The Strength of the Few
by James Islington
Contents
XLIII
Overview
Vis secretly tests his bond with Diago and discovers that, although the alupi reacts badly to Will, he can be trained to tolerate imbuing from people he trusts. That convinces Vis to bring Diago back to Caten as both protection and a lead in understanding what changed in the Labyrinth.
Before they leave, Veridius warns Vis not to endanger the larger mission by pursuing justice for the Academy attack, especially if powerful senators are involved. The chapter marks Vis taking a more independent, risky path while quietly preparing for future dangers on multiple fronts.
Summary
Vis secretly meets Aequa and Eidhin in a clearing outside the Academy to call Diago, the alupi he believes he is mysteriously linked to after the Labyrinth. While they wait, the three friends talk through the impossible scale of what Veridius revealed about the coming Cataclysm and agree, uneasily, that making it public would likely cause political chaos rather than help. Aequa and Eidhin also joke about there now being three versions of Vis, and their easy teasing reassures him that they still see him as himself.
When Diago emerges from the trees, Aequa and Eidhin brace for violence, but the alupi lies down calmly and allows Vis to approach and touch him. Over the next half hour, Diago gradually accepts Aequa and Eidhin as well, showing intelligence, independence, and a surprising willingness to be near them. Encouraged by that success, Vis decides he wants to bring Diago back to Caten, partly for protection and partly to better understand the strange bond between them.
To see whether that is possible, Vis and his friends test Diago's reaction to Will. The moment Vis self-imbues, Diago springs up, bares his teeth, and growls, proving that imbuing deeply alarms him. However, Diago does not attack Vis; instead, he retreats, whines, and seems more distressed than aggressive. By repeating short periods of imbuing and release, the group helps Diago learn that trusted people are not a threat when using Will, and Vis becomes convinced the alupi can safely live around them in Caten.
The next morning, at the Transvect, Livia stays distant while Veridius studies Diago and reluctantly accepts Vis's decision to take him. Veridius warns Vis not to let his desire for justice over the Academy attack pull him into greater danger, especially if senators were involved, because Vis may be crucial to preventing the world's destruction. Vis privately thinks of the coming Festival of Pletuna and the secret contact he still intends to meet, then invites Diago aboard. After a moment's hesitation, Diago enters the Transvect, and the group departs for Caten together.
Who Appears
- VisProtagonist who summons Diago, tests the alupi's limits around Will, and decides to bring him to Caten.
- DiagoAlupi bonded to Vis; accepts the group, fears imbuing, but ultimately follows Vis onto the Transvect.
- AequaVis's friend; helps test Diago, questions secrecy about the Cataclysm, and grows comfortable with the alupi.
- EidhinVis's wary but loyal friend; jokes about three Vises and becomes unexpectedly fond of Diago.
- VeridiusPrincipalis who studies Diago, allows Vis to leave with him, and warns Vis against pursuing dangerous political justice.
- LiviaAlready aboard the Transvect; remains quiet and distant after recent grief and exclusion.