Writing a journal. It was something Emily had taught him. A way to record his deeds and debate their merits. And it helped prevent Idle Hands. Though he could care less about what the Abbey said was the right way to do things.
Corvo put down his pen and took a swig from a bottle of Gristol whiskey. He personally preferred not to get drunk before conducting sensitive negotiations. But the feelings of dread that had accompanied the Outsider would not leave him be. Deep down, he knew things were about to get worse.
He stepped out of the cabin. It was late, and aside from a few sailors piloting the boat and doing a handful of other tasks, the crew was asleep. Corvo made sure to silence his footsteps as he headed up to the deck.
He was surprised to find Sokolov there as well.
"Can't sleep, Corvo? You remind me of a fellow I met during my journey to Pandyssia. Always walking about, rarely stopping to rest. I suspect he was nervous, but considering all the stories he'd probably heard about the dangers that lay ahead, how could he not be?"
"Have you ever met Kamarov?"
"Once. I had just been named Royal Physician when he summoned me to the palace. Wanted to make sure everyone knew that a son of Tyvia had been given one of the highest positions in the Empire. There were silvergraphers, reporters, and many, many aristocrats."
"What did you think?"
"That he was vain. That he wanted attention. Kamarov has never been fully accepted by my countrymen, not like the old kings and queens were. He's a Tyvian himself, yes, but he behaves as anyone with the Empire's guaranteed support would. Expensive clothes and art, fine food, and all sorts of renovations to his quarters. Paid for with the hard-earned money of craftsmen and shopkeepers. He has none of the humility that our rulers are expected to possess."
"Expected?"
"From before the Empire. Before the Abbey wiped away centuries of tradition."
"Do you think he's even still alive?"
"The palace has stood for far longer than Kamarov's been alive. So long as stays inside, he'll live."
Corvo had nothing more to say, so he starting walking in the opposite direction, towards the stern. It was then that he noticed something in the distance. A tiny speck of black.
At first, he thought it was some kind of bird or fish. But then he took a closer look.
The speck was humming. Or making some type of noise. Almost like an...engine?!
The speck pulled up alongside the Lady Victoria. A figure stood up and waved. Another skillfully climbed onto the deck and tied something to the railing.
By now, Sokolov had noticed the speck and came running up. The second figure helped the other up to the deck. Then they both stepped out of the shadows.
At first glance, Corvo could tell that the first was a man who had once served the Empire, and the other was his servant. He noticed that the man was wearing a worn blue coat of the kind used only by senior officers of the Crown and the other, a young woman with a face that made her look like a baby doll had been brought to life, was helping support him as he had only one leg.
As Corvo moved to ask the inevitable question, the man beat him to it.
"Come with me if you wish to live."