !")e )ind "t the )onth?! end the (h" enge wi be !et in !tone "nd " d"te %or (o)b"t de(ided= $hi! (ourt h"! ru ed= Go in pe"(e=? D 0" king b"(k tow"rd! the Gr"nd Inn o% .ort" itie! I ") in the unu!u" po!ition o% re(ei*ing pr"i!e "nd !" ut"tion! %ro) ne"r y e*ery one I p"!!= It !ee)! the e*ent! in the (ourtroo) h"*e
" re"dy entered into %o k ore= I h"d been wronged "nd de!pite being *indi("ted I h"d "((epted the /er"ph b ood (h" enge r"ther th"n " ow di*ine !o(iety to %" into (i*i w"r= N"tur" y I ") the hero o% the hour= It i! " !i)p y dre"d%u %ee ing< d"r ing!< to be %Xted by tho!e who h"ted you on y hour! e"r ier= It i! the )o!t di!"gree"b e o% thing!= I hurry to the Gr"nd Inn o% .ort" itie! "nd )"ke h"!te to dep"rt Cogniti"= D@ob"< the itt e d"r ing< h"! " re"dy p"(ked )y be onging! "nd %orw"rded the) to C"!t e Arine"e= I !ett e )y bi with the Inn "nd "rr"nge !hutt e tr"n!port"tion b"(k to Di!tri(t N"r(i!!u!= D #e%ore dep"rture I *i!it Hipi!(iu!? tent one "!t ti)e= I wi!h to th"nk hi) %or hi! ti)e y inter*ention in (ourt< but there i! "nother re"!on %or )y *i!it= A! I "ppro"(h hi! p"*e)ent dwe ing the itt e god poke! hi! he"d out %ro) between the tent (urt"in! "nd grin! up "t )e= Entering into the (ontr"!ting uCury o% the tent?! interior< I "((ept Hipi!(iu!? generou! o%%er o% )int te" "nd bi!(uit!= GHow do you (re"te " !p"(e within whi(h i! "rger th"n the di)en!ion! en( o!ing itE? I !t"re "round hi! p"*e)ent tent= G,h<? Hipi!(iu! di!)i!!e! thi! "! tri*i" < G!o)e tek I "(>uired %ro) CreeptownB not re" y !uppo!ed to h"*e it< but who?! to knowE? GI! Creeptown where you got the %oot"ge you brought to (ourt tod"yE? I "!k thi! >ue!tion !ooner th"n I h"d intended= I eCpe(t hi) to deny it< but Hipi!(iu! !urpri!e! )e by !hrugging "nd nodding= G,% (our!e< o% (our!e<? he !"y!= GIt w"! ri!ky< you know< I (ou dn?t re*e" the !our(e< but there "re in*i!ib e eye! e*erywhere< )onitoring u! %ro) the ether< peering "t our i*e! %ro) e*ery i)po!!ib e "ng e= Nothing i! hidden %ro) %our di)en!ion" *iew=? G0hy did you he p )eE? GA %"*our %or " %riend=? He bring! )e te" "nd bi!(uit! "nd I !ip "nd )un(h re% e(ti*e y= GAre you )y %riend< Hipi!(iu!E? I "!k b unt y when he h"! !ett ed down be!ide )e= GI ")<? Hipi!(iu! de( "re!= G3ou !"*ed )y i%e during the w"r "nd I ne*er %orget " good deed=? GI owe you )u(h in return<? I te hi)= GA tri% e<? he !(o%%! i)p"tient y< G@u!t re)e)ber the !pe(t"( e! I g"*e you= $he (o)p"nion p"ir "re w"iting %or you in Feri(ho i% you de(ide to go=? I nod= I h"d not %orgotten= GFu!t be%ore the /er"ph "tt"(ked )e<? I te hi)< GI h"d " *i!ion= I !"w tiny entitie! % o"ting in !p"(e= $here were thou!"nd! o% the)< %or)ing "n end e!! gridB " !t"ring down "t )e= I tried to u!e )y !(rying eye! on the)< but they h"d neither p"!t nor %utureB on y " pre!ent=? GIntere!ting<? Hipi!(iu! !"y!= I (ontinue= GI?) te ing you thi! be("u!e "t the ti)e I thought they were h" u(in"tion!= $hen when I !"w the %oot"ge you pre!ented to the (ourt I beg"n to wonder i% they weren?t perh"p! !o)ething )ore=? GIndeed<? Hipi!(iu! nod! "! though none o% thi! h"! "nything "t " to do with hi)= I ( e"r )y thro"t po ite y< G0h"t were they< Hipi!(iu!E? I "!k hi)= GG"y"<? he !"y! with " )y!teriou! itt e !)i e= GG"y"<? I repe"t< Gyou )entioned the) be%ore= 0h"t are theyE? G0h"t they "re depend! on who you "re<? he !"y!= GI don?t %o ow=? GA in good ti)e<? Hipi!(iu! wink!< G" in good ti)e=? I %ini!h )y te" in !i en(e< dwe ing on hi! word!= 0hen it i! ti)e to e"*e I ki!! hi) on both (heek!= GI% e*er you need he pH? I begin=
G$rue %riend!<? he !"y!< gi*ing )e " tight hug< G("n di!pen!e with the p e"!"ntrie! e*ery on(e in " whi e? D I w" k the !hort di!t"n(e to the !hutt e port< the t"!te o% )int te" " p e"!"nt re)inder o% )y ti)e !pent in Hipi!(iu!? )"gi(" tent= I do not g "n(e b"(k "t Cogniti" "! I bo"rd the !hutt e< e*en "! we ! ip out o% port "nd e*ery he"d (r"ne! to t"ke in the %"bu ou! *i!t" o% th"t % o"ting di!tri(t= It i! be"uti%u < I know< " (ity "bo*e the ( oud!< ti ting "w"y %ro) the "ng e o% our dep"rture< but it ho d! %ew good )e)orie! %or )e= I !t"re "he"d< )y (on(entr"tion %iCed on the d"rk tunne o% %uture th"t open! be%ore )e= I h"*e te)por"ri y thw"rted )y ene)ie!< but I re(" the ook o% pure h"tred in Lord .i(h"e ?! %"(e "! he !t"red down "t )e %ro) the pub i( g" ery= He i! " d"ngerou! ene)y< one who i! wi ing to ri!k open w"r%"re @u!t to !ee )e %" = I ("n gue!! the !our(e o% thi! h"tred= .amu Gilfrey< " )ort" who i*ed "nd died " hundred "nd %i%ty ye"r! "go= .i(h"e !ti h"!n?t %orgotten th"t itt e point o% (ontention between u!= I ") (o)%ort"b e with th"t= '")i i"r enough with h"tred to know th"t .i(h"e "nd I wi )eet "g"in< %"(e to %"(e< "nd on th"t d"y there wi be no eg" "pp"r"tu! to dr"w ine! o% di!tin(tion between u!= I ") !"ti!%ied with )y *i!it to Cogniti"< the !o;(" ed City o% God!= I h"*e enh"n(ed )y reput"tion by no !)" )e"!ure "nd I ") %u y "w"re th"t in the d"ngerou! %uture th"t ie! "he"d< thi! )ight yet pro*e the on y di%%eren(e between i%e "nd de"th=
VIBE
GH,/$ $he /pider tr"i ed the gho!t to the Agit"rio No*"riu) on L /treet where !he w"t(hed it >ueue %or "n hour to get into the ( ub= $here w"! " "rge (rowd g"thered out!ide the Agit"rio= It w"! " popu "r night!pot with ( ubber! %ro) the .eridi"n "nd Lower Corinthi"n di!tri(t! "nd they?d (o)e dre!!ed to t")e the night= /e %;)uti "ted dr"g >ueen! )ing ed with "!eCu" ("!tr"to "nd !treetwi!e her)"phrodite!< g")" ( one! (h"tted with !ti etto t" #ride! o% 3")"= $he bride! were te ep"th! r"i!ed on ow gr"* wor d!< !o t" they h"d to we"r !pe(i" eCo!ke eton! to pre*ent their britt e bone! (o "p!ing in e"rth?! gr"*ity %ie d= ,n "ny gi*en night the %re"k! were egion on the !treet! o% Indigo /outh< but the Agit"rio !ee)ed to "ttr"(t the (re") o% the (rop= $oo (on(erned with their own po!ition in the >ueue< no one in the (rowd re" i!ed the gho!t w"! ")ong!t the)= $he gho!t %or it! p"rt !tood with hun(hed !hou der! "nd e*ery now "nd "g"in !hu%% ed %orw"rd when the >ueue )o*ed< but )o!t y it @u!t !tood there "nd w"ited= And "(ro!! the !treet< her (urio!ity "rou!ed< the /pider !>u"tted in !h"dow! "nd w"t(hed= D ,% " the No*"riu)! on L /treet the Agit"rio w"! the )o!t (e ebr"ted= A %or)er oper" hou!e< the Agit"rio No*"riu) !tood nine !torie! high "nd (o*ered " b o(k in r"diu!< bo"!ting the kind o% "r(hite(tur" %e"ture! u!u" y %ound on y in Gr"nd #"by on= It! b" (ony g"rden! were "rr"nged in (ontinuou! tier! th"t ro!e " ong the i))en!e %"(e o% the bui ding< !upport (o u)n! re!e)b ing the )"!!i*e o*er ground root! o% b"ny"n tree!= /t"tue! g "red h"ughti y down "t the !treet< ne!t ed ")ong!t the b"ny"n (o u)n! ike wood "nd !prite!= It w"! " gothi( )on!ter o% " bui ding< not !o )u(h " ( ub "! " who e (o))unity o% ( ub! " (o;eCi!ting bene"th one )"!!i*e roo%= L /treet w"! "rty enough to "ttr"(t the right )iC o% ( iente e to it! %"bu ou! No*"riu)! "nd /pi(e #o*"r!< it! trendy Cr"!h G" erie! "nd C oud Do)e!= $hi! w"! where p!y(he *et! (")e to ("!h in the "!t o% their hu)"nity= ,% " L /treet?! )"ny "ttr"(tion! it! No*"riu)! were the )o!t %Xted= It w"! here th"t the "ddi(ti*e nova &eat %ound it! te)p e %or eCpre!!ion= No*" be"t w"! the )u!i(" (r"Ae th"t h"d !wept Go goth" '" ! in re(ent )onth!< ("pturing the )ind! "nd the (redit (hip! o% the (ity?! youth= It w"! "n o%%;wor d i)port< it! origin! !hrouded in )y!tery ; but %ro) the )o)ent it "rri*ed on e"rth< no*" be"t !pre"d with the !peed o% (ont"gion= D +e!ting in the ( e"*"ge o% " "rge bronAe !t"tue o% C" i!t"< godde!! o% interpret"tion!< the /pider !("nned the %ront o% the Agit"rio "! the gho!t w"ited in ine< h"nd! !unk into it! po(ket!< %"(e hidden bene"th " "rge b"ggy ("p= It didn?t !ee) out o% p "(e ")ong!t the )"ny ( ubber! >ueuing th"t night= #ut %or it! te ! the /pider wou dn?t h"*e gue!!ed it w"! " gho!t "t " = #ut gho!t it w"!= /he did not< o% (our!e< re%er to the "r(h"i( )e"ning o% the word ghost= $hi! w"! not " !upern"tur" (re"ture !he w"! pur!uing< not !o)e e(top "!)i( re!idue o% the hu)"n id< but r"ther " %u ;b own p!y(he *iru! th"t h"d the r"ther uni>ue "bi ity to e"p %ro) )ind to )ind< body to body< ike " per!on" ity in !e"r(h o% " ho!t= D
At "!t the gho!t w"! gr"nted entry< )o*ing through the open @"w! o% the ( ub< p"!t the he"*y;wor d door)en "nd into the "byrinthine d"rkne!! o% the Agit"rio= D $he /pider )"de her )o*e= /n"king ("b e! o% high;ten!ion web "(ro!! the !treet< !he hooked the orn"te roo% o% the Agit"rio= /n"gging the @utting !t"tue! o% ( ub "nd !"int!< !he u!e! her ("!t "! " tightrope< (ro!!ing the !treet ike " d"rk pr"yer= /he w"! o*er the protruding ip o% the Agit"rio roo% in !e(ond!< % "ttening "g"in!t the ground "! the n"*ig"tion "r(! o% p"!!ing (utter! !wept o*er the ( ub< i u)in"ting the d"rk "round her with p"ni(ked need e! o% ight= Her !(rying eye! opened< !("nning %uture "nd p"!t< ooking %or !e(urity te !< )otion dete(tor!< "r(hite(tur" "no)" ie!< "nything th"t )ight gi*e "w"y her po!ition= /he )o*ed !i ent "nd %"!t through " )"Ae o% tower! "nd !ub roo%!< !(utt ing up *erti(" w" !< e"ping %ro) per(h to per(h< he"d !wi*e ing< eye! r"king the !h"dow!= /he (")e "t "!t to the *ent! ; )"!!i*e prope er !h"%t! !u(king %re!h "ir down into the ung! o% the Agit"rio & "nd br"(ed "g"in!t the edge o% " *ent !he !pr"yed webbing into the "r( o% the prope er b "de! !pinning be ow her= $here w"! " %uriou! !n"r "! "nti>ue )otor! tried to %or(e the b "de! through the /pider?! web ine!< ! owing unti they !huddered to " !t"nd!ti = It wou d not be ong be%ore the web! g"*e w"y "nd the prope er! !t"rted pu)ping "g"in< but ong enough %or the /pider to ! ip through the g"p between the !t"tion"ry b "de! "nd (r"w down the thro"t o% the !h"%t= ANGEL E3E/ ' or" w" p"per< ye ow !"tin with p"ttern! o% (ri)!on or(hid! & "r(hed doorw"y! on either !ide o% " n"rrow p"!!"ge & a feeling of #onfinement. In(en!e "(ed the "ir< di!gui!ing the he"*ier "ro)"! o% opi"te! "nd h" u(inogen! th"t (r"w ed through the *ein! o% the bui ding= $he /pider !tood in the p"!!"ge! o% the Agit"rio "nd !tret(hed= $he "ir!h"%t! h"d been n"rrow "nd (o)p eC< )ore !o th"n !he?d "nti(ip"tedB but %or her high y % eCib e n"ture !he?d ne*er h"*e )"de it thi! %"r= #ut there w"! (o!t= It %e t "! though !he?d pu ed " )u!( e under her right !hou der b "de< " tight !t"b o% p"in e*ery !o o%ten< nothing (riti(" = A! !he w" ked " ong the p"!!"ge! the /pider %e t the he"*y *ibr"tion! o% ( ub "nthe)!< pu !ing through the w" ! "nd the (ei ing!< *ibr"ting the % oorbo"rd! bene"th her %eet= He"*y b"!! !huddered through her body< ")p i%ied by the ho ow !p"(e! within her< w"i ing " to! pier(ed her br"in !h"rp "! !oni( kni*e!< too di!t"nt to regi!ter "! !ound= /he %e t the )"dne!! o% !ep"r"te rhyth)! (o" e!(ing into one )on!trou! who e< "!!"u ting her !uper heightened !en!e! ike bre"ker w"*e! "g"in!t " bu(k ing !hore= ,e#ome rhythm, '"ther '"bi"n< the he"d o% her (hur(h< h"d on(e to d the /pider< surrender to the first language, the se#ret language that allows all to &e#ome all. #ut !he w"! not here to !urrender to rhyth)= /he w"! here to hunt the gho!t< the )o!t e u!i*e "nd )o!t %"!(in"ting o% prey< " be"!t th"t (ou d @u)p %ro) body to body "nd )ind to )ind "nd e"*e behind no tr"(e o% it! p"!!ing= $hi! w"! the kind o% (h" enge the /pider re*e ed in= D /he p"!!ed "n open doorw"y p"rti" y (o*ered by " be"ded (urt"in= $here w"! !o%t )u!i( (o)ing through the (urt"in< )e ow "nd hypnoti(B #edouin )u!i( !u(h "! they p "yed in the open !ouk! o% Di!tri(t /i)oo)= $he /pider p"u!ed by the doorw"y= /he !)e ed $ongue;o%; Fob< " high y potent n"r(oti(< " hint o% god?! gr"(e< or ")bro!i" "! it w"! !o)eti)e! known< the drug " the E ohi) depended upon to )"int"in their di*inity=
A! !he !tood in %ront o% the be"ded doorw"y !he !(ried the %utureB her top)o!t eye! % "ring open %or " brie% !e(ond0er s#rying eyes tell her she will enter the room. 6 small room filled with ultraviolet light. /here will &e an angel lying on a re#liner, goggles over her eyes, smoking laBily from an o!ium !i!e. /he angel will raise her head, 6re you the 6r#hangel Ga&riel( she will ask the '!ider and &urst out laughing. $he /pider ( o!ed her !(rying eye!= /he entered the roo)= It w"! " !)" roo) %i ed with u tr"*io et ight< @u!t "! her *i!ion h"d re*e" ed to her= $here w"! "n "nge ying on " green e"ther re( iner= /he w"! n"ked< her )ighty wing! !pre"d open "round her< % "pping gent y< rhyth)i(" y< "! though !ur%ing the (urrent! o% her *i!ion!= /he wore gogg e! & no & they were not gogg e! & the /pider re" i!ed they were (ybergeni(< %u!ed dire(t y to the "nge ?! *i!u" (orteCB angeleyes, ("p"b e o% !eeing in )u tip e energy !pe(tru)! "t on(e= /he w"! !)oking "Ai y on "n opiu) pipe< it! !n"king !pout (oi ed "round " per%e(t right bre"!t= Her nipp e! were ere(t "nd !he w"! gent y te"!ing the )oi!t "re" between her eg!= $he "nge w"! ronin< )"!ter e!!< " di*ine dropoutB one o% tho!e %ree oper"ti*e! who?d re in>ui!hed their di*inity in %"*our o% " )ore hedoni!ti( i%e!ty e= /he on(e h"d " n")e< the !pider knew her "! )aamah< " %or)er (on!ort o% /"))"e < th"t )o!t enig)"ti( o% "r(h"nge != #ut now !he w"! G%" en?< open y de( "ring her!e % the "nge o% h"r ot! "nd d"rk !e(ret!< pre%erring the!e d"y! to go n")e e!! "nd de!pi!ed= $he "nge r"i!ed her be"uti%u he"d "! De!de)on" entered the roo)< b ue h"ir !pi ing b"(k "(ro!! the re( iner< her gogg e! re% e(ting twin i)"ge! o% the /pider= GAre you the Ange Neon<? !he "!ked "nd (hu(k ed to her!e %< "ying her he"d b"(k on the re( iner "nd t"king " deep pu%% on her pipe= /)oke (oi ed out o% her no!tri ! "! !he )o"ned !o%t y to her!e %< to!!ing her he"d thi! w"y "nd th"t< her (he!t he"*ing< her !kin g i!tening with !o%t pe"r ! o% per!pir"tion= GI ") De!de)on" o% the Hou!e o% Ar"(hnid!<? the /pider rep ied= $he "nge w"! !toned i))"(u "te= /he re"(hed out "nd !troked the %"(e! o% ph"nto) o*er!< her body "r(hing up "g"in!t their i u!ion"ry % e!h= GI h"*e intruded upon you<? the /pider bowed< un(o)%ort"b e with the wo)"n?! "(tion!< GI wi e"*e=? G3ou wi die< "nd thi! you wi do in order to be born< L"dy De!de)on" o% the Hou!e o% Ar"(hnid!<? the "nge !ighed< tou(hing her %inger! to her ip! "! though the *ery word! !he uttered brought her p e"!ure= G3ou wi %" in order to ri!e= $he god! wi turn on you "nd e*en )ort" ! wi !eek your i%e= 3ou wi be " one< hunted< ike "n "ni)" <? !he !ighed "g"in< " g"!p< %inger! working %r"nti(" y between her eg! "nd then !he ( i)"Ced !o%ty< )o"ning deep in her thro"t= 0hen !he h"d re(o*ered !he !)i ed up "t the /pider "nd !"id< G$rue god! "re %orged in %ire<? "nd "ying her he"d b"(k on the re( iner !he "ppe"red to go to ! eep< her wing! en*e oping her ike " white de"th !hroud= / ow y "nd de iber"te y the /pider !"id< GIn #" th""A"r< e"r ier tod"y< I w"! !itting in " ro"d!ide ("%J &? $he "nge r"i!ed her he"d ! ight y "nd !"id< G$he ("%J! in #" th""A"r pro*ide "n eC(e ent r"nge in (hu) weed=? $he /pider nodded= GI w"!< in %"(t< !)oking (hu) weed with !o)e #" th""A"n )er(h"nt %riend! o% )ine "t the ti)e &? GI )u!t (on%e!!<? the "nge !"id< GI?*e ne*er tried (hu) weedH it turn! you into " r"*ing in!o)ni"( I?*e he"rd=? $he /pider !hrugged= G,n the (ontr"ry< I %ind it !ooth! )e=? $he "nge !)i ed= G,% " the )ind " tering !ub!t"n(e! I?*e e*er i)bibed<? !he !"id< GI %ind (o)p ete !obriety to be the )o!t %rightening o% " =?
$he /pider (ontinued= GI w"! !itting in " ro"d!ide ("%J when " gir h"ppened p"!t< " young #" th""A"n wo)"n< trendy< in e*ery w"y un;noteworthy "p"rt %ro) the %"(t !he w"! i!tening to no*" be"t &? GAh<? !"id the "nge "! though " ot o% thing! )"de !en!e " "t on(e< but !he !"id nothing %urther= G$he youth o% tod"y h"*e (hip! i)p "nted in their br"in!<? the /pider eCp "ined= G/o I?*e he"rd<? the "nge nodded= G$hey down o"d entert"in)ent through the!e (hip! ; dire(t y into their br"in!= It?! >uite !ho(king< " %"d no doubtB it wi !oon p"!!=? G$he gir who p"!!ed the ("%J w"! i!tening to no*" be"t through her i)p "nt<? De!de)on" !"id= $he "nge %rowned< her wing! !pre"ding wide to %i h" % the roo)= GHow did you know wh"t the gir w"! i!tening to< i% it w"! @"(ked !tr"ight into her br"inE? !he "!ked= GI h"*e !en!iti*e he"ring<? the /pider rep ied= G#ut the re"!on I bring thi! up i! be("u!e o% " !tr"nge thing th"t o((urred whi !t I w"t(hed thi! gir =? G$he gir i!tening to no*" be"tE? the "nge !ee)ed to be o!ing the thre"d o% the (on*er!"tion= G$he on y gir I?*e thu! %"r )entioned<? the /pider !"id (urt y= GI?) @u!t h"*ing prob e)! %o(u!!ing tonight<? the "nge w"*ed her to (ontinue= $he /pider re!u)ed her n"rr"ti*e= G/o)ething entered into the gir ?! )ind "! !he (ro!!ed )y %ie d o% *i!ion & !o)ething ug y "nd " ien "nd (onni*ing< !o)ething th"t entered her u!ing no*" be"t "! " ("rrier %re>uen(y "nd her neur" i)p "nt "! " doorw"y=? G'omething entered into her mind<? the "nge bre"thed= G$h"t?! " !i)p e enough !t"te)ent= 3et it (ou d )e"n !o )"ny thing!=? $he /pider nodded< G#y something I )e"n " per!on" ity< " neur" %re>uen(y (o)p ete "nd !ep"r"te %ro) the gir ?!= It entered her )ind unnoti(ed< ike " thie%< " ghost< "nd "%ter it "ppe"red the gir !t"rted beh"*ing odd y=? G,dd yE? G/he beg"n w"ndering "round "i) e!! y< eC")ining thing!B !tudying peop e< "! though e*erything !he en(ountered on th"t !treet w"! !udden y no*e "nd un%")i i"r= /he went up to " )"n in " ("%J "nd !"t oppo!ite hi) "nd w"t(hed hi) e"t unti he be(")e %ed up "nd "!ked her to t"ke o%%= A%ter th"t !he !tood !t"ring "t "n in%"nt (rying in "n "uto pr") unti the pr") prodded her "nd to d her to )o*e on=? G,dd<? the "nge (on%e!!ed< Gbut h"rd y strange=? GIndeed<? !"id the /pider< GI %o owed the gir unti !he p"!!ed " )" e youth i!tening to the !")e no*" be"t=? G$hrough " neur" (hipE? G3e!= 0hen !he p"!!ed the boy the per!on" ity e"pt %ro) the gir ?! )ind to the boy?!=? G0h"t eC"(t y do you )e"n by lea!tE? GI?) not (ert"in<? the /pider (on%e!!ed< Git !i)p y e"pt= ,ne !e(ond it! %re>uen(y w"! e)"n"ting %ro) the gir < the neCt it w"! in the boy= I! th"t ( e"r enough %or youE? $he /pider " owed the "nge ti)e to dige!t thi! in%or)"tion be%ore (ontinuing= G$he gir w"! pretty be%udd ed "%ter the gho!t e%t her< but !he re(o*ered her wit! !oon enough "nd went b"(k to wh"te*er !he w"! doing be%ore !he be(")e po!!e!!ed=? GNo doubt the boy beg"n to "(t odd y "%ter th"t=? $he /pider nodded= GI %o owed the gho!t "(ro!! three di!tri(t! "! it hi@"(ked )ind "%ter )ind< youth "%ter youthB " w"y! the one! i!tening to no*" be"t< " w"y! the one! with neur" i)p "nt!= It w"!n?t e"!y & tr"(king " (re"ture thi! e u!i*e & !o)eti)e! I?d o!e the %re>uen(y (o)p ete y< but in the end I tr"(ked it here< to thi! ( ub= $he ho)e o% no*" be"t "! it were=? $he "nge ooked "round "! though the gho!t )ight po!!ib y be hiding here< in thi! b"re roo) o% purp e ight "nd b ue dre")!= G$h"t?! >uite " t" e<? !he !u(ked on her opiu) pipe<
G"nd >uite " %e"t to tr"(k " !i)p e %re>uen(y= #ut I wonder why the L"dy De!de)on" !h"re! thi! in%or)"tion with )e= I ") h"rd y in " po!ition to he p in your >ue!t & e*en h"d I w"nted to=? G3ou "re in " per%e(t po!ition to he p )e<? the /pider rep ied= G3ou ("n he p "d*i!e )e< "nge = I do not wi!h to de!troy the )ort" *e!!e (ont"ining the gho!t< on y the gho!t it!e %=? G0hy do you wi!h to de!troy the gho!tE? G#e("u!e it i! "n "no)" y=? GAre you " de!troyer o% "no)" ie!E? G#etter !"%e th"n !orry=? GKi ing the )ort" wi not< in "ny e*ent< ki the gho!t<? the "nge !"id< Git wi !i)p y e"p to "nother )ind= 3ou need to tr"(e it! !our(e=? GApp"rent y it! !our(e i! no*" be"t=? G$hen you )u!t de!troy the *ibe=? GHow doe! one de!troy *ibr"tion< "nge E? G$h"t< de"r "dy< i! "n eC(eeding y good >ue!tion=? /he wou d re(ei*e no %urther he p %ro) the "nge < !he knew= /o the /pider e%t the !e)i di*ine being in " e!! th"n di*ine !tupor "nd )"de her w"y deeper into the C ub Agit"rio= .,$I,N $he /pider (")e to the %ir!t o% the ( ub?! !e*en prin(ip e "uditoriu)!= It w"! " h" o% heroi( proportion!< it! high w" ! (r"w ing with % e!hy tent"( e! thi(k "! /"turn *ine< *"!t ho ogr"phi( eye! g "ring down %ro) the (ei ing with unb inking (on(entr"tion= In the (entre o% the "uditoriu)?! (ei ing w"! " )o ten ori%i(eB " g"rg"ntu"n %e)" e )outh th"t !"ng epi( "ri"! whi !t dee@"y! % o"ted through the "ir on gr"* di!(!< re!e)b ing " % o(k o% (e e!ti" o*er!eer!= $hey b"re y ooked hu)"n "ny)ore< the!e dee@"y!< h"rd wired to *irt de(k!< % e!h bonded with )"(hinery< they were pu !e )on!ter! "nd *ibe be"!t!< ")orphou!< )ut"ted by their purity o% *i!ion= $heir )ind! )"ni%e!ted the )u!i( th"t dro*e thi! te)p e= $heir )"(hine! tr"n! "ted the!e neur" h"r)oni(! into "udib e !ound< the ( ub it!e % "(ting "! " gi"nt re!on"n(e (h")ber< the w" ! ")p i%ying the thought *ibr"tion! o% the dee@"y! " )i ion %o d< unti the *ery "ir tre)b ed with their be"t= ,per"ti( ight %e through the ( ub< !"tur"ting e*erything in )yth "nd !e(ret!< the ( ubber! on the )u ti; e*e d"n(e % oor! were h"rd;(ore no*iti"te!< dan#e whores in the (o))on *ern"(u "r< )e"t eCten!ion! o% the *ibe= $hey d"n(ed in bone e!! e(!t"!y< oo!e i)bed< b "nk %"(ed< puppet! "tt"(hed to the dee@"y! "bo*e by !tring! o% pure rhyth)< bodie! tr"n! "ting the *ibe into d"rk< (o))un" )otion= $here were hundred! o% ( ubber! p"(king the three d"n(e % oor!< hundred! )ore prow ing the %ringe! where the ong !i houette b"r! touted e*ery "ddi(tion known to )"n or god= $hey !t"red through the /pider "! !he w" ked ")ong!t the)< their eye! %o(u!ed on !o)e i)po!!ib e horiAon= 'he was invisi&le to them ; @u!t the w"y !he pre%erred it= /he w"! tr"(king the gho!t< her r"d"r !weeping the "uditoriu)< trying to i!o "te her t"rget?! %re>uen(y< but it w"! ne"r i)po!!ib e= No*" be"t pu !ed down upon the /pider ike h"rd r"in< !he (ou d %ee it! poten(y dru))ing "t the w" ! o% her )ind< de)"nding !he et it in< !urrender to it< be(o)ing one with it! re ent e!! per(u!!ion= It w"! ne"r i)po!!ib e< but !o)ehow !he )"n"ged to tune the be"t out "! !he probed the "uditoriu)< !e"r(hing %or th"t one b ip on her r"d"r th"t wou d pinpoint the gho!t= It w"! not here= Not in thi! h" = /he (ou d te " )o!t "t on(e= $here were !e*en !ep"r"te ( ub! in the Agit"rio No*"riu)= /he h"d !iC e%t to (he(k= D
E"(h "uditoriu) !ee)ed "rger th"n the "!t< e"(h uni>ue< e"(h with it! own (h"r"(ter "nd % "ir< "nd yet " were uni%ied by the per*"!i*e *ibe th"t w"! no*" be"t= It %i ed the "uditoriu)! "nd the p"!!"ge! "nd h" ! between the)B it %i ed the "ir du(t! "nd the !p"(e between w" != It !ee)ed to e)"n"te not %ro) within the Agit"rio< but %ro) deep within the bowe ! o% the e"rth it!e %B " pri)" !ound th"t (oi ed "round the hu)"n (orteC "nd nouri!hed the )ind with *i!ion! o% nir*"n"< " !ound th"t rep "(ed "ngu"ge "nd re"!on "nd &e#ame "ngu"ge "nd re"!on= $he /pider )o*ed %ro) ( ub to ( ub< "nd the deeper !he w"! dr"wn into the Agit"rio the deeper !he w"! dr"wn into the he"rt o% the *ibe= It w"! thre"tening to o*erwhe ) her with it! in!"nity< % "i ing her % e!h with whip! o% )o ten rhyth)< h"(king "w"y "t her re!i!t"n(e unti !he %e t !he wou d h"e)orrh"ge %ro) the pre!!ure= /he "(ti*"ted her body !hie d & " high re!on"n(e De(k erY %ie d (o*ering her %ro) he"d to %oot in " %i ) o% >ui(k!i *er & her own %or) de%ined now on y by the re% e(tion! boun(ing o%% her !oni( "r)our= 0hen the )u!i( hit the /pider?! !hie d< the !ound w"*e! di!torted= /he !ti he"rd the be"t by the ti)e it re"(hed her< but it w"! ! uggi!h now< dr"wn out< depri*ed o% )u(h o% it! power= At thi! %re>uen(y !he he"rd the !ub i)in" word! hiding within the )u!i(= Why are you looking for me( $he word!< ike the )u!i(< were pure *ibr"tion< but the w"*e! were ! ower< onger= What do you want with me( $he /pider w"! e%%e(ti*e y b ind= $he !hie d ! owed !ound< w"rped it< prote(ting her %ro) the %u %or(e o% the *ibe< but !he (ou d no onger u!e her !en!e! to o("te the gho!t< not whi !t the !hie d re)"ined "(ti*"ted= 5et me in, goddess. 'urrender to me, I demand it. $he /pider w"! )o*ing down n"rrow p"!!"ge! it by neon tubing< w"ding through !ho" ! o% ( ubber!< " % o(king in the oppo!ite dire(tion= $hey turned to her "! !he pu!hed p"!t the)< )outhing the word! !he (ou d now dete(t bene"th the "yered )"dne!! o% the *ibe5et me in, goddess. 'urrender to me, I demand it. $he ( ubber! were one be"!t< one *ibe< re"(hing out with )"ni(ured %inger! to ("re!! the /pider?! !hie d di!tortion & eye! ike g"ping wound! in their he"d!< !pi ing weird ight down their (heek!< te"r! ike i>uid rhyth)= 5et me in, goddess; they whi!pered. 'urrender to me, I demand it. A (oup e were ki!!ing p"!!ion"te y in " (urt"ined " (o*e< their p"!!ion !yn(hroni!ed< "rti%i(i" < p"rt o% their e "bor"te d"n(e= $hey drew the (urt"in! "!ide "! the /pider p"!!ed the)= G3ou "re one< we "re )"ny<? they !"id in uni!on= $he /pider turned to the) "nd their %"(e! be(")e e "!ti(< % e!h di!!o *ing into pure *ibr"tion= $heir %or) be(")e *o "ti e< rhyth) !pike! erupting out o% their % e!h< thi(k "nd @"gged< ike !ound w"*e! regi!tering on " !pe(tr" gr"ph= $he /pider %e t "! though !he w"! being ti ted into the "by!!= $hi! h"d !t"rted out "! " hunt & her hunt & but !he beg"n to !u!pe(t !he w"! the one being hunted= $he p"!!"ge! were n"rrow< d"rk< the w" ! be(o)ing )ore org"ni( the deeper !he went= Doorw"y! beg"n to re!e)b e hu)"n ori%i(e!B p"!!"ge! be(")e thro"t!= Hu)"n eye! ike white b i!ter! !t"red down "t her %ro) the ribbed (ei ing= /he w"! o!ing " !en!e o% !p"(e "nd ti)e in thi! p "(eB !he w"! beginning to i)"gine thi! *ibe h"d " w"y! eCi!ted "nd th"t the wor d be%ore no*" be"t h"d been "n e "bor"te ho"C< " (unning %i(tion= +e" ity h"d been dre!!ed up in " ( o"k o% ")biguitie!= In thi! ( ub the ( o"k h"d been re)o*ed= $hi! w"! h"rd;(ore re" ity= /he naked now. D /he entered the !iCth ( ub= It w"! there th"t !he en(ountered the gho!t= /HEEP
/he did not %ind the gho!t in the end= It found her. /he )"de her w"y through den!e (rowd!= In the "ir "bo*e her the *ibe w"! being interpreted by )"*eri(k ho ogr") progr")!B deep !e" e*i"th"n! g iding through ribbon! o% !i *er ight< gi"nt !>uid u!ing high pre!!ure *" *e! to prope the)!e *e! %ro) w" to w" < )er)"id! "nd )er)en !ewing !h"rd! o% (e e!ti" ight upon the !we"ting< he"*ing ( ubber! be ow= A %"(e )"teri" i!ed out o% the (rowd= A !)" )"n "ppe"red< )idd e "ged< b" ding< hi! teeth "nd eye! )"de u)inou! by u tr"*io et ight !trobe! h"nging %ro) the ( ub rigging= $hi! ( o!e to the gho!t the /pider re(ogni!ed it! %re>uen(y "t on(e= $he )"n !)i ed up "t her= G3e!<? he )outhed< GI ") the thing you "re ooking %or=? *es= the rhyth) e(hoed " "round her- We are the thing you are looking for. $he )"n indi("ted th"t the /pider !hou d %o ow hi)= /he did !o= $hey )o*ed to " pri*"te booth= $here were peop e re "Cing in the booth< but they " e%t "! !oon "! the )"n entered< "! though he h"d p"!!ed the) " !e(ret !ign" = $he )"n turned to the /pider "! !he %o owed hi) in!ide= $he !ound o% no*" be"t w"! )uted here< e!! per*"!i*e< "nd the /pider retr"(ted her De(k erY !hie d !o th"t her !en!e! were uni)peded during thi! (on%ront"tion= G0h"t "re youE? de)"nded the /pider= GI ") *ibe<? !"id the gho!t< GI wou d h"*e thought th"t "pp"rent=? G$h"t?! ridi(u ou!<? !n"pped the /pider< G)u!i( i! not (ogni!"nt= I !u!pe(t you "re " p!y(he *iru!< no )ore=? $he gho!t !hrugged< it !ee)ed "t e"!e with it! !to en % e!h= G3ou?*e " re"dy )"de your )ind up< I !ee=? G3ou u!e the *ibe "! " )e"n! o% "((e!!ing the hu)"n p!y(he<? the /pider (ontinued< GI h"*e ob!er*ed you in "(tion= I ") not (ert"in how you "re "b e to do thi!< but the how i! not "! i)port"nt "! the why=? $he )"n !"t down in " e"ther "r)(h"ir= He !ee)ed (o)p ete y "t ho)e= He (ro!!ed hi! eg! "nd re!ted hi! (hin on hi! !teep ed %inger! "nd !)i ed "t her "! though the /pider w"! " gue!t "nd he "n ")i"b e ho!t= GI ") not (ert"in why I eCi!t<? he !"id< Gbut then neither "re you< L"dy De!de)on"< "nd th"t?! be("u!e the under ying !tru(ture o% " )"tter< "! we you know< i! !i)p e %re>uen(y= $he )ore (o)p eC the %re>uen(y the )ore (o)p eC the ob@e(t! it )"ni%e!t!=? $he /pider !hook her he"d i)p"tient y= G$hi! i! getting u! nowhere<? !he !"id= $he )"n he d up " h"nd= GP e"!e<? he !ighed< Git i! getting u! everywhere= I?) not te ing you thi! %or )y own good< you?re the one w"ndering "round here ike " o!t !heep= I thought I )ight "! we put you out o% your )i!ery=? $he /pider )"de " !how o% brid ing "t hi! tone< but !e(ret y her )ind w"! r"(ing & pro(e!!ing in%or)"tion "t "n inhu)"n r"te= /he h"d to %ind " (hink in thi! (re"ture?! "r)ourB the )ore it to d her the e"!ier th"t t"!k wou d be= GE*ery (re"ture< e*ery ob@e(t in eCi!ten(e< ("n be identi%ied by the !ound it )"ke! "! it re!on"te! "g"in!t the h"r)oni( p "ne<? the gho!t w"! !"ying= GIn %"(t< the entire phy!i(" uni*er!e %ir!t origin"ted "t the h"r)oni( e*e < " !ort o% pri)" tre)b ing i% you wi = $he ob@e(t! we !ee "round u!< the thing! we (on!ider !o id< "re !i)p y e(hoe! o% th"t %und")ent" !ound= It !t"nd! to re"!on th"t "ny %re>uen(y th"t r"i!e! it!e % "bo*e " (ert"in (o)p eCity thre!ho d wi "tt"in (ogni!"n(e< "nything be ow th"t thre!ho d wi re)"in "rge y inert= I ") o% !u%%i(ient (o)p eCity to !"y I am! $h"t i! " (ogni!"n(e re>uire!=? At on(e the /pider !"w " % "w in the gho!t?! ogi(= GI% no*" be"t i! !u%%i(ient y (o)p eC to be(o)e !e %;"w"re<? !he !"id< Gthen why do you re>uire !to en % e!hE It !t"nd! to re"!on you "re not )e"nt to eCi!t in thi! re" ity=?
G3et here I ")<? !"id the )"n= GIt i! " puAA e< i! it notE 'ro) the )o)ent I w"! born I !en!ed I h"d purpo!e< " re"!on %or being "! oppo!ed to not being= I w"! dr"wn here to the !our(e o% )e< the e!!en(e o% )e= Here in thi! p "(e I ") e*eryone "nd no one= It i! " !p endid !en!"tion< to be one in !o )"ny uni>ue w"y!=? G$ow"rd! wh"t gr"nd purpo!eE? $he )"n !hrugged= G0i!h I knew<? he !"id with " hint o% regret= GDo you eCpe(t )e to h"*e " the "n!wer!E? G3ou "re "n "no)" y<? the /pider !"id= G$h"t i! why you wi!h to de!troy )eE? G3e!=? G9ery we < I won?t !t"nd in your w"y=? /he %e t " !urre" )o)ent o% det"(h)ent when the gho!t !"id thi!< "! though !he h"d i*ed thi! )o)ent o*er "nd o*er= /o inten!e w"! thi! %ee ing o% dJ@U *u th"t the /pider %e t the roo) begin to !w"y "round her= /he bit down h"rd on her ower ip< t"!ting b ood "! her teeth pun(tured the % e!h= G3ou wi E? !he !"id "! her he"d ! ow y ( e"red= G3ou wi " ow )e to de!troy youE? G3e!<? !"id the )"n< Gperh"p! th"t i! the re"!on I eCi!t< to eCperien(e de"th= Perh"p! th"t?! how I e"rn=? G3ou !ee) *ery %"t" i!ti( %or " *iru!=? G$h"t i! be("u!e I ") not " *iru!< )"d")= I ") *ibe= Pure h"r)ony= I wou d h"*e eCpe(ted you o% " peop e to under!t"nd " (on(ept "! e eg"nt "! th"t=? GAnd you "((ept th"t you )u!t be de!troyedE? G0hy notE I?*e no doubt we? both e"rn !o)ething %ro) the eCperien(e=? $he gho!t e"ned %orw"rd< !udden y !eriou!< hi! *oi(e dropping to " (on!pir"tori" whi!per< G'urther)ore< I wi te you the eC"(t )e"n! o% )y di!p"t(h=? G$h"t?! *ery %orth(o)ing o% you=? GAnd why notE 3ou took the troub e o% %o owing )e " thi! w"y< it?! the e"!t I ("n do=? He e"ned b"(k "g"in "nd the !)i e returned to hi! %"(e= GIn the !e*enth "nd %in" ( ub there i! " )"!ter dee@"y= A the other dee@"y! in thi! ( ub "re en! "*ed to her= /he i! known "! the *ibe >ueen= 0h"t !he think! the other! !i)p y re!on"te= I% you de!troy the *ibe >ueen you de!troy the !our(e o% the *ibe "nd by (on!e>uen(e me=? G0h"t "bout the other no*"riu)!E? the /pider "!ked= G$here )u!t be " thou!"nd ( ub! in thi! di!tri(t " one th"t p "y no*" be"t= How wou d the de"th o% one dee@"y re!o *e the i!!ueE? G$hi! ( ub i! the !our(e o% my p"rti(u "r %re>uen(y<? the gho!t rep ied< Gno two )"!ter dee@"y! p "y the !")e be"t= No two be"t! produ(e the !")e *ibe= De!troy the *ibe >ueen "nd you de!troy the *ibe=? GAnd " I do i! w" k in "nd ki herE? G,% (our!e I won?t )"ke it e"!y %or you= It i! the n"tur" in!tin(t o% e*ery (re"ture to %ight %or !e %;pre!er*"tion=? GAnd yet you @u!t g"*e )e the )e"n! to ki you<? the /pider re)inded hi)= GPerh"p! I w"! ying= Perh"p! I ") b u%%ing= 3ou ("n on y tru!t I?) being !in(ere when I te you th"t the w"y to ki )e i! to ki )y !our(e= In the )e"n ti)e I wi u!e "ny "nd " )e"n! "t )y di!po!" to !top you=? $he /pider % eCed her %or(e %ie d "round her body< be(o)ing (hro)e re% e(tion! in "n in!t"nt= G/o be it<? !he !"id< the "ir "round her !hi))ering with the power o% her De(k erY !hie d= G+e" y<? the gho!t y"wned< Gyou?re !o d")ned intr"(t"b e< De!de)on"= 0hy bother ki ing )eE I?) not h"r)ing "nyone= I?) @u!t (uriou!< th"t?! " = I don?t e*en think I w"! )e"nt to "!t *ery ong= Coup e )ore d"y! "nd I? prob"b y burn out= /entient rhyth) h"! been with )"nkind !in(e be%ore the d"wn o% ti)e= 0e?*e @u!t gone unnoti(ed unti now= 0e "re the
in!pir"tion behind " "rt< the "no)" y th"t dri*e! the !pe(ie!= Did you know th"t )u!i( w"! )"n?! e"r ie!t %or) o% (o))uni("tion< be%ore hi! *o(" (ord! di!(o*ered the tri(k o% "ngu"geE It?! true= .u!i( i! the "ngu"ge o% the (r"d e= A %oetu! re(ogni!e! the rhyth) o% it! )other?! *oi(e< e*en be%ore it under!t"nd! the )e"ning o% her word!= 0h"t doe! thi! te u!E $h"t rhyth) (o)e! be%ore )e"ning= 0hy not @u!t et )e be< godde!!E Let )e i*e out )y !hort !p"n o% i%e= 0hy not< "yeE? G#e("u!e<? !"id the /pider= G#e("u!e wh"tE? "!ked the gho!t= G#e("u!e I do !o o*e the hunt=? /A. $he )o)ent !he !tepped out o% the booth they were w"iting %or her= ,n y )inute! e"r ier the ( ubber! h"d !ee)ed ob i*iou! to the /pider< now they %or)ed "n ug y )ob "round the entr"n(e to the boothB )o(k!< how er!< ("!tr"to< )ink!< no*iti"te!< #ride! o% 3")"< the gho!t !t"ring "t the /pider through " thou!"nd p"ir! o% eye!< it! *oi(e i!!uing %ro) " thou!"nd ip!= >rote#t the 9ueen! " whi!per th"t g"thered in urgen(y< ripp ing outw"rd! %ro) tho!e "t the %ront o% the )ob unti it %i ed the entire "uditoriu)= >rote#t the 9ueen! It w"! in the *ibe it!e %< ro ing "round the "uditoriu) ike !ub i)in" thunder- !rote#t the 9ueen! >rote#t the 9ueen! $he ( ubber! (")e "t the /pider in " )uted ru!h< %er" "nd ug y< wie ding !tee pipe! "nd broken bott e!= $hey h"d no %e"r o% the godde!! & no %e"r %or their own !"%ety & they rode the b "(k w"*e o% no*" be"t< one he"rt< one )ind< one )urderou! wi = $he /pider h"d no de!ire to h"r) the ( ubber!< !he?d pre%er to ki the progr") without de!troying the h"rdw"reB " tri(k !he?d witne!!ed D@ob" per%or) " thou!"nd ti)e! on hi! b e!!ed (o)puter!= A! they ru!hed her !he e"pt high "nd ( e"r o% the )ob< her %" !e eg! (o)ing down h"rd< u!ing the ground "! e*er"ge "nd prope ing her !tr"ight up into the "ir= At the height o% her e"p !he re e"!ed " !tr"nd o% web th"t !n"gged o*erhe"d rigging< !n"pping t"ut< "nd then the /pider w"! )o*ing %"!t< "r(ing "(ro!! the ( ub< re e"!ing ine!< !pinning the) "he"d o% her= #e ow her the ( ubber! ooked ike "n "ngry !e" !we "! they ru!hed "%ter her< hur ing bott e! "nd (h"ir! into the "ir= /he outp"(ed the) e%%ort e!! y< !winging in*erted< her !(rying eye! re"ding "he"d o% her< !("nning the h" %or the be!t e!("pe route= D /he (r"w ed through ight e!! "ir du(t!< !wit(hing her De(k erY !hie d o%% to pre!er*e it! b"ttery "nd to " ow her to re"d the *ibr"tion! in the "ir "he"d< e!!enti" i% !he w"! to n"*ig"te in the d"rk= /he e ong"ted her body< % "ttening< n"rrowing< engthening< in(hing "round i)po!!ib e (orner!B % owing " ong ( "u!trophobi( !h"%t!= $he en( o!ed w" ! tre)b ed "round her< %i ed with the !ubterr"ne"n power o% no*" be"t< e*en here it %ound her< t"king "d*"nt"ge o% her de"(ti*"ted De(k erY !hie d to bo)b"rd her with !ub i)in" )e!!"ge!B *ou dont want to kill me, goddess. I am not your enemy. I am vi&e. I am harmony. 'urrender to me, goddess, I will take you through the navel of the universe and into unimagina&le, in#on#eiva&le dimensions < let go, goddess, I demand fusion. $he /pider !en!ed " bubb e o% (" ) "he"d o% herB " roo) th"t "ppe"red in!u "ted %ro) the *ibe< %i*e )etre! "w"y< )"ybe e!!< the be"t )"de it !o d")ned h"rd to %o(u!= /he wor)ed her w"y through the du(t!< %o owing her b unted !en!e! unti @udging !he w"! dire(t y "bo*e the !hie ded roo) !he pun(hed " ho e down through the !tee % oor o% the *ent "nd tore " wound wide enough to (r"w through=
D /he dropped into " heC"gon" h" o% (ri)!on w" p"ne !< !i k (urt"in! h"nging %ro) the high )irrored (ei ing< undu "ting %o d! o% ")ber< )"u*e "nd tur>uoi!e= $he h" "ppe"red to be !o)e kind o% ">u"riu)< !ound re!i!t"nt< it! te)per"ture !et "t " (on!t"nt 22Z C= L"rge w"ter t"nk! h"d been "rr"nged in grid %"!hion "round the roo)< e"(h one (ont"ining " )"rine "ni)" th"t % o"ted in b ue i!o "tion= $here were do phin! "nd porpoi!e< b" ub" wh" e! "nd "rge pho!phorou! !>uid "nd )"ny o%%;wor d )"))" ! th"t the /pider (ou d not identi%y= $here were p ">ue! "t the botto) o% e"(h t"nk= $hey did not de!(ribe the !pe(ie! within= In!te"d e"(h p ">ue w"! in!(ribed with " !i)p e n")e= #,# FAN FUDE .ICK $he /pider "!!u)ed the!e were the n")e! o% the "ni)" ! i)pri!oned within= $hi! !ugge!ted they were !o)ething )ore th"n )ere eChibit!< but the u!e o% ("pit" i!"tion indi("ted they were !o)ewh"t e!! th"n indi*idu" != $he "ni)" ! !t"red b"(k out "t the /pider< )otion e!!< but %or the ! ight % i(ker o% " %in or the ! ow un(oi ing o% " tent"( e< ribbon! o% !ub)"rin" ight d"n(ing "(ro!! their !ub)erged % e!h= /he (ou d te the!e (re"ture! were di%%erent !o)ehowB their te ! were high y (o)p eC< their thought *ibr"tion! %"r too "b!tr"(t %or !i)p e be"!t!= /he (")e to " t"nk (ont"ining " "rge b ue;grey do phin= /he !tudied it "! it dri%ted in ne"r )otion e!! (urrent!< it! he"d turned tow"rd! her< eye! g"Aing intent y into her own= /he !u!pe(ted " )ind " tered by gene t")pering< or perh"p! deep !p"(e tr"n!port"tion h"d )ut"ted the do phin?! )orpho ogy "! o(("!ion" y h"ppened= 0h"te*er the re"!on it! te ! were (o)p ete y "bnor)" < pe"king in the high r"nge o% hu)"n (ogni!"n(e= $he p ">ue "t the botto) o% the do phin?! t"nk re"d- /A.= $he do phin !w") up to the /pider "nd pre!!ed it! no!e "g"in!t the g "!!= At on(e !tr"nge !y)bo ! it up "(ro!! the !ur%"(e o% the t"nk< u)inou! i(on! th"t )ight h"*e been (o)puter g yph!< "nd " *oi(e< !o%t "nd )e odiou!< ro ed "round the ">u"riu)= I am 'am. $he /pider re" i!ed it w"! the do phin "ddre!!ing her< it! thought! !o)ehow (on*erted to inte igib e !ound "nd %i tered into the h" through hidden !pe"ker!= G/")<? !he !"id< G/") the %i!h=? GDe!de)on" the !pider;god=? /") !ee)ed to be !)i ing= $hi! ("ught her by !urpri!e= G3ou know )eE? /") ( o!ed hi! eye!= G0e know )u(h th"t i! known< we know )u(h th"t i! not=? $he *oi(e %i ed the h" with whi!pering e(hoe!= $he /pider noti(ed gho!t y i)"ge! %or)ing in the w"ter o% the do phin?! t"nkB %"(e! th"t were hu)"n "nd %i!h "nd !tr"nge %u!ion! o% the two< "ppe"ring "nd di!"ppe"ring ike opiu) *i!ion!= /") !ee)ed ("p"b e o% t"king the thought! in hi! he"d "nd %or)ing the) in the w"ter "round hi)= $he /pider w"! i)pre!!edB " )ind th"t (ou d (ontro it! eCtern" re" ity w"! " r"re thing indeed= /") opened hi! eye! "g"in "nd "t on(e i)"ge! o% the /pider?! %"(e %i ed the t"nk< % eeting "nd di!tortedB di!"ppe"ring " !("nt in!t"nt "%ter they were %or)ed= $hey were )on!trou! %"(e!< twi!ted "nd di"bo i(" = $he /pider wondered i% thi! w"! the w"y her *i(ti)?! !"w her in their "!t de!p"iring )o)ent!= G3ou "re in " p "(e you !hou d not be in<? /")?! *oi(e whi!pered " "round the /pider= G3ou "re "!king " the wrong >ue!tion!=? $hi! ")u!ed the /pider= G0h"t >ue!tion! am I "!kingE?
GA the ine*it"b e one!=? GAnd wh"t >ue!tion! !hou d I be "!kingE? GA the re!t=? $he /pider pre!!ed her %"(e up "g"in!t the t"nk= G$e )e< %i!h<? !he !"id !"*"ge y< Gdo you dre") o% the wide open o(e"nE Do you dre") o% the end e!! b ue whi !t you w" ow in your )"n)"de t"nkE? /") !t"red out "t her= G0hen I ( o!e )y eye!<? he rep ied< GI am the o(e"n= 0hen I dre") I ") the b ue< wh"t )ore do I needE $he !p"(e th"t en( o!e! )e i! the i u!ion= Fu!t "! i u!ion"ry "! the !p"(e th"t en( o!e! you=? $he /pider !hook her he"d= GNo !p"(e en( o!e! )e< %i!h<? !he !"id= G3ou h"*e not yet e"rned to !ee beyond the i u!ion<? !"id /")= G0hy do they keep you hereE? GI ") " dee@"y<? !"id /")< G" re!pe(ted e)p oyee o% thi! ( ub< %or whi(h !er*i(e I ") gr"nted roo) "nd bo"rd= G GA dee@"y<? the /pider !(o%%ed= GAre you in!u ting )e< %i!hE? G,n y i% you "re e"!i y in!u ted<? rep ied /")= G0hy "re you here< /piderE? GI (")e here ooking %or "n entity< " gho!t= It u!e! the hu)"n )ind to bro"d("!t it! !ign" & in !u(h " )"nner it )o*e! %ro) )ind to )ind=? GA %" !e )ind< h)))=? /") !ee)ed intrigued by the (on(ept= GAre you "w"re o% !u(h " pheno)enonE? G3e!< ye!< indeed I ")<? /") nodded e"ger y< Git i! (" ed egoB e*ery hu)"n )ind I h"*e thu! %"r en(ountered i! in%e(ted with thi! *ery gho!t=? $he /pider ( en(hed her %i!t!= G$hi! i! not " phi o!ophy deb"te< %i!h<? !he !n"r ed= G$hen it i! no true deb"te "t " <? rep ied /")= G'"re we < /pider=? And turning t"i he ! ow y !w") "w"y= D $he /pider went to the entr"n(e o% the ">u"riu)= It w"! !e" ed= /he thu)bed the o(k p"ne to green "nd br"(ed her!e % "! the doub e door! whi!pered open< her De(k erY !hie d %or)ing "round her in " prote(ti*e % "!h= A! the door! opened no*" be"t ru!hed into the ">u"riu)< !ound w"*e! ret"rding "! !oon "! they hit the /pider?! !hie d< )ut"ting into word! & 6h, there you are < 9ui#kly, goddess < straight ahead, first left, se#ond door on the right < enter, enter < kill me < strike at my heart < do not delay. GC o!e the b oody door!<? /")?! *oi(e boo)ed "round the ">u"riu) "nd ob iging y the /pider thu)bed the out!ide p"ne "nd the ">u"riu) door! whi!pered ( o!ed "g"in= LAI+ ,' $HE 9I#E IUEEN A! !he turned " (orner the /pider !"w " )"n !itting "g"in!t " w" < hugging hi! knee!= He !ee)ed in gre"t di!tre!!< but on y "! !he ne"red hi) (ou d !he )"ke out hi! word!= G.y br"in %u(king hurt!<? he w"! wheeAing< Guh;uh;uh< pu!!< %u(k< (unt< whore< n";n";n"; n"< ("n?t he"r you< ("n?t %u(king he"r you< oh< god!< )"ke it go "w"yH0ho?! th"tE 0ho?! thereE I! th"t )e out there< ") I )e in hereE? He !t"rted "ughing then "brupt y ! "))ed hi! he"d b"(k "g"in!t the bu khe"d< GNo1? he ro"red< Gme, me, me, gott" re)e)ber )e= I?) )e< you?re )e< we?re all )eHwhere ") I< who ") I< who the %u(k ("re!E? He !t"rted whi)pering< G,h< god!< )"ke it !topHp e"!e )"ke it !top? A! the /pider p"!!ed the di!(on!o "te )"n he !n"pped hi! he"d up "nd (ried< GI know you< I %u(king know youH? /he turned= $he )"n w"! !t"ring !tr"ight up "t her=
G3e!<? he hi!!ed< win(ing with p"in< Gye!< )e!!"ge! (o)ing through< ho d on " )inute<? hi! %"(e (on*u !ed< eye! ro ing up to white!< no!tri ! % "ring< Ggod!< ye!<? he (ried< Gyou?re her< the %" en one< De!de)on"H=? GAnd you "reE? $he )"n?! eye! !n"pped into %o(u!< they were %i ed with horror< GI don?t know<? he !obbed< GI don?t %u(king knowH=they won?t te )eH? G$heyE? G$he)< *oi(e!< puke tongue!< h"rd;(ore )"ntr"!< %u(k< nuh"nuh, )y he"d< it! %u(king burningH? He gr"bbed hi! !ku "nd !t"rted *io ent y ro(king b"(k "nd %orth< *ein! bu ging %ro) hi! te)p e!< teeth g e")ing pho!phorou! white in the neon g oo)= G0h"t do the *oi(e! te youE? the /pider "!ked= $he )"n "brupt y (" )ed down< "! though the >ue!tion h"d un o(ked !o)ething in!ide hi)= He !topped ro(king= G$he hou!e<? he whi!pered< Git?! (" ing to you< godde!!< it! (" ing your n")eHthe hou!e w"nt! to !w" ow you< %i ed with de"d )en< ong;"go )en< (r"w ing with )i dew "nd )"dne!!H? G$he Agit"rioE? De!de)on" "!!u)ed the )"n w"! re%erring to the ( ub= GNoHdeeperHunderground< deep< deep underground< the )"d hou!e< the one they %orgot "boutH? GDoe! thi! hou!e h"*e " n")eE? G$he Neur" ."n!ion< godde!!< it?! (" ing to you< whi!pering your n")e< o*er "nd o*er "nd o*er "ndH? He !t"rted ! "))ing hi! he"d "g"in!t the bu khe"d "g"in< hi! *oi(e ri!ing to " thin< piti%u !hriek= /he )eural Mansion. $he /pider %rowned= /he?d he"rd o% it< " bui ding e*ery bit "! enig)"ti( "! Feri(ho< ru)oured to h"*e been the te!ting ground %or eCoti( new we"pon! during the D")"!(u! w"r= /o)ething h"d gone wrong< b"d y wrongB !tr"nge !torie! !pi ing "round the o%%i(i" w" o% !i en(e th"t h"d bui t up "round the p "(e= E*en it! o("tion w"! " )y!tery= /o)e ( "i)ed it w"! in Di!tri(t ,)eg"< !o)e !"id it w"! in the Ki "!h underwor d< other! th"t it h"d ne*er eCi!ted "t " = /he !t"red down "t thi! !(re")ing wret(h< grinding hi! %i!t! into hi! e"r!= 0h"t p"rti(u "r *ibe w"! he tuned into< !he wondered< wh"t (ou d po!!ib y (onne(t her to the Neur" ."n!ionE /he e%t hi) !obbing !o%t y< "nd re!u)ed her !e"r(h %or the gho!t= D A! the /pider w" ked " ong the p"!!"ge !he !en!ed the) )o*ing in behind her< (rowding in "he"d o% her & ( ubber!< doAen! o% the)< their )ind! ! "*ed to the o)nipre!ent *ibe< prep"red to !er*e "! hu)"n !hie d! between the /pider "nd the !our(e o% th"t be"t= /he )o*ed %"!t & !(utt ing up the w" ! "nd r"(ing in*erted " ong the (ei ing & her !(rying eye! % "!hing open< )erging p"!t< pre!ent "nd %uture into " (o)po!ite who e= /he turned " (orner "nd %ound the p"!!"ge b o(ked by *ibe whore!< !)"(king h"rd pipe! into open p" )!< (h"nting the !")e )oroni( word! o*er "nd o*er- >rote#t the 9ueen! >rote#t the 9ueen! $he /pider "ughed< the !ound o% her (o d )o(kery e(hoing " ong the ength o% the p"!!"ge= /he he"rd the !(u%% e o% %eet "! )ore ( ubber! (")e up %ro) behind= /he dropped %ro) the (ei ing< her %" !e eg! "nd "r)! un%o ding< !tret(hing wide & !he !tood t" %or "n in!t"nt "nd grinned & then )o*ed %"!t tow"rd! tho!e th"t b o(ked her p"th= D /o)ething )"d "nd yri(" whi!pered in her he"d "! !he )et the )urderou! ( ubber! he"d on & !o)ething th"t !h"red her @oy< her eChi "r"tionB her p"!!ion %or (h"o!< !o)ething th"t "ughed with her "! !he wre"ked h"*o( ")ong!t her "nt"goni!t!= /o)ething took d"rk de ight
in the de!tru(tion !he !ewed< !o)ething th"t %o owed her wi ing y into b ood!hed< th"t hid within her< but w"! not her "nd when it w"! o*er "nd on y ("rn"ge ittered her p"th< the /pider p"u!ed %or " )o)ent< !("nning her own )ind "! though !he no onger tru!ted her thought! & 0a#k my lim&s, the *oi(e o% the *ibe how ed " "round her< I have many lim&s < de#a!itate me, goddess, I have many heads < I am everyone and no one < #ome, #ome, hurry < I am waiting for you <? /he needed no !e(ond in*it"tion= /he took one "!t ook "t the di!)e)bered bodie! behind her= /he h"d regret!= $he ( ubber! were inno(ent *i(ti)! & they h"d "tt"(ked her "t the behe!t o% the *ibe & but th"t )"de the) no e!! " thre"t= In the end their de"th! h"d been " ne(e!!"ry e*i = G$hi! i! " re"dy out o% (ontro <? !he whi!pered to her!e % "! !he )"de her w"y tow"rd! the "!t o% the Agit"rio?! !e*en ( ub!= D .ore ( ubber! b o(ked the door! to the !e*enth "uditoriu)= $hey (ur!ed her "nd !(re")ed "nd how ed in )ind e!! r"ge< trying to pound her< to bite her< to ( "w their w"y through her !hie d= /he !wept the) "!ide "nd tore the )"!!i*e !tone door! o%% their hinge!= A d"rk r"ge en*e oped her "! !he !wept through the g"ping doorw"y "nd into the he"rt o% no*" be"t= D $he "!t o% the Agit"rio?! ( ub! w"! " (o o!!" "%%"ir< it! w" ! (o*ered in " thi(k !n"r o% !("%%o ding< dopp er ight! "nd neon "r(! i u)in"ting " *"!t geode!i( do)e through whi(h "n(et! o% red "nd b ue % "!hed ike bo t! o% ightning= Ho ogr"phi( ( oud! %i ed the bow o% the o*erhe"d do)eB gi"nt thunderhe"d! out o% whi(h !hot dr"gon tongue! o% % ")e= Here< in thi! %in" ( ub< the !ound o% no*" be"t w"! epi(< eCpre!!ing it!e % "! nebu "e o% d"n(ing energy< (on*u !ion! o% (o our "nd "b!tr"(t %or)< !o"ring high in eCp o!i*e r"inbow "r(!< or !wooping down ow o*er the ( ub ike the @"gged ( "w! o% r"*en!< "nd e*en through her De(k erY !hie d the /pider %e t the %u %ury o% the *ibe "! it tr"n!%or)ed the *ery "ir "round her= And< % o"ting in the )idd e o% the ( ub< "t ong "!t< the d"rk he"rt o% the *ibe< the *ery !our(e o% no*" be"t< " (re"ture o% i))en!e proportion!< " %e)" e behe)oth & bronAe !kinned< )u ti i)bed< her h"ir )"de o% "n in%inite nu)ber o% ("b e! !n"king %ro) her !(" p< r"di"ting outw"rd! to hook into the *ery w" ! o% the ( ub= /he w"! be"uti%u beyond re"!on< her eye! b "(k "! in%inity< go den te"r! !pi ing down her (heek!< her (ri)!on ip! %or)ing word! th"t ru)b ed through the "uditoriu) ike !udden deep !e" >u"ke!= $hi! w"! the >ueen= $hi! w"! the Argit"rio?! )"!ter dee@"y= Around her % o"ted e!!er "nge ! o% h"r)ony< )inor dee@"y! %u!ed to *irt de(k!< )ore )"(hine th"n org"ni(< !u!pended in the "ir by orn"te gr"* di!(!= $he!e (yber!o)"ti( )on!tro!itie! were inked to the >ueen by !yn"pti( ! "*e progr")!< orbiting her per%e(t !y))etry ike !"te ite! "round " p"rent !t"r= $he >ueen?! %inger! were p u(king on the !tring! o% (re"tion< e"(h per%e(t n"i !tru))ing on n"ked "ir< ("u!ing it to !hi))er "nd ripp e "! i% re" ity it!e % h"d been !et in )otion= /his was the vi&e 9ueen. $hi! "t "!t w"! the d"rk he"rt o% the !tor)= D
$he /pider ooked up in "we "t the >ueen= Ne*er h"d !he behe d !u(h " (re"ture= /he w"! di*inity )u tip ied to the in%inite< the [ber dee@"y< "nd the /pider h"d the in!"ne i)pu !e to knee "nd wor!hip "t her !oni( " t"r= #ut !he h"d not (o)e here to wor!hip= /he?d (o)e to de!troy the !our(e o% the *ibe< "nd i% thi! "we!o)e (re"ture was th"t !our(e then !o be it= $he ( ubber!< howe*er< were not going to )"ke her t"!k e"!y= $hey (")e "t her ike ber!erker!< %rothing "t the )outh< eye! b "(k "nd )urderou!= $he /pider !(r")b ed up the w" ! o% the ( ub< )o*ing out " ong the !("%%o ding< but the )ort" ! were !(utt ing up the w" ! "%ter her< %"!ter th"n !he wou d h"*e thought po!!ib e< g"ining on her de!pite her gre"t "gi ity= 'urrender to me. I demand it. $he >ueen w"! g "ring "t the /pider< her eye! d"rk "! (o "p!ed !t"r!< yet r"di"ting " terrib e inten!ity= # ue ightening (r"(k ed " ong the ("b e! hooked into her !(" p= $he e!!er dee@"y! (on*u !ed in either e(!t"!y or "gony< the /pider (ou d not te whi(h= /he webbed the !upport !trut! o% " ne"rby ("tw" k "nd pu!hed her!e % "w"y %ro) the w" "nd into " (ontro ed "r(< !winging "(ro!! to the ("tw" k "nd " ighting on it in one % uid )otion= /he g "n(ed b"(k "t the w" to !ee the )ort" ( ubber! e"ping "w"y %ro) the !("%%o ding "%ter her= $hey p u))eted in!t"nt y to their de"th!< broken %igure! !pir" ing tow"rd! the ground< their bodie! "b!orbed by the den!e (rowd! g"thered be ow= $he /pider turned to %"(e the >ueen= 'u##um& to me the >ueen de)"nded= $he word! hit the /pider with the %or(e o% "n "*" "n(he "nd !he w"! pun(hed b"(kw"rd! o%% the ("tw" k< twi!ting into %ree;%" "! her !(rying eye! !("nned "he"d o% her )o)entu)< !e"r(hing %or e)ergen(y "n(hor point!= /he hooked " !n"r o% rigging with her %ir!t web ("!t "nd pu ed her!e % out o% her p u))et "nd into " tight (rou(h ")ong!t " (r"d e o% pipe!= /he g "red "(ro!! "t the >ueen= $he *ibe >ueen p u(ked the "ir "nd " *ibr"tion !hi*ered the ength o% the ( ub< " !oni( >u"ke th"t ro ed dire(t y tow"rd! the /pider= /he e"pt ( e"r with no ti)e to !p"re "nd the pipe! !he?d been re!ting ")ong!t di!integr"ted into pure rhyth) "! the >u"ke hit the)= In " !ing e in!t"nt (o d !tee w"! tr"n!%or)ed into pure !ound< " h"rd !hrieking !ound th"t !p it the "ir "nd ("u!ed " nu)ber o% o*erhe"d ight! to eCp ode= $he /pider kept )o*ing "! one by one the >ueen !ent re!on"n(e w"*e! (r"!hing "%ter her< !e(tion! o% !("%%o ding di!integr"ting into di")ond h"rd !ound< ("tw" k! "nd "r( ight! in!t"nt y (on*erted to ner*e;!hredding %re>uen(y= $he /pider?! De(k erY !hie d w"! beginning to bu(k e "! !ound w"*e! iter" y tore the ( ub "p"rt "round her< "nd " though !he "*oided the w"*e! the)!e *e!< the "(ou!ti( %" out hit her e"(h ti)e with puni!hing i)p"(t= #ut the /pider h"d purpo!e= A! !he )o*ed "round the ( ub w" !< "*oiding the re!on"n(e w"*e!< !he beg"n to !e*er the ("b e! th"t hooked dire(t y into the *ibe >ueen?! !(" p= /he (on(entr"ted her De(k erY %ie d into b "de! o% !oni( ten!ion th"t eCtended beyond the tip! o% her %inger!< thi! dr"ined the b"ttery %"!ter "nd (o)pro)i!ed the re!t o% the !hie d< but the b "de! wie ded enough power to !e*er the *ibe >ueen?! %oot thi(k ("b e!= $he *ibe w"! getting through the /pider?! we"kened !hie d= G"rg"ntu"n *oi(e! %i ed her< pu !ing< r"ging (y( one! o% !ound th"t "te into her )ind= /he w"! )o*ing %"!ter now< trying to outp"(e the *ibe< but it w"! in her< deep within her< working on her %ro) the in!ide;out= $he ("b e! g"*e one by one & !he h"d !e*ered doAen! "nd there were hundred! e%t to go< (ri!!;(ro!!ing the ( ub ike the intri("te !tr"nd! o% " !tee web= $he *ibe >ueen turned her he"d tow"rd! the /pider= /he w"! !)i ing= /he ( o!ed both h"nd! into %i!t! "nd y"nked *i(iou! y on the "ir< "! though pu ing "n in*i!ib e ("rpet tow"rd! her< "nd " re!on"n(e w"*e o% i))en!e proportion! w"! !ent thundering tow"rd! the godde!!= $he /pider hur ed her!e % into the *oid< dropping tow"rd! the ground "! h" % the ( ub w" "bo*e her w"! !he"red "w"y by the %or(e o% the w"*e= $hree tonne! o% !tru(tur" !tee w"!
in!t"nt y tr"n!%or)ed into !oundB the re!u ting !oni( boo) ("ught up with the /pider "nd !ent her !)"!hing into the d"n(e % oor be ow with the %or(e o% " !)" )eteor= D Her De(k erY !hie d !"*ed her= /he "y "t the botto) o% " !h" ow i)p"(t (r"ter "nd tried to ( e"r her he"d< but !he w"! we"k & too d")ned we"k & and the vi&e was every one and no one in this !la#e; the vi&e was all of #reation and all of #reation was damned= $wo o% her i)b! were broken & voi#es, voi#es, voi#es & her rib! were (r"(ked "nd !he !en!ed intern" in@ury & let the voi#es in, let the voi#es in & the b "(k b ood !he w"! (oughing up indi("ted ung d")"ge & the vi&e will heal you & !he w"! %ini!hed i% !he didn?t get out o% here right now & dont leave dont leave, stay and !lay some more+. Le"*ing w"! no onger "n option= A! the /pider dr"gged her!e % out o% the (r"ter !he %ound her!e % !urrounded by b"ying ( ubber!< hundred!< thou!"nd!< " !n"r o% %"(e! di!torted by r"ge "nd triu)ph= $he *ibe >ueen ooked down "t the /pider %ro) on high "nd pointing " %inger "t her< thundered< *ou are the anomaly; I am the destroyer of anomalies. $he ( ubber! de!(ended on the /pider< !)"!hing "w"y "t her with b unt in!tru)ent!< ( "wing "t her with their b"re %inger!= /he de%ended her!e % "! be!t !he (ou d< )"king the) p"y " he"*y enough pri(e %or their d"ring< but in the end it w"! no u!e< there were too )"ny o% the)= /he w"! too we"k "nd they dr"gged her to the ground "nd h"(ked "w"y "t her %"i ing De(k erY !hie d with !"*"ge deter)in"tion= 0ith one "!t (on*u !i*e bur!t o% energy the /pider !wept her "tt"(ker! "w"y %ro) her "nd dr"gged her!e % to her %eet< b eeding (opiou! y %ro) " doAen wound!< her )edu!" (oi ! % "!hing de%i"nt y "round her he"d= $he ( ubber! he!it"ted %or " %r"(tion o% " !e(ond "nd in th"t )o)ent the /pider dire(ted her (oi ! tow"rd! the *ibe >ueen "nd re e"!ed " %re!het !tor)< thou!"nd! o% toCi( b"rb! eCp oding upw"rd! & t"rgeting the ne"re!t o% the >ueen?! ! "*e dee@"y!= $he b"rb! !tru(k the hybrid in it! thi(k hide= $he )"@ority boun(ed o%%< but one or two hit *u ner"b e point! "nd pier(ed the ! "*e dee@"y?! % e!h= At on(e the /pider?! neur" toCin! were oo!e in the (re"ture?! b ood!tre")< powering up tow"rd! the br"in !te) where they (ou d get up to " !ort! o% )i!(hie%= It w"! ike bre"king into " (o)puter u!ing " b"(kdoor (ode< the /pider?! toCin! h"(king into the ! "*e dee@"y?! br"in< u!urping hi! higher (ogniti*e %un(tion! & "nd< e*en "! !he went down bene"th the renewed %renAy o% the ( ubber!? "tt"(k< De!de)on" w"! )ent" y !t" king the (orridor! o% the dee@"y?! )ind< whi!pering !ugge!tion! to hi) th"t g"thered in urgen(y unti they be(")e i)po!!ib e to ignore & .efend me! 'ave me! ill her! ill the 9ueen. 'he is your enemy, not me. $he /pider?! De(k erY !hie d %"i ed "t th"t )o)ent "nd now the ( ubber?! r"ined b ow! down upon her eCpo!ed body "r)our= ."de o% tit"niu) it w"! h"rder th"n di")ond< but wou d gi*e !oon enough bene"th thi! !u!t"ined "!!"u t= A re"dy !he %e t the b ow! pun(h down through the "r)our to her de%en(e e!! % e!h be ow= /he !hie ded her he"d "nd buried her )ind in the % e!h o% the ! "*e dee@"y= P+,$EC$ .E1 /he de)"nded with " her )ight= I A. 3,U+ G,D111 / ow y the ! "*e dee@"y broke rhyth) with the *ibe< nudging hi! gr"* di!( "w"y %ro) it! !yn(hroni!ed orbit= $he *ibe >ueen !t"rted to turn her he"d in hi! dire(tion< " %rown (re"!ing her be"uti%u %"(e %or the %ir!t ti)e= Under guid"n(e %ro) the /pider the ! "*e dee@"y pu!hed hi! gr"* di!( into %"!t thrott e< !pinning tow"rd! hi! >ueen "t high !peed= Her eye! be(")e )o ten with %ury "! !he !ent " )"!!i*e re!on"n(e w"*e thundering tow"rd! her tre"(herou! ! "*e= It w"! " )i!t"ke= $he ! "*e dee@"y w"! (o)ing in too %"!t= $he re!on"n(e w"*e !)"!hed into hi) "nd the re!u ting !ho(k w"*e hit the >ueen with the %or(e o% " (o "p!ing )ount"in= /he w"! kno(ked out o% po!ition< her (o o!!" body !)"!hing into her re)"ining ! "*e! "! !he went down= A !erie! o% huge eCp o!ion! ro(ked the "uditoriu) "! the ("b e! th"t
hooked into the >ueen?! !(" p were wren(hed %ree o% the ( ub w" != /heet! o% ightening !p it the "ir< the *ibe it!e % be(")e " !(re") o% undi uted p"in th"t went on "nd on "nd on & $he %in" eCp o!ion< when it (")e< w"! white "nd noi!e e!! "nd in it! w"ke there w"! on y b e!!ed< )er(i%u !i en(e= D /he pi(ked her w"y ")ong!t the de"d "nd the dying< ob i*iou! to the )o"n! o% di!tre!!< the p e"! %or "!!i!t"n(e= /he w"! in@ured enough to w"rr"nt !eriou! "!!i!t"n(e her!e %< but wh"t o% itE Li%e w"! %ri*o ou! "nd g"y "nd tonight they?d " d"n(ed with the de*i = /he "ughed< high "nd oudB de ighted !he?d !ur*i*ed= /he (ou dn?t >uite be ie*e it w"! o*er= $he *ibe w"! de"d< the "uditoriu) %i ed with !)oke "nd ruin "nd the ru)b ing "%ter)"th o% " doAen eCp o!ion!< but the *ibe w"! gone< the )"dne!! w"! o*er< the ( ubber! e)erging %ro) their (o))un" tr"n(e w"i ing "nd !(re")ing< be"ting their % e!h in "ngui!h< oh< how they?d " d"n(ed= #e%ore her the gho!t !"t on " pi e o% rubb e< !ti dre!!ed in the % e!h o% " )idd e;"ged )"n= He !t"red down "t the /pider "nd grinned< GDid you en@oy the huntE? he "!ked= $he /pider g "red "t hi)= G3ou?re de"d<? !he hi!!ed= $he gho!t !hrugged= G3ou?*e )"de " %ine )e!! o% thing!< Gene*ie*e< !o )"ny de"d< "nd " to pro*e " point= .y< I (ert"in y hope it w"! " point worth pro*ing=? G3ou "re "n "bo)in"tion<? De!de)on" !p"t= GA) IE 0h"t di%%eren(e= .y ti)e i! " )o!t done= I to d you I w"!n?t to "!t< but you (ou dn?t et thing! " one=? He ooked "round "nd !hook hi! he"d !"d y= G0h"t " (" ")ity< hone!t y< wh"t " di!"!ter= Co)p ete y unne(e!!"ry< but the god! wi h"*e their pound o% % e!h= ,ne d"y you wi under!t"nd the *" ue o% i%e< De!de)on"< " i%e< not @u!t the i*e! you dee) worthwhi e=? GI h"*e *"n>ui!hed you< )on!ter< be gone=? GI (ou d h"*e t"ught you )u(h< godde!!< i% on y you?d !urrendered your!e % to )e=? $he gho!t !ighed= GAh< we < I ("n %ee )y!e % ! ipping "w"y< dying I think they (" it= Iuite " p e"!"nt !en!"tion & not p"in%u "t " < I thought it )ight be &? $he ight in the gho!t?! !to en eye! w"! %"ding= He b inked down "t the /pider< trying to ( e"r hi! *i!ion< hi! !hou der! ! u)ping< hi! %"(e ! ow y beginning to !"g= GI?) " )o!t through<? he )uttered= GNot ong now<? he !)i ed we"k y< GI en@oyed our ti)e together< godde!! & I wonder&? he p"u!ed< hi! bre"thing growing in(re"!ing y "boured= G0h"t do you wonderE? the /pider "!ked "! !he w"t(hed the de"th o% thi! enig)"= GI wonder<? the gho!t repe"ted !o%t y< Gi% we !h" e*er )eet "g"in< you "nd IE? G0e !h" not<? the /pider rep ied !o%t y< Gbe("u!e you ne*er re" y eCi!ted=? $he gho!t !hrugged= Hi! te ! were " )o!t eCtingui!hed by thi! ti)e= It w"! " he (ou d do to re)"in u(id= GUnder!t"nd th"t you "re p"rt o% " *ibe<? he g"!ped< Gth"t h"! no beginning "nd wi h"*e no end "nd then perh"p! you wi !o)ed"y under!t"nd )y n"ture=? And with th"t hi! he"d ! u)ped %orw"rd on hi! (he!t "nd with " %in" !huddering bre"th the % e!h eCh" ed the "!t o% the gho!t= $he /pider ( o!ed her eye! %or " brie% in!t"nt< !h"ring in the )o)ent o% her "d*er!"ry?! p"!!ing= 0hen !he opened her eye! "g"in the )idd e;"ged )"n w"! !trugg ing "w"ke= G0ho & wh"t & where the %u(kHE? he !p uttered "! he ooked wi d y "round= Hi! te ! were hi! own< the /pider (ou d dete(t no re)"ining tr"(e o% the gho!t= $he )"n ("ught !ight o% the /pider "nd hi! eye! went round "! !"u(er!< hi! )outh !winging open= G,h< de"r godH? he whi!pered= GGodde!!<? the /pider retorted= D
In the )idd e o% the d"n(e % oor !he ( o!ed her eye!= $he *ibe w"! not de"d= It w"! in!ide her= /he he"rd it h"))ering "w"y "t the w" ! o% her )ind< in!i!ting !he et it in= $hi! ti)e !he did not re!i!t= /he opened her )ind "nd et the *ibe (on!u)e her "nd !weep her "w"y "nd !o)ewhere in it! (oi ing< "byrinthine rhyth)< !he thought !he ("ught " g i))er o% truth=
THE WISDOM OF ANGELS

$HE H,L,;.AN /he !n"ke! through the "rti%i(i" ("nyon! o% Di!tri(t 3")"< )o*ing %ro) dr"g ine to dr"g ine< !winging in*erted "bo*e the "by!!< her "r)! p "ying out web !pr"y %ro) her !pine< dire(ting it in " thin @et tow"rd! "*"i "b e "n(hor point! where it in!t"nt y (onge" ! to ho d %"!t= /he i! in her e e)ent< %ree< un%ettered< (re"ting her own ine! o% "tt"(h)ent "nd !e*ering the) when !he (hoo!e!= /he i! gr"*ity?! )i!tre!!< %" ing through tr"pdoor! "nd (r"(k! in re" ity< i*ing in open de%i"n(e o% " %or(e th"t pin! the re!t o% hu)"nity to the p "net?! !ur%"(e< (ru!hed by " !en!e o% their own inerti"= D $he /pider "b!ei ! down the !heer %"(e o% " towering b "(k (it"de h" % " ki o)etre t" < p "ying out " web ine behind her< u!ing it to !t"bi iAe her de!(ent= /he )o*e! %"!t< her %our power%u eg! prope ing her "t inhu)"n !peed!< her )et" i( dre"d o(k! % owing %ree y behind her= 'ro) behind the (it"de " *"!t "ir!hip i! @u!t ! ipping into *iew= $he !kin o% it! g"! b i!ter pro@e(t! " ho ogr"phi( eye three;!torey! wide th"t b ink! down "t the /pider ike the eye o% !o)e g"rg"ntu"n god= $he /pider !pin! !idew"y! o%% the bui ding< dire(ting " web ine "t the orn"te gondo " h"nging !u!pended bene"th the "ir!hip?! g"! b i!ter= $he ine !n"g! " @ui(y right "ng e< the !udden ten!ion !n"pping the /pider upw"rd!= /he >ui(k y retr"(t! the ine< ree ing it in< "!(ending tow"rd! the "ir!hip with re(k e!! !peed= At the "!t po!!ib e )o)ent !he !e*er! the ine "nd (o)e! to re!t "g"in!t one o% the gondo "?! )"ny g "!! *iewing;port!= D /he !t"re! in through the port "t perh"p! two hundred p"!!enger!< (rowded together on the %orede(k o% the gondo " "nd !t"ring b"(k out "t the /pider in wonder "nd %e"r= ,pening " !iC o% her eye! the /pider !tret(he! her )outh into " y"wning (r"ter th"t re*e" ! !err"ted row! o% teeth & "nd !(re")!= $he p"!!enger! !(re") b"(k "nd there i! " !"*"ge (ru!h "! they try to !(r")b e "w"y %ro) the *iewing window< "nd then the /pider et! go her grip "nd %" ! "w"y %ro) the gondo "< "ughing "! !he p unge! into the "by!!= D /he h"! "tt"(hed " !ing e i%e ine to the gondo " "nd "! !he %" ! the /pider et! it p "y out= Ar)! !pre"d< !he p u))et! down through " (ri!!(ro!!ing "byrinth o% "eri" !treet! "nd % o"ting %reew"y! "nd tower;to;tower underp"!!e!= A !e(ond web ine !n"ke! "w"y %ro) her !pine< hooking "nd "n(horing the brooding ip o% " tower b" (ony< "nd the /pider?! *e o(ity in!t"nt y drop! to Aero= /he !e*er! the ine "nd drop! down onto the de!erted roo%top o% " %i%ty;!torey !hopping )" known "! the .urr"y Lein!ter hyper)"rket= $he /pider )o*e! >ui(k y to the edge o% the bui ding= +e!ting on " !h"dowy pre(ipi(e !he re!e)b e! "n eight; i)bed g"rgoy e "! !he !ur*ey! the neon;w"!hed !treet! be ow= A !w"r) o% "d hornet! ripp e up o*er the edge o% the )" ?! roo%< hu))ing< !inging (orpor"te hy)n! "nd ("t(hy itt e @ing e!= $hey )o*e tow"rd! the /pider< g owing "nd winking in the twi ight< (o" e!(ing into " *irtu" !(ene %ro) the "te!t .otobi 'irebike \ (o))er(i" B i%e;!iAed pro)o gir ! in )i(ro bikini! ("re!!ing the grow ing< throbbing % "nk! o% " top o% the r"nge /ky 0"rrior $210= $he /pider doe! not " ow her!e % to be(o)e di!tr"(ted by the ho o*ert!= /he (ontinue! !("nning the !treet! be ow e*en when the /ky 0"rrior digit" y )orph! into "
(hro)e p "ted )i!!i e th"t "un(he! it!e % into the !ky< the bikini;( "d ny)ph! ( inging to it! !t"bi i!er %in!< " tr"i o% % ore!(ent boo!ter %ire %o owing it into !t"r ight "nd ob i*ion= $he /pider y"wn!B the (orpor"te "d;h"!! e i! re"(hing new height! o% p"r"noid ingenuity= Progr"))ed to dete(t the ! ighte!t whi%% o% " potenti" !" e< there i! nowhere the "d hornet! ("nnot %ind you in Go goth" '" !< no eCtre)e! to whi(h they wi not go= $he /pider h"! he"rd %ro) D@ob" th"t " new gener"tion o% ho o*ert! "re (urrent y being de!igned to penetr"te " ! eeping punter?! dre")! "nd thi! )"ke! the /pider "ugh< e*en dre")! wi no onger be !"%e h"*en %ro) the " )ighty (orpor"te !e = D G3ou "re "te< !o !orry & !o "te<? the )"n ! ide! out o% roo%top !h"dow! " %ew )etre! "w"y %ro) the /pider< thin "nd % uid "! " gho!t= He we"r! " b "(k gre"t(o"t !e*er" !iAe! too "rge< big br"!! button! winking ike )" %un(tioning tr"%%i( !ign" != Hi! h"ir i! ! i(ked b"(k< hi! %orehe"d high "nd inte igent= Hi! eye!< brown "nd r"bid< de*our det"i < (" (u "ting odd! & " g")b er?! eye!< h"rd "! % int= GI took the !(eni( route<? the /pider rep ie!< !tepping "w"y %ro) the roo% edge< w"t(hing the )"n ("re%u y "! he "ppro"(he! her= He i! un"r)ed< !he ("n te "t on(e= He )ight po!!e!! bio;we"pon!< but !he doubt! itB there?! no !ign o% "ggre!!ion in hi! )o*e)ent!= 0hen !he probe! hi! )ind !he %ind! it di!turbing y b "nk= No e)otion" te !< no *ibr"tion! o% "ny !ort= $hi! i! the %ir!t !ign !o)ething i! wrong= E*en " Gengu )onk gi*e! o%% some *ibr"tion= G$h"t?! %"r enough<? !he !n"p!< " h"rd (o))"nd th"t !top! the )"n in hi! tr"(k!= He !pre"d! hi! "r)! to !how he intend! her no h"r)= D G0hy " ho ogr")E? the /pider !("n! the d"rkne!! behind the )"n< trying to pi(k up hi! #ontrollers pre!en(e= A ho ogr") " w"y! h"! " (ontro erB " re)ote )ind @"(ked into thi! *irtu" gho!t %ro) !o)e point o% re "ti*e !"%ety= G3ou are good<? the )"n !)i e!< G"nd "b!o ute y (orre(t= I am " ho ogr") "nd thu! not tru y here=? G$hen where are you< d"r ingE? Her !en!e! "re probing the !h"dow!< bro"dening the net< trying to hone in on the )e"t behind the )"!k= /he i! ("geyB ho ogr")! u!u" y portend " tr"p< but !he !en!e! no thre"t in the i))edi"te *i(inity= G0here I tru y ") )u!t< o% ne(e!!ity< re)"in " !e(ret< i% on y %or " whi e onger<? the ho ogr") rep ie!= GI?) "%r"id ; !o "%r"id ; !o "te ; !o !orry=? $here?! !o)ething not right with the *o(" !< the /pider re" i!e!< the ho ogr") i! !tutteringB ("ught in *erb" )i(ro; oop! th"t )ight h"*e been )i!t"ken %or " !pee(h idio!yn(r"!y by " e!! eCperien(ed ob!er*er= L"dy De!de)on" h"d (o)e here on " whi)< "n in*it"tion her better @udge)ent urged her to re%u!e= $he in*it"tion< re(ei*ed by D@ob" " week e"r ier< re"d$o L"dy Gene*ie*e De!de)on" 'ro) one who wi!he! to re)"in unn")ed< A )eeting (ou d pro*e )utu" y bene%i(i" ."ny )o*e "g"in!t you 'ew ("n be tru!ted .eet )e upon the roo%top o% the .urr"y Lein!ter hyper)"rket 21-15 0edne!d"y night in the Di!tri(t o% 3")" Co)e " one /igned- Anony)ou! ,h< how !he o*ed intrigue= /he brooded "nd )u ed o*er the in*it"tion in the inner (h")ber o% her ne!t= In the end !he de(ided to "ttend the )eeting= It w"! " ri!ky *enture= /he
h"d no gu"r"ntee !he w"!n?t w" king into "n ")bu!h "nd re(ent e*ent! h"d )"de her )ore w"ry th"n u!u" = And !o !he !et out th"t 0edne!d"y night with )iCed e)otion!= $he need %or in%or)"tion w"! o*erwhe )ing & but the ru e! o% !ur*i*" e*er preyed on her )ind= 0hoe*er w"! out to get her h"d de)on!tr"ted their "uthority o*er )e)ber! o% the "nge i( ho!t= /u(h power w"! not to be undere!ti)"ted= GI don?t do bu!ine!! with "nony)ou! broker!<? the /pider te ! the ho ogr"phi( )"n= G$e your (ontro er I? de" when he?! prep"red to )eet )e in per!on=? $h"t !"id the /pider e"p! to the edge o% the roo%< prep"ring to dep"rt the !")e w"y !he?d "rri*ed= G0"r i! brewing<? the ho o )"n (" ! "%ter her "! he ( ip! hi! "pe ! up "g"in!t the (o d= A ni(e per!on" tou(h< but " dre"d%u !h")< the /pider know! ho ogr")! don?t %ee the (o d= G3ou h"*e %e t it<? the ho o )"n (ontinue!< en(our"ged by the /pider?! he!it"tion< G!tirring!< )uttering!< ru)our! & there i! b ood in the "ir= /o )u(h< too )u(h b ood & ye! & "nd in the end< " w"r to end " w"r!< " night without d"wn= 3ou h"*e %e t it= 3e!;ye!< h"*en?t we " E? GAnd wh"t i% I h"*eE? the /pider !n"p!= G0h"t !ide wi you (hoo!eE? $he ho o )"n ight! " ho ogr"phi( (ig"rette "nd pu%%! ( oud! o% i u!ion"ry !)oke into the (hi night "ir= G.y own !ide< the !")e "! " w"y!<? the /pider rep ie!= $he ho o )"n !hrug!B the ge!ture %"!t enough to p"!! "! " !p"!)= GIn the end< L"dy D< we wi " be %"(ed with " (hoi(e= /o true< !o !"d< !o !orry=? $he /pider "ppe"r! to !tudy the ho o )"n< but her !en!e! "re %uriou! y "t work trying to tr"(k down the !our(e o% hi! !ign" = Ho ogr"phi( pro@e(tion! o% thi! >u" ity "re )o!t y !hort r"nge & !"y within "bout two hundred )etre!< whi(h )e"n! the pro@e(tor h"! to be ( o!e< @u!t out!ide her "bi ity to dete(t it= G3our in*it"tion !ugge!ted " )utu" y bene%i(i" "rr"nge)ent<? !he !"y!= GI don?t wi!h to oiter< !o p e"!e (o)e to the point=? G0"r between the God! i! ine*it"b e?< the ho o )"n te ! her= G$he %ir!t !kir)i!he! wi be %ought with word!= It is so, know that it is so. A!!"!!in"tion! wi pun(tu"te e*ery deb"te= Hou!e i! !et to )o*e "g"in!t Hou!e= $re"(hery wi be the !n"ke th"t !trike! in d"rkne!!< ")bition the poi!on th"t %ou ! the we = It is so, know that it is so. $he /pider?! eye! n"rrow "! the ho o )"n t" k! & !he re(" ! " (on*er!"tion !he?d h"d !e*er" week! e"r ier with the godde!! Aphrodite= Ag"in there h"d been hint! o% " (o)ing w"r ")ong!t the god!= And D@ob" h"! @ui(y new! o% "%%r"y e"(h ti)e he return! %ro) hi! eCpedition! to the City o% God!= /he re(" ! the "tt"(k o% the /er"ph th"t *ery ne"r y ended her i%e= Are they " < indeed< (onne(tedE I! !he to be no )ore th"n " p"wn in " bigger !tr"tegyE GA w"r<? the ho o;)"n (ontinue!< Gto turn thi! (ity in!ide out "nd bring "n end to the reign o% D"gd"< known "! the Good God=? GAnd who wou d d"re (h" enge the )ight o% D"gd"E? the /pider de)"nd!= GGre"t D"gd" i! o d &? the ho o )"n eCh" e! " ring o% b ue !)oke th"t brie% y %or)! the word old in the Eno(hi"n teCt< be%ore dri%ting "p"rt= G#ut h"rd y in%ir)<? the /pider (ounter!= GHe h"!n?t e%t the City o% God! in o*er " (entury<? the ho o )"n !hrug!< Gth"t !hou d te you !o)ething< godde!!= /o;!o< it i! !o=? GAnd who wi!he! me de"dE? !he "!k!= G.ore th"n one< e!! th"n )"ny=? the ho o )"n rep ie!= GNo ridd e!<? the /pider (ut! b"(k< Gor I ter)in"te thi! )eeting=? GI ") on y !"ying th"t your "d*er!"rie! "re (unning= $hey hide & ye!;ye! & (on(e" the)!e *e! & it i! !o ; behind deep !ubter%uge "nd ( e*er i u!ion= In " "byrinth o% intrigue they hide their )oti*e!& yet " p"th! & you wi %ind & e"d b"(k to D")"!(u!=? GD")"!(u!E? the /pider hi!!e!= GArgy D")"!(u!E?
GHe ed the in!urgen(y during the gre"t )ort" upri!ing<? the ho o;)"n rep ie!= GI be ie*e the in!urgent! were known "! the He"then= D")"!(u! w"! the one )ort" the god! %e"red "bo*e " other!=? GHe i! de"d now= And !o they %e"r hi) no onger=? $he ho o )"n "ppe"r! to grow brighter %or " !p it !e(ond< "! though the /pider?! ob!er*"tion h"! triggered !o)ething in hi! progr"))ing= GAh;"h<? he eC( "i)!< G"nd here?! the (ruC< the *ery nub o% the i!!ue & !o;!o< ike thi!< i!ten we & Argy D")"!(u! i! not de"d= Hi! eCe(ution " (entury "nd " h" % "go w"! nothing but " !h")= $he god! %e"r " de"d D")"!(u! e*en )ore th"n they %e"r " i*ing one=? $he /pider !t"re! "t hi) %or " ong ti)e= $hen ! ow y !he !"y!< GI be ie*e you to be >uite )"d=? $he ho o;)"n bow!= GIt i! the wi!do) o% "nge ! & "nd I?) !ure you?*e he"rd it !"id & th"t de"th ("n )"ke god! out o% )ort" ! "nd )ort" ! out o% god!=? GI h"*e he"rd it !"id<? the /pider rep ie! !o%t y= G/o;!o<? the ho o;)"n !)i e! thin y< Gthere i! " prophe(y th"t when Argy D")"!(u! die!< the god! !h" %" = $he !")e prophe(y ( "i)! th"t you< L"dy De!de)on"< !h" be in!tru)ent" in th"t %" =? GP"ndor"?! prophe(y<? the /pider bre"the!< GI?*e he"rd the prophe(y< ho ogr")= 0h"t o% itE? GIndeed<? the ho o;)"n rep ie!< G%or th"t re"!on the god! (ou d not " ow D")"!(u! to die= At the !")e ti)e they (ou d not " ow hi! %o ower! to be ie*e he w"! !ti " i*e< "nd !o " %"ke eCe(ution w"! !t"ged to !"ti!%y " p"rtie!= It is so, know that it is so.? G3ou eCpe(t )e to be ie*e !u(h "n e "bor"te (on!pir"(y (ou d h"*e he d together %or o*er " (entury "nd " h" %E? G$he proo% i! in the CCI d"t" (ore< hidden in the depth! o% the Ak"!hi( +e(ord!= #re"k in i% you doubt )e< L"dy D=? $he ho o;)"n?! body %"de! ! ow y "w"y unti on y hi! he"d h"ng! !u!pended in the night "ir= GI wi )eet with you %ro) ti)e to ti)e< two he"d! "re better< !o )u(h better< th"n one<? the he"d dip! ! ight y "! though eCe(uting " bodi e!! bow= G3ou h"*e i)pre!!ed u!< godde!! ; " one you !tood "g"in!t " o% di*ine !o(iety & we w"t(hed you in the (ourtroo) th"t d"y & one "g"in!t )"ny & !o;!o & you %ound %"*our in our he"rt!=? And with thi! the %"(e i! gone< e"*ing on y the "%ter burn o% the ho o )"n?! eye! "nd the %"ding e(ho o% hi! "!t word! re*erber"ting in the night "ir= $he /pider !t"nd! %or " whi e onger< thinking "bout " the ho o )"n h"! !"id= He !pe"k! o% !ubter%uge "nd intrigue< "nd yet wh"t i! he but "nother )"!kE 0ho i! behind the )"!k & friend, "! the ho o )"n ( "i)!< or )ere y "nother ene)y with "n "gend" " their ownE Hipi!(iu!< the p"*e)ent;dwe ing god< h"d " !o ( "i)ed to be "(ting on beh" % o% !e(ret " ie! when he?d he ped De!de)on" th"t d"y in (ourt= 0ere the!e the !")e " ie! "! tho!e behind the ho o )"nE ECtending her %" !e eg! "nd ri!ing to her %u height< the /pider )o*e! to the !ide o% the bui ding "nd re e"!e! " web ine th"t !n"ke! o%% into the night< hooking the (ro!! girder! o% "n un%ini!hed bui ding !o)e di!t"n(e "w"y= $r"n!%erring the ine to her h"nd! !he ! ip! o%% the edge o% the .urr"y Lein!ter hyper)"rket "nd in "n in!t"nt i! gone= D $here "re tr"p! within tr"p!< !n"re! di!gui!ed "! pe"(e o%%ering!< poi!oned b"it )iCed in with the )o!t benign o% ( ue!= $he in%or)"tion !he h"! "(>uired i! too e"!i y (o)e by= L"dy De!de)on" h"! the %ee ing !he i! being )"nipu "ted< but %ee ! (on%ident !he ("n outwit the )ind behind the )e!!"ge= 0hoe*er !et the )eeting up with the ho ogr") i! ( e*er< %"r too ( e*er to e"*e "ny tr"(e o% hi! pre!en(e behind= $he /pider !u!pe(t! " drone tr"n!)itter w"! being u!ed to pro@e(t the ho o )"n< prob"b y % o"ting " %ew hundred %eet "bo*e the hyper)"rket< i)po!!ib e to get "t in " hurry= #ut e*en though !he !u!pe(t! " tr"p< there i! no
re"!on to doubt the in%or)"tion w"! not genuine= $he %ir!t )or!e o% in%or)"tion i! b"it< de!igned to dr"w her in ike " g")b er eC(ited by " r"!h o% e"r y winning!= /he h"! p "yed thi! g")e be%ore< )"ny ti)e! down through the ong (enturie!= /he hope! the )ind !he i! pitted "g"in!t wi pro*e " worthy (h" enge= And !e(ret y !he !u!pe(t! it wi = D /he return! to C"!t e Arine"e= D@ob" i! there to greet her< hopping out o% the !h"dow! with " @oyou! (ry= G.other1 ,h< )other & how did it goE 0"! it "! pro%it"b e "! I !"idE? GCo)e< !weet D@ob"<? the /pider purr!< G et )e te you how it went=? D@ob" u!e! hi! !ing e power%u eg to !pring "(ro!! to hi! p"tron?! !ideB " )i!t"ke< he h"! )i!@udged her )ood "nd p"y! the pri(e in!t"nt y when !he b"(kh"nd! hi) "(ro!! hi! b o"ted %"(e< !ending hi) !pr"w ing h" % the ength o% the gre"t h" = G.other1? he !>ue" !< !(r")b ing de!per"te y into " w" ni(he "nd (owering there< weeping in !ho(k "nd p"in= G0h"t did I doE 0h"t did I do wrongE? GI?*e w"rned you to (he(k !our(e! be%ore you p"!! )e!!"ge! on<? !he hi!!e!< her !(rying eye! burning hot "nd bright in the gothi( g oo)= G$h"t (ou d e"!i y h"*e been "n ")bu!h< you )i!begotten (retin=? D@ob" b ubber! in prote!t= G#ut )other<? he (rie!< Git w"! " bon" %ide )e!!"geB I !we"r it= It h"d the !e" o% .er(ury "nd e*erything & I !we"r it< )other< I wou d ne*er be th"t ("re e!!< I !we"r it< oh< how I !we"r &? Her "nger *ented< the /pider " ow! her!e % to (" ) down= /he ho d! no p"rti(u "r "ni)o!ity tow"rd! D@ob"B it i! !i)p y i)port"nt to put hi) in hi! p "(e e*ery on(e in " whi e= G$hen !o)eone h"! e"rnt to %orge the !e" o% " god<? !he !"y! !o%t y to her!e %< rubbing her (hin< !e" ing her !(rying eye! unti on y ! i*er! re)"in to b e)i!h her ne"r per%e(t %orehe"d= GI o*e you<? w"i ! D@ob"< GI o*e you< )other=? GEnough1? !n"p! the /pider "nd re"(hing up !he gr"b! the end o% " d"ng ing dr"g ine "nd !(r")b e! up through the probo!(i!; ike entr"n(e o% her ne!t< di!"ppe"ring in!ide "nd e"*ing poor D@ob" to w"i hi! he"rt out be ow= D In her wor d o% !i k !he i! "t (o)p ete pe"(e= /(utt ing " ong n"rrow p"!!"ge! %")i i"r "! the b"(k! o% her own h"nd!< )o*ing up through %" !e (ei ing! "nd dropping down through in*i!ib e tr"pdoor!< !he (o)e! "t "!t to the (ore o% her ne!t= In !i en(e !he !>u"t!< "r)! "nd eg! !pre"d< %inger! "nd toe! hooked onto her web ine!< G i!tening? to e*ery *ibr"tion< e*ery )ur)ur th"t tr"*er!e! the )"!! o% her web= /he ( o!e! her eye! "nd %" ! inw"rd!< her *it" !ign! ! owing< her he"rt dropping to !iC be"t! per )inute< her )ind )o*ing outw"rd! " ong the !tr"nd! o% her web< !p itting o%% in )u tip e dire(tion!< i!tening to the gre"ter *ibr"tion! o% the wor d beyond her ("!t e= /he think! o% one n")e< o*er "nd o*er= .amas#us. It i! " n")e th"t keep! "ppe"ring out o% the ether< tu)b ing %ro) the %"n"ti(" ip! o% "!!"!!in! or o%%ered up to her by !e %;pro( "i)ed " ie!= Argy D")"!(u!B the eCe(uted e"der o% " ong de%un(t (u t< "nd yet th"t (u t h"! eCperien(ed !o)ething o% " re!urgen(e in re(ent ti)e!< "nd now " ho ogr") h"! "ppe"red with the in(redib e ( "i) th"t the Prophet D")"!(u! i! !ti " i*e< th"t hi! eCe(ution h"d been " !h")< perpetu"ted to de(ei*e hi! %o ower!< th"t he w"! being he d by the E ohi) "! in!ur"n(e "g"in!t " )"d wo)"n?! prophe(y= $hing! were growing e*er )ore (uriou!= AN E9ENING A$ GUNGHA P,?/
$he god! "re tre"(herou!= It i! p"rt o% their enduring (h"r)= $here "re o*er three thou!"nd prin(ip" i))ort" ! in Go goth" '" !< e"(h po!!e!!ed o% " g"rg"ntu"n egoB "! !u(h< (on%ront"tion! "re bound to o((ur= Proto(o " ow! the god! to !trike out "t e"(h other< but on y through *i("riou! )e"n!= Dire(t (on%ront"tion! "re r"re "nd "re "(ti*e y di!(our"ged by the High Lord D"gd" who h"! witne!!ed !u(h di!(ord de!(end into (i*i w"r in the p"!t "nd ("nnot ri!k it doing !o "g"in= $re"(hery< intrigue< "nd the odd b ood etting by proCy< "re !een "! e!!er e*i ! (o)p"red to the !heer pri(e o% open w"r%"re= #ut there "re p "(e! in the '" !< !"%e hou!e!< where e*en tre"(hery "nd !ubter%uge "re !u!pended by )utu" (on!entB neutr" o"!e! where di*ine !o(iety ("n et it! h"ir down without %e"r o% "tt"(k upon either their per!on! or their reput"tion!= Gungh" Po?! i! one !u(h p "(e= It i! " % o"ting p e"!ure p" "(e< Go goth" '" ! 22nd o%%i(i" wonder= ,rient" i!) (h"r"(teriAe! )u(h o% it! de!ign< it! in%inite "rr"y o% p"god"! ike the pe"k! o% (e e!ti" )ount"in!< it! (one !h"ped turret! @oined by )"ny !p endid bridge!= /o)e o% the!e bridge! "re di!gui!ed "! % o"ting dr"gon!B other! re!e)b e % o(k! o% )igr"ting !unbird!= I))en!e (ourty"rd! (he>uer the ground! o% the p" "(e< bordered by ri!ing terr"(e! "nd orn"te b" u!tr"de!< %"bu ou! g"rden! !h"ped into the twe *e !ign! o% the Aodi"(< w"t(hed o*er by gi"nt turt e! "nd ion! ("!t in bronAe= L"ughing #uddh"! re( ine " ong the *erge o% ye ow ti ed roo%!< !)i ing good %ortune down on tho!e who p"!! through the p" "(e?! %i*e (e e!ti" g"te!= Gungh" Po?! i! !itu"ted on " !erie! o% huge gr"*ity b"rge! per)"nent y )oored in the In%ernu)= In "ddition to the "ntigr"*ity %ie d they gener"te< the b"rge! " !o produ(e " ho ogr"phi( re% e(tion o% the entire p" "(e< in*erted bene"th the origin" bui ding< identi(" in !iAe "nd eC"(t in det"i = $hi! gi*e! the i)pre!!ion the p" "(e % o"t! on "n in*i!ib e "ke< the ho ogr") it! own w"tery re% e(tion= ,%%i(i" y the p" "(e (ont"in! three "nd " h" % thou!"nd roo)!< though uno%%i(i" y there "re ru)oured to be )"ny ti)e! thi!= 0ith b"n>ueting h" !< ("!ino!< re!t"ur"nt!< b" roo)!< ob!er*"tion de(k!< ounge!< ibr"rie!< "nd ( ient !pe(i%i( !uite!< it i! " (ity within " (ity "nd Gungh" C"!!iu! Po< the bene*o ent p"tron o% the p" "(e< pride! hi)!e % on knowing the n")e! o% e*ery one o% hi! e!t"b i!h)ent?! ten thou!"nd ( ient!< be they god!< de)igod!< or )e)ber! o% the )ort" e ite= D A one in " pri*"te !uite th"t Gungh" Po h"! re!er*ed %or )e)ber! o% the Hou!e o% Ar"(hnid!< the /pider ("n dete(t the )u!k o% her di*ine !ib ing!= $hey " u!e the!e >u"rter! %ro) ti)e to ti)e= /he know! L"dy Hegir" "nd L"dy Cry!t"! h"*e been here )o!t re(ent y< the roo) i! iter" y pregn"nt with the !(ent o% )other?! itt e h"r ot!= $he /pider !it! "t the (on%eren(e t"b e< dru))ing her t" on! "g"in!t the h"rdwood !ur%"(e= In %ront o% her i! " g "!! %i!hbow = In!ide the bow < i))er!ed in w"ter< (oi ! the !i *ery grey )"!! o% "n o(topu!= /o%t green! "nd b ue! % i(ker "(ro!! it! iride!(ent % e!h ike ight;en(oded )e!!"ge!= #e!ide the %i!hbow !t"nd! " % uted g "!! o% i>uid protein!= $he /pider tre)b e!< her ong %inger! t"pping %"!ter "nd %"!ter "g"in!t the t"b e top unti they "re " b ur o% ner*ou! )otion= Her eye! ( o!e= /he trie! to %i her!e % with (" )< but the %e"r keep! "pping "t the (orner! o% her )ind "nd the )ore !he trie! the )ore e u!i*e th"t (" ) be(o)e!= /he i! un(o)%ort"b e= In thi! roo)= $hi! (ity= Her own % e!h= It %ee ! "! though wit(h %ire i! igniting " ong the ridge o% her !pine< !ingeing her ner*e ending!< in(iner"ting her de%en(e!= .e)orie! o% i))e"!ur"b e p"in %i her< " !(re") o% "ngui!h thre"ten! to rip %ree "nd the e%%ort to keep it "t b"y !et! her teeth on edge= We did things, .esdemona, terri&le things < the /pider )o"n! "t the !ound o% th"t "n(ient *oi(e in her he"dB ph"nto) >uiet< !o%t "! " ti(k e< yet %i ed with the )" i(e o% "ge!= It i! her
*oi(e< the )"tri"r(h< Fatima Cueselda< !upre)e he"d o% the Hou!e o% Ar"(hnid!= /he i! u!ing the su&tle we& to ("!t her thought! into her d"ughter?! re u(t"nt )ind= We were 9uite &eautiful in our de!ravity " the *oi(e ("re!!e! the /pider?! !kin< wor)ing it! w"y up her !pine< entering her br"in ike hooked %inger!= It i! not >uite te ep"thyB the word! "re pure *ibr"tion< per%e(t y tuned to De!de)on"?! neur" %re>uen(y< e"(h *owe !tru))ed on the ine! o% Iue!e d"?! )"!ter web< !ent out into the (ity to %ind De!de)on"< to !edu(e her into returning ho)e to the %")i y ne!t= I have left that world, that life &ehind; the /pider wi ! the word! to %or) in her )ind< to pu!h b"(k "g"in!t th"t *i e< intru!i*e *oi(e= *ou are too far fled from the nest, .esdemona " the *oi(e (ontinue! " sweet girl, didnt I tell you &ad things would ha!!en if you fled too far from the nest( I am where I wish to &e, Matriar#h. $he /pider?! own thought;*oi(e tre)b e! with !uppre!!ed "nger< "nd bene"th th"t "nger fear< o(e"n! "nd o(e"n! o% %e"r= I% there w"! one entity !he %e"red "bo*e " other! it w"! Iue!e d"< her )other "nd the "r(hite(t o% " her !u%%ering= *ou des!ise me, do you not( $he *oi(e i! pure poi!on dripping through her *ein!= $he /pider !hudder!< trying to %or(e the *oi(e out o% her he"d< but it i! too )u(h " p"rt o% her< " deep buried p"rt< "nd it i! deter)ined to h"*e it! !"y= I love you, Matriar#h, the /pider re!pond!= 6nd I hate loving you= /hats so human of you, Iue!e d" "d)oni!he! her= 1eally, .esdemona, it is all too mu#h. I e4!e#ted more. 6nd this < this < a!athy. 5ove me or hate me, &ut do not settle for the middle !ath. I hate you? the /pider hi!!e! " oud< and I love hating you. >atheti# " the ."tri"r(h (hu(k e! ; and really, 9uite !redi#ta&le. *ou &etray your divine nature, .esdemona; you sully the name of your sisters and &rothers. *our every a#tion threatens our #ontinuity. -ome &a#k to me, .esdemona, you were always the most !re#ious of my daughters. -ome &a#k home. )ever. De!de)on" ( en(he! " %our o% her %i!t!< the !ing e word eCp oding in her !ku ike " ( "p o% thunder= $here i! " thri o% "ughter th"t wi e(ho in her )ind ong "%terw"rd!= *ou will return to me, .esdemona, &y and &y " the *oi(e whi!per! " when all have turned against you. When destiny has left you &ruised and hum&led. *ou will return, my !rodigal daughter, and I will wel#ome you with o!en arms and a mothers enduring love. $HE AKA/HIC +EC,+D/ /he i! " one "g"in= $he *oi(e in her he"d h"! gone= It i! " whi e be%ore De!de)on" re" i!e! !he i! iter" y !h"king with "nger= 0ow dare she( 0ow dare Cueselda enter my head like that( 6ll she has done to me in the !ast, her every atro#ity, it wasnt enough, now she enters and leaves me like a !u&li# toilet( /he bring! her %i!t! down h"rd on the t"b e top "nd it! unbre"k"b e per)"g "!! (o"ting (r"(k! in three p "(e!= $he %i!hbow @u)p! "nd !he re"(he! out< ightning %"!t< "nd ("t(he! the g "!! tu)b er be%ore it goe! o*er= /he drink! the (ontent! o% the g "!! in " !ing e gu p "nd !"*"ge y wipe! the b"(k o% her h"nd "(ro!! her )outh= $hen !he hur ! the tu)b er "g"in!t the ne"re!t w" = In the !")e in!t"nt her !(rying eye! % "re open< predi(ting the % ight;p"th o% e"(h %r"g)ent o% g "!! "! it eCp ode! "w"y %ro) the i)p"(ting tu)b er= $hen re*er!ing the *ery )o)ent o% di!integr"tion< her p"!t;ten!e *i!ion re"!!e)b e! the g "!! o*er "nd o*er< her %orw"rd !(rying eye! !h"ttering it "g"in "nd "g"in< "nd the *i!u" %eedb"(k i! !o *"!t it wren(he! her )ind "w"y %ro) )und"ne (on(ern! "nd into " ti)e e!! "b!tr"(tion= #roken !h"rd! o% g "!! % o"t be%ore her in @ewe ed !p endour< her !(rying eye! !u!pending the) on the e*ent horiAon between p"!t "nd %uture= /he !ee! the in!t"nt the tu)b er !h"tteredB the in!t"nt be%ore it !h"ttered "nd e*ery po!!ib e )o)ent between< " )erged to (re"te "
*i*id %re!(o out o% @uCt"po!ed %r"g)ent! o% ti)e= A%terw"rd! !he return! to " !e)b "n(e o% (" )= /he bre"the! e*en y< ( o!ing her !(rying eye!< n"rrowing her tru;eye! "! !he tr"n!%er! her "ttention to the %i!hbow in %ront o% her= $he !i *ery body o% the o(topu! %i ! the bow < it! tent"( e! tasting the g "!! w" ! o% it! pri!on< (ru(i%or) pupi ! peering inte igent y "t the /pider< )"de huge by w"ter di!tortion= 0hen !he h"! (" )ed down enough< !he re"(he! into the bow "nd dr"w! the o(topu! out into the open= It! tent"( e! wr"p in!tin(ti*e y "round her wri!t "nd "r)< tightening< it! eye! !t"ring "t her intent y "! !he i%t! it to her %"(e= $he tent"( e! tr"n!%er the)!e *e! %ro) her "r) "nd ooAe ! ow y "round her ne(k "nd the b"(k o% her he"d= Her !tee dre"d o(k! !hi%t un(o)%ort"b y= It i! their in!tin(t to "tt"(k thi! " ien pre!en(e< !eeing on y thre"t in it! inti)"(y= /he ho d! her )edu!" (oi ! in (he(k with "n e%%ort< her !(" p (ontr"(ting "round their (yberneti( root! "! the )"in body o% the o(topu! ! ide! up "nd o*er her %"(e< !)othering her< in!t"nt y !e" ing her "ir p"!!"ge!= $he o(topu! i! "rti%i(i" = De!igned to re!e)b e "n org"ni( i%e %or)< it i! re" y " high y "d*"n(ed (o)puter inter%"(e< " owing "((e!! to the (ity?! *"!t d"t" network< known uni*er!" y "! the CCI= D $here i! " !u%%o("ting )o)ent o% p"ni( "! " ong probo!(i! pu!he! out o% the o(topu!? body "nd into the /pider?! )outh< working it! un(tuou! w"y down her thro"t= 0r"pped "round her he"d "nd ne(k< the tent"( e! (ont"in tiny !pine! in the (entre o% e"(h !u(tion (up< !he %ee ! )u tip e !ting! "! they penetr"te her % e!h< in@e(ting %"!t "(ting enAy)e! into her b ood !tre")= $here i! " tight buAAing in the /pider?! he"d< ight! % "!hing "nd pu !ing "round herB re" ity be(o)e! !t"(("to< ike the %r")e;by;%r")e )otion o% "n under (r"nked %i )= /he i! hooked into the o(topu!< it! tent"( e! tightening "round her he"d< it! body !)othering her %"(e ike " )ut"nt )"))"ry= /he h"te! thi! p"rt< thi! inti)"(y with "rti%i(i" % e!h= /he %ee ! the hook! ike the bite o% !e(reti*e !yringe!= /he %ee ! the hi!! "nd %u)e o% (yber tunne ! opening in her )ind< the %ee ing th"t the wor d i! dropping "w"y %ro) her= $here i! " high; o(t"ne buAA< "n o*erwhe )ing !en!e o% re" itie! in % uC & the wor d o% !o id !ur%"(e! be(o)e! i>uid< tr"n!ient "nd gho!t; ike= A ("!("de o% nu)er" ! % "!h behind her opti( ner*e!< " nu)ber !tor) rot"ting *io ent y "round "n i))en!e *oid o% unknowing= /pe(tru);(oded pri)"rie! "nd *"!t nu)ber (h"in! "nnihi "te e"(h other "! their tr"@e(torie! *io ent y (ro!!= Pri)e nu)ber! ike inbound (o)et! pun(h through ( oud! o% b"!e (ode! "nd !i)p e " gorith)!= E>u"tion! d"n(e in end e!! !e>uen(e "! they p unge o*er bin"ry den!e e ip!e!= De!de)on" h"! %" en into i ;!p"(e< p u))eting " ong " d"t";ri(h u)bi i(u!= A wor)ho e open! "round her )ind ike the pet" ! o% " )idnight % ower= /he i! !u(ked down it! thro"t< down into " b "(k *orteC i u)in"ted here "nd there by % "!hing d"t" !tre")! "nd nu)ber i(on! *"!t "! (orpor"te bui ding!= Her % e!h e*"por"te! "round her< %")i i"r !en!e! be(")e !yne!theti(< di!torted< (on%u!edB !ight t"ke! on the >u" itie! o% !ound< !ound i! !o)ething !he ("n t"!te< t"!te i! !o)ething !he ("n tou(h= /he %ee ! the tug o% "rti%i(i" gr"*ity< pu ing her tow"rd! " !uper den!e !ingu "rity %"r< %"r be ow= /he i! in th"t )o!t dre"d%u o% p "(e!< " p "(e without "n(hor point!< her de!(ent irre*er!ib e< web ine! u!e e!! e*en i% !he (ou d )u!ter the)= /he h"te! the d"t" (ore be("u!e it !trip! her o% " (ontro = /he i! he p e!! "! " (o))on d"t" @o(key< %" ing into "b!tr"(tion< !u%%ering w"*e! o% *ertigo "! the @"w! o% *irtu" )"dne!! !n"p open "nd !w" ow her who e= D
$he /pider %" ! tow"rd! the burning b ue o% "n "rti%i(i" !ky= '"r be ow !he ("n !ee the d"t" u)bi i(u! t"pering to " n"rrow port" o% ight= $hi! port" )"rk! her entry point into the CCI= /he "ppro"(he! it "t "n uni)"gin"b e !peed "nd it grow! ike "n in%e(ted wound< !pi ing " deep b ue into the d"rk o% the wor) ho e< "n o(e"ni( b ue th"t !we ! "nd !we ! unti it %i ! the *oid be ow her "nd then !he i! %" ing through the port" "nd the ight burn! her )ind b "nk %or " ti)e e!! in!t"ntH HEverything sto!s+dead+silent as #athedrals+infinite #alm+atoms sto! s!inning+ waves &e#ome froBen !arti#les+silen#e, hard and unforgiving, a wall of solitude, a million years of se#lusion, #ondensed into this single diamond &right moment+ HAnd then !he i! through< %" ing into new ti)e< new phy!i(!< "nd new )"the)"ti(! to )"p th"t phy!i(!= /he i! in the *"!t CCI d"t" (ore< the *irtu" )ind o% Go goth" '" !< where " in%or)"tion i! repre!ented "! (ode "nd " (ode (o" e!(ed into the "rti%i(i" )"tter th"t )"ke! up the )u tip e uni*er!e! o% the CCI= De!de)on" i! !wept " ong in%or)"tion;ri*er!B %"!t )o*ing ribbon! o% d"t"< u)inou! with (on!t"nt y )ut"ting (ypher(ode!= Log"rith)! under >u"ntu) (o)pre!!ion % o"t " ong!ide her ike % ot!") on " !tor)ing !e"< g ittering with )u ti;%"(eted purpo!e= /he i! drowning in in%or)"tion< !trugg ing to keep her %o(" point "bo*e the !ur%"(e< but the !urge i! too power%u "nd %ier(e underw"ter (urrent! "t "!t !u(k her under= I))er!ed in !i *ery depth!< the /pider !ee! !h"rk; ike "nti;*ir" progr")! hunting the %ringe! o% *"!t herd! o% in%or)"tion )odu e!= #io tektite! )o*e p"!t her in webbed % oti "!< !ending out "rrhyth)i( *ibr"tion! ike !eCu" )"ting !ong!< "nd e*erywhere !he ook! the /pider !ee! !e"r(h be")! !weeping the ri*er depth!B power%u < " in*"!i*e< e*erything they tou(h be(o)e! " p"r"noid T;r"y o% it! origin" %or)= $he !e"r(h ight! repre!ent Ai "w"rene!!< e*er w"t(h%u < e*er *igi "nt< the g"Ae o% (yber god! !weeping their *irtu" do)"in= De!de)on" i! ("ught twi(e in tho!e !e"ring ight be")! "nd on both o(("!ion! it i! "! though !he h"! be(o)e " )i(robe tr"pped under " (e e!ti" )i(ro!(ope= Her e*ery !e(ret i! eCpo!ed< her e*ery )e)ory "id b"re= /he i! he p e!! in th"t burning ight< ")orphou!< without h"nd! to !hie d her eye!< without eye! to ( o!e "g"in!t th"t hideou! !(rutiny= $hen the be") p"!!e! on "nd e"(h ti)e it e"*e! her %ee ing *io "ted "nd outr"ged= D $he "rti%i(i" o(topu! wr"pping it! tent"( e! "round the /pider?! %"(e i! de!igned to !er*e "! "n inter%"(e with the (ity?! *"!t "nd in*i!ib e d"t" (ore< known uni*er!" y "! CCI ; #y&er, #i!her< 9uantum= $he CCI i! " *irtu" !erie! o% uni*er!e! (re"ted out o% the )ind! o% Go goth" '" !? !e*enty two GodfathersB %ourth gener"tion Ai >u"ntu) )"(hine! th"t (ontro the )otor;neur" %un(tion! o% the entire (ity= 0ithout the)< Go goth" '" !? ninety;!iC di!tri(t! wou d >ui(k y di!!o *e into !e)i;"utono)ou! )"yhe)= $he *"!t "byrinthine )ind! o% the God%"ther! en*e ope e*erythingB thi! ri*er the /pider i! ("ught in< the (ount e!! other ri*er! identi(" to it< !pre"ding "(ro!! the d"t" p "ne ike thre"d! o% !i *er= #etween e"(h ri*er the d"t" ! ip!tre")! pro(e!! )e!!"ge! "t !peed! %"!ter th"n ight< "rri*ing "t t"rget point! n"no;!e(ond! be%ore they h"*e been tr"n!)itted %ro) !our(e= In the CCI the Ai )ind i! god= D $he /pider h"! be(o)e !)" er th"n " >u"rk< "n in%inite!i)" y !)" thing in "n in%inite y *"!t uni*er!e< "nd the uni*er!e i! )"de up o% mind< " (o" ition o% )ind!< "nd !he i! (h"%% ("ught in the "r)! o% " (erebr" torn"do= A the power! De!de)on" po!!e!!e! in the re" wor d wi "*"i her nothing here %or thi! i! " wor d unto it!e %< it! ru e! "re it! own "nd the )ind! th"t wrote tho!e ru e! "re "b!o ute in their "uthority=
/he keep! one thought upper)o!t in her )ind= /he 6kashi# 1e#ords. $hi! i! where !he i! he"ded= /hought i! e*erything in the d"t" (oreB % e!h i! the "b!tr"(t= In the CCI< )o*ing %ro) p "(e to p "(e i! "n eCer(i!e in )ind (ontro th"t on y the gre"te!t (yber @o(k! h"*e e*er !u((eeded in )"!tering= 'or ordin"ry CCI u!er!< (yber;n"*ig"tion i! i)po!!ib e without the u!e o% per!on" id progr")! ("rked %ro) the *irtu" ether "nd rented %ro) the Ai god! the)!e *e!= $he /pider di! ike! the!e "rti%i(i" per!on"! be("u!e !he !u!pe(t! the Ai god! u!e the) to keep t"b! on e*eryone "((e!!ing the (ore= In!te"d !he enter! the (ore Gb"reb"(k?< )u!( ing her w"y in u!ing nothing )ore th"n di*ine wi power "nd "n " )o!t !ui(id" !en!e o% !e %= In the (ore !he i! known "! an enigma< " )ind !trong enough to n"*ig"te un( o"ked by de%en(e (ode!< " %e"t th"t wou d dri*e " e!!er )ind in!"ne= D /he 6kashi# 1e#ords i! " *irtu" ibr"ry o("ted in the he"rt o% the d"t" (ore= It (ont"in! in%or)"tion on e*ery (itiAen in Go goth" '" !< i*ing< de"d< )igr"ted< in("r(er"ted< or in !t"!i!= It i! the i*ing )e)ory o% the (ity= #irth!< de"th!< )"rri"ge! "nd di*or(e!< !e(ret biogr"phie! "nd " tern"ti*e hi!torie!B " %"ith%u y %i ed down in the Ak"!hi( +e(ord!= A! the /pider %or)! the word akashi# in her )ind< !he %ee ! her "w"rene!! being prope ed tow"rd! in%or)"tion tribut"rie! br"n(hing "w"y %ro) the )"in ri*er trunk= /he i! !u(ked " ong one o% the!e< ("ught in " tight )"e !tro) o% d"t" (o)pre!!ion< (ru!hing her< bu%%eting her< !wir ing "round her ike (o iding g" "Cie! o% ight= D /udden y the /pider i! !t"nding be%ore two enor)ou! !e" ed g"te!= A body h"! (onge" ed "round her )ind< or id< " rough !ket(h o% the body !he po!!e!!e! b"(k in the re" wor dB " wire %r")e (o)puter )odu e (" ed "n i)"go< digit" y repre!enting " !he h"! te)por"ri y o!t by (o)ing to thi! p "(e= $he g"te! "re )"de o% b "(k )"rb e "nd ook "! i)pregn"b e "! )ount"in! "nd " )o!t "! t" = $wenty;%oot d"t" "nge ! !t"nd be!ide e"(h g"te= /(u pted into the %or)! o% winged (o o!!i< they "re *"!t< (o)pre!!ed !tre")! o% in(orruptib e inte < gu"rding the g"te! to the Ak"!hi( +e(ord! with etern" *igi "n(e= $he !ky o*erhe"d i! "n unn"tur" b ue< the p"!ture! !weeping "w"y on either !ide o% the /pider " u)inou! green< w"*e! o% % uore!(ent gr"!! "pping "t the d"AA ing white o% the Ak"!hi( w" != $he d"t" "nge ! !t"re down "t the /pider= $hey ho d !t"%%! o% %ire in their gi"nt h"nd! "nd "re (o)p ete y n"ked< their bodie! " per%e(t %u!ion between )" e "nd %e)" e< do*e %e"thered wing! %o ded )"@e!ti(" y behind the)= $hey do not !pe"k "! the /pider p"!!e! between the)= /he enter! her di*inity;p"!! into "n "((e!! p"ne e)bedded in the e%t g"tepo!t< "w"re o% the "nge ?! brooding pre!en(e "! the p"ne dige!t! the in%or)"tion !he h"! %ed it= A%ter " ! ight de "y the p"ne % "!he! green "nd the Ak"!hi( g"te! !wing inw"rd!< b inding white ight ru!hing out to engu % the /pider= D 0hen !he ("n !ee "g"in< !he %ind! her!e % in " )o!t eCtr"ordin"ry g"rden %i ed with (hry!"nthe)u)! the !iAe o% !)" bui ding!< ro!e !hrub! t" "! !ky!(r"per!< e)peror i ie! h"nging ike per%u)ed *u *" %ro) their )"ny thorned br"n(he!= It i! " g"rden %or gi"nt!= Po in"ting bee! "rge "! ("rgo !hip! )o*e %ro) % ower to % ower< their wing! " (ontinuou! b ur "! they dip their probo!(i! into % uted !tig)"= P"!!ion% ower! the !iAe o% %u )oon! b o!!o) %ro) )onu)ent" w" ! o% %o i"ge< b "Aing ike (rypti( ."nd" "! in "n o(e"n o% (o"r!e e)er" d= $here "re D"tur"!< !"(red )oon% ower!< in the !h"pe o% *"!t tru)pet!< "nd d"i!ie! ike ye ow !un! h"nging high o*erhe"d< !upported by tower! o% ! ender green=
C"terpi "r! trund e p"!t the /pider< "rge "! i)peri" ro ing !to(k= #utter% ie! gener"te !)" whir wind! with the d"n(ing )otion o% their wing!= /tr"nge bio u)ine!(ent (re"ture! g ide " ong the % "g!tone p"th!= $" "nd ethere" they !er*e "! g"rdener! in thi! p "(e o% towering wonder!< pruning< weeding "nd nouri!hing the googo byte! o% d"t" !tored here= $he /pider )"r*e ! "t the "ud"(ity o% thi! *i!ion= A o% it i! the"tre< digit" )e!)eri!)= Nothing here i! re" < the per%u)ed "ir< the ru!t e o% e"*e!< the hu) "nd buAA o% in!e(t! & d"t" )"nipu "tion< no )ore= And yet !ti !he )"r*e != It i! de!igned to )"ke her %ee in%inite!i)" "nd in thi! it "rge y !u((eed!= $he !(" e i! beyond (o)prehen!ion= No )"tter how )"ny ti)e! !he (o)e! here< the G"rden o% Geth!e)"ne ne*er %"i ! to "!tound her= $o "((e!! the Ak"!hi( +e(ord! the)!e *e! i! e"!y= E*ery e"% i! "n entry pointB e*ery pet" < in!e(t< "nd b "de o% gr"!! o%%er! "((e!! to the d"t" (ontinuu)= $he entire g"rden i! " )u ti; port" inter%"(e< !i)u t"neou! y !o id "nd in%inite y porou!= .ort" ! "re r"re y gr"nted "((e!! to the g"rden! whi !t de)igod! "re re!tri(ted to !pe(i%i( "re"!< but the /pider?! di*ine !t"tu! gi*e! her "((e!! to " !e(tion! but the Inigo< o("ted in the *ery he"rt o% the g"rden= It i! here th"t in%or)"tion o% the highe!t priority i! !tored= $he /pider h"! de*i!ed " )e"n! o% bre"(hing the Inigo?! e "bor"te !e(urity de%en(e!< " though !he?! ne*er put thi! theory into pr"(ti(e= It i! ri!kyB her neur" net ("n e"!i y be %ried by de%en!i*e %eedb"(k< or !hunted down "n In%inity 0e "nd !pre"d "(ro!! theoreti(" !p"(e in the wink o% "n eye= $he!e (on(ern! upper)o!t in her )ind< De!de)on" !et! out " ong " g"rden p"th )"de o% p"*ing !tone! the !iAe o% !hopping p "A"!= ,n either !ide o% the p"th< @ewe ed % ower! dip tow"rd! her< un%ur ing their tongue; ike probo!(i!= /he t"ke! ho d o% the ne"re!t tongue "nd ! ip! it into her )outh "! the pet" ! o% the % ower en*e ope her in "*ender ight= In!t"nt y !he i! !t"nding in " "rge h" < it! w" ! %or)ed %ro) the !o%t % e!hy pet" ! o% the % ower= De i("te go den *ein! !pre"d "(ro!! the!e pet" !< )"de u)inou! by the !"p th"t pu)p! through the)= Door! "ppe"r " "round her< e"(h one (o our (oded to the ("tegory o% in%or)"tion !tored beyond itB green repre!ent! biogr"phi(" < red i! )edi(" < b ue eg" < purp e theo ogi(" < !"pphire po iti(" = De!de)on" p"!!e! through "n ")ber door= A)ber repre!ent! horti(u tur" = /he h"! no intere!t in horti(u tur" )"tter!< but i! "(ute y "w"re !he i! being w"t(hed< her e*ery )o*e )onitored "nd re "yed to the " ;!eeing< " ;knowing Ai )ind!= $he )ore in"ne her initi" in%or)"tion re>ue!t< the e!! "ttention !he wi "ttr"(t= #eyond the ")ber door i! " tunne th"t !ee)! to go on %ore*er< it! w" ! % e!hy "nd org"ni(< pu !ing with i*ing ight!= $he door !e" ! behind her "nd the tunne i! !udden y % ooded with " green< !oupy % uid th"t ri!e! >ui(k y "bo*e De!de)on"?! he"d< kno(king her o%% her %eet "nd ("rrying her " ong in " power%u !urge= /he i! % u!hed " ong the tunne "t " terri%ying r"te= Around her the pu !ing w" ! be(o)e " k" eido!(opi( b ur< the % uid ("rrying her " ong br"n(hing tunne ! "nd p unging her down end e!! (hute!= /he %ee ! her te)por" body o!ing (oheren(e< unr"*e ing %ro) her )ind ike (o oured dye= 'or brie% )o)ent! !he i! pure )ind "g"in< the i u!ion o% !o idity e*"por"ting " ong with her body= Ahe"d !he !en!e! " )"@or @un(tion< twe *e tunne ! !p intering %ro) the (h"nne down whi(h !he hurt e!= #y the ti)e the /pider re"(he! thi! @un(tion !he i! re"dy to p "y her triu)ph ("rd= D De!de)on" h"! the "bi ity to !ep"r"te her )ind into %our "utono)ou! )ind;%r"g)ent! th"t " ow her to eCtend her "w"rene!! in %our (on(urrent dire(tion!= $hi! *"!t y he p! her in %ree; %" n"*ig"tion< gi*ing her the !i)u t"neou! "bi ity to re"d p"!t "nd %uture without o!ing her "n(hor in the pre!ent= #ut in the CCI d"t" (ore thi! "bi ity " !o h"! the "dded "d*"nt"ge o% " owing De!de)on" to "((e!! %our !i)u t"neou! d"t" route!= Her (entr" point o% "w"rene!!
i! under ( o!e Ai !(rutiny< but her three !ub;)ind! "re %ree to burrow unob!er*ed into the Ak"!hi( "r(hi*e! ike deep;(o*er )i(e= A! !he "rri*e! "t the tunne @un(tion< the /pider !p it! into %our point! o% "w"rene!!< e"(h one !hunted down " di%%erent tunne = Her (entr" )ind %o ow! the )"in tunne down into horti(u tur" re(ord! where it begin! "((e!!ing boring Ai;"ppro*ed d"t" on the hi!tory o% g"rden!< %uture p"rk pro@e(t!< "nd e*erything e !e %ro) p "nt ("re to %ung" re)edie!= Her three !ub;)ind! "re on %"r )ore intere!ting @ourney!= $hey ! i(e " ong !ub;!ub;"((e!! route!< ( e*er y di!gui!ed "! d"t" ( e"r"n(e !ign" !< u ing the Ak"!hi(?! p"r"noid de%en(e !y!te) into " !en!e o% %" !e !e(urity= /he p"!!e! )"!!i*e /(hu tA Ar("di"< !i ent "nd inert in the e)er" d g oo) o% the tunne != $hey "re "! big "! be"r! "nd " thou!"nd ti)e! )ore %ero(iou! when their intruder " "r)! "re triggered= $hey "re progr"))ed to hunt down h"(ker id! or ! eeper i)"goe!< "ny "nd " un"uthoriAed "((e!! to the d"t" (ore< "nd wi di!p"t(h the!e un"uthoriAed progr")! with eCtre)e pre@udi(e= D /he h"! i)ited ti)eB her p oy wi not ong re)"in undete(ted= *ou are #unning, .esdemona,? " *oi(e whi!per! in e*ery one o% her %our )ind!= $he /pider %ee ! the (o d o% th"t pre!en(e %or " % eeting )o)ent< "nd then it i! gone< the word! e(hoing into !i en(e= #ut it i! enough= Di!tr"(ted by the *oi(e< De!de)on" et! her gu"rd down %or " )i(ro!e(ond "nd in the CCI d"t" (ore " )i(ro!e(ond )"y "! we be " week= D $he /(hu tA Ar"("di" or s#har#s "! they "re )ore (o))on y known< *ibr"te "! they pi(k up the /pider?! one )o)ent o% "p!ed (on(entr"tion= /he %reeAe!< bringing " %our )ind; %r"g)ent! to " (o)p ete !t"nd!ti = $he )on!trou! !(h"r(! buAA "nd ru)b e & di")ond teeth bit! whirring into i%e< )u tip e eye! % "ring on< !e"ring the g oo) with !e"r(h be") inte e(t!= $hen they "re edging out into the d"t" ! ip!tre") "nd the /pider re" i!e! her de(eption i! o*er< the (h"!e i! on= D $he !(h"r(! )o*e in den!e !w"r)!< thou!"nd! o% the) pouring out o% ni(he! in the w" ! o% the d"t" tunne !< den!e ( oud! o% r"*enou!< %re!h y "w"kened ki er progr")!= In!t"nt y the /pider eCp ode! into "(tion= $wo o% her )ind %r"g)ent! !end out %"t di!tre!! !ign" !< "ttr"(ting the !(h"r(!< be%ore powering "w"y "t !ub; ight !peed!= $he ru!e work!B !he h"! one (o*ert )ind;%r"g)ent e%t "*"i "b e "! her de(oy )ind! e"d the !(h"r( !w"r)! on " twi!ting< !pir" ing %unhou!e ride through the *"!(u "r d"t" network= Unob!er*ed< De!de)on"?! re)"ining )ind;%r"g)ent !ink! into "n Ak"!hi( in%or)"tion nur!ery where the )ore !en!iti*e re(ord! "re kept= $here !he ri% e! through hundred! o% thou!"nd! o% re(ord! per !e(ond< !ki))ing the %"t< !e"r(hing out the e"n & her re%eren(e )"rker i! A+G3LL DA.A/CU/ & her )ind !e"r(hing out the *"gue!t re%eren(e to thi! )"nB keyword!< (ro!! re%eren(e!< !ub@un(t!< "nd )i(ro )e)o!< "nything "nd e*erything= /he i! intuiti*e< e*en under pre!!ure< )o*ing " )o!t r"ndo) y in her !e"r(h %or re%eren(e! to the prophet< but there i! " )ethod to thi! "b!tr"(tion & ru e! go*erned by in!tin(t r"ther th"n ogi( & the )ore unpredi(t"b e !he )"ke! her !e"r(h< !he know!< the e!! ike y !he i! to trigger the nur!ery?! hidden n"nny progr")!= D
Her de(oy )ind! "re )e"nwhi e !tre"king through " "byrinth o% d"t" tunne !< !hooting down wor) "dder! "nd up ogi( !h"%t!< (h"rting " p"r"noid (our!e through "r(hi*" !ub route!< pur!ued by b "(k ( oud! o% ki er progr")!< hungry %or "nnihi "tion< !ki ed "t tr"(king down e*en the )o!t e u!i*e o% h"(ker id!= D In the in%or)"tion nur!ery her "!t )ind;%r"g)ent i! bu!y with t"!k! o% it! own= It i! h"rd work= In (yber!p"(e the d"t" i! (on!t"nt y e*o *ing "nd it i! " )o!t i)po!!ib e to "((e!! !pe(i%i(! without proper "uthoriAing (ode!= .ut"ting (ypher! (oi ike (entipede! "round the !te)! o% d"t" % ower!< b o(king her !e"r(h= $rip i("te (onden!er! !pre"d ike " % or" ph"ge in re"(tion to her pre!en(e< turning )"ny o% the d"t" % ower! to !tone be%ore !he re"(he! the)= /he i! (on!t"nt y e*o *ing her own t"(ti(!< trying to outwit the !e(urity progr")! be%ore they %reeAe her out= .ud ne!t! d"ng ing %ro) the honey(o)bed w" ! o% the nur!ery (ont"in ! eeping hornet !w"r)!< high y )obi e !e(urity progr")!= $hey "re not yet "w"re o% the /pider?! pre!en(e< but it wi not be ong be%ore the /pider trigger! " di!tre!! " "r) & they "re hidden e*erywhere ike digit" booby tr"p!= /he )o*e! %ro) % ower to % ower< ("re%u to "*oid 9enu! % ytr"p! "nd ("rni*ore % ower! di!gui!ed "! peonie! "nd inno(ent ("rn"tion!= /here & !he !ee! it "t "!t & 6rgyll .amas#us< hi! n")e p"tterned "(ro!! the ("r"p"(e o% " @ewe ;eyed d"t" beet e th"t !(utt e! "w"y %ro) her e*en "! !he !et! o%% in de!per"te pur!uit= D .e"nwhi e one o% her de(oy )ind! h"! been !nu%%ed out= /he %ee ! it go ike " ho o;!(reen !nowing o*er= $he pur!uing !(h"r(! "re %"!t "nd eth" "nd know the Ak"!hi( network in!ide out= $hey "re ! ow y g"ining on the /pider?! "!t de(oy )ind< working her into tighter "nd tighter tunne ! unti it i! ine*it"b e !he wi be(o)e tr"pped in " bott ene(k or d"t" oop= In the in%or)"tion nur!ery< De!de)on" work! %"!ter< her (o*ert )ind burrowing "%ter the d"t" beet e< deeper "nd deeper & !e(ret! unr"*e ing " "round her= /he doe!n?t h"*e ti)e to inger< but it i! te)pting to be(o)e di!tr"(ted by eCpo!ed in%or)"tion *ein! re%erring to b "(k op!< ( "nde!tine pro@e(t!< hidden eCperi)ent! "nd (on!pir"(ie! & " !e(ret hi!tory o% Go goth" '" ! "t her %ingertip!= /he !ee! re%eren(e to the Neur" ."n!ion< the (ity?! *ery own gho!t; !hip= /he i! " )o!t te)pted to re"(h %or it< but ti)e i! "g"in!t her= /he !en!e! the !(h"r(! ( o!ing in on the "!t o% her de(oy )ind!= 0hen they h"*e di!p"t(hed it they wi begin " !y!te)"ti( !weep o% the entire network< e!pe(i" y it! *u ner"b e point!= $hen it wi be on y " )"tter o% ti)e be%ore they %ind the "!t o% her )ind;%r"g)ent!= D At "!t< with " de!per"te unge< !he ("t(he! ho d o% the %ugiti*e d"t" beet e< en*e oping it with her )ind< tr"pping it! wrigg ing< %r"nti( %or)= Un%ortun"te y !he doe! not inge!t it %"!t enough "nd it )"n"ge! to re e"!e " de!per"te di!tre!! !ign" @u!t be%ore !he !w" ow! it who e= In the !")e in!t"nt her "!t de(oy )ind i! (ornered "nd !nu%%ed out= /he %ee ! " !e(tion o% her )ind i)p ode< the )o)ent o% it! unp ugging "! the !(h"r(! be"r down on it %ro) e*ery dire(tion< teeth whirring< !e"r(h be") eye! pinning the de(oy< b inding it< "nd then & nothing & !now & !t"ti( & " de"d (h"nne "! her de(oy )ind i! brut" y eCtingui!hed= $he !(h"r(! "re !winging b"(k< !weeping the network< )ore "nd )ore o% the) @oining the !e"r(h ike white (e ! in "n in%e(ted b ood !tre")= D
In the in%or)"tion nur!ery< " erted by the d"t" beet e?! !ing e di!tre!! !ign" < the )ud ne!t! bur!t open "nd )"ni( hornet progr")! (o)e !w"r)ing outB high *e o(ity winged pro@e(ti e!< ye ow "nd b "(k< !tinger! hooked "nd eCtended outw"rd! %ro) their t"pered tor!o!= $hey % ood down into the nur!ery< but the /pider i! " re"dy !pir" ing upw"rd!< )o*ing %"!ter th"n thought< her )ind;%r"g)ent he"ding tow"rd! the ne"re!t eCit= A the port" ! e"ding out o% the nur!ery "re !i)u t"neou! y !e" ing o*er "nd De!de)on" h"! not " )o)ent to !p"re "! !he !hoot! up through the ne"re!t opening< !e(ond! be%ore it !e" ! tight= /he !tre"k! through the tunne ! o% the d"t" network< ("rrying the d"t";beet e b"(k to her )"in )ind in horti(u tur" re(ord!= A re"dy both )ind! "re )o*ing tow"rd! " (on@un(tion point< !eeking to )erge "! >ui(k y "! po!!ib e= $he how o% pur!uing !(h"r(! %i ! the tunne ! "! they ( o!e in on her ike " )u ti;dire(tion" t!un")i= Her )ind! )eet in noi!e e!! (o i!ion< )erging< b endingB the d"t" beet e wrigg ing in the (entre o% her "w"rene!! "! !he eCp ode! upw"rd!< b"(k tow"rd! the G"rden o% Geth!e)"ne= D $o throw her pur!uer! o%% !he % ip! down into deep !er*i(e tunne ! too n"rrow %or the !(h"r(! to %o ow= /he p unge! down into *"!t in%or)"tion "ke!< t"pewor)! d"n(ing "round her ike underw"ter % or"< un(oi ing their "ddered bodie!< !eeking her out with b ind "ppetite= /he "*oid! their end e!! (oi !< !pinning down p"!t %r"(t" knot! "nd (ry!t" b"!i i("= D")i"n (ode! !pin ike !uper u)in" enig)"! in the thi(kening g oo)= $hi! i! " )o!t "! deep "! the re(ord! wi go= #ene"th her ie end e!! (or" %ie d! o% de"d d"t"< the burnt out !he ! o% de"(ti*"ted *iru!e!< the bone white re)"in! o% (orrupted in%o (oi != /he tunne ! up the urethr" o% " ph" i(; ike @ud"! ter)inu!< working her w"y up " den!e y "yered w" o% d"tu)= $he !(h"r(! inter(ept her< !w"r)ing down tow"rd! her in " !udden "*" "n(he o% )" ign"nt progr"))ing= $heir open (o) !ign" ! !ound ike " tight "ngry hu)< the ug y noi!e o% " (rowd on the *erge o% riot= De!de)on" p unge! into the )u!( e o% d"t" "round her< de!per"te y !e"r(hing %or "n eCit point< re(k e!! in her %e"r= Her penetr"tion !et! o%% the w" ?! i))uno !y!te)!< need e! o% ight % "!hing " "round her< trying to o(k onto her< the di!tre!! (ry o% the !y!te) ike " b"n!hee !(re") in her )ind= $he !(h"r(! "re tunne ing into the d"t" )u!( e "%ter her< ( o!e< !o ( o!e !he !)e ! their "ppetite= Ahe"d i! " ! ip!tre") tunne = De!de)on" "ng e! tow"rd! it< twi!ting "nd (on*u !ing "! !he trie! to throw the !(h"r(! o%%< but they ( ing to her tight "! )"gneti( )ine!< twi!ting "%ter her< "ping her e*ery )"noeu*re= $hey "re " )o!t on her< their !e"r(h be")! i u)in"ting her % eeing inte e(t< their buAA " !entient ro"r th"t !h"ke! her to the (ore o% her being= And then !he i! pun(hing through " !o%t )e)br"nou! w" "nd !udden y !he i! !u(ked up " ! ip!tre") tunne "t enor)ou! *e o(ity< e"*ing the !(h"r(! behind "! !he i! !wept b"(k up into the !"%ety o% the g"rden< the d"t" beet e< her priAe< !ti wrigg ing in the (entre o% her )ind= $HE G+EA$ DECEIP$ D@ob" i! thri ed when "ter th"t night the /pider re "te! her "d*enture! in the CCI= He !it! bug eyed "t her %eet "! !he de!(ribe! the !(h"r(! ( o!ing in on her )ind %r"g)ent!< !hutting the) down one by one & GI wou d h"*e died o% %right<? he de( "re!= GI h"*e night)"re! "bout the thing! urking in the d"t" (ore< )other=? G$hey (")e in %ro) e*ery !ide< thou!"nd! o% the)<? the /pider re "te!< Gbig "! ground !hutt e!< " teeth "nd !e"r(h ight eye!< "nd they )"de thi! po!iti*e y e*i grinding !ound & I he!it"te to de!(ribe it< )y d"r ing< "b!o ute y *i e it w"!=? G#ut you got the d"t" beet e in the endE? D@ob" !h"ke! hi! he"d in "d)ir"tion=
G,% (our!e<? the /pider t"p! her te)p e "! though it ho d! " p"rti(u "r y pro%ound thought< G"nd I on y hope it?! worth the pri(e= I?) not entire y (ert"in the Ai god%"ther! didn?t tr"(k )e out o% the (ore=? G$hey won?t (o)e "%ter you< wi theyE? D@ob" !udden y ook! (on(erned= GNot re" y their !ty e< )y !weethe"rt<? the /pider y"wn!< Gbut they? be w"iting %or )e neCt ti)e I "((e!! the (oreB th"t I gu"r"ntee=? G0h"t wi you do< )otherE? D@ob"?! *oi(e tre)b e! "t the *ery ide" o% the )ighty god%"ther! ying in w"it %or hi! pre(iou! p"tron= GCro!! th"t bridge when I get to it<? the /pider rep ie!= GNow I re" y )u!t down o"d thi! beet e< it?! gi*ing )e " dre"d%u )igr"ine=? D D@ob"?! "bor"tory i! kept w"r) re "ti*e to the re!t o% the ("!t e= $he (ei ing "nd w" ! "re webbed with (onduit! "nd !n"king (oi ! o% ( o!e p"(ked wiring< "b t"b e! !t"(ked (ei ing; high with " )i!h)"!h o% hi "nd o tek= De!de)on" ("n !ee he?! tidied up not one @ot !in(e "!t !he w"! here= At the b"(k o% the work!hop D@ob" h"! di!p "yed hi! G"rt?= A (o e(tion o% grote!>ue e%%igie! (o)po!ed o% the dried body p"rt! o% the /pider?! )ort" *i(ti)!= De!de)on" %ee ! he )o(k! her with the)< i))ort" i!ing her tr"n!gre!!ion! "nd % ogging the) to the highe!t bidder= $he ri(h wi p"y "n eCorbit"nt pri(e %or the (h"n(e to own " !(u pture (o)po!ed o% the body p"rt! o% !e*er" notoriou! !eri" ki er!= D@ob" e*en pro*ide! " (erti%i("te o% "uthenti("tion " ong with e"(h pur(h"!e= He h"! (re"ted )on!trou! "n"to)ie!< he"d! !prouting %ro) (he!t!< "r)! !ewn into eg !o(ket!< )u tip e i)b! !pre"ding %ro) " (o))on tor!o< /i")e!e "tro(itie!B % e!h e!! (hi)er"= $hey "re we re(ei*ed in the b "(k "rt )"rket! o% the (ity< )"king the itt e )i!%it " bit o% "n underground (e ebrity= De!de)on" de!pi!e! hi! "rt= It i! " )o(kery o% " !he !t"nd! %or "nd %ro) ti)e to ti)e !he h"! !eriou! y (on!idered b"nning it outright= #ut it doe! !er*e to keep D@ob" out o% )i!(hie%< o((upying " *"!t ")ount o% hi! ti)e< ti)e th"t )ight otherwi!e h"*e been !pent (ondu(ting one o% hi! )ore dubiou! eCperi)ent!= D D@ob" eCtr"(t! the d"t" beet e %ro) the /pider?! )ind with !o)ething he (" ! " G!oni( %or(ep!?= $he beet e h"! " twenty;%our hour i%e!p"n out!ide o% the d"t" (ore "nd when he i!o "te! the tiny progr") it i! " re"dy in the e"r y !t"ge! o% de("y= He down o"d! it onto " d"t" (ry!t" "nd tr"n! "te! it! (oded (ontent! on "n o d;%"!hioned p "!)" de(k= Now De!de)on" ("n re"d the down o"ded beet e "! " !t"nd"rd teCt %i e= $he %i e begin! with tr"dition" "((ount! o% the birth o% Argy D")"!(u! in Di!tri(t $"r>uini"< one o% thirty; %i*e (hi dren= It goe! on to de!(ribe hi! youth !pent "! " runner %or the %er" ! u) g"ng! be%ore " !(ho "r!hip "w"rd took hi) to the Uni*er!ity o% Petr" "t the "ge o% %i%teen< one o% on y " h"nd%u o% !u(h "w"rd! gi*en out th"t ye"r= A n"tur" born e"der< D")"!(u! h"d %or)ed hi! %ir!t )o*e)ent< /he Danguard< !hort y "%ter hi! eighteenth birthd"y= He in(re"!ed hi! po iti(" )"nd"te "%ter gr"du"tion< @oining the $he!!" oni"n!< " e%t wing po iti(" p"rty< "nd be(o)ing the younge!t e*er )e)ber o% the (ity !en"te< u!ing hi! in% uen(e to pu!h %or gre"ter )ort" "utono)y "nd e!! dire(t (ontro by the god!= Hi! *iew! g"ined hi) " huge ground!we o% !upport ")ong!t " di!i u!ioned popu "(e "nd !wi%t y "ttr"(ted the en)ity o% the god! the)!e *e!= $hu! beg"n D")"!(u!? ye"r! o% per!e(ution= He w"! "rre!ted (ount e!! ti)e! during the period 5:6 to 602< hi! %o ower! !ub@e(ted to "rbitr"ry detention "nd property !eiAure!< hi! book! pub i( y burned "nd hi! %ir!t born !on< L"!ru!< )urdered by the Gui d o% A!!"!!in!<
" though their ro e in the (ri)e (ou d ne*er be pro*en= A%ter the )urder o% L"!ru!< D")"!(u! di!"ppe"red %ro) pub i( re(ord! %or !e*en ye"r!= /o)e !"id he?d e%t the (ity entire y "nd tr"*e ed to Gr"nd #ohe)i" or I!t"nthi" in the %or)er region! o% A!i" .inor= ,ther! !"id he?d t"ken re%uge in 'our;di)en!ion" !p"(e where the )y!teriou! ,de!!" h"d t"ught hi) the !e(ret! o% ti)e "nd !p"(e= #ut none (ou d be !ure= $he on y thing th"t w"! (ert"in< "((ording to the %i e< w"! th"t when D")"!(u! re"ppe"red in Go goth" '" ! he w"! " (h"nged )"n= #y " "((ount! he h"d be(o)e "n enig)"< ru)oured to neither e"t nor ! eep "nd to h"*e the "bi ity to pro@e(t hi! i)"ge to %"r p "(e! without u!e o% tek or ho ogr"phi(!= He ("!t " !pe upon )en< they !"id< he %or(ed re"!on %ro) their )ind! "nd rep "(ed it with undying oy" ty< " oy" ty !o inten!e it w"! " )o!t %"ith;b"!ed= It w"! "round thi! ti)e th"t D")"!(u! (")e to be known "! the %ourth prophet= Hi! )e!!"ge< ike the )"n< h"d " !o (h"nged= $he d"y! o% (o)pro)i!e were o*er= 'or twe *e ye"r! D")"!(u! pre"(hed " d"ngerou! do(trine= He w"nted nothing e!! th"n the de!tru(tion o% " di*inity< "n end to %" !e god!= He (" ed %or the ri!e o% " new "ge where )"n wou d be "n!wer"b e to none but the "nge ! o% hi! own better n"ture= And the peop e i!tened= In their )i ion! they i!tened & "nd it w"! then th"t the god! beg"n to %e"r hi)= D")"!(u! knew the "yout o% the (ity< it! (orpor"te ner*e (entre!< it! indu!tri" he"rt "nd!B it! e(ono)i( pre!!ure point!= In 620 he org"ni!ed (ity;wide !trike!< )"!! w" kout! "nd b o(k"de!= 0hen the # e!?)en were (" ed in to reg"in (ontro o% the (ity he org"ni!ed re!i!t"n(e< " guerri " in!urgen(y bui t o%% the b"(k o% popu "r re*o t< "n e*ery)"n "r)y th"t %ought the go*ern)ent %or(e! di!tri(t by di!tri(t< !treet by !treet< unti )u(h o% the (ity w"! rendered ungo*ern"b e= In 621 the D")"!(u! w"r beg"n= $he god! de!(ended in " their %ury< !ending %orth the "nge i( ho!t< er"!ing entire di!tri(t! %ro) the )"p< brut" y purging " th"t re!i!ted the) & "nd !ti D")"!(u! %ought on< hi! "r)y growing )ore !e"!oned< )ore re!i ient< %ighting the "nge ! to " b oody< in(o)prehen!ib e tru(e= And @u!t when it !ee)ed (ert"in the god! wou d ("pitu "te< @u!t when the entire (ity teetered on the brink o% the unthink"b e< D")"!(u! w"! betr"yed= #y the *ery wo)"n he o*ed< !o the !torie! went= Kendr" A!h"nt"< " He yte %ro) Di!tri(t Pe "!= Her betr"y" h"! be(o)e egend"ry< her n")e " (ur!e ")ong!t )ort" !< " b e!!ing ")ong!t the god!< %or i% !he h"d not betr"yed her o*er to hi! ene)ie!< the hi!tory o% the w"r between god! "nd )ort" ! wou d h"*e ended on "n entire y di%%erent note= D $he d"t" %i e (on( ude! with the !t"nd"rd *er!ion o% D")"!(u!? tri" in 621< hi! de%en(e< hi! !enten(ing< hi! eCe(ution " ong with thirty thou!"nd o% hi! %o ower!= $he /pider !t"re! in(redu ou! y "t the !(reen "! the teCt !(r"w end!= /he (ou d h"*e gotten " )ore det"i ed biogr"phy %ro) the o(" ibr"rie!= $here i! nothing new here< nothing to @u!ti%y the ri!k !he?! t"ken in pro(uring the d")ned d"t" beet e= /he grind! her teeth in !i ent %ru!tr"tion< her )ind (hurning o*er the in%or)"tion eCtr"(ted %ro) the beet e= $here )u!t be !o)ething e !e= 'omething hidden. /he goe! o*er the %i e "g"in "nd "g"in< probing it %or in!ight!< te!ting it %or hidden in%o ("(he!< but the eCer(i!e pro*e! %ruit e!! e"(h ti)e= $he %i e h"! re*e" ed " it i! going to= At "!t !he (" ! D@ob" in= GI w"nt you to "n" y!e the %i e<? !he in!tru(t! hi)= G$here h"! to be )ore to it th"n )eet! the eye=? GI% there i!< I? %ind it< )other<? D@ob" pro)i!e! her= GI tru!t you wi < )y itt e )un(hkin<? !he !troke! hi! he"d %ond y= G+un it through " (o)p ete !("nB e"*e nothing to (h"n(e= I w"nt e*ery g yph "n" y!ed "nd (ounter "n" y!ed=? GI?) " re"dy on it=? D@ob" !ett e! in %ront o% the p "!)" de(k< the toe! o% hi! !ing e %oot d"n(ing o*er the (ontro (on!o e with the e eg"n(e o% " ( "!!i(" pi"ni!t=
D ,lue )orth< "n indu!tri" di!tri(t on the we!tern edge o% Go goth" '" !< i! " %u y "uto)"ted he !("pe< " *"!t %"(tory (o ony th"t %e!ter! bene"th " b ood red !ky= +i!ing in b "(k pro%u!ion< huge Cerberu! tower! per%or"te the thi(k p" o% !)og th"t (o*er! two third! o% the di!tri(t= Like re%eren(e )"rker! in he < ."nti! do)e! "nd %urn"(e !i o!< burnt b "(k by ye"r! o% po ution< grope their w"y out o% the indu!tri" !oup< " ong!ide the %ire gu!hing horn! o% *"!t !ub;!ur%"(e %"(tory (o)p eCe!= #ene"th the %og o% po ution indu!tri" ghettoe! pro!per ike huge %ung" (o onie!< twi!ted< "byrinthine< inhu)"n y (o)p eC !uper %ortre!!e! o% b "(k )"g)" !tee "nd !i i(on re(on!titute!= $he /pider thunder! through the di!tri(t o% # ue North in her per!on" ("rri"ge< Phobi"< her Night)"re! g" oping "he"d o% the whee ; e!! ("rri"ge< pu ing it " ong on "n in*i!ib e (u!hion o% )"gneti( ten!ion= Phobi" r"(e! " ong rein%or(ed ro"d! th"t re!e)b e )"!!i*e "!!e)b y ine!< tunne ! opening up in the e"rth ike )outh! into he < !w" owing )"ny o% the!e ro"d! down into the !ubterr"ne"n e*e !B other ro"d! "re r"i!ed by hydr"u i( (o u)n! to (re"te " *"!(u "r network o% o*erp"!!e!= # ue North?! (i*i i"n (ro)e! "re itt e )ore th"n worker!? ! u)! bui t on "n in(o)prehen!ib e !(" e= $he ro"d! "re ined with !tee grey !ky!(r"per!< row upon end e!! row< thou!"nd! "rr"nged ike uni%or) to)b!tone!< e"(h one (o))e)or"ting the de"th o% ")bition= In # ue North there i! itt e to do but work h"rd "nd p "y e*en h"rder< "nd in thi! )o!t w"nton o% di!tri(t! %o k! o%ten p "yed %or keep!= ,ut!ide o% the ."ni(he / u)! "nd Ahur" /etti< # ue North h"! the highe!t )ort" ity r"te in " o% the '" != It! red ight "re"< Enders Dille< i! " "rge "nd !pr"w ing pre(in(t th"t eCtend! thirteen e*e ! be ow ground= # ue North i! the "uto)"ton ("pit" o% Go goth" '" != Here the gre"t indu!tri" robot! "nd the tiny !er*i(e drone! "nd " the !h"pe!< ( "!!e!< "nd !iAe! between< "re bui t "nd !hipped out to )eet the (ity?! )"!!i*e >uot"!= $he )en "nd wo)en who bui d the!e )et" behe)oth! "re ")ong!t the h"rde!t "nd )o!t (yni(" in the (ity< b"re y to er"ting ru e o% "w "nd in )"ny "re"! o% the di!tri(t !u!pending it " together= D $he /pider ("n !ee the wi(ked ight! o% # ue North through the window ! "t! o% $he ,Cygen /h"rk?! upper % oor o%%i(e !uite= /he ("n he"r the )e(h"ni!ed tur)oi through the three in(h ("rbo %ro!t window!< the !ound o% thirty tonne "uto)"ton! w" king the ro"d! out!ide< )eg" ithi( gi"nt! ! "*ed to the wi o% pi ot! " %r"(tion their !iAe= GAnd owing wh"t ") I honoured by the de e(t"b e pre!en(e o% /pider !he=? $he ,Cygen /h"rk i! " thin ("d"*er o% " )"n< e eg"nt y dre!!ed in b "(k !uede e*ening @"(ket "nd !)"rt dre!! p"nt!< hi! !hirt i! white !i k with ru%% ed ! ee*e! "nd high !t"r(hed (o "r= $he w"t(h "round hi! wri!t )u!t h"*e (o!t " !)" %ortune< the ring on e"(h %inger " god?! r"n!o)= $he n"ked D"h i gir by the /pider?! !ide whi!per! "n interpret"tion o% her )"!ter?! g"rb ed word!= GHe?d ike to know to wh"t he owe! the honour o% the /pider?! de e(t"b e pre!en(e<? !he !"y!< her eye! big "nd %e"r%u < her go den % e!h re% e(ting tiny be"d! o% !we"t= GI wou d ike in%or)"tion<? the /pider "ddre!!e! $he ,Cygen /h"rk dire(t y< G(on(erning the origin" %o ower! o% D")"!(u!=? $he ,Cygen /h"rk?! eye! grow *"gue "nd propheti( "! he p "(e! " !)" )"!k o*er hi! %"(e "nd inh" e! deep y= He re)o*e! the )"!k "nd !"y!< G%or )e pro%it in it wh"tE? $he D"h i gir i! "bout to tr"n! "te< but the /pider w"*e! her to !i en(e= G0hen the god! (o)e (" ing<? !he te ! the /h"rk< Gthe wi!e )"n "!k! %or nothing=? GNot I ") wi!e< !"id ne*er I w"!<? the !h"rk "ugh!< Gwhen (o)e (" ing the god!< "!k %or e*erything doe! the %oo =?
GI know o% your !e(ret !)ugg ing route! through Pergeden "nd N"o)i<? the /pider in%or)! hi)= GI know "bout your "uto)"ton %ight pit! "nd your i eg" ("rnie !hip)ent!= I know where " the !ke eton! "re hidden= 0h"t d")"ge (ou d I bring to be"r on your oper"tion!< how ong do you think you?d "!t i% I took " !udden "nd inten!e di! ike to youE? $he ,Cygen /h"rk !)i e!= Hi! eye! h"*e be(o)e (o d "nd h"rd< hi! !)i e i! " wo %?! !)i e< (on(e" ing the b"red %"ng! o% hi! r"ge= He i! (ornered "nd he know! it= De!de)on" " ow! hi) " )o)ent?! re% e(tion be%ore !he !"y!< GI w"nt to %ind " )"n or wo)"n who %ought " ong!ide Argy D")"!(u!= Nor et )y intere!t in thi! )"tter e*er e"*e thi! o%%i(e= Do I )"ke )y!e % ( e"rE? GEntire y<? $he ,Cygen /h"rk !"y! !our y= D He i! o*er two (enturie! o d & " re i( o% " hu)"n being= Hi! eye! "re the eye! o% " )"n who h"! i*ed beyond hi! ti)e= De"th h"! been "rti%i(i" y he d "t b"y< but "t terrib e (o!t= Hi! who e body !ee)! to ye"rn tow"rd! the "by!! "nd end e!! ! eep< hi! %"(e (o "p!ing in on it!e %B hi! eye! !unk deep into their orb! "! though retre"ting %ro) the wor d o% h"r!h ight "nd (ry!t" i!ed %or)= What #ould su#h a man &e waiting forE $he /pider wonder! "! !he i! brought into the !)" roo)< the roo) o% w"r re i(! "nd %"ded ho ogr"phi( )e)orie!= It i! " d"rk roo)< " window e!! roo)< @u!t "! the )"n !itting in it! (entre i! d"rk "nd window e!!= No ight e!("pe! hi)< none enter! hi)< he h"! been )othb" ed< pre!er*ed< "! )u(h " )e)ento "! the ob@e(t! ("re%u y g"thered "round hi)= Hi! n")e i! Argento .u!("< " ieuten"nt who ( "i)! to h"*e !er*ed under Argy D")"!(u!< the rebe prophet< " )o!t " (entury "nd " h" % "go= GI %ought with D")"!(u!<? he )utter! in re!pon!e to the /pider?! >uerie!= GNe*er was " )"n ike hi)< not be%ore< not !in(e=? G#ut wh"t !ort o% )"nE? the /pider "!k! !o%t y= /he i! gent e with thi! )ort" < thi! !ur*i*or o% " bygone er"= A )o!t re!pe(t%u = Argento t"ke! hi! ti)e be%ore rep ying= GA )"n o% honour<? he !"y!< !u(king re% e(ti*e y on hi! gu)!= GA )"n o% gre"t (h"r"(ter= $o !t"nd in hi! pre!en(e w"! enough to !et your pu !e r"(ing< to ignite " the de"d %ire! in your he"rt & I wou d h"*e i*ed "nd died " thou!"nd b oody ti)e! %or th"t )"n "nd there were )"ny ike )e< (ount e!! )"ny=? G0hy h"! hi! order been re!urre(tedE? the /pider probe! hi)< Gwhy h"*e the He"then be(o)e "(ti*e "g"inE? GNe*er w"! di!b"nded<? Argento (ough! we"k y into " dirty h"ndker(hie%< Gne*er w"!< @u!t )e ted b"(k into !o(iety< w"iting & w"iting & we w"! " w"iting=? G'or wh"tE? GA )e!!"ge & %ro) hi) & %ro) D")"!(u!=? G#ut D")"!(u! w"! eCe(uted &? $he o d )"n !)i e!< " % i(ker o% hi! o d n"ture returning %or "n in!t"nt= G$h"t?! wh"t they w"nt you to be ie*e<? he whi!per!= G$h"t?! wh"t they w"nt e*eryone to be ie*e=? G3ou?re !"ying he?! !ti " i*e &? Argento wink! "t her< " ! ow wink th"t !ee)! to t"ke %ore*er to (o)p ete= GI?) not w"iting %or " d")ned (orp!e to !how up< th"t?! %or !ure<? he !"y!= LE$ /LEEPING P+,PHE$/ LIE D@ob" h"! h"d !o)e !u((e!! with the d"t" beet e by the ti)e the /pider return! to C"!t e Arine"e= G.other<? he (rie! %ro) hi! "bor"tory "! !oon "! he he"r! her "rri*e in the )"in h" < G(o)e h"*e " ook !ee=?
D A((ording to D@ob" the n")e endra< betr"yer o% D")"!(u!< h"! been written in o d terr"in in the d"t" %i e= $hi! n")e pro*e! to be "n in%or)"tion tr"pdoor when high ighted "nd de eted= D@ob" high ight! the n")e then pro)pt y de ete! it= At on(e the who e !(reen begin! to tr"n!%or)< the o%%i(i" biogr"phy o% Argy D")"!(u! di!!o *ing< the teCt re"rr"nging it!e %< %or)ing new word!< new )e"ning! & GD@ob"<? the /pider de( "re!< Gyou?re " geniu!=? D@ob" grin! with un"b"!hed pride= GIt w"! e*er !o e"!y on(e I !t"rted ooking %or teCt "no)" ie!<? he eCp "in!= G/o)ething th"t )ight !ugge!t "n in%o ("(he=? $he /pider !tudie! the !(reen< trying to de(ipher the g yph! th"t now %i it= GC"n you de(ode " thi!E? !he "!k!= GI?) working on it now<? D@ob" re!pond!< Gwon?t t"ke )e ong< )other=? G0h"t wou d I do without you< d"r ingE? the /pider b ow! hi) " ki!! "! !he !weep! out o% the "bor"tory= D Purg"tory H" i! " hou!e o% p"in< " te)p e dedi("ted to the "n(ient "rt o% !u%%ering= P"in h"! ed her hereB !u%%ering h"! e*er been her guiding ight= Irony is a &it#h. $he /pider drop! %ro) " gre"t " titude< ti)ing it @u!t right< ! ipping down through "n in*i!ib e ("t?! (r"d e o% !e(urity be")! "nd pre!!ure dete(tor!= Her web ine de(e er"te! her< bringing her to " (o)p ete !top " %ew %eet "bo*e the do)ed roo% o% the penitenti"ry= /he !e*er! the ine "nd thre"ding it between her %inger!< turn! ! ow y !o th"t !he h"ng! right !ide up= /he then re e"!e! " !e(ond ine< !n"gging the do)e?! (entr" !pire= Ho ding onto the %ir!t web %or !upport< the /pider retr"(t! the !e(ond< ! ow y win(hing her!e % "(ro!! to the !pire where !he re!t! %or " %ew pre(iou! !e(ond!= $he penitenti"ry i! bri!t ing with !e(urity deterrent!= It i! one o% the )o!t !e(reti*e bui ding! in the (ity< but e*ery !e(ret h"! " go den % "w in De!de)on"?! eCperien(e= $here i! "n "ir in et !itu"ted ( o!e to the bronAe !pire< too n"rrow %or hu)"n proportion!< but there i!n?t " bone in the /pider?! body !he ("nnot wi %u y di! o("te= #y e ong"ting her tor!o< !he ("n twi!t down through the n"rrowe!t o% opening!< wor)ing her w"y " ong (r")ped !h"%t! "nd % owing "round (orner! "ng ed too tight %or "nything "rger th"n *er)in= It i! eCh"u!ting work< (ontorting to !u(h eCtre)e!< but it i! the "(e up her ! ee*e & " !e(ret we"pon !he ("n wie d "g"in!t )o!t !e(urity !y!te)!= /he )o*e! with "goni!ing ! owne!!< ooAing down *erti(" !h"%t!< (r"w ing " ong "ir e!! du(t!< her !(rying eye! open< prep"red %or the uneCpe(ted= $hrough the w" ! o% the !h"%t! !he he"r! the di!t"nt e(ho o% *oi(e!< the !o%t hu) o% id ing )"(hinery< " (o d "nd !ini!ter !ound th"t re"(he! into the "ir in et! "nd !end! de"d %inger! o% di!>uiet " ong the /pider?! !pine= 0h"t !he he"r! i! the !ound o% the in%")ou! ,)eg" )"(hine th"t power! the!e h" !B th"t engineered it! )"ny "rti%i(i" he ! "nd "d)ini!ter! !u%%ering on "n "po(" ypti( !(" e= 3et it !ound! !o !o%t< !o !edu(ti*eB !o inno(uou! & ike the !ound o% " huge i(e (re") )"ker (hurning *"ni " %roth in it! (o d be y= D $he !h"%t !he i! (r"w ing " ong "brupt y end! with " !tee gri th"t et! in horiAont" b"nd! o% ight= #eyond the gri the wor d drop! "w"y into *"!t open;ended g oo)= $he /pider pun(he! the gri %ree o% it! po!ition< ("t(hing it with "n eCpert y ("!t web !tr"nd be%ore it %" ! ( "ttering to the ground %"r be ow= +etr"(ting the !tr"nd !he dr"w! the gri b"(k up to
her< !etting it ("re%u y to one !ide be%ore ! ipping through the !h"%t opening= /he ( ing! up!ide down to the (ei ing %or " %ew )o)ent! "! !he orient"te! her!e %= $hen re e"!ing " web ine %ro) the b"!e o% her !pine< !he !e(ure! it to the (ei ing !("%%o ding< her !(rying eye! !("nning the %uture< be%ore !he "b!ei ! down into the !h"dow! o% Purg"tory H" = D /he ower! her!e % through end e!! row! o% bodie!< n"ked< !u!pended in !t"!i! %ie d! th"t g ow ike grey< !i(k y "ur"!= $here "re thou!"nd! o% (orp!e;!ti bodie!< % o"ting one "bo*e the other< !ide by !ideB %or)ing " )"("bre network o% "i! e! between their !t"(ked< )otion e!! r"nk!= $he bodie! "re " i*e= /en!iti*e bio )onitor! )"ke (ert"in they !t"y th"t w"y< but )et"bo i!) h"! been ! owed to *irtu" AeroB the pri!oner! o% Purg"tory H" "re in " de"th ike !t"te th"t ("n go on %or " eternity i% the )"(hine! re)"in !wit(hed on= $hey "re "! ( o!e to de"th "! )ort" % e!h ("n (o)e< but the )ind! "re *ery )u(h " i*e< e"(h one @"(ked into it! own *irtu" he where they !u%%er end e!! torture!< their phy!i(" bodie! unb e)i!hed< !howing no outw"rd !ign! o% the pi "ge< the ! ow r"pe o% the )ind! tr"pped within= It i! !"id th"t they !(re") in !t"!i!< end e!! y< "nd no one ("n e*er he"r the)= D Eureka! D@ob" (rie! the in!t"nt he (r"(k! the d"t" beet e?! en(rypted )e!!"ge= Hi! !hri *oi(e e(hoe! through the h" ! o% C"!t e Arine"e "nd the /pider >ui(k y )"ke! her w"y to hi! "bor"tory to !ee wh"t he h"! di!(o*ered= /he %ind! D@ob" !t"nding in %ront o% hi! p "!)" de(k< " ook o% )orti%i("tion on hi! %"(e= G.other<? he whi!per! "! the /pider @oin! hi)< Gnone o% thi! w"! in the hi!tory book!=? $here it i!B white teCt % o"ting on " b "(k !(reen< the indi!put"b e !e" o% the CCI d"t" )er(h"nt! e)bo!!ed "t the he"d o% the brie% )e!!"ge< "uthenti("ting it< *eri%ying it down to the "!t g yph= D")"!(u! i! not de"d= Not "((ording to thi! new *er!ion o% e*ent!= Hi! eCe(ution h"d been " ho ogr"phi( !h") "nd %or the "!t (entury "nd " h" % the rebe )ort" h"! been he d in Purg"tory H" < " penitenti"ry de!igned e!pe(i" y %or god!= G0e I? be d")ned<? the /pider )utter! "! !he re"d! the de(oded )e!!"ge= G0hy ho d " )ort" in " pri!on %or god!E? G.other "!k! " the re" y good >ue!tion!<? D@ob" !igh!= D Now !he i! in Purg"tory H" < (h"!ing "n "n!wer to her re" y good >ue!tion= /he )o*e! ike b "(k ightening< " % i(kering !h"dow ")ong!t the r"nk! o% the i*ing de"d= Her eye!< " three p"ir!< re"ding p"!t< pre!ent< "nd %uture< "! !he "tte)pt! to n"rrow her option!< to %ind the )ort" need e in " di*ine h"y!t"(k= $here "re hundred! o% god! i)pri!oned in Purg"tory H" < thou!"nd! o% de)igod!< "nd e*en $it"n! "re ru)oured to be he d here< hidden in the deepe!t re(e!!e! o% the h" = .ore ike " re>uie) th"n " penitenti"ry< the h" (ont"in! " di*ine "r)y he d in per)"nent !t"!i!= /he (o)e! "t "!t to the body o% the rebe prophet< Argy D")"!(u!= $here i! no re"!on to ri!k (o)ing here= Hi! body in it!e % i! )e"ning e!!= /he (ou d "((e!! hi! *irtu" pri!on %ro) "ny re)ote point in the h" = It i! hi! p!y(he !he i! (on(erned with "%ter " < not hi! % e!h= #ut !he %ee ! (o)pe ed to !ee hi! phy!i(" %or)< to get " )e"!ure o% the )"n he h"d been " (entury "nd " h" % "go when hi! wi h"d "!t powered the!e )u!( e!= /u!pended %ro) the (ei ing !("%%o ding by " !ing e web ine the /pider !t"re! down "t the body o% D")"!(u!= /he i! preo((upied with " !ing e thoughtB all roads lead to .amas#us < all roads lead to .amas#us < unti it be(o)e! " kind o% it"ny< " dirge to the de"d=
He i! " !)" )"n< uneC(eption" < dw"r%ed by the !t"ture "nd !tr"ngene!! o% hi! di*ine neighbour!= He ook! " )o!t %e)inine< " %r"gi e (re"ture % o"ting in th"t h" o% end e!! horror!= Why do they fear you( the /pider whi!per! to th"t e*it"ting body= Who are you( What are you to them( $he !h"*en he"d o% D")"!(u! i! (o*ered with " tr"n!p"rent !ku ("p= $he ("p h"! nu)erou! !o(ket! e)bedded in it out o% whi(h tr"i de i("te wire!B the wire! "re (onne(ted to " de"d boC th"t re!t! on hi! (he!t= D")"!(u!? open eye! "re ike b "nk window!< hi! % e!h w"Cy "nd h"ir e!!= E*ery %o i( e o% body h"ir h"d been !horn %ro) hi! % e!h when he?d %ir!t been in("r(er"ted here "nd the !t"!i! %ie d pre*ent! new h"ir %ro) growing= /he !tudie! the )"n %or " ong ti)e= 0hen !he h"! %ini!hed the /pider win(he! her!e % up " ong her web ine "nd on(e ( e"r o% the top)o!t pri!oner< wing! her w"y !i ent y through the h" < twi!ting "round !e(urity be")!ui(k y through "n open door< down " ight !t"r*ed p"!!"ge "nd p"!t door! identi(" to one "nother in " but their p ">ue!B Dirtual 'uite I?, Dirtual 'uite ?, Dirtual 'uite ?I. /he (o)e! to " roo)< the %ourteenth in the !e>uen(e= $he de"d boC on D")"!(u!? (he!t h"d the nu)er" ! TI9 e)bo!!ed on it "nd De!de)on" "!!u)e! the !uite wi gi*e her "((e!! to hi! pri*"te he = 9irtu" /uite TI9 i! " "rge (ir(u "r (h")ber< it! ob!er*"tion window! ooking out on the %i%teen *"!t !urgatoirs th"t together )"ke up Purg"tory H" = $he w" ! o% the !uite "re b "(k %i!h !(" e< po(ked with o*" *iewing )onitor!= /o)e o% the!e )onitor! "re b "nk< i%e e!!< but )"ny other! re*e" twi!ted night)"re!B di*ine !ou ! in the throw! o% eC>ui!ite tor)ent< p!y(he (")er"! bro"d("!ting e*ery !to)"(h turning det"i o% their torture= $he (h")ber i! %i ed with row! o% re( ining (h"ir!< ong "nd ! eek y (ontoured< (o*ered with iA"rd hide th"t i! !(" y "nd org"ni( to the tou(h= /(" p< te)p e< "nd !pin" p ug! "re "tt"(hed to the!e (h"ir! %or tho!e with the ne(e!!"ry body !o(ket!= 'or tho!e "(king !o(ket!< !)" b "(k p!y(he;orb! !it on the "r) o% e"(h (h"ir= $he!e e)it p!y(hi( kni*e! when po!itioned "bo*e the re(ipient?! %orehe"d< )ore p"in%u th"n p ug!< but h"ndy %or tho!e who do not wi!h to be per)"nent y di!%igured by body "ug)ent"tion!= $he /pider ie! b"(k in " (h"ir "nd i%t! the orb to " !pot dire(t y "bo*e her %orehe"d= /he et! go o% it "nd the orb h"ng! !u!pended where !he h"! p "(ed it< !pinning %"!t on it! "Ci!= $he /pider ( o!e! her tru;eye! "nd " )o)ent "ter !he !en!e! " !i ent % "!h through her eye id!= In the !")e in!t"nt !he %ee ! " !h"rp !p"!) in her br"in "! the orb p unge! it! p!y(hi( kni%e !tr"ight down into her )ind= At on(e !he %ee ! "nother re" ity !pinning up out o% d"rkne!!< (o" e!(ing "round her< "nd !udden y !he i! no onger in Purg"tory H" = D An "n(ient;wor d p"inter n")ed Hierony)u! #o!(h h"d pro*ided the *i!u" b ueprint upon whi(h thi! new re" ity i! b"!ed= A writer %ro) the !")e period (" ed D"nte A ighieri h"d pro*ided the pro!e= 3et neither "ngu"ge nor *i!ion (ou d )"t(h the !heer horror o% thi! Fud"eo;Chri!ti"n in%erno= $he he"t i! " )o!t inde!(rib"b e< ike !t"nding in the )outh o% " nu( e"r b "!t %urn"(e= $he "ir ro ! in thi(k !yrupy w"*e!< !hi))ering with he"t di!tortion= 0hen the /pider reg"in! her !en!e! !he %ind! !he i! !t"nding in the he"rt o% "n enor)ou! ("*e !y!te)< it! (ei ing! %e!tooned with !t" "(tite!< pointing teeth; ike tow"rd! the ground= $he w" ! o% the ("*e "re (o*ered in " *"ri(o!e network o% weeping )"g)"= $here i! no re" ground to !pe"k o%< in!te"d " !erie! o% ro(k bridge! (ri!!(ro!! the ("*e "nd bene"th the!e " "r*" ri*er r"ge! %"r be ow< !ending up poi!onou! *"pour ( oud! "nd (hunk! o% !uperhe"ted ro(k= N"ked )ort" ! "re herded " ong the ro(k bridge! by de)on! o% e*ery (on(ei*"b e i kB (hi)er" )"de up o% di!p"r"te body p"rt!< in!e(t! with hu)"n he"d!< repti e! with bird wing!
"nd ong % i(kering tongue!< ! oth (re"ture! with huge !n"pping @"w!< )edu!" with !tony eye! "nd writhing !erpent h"ir= $he!e de)on! !w"r) "%ter the )ort" !inner!< tor)enting the) with !tudded whip! "nd ("t;o;nine t"i ! "nd pit(h%ork! dipped in eC(re)ent= In their p"ni(< the )ort" ! !(re") "nd gn"!h their teeth< )"ny p unging he"d ong o*er the !ide! o% the bridge!< down into the burning ri*er be ow< but h"rpie! !wi%t "! !p"rrow h"wk! p u(k their twi!ting bodie! out o% the "ir "nd ("rry the) b"(k to the bridge! to re!u)e their tor)ent= $he /pider w" k! " ong " de!erted !e(ond"ry bridge= /e(tion! o% it h"*e ("*ed;in< the red g ow o% the "r*" ri*er ri!ing up through the!e g"p! ike /t E )o ight!= ,n the %"r !ide o% the bridge !he enter! " "rge ("*ern with b "(k tree root! growing down through the (ei ing< "nd b ood red weed! pu!hing up through the ground= A )"n h"! been !u!pended in the (entre o% thi! ("*ern by thi(k iron (h"in!= He i! "n enor)ou! )"n< t" "! " $it"n< the !kin o% hi! )u!(u "r tor!o % "yed by the ki!! o% whip!< (rude teCt !(or(hed into hi! !kin by hot br"nding iron!< hi! b ood ("ked dry< hi! %"(e broken "nd brui!ed< but e*en through the!e in@urie! the /pider ("n !ee thi! i! Argy D")"!(u!< hi! %"(e identi(" to the %"(e o% the )"n !u!pended in the !t"!i! %ie d b"(k in Purg"tory H" = And yet it i! not the !")e )"n= He i! enor)ou! here< hi! girth !uperhu)"n< hi! phy!i>ue the e>u" o% Her(u e!= He h"! been (rue y (on%ined< hi! b"(k bent to ne"r bre"king point< hook! pu ing hi! )outh into " per)"nent gri)"(e o% p"in= A "round hi) h"rpie! whee "nd ho*er< (h"tter "nd hoot< in% i(ting horri%i( in@urie! on their pri!oner< !(orning hi) "! he trie! to twi!t "w"y %ro) their re ent e!! "!!"u t= $he /pider !tep! into the ("*ern "nd in " ( e"r *oi(e< !he !"y!< GL"die!< " )o)ent< i% you p e"!e=? $he h"rpie! !n"p their he"d! in her dire(tionB their proto hu)"n %"(e! !n"r ing in !urpri!e= 0hen they !ee the /pider they (ur!e "nd !(re") in prote!t< but % o(k to " ne"rby ro(k out(rop to w"it unti her bu!ine!! i! (on( uded= $he /pider w" k! up to the tortured )"n "nd !t"nd! be%ore hi)< dw"r%ed by hi! !t"ture< !t"ring up into hi! b "Aing< de%i"nt eye!= /his is .amas#us. $hi! i! the p"rt o% hi) they %e"r= Hi! !pirit< )"de )"ni%e!t here in thi! *irtu" bed ") "nd "bu!ed %or o*er " (entury "nd " h" %< "nd !ti he !t"re! b"(k "t her< unbroken< unbowed= In th"t )o)ent !he under!t"nd! why the E ohi) %e"r hi)= In !pirit< thi! )ort" < thi! %r"i "nd piti%u thing< i! e*ery in(h the god= 'ro) their ne"rby per(h the h"rpie! )utter ")ong!t the)!e *e!< i)p"tient to (ontinue the tor)ent= In thi! wor d D")"!(u! !t"nd! o*er nine %eet t" = $he (h"in! th"t bind hi)< "! thi(k "! tree i)b!< !tret(h up to "n o*erhe"d !t" "(tite where they h"*e been %ir) y !e(ured= G0ho are youE? !he "!k! hi)= He grin! down "t her< hi! teeth b ood % e(ked< hi! ip! brui!ed "nd tender= GNot yet )"d<? he whi!per!< Gnot yet=? )ot yet mad( /he think!- *e gods= who #an withstand this torment without &reaking( *et here he stands. 0ere he stands. G0ho "re youE? !he de)"nd! "g"in< her *oi(e h"r!her th"n !he intend!= GI ") D")"!(u!<? he grow !< GArgy D")"!(u!=? GDo you know where you "reE? He nod! %ier(e y= GI do=? G0hereE? G0here you "re not<? he !"y! !i)p yB Gin " p "(e beyond tor)ent=? G3ou "re !u%%ering<? !he te ! hi)< G"ny %oo ("n !ee th"t=? He !t"re! "t her without b inking= GC"n you end )y !u%%eringE? GNo=? G$hen why !pe"k o% !u%%eringE? /he %rown! "t thi!= Hi! broken %"(e ti t! tow"rd! her< eye! o(ked on her!< burning with the wi to i*e=
GDo you (o)e to )o(k<? he "!k!= GPerh"p! to !" *e )y wound! with *ineg"rE? GI h"*e (o)e to "!k " >ue!tion=? G$hen "!k= I ("n gu"r"ntee you no "n!wer=? GI h"*e been twi(e "tt"(ked by )ort" ! be"ring your in!igni"= $he # "n(" Lupe they were on(e (" ed< p"rt o% the He"then in!urgen(y= 0h"t do you know o% thi!E? D")"!(u! !hrug! "nd the )"!! o% (h"in! !hi%t! "round hi)= GIt i! " g")e< you !ee<? he ru)b e!< the !ound o% hi! *oi(e !ee)ing to e)erge %ro) deep within the ("*ity o% hi! (he!t= GI ") one thing "nd I ") )"ny & ("n e*en " god under!t"nd the (ontr"di(tionE? G0hy do your %o ower! "tt"(k )e< D")"!(u!E? the /pider de)"nd!= G0h"t @u!t ("u!e do they h"*eE? D")"!(u! !t"re! "t her %or " ong ti)e "nd hi! eye! "re not the eye! o% " )ort" = $hey "re g"tew"y! into the in%erno o% hi! (ondition< "! grey "! thunder( oud!< !tre"ked with b ood red ightening< but beyond the p"in< beyond the tr"gedy< there i! " (o)p"!!ion th"t begg"r! the) both= It di!"r)! the /pider< !hrinking her< di)ini!hing her "nger< "nd !he %ee ! !tr"nge y be(" )ed< "! though !o)ehow thi! )"n (ou d re"(h into her "nd eCtingui!h her own etern" p"in= /he !ee!< in th"t in!t"nt< how it i! po!!ib e th"t )en "nd wo)en )ight %o ow Argy D")"!(u! into the h" ! o% de"th it!e % i% he "!ked the)= In "nother ti)e< "nother p "(e< !he )ight h"*e been one o% the)= G3ou "re "w"ke now<? D")"!(u! !"y! !o%t y< Gth"t i! " good thing< De!de)on"= 3ou know now you "re *u ner"b e< "nd !o you "re better prep"red to %"(e the %uture=? G3ou?re !"ying the "!!"!!in! were " w"ke;up (" E? GI% I?d wi!hed you de"d< be ie*e )e< you wou d be de"d=? $he /pider be ie*e! hi)= /he !t"re! up "t the rebe prophet= 0e has not seen the light of day in an eternity. 3et there i! !o)ething wrong here= It i! hi! wi < hi! "ur"= It i! (o o!!" < dw"r%ing thi! (hi d?! %"nt"!y o% d")n"tion= It )"ke! the h"rpie! !ee) "! though they "re the one! in tor)ent< (h"ined to thi! )"n by the !heer gr"*ity o% hi! (h"ri!)"= Why do the Gods fear you( !he wonder! "g"in= 6re you more than they( G$here "re wor!e thing! th"n de"th=? he te ! her= G,ne d"y e*en the god! wi %" < De!de)on"= ,ne d"y e*erything )u!t %" =? GAnd i% the god! %" < D")"!(u!< who wi rep "(e the)= ."nE? D")"!(u! nod!= G."n )"de per%e(t by !u%%ering= ."n %orged in the %ire! o% oppre!!ionB " new type o% )"n< "n o d type o% )"n< the )o!t "n(ient o% )en< )en who h"*e not w" ked the %"(e o% thi! e"rth !in(e bygone ti)e!=? G3ou "re )"d1? the /pider eC( "i)! "nd the h"rpie! titter "nd p"!! the word b"(k "nd %orth< mad, mad, 9uite mad, they whi!per= GI ") not !urpri!ed<? the /pider !h"ke! her he"d< Gthi! tor)ent wou d dri*e e*en " god to de!p"ir=? GAnd yet I do not de!p"ir<? D")"!(u! rep ie!= GI !i)p y bide )y ti)e in (h"in! unti the one (o)e! to !et )e %ree=? G3ou wi ne*er be %ree<? the /pider te ! hi)= G3ou wi be broken in thi! p "(e= $hi! i! your i))ort" ity D")"!(u!= $hi! i! your eternity o% p"in=? GIt i! you who wi be broken< De!de)on"<? the tortured )"n rep ie!< G(ru(i%ied on " web o% your own )"king= I wi not )ourn th"t d"y= #ut neither wi I re@oi(e=? $he /pider?! *oi(e be(o)e! (o d "nd britt e= G3ou know !o)ething<? !he !"y!= G.ore th"n you?re !"ying= D")n it< )ort" < !pe"k to )e= 0ho )o*e! "g"in!t )eE? G$i)e i! )o*ing "g"in!t you< De!de)on"< you "re running %ro) the ine*it"b e< "nd in the end you wi h"*e no p "(e e%t to hide= #ut thi! I wi te you< )y %o ower! do not !eek your de"th< I gu"r"ntee thi! "nd no )ore= It wi )"ke no di%%eren(eB de"th wi !ti ( "i) you "! it doe! " i%e in the end< e*en di*ine i%e=?
$he /pider ( u(k! her tongue with i)p"tien(e= GGoodbye< D")"!(u!= 3ou "re o% no (on!e>uen(e to )e= 0e wi not )eet "g"in< in thi! i%e or the neCt=? D")"!(u! )"n"ge! " "ugh< " dry (hu(k eB hi! (he!t hit(hing with the e%%ort= G0e will )eet "g"in< De!de)on"= 3our !(rying eye! ("nnot !ee th"t %"r "he"d< but )ine ("n=? And %re!h eye! open in D")"!(u!? %orehe"d< b "Aing %orth " ight th"t b ind! the /pider< !ending her ree ing %ro) th"t p "(e< % "i ing "round in p"ni(= $he h"rpie! begin to how with terror< t"king % ight< he"ding %or the ("*ern !h"dow!< "w"y %ro) th"t "nnihi "ting ight= At "!t< eCh"u!ted< D")"!(u! ( o!e! hi! !(rying eye! "nd hi! gre"t he"d ! u)p! %orw"rd on hi! (he!t= $he h"rpie! wi return when they "re (ert"in he h"! p"!!ed out= $hey wi b ind%o d both hi! !(rying eye! "nd hi! true eye! "nd then the o d tor)ent! wi begin "%re!h= Hi! %"(e twi!ted into " thou!"nd !u))er! o% regret< hi! he"d bowed< b ood )"tted o(k! %" ing "round hi! %"(e ike dying *ine< D")"!(u!< in the )o)ent o% hi! de%e"t< !ee)! )ore power%u th"n "ny god the /pider h"! yet )et= It i! thi! i)"ge o% hi) th"t !he t"ke! b"(k with her to Purg"tory H" = D Aw"kening %ro) D")"!(u!? pri*"te he < De!de)on" w"it! i)p"tient y "! the p!y(he kni%e i! retr"(ted b"(k into the orb % o"ting "bo*e her %orehe"d= /he e"*e! Purg"tory H" "! !te" thi y "! !he?d entered it< "nd on y re" i!e! how b"d y !h"ken !he i! when !he i! b"(k in the open< b"thed in wintry night< bre"thing in gre"t g"!p! o% "ir= D In C"!t e Arine"e !he brood! in the he"rt o% her ne!t= D")"!(u! h"d " %o owing on(e< "n "r)y o% %"n"ti(! wi ing to i*e "nd die "t hi! !"y;!o= H"*ing !tood %"(e to %"(e with the )"n?! p!y(he< i% not the )"n hi)!e %< the /pider ("n e"!i y !ee how thi! (ou d be !o= He h"! " be"ring "bout hi)< " >u" ity pe(u i"r to gre"t )i it"ry e"der! "nd wi d;eyed prophet! o% e*ery "ge= A ! eight o% per!on" ity th"t w"! !o)ehow "b e to h"rne!! "nd eCp oit the (o e(ti*e de!ire! o% e!!er )en= #ut hi! (u t )e)ber! h"d been per!e(uted "nd !("ttered in the d"y! %o owing the "r)i!ti(e between god! "nd )ort" !< when D")"!(u! "nd hi! %e ow rebe e"der! h"d been "rre!ted "nd put on tri" = $he other! h"d been eCe(uted< "nd yet D")"!(u!< the )o!t d"ngerou! o% " < h"d )ere y been in("r(er"ted in Purg"tory H" ike " *ir" (u tureB neutr" iAed< but thre"tening the (ity with "n ideo ogi(" p"nde)i( !hou d he e*er e!("pe hi! (on%ine!= 0hy don?t they ki hi)E /he "!k! her!e % %or the thou!"ndth ti)e= /he ("nnot be ie*e !i)p e %e"r o% P"ndor"?! prophe(y (ou d h"*e !t"yed D"gd"?! h"nd !o ong= -an they kill him( A p!y(he th"t power%u E Do they %e"r the thing he )ight be(o)e "%ter phy!i(" de"thE Like the "n(ient;e"rth !tory o% Fe!u! Chri!t< did they %e"r D")"!(u!? de"th wou d pre(ipit"te the %" o% e)pireE D A! !he e"*e! C"!t e Arine"e th"t night to hunt down the (ity?! )inor )on!ter!< De!de)on" i! re)inded o% !o)ething the ho o )"n to d her on the roo% o% the .urr"y Lein!ter hyper)"rket= It i! !tr"nge y poign"nt now< " thing !he h"d %orgotten unti her en(ounter with Argy D")"!(u! in Purg"tory H" = It is the wisdom of angels < he h"d !"id ; th"t de"th ("n )"ke )ort" ! out o% god! "nd god! out o% )ort" != A ! i*er o% wi!do) !he took with her into the wi(ked night o% her be o*ed (ity= $HE END
$HE LEGEND C,N$INUE/ IN 9,LU.E 2- $HE 0HI$E #,,K 9I/I$ http-OOde un"book!=(o)O %or %urther det"i ! /pe(i" th"nk! to C "re Dr"y(ott %or g" "nt y b"tt ing )y gr"))"ti(" de)on!< S /e"n;Lee KC"!u" .i!%itL Udenkwo %or the (o*er; i)"gery "nd ong hour! o% phi o!ophi(" di!(our!e=

Mistress of The Web Vol 1: The Black Book

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MISTRESS OF THE WEB VOL 1: THE BLACK BOOK

MISTRESS OF THE WEB

TEMPLE OF THE FLY

CROMBY AND NICE

THE WISDOM OF ANGELS

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