Sythius didn’t stop glaring at Cell until Ollie started
laughing and pulling at his hair, calling for her horsie to spin around again,
spin around again! This he did, and by the time he turned around a few times he
seemed to have forgotten that someone had thrown a rock at him.
Cell approached Sithe’s side, but didn’t speak for a long
moment. When he finally figured out what to say, his voice was quiet but
determined: “She was never in any danger. Even if he hadn’t been able to deflect it, I would have. And even if I hadn’t, you would have.” He
gestured to the giant. “This man is an anomaly. As fierce as a hurricane, yet
so gentle that we feel bad when we complain about getting wet.”
Sithe snorted laughter in spite of herself. “The sad part is, I think I believe
you.”
Cell quirked an eyebrow at the matron. “You could use
someone like him, Milady Breckenridge.”
The laughter died, replaced by confused silence. “Use?” she
repeated.
“Something you said to Vincent,” Cell went on. “This
assassin, Uncle Scratch, was able to deflect your ‘skills.’ Which means that
you attempted to deal with him, but couldn’t. I’ve heard rumors about a
vigilante, acting in secret, beneath the lofty gaze of Saint Vilaya’s guard
dogs. They say this person targets ... abusive parents. Such an odd choice,
don’t you think? Why not thieves, murderers, blasphemers? Why undertake a
mission whose only purpose is to create orphans?”
Sithe didn’t look at Cell. She didn’t move. “A mystery for
the ages,” she murmured.
“A gentle giant like our huntsman from the North would be ... useful in such a mission. Don’t you think? Look at how he is with the
children you already have. And then think about what he did when I provoked
him. And,” here Cell lifted a finger, and gestured to William, who had
meandered over to the other side of the yard, “he came to you for help, which
you provided. It would be easy to convince him that he should ... repay the
favor.”
“Are you suggesting that I manipulate this man?” Sithe
asked.
Cell chuckled. “I would never. But ... it would be easy.”
Sithe sighed, and watched Sythius for a while longer.
A smirk slowly slid onto her young, sharp face.
“Yes,” she almost purred. “I suppose it would be.”
* * *
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