The Fall of the Keepers

Chapter 11 The Bunker

I traipsed back to the Winter Palace, my mind full of questions and musings. Nothing in my life had ever been simple, but it seemed over time things only got more and more complicated. I wanted answers, but I wasn't sure if that would make things better or worse. I wished there was someone who would just tell me what it was I needed to do, someone I could trust to know all ends.

As I reentered the palace grounds, Cassian spotted me and jogged over.

"Hey, where have you been?"

"Avoiding Quetta."
I replied, truthfully enough.

"Probably not a bad move, she's not particularly happy with you right about now."

The two of us walked side by side across the snow-covered lawns towards the front entrance.

"Why'd you interfere?"
Cassian queried, he didn't sound upset, only curious.

"I believe in justice, Legato deserved to die for what he did. But I don't believe in torture."

"Why not? He effectively tortured your friend, why not torture him back?"

That was likely the same logic that Jasper had used.

"Because that's not justice, it's revenge."

"Blood must have blood, I say."
Cassian said with a shrug.

"Then how does the cycle of violence ever stop? How do we establish peace?"

"We establish peace when all our enemies are dead."

"So you just want to kill anyone who doesn't agree with you?"
I asked incredulously.

"Why not? How else can we have peace?"

"But what about freedom?"

"Of course we have freedom! We're no longer under the control of the Amirs."
He snorted.

"If you demand for everyone to think and believe as you do, then your no better than the Amirs. Freedom is about choice."

"Some people will always make the wrong choice."
Cassian shrugged.

"So that's Quetta's plan then? To eliminate any possible threat?"

"I don't know Quetta's plan. Likely she'll be far too gracious."

Gracious wasn't exactly the word that came to mind when I thought of Quetta Peterson.

"So what would you do Cas, if you were in charge?"
I asked hesitantly.

"I'd start hanging nobles until the Prince handed himself over. Then I'd put a bullet in his brain and be done with it."

I shivered but not from the cold. I had never suspected Cassian to have such a violent streak.

"Why do you hate him?"

He gave me a sideways glance.

"Why don't you?"

I pressed my lips into a firm line.

"Have you seen David yet?"
He abruptly changed the subject.

"Yes, but only briefly."

"You ought to spend some more time with him, catch up. You two made a good couple, once upon a time."

"And what, you want us to get back together?"
I raised my eyebrows.

"It might help you get over the Prince. One way or another Ranen Amir is going to die, Astrid, you might as well move on."