Chapter Fifteen
The Catalyst Which Sparks It All
Love. It can be simple. It can be complex. There are times where it can even be both. From a parent's love of their child, to the love of a family pet, or that of a beloved possession…Love is, and always will be, a catalyst that sparks a greater reaction.
In the case of the Royal Protector, Corvo Attano, love for his daughter and the woman he could never openly marry, was a catalyst that altered the future of an Empire. Before you ask it, no, mortal. Corvo was never responsible for the death of someone undeserving of such a fate. In his case, vengeance was measured in regards to justice. In several instances, his actions by sparing the lives of his betrayers led them to fates where death would be considered mercy.
You mortals have been so fascinating during this last century. Every time I've lost interest in your kind, a new source of curiosity catches my eye. Corvo proved to be most…entertaining.
"Why?" the mortal asked. "Because of the way he sought justice for his Empress?"
Yes, and by not allowing further seeds of corruption to be sown. He was a man who lost everything. His lover, his daughter, his position within the Court, his reputation…But he did not allow himself to be consumed by bloodlust. He was measured in the way he meted justice.
"And all of this was because of love for…For the Empress?"
Surely you know this, mortal. Eyes saw, tongues wagged. You are neither blind nor deaf nor stupid, despite what you want some to believe.
Of course, Corvo was in love with Jessamine Kaldwin, as she was in love with him. Yet, they kept the depth of their love secret from the public. Some within the Court knew the extent of their intimacy.
It was through their…multiple unions that the young Lady Emily was brought into existence.
"I think I'm going to be sick…"
To this day, no one can figure out when Emily was conceived. The theory among the nobility was that they had to have had their little venture during the Fugue Feast. Yet, the birth date of their daughter disproves that theory…
"Please, stop."
Prudish, are we? Very well.
Regardless of the details, when the Royal Spymaster framed Corvo for Jessamine's death, something broke inside of Corvo, much in the same way that it did within Daud. Corvo's catalyst was love. His act was revenge, though in a judicious, rather than bloody, nature.
"Did Corvo ever find Daud?"
Yes, mortal. He did.
"And you're implying that he didn't kill him?"
I shrug. If you're so fascinated by this aspect of his life, why don't you ask the Royal Protector himself? He can speak for his actions and motivations better than I can. I can only surmise since, after all, I'm only an outsider, looking in.
When one considers the longevity of lives, it's truly amazing the role that a Royal Protector plays in this determination. How many beating hearts do they still, all while living their life as the shadow of a sovereign? How different was Corvo's loyalty to Jessamine, from the Whalers' loyalty to Daud?
Did Corvo love Jessamine for who she was, or for the power she possessed? Perhaps it was both. Is this love any different from the love of a street urchin who was taken under the wing of Daud, and given a purpose and coin to live on?
Ultimately, it's a mistake to ignore the catalyzing and perverse power contained within a single, intangible word, which defies comprehension and absolute definition.
The mortal bowed their head. "I…I've been such a fool…"
I tilt my head. Yes. You have. What of it?
"Outsider, I…I need to go."
You knew all along, didn't you, mortal? You were never told, were you?
"Outsider, please…I'll be back soon, I promise."
Mortal, before you run off…When you return, I will tell you why I bestow my Mark upon your kind. Events are moving rapidly. Soon, you will have few options ahead of you, if any at all. I have all the time in the world. Your time is growing short.