( 普通话 ) ( 特雷文的日记 )

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Inside the carriage, Traeven sits relaxed, one leg crossed over the other, fingers steepled. Zacharias sits across from him, stiff-backed, robes immaculate, eyes sharp.

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Zacharias:

“Did you not think it wise to come to me before capturing a fugitive as dangerous as these men?”

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Traeven doesn’t even look at him.

He looked unimpressed.

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Traeven:

“If I’d come to you first, we’d still be debating protocol while they slipped away.”

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He turns his head toward the window, watching the trees pass.

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“I chose efficiency.”

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A beat.

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He adds, almost lazily:

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Traeven:

“And besides… I didn’t think it was wise. I knew it was necessary. There’s a difference.”

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Zacharias scoffs, leaning back.

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Zacharias:

“Besides Theron’s bamboozlement over that star lit monkey…”

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Zacks eyes flash red.

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Zack:

“I’m guessing you have your reasons for wanting him gone.”

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Traeven doesn’t flinch.

He leans back further, moving his crossed fingers.

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Traeven:

“If I wanted Metro dead, he’d be dead.”

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A small, knowing smile.

“You want him alive long enough to blame him.”

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Zacharias shakes his head, disgusted.

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Zacharias:

“Metro is a symbol now. Symbols must be crushed publicly.”

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Traeven’s eyes narrow, but his voice stays smooth.

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Traeven:

“Symbols can also be redirected. A useful pawn is worth more than a dead body.”

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Zacharias leans forward, glare sharp and humorless.

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Zacharias:

“Theron is losing control. The nobles are restless. The priests are whispering treason…”

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Traeven doesn’t blink.

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Traeven:

“And you want Metro to take the fall.”

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Zacharias smiles — soft, cold, satisfied.

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Zacharias:

“Someone must.”

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Traeven exhales through his nose, shaking his head in disbelief.

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Traeven:

“You’re playing with fire.”

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Zacharias:(smiling cruel, confident)

“Fire obeys the hand that holds the torch.”

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The carriage rocks gently as the black lacquer panels reflect the passing trees.

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-the air tightens inside the royal carriage-

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Traeven:

“Symbols and metaphors…”

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He sighs, rubbing a thumb along the edge of his glove.

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“When word reaches Hasan, even if they find Metro, they may still come down on us. What has Felix said about this case?”

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Zacharias:

“I’ve issued a warrant through Benjamin the Rabbi. Felix is searching for the rat as we speak. He will pay. Undoubtedly.”

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A beat.

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The carriage wheels groan beneath them.

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Zacharias:

“You were also late in reporting five murders on the outskirts of the village. I will make sure someone hangs for this — maybe you, if you’re not careful.”

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Traeven stares into Zack's solid stern mug.

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Traeven:

“Five murders… yes. I was late because I was busy preventing five more.

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But if you’d prefer bodies over answers, I can adjust for you...”

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Zacharias’ lips curl.

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Zacharias: (puffed up)

“Preventing five more?

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How noble.

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Shame nobility doesn’t erase incompetence.”

“Spare me your benelovelities, Traeven.”

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Traeven’s eyes narrow just slightly — a shift so small it could be missed, but not by Zacharias.

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Traeven:

“Spare you my benevolence?

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Gladly.

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But don’t confuse restraint for incompetence.

If I acted without it… you’d have far more than five bodies to explain.”

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Silence.

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Zacharias sits back, studying him.

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And in that stillness, Traeven’s eyes glow yellow — faintly, briefly — a quiet ember of something ancient and dangerous beneath the surface.

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Zacharias’ expression tightens.

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End scene.

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