Though the details of Council politics were a mystery to Maya, she at least understood the basic sides. All members of the Order were sworn to exterminate dhak and dhakim and protect humanity from unsanctioned arcana, plaguespawn, and other threats; the difference of opinion was on how they should focus their efforts. The Pragmatics believed that by turning a blind eye to small transgressions, the Order could maintain its standing with the people and focus on the really dangerous problems. The Dogmatics insisted that any such indulgence was heresy, and deviations were responsible for the gradual decline in Order power. They wanted strict enforcement and swift punishment.

“What do the Dogmatics want with me?” Maya said.

“I don’t know,” Jaedia said. “I think Basel suspects, but he’s not saying, the secretive old shit. But things must be worse than I thought.” She sighed. “It may be that they simply want you to fail.”

“Fail?”

“Maybe they think that would embarrass Basel. Or maybe it would make one of their own look good by comparison. I don’t know.” Jaedia’s expression was a mask of frustration. “I stayed away for so long because I wanted to keep out of this dhak.”

Maya sat for a long moment.

“All right,” she said. “So what do we do about it?”

“Oh, Maya.” Jaedia looked down at her and smiled. “It’s your greatest gift, do you know that? Nothing slows you down for long.” She sighed. “I won’t pretend this is exactly what I wanted for you. But you are equal to whatever challenge they set, I swear to you. You understand?”

“I understand,” Maya said. The knot in her chest softened a little.

“They may expect you to fail. I expect you to disappoint them. And when you come back, they’ll have no choice but to give you your cognomen.”

“I will.” Maya’s voice faltered. “But …”

“What?”

Her jaw clenched. “Will I see you again? Afterward?”

Jaedia’s eyes widened. “Is that what you’re worried about?” She grinned and looked suddenly more like her old self. “Once you’re a centarch, you’ll be able to go where you like, on your own authority. Nothing to say that you and I can’t travel together for as long as we fancy. Somebody is going to have to keep Marn from getting too big for his boots.”

Maya let out a long, shaky breath and gave a weak grin.

“Where are they sending you?” she said. “How long will you be away?”

“I can’t say. But it is important,” Jaedia said. “Basel was right on that count.”

“Does it have something to do with Hollis and that black spider?”

“Clever girl.” Jaedia gave a half smile. “Once you’re a centarch, I’ll be able to tell you everything.”

Chapter 4