He considered me as English as Jones. After Finch’s story, could I blame him? I bowed my head. I was a First Brother, part of the group charged with protecting the workers. Part of the group that betrayed them for our own gain.

“I want an explanation,” Pidge went on. “What is this White-Face leader doing among us? And why do you seek his council?”

William returned to his knife and wood, leaving Voltaire to answer.

“I seek his council because the White-Face strategy for the tournament was formed before he resigned his leadership.” Voltaire said. “Last night, William told me of their plan.”

The bandits murmured.

Voltaire went on. “Two men now lead the so-called Voltaire’s Army. The first man, Martin, speaks for the Army. The second, Condor, is their military head. It is Condor that wears the white-face.”

Pidge began to pace. “How do you know Crane isn’t here as a spy? Did you consider that possibility?”

Voltaire nodded. “There are two reasons I believe him. As we all know, the identity of the White-Face soldiers is a well-guarded secret. I did not suspect William was one of their number, until he came to me of his own free will.”

I nodded, seeing his reasoning. Why would William expose himself, if not to help?

“Second,” Voltaire continued, “we found his group in the woods, driven here by a storm, not the other way around. That proves he was not seeking us for any ill purpose.”

Pidge crossed his arms. “If he was ever the leader of the so-called Voltaire’s Army, he can’t be trusted. He is responsible for many deaths.”

At this, William stood and walked away from the fire, back to his bedroll.

Anger surged in me. “What’s past is passed,” I said, glaring at Pidge. “William no longer lives by the club.”

“On the day we met, he nearly killed Fly Man.” Pidge insisted.

“He would never have harmed a hair on that child’s head,” I said, standing. “He only wanted Voltaire to release me.”

Pidge pursed his lips.

“If William says Booster is the right choice, you should trust him,” I said. I sat down, feeling awkward. Of all people, William should have been the last person I stood up for.

“I agree with Arika,” Hosea said, lending his support.

Pidge sighed and kicked the ground.

“Now, hold on,” Hurley said. He blew his nose and stood.

“No one is asking why Booster the best choice.”

“Damn right,” Walker added. “Did William explain himself?” He pushed his hat back and looked to Voltaire.

“He did,” Voltaire answered. “He said that the White-Face Champion to fight in the Joust will be one of the leaders of the so-called Voltaire’s Army.”

“Condor,” Pidge exploded. “I relish the chance to fight this man, face to face. He equates the name Voltaire with violence.”