A Walk to Greater Worlds: Aeriel Trilogy #3

Chapter 25

"Well, I never claimed to be able to vouch for Ashwin's moral character," Ruban said, deadpan. "The reason I'm sure he didn't take the formula is that I searched him, thoroughly, before leaving the villa. And then he was searched once again at the nearest Hunter Quarter, while the villa was being processed.

"Although not everyone knew his true identity, he was still treated as a foreign emissary, and therefore as a potential threat to national security when the formula went missing. He was gravely injured at the time, not really in a position to fight us. Let alone pull some elaborate heist singlehandedly. If he'd had the formula, we'd have found it."

Viman gazed thoughtfully at Ruban. "And yet, you're the one who said that 'not all humans are opposed to allying themselves with Aeriels'," he smiled slightly, quoting Ruban's own words back at him. "How can the common citizens of Vandram be sure that you're not one of those traitorous humans? Are we simply supposed to take your word for it?

"Your actions, in recent months, would certainly suggest otherwise." Viman sat back, steepling his fingers in front of him. "You've been vocal in your support for this alliance with Vaan. You've refused to use the reinforced sifblade in your Hunts so far. In fact, your fight with Prince Shwaan was the first time you've used it on record, if I'm not mistaken.

"Lastly, you were adamant in your refusal to kill that Aeriel terrorist." Viman sighed. "A casual observer might come to the conclusion that you've been seduced over to the other side. That the prince has used his...considerable charms," he threw a suggestive glance at Ashwin. "To convince you of the merits of siding with Vaan, this time around. Maybe he also convinced you to...overlook the disappearance of the reinforced sifblade formula, two years ago."

"You're suggesting that the reason I fought Ashwin over that X-class, the reason I nearly chopped his hand off with reinforced sif..." Ruban cocked his head, brows furrowing slightly. "Is 'cause he's seduced me over to his side?

"Well, that doesn't sound like very effective seduction. Maybe it's just me, but I don't typically expect my trysts to leave me maimed. But perhaps that's my lack of experience talking." He held out a hand, the gesture conciliatory. "I defer to your expertise in this matter."

Ashwin dipped his head. To Ruban, it was obvious that he was trying desperately not to laugh.

Viman gritted his teeth, lips pressing into a thin line.

A few seconds later, Ashwin had pulled himself back together. "You know, I do appreciate your confidence in my...ah," he looked around, trying to find the right words. "Irresistible allure. It's very flattering, it is." He pushed an errant lock of silver hair away from his face. "But be honest for a moment here, Mr. Rai. Which of these options seems more believable to you?"

He held up one finger. "That Ruban Kinoh – one of the most successful Hunters in Vandran history, the man who killed both Reivaa and the former Aeriel queen Tauheen – has been lured into supporting an alliance that'll destroy his country?" He held up another finger. "Or that the people who benefit (directly or indirectly) from the illegal feather trade will do everything in their power to turn public opinion against an alliance that could destroy the source of their wealth?"

"I'd like to believe it's the latter," Viman said. "As would most of our viewers, I'm sure. But I can't overlook all the evidence pointing in the opposite direction. The chiefs of the five Hunter Quarters have had reinforced sifblades for several months now. Yet, to our knowledge, the day before yesterday was the first time Mr. Kinoh used the weapon. In his (very public) brawl with you." He looked Ashwin up and down, a quick and disdainful appraisal. "I've tried and failed to come up with any reasonable explanation for his reluctance to use the weapon we've all waited so many years for."