I-9. True Labor Begins
Contains spoilersOverview
Venli is flown by Rine and other Fused across Alethkar to Kholinar, which shows clear signs of conquest. After landing outside the city, Venli asks if her work is complete, but Rine declares it is only beginning. The moment signals Venli’s elevation from village assignments to a pivotal role in occupied Kholinar.
Summary
Venli is carried high above Alethkar by Rine and other Fused, suspended in linked harnesses. The sweeping view reminds her that Eshonai would have relished mapping such terrain, but Venli feels only nausea and impatience. They pass several occupied towns without stopping, unusual for her recent, shorter trips.
What looks like a ridge resolves into Kholinar, far larger than the domes of the Shattered Plains. Smoke rises within, guard towers are shattered, and the city gates lie broken—evidence that Kholinar has been conquered.
The Fused survey the city from the air, then fly beyond the walls and land near a bunker. After Venli unfastens her harness, they rise to hover, cloaks brushing the stones. Venli asks the Ancient One, Subservience, if her work is finished now that she has been brought here.
Rine answers instead, dismissing the notion that her task is complete and asserting that the villages were only practice. “Today, your true labor begins.” The exchange makes clear that Venli is being assigned a larger, more consequential role centered on occupied Kholinar.
Who Appears
- Venli
Listener carried by the Fused to Kholinar; expects her task is done, but learns it has only begun.
- Rine
A Fused who transports Venli, surveys Kholinar, and declares her true labor is beginning.
- Subservience
Fused addressed by Venli as Ancient One when she asks if her work is finished.
- Ridicule
Fused present when Rine asserts that Venli’s village work was only practice.