Samor and Mya regarded the old Osirin in stunned silence. Unlike Goya, who was probably the oldest being they knew, this man didn't have a stooped posture, but a tall, regal demeanour. Samor could see the authority emanating from him, reducing any excuses he may have used into nothing. The old Osirin smiled and assumed a relaxed posture, his hands behind his back. He stepped towards them.

  'I wonder…' he began, possessing a warmth Samor hadn't sensed since Mother and Father. 'Has the Citadel lowered the age of children we’re now accepting?

  Samor said nothing. Neither did Mya. Neither understood what he had said. Still, Samor couldn't help but find himself enamoured by him, regarding his genuine smile, his way of holding himself with high self-esteem.

  I… want to look like that.

  'Samor!' Mya cried, before she threw her arms around him. He turned around and saw the secretaries had followed them, looking angry and agitated.

  'I'm so sorry, Professor…' one said, flicking her gaze towards the old Osirin, before shooting another glare at Samor and Mya. 'They ran inside when I refused them entry. If you would give us a minute, we'll have them escorted away at once.'

  Despite cringing inside, Samor looked back towards the old Osirin, who appeared unmoved. His gaze turned more contemplative before he allowed his smile to return as he regarded Samor.

  'Is this true, young man?' he asked. In response, Samor found his lips parting in amazement, having never sensed such respect from another so regal before.

  Surely you can tell we're homeless? Samor wondered, nodding.

  'And, if I may ask, what is your reason for being here? It sounds like you've both caused quite the stir.'

  Then, in a move that stunned Samor, the old Osirin chuckled.

  'We scientists like to regard ourselves as the pinnacle of civility until Odia likes to remind us of how foolish such notions are. Chaos is inherent in all things. The more we attempt to control, the less in control we are. We should remember this discourse. I believe it was… hmm… The name fails me…'

  'I,' Samor spoke, before he froze, fear gripping him. Embarrassment flooded through his being. Samor didn't want to speak. It would expose so much more of their situation, of what they truly were.

  'Yes?' the old Osirin prodded. Samor gulped in preparation.

  'I don't understand what you're saying…' he admitted, closing his eyes in complete and utter humiliation. It surprised him when a hand touched his head, forcing his eyes back open as he regarded the old Osirin.

  'That is my fault, not yours, young man,' he said, his tone gentle, respectful. 'It takes much to admit that, especially in front of others. Indeed, many of my fellow coworkers and students would do well to note your honesty. Learning starts when you admit to yourself that you don't know…'

  The old Osirin paused before retracting his hand and assuming the same posture he had before, keeping his gaze on Samor.

  'I often like to remind myself of this before travelling towards the distant lands of new subjects and disciplines. Alas, one of those distant lands I wish to explore is the reason you are here, along with who I'm guessing is your little sister.'

  The old Osirin glanced towards Mya, nodding in respect.

  'Professor, I—' one secretary answered, before being silenced by a simple look from the old Osirin.

  'Please, Nataya, let him speak,' he said, his tone allowing for no argument. After a couple of seconds, he turned his attention back to Samor, his expression relaxing.

  'Go on, why are you both here, young man?'

  Samor sensed a sense of emboldening, a loosing of the grip of fear. He turned his gaze to match the old Osirin’s.

  'I wanted to ask about the Odians,' Samor said. 'We can't afford the library, and… I can only read and understand a little.'

  To Samor's surprise, the old Osirin nodded in acknowledgement at that, understanding.

  'I have long campaigned for the library to be free for everyone. Education should never have a price tag.'

  Samor nodded, surprised to be understood. That gave Samor more strength, and he intended to use it.

  'I thought we could talk to someone,' he said. 'I know scientists are smart and understand things.'

  'Not as much as we like, young man,' the old Osirin said. 'Still, why do you wish to learn about the Odians? Is it perhaps because of our recent change in Odian?'

  Samor understood what the old Osirin was referring to, having heard of what had happened to the former Supreme Leader, Ero Kalid. It had made the strange anxiety and unease among those they walked past in the streets make sense. Still, Samor noticed a twitch of the old Osirin's face. He seemed to correct himself, before turning his gaze towards the two secretaries behind them.

  'Leave them with me,' he said. 'I will ensure they leave the Citadel in an orderly manner.'

  'But, Professor!' one secretary replied. 'They're children. They should be in school, not running through the corridors of the Citadel. Surely you—'

  The old Osirin sighed, shaking his head.

  'Are you truly so blind, Nataya? Or are you being ignorant? Surely you see they don't have a home, never mind a school…'

  In a turn that surprised Samor, the old Osirin's face darkened, showing lines of anger.

  'It's a failing of Osiris that these children feel their only option to learn is to break in here. Then, in return for displaying this initiative, our response is to cast them back onto the streets?

  'Yes, this isn't procedure. Yes, their methods for getting in here were unacceptable. However, I don't care. This Citadel should represent the fostering and cultivation of learning, of achievement. We should be rewarding that, so please, leave these two children to me. I shall ensure they leave in an orderly manner…'

  Samor turned to the two secretaries, watching as they bowed their heads towards the old Osirin in silent apology, before turning and stepping away, closing the door behind them. Just like that, they were gone.

  'I apologise for my colleagues' treatment of you,' the old Osirin said, regaining Samor's attention as he watched the old Osirin walking to his desk. Both Samor and Mya followed him, seeing the whole lecture room open up before them. The old Osirin's desk sat in the middle of a giant open floor, which had patterned arrangements painted onto it. Rows of benches and desks were placed around the floor, facing large stained-glass windows and glass lights hanging from the ceiling.

  'I will try to answer your questions as best as I can,' the old Osirin said, turning. 'Now, what are your names?'

  'Samor. Samor Dalinar,' Samor said.

  'And I'm Mya,' Mya said, stepping towards the old Osirin, giving him her best smile.

  'Pleasure to meet you both,' he said. 'I am known as Professor Kalid, but you may call me by my first name, Russo.'

  'Kalid?' Samor asked, recognising the name at once. Russo smiled sadly, as though knowing why.

  'Yes, Ero was my son,' he said, filling Samor with a haunted sensation, as a shiver ran through his body. It reminded him of losing Mother and Father, which caused Reviek's presence to emerge, though he didn't speak.

  'You understand, don't you?' Russo said, pausing as he became more contemplative. 'I can see it. You both have also lost someone, haven't you?'

  'But how…' Samor began, sensing the other feeling rise alongside Reviek.

  'Those who understand pain can see it in others,' Russo said, before smiling again, trying to restore the sense of warmth. 'I know you didn't tell me the whole truth before. So please, tell me the truth, and I shall try to answer as best as I can.'

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  Samor bit his bottom lip at that, while Reviek emitted amusement from within.

  He perceives well, the Odian said. Go on, tell him the truth. I'm curious about what he'll say.

  Even though Mya will find out? Samor asked. Reviek seemed to fill him with the notion that he didn't care, so Samor swallowed, glancing at his sister, who seemed just as curious as Russo.

  'Alright,' he said, before sighing. 'But I doubt you'll believe me.'

  Russo nodded, urging him on.

  'A few days ago, I had a dream. I was somewhere not like Osiris, surrounded by six rooms, each filled with a pool of glowing water, except for one that seemed empty. Each one had paintings on the wall, showing different beings, like Odians and monsters. I don't remember any details. There was a voice talking to me, telling me that the Odians are becoming corrupted, and that the Virtues are losing… I- I'm struggling to remember all of it.'

  Samor looked at Russo, seeing that the old Osirin was listening with earnest seriousness. At least he wasn't being laughed at. Even Mya seemed sombre as she listened to him speak. Samor continued.

  'An Odian stood out of the pool of water,' Samor said. 'He looked like thousands of blades melted together, with green fires on his upper arms and legs, a monster…'

  Reviek chuckled at that, as though he found it amusing.

  Now that was unnecessary… he said, before Samor fell to silence. He turned his gaze to Russo, who seemed to nod to himself.

  'Reviek,' he said, stunning Samor by recognising the Odian. 'This is interesting, as well as controversial.'

  'What do you mean?' Mya asked.

  'Your brother is touching on a delicate subject of debate among us scientists who specialise in the histories,' Russo said. 'The idea of Reviek aligns with a locus of belief that there are multiple galaxies within our universe, not just this one. We found old texts and carvings that match the Odian you describe, suggesting it's an ancestor of our current Guardians. Some theorise that he could be the first Odian ever created.'

  Oh, so terribly misinterpreted… Reviek said, offering nothing more. Russo continued.

  'That text described this Odian as playing a key role in governing the others, ensuring they maintain a secret that most should never know.'

  Ah, so he knows of the Virtues, Reviek said, sounding almost contemplative himself, recalling something. Russo looked at Samor.

  'Ero shared with me the secret of his bond to Salkon,' Russo said. 'And I promised never to share or discuss it with anyone else. The nature of an Anubian, a being blessed by Odia's touch to harbour a Virtue. This trait defines them and helps them bond to an Odian, a powerful sentient weapon. We refer them to as Odians to protect the nature of their bond, with few knowing the actual truth.

  'As for the Odian you described, he was also said to represent Odia's wrath and retribution, against those who betrayed her Virtues. The name we translated from those texts to describe such a being was Reviek…'

  Oh, believe me, old man, that is not my distinction, Reviek said within, surprising Samor by filling him with shuddering. That belongs to another. He cannot be unleashed again…

  Who? Samor asked, but Reviek didn't answer, filling Samor with the notion that he wouldn't entertain this discussion at all.

  What is your duty? Samor asked instead.

  I preside over death, Reviek said, offering nothing more. Samor looked back at Russo.

  'You hear him now, don't you?' Russo said, as though now understanding. 'You have Reviek inside you now.'

  'Yes…' Samor said, unable to hide his fear. 'But also no. He's inside my head, but his body is in Aphron, he says.'

  'And I take it he seeks for you to travel there?' Russo asked. Samor, despite himself, nodded, but offered nothing else. Instead, he watched as Russo half turned and sat on his desk, folding his arms, appearing to delve into deep thought.

  'This is far greater of a revelation than I'm giving it credit for,' he said.

  'And you believe me?' Samor asked. Russo looked at him.

  'Why wouldn't I? I'm in the privileged position of knowing the true nature of our Guardians. Besides, everything you've said seems far too specific for it to be a lie, yet this location you described… I've heard of nothing like it before. Then again, if he is in Aphron, perhaps that makes sense. They are secretive, and they would certainly have something to say regarding your words. Tell me, what will you do?'

  'I'm not sure,' Samor admitted, sensing a sadness rising from within, but more because he sensed that their time with Russo was ending. A part of him didn't want that. He wanted to stay and learn more, talk more.

  I want to become a scientist, he realised, surprised at himself. I want to become like Russo. I want to study here. But this place isn't for the likes of me and Mya. It's for Osirins who have homes, money, and parents…

  'Look at me, Samor,' Russo said, regaining Samor's attention. 'Whatever you're thinking right now, it does not have to define you. I know you don't have a home to return to. It's plain to see in your clothes. However, just because you don't have a home, it doesn't mean you're not worthy. Look at what you've both done here today. You showed initiative, taking a risk. You've proven that you can do more. Even if I've only provided you with a little information, do not allow yourself to become apathetic. Do not become hopeless…'

  Samor nodded at that, appreciatively.

  'I… want to be like you,' he said, sensing strength in admitting it, which stirred the other feeling within, what he guessed was his Virtue. 'I want to study here and become a scientist. I want to make a better life for not just us, but all homeless in Osiris.'

  'And you will, young man. You will,' Russo said, smiling. 'Never give up on yourselves. Take your life into your own hands.'

  'We will,' Samor said. Laughter emerged from behind them as Russo, Samor, and Mya turned towards the door, seeing Osirin students entering the lecture room. Samor took that as their cue to leave, reaching towards Mya and taking her hand.

  'Thank you, Russo,' he said. 'I'm sorry for what happened to Ero.'

  'I appreciate that.' Russo said, genuinely appearing he did so. He appeared more contemplative.

  'Tell me, did you mean what you said about wanting to become a scientist?'

  'Yes,' Samor said, surprised at himself. Yet, there was something powerful about that. It seemed to make it more real, more possible.

  'Then I wish to make it so,' Russo said, stepping towards them. 'Give yourselves time to consider it, but because of your determination and your desire to learn, I'd be more than happy to take you both in. There'd be legal procedures to go through, and I'd have to pull some strings. However, I'm willing to give you both a chance.'

  He knows our parents are dead, and I didn't even have to mention it, Samor thought, nodding despite the sudden rising of tension in his face, fuelling the desire to weep. Whether that was from Russo's intuition or his life-changing offer, Samor wasn't sure. Instead, he nodded with pure gratitude, not saying anything further.

  'In the meantime,' Russo added. 'I'll inform our secretaries that you both have permission to access me should you wish. Please, however, let them bring you to me. I'd rather keep everyone happy. In the meantime, I wish you both the best of luck. Hopefully, we'll see each other again.'