A World Without Heroes - Brandon Mull [165]
“But you’re trapped here, so why worry?”
“Good point,” Jason agreed dreamily. “Very good point. That should be my motto.”
“Just relax. The venom will help. I need to ask you some questions.”
“What’s the matter with me? I feel . . . really good but kind of nauseated at the same time.”
“You were struck by a rare serpent whose venom induces an altered state of consciousness. The potency is enhanced when the subject is exhausted.”
“Yes,” Jason exclaimed. “I remember being asleep and hearing it coming—its scales against the stone, but I just couldn’t wake up. Then it bit me. I was too tired.”
“The powers of your memory have been magnified. I need you to answer some questions.”
“Who are you?”
“Call me Damak.”
“I read from a book by a guy named Damak once.”
“Did you really?”
“Yes. Subtleties of Manipulation. ‘Manipulation is a quiet tool of majestic power. Artfully manufacturing desires in others to suit one’s own needs can be accomplished on an individual basis, or on a worldwide scope. Clearly, a study of manipulation requires a profound understanding of the selfish motivators that drive men to action. Different motivators function depending on the nature of the minds one seeks to dominate. Manifold motivators are available, including fear, the desire for wealth or respect or power, lust, duty, obedience, love, even altruism. Endless combinations may be employed to reduce the staunchest will to a malleable plaything. Learning to discover the appropriate mix of motivators for—’”
“Did you read the entire book?” Damak interrupted.
“No. I could tell you more. I remember every word.”
“So do I, more or less. I wrote it. You are feeling lucid?”
“Yes. I feel very lucid. Good word for it. I can remember so many things. I can remember the colors of the animals that hung from the mobile over my cradle. I had forgotten all about them. They were puffy. A yellow and blue checkered elephant. A red and white checkered lion. A green and—”
“Well done,” Damak said. “Very interesting. That is enough about the animals for now. Do you remember Galloran?”
“How could I forget?”
“Did he reveal any plans to you?”
Jason pressed his lips together, concentrating. “No real plans. He just talked to me up in his tower. He helped me make plans.”
“Did he manifest any desire to oppose Maldor?”
“He said his only remaining purpose of any consequence was advising those who dare to challenge the emperor.”
“How did he help you?” Damak inquired.
“He gave me a poniard and dubbed me Lord of Caberton. By the way, fun fact, a poniard is a knife. He introduced me to Rachel, and gave her a crystal sphere with orantium inside. He gave me directions to the cave where Jugard dwells, but could not recall how Jugard would help me. He told me to use his name among those who oppose Maldor because it would open doors. And he told me that heroism means doing the right thing regardless of the consequences.”
“Did he tell you about a syllable he wrote down?”
“No, I learned about that elsewhere. He didn’t remember.”
“Where was the syllable written?”
“Tattooed beside Kimp’s shoulder blade. I got it at Harthenham. It was ‘rim.’”
“Don’t tell me specifics about the Word,” Damak said hastily.
“It doesn’t matter. The whole thing is a hoax.”
Damak clapped his hand over Jason’s mouth. “Say no more regarding the Word.” He looked away fiercely. “Did you hear anything about the Word?”
“Certainly not,” a nervous voice responded. Jason could not see the speaker, but he could hear the scratch of a quill on parchment.
“Then you transcribed nothing of the sort,” Damak verified.
“Certainly not.”
Damak removed his hand. Jason stared with wide eyes. “Do not be alarmed,” Damak soothed. “I would simply rather not hear details about the Word. Another syllable was written down. Where?”
“Inside the lorevault at Trensicourt. Strange, I remember that syllable too.”
“Interesting. Tell me about Ferrin. Is he loyal to Maldor?”
Jason scrunched his brow. “He said he has no great love