Page 61 of Veinblood
Hope. Possibility. The chance that everything they believed, everything they’ve fought for, might actually have not been a waste.
“Sereven built his validity of holding the throne on the lie that the Vareth’el was dead,” Corwin says. “As well as convincing people that the Veinbloods were monsters who needed to be purged for the good of all, it was pushed that he had claim rights through birth. He said that being born without Shadowvein power proved that it was time for change.”
“And people believed them,” Jorana adds. “After the purges, after seeing what happened to anyone who resisted …”
“They had no choice,” Masha says softly. “But now people will see the truth.”
“Will they?” The parchment crinkles under my fingers as I grip it tighter.
I’m not asking just out of concern for myself. When word spreads that Sacha is alive, how will people react? Will they see it as hope or as confirmation of their worst fears? The Authority has spent years convincing people that Veinbloods are dangerous, that the purges were necessary. Some people will welcome news of Sacha's return, but others might see it as vindication of everything they've been taught to believe.
“Some will. The ones who remember what it was like before the Authority took control. The ones who have been waiting. Others will fight because they believe what the Authority has taught them.”
“What about other Veinwarden knots? Can we get news to them?”
“We won’t need to. The proclamations will spread throughout Meridian. It will be carried to every settlement and outpost by Authority patrols.”
I imagine the news spreading outward. This room, this moment, this piece of paper with our faces on, being shown throughout Meridian. Veinwarden knots learning that their rightful prince is alive. The hope it might kindle in people who have lived under Authority oppression for decades … and the fear that might rise in others.
The thought makes my stomach churn. How many people will see the reward and decide the risk is worth it? How many will study the image of our faces, memorize every detail, and hunt down anyone who matches our descriptions?
This proclamation isn't just a manhunt, it's the latest move in a much larger conflict. By putting our faces on wanted posters, Sereven is forcing us toward a confrontation. No one will be able to hide anymore. Everyone will have to choose a side.
How many will die because of what we represent? The Authority won't hesitate to make examples of anyone who supports us. They'll use brutality to keep control, just as they always have. By simply existing, by being who we are, Sacha and I have put countless lives at risk.
My breath stills.
When did I stop thinking of the Veinwardens and Veinbloods as them, and start thinking of them as us?
“What happens now?” I force myself to ask.
“For you?” It’s Masha who answers me. “You will need to stay hidden. That reward will have people looking for you everywhere. It’s enough to tempt people who might otherwise look away and pretend ignorance.”
“Every desperate soul who is looking for a way out of poverty may see this as their only chance,” Jorana adds.
“Every Authority loyalist who truly believes that Veinbloods are a blight to be destroyed will use this as justification to target people who have things they want,” Corwin says.
“But I can’t stay here forever. Eventually, I’ll have to leave. Or someone will see me. I’m putting all of you in danger.”
By staying here, Masha and the others are at risk of being executed. All it would take is someone commenting that Masha has someone staying with her. But if I leave, I will be captured. I don’t have the skills to hide or blend in.
There are no good choices, only different degrees of risk.
“Moving will be dangerous. Staying even more so. But that isn’t the important part.” Jorana crosses to the window and checks the street outside, then closes the shutters.
My heart starts to pound again. “What do you mean?”
There’s something in their expressions that I can’t quite read. It isn’t fear, exactly, but it isn’t excitement either. More a sense of anticipation … or resolution.
“We need to decide whether we’re ready.” Jorana’s voice holds a warning I don’t understand.
“Ready for what?”
“Change.Realchange, not just more years of hiding and hoping.”
I frown. “Have you been planning something? Something that has nothing to do with me being here?”
The way they look at each other confirms my suspicion. They have. There’s a plan in place that’s been waiting for the right moment. And apparently, that moment is now.
