Book 3 Chapter 49: Small Comforts

Book 3 Chapter 49: Small Comforts

I stepped into the Honored Deads chambers, following Nix and flanked by the entombed on either side of me, as well as walking behind me. The council themselves were all arrayed in their usual positions in a semicircle from which they regarded whoever entered. Mama was seated to my left, then clockwise was Kit, Julian, Solomon, and finally Jim. Mama seemed animated and alert, likely still coming down from her debate performance, but she had no smiles or warm greetings for me as she had in the past. Shed already wrapped me in a hug when I arrived, but now she held back. Kit was looking considerate, as was typical, Julian regarded me with a small smile, and Solomon, now missing a foot, though it looked to have been treated. He was focused on me, and in spite of the pain he was clearly in he managed to keep his expression neutral, even as Jim cast frequent looks of concern in his direction.

Julian spoke first. First, Nix, Daisy, Entombed, thank you for bringing Donovan back to us to stand trial. And thank all of you for aiding in the defense of Potts. Wed heard chatterings that they may attempt something to disrupt us during the debate, but we didnt expect them to be able to reach us here. He shook his head. So many resources were wasted defending our smaller outposts and allies under the assumption we could ignore our own defenses. He turned his attention fully to me. Donovan. You know why you have been brought before us?

I nodded. For taking out the trash.

I saw Solomons expression shift suddenly and he slammed his fist on the table. You attacked fellow deadmen! Slaughtered their leader! Drove an entire people to ruin!

A people who enslaved humans and other deadmen, who ate human and deadman flesh, who hated us, and whose leader plotted our destruction. Who exiled their own people into a cloud of madness and despair for them to languish within forever.

Solomon went to stand, but grimaced as he was reminded of his injury. With everything happening to us here, Eden may have been the only place left that was safe for Deadmen! And you removed that possibility. Destroying their gate! Releasing their slaves and encouraging them to rebel! Unleashing a monster from the wastes around their enclave!

I shook my head. I will not apologize for releasing their slaves.

Youre sorry for the other actions you took then? asked Kit.

No. I paused. I dont recall anything about releasing a monster though. Who told you that? Who are my accusers?

Solomon nearly spat on the ground, but held back when he remembered he was in what many Deadmen considered a sacred place. If you dont deny the majority of the accusations, what is the point of you seeing your accusers?

Do you deny any of these accusations Donovan? asked Julian.

I shook my head. Only the one of unleashing a monster on them. Sounds like a beast from the Cut may have made its way to them on its own. I dont deny the accusations, but I do want to know who my accusers are. You dont know these people, what theyre capable of.

She stood still for a moment, and pinched the bridge of her nose. She moved back to her couch, drained her coffee, and then walked back. Come in. Ill make you coffee. She looked over the Entombed. You all cant fit in here. Why dont you take shifts, and Ill make whichever of you stays some coffee. She squinted. Daisy, come in and cook. Im too damned tired, and youve just brought me a bunch of bullshit I dont want to deal with.

Daisy nodded, ordered four of her men to leave and come back later, and she herself went into the kitchen after stepping out of her armor.

Nico sat, placed her book back in one of the many stacks littering the apartment, and gestured to the couch for me to sit down. I obliged, feeling oddly uncomfortable. Nico had always reacted strongly when Id done something like this, but at the same time, shed already known what Id done. I expected a lecture, or even a slap, but how casually she was taking everything took me by surprise.

She came back to the couch, ignoring the Entombed who were crouched down, trying to find ways to sit that wouldnt cause books to tumble or paintings to fall off walls, and mostly succeeding. She handed me a cup of coffee, and gave me a hug.

Are you okay? She asked.

I blinked, surprised by the question. I took a long sip of coffee. Id given a lot to Potts and still felt like I owed them everything. The idea of being Exiled it wouldnt stop me. I would survive, I would keep fighting for them even if they did decide that was my fate. Still, the idea of it

I shook my head. Not really.

She nodded. Thats okay. Whatever happens, Ive got your back. I know Deux does too.

I shook my head. If Im exiled, you wont be allowed to speak to me anymore.

She laughed. Theyre not going to exile someone for talking to an exile. Even if they did she paused. Youre the only family Ive got.

I laughed. That sounded really weird how you said it.

She smiled. It felt as weird as it sounded still true though.

I nodded. Thanks.