Chapter 64: A Devil’s Bargain

On a tense hilltop between human soldiers and Cielcin scahari, Knight-Tribune Smythe proposes sending an emissary to end raids, framed as a time-limited exchange, “unspoiled” on return. The Cielcin slave’s wording skews the offer as a gift, prompting Aranata’s mocking challenge over whether humans are predators or prey.

As Tor Varro and Hadrian parse terms—wolves or sheep—Smythe asserts, “We are men,” which translates insultingly as “vermin,” drawing a predatory smile from Aranata. Nobuta protests Hadrian’s use of “Cielcin,” revealing cultural offense. Hadrian realizes prior scholarship misread Cielcin noun modes: akaranta/ietumna are not human masculine/feminine; Aranata, though a warrior, carried Nobuta, complicating human assumptions.

Aranata demands Hadrian as the emissary, citing Hadrian’s rescue of the Ichakta and Tanaran’s report of his rank. Hadrian counters by requesting Tanaran in return, calling it an opportunity. Aranata refuses to part with Tanaran, calling it a prized possession, and only offers to “consider” the request if given Hadrian, signaling asymmetric terms.

Crossflane insists Hadrian must have guards and a fixed term, but the herald Oalicomn objects to soldiers inside their home, fearing treachery. Tanaran defends Hadrian’s trustworthiness. Language asymmetry persists as Aranata questions whether a gift can be constrained and implies ownership. Smythe attempts reciprocal privileges, but shared understanding fails.

When Nobuta shows distress, Aranata orders Oalicomn to escort the child away, rebuffs Smythe’s offer of a physician, then commands that Hadrian be sent at once before withdrawing with retinue. Smythe refuses the immediacy, frustrated by the prince’s imperiousness, and the delegation falls silent on next steps.

Breaking the impasse, Hadrian requests bringing Doctor Valka Onderra for insight due to her work with Tanaran. Despite initial objections from Bassander Lin and Crossflane, Tor Varro deems it possible, and Jinan unexpectedly supports the idea. Smythe decides: Hadrian will bring Valka the next day.