Глава 11

Now then, let him go.

*whimper*...

You can open your eyes and put your hands down now, Mr. Bader. We're not going to hurt you... at least not yet.

What do you want?

My terms are clear. Cancel the deal for the Cumberland steam armor.

And you'll let me go if I agree?

Yes.

But I'll make sure you keep your side of the bargain.

Show Mr. Bader our map, Morgan.

With pleasure.

The marks on the map... those are my warehouses! How do you know about them?!

You don't pay much attention when you're out and about.

You shadowed me?

Correct. The Sarkaz cannot be bribed. If they learn that you've smuggled so much contraband into Londinium through your 'connections'...

How helpful do you think your friend will be? Will he be in any position to protect you?

You're considering tipping off the Sarkaz.

That may well get us all killed, but they won't have to know anything if you continue to work with us.

Do I have a choice?

I understand your circumstances, and I appreciate the opportunity to work with you. You will be compensated fairly.

Wait a second...

What is your relationship to Allerdale Cumberland? Are you her attendant? I can't imagine House Cumberland is in any position to hire one...

Watch your mouth! The Cumberland serves Vina, not the other way 'round!

She's the daughter of a duke! You don't mean...

No. I'm nobody.

Lady Cumberland and I are comrades, along with thousands upon thousands of Londiniers who long for peace.

I do hope you're one of them, Mr. Bader.

Act 4 —————— Scene 3

All those loyal to this land stand with me. The final battle against evil lies before us.

Children... do you live here?

Hide not in the corners and shadows. Even if you cannot hold a sword...

There is more to being a warrior than simply holding a sword. Open your eyes. Watch, listen, think.

Tell me what is right, what is wrong, and what kind of life you wish to live.

I march onwards, with you as my witnesses.

Brilliant! Look how good Ralph is, Lady Golding... how much he's grown. And to think he was a mischievous little beastling just four years ago!

Yes, I'm delighted. A handkerchief, Molly?

Handkerchief? Oh, yes, I can't stain my clothes with tears in front of the children... Oh, but I just can't stop crying, to think that Ralph and the other kids will be leaving school so soon...

It's time for them to have a rest. And us, too.

Yes, the final scene... that's the best part.

Who's clapping?

You didn't invite anyone to the rehearsal today, did you?

The teachers cast their glances toward the back of the classroom.

A man in military attire claps slowly by the door.

What a splendid performance.

...Lt. Colonel Lettou.

I didn't think the Commander of the Defense Forces would grace this classroom with his presence.

Good afternoon, ladies.

What are you doing here?

I said as much, I'm here to enjoy the performance.

...Stay behind me, children.

I mean no offense, Lt. Colonel Lettou, but you're not welcome here.

No need to be so distant, Golding.

I've always approved of your efforts. The more difficult the times, the more important education becomes.

You're speaking as though you have nothing to do with these 'difficult times.'

You're always finely dressed, aren't you? No matter what the times.

The only difference is you have more and more medals on your collar now.

Helping the Military Commission govern Londinium is not an easy job. I've encountered my share of... difficulties.

But my love for this city has never changed. I'm just like you, in that regard.

I'm sure Tom the cobbler agrees.

Tom is a friend too. The memory of that incident pains me.

He got drunk and babbled something about 'His Majesty' and the 'Steam Knights.' He could hardy even spell 'Sarkaz.'

He's still alive.

Life is about more than simply being alive.

Are you accusing me of betraying Victoria, Golding?

I respect your courage, ladies.

But you're mistaken.

I came here to take another look at this school. Nothing more.

It's unfortunate that you seem to have forgotten me, Miss Molly.

Forgotten...?

I've spent just as much time here as you have. I even remember the children who came with you.

Unfortunately, I was no longer so free, after my graduation from the military academy.

Golding, you trusted me once. We discussed the history of Gaul, the eternal pillars of literature—

That will do, Lt. Colonel Lettou.

I'm grateful to your father for sponsoring the school over the years. He made efforts to light the torch of wisdom, to drive out ignorance and chaos.

I once thought you like him. But you've extinguished the tiny spark with your own two hands.

Is that so, Golding? Why do you think the school has survived this long?

Why, you—don't even dare threaten us!

I have no reason to threaten you. Certainly not with the children around.

We're all remnants of Gaul, Ms. Golding.

We know the merciless devastation of war, the snuffing of countless lives, and the destruction of human progress towards wisdom.

I don't want Londinium to be the next Lingones, nor do I want to see the wonderful play that I just witnessed disappear forever.

This is the burden that I have chosen to bear.

...I cannot endorse your views.

The Royal Opera House of Lingones has long since been reduced to ash, but 'Ode au Triomphe' continues to be performed around the world.

Buildings fall and metal giants rust, but what we created within never dies. It's our knowledge, our culture, our hope.

The darker the clouds of war, the more important it is that we hold onto our beliefs. Trust in beauty, and remind ourselves what separates us from the animals.

You believe you can win a conflict like this?

What you represent: fear, power, violence... these things can't keep everyone suppressed forever.

I must believe.

I can only believe.

As long as there is light, we'll follow it.

I envy you then, Ms. Golding.

Look up at the dark clouds above you. A storm is coming.

There is still time before the thunderbolt falls. We have a choice.

I hope to see the conclusion of the play... someday.

The Commander of the Defense Forces does not linger on the streets after leaving the school.

He came alone. There are none of his men in the vicinity.

She must find Adams and get the news out.

No matter how amicable the commander looked, there must be a reason why he came to the school.

Molly does not know, and neither do the children, but Golding does.

Why are there so many Sarkaz?