Page 568

In a blink, Harper Norez was already standing there next to Hector. The Lt. General illuminated the entire tunnel as he faced the wall that Hector was touching.

Hector shut the far end of the tunnel, completing the trap. He stared at Harper, waiting to see what the man would do.

But Harper did nothing, only turned his head back and forth slowly until eventually settling on Hector.

‘Wow,’ said Hector. ‘It really worked...?’

‘What did?’ said Garovel.

‘I think I’ve... I’ve got Harper trapped...’

There was a pause. ‘You what?’

‘I made a cage and added my soul to it... and he’s not attacking it, I guess because he thinks it’s me?’

‘That wouldn’t--uh... How the...? You--?! How the fuck did you get him inside a cage?!’

‘Well, uh... I mean, I knew he’d probably come this way... It’s the shortest and clearest path to the soldiers, so...’

‘Hector...! Just--! Holy shit!’

He gave a nervous laugh, still wary of Harper’s half-conscious stare.

‘It’s not because he thinks your metal is actually you, though,’ said Garovel. ‘It’s more like you’ve blinded him. He can’t sense the souls on the other side of your walls, so he just doesn’t know where to go anymore.’

‘Ah... yeah, that’s what I meant to say.’

‘You had no idea. You got lucky.’

‘...You can’t prove that.’

Garovel laughed. ‘Whatever the case, good work! Now try to move him back up the path, as far away from the soldiers as you can.’

‘Garovel.. I don’t like the way Harper is looking at me...’

‘He’s in a state of self-hypnosis. He’s only driven forward by a desire to attack things, but he can’t sense anyone other than you right now.’

‘...So he’s going to attack me.’

‘Almost definitely.’

‘Great.’

‘I’m betting it’s just a matter of time until his bloodlust overcomes the “knowledge” that you’re his ally. That’s why you need to move him away from the others. He is probably going to break out of your cage sooner or later.’

‘I’m fucked, aren’t I?’

‘SO fucked.’