Chapter 14: Truth and Lies

Oliver stared back into the Crownseeker’s eyes. He knew he could not tell. If anyone heard the doubts that were swirling around Oliver’s head, they would never understand. They would think he was a Pits-worshipping traitor, a supporter of Tyrants and the Last Apostle, himself. And Oliver would not blame them.

But he wanted to tell. He wanted to so badly that it hurt. “N-nothing,” he said, not able to meet Crane’s eyes.

The old soldier bent lower, so that Oliver could not help but look at him. “You can’t think me as slow as all that. I have eyes, don’t I? Something happened.”

Oliver took a deep, rattling breath. He could not help himself. “I met him,” he whispered. “The Tyrant.”

Crane stiffened. “You did?”

Oliver nodded. “He said... he said his name was Hevel. He seemed... kind.”