Page 66 of The Bone Season

‘No.’

Ivy caught my gaze as the questions continued. She was scrawny as an awl, her collarbone protruding. On the first night, she had been in tears, but now she looked resigned, her dark eyes dull and weary. We both just came up to our keepers’ shoulders – I must look as frail as she did, in comparison.

I didn’t recognise her from the syndicate. Still, if she had broken out of Corpus in a heartbeat, she must have a few skills up her sleeve.

‘These questions serve no purpose. I can only assume they are meant to waste my time,’ Warden said, snapping me back. ‘Such pettish conduct does not befit a Sargas. I am sure my consort would agree.’

Thuban curled up the corner of his mouth. The smile fit badly on his face, as chilling as the laughter on the night of my test.

‘The red-jackets lost track of the Emite,’ he said. ‘Since it may return tonight, your training session is restricted to one hour.’

‘Very well,’ Warden said.

Thuban glanced down at me. I only just remembered to lower my gaze.

‘I hear this creature sees fit to insult and threaten the blood-sovereign.’ He tilted his head. ‘Did you punish it for showing your consort such disrespect, Arcturus?’

‘Suhail took it upon himself to act in my stead,’ Warden said. I bristled. ‘I assure you that she has suffered for her insolence.’

‘You should not be complacent.’ Thuban motioned to Ivy. ‘This one has already tried to escape. As you can see, I have humbled it. Next time it leaves Corpus without permission, I plan to break its legs.’

Ivy stiffened. I suddenly wanted to hurt Thuban. He reminded me of the worst brutes of the syndicate, whose only currency and power lay in violence.

‘Humans require a firm hand,’ Thuban said. ‘If you wish, I can help you discipline yours.’

‘Nashira entrusted this one to me.’ Warden stepped forward, so I was behind him. ‘If you doubt her judgement, you should express it to her. In the meantime, I will execute her wishes.’

Thuban looked up at him, his eyes roaring blue.

‘Do not go too far,’ he said at last. ‘Stay within my sight, concubine.’

Warden strode past him without a backward glance. I went after him.

Until that moment, I hadn’t suspected any conflict among the Rephs. To see a crack after less than a week – well, that was promising.

Warden led me through the sally port. Behind us, Thuban turned on his heel and struck Ivy. She caught herself on the fence and looked after me, jaw tight, eyes glinting.

I didn’t want to train, but I would make this lesson count.

Warden took long strides. I dallied some way behind him, surveying Port Meadow. This was as close as I had ever come to Gallows Wood.

Before the treeline, the meadow was divided into arenas. The central one – the largest – had watchtowers on either side and smaller pens around it, presumably for individual training. I took note of the unusual fences between them, toothed with small icicles.

Warden waited for me by a shallow pool. Its frozen surface was smooth as a mirror, good for scrying. Wisps and shades – the most predictable types of spirit – were drifting all over the place, waiting to be drawn into combat, but none of them strayed beyond the enclosure. Only ghosts usually stuck to one place.

‘The fences,’ I said slowly. ‘They’re not electric, are they?’

‘No.’ Warden started walking again. ‘Your scientists have recently begun to develop hybrid technology, which combines our expertise with yours. These fences are powered by ethereal batteries, which each contain a poltergeist – a spirit that can interact with the corporeal world. The friction generates ethereal energy.’

‘Never heard of it.’

‘All information about hybrid technology is highly classified.’

Of course. That amount of hypocrisy would hardly go down well.

‘Poltergeists can escape physical constraints,’ I said. ‘How could you trap one in a battery?’

‘With a skilled binder or a willing poltergeist. Something of an oxymoron,’ he said, seeing my sceptical expression, ‘but I trust your first week in this city has opened your mind to the impossible.’

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