32. Of Three Minds

Venli travels with Raboniel and a strike force toward Urithiru, including the mysterious makay-im (Deepest Ones) who possess the Surge of Cohesion. Raboniel reveals knowledge of Venli's role as Leshwi's spy and engages her in philosophical discussion about the Surges, Shards, and worship of Odium, while Rothan warns Venli to avoid drawing too much attention from the Fused.

Venli marches with Raboniel's strike team through frozen mountain passes toward Urithiru, which they plan to approach through lower tunnels unseen by Windrunner patrols. She observes the makay-im, Fused with access to the Surge of Cohesion, who move by melding into stone itself—a power that fascinates her. Raboniel notices Venli's interest and directly addresses her, demonstrating that she has discerned Venli's role as Leshwi's servant and spy. Rather than punishing this, Raboniel praises both Leshwi's cleverness and Venli's curiosity. She explains the nine true Surges (excluding the human claim of Adhesion), describing how the makay-im use Cohesion to meld their essence with the axi of stones. When Venli questions why the Fused serve Odium if Surges derive from Honor and Cultivation, Raboniel dismisses the question as naive, arguing that Odium—god of emotion and passion—is more worthy of worship than Cultivation or Honor because he understands and rewards people. She offers Venli the prospect of true knowledge and life through worthy service. After Raboniel departs, Rothan approaches Venli to warn her against bothering the Fused, noting that Leshwi values her and therefore so do her soldiers, before leaving her with the cryptic expectation of being understood. Venli reflects that the real danger will come within a week when they reach Urithiru.