“Except in times of great need,” rumbled Sha. “Or when he was willing to die to do what he believed needed to be done. As such, the powers of the bloodspeakers were greatly respected. Their acts and sacrifices were deeply honored, even by their enemies. The depth of commitment and sincerity of a bloodspeaker was unquestionable.” Sha was silent for a moment. Then he spoke in a more detached, businesslike tone. “Some generations ago, the bloodspeakers discovered that they could greatly expand their powers by using the blood of others—the more individuals, the more potent the blood. At first they asked for volunteers—a way for makers to share in the honor and sacrifice of the bloodspeakers’ service. But some of them began to do so in war, taking the blood of their enemies and turning the power gained from it to the service of their own war powers. It was argued that the Canim had thus outgrown the need for warriors. For many years, the bloodspeakers attempted to control the warriors—to use them to frighten and intimidate others where possible, and to serve as blood gatherers in times of war. In some ranges, the bloodspeakers were successful. In some, they were less so. In some, they were never able to gain power.”

“Why didn’t the warriors simply act against them?”

Sha looked shocked at the very suggestion. “Because they are the servants of the makers, as we are, demon.”

“Apparently not,” Marcus said.

Sha waved a hand. “The code forbids it, unless they are guilty of the grossest excesses. Many bloodspeakers did not embrace the New Way. They remained faithful to their calling, their limits. The followers of the Old Way continued to serve the makers and do great good. They worked to convince their brothers of the integrity of their point of view.”

“I take it that didn’t go well,” Marcus said drily.

“A bloodspeaker remaining faithful to his calling has little time left to spend upon politics, especially in these days,” Sha replied. He leaned forward slightly. “Those who scorn the Old Way have all the time they need to scheme and plot and speak half-truths to the makers to gain their support.”

Marcus narrowed his eyes. “I take it that one of these followers of the New Way is behind the attack on Octavian.”

“Likely,” Sha said. “Two makers were convinced to make the attempt.” His lips peeled away from his fangs in what looked to Marcus like revulsion and anger. “It is an inexcusable offense.”

Marcus shucked out of his armor, stacking the four shell-like pieces of it upon one another and tucking it under his cot. “But Varg cannot act on it?”