Peter Hamilton - The Temporal Void

Dinlay lunged forward, face contorted in fury, his third hand reaching to heartsqueeze the demented woman. Edeard's shield protected her.

'No. She will stand trial. His third hand plucked the pistol from her. 'Take her out, he told Urarl. He lifted the cabinet effortlessly from the lad. 'And get a doctor in here.

Urarl and two constables took Mirayse out of the shop. As they left, Argian slipped in.

Macsen dropped to his knees next to Boyd's corpse. He reached out tentatively, as if his friend were merely pretending. Blood mingled with the water soaking into his uniform trousers. Kanseen was gripping a sobbing Dinlay, tears leaking silently from her eyes.

'Why? she whispered.

Argian held up the pistol. 'This model is the kind we favour. They would know her state of mind. It would be a simple thing to give her this and whisper where one of the Waterwalker's squad was.

Macsen turned to snarl at Argian.

'Wait, Edeard said. He found it strange he was so calm. Shock seemed to be slowing his thoughts, taking him a long way away. It was as though the events inside the baker's shop were taking place on some remote stage.

'What? Macsen moaned. 'He's dead!

Edeard stood perfectly still, reaching out with his farsight. His friends faded away, as did the walls of the bakery. Droplets from the drenched walls and furniture struck the puddled floor, tinkling like bells. Slowing. Greyness eclipsed the world he walked through.

Amidst this sombre silent universe a single figure glimmered. Edeard smiled. 'You stayed.

'I haven't said goodbye, Boyd's soul told him. 'I'd like to say goodbye. But it's difficult, Edeard. They can't hear me.

'Take whatever you need, Edeard told him, and held his arms out. The phantom Boyd touched him.

It was as though a spike of ice was being driven through his heart. Edeard's mouth opened to a shocked O, his own life was flowing out through the contact. The real universe rushed back in to engulf him.

Kanseen gasped as Boyd's spectral shape materialized above his own corpse. Edeard staggered, forcing himself to draw down a breath. The cold was spreading through him. Numbing.

'Boyd? Dinlay said.

'My friends, Boyd gazed round them magnanimously.

'Don't go, Kanseen said.

'I have to. I can hear the nebulas calling. It's quite beautiful. I only waited for Edeard to notice me.

'We need you, too.

'Dinlay, tell Saria for me. Be kind, she will need a lot of comfort.

'I promise.

'Kanseen, Macsen; don't hide, not like this. Life is too precious for a single moment of happiness to be lost.

'I… Kanseen gave Macsen a forlorn look. 'Yes. Yes, you're right.

Boyd regarded Argian. 'You, the doubter. Have faith in Edeard, he is stronger than all of us. I can see that. I can see the way he affects this universe, it flows to his will.

Edeard grimaced, his knees sagging. The cold was becoming unbearable.

'I'm sorry, Edeard, Boyd said. 'I weary you. I am one pattern you cannot sustain.

'Pattern? Edeard gasped.

'Why yes. That is what this universe is, a beautiful memory. There are so many patterns folded within its structure; they stretch back for ever. He let go of Edeard's hand, and immediately began to diminish. As he did so, he gave a knowing grin. 'I never realized the city was alive like this, Waterwalker. But you know, don't you? You can feel its dreams. Get it to help you, today of all days. Stop being so timid. This needs more than water to finish it. Have courage and be bold.

Edeard couldn't stop shivering. 'I will, he pledged.

'You must think I'm so weak to leave, Boyd said as his spectre lifted towards the sky, thinning out.

Edeard's perception followed it. 'No, he said. Then he heard, 'We have to stay, he is all we have.

'What? he asked.

The sensation of a smile emerged from Boyd's essence. 'I understand. And he was gone, ascending to the nebulas.

Kanseen was crying openly as they stepped back out on to Zulmal Street. 'I'm sorry, she blubbed, wiping the back of her hand over here eyes. 'I'll be all right.

'You do see souls, Argian said in astonishment.

'Yes, Edeard said. He was incredibly tired. It would be so easy to sit down and just close his eyes, chasing a moment's rest. After all, Walsfol had ordered him back to Jeavons. None of this was his problem any more.

Yeah, right.

'What do you want to do? Macsen asked.

Edeard gave him a desperate look. 'I don't know.

'My people, Bise's longtalk voice called.

As one the squad turned to face the District Master's mansion at the heart of Sampalok. Bise stood on the roof, dressed in his flowing violet robes, the fur-lined hood thrown over his left shoulder. He held his arms out in benediction to his vast audience. 'I speak to all of us within Sampalok, those whose families have been here for generations and those newly arrived, seeking safe haven from the Waterwalker's persecution.

Edeard immediately bridled.

'Don't say anything, Kanseen ordered sternly. 'Arguing in public will make you seem petty.

'Do not fight among yourselves, Bise said softly. 'Your enemy is outside, and this conflict only strengthens him. Even now the forces who fear your freedoms are gathering in High Moat. I urge you to stand firm against them. Resist their occupation of your home, the last place in the city where you are independent men as Rah promised. I offer your families sanctuary within the walls of my mansion. Here they will be safe while you fight to establish your liberty against the oppression brought upon all of us by the Waterwalker.

'We have little time now. Listen to those who walk among you speaking with my authority. Resist the invasion of those who seek to banish you from this city which is your birthright. Bise gifted a humble smile, and stepped down into the tower.

'What in Honious was that? Dinlay asked. 'Some kind of election stunt?

'I have no idea, an equally confused Edeard grunted. He gave Argian a questioning glance. 'Could he really be the top gang lord?

'No, Argian said. 'It isn't like that. The Diroals have strong links with the gangs. They profit from having business rivals weakened, but Bise is smart enough to keep his distance. This is something else entirely.

'Oh Lady, Kanseen groaned. She was facing north, her eyes closed as her farsight ranged out. 'The militia's coming.

'What? Edeard gasped.

'The militia. A whole regiment, by the look of it. They're coming across High Moat.

It took a second for Edeard's own farsight to find the long rank of men marching past the caravan pens. 'What are they doing? The constables are holding the rioters in Sampalok, they can't get over the bridges.

'There is a complete breakdown of law and order inside Makkathran, Macsen said tonelessly. 'If you're the Mayor, how would you feel about that? The militia aren't going to reinforce the bridges, they're coming in to stop the riots.

'How? Edeard asked. 'This isn't a militia job. The constables are much better trained to break up mobs.

'They're armed, Kanseen said quietly.

The chill akin to that Edeard had experienced at Boyd's touch returned; of all the constables he'd organized to help today only the sergeants and corporals were authorized to carry revolvers. 'But the people on the streets…

'And Bise has just told them to resist the invaders, Dinlay said.

'They have to be stopped, Edeard said. 'The militia can't shoot at civilians, even if they are breaking the law.

'People in the mob are armed, Argian said. 'It may be that the militia will be shot at first. That would be… convenient.

'Will your people listen to you? Can you get them to stop this?

'There is little to be done on the streets, Argian said. 'Though I will try and speak to those of my fellowship walking Sampalok today. But it is Motluk and his kind who ultimately hold sway.