XVI | Sihadi
“Hear me, thy people of Valdus’ Revolution!” the juvenile announced at length, his voice as dramatic and flamboyant as his entrance and his posture, then raised a fist to express his solidarity. “I am Sihadi ... and like you, I have dreamed of this day for a very long time. Know that I, too, have served Valdus—but have done so until now only behind the enemy’s lines—and yet I ask of you a simple favor: commend to me this one ferryman to do with as I please. Do this, my comrades, and I promise you: I will not only render his deviltry inert ... but I will entertain you in the process!”
The crowd murmured nervously as he withdrew a massive key ring from the hem of his trousers and held it aloft. “Look, see, as a former servant aboard this vessel, I hold the keys to the prefect’
