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House Blackburn in particular had quite the problem with that man. Parson Miles had once been a close friend to them--and even been the one they consulted about Lord Ibai’s mysterious disposition. At the time, of course, the family hadn’t known anything about aberrations; and rather than helping them through that turbulent experience, the man decided to use that information as a tool to manipulate them.

To coerce them into betraying their Rainlord brethren. To prevent House Blackburn from sending support against the Vanguard during the siege at Rheinhal; and also to send Cousin Melchor to kidnap the Elroy children from Red Lake Castle at the same time.

And Raul had a terrible feeling that there was yet more to it, still. Something not spoken of openly. Something hidden even with the family itself.

He wasn’t sure why he felt that way or where it was coming from. Maybe it was in the way that some of the House’s reapers spoke to one another. Some of the things they weren’t saying. Missing words or sentences. Openings where it felt like something was being left unsaid.

He’d asked Arumoro about it privately, of course. Many times, in fact. But if the reaper knew what it was, then he was doing a good job of pretending otherwise.

Which was an even more unsettling thought.

If even Arumoro felt the need to lie so convincingly, then... it must have been something truly horrific. Too dangerous to even risk burdening Raul with knowledge of, perhaps.

Raul hoped he was just being paranoid. He hated doubting his own family like that.

Eventually, he finished bringing the frozen pods up to the surface. He was hesitant to broach the subject, but as they were heading back, walking on water again with the pods in tow, he decided to ask Arumoro if Parson Miles was among these dormant generals.

‘No, lucky for him,’ the reaper said privately.

Honestly, Raul wasn’t sure what he would do if he ever came face-to-face with the guy. Especially in a vulnerable state like this? Would he just try to kill him in cold blood?

Agh. No, probably not. He’d consult the elders, as always. That was a decision for them to make, not him.

But what if Parson escaped because of his hesitation? The elder’s decision was obvious enough, wasn’t it? Why not just ensure that justice was served as soon as possible?

Because it wasn’t his place, that was why.