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You were supposed to be protecting us. But you’ve been using us. You’ve been sending students to their deaths. So I’ll listen to what you have to say at some point, Principalis—you have my word. But we are a long, long way from working together.

Vis, The Will of the Many, James Islington

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They weren’t even looking for him. They were looking for me. It was just so… It was so meaningless. - Vis No. Death is only meaningless if it does not change us, Vis. When you are well, we will celebrate him together - Eidhin

The Will of the Many, James Islington

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I lay Callidus gently on the stone at Veridius’s feet. Meet his gaze, then Emissa’s stunned, horrified one. Put all my venom into my voice, keeping it low so that only they two can hear. Blood coats every part of my skin. I must look a nightmare made flesh. “I’m going to make sure you burn for this.”

Vis, The Will of the Many, James Islington

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I don’t know what time Callidus dies. He slips first into a rasping unconsciousness, perhaps an hour after we start out. I try to wake him, but it’s to no avail. I know that if I stop, I won’t be able to go on again. So I keep moving. Keep carrying him. Still talk, now and then, even though I know he can’t hear me. Encourage him. Exhort him. Demand he stay alive. It’s only when I’m excitedly relaying the fact that I can see the Academy up ahead that I realise there’s no rise and fall to his chest. I push on, even as my vision starts blurring. I don’t know what else to do.

The Will of the Many, James Islington

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“Vis?” Callidus sounds sleepy. “Stay awake, Callidus.” “You’ll tell my father?” “Tell him what?” “Why I was in Seven.” He gives a little sigh. “You don’t have to mention Belli. Better to say you don’t know who it was. But I… I really want him to know.” I don’t tell him that Belli’s dead. I’m not even sure how much it would register. “I’ll tell him.” The lump in my throat hurts. I don’t know what else to say.

The Will of the Many, James Islington

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“Callidus stirs. Moans. His eyes flutter open. “Vis?” “Stay still. You’re injured.” “Really?” Callidus gives another cough, then a strange, uneasy wheeze. “But I feel so good.” “Maybe I’ll just leave you here, then.” I smile, though I doubt it’s doing anything to hide my concern. There’s blood everywhere. “Don’t worry. I can get you back.” Callidus eyes me. “Are you sure you don’t need me to get you back?” He coughs again. There’s a fleck of blood at the corner of his mouth. “Gods’ graves, man. You look terrible.” I bark a laugh that’s half choked with fear. “I’ll manage. Just need to tie up these gashes a bit better.”

The Will of the Many, James Islington

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“I envy you, you know. Your capacity to do that. To trust like that.” There’s a silence, then he snorts. “For a second, I thought that was going to be a compliment.” “I mean it.” I’m reflective. I know we’ve lost, have known for hours now. It’s left me introspective. “I’m not just talking about Aequa. I mean things like telling me about Belli, about why you’re really in Seven. I mean how you chose to warn me about the Iudicium, even after it burned you so badly last time.” I lick cracked lips. “Gods’ graves, Callidus. You showed me where you hid the documents. You did it like it was nothing.” He chuckles, a little uncomfortably. “Well, I trust you.” “I’m not sure I’m worthy of it.” Another silence. “I know you won’t tell anyone.”

Vis, Callidus, The Will of the Many, James Islington

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“What did they offer you?” Callidus takes his time replying. “Domitor.” “What?” I shake my head, sure I’ve misheard. “What?” Callidus chuckles. “My reaction too when the Principalis told me, word for word. He said that if I was on the winning team, I’d graduate as part of Class Four. And if I brought the Heart back myself…” I can almost hear his shrug. He’s embarrassed. “Rotting gods. High stakes.” I’m struck by the enormity of Callidus’s decision. “You’re a better friend than I deserve.” “Not really. I just figured not causing any trouble was the fastest way back to the Academy.” There’s a pause, and then I cough a genuine laugh. I can hear Callidus joining in.

The Will of the Many, James Islington

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You could have gone with her [Aequa], you know. I would have understood. - Vis And put up with Belli for three days? Gods’ graves, no. - Callidus

The Will of the Many, James Islington

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I still have to do it. I still have to try. But I would never blame you if you decide not to— -Vis Bah. Don’t be a fool. If you’re going, of course I’m coming with you. Just had to make sure you appreciate the risk I’m taking for you. - Callidus Well now I know. You’re sure? - Vis I’m sure. - Callidus Thank you. - Vis

The Will of the Many, James Islington

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I need you to help me in the Iudicium - Vis What? - Callidus You had to know I was going to ask. - Vis “Oh. Of course. After everything I mentioned about all the mysterious covered-up death, I should have assumed you’d want me along.  - Callidus Right. Because of how much you love danger - Vis

The Will of the Many, James Islington

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What are you doing? - Belli  Showing you what consequences look like. Not pleasant seeing your trust betrayed, is it? - Vis

The Will of the Many, James Islington

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You bet on whether it really happened? I don’t know whether to be amused or offended. - Vis Eidhin simply doesn’t have as much faith in you as I do. - Callidus Eidhin glares at Callidus, who stares back glibly before turning to me.  Is he always this sour around you, too? - Callidus Always. - Vis Must be exhausting, being him. - Callidus “I can understand you,” Eidhin growls. I know, The question is, can you explain why being you is not exhausting? In Common? - Callidus I can explain how injured you are likely to be in a moment. - Eidhin

The Will of the Many, James Islington

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Dultatis say anything? - Vis No. But I suspect he knew. He was in a fouler mood than usual. Though that may also have been thanks to my embarrassing him in front of Praeceptor Taedia and the entire class, this morning. - Eidhin How so? - Vis I corrected his Common. Twice. - Eidhin I laugh aloud. “Then our lessons have truly paid off.”

The Will of the Many, James Islington

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And you will learn whatever there is to learn, Diago. - Relucia And if I don’t? You won’t give me up over something like this. - Vis No. But I will kill one of your friends. - Relucia “You hurt any of them and on my oath, I will burn you and the Anguis to the ground. No matter the cost. - Vis

The Will of the Many, James Islington

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Just had the conversation with Scitus,” I confirm apologetically. “ ‘Spend every meal with the class.’ I’m supposed to make friends with them.” He almost chokes on what he’s eating. “Right up your alley.”

Vis, Callidus, The Will of the Many, James Islington

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And you’ll have to spend your time after dinner studying in the dormitory with them, too. - Scitus “No. - Vis No? - Scitus I’ve been tutoring Eidhin. - Vis He’s in Six. I don’t care if you’re friends. Focus on your peers. - Scitus I’ll make friends—that’s fine. But don’t expect me to abandon my old ones, or break an oath I’ve already given. Or is that what you want from your senators too? A complete lack of loyalty? - Vis

The Will of the Many, James Islington