“Huh? Sure, kiddo…” Victor looked slightly concerned. “Something wrong?”
“Not really.” Catalin shrugged, not quite sure why he said that. Of course something’s wrong. “I was just wondering, this place where we’re going… is it…” He groped for a good way to put it. “Is it really horrible?”
“Little Valeria?” Victor laughed. “God, no. It’s gorgeous up there… the weather’s really cool this time of year, too. Why?”
“Well…” Catalin threw a furtive look around. “Everyone doesn’t look happy to be going.”
He would have noticed even if he hadn’t heard Victor and Damian’s conversation the previous night. Damian hadn’t said a word since they left the bandits’ hideout, Saphie seemed somewhat subdued, and even Kite didn’t seem to have much energy for sexual harassment. Talia’s expression hadn’t changed, but Catalin assumed she always looked like that.
“… oh.” Victor’s expression froze, as if he didn’t know what face to make. “That’s… complicated, but… I suppose you should know.” Catalin didn’t respond, waiting for him to continue. “We’re going there to pick up Christopher Turner, the Sixth Division Commandant.”
“And he’s disliked?” Catalin asked.
“Yes,” Victor nodded, “one could put it that way.”
“Why?”
“Well…” Victor paused. “When an Imperial Guardian commits a crime, it’s not held against his successor. Not necessarily. But sometimes, a certain… prejudice can accompany that kind of legacy.”
“And this Christopher Turner’s predecessor committed a crime?” Catalin frowned. “He himself didn’t do anything? But that’s-”
“It’s unfair to him.” Victor sighed. “I know that, but… Alexander Tremont died shortly after his crime, which left many people with no one to blame. That’s why.”
“And?” Catalin said, though he already knew. “What did this Tremont guy do?”
“… you should try to get some sleep, if you can.” Victor smiled again, though it was uneasy. “We won’t be arriving until morning.”
***
But Catalin found he was unable to sleep this time. He couldn’t get Christopher Turner out of his head. One thought looped, over and over, though his brain: He didn’t even DO anything.
