Ventus by Karl Schroeder

Karl Schroeder / Ventus / Page 293
"And you? What are you?"
Jordan felt Armiger’s hands form fists in his lap.
"Demigod. Human once, I think--but I no longer remember.
I’m ancient, your highness, but mortal. Even the gods are
mortal. And I will die, unless I can find a secret known only to
the Winds of Ventus."
Armiger was lying, according to what Calandria had told
Jordan when they travelled together. She had told him the
demigod had come to Ventus to subvert the Winds, and take
control of the entire world. He knew Armiger was weakening,
though, and Jordan didn’t know if he could trust Calandria
May.
"What is this secret?"
"It is the secret of why the Winds ignore or abuse
humanity," said Armiger.
Galas laughed. "Countless generations have wondered
that. I do too. Do you believe I have the secret?"
"I think you may know more than you realize."
"You came to see me because of the legends," she
accused. "They say the Winds placed me on the throne, so I
am assumed to know their secrets. For a god, you are rather
naive, Maut."
He waved a hand dismissively. "The legends brought
you to my attention, but even if they’re wrong, I made the right
choice in coming to you. I am sure of it."
"Now you speak like a courtier."
"My apologies."
Galas returned to her seat. Jordan admired her through
Armiger’s eyes; she was not so old as she had appeared in the
throne room--perhaps in her late thirties. This war was aging
her prematurely, he thought. He wanted to touch her, but had
never learned the trick of making Armiger’s limbs move at his