146

Nomad docks beside the Cinder King’s wood-trimmed airship and steps aboard as the ruler dismisses his Charred guards and offers a handshake. Inside, the Cinder King reveals staged placards for communication, but Nomad announces he has learned the language. Surveillance screens show wreckage below, making Nomad worry Rebeke might be spotted.

In the cabin, the Cinder King pours drinks and explains he once killed an offworlder who carried a translation device and a Silverlight survey book. Using translations, he learned of many worlds and identifies Nomad as Rosharan—aggressive and dangerous. He claims destiny: to unite Canticle’s people, and proposes hiring Nomad as a weapon.

He brandishes a tiny, weak sunheart taken from the slain offworlder, boasting of power and control, then demonstrates his dominance by choking a Charred who cannot resist. Nomad recognizes the bully’s mindset and rejects the offer, mocking tyranny and noting that conquest is not unity.

The Cinder King promises protection from Nomad’s pursuers, but Nomad laughs off the claim. An official interrupts with news mentioning “entire city” and “prospectors,” making the Cinder King suspect a key was swapped during the earlier raid. Soldiers then drag in Rebeke, gagged and struggling. The Cinder King points a handgun at her, testing Nomad’s compassion.

Nomad steps into the line of fire and warns that the Cinder King offered no tricks and should not break an oath to a Rosharan. As the Cinder King fires at Rebeke, Nomad shapes Auxiliary into a metal sphere and throws it, striking the shot midair and scattering sparks, abruptly ending negotiations and igniting the immediate conflict.