The Fractured Sky by Thomas M. Reid

proceed, let me be blunt. It brings me no pleasure to disclose these points. Tauran is my friend, and I have observed him on countless occasions carrying out his duties with both supreme devotion and suitable aplomb. His energy seemed tireless, his dedication unquestionable.”
    Then why are you turning on him, you backstabbing bastard? Kael wondered.
    “But that merely makes his recent erratic behavior all the more noticeable,” Micus continued. “I have observed, to my great chagrin, that Tauran has begun to question many of his values, as well as those of the House. He has chosen courses of action that fly in the face of our established procedures and policies. He has enabled the criminal activity of intruders into our realm through both dubious deed and cowardly inaction. In short, I fear that his morality has been compromised, and he has thrown in with these half-fiends he purports to supervise. For what purpose, I do not know, but I fear my friend has turned.”
    More murmuring arose, but the High Councilor silenced them quickly. “Please proceed with your evidence, Micus,” the solar instructed.
    Micus nodded. “Of course. In addition to this questionable explanation of how Tauran and Kael came to find the alu and this new intruder—this cambion—I submit Tauran’s insistence of late on debating the merits of Tyr’s righteousness in the conflict with Helm.”
    A few murmurs of disapproval issued from the Council. Kael wasn’t certain whether they were directed at Micus or at what Micus had said.
    “Tauran has called into question Tyr’s wisdom. I have listened to him say it.”
    Kael couldn’t stand how Micus was skewing Tauran’s words. He stepped forward. “He only insists that Helm must have very good reasons for his side of the debate, and that we should reserve our judgment until the two gods have settled their feud. Esteemed Councilors, examining every side of an argument with an open mind is a far cry from conspiracy against the House.”
    For once, no sound at all issued from within the chamber. All sets of golden eyes had turned to stare coldly at the half-drow, their displeasure plain. But Kael refused to back down. He stared back, waiting for someone, anyone, to challenge the point. In the background, muted thunder rumbled again, and the floor vibrated with it.
    “I’m sorry, Councilors, forgive his impudence,” Micus said. “Kael is as loyal and devout a student as any deva could ask for, but his allegiance calls his neutrality into question. His perspective on this issue wavers from the truth considerably.”
    Kael seethed and opened his mouth to argue further, but Tauran placed a restraining hand on the half-drow’s arm. When Kael caught his mentor’s glance, the angel shook his head almost imperceptibly. You’re not helping, was the message. Kael sighed and nodded, and Tauran released his
    The High Councilor spoke. “Your accusations are grave, Micus, and despite his impudence, Kael is correct. Engaging in such debate is not a crime against Tyr’s law. I hope you have something more substantial to tell us to back up your claims.”
    Micus frowned, and Kael had to clench his jaw to keep from grinning at the angel.
    “Of course, High Councilor. What I intend to submit next brings me no joy to share. In fact, it shames me to admit. But I
    truly want only to ensure that Tauran cannot deceive you—if that is in fact his intention—and to avert his own ruination.” The other angel turned to look directly at his counterpart. His next words were clearly intended for his fellow deva. “Despite what he must think, I seek only to save him from himself and bring him back into Tyr’s embrace. If I am proven incorrect, and Tauran has engaged in no real wrongdoing, then I will beg his—and this Council’s—forgiveness.”
    A long moment of silence stretched out as the two angels studied one another. Finally, Kael saw Tauran nod, just once, the tiniest bit. An acknowledgment of his continued