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Chapter Text

Worst thing about being locked in Coldridge prison for crime he never committed was that no one took him seriously or believed him no matter how many times he said the truth. It took six agonizing months of rather painful treatment bordering torture from side of guards, for the City Watch to collect solid evidence of his innocence and cleaning his name from the murder of Jessamine Kaldwin.

The mental stain on him was likely as bad, if not worse, as any physical wound he got inflicted on his body by guards and the interrogator. Being accused of murdering your beloved would likely leave mental stain on anyone, no matter how strong they were.

Corvo was thankfully out of that hell and ready to get Emily back into his custody, even ready to try and return to his normal life, at last as normal as it could be after all this. With his few things that he got back from guards he took a breath of fresh air as he walked outside the building. It was so different to the mold smelling air inside the prison. The sun hidden behind clouds still warmer than the cold stone walls, light wind messing his already messy hair and the promise of rain. It was as if nature itself was giving him promise of something new and better in his and Emily´s future, that all would be well.

His first steps lead into his old apartment in the better part of the, very questionable, Distillery district. He had bought the flat before he moved to live with Jessamine when he started to work for her. The memory of his time with her felt so long ago that he was not sure if it was even real, if what little happiness he got while being with her was not just trick of his own mind.

He knew for sure that he couldn't set foot into the flat he shared with the woman he loved so deeply and purely. Not after everything that happened and after seeing her life fade in his arms when he found her bleeding on the stairs near the gazebo. When she asked him to watch over Emily with her last breath. No, Corvo couldn´t bare being in the thought of being there. His old flat was the only place that had no memory tied to her…

Corvo pushed the thoughts back for now. He needed to take a proper shower and actually treat some of the still healing wounds on his body. For the society that liked to believe to be civil, people in prisons were often treated same as, if not worse, as prisoners during Dark Age of their civilization.

 There was a still burn right under his right ear from the last session with the interrogator. He knew he should clean it with more than water and wrapping it up, but to be fair, his own flat wasn´t stocked with any medical supplies for years now. Obviously he lacked anything helpful now, except some old bandages that were some time after expiration date, but for his credit, he at last took time boiled them in water and then dried them before applying it on still irritated wound, it was not older than few weeks. Hopefully at last this little form of sterilization of the bandages would prevent worst of infections from settling in.

He then cleaned the whole flat, so much dust everywhere, and went to get basic groceries with little cash he got back when leaving the prison. He was pleasantly surprised and eternally glad that his bank accounts were given back to him as well, same as all the cards and that no one stole anything. A little miracles in this damned system and society running on violence and madness.

Corvo had to make sure that his apartment was all looking presentable if he wanted to get Emily back from which ever orphanage or foster care she was placed in. He only hoped that his beloved daughter, and only family he had now, was fine and that he could do at last better job at protecting her, as her mother wished with dying breath.

The thought, painful and bitter, resurface at the back of his mind. Indeed he failed her most of all. One and simple job he had to do. He even done it so many times before. Keep your client safe. He was to keep Jessamine Kaldwin alive and protect her from all harm. He was hired as bodyguard when she was elected to power for first time after she herself suggested that people should chose their leaders, rather then some bloodline keeping the title. It was time when people in Dunwall could see reason and chance to change the corrupted and decaying society to something nicer and prospering. He was hired to be bodyguard to first elected Empress of the Isles ever and to be by her side for as long as she was in power and even after, for as long as his service would be needed or wanted. He was the Lord Protector to his beloved and he failed that.

Corvo knew he should have been able to save her, to keep her from harm. In the end, he had flawless record in Serkonan military and he was youngest man entering Special Forces of Serkonan army, same as youngest winner of the Blade Verbena. It was old competition that moved much further from dueling it used to be, but it still held so much meaning, namely for military personal.
He was more than great and he earned himself more than good reputation before flying to Dunwall in pursued of more interesting job then being in army and waiting for tragedy to take place, for people in power deciding to send men to die in their name. He chose to change his profession and he was the best bodyguard that the whole Gristol ever saw. He worked for many different families before very lucrative offer from the palace was passed to him. It was honor and recognition he never expected to get back then.

In 17 years he stopped many attempts, not only on Jessamine’s life. There was always increase of “accidents” when there was some important law to pass parliament. It didn´t truly ever matter who was he protecting. Opponents were always hungry for death of each other. There was always something. Poisons, snipers, hired knives trying to cut throats… Corvo lost count of the attempts after three years in the city. Worse it was with the Empress, but nothing that surprising. Only thing that ever managed to impress him was that the common folk loved her, but someone rich and noble people had the empress in their stomach. There was never serious attempt on her when visiting poor. In fact, when even something went mildly wrong, the common folk seemed to be willing to sacrifice themselves for her.

Now he just sat in his silent old apartment and was looking at ceiling, thinking about what was different about last time, where he failed, where he made mistake that someone got to her. He knew someone desperately needed Jessamine out of picture even back then and lunatic enough to get someone stab her in bright daylight in her own palace.
This move was, as later confessed to him, work of the new “Lord Regent” trying to get her out of picture in the chaos Dunwall was in for months back then. Burrows, who didn´t want the situation to resolve peacefully, the cure to be found and who didn´t want many of the poorest surviving through the plague consuming the city.

Corvo had his confirmation, yes, but couldn´t speak them out loud. He would be considered lunatic and liar, traitor to nation and could get executed for real this time. The nobility and rich raised and seemed to support the man behind it all. The man running the country now. Corvo could only do his best to get Emily back and hope to live through this all.

So all he could do was hope. Hope that the system would manage this chaos and that the rational measures taken during late Empress´s rule would be put back into action. He hoped that the Regent would be replaced and new temporal governor till the chaos ends. However, the Regent seemed more than happy to see the city getting itself devoured by the illness spreading and the man showed no intention to let anyone take the reins from him now.
Corvo may not be sure why Hiram Burrows wanted to see city burn like this, but he knew the man had to be insane for admitting to him all he done day before his canceled execution and immediate release. Less understandable was why he was fine to even see himself how the guards let him go just like that.
But then again, there wasn´t much Corvo could do and it was frustrating more than anything.

He battled all the thoughts into back of his mid once again and decided to fully concentrate on getting Emily back and getting new job as first step. After the accusations, no one would hire him as bodyguard, obviously, and no one would be willing to let Corvo into any more well payed job with his register having written ´6-months in Coldridge prison´ in it, right next to murdering his client, even if all were lies and he was pronounced innocent in the end. Such things always left mark no matter the outcome of trial.

This would be lot worse than he initially thought and he was definitely not happy about the whole thing. His tattoos would be also issues for most of the bureaucratic offices. Those paperclip eaters never liked tattooed men and anything out of their perfect prescribed ordinary standard. Corvo however never regretted his tattoo of seven crows flying from back of his neck and on along his left arm. It was lovely irony of his name matching the dark bird.

In the end it took 2 weeks for Corvo to find job that would earn him enough to manage to take care of himself and to take care of Emily too. It took three more months until he was permanently hired as bouncer and occasional bartender at a very questionable club that would keep him more up during night than he´d like. But it was something and it was start. And he soon could convince the bureaucratic perfectionist that he was competent enough to care for Emily, that his biological daughter would be in better hands with him, rather than with some noble or orphanage.

Few more weeks added after it all, weeks composed of working till early morning just to get home dressed and going through countless of forms for legally taking Emily back, but he was allowed to take her on condition and his little girl seemed just so happy when he came pick her up from her latest foster family. “Corvo!” she said excitedly and ran up to him to hug him. He of course knelt down to hug her back and press kiss to side off her face. “I thought you´d never come back. I heard they let you go, but I was worried they wouldn´t allow you to care for me, or that the old nasty lady was lying about it all and….” She spoke and Corvo couldn´t help but smile slightly, picking her up to carry her to car. Thankfully all her clothing and belongings were already in trunk and they could leave this place. “I will always get you back, no matter what. Do remember that Emily. You are most important person in my life.” He said and only let her down so she could climb into passenger seat.

They were on their way home and Emily seemed just so excited. She kept on talking about different people that took care of her during time Corvo was in prison. It ached him to hear she went through so many and he wondered why it was that necessary for her to change foster care so much. However, for now he just listed all the names. Some nobles like Boyles and Pendletons stood out most, namely since Corvo picked her up from Boyle estate and Pendletons had her longest.

He let her finish before taking word and asking. “Why did you got moved so much sweetie? What happened?” she only looked at him with that kind of look that kids caught doing something she shouldn´t always had. “Because I was getting into fights at school. It was not my fault that the other kids were calling you murderer and other names. You never killed mother and I know it. You would never hurt her or me.” She said and Corvo instantly regretted asking. “Sunshine… Let them talk. You and I know truth and that is most important thing ever. Okay? Getting into fights won’t solve anything now. How about we stop by somewhere and get you something sweet to eat? I bet those monstrous people didn´t let you have ice cream in months.” He was glad to see that his words had immediate effect, namely mention of sweets, and that Emily, just like her mother, seemed to brighten up at thought of something sweet to eat. It was nice to know how to cheer up his little girl, even if she reminded him of her mother so painfully much.

One whole sundae later, Emily was back to her cheerful talk about the good things she went through. Corvo got more interested in Callista Curnow, whom had Emily for short but memorable time, that seemed to befriend Emily and that was private tutor. Corvo wondered if he could afford private tutoring and if the woman would be interested in it. It would be good way to help avoid all the fights Emily mentioned before. He made mental mark to call the woman later and try his best to arrange something.

He helped Emily unpack and into her new room that she seemed to be excited about, even if a painful question of “Why can´t we go to our old apartment” ran through the air when entering the apartment. Corvo had no idea how to explain to Emily that he wasn´t mentally ready to go to the place, even if he and Emily did legally inherit it in Jessamine’s last will. Honestly the woman left them so much.. And yet Corvo would trade it all for just one more moment with her. Now, he just had to make do with what they had and made sure all that he could was spared and saved for Emily as an extra, to have some savings when she is old enough and ready to go her own way in adulthood.

After distracting her from question, unpacking and letting her to help him with dinner, he made sure she would brush her teeth and went to sleep at reasonable time, lot sooner before he would have to go for work. It didn´t took much explaining for Emily to understand the situation and she was more than okay with Corvo´s job, to his pure surprise. The little sunshine of his even supported him and reassured him that he would get better job later on. He hoped she was right and that he could give her life she deserved to have. He really did hope there. But with that he closed the door behind him and went for yet another shift of drunken nobles dancing at the club, getting drunk and intimate, consuming all kinds of illegal drugs…. And not always in that order.

Chapter Text

Corvo was damn proud of himself and of how he managed to handle his return to normal-ish life with Emily. Few weeks in and he already had managed to have some sort of routine with Emily´s help.

She would have lessons Monday till Friday with Callista who agreed to teach the girl for ridiculously low price, claiming she didn´t need the money and that she was sure Corvo would repay her by favor if she needed that. Corvo was glad she was there for his daughter.

On week Corvo went to work every evening around six to be there by seven. He did so on Saturday too. Sunday he got free day that he should spend sleeping, but he found himself taking Emily out into safe locations of the city where the illness didn´t spread yet. They of course did their best to avoid any possible chance of infection and they washed themselves properly after returning home, same as disinfecting all clothing and mask they wore to give them some protection.

On a rainy Sundays, like that day, the two often stayed inside and watched television or playing any game Emily wanted. It went from coloring to tea parties sometimes they played some board games. It were days like these when he remembered why he didn´t exactly cut his hair that grew wildly long when he was in prison. He kept them always at last shoulder length for Emily to play with and braid when she was in mood for it, she loved to do so even when Jessamine lived. Corvo even had to admit she was getting good at it and that she was definitely having fun doing so. Not like he minded anyway. He had time to read book while she was working on her newest masterpiece.

“Stop moving Corvo. I need to make the braid neat and nice.” She said to him as he was trying to get more comfortable sitting on ground while Emily sat on sofa to be high enough to see her whole work. “Sorry.” He said and returned back to his book. He would lie if he said he wasn´t happy having this domestic life he had now. He actually was happier than he thought he could be after all that. However, there was this dark feeling of dread on back of his mind. He was worried and likely getting slightly paranoid due to it, but it was only thing that tainted his happiness, except loss of beloved, now.

He sat through the braiding, really getting caught up in the cheap novel he got recommended by, Lydia, one of the staff at the club. It was really poorly written and the plot was so obvious. A young maiden who endured too much, getting together with young handsome and mysterious man with dark secret powers that definitely killed her parents. Obvious, even if Corvo didn´t have the confirmation yet. It was bad and definitely cliché, but it was better than going crazy over the whole ´Wat is the new regent planning. Why he told me everything? What can I do about it? I can´t do anything…´ and similar thoughts and it was definitely better than the repeating nightmare that always left him awaking in sweat.

It was almost scary how four words can become one´s nightmare with sight of his beloved in blood. How often he hears some shadow whisper to him ´YOU CANNOT SAVE HER´ over and over again when he holds her body and relives his biggest failure and biggest mistake.

“Corvo, are you even listening to what I said?” Emily said and that was likely enough to snap Corvo back to reality from his thoughts. “Sorry sweetie. Got distracted there. The book was just getting predictable again.” He admitted and waited for Emily to repeat patiently what she was saying. “I was saying that we are done and you should go look into mirror. Oh, and that I think I am doing great job at this. Maybe you should wear braids to your work too. You could maybe make friend beyond talking to Havelock, Cecelia, Lydia and Samuel. You need proper friends. Plus Havelock is just your boss and he seems to be mean sometimes.” She noted before silently counting on her hand and then with confidence spoke. “Even I have more friends than you Corvo and I rarely go out of house without you.” She pointed out and once again Corvo had to admit she was right.

He stood up and went to see what creation she made with his hair and had to smile ad seeing his hair in sort of bun with part of hair being braided in rather neat braid and wrapped around the base of the bun to hide the pink hair band. It was adorable in a way, but definitely not something he would wear for work. He usually kept his hair in man bun to keep them from falling to his face. It tended to do something to the drunken nobility, namely ladies who more than often tried to invite him for drink and bit more ´fun´. Corvo always refused. He had Emily and wasn´t really interested in others, namely women.

Jessamine was more of an exception there. One of few women that caught his interest even a bit. He loved her, yes. But his preferences stayed same even after that. She understood that and never told him he should change because they were together. In fact, Jessamine was one of the very few people who understood him.

A gentle tugging on his hand once again alerted him that the situation was here and now and that there were no predators dressed as nobles around to try to lure him somewhere and then devour him in way they saw fit. No one was trying to seduce him or force themselves on him here, there were no inappropriate commentaries. Just him and concerned Emily. “You didn´t answer about getting more friends Corvo. Maybe you could at last take Callista out? Or talk to her uncle. I know that your relationship with City Watch isn´t best now, no need to lie there. But maybe you could talk to her uncle Geoff Curnow. Callista said he is your fan and mother said you liked men, so I assumed you two could be friends. No matter what mom meant by that. And you could at last tell someone of your military record. Callista always tends to oddly smile when she says that you and her uncle would get along well enough. I think she knows more than she was telling there, but then again she never explained when I asked. Only said I was too young to understand.” Emily ended and Corvo could practically say when he started to suffocate on own saliva at the description how he and Callista’s uncle would make great pair, even if Emily didn´t realise that she spoke about exactly that.

He found himself sitting on floor and Emily gently patting his back. “Should I get you water dad?” She asked and honestly, Corvo was really surprised how mature his little girl was for her age. And sometimes she was the most innocent creature ever. It was even more surprising that she took it much easier than Corvo himself. “I´m fine.” He managed to rasp out of him and smile at her. It seemed to be enough for her and she went to sit back on sofa and picked her smartphone to type into it. Likely writing to one of her friends or conspiring with Callista. Corvo found himself not caring that much about it all now. Instead he stood up and went to cook dinner for Emily, clean his head and sort his thoughts while he would also get everything ready for Monday, so he could sleep through bigger portion of day and then go to work as he usually did.

Havelock wouldn´t be pleased if Corvo shoved up half sleepy and tired for work. Same as Samuel, the minority co-owner of the pub, wouldn´t be happy for Corvo working at his limits. The old sailor was just too kind to him. (Same couldn´t be said about Havelock. The men was ruthless.) Corvo never understood why, but maybe it was the kindness and respect he showed to the man in the end, kindness could do miracles. ´Not enough to protect her. You cannot save her. You couldn´t protect her. You couldn´t save her even if you tired.´ Whispered that treacherous voice in his head. Corvo suffocated it with really bad music that was on radio, something currently trendy. It was one of the bands Emily loved and he couldn´t tell why would this almost heavy metal sounding band appeal to his daughter. But he had no place to judge with his obsession over classic music, same as literature. Oh by Outsider he did love classical literature a lot.

He fell asleep around three in the morning and he was definitely not having good sleep. But it was fine. He still had lot of time to sleep in during the day. However, he hoped it would pass as it usually does and that he would soon be asleep without any troubles and without any disturbance. A thought of seeing therapist crossed his mind again, but he really didn´t want to risk it. Not even for sake of good night sleep. Corvo was just too afraid to loose Emily again if those vultures thought him not mentally stable enough. He never wanted that to happen when he could prevent it.

Chapter Text

On the Monday evening Corvo got to work as usually, early enough to drink coffee with the rest of stuff and to listen to complains of some of the ladies that heard this or that happening before opening the bar. Likely the most interesting thing was that the religious pet cult of Regent´s lap dog Campbell, Abbey of the Everyman, got allowed to hunt down heretics again and return to their ways from over century ago like some savages that were more bloodthirsty than actually caring about wellbeing of common folk. “What an outrageous and uncultured thing to do.” Was said by one of the girls and Corvo couldn´t agree more. It meant that those lunatics got allowed to take people from streets or their homes without explanation and interrogate them in ways they found appropriate until they either died or admitted to whatever the Abbey accused them of. There was no in between then and likely won´t be in-between now too. There was no record of someone escaping hands of Abbey alive back then. Once taken, that person was gone for good unless they had connections, but Abbey made sure to avoid those people unless they knew that keeping them won´t be issue with ruling party.

They indeed lived in strange times. Plague, Regent instead of Empress, religious cult enforcing law as the City Watch, practically turned into militia, was clearly not enough. And then, of course, there was the amount of gangs residing in Dunwall once again, some true worshipers of Outsider, others just your everyday heretics of all kind and degrees of worship, many however were just murderers, thieves and  violent individuals using the chaos for own gain… Corvo really couldn´t think of worse possible place to live now, but no one caught in the quarantine had choice. Dunwall turned from prospering modern city into something that the rest of the empire isolated from. The whole place was literally cut off from rest of world. Corvo knew it was only question of time before even more chaos would erupt. He never expected it to be that soon after her death.

The evening seemed just like another normal shift of Corvo behind bar and the other bouncer working by the door. It was extremely important for every noble lady, or lord swinging the other way, to express how that the way Corvo looked in white button up and black vest, with sleeves rolled high enough to give glimpse of his tattoos and some of the scars, his hair in man bun… that every single little thing there was mesmerizing to the half-drunk nobility and more than one had additional inappropriate comments to it. Most of the noble ladies seemed to go all crazy about the whole look and spent night glued to bar, ordering, like lunatic, any drink that came to their mind at that time just so they could see him work and do all the fancy tricks he learned when younger.

Loud music from speakers, people dancing too close to be appropriate, the dim light to hide any more intimate activity…. The place was buzzing with life and some was bordering sin or crime in eyes of the newly reformed Abbey.

It was shortly after midnight when the world slowed till it stopped and Corvo looked confused around at people frozen in time. This had to be doing of black magic or the damned Outsider himself. Cursed may he be for giving awa…. His thoughts got cut short as a slim levitating figure walked between the stopped people, looking them over uninpressed. Porcelain like face and eyes blacker than deepest parts of cosmos and Void itself. He knew description of the Void forsaken Outsider and he saw old, practically ancient paintings of him from times when society ran on whale oil. This man was definitely the god of heretics and Corvo didn´t like godly presence at all.

“My dear Corvo. What a sad little life you have this time. Isn´t it funny that no matter what, the universe finds ways to repeat itself and forsaken those who were already forsaken once? I´ve been looking forward to talking to you once again. Really fascinating mortal you are my dear Corvo, and do trust me, no matter which path you chose in upcoming days, know that I will be watching with great interest as I always was.” The entity spoke as if they were old friends and Corvo wasn´t sure if to yell, yell at him or at himself, there was maybe even desire to punching the god. Corvo wasn´t sure how the entity would react, but it absolutely would be good feeling to do so.

The heretical god didn´t seem to notice or mind Corvo´s internal turmoil and continued in the clearly prepared speech about whatever topic heretical gods make speeches about these days. “I almost missed watching you try change things again. It is always sad to watch her die, but such is circle of life. It begins and it ends, eventually coming to repeat itself, don´t you say? But I am here today to give you four gifts my sweet Corvo. Gifts to help you in days to come.”

Oh…. No. No and absolutely big fat NO! Corvo didn´t want any of cursed gifts that the Outsider handed out to his favorite heretics. He wasn´t one of them and he never wanted to be. “That is kind and all, but no thank you really.” Was all Corvo managed to say, in hope that the God wouldn´t take it too personally. The god looked at him with the most blank face that an eternally living being could manage and flashed him smile with way too many teeth and tilted his head slightly to side. “How fascinating Corvo, but you should well that I am not here to bargain tonight, and I do believe your mortal kind finds refusing gifts very rude gesture too when we are at it.” The black eyes fixed on Corvo like as if it was only interesting thing in entire universe for the Outsider. It likely was too as there was no movement around and time lost meaning while the entity decided to grace Corvo with this visit.

“So as I was saying. I brought you four gifts my dear Corvo. One is my mark, to help you in upcoming days. I am sure you´ll figure it out very fast. You always did, so no matter how many times I worry you will die before unlocking its full potential, you seem to surprise me and figure it out without guidance. Second is heart of living thing molded by my hands.” And mark was indeed on his hand same as a… bloody heart looking like one put modern technology in combination with human heart, except it was done by 5 year old who had no idea what was going on. It had cyber like effect with the horrific look of still bloody organ and… Corvo didn´t even want to know where the god found it or how he got it.

Sadly he soon figured it out as he almost dropped the cursed and damned thing on floor when way too familiar voice spoke to him. ´My dear Corvo… How long it was? How long since I felt your arms around me for the last time and heard your voice whisper to me.´ That was too much for him and the Outsider was only half way through with his gifts that were more like poison, damning Corvo´s life and soul in most painful way he could think of.

“The third thing is more of warning, but knowledge is gift on its own, isn´t it? There is to be Abbey raid planned in less than twenty minutes since the moment I leave you. They planned to raid this bar for long. Isn´t it obvious that places like this are cradle of sin? It was only matter of time till they would get here.” Outsider said with odd smile that was amused and yet disgusted as the entity looked around the room. Corvo wasn´t surprised by the raid, just hoped it wouldn´t be on day when he actually worked.

“What is the last thing so you can be gone and I can forget about you?” he said coldly and the god smiled again showing the inhuman amount of teeth. “When the time comes, and you will know when it is, go and search for Daud. You´ll surely figure the rest out.” The entity said and was gone. Time got back to natural flow and Corvo was breathing bit heavier than he should. He almost even jumped when he felt hand on his shoulder and Cecelia spoke softly. “Do you need to sit? You look bit pale Corvo. I can handle few drinks if you need.” She spoke and he shook head. “No, thanks, but…” The outsider´s words of raid in his mind. “Maybe we could go out for smoke a bit and just… I need some fresh air and company would be nice.” He said and the young staff member smiled.

She was closest thing to friend Corvo made since out of prison, she wasn´t even uncomfortable around him, and so it was no surprise when she agreed to walk outside with him and accompany him. Corvo was anxious whole time and hoped that the black-eyed bastard was wrong, but to his disappointment the Abbey indeed arrived in something bit less than twenty minutes and many people were taken to their custody, same as Havelock had argument with one of the Abbey men. Corvo wasn´t sure who the man was, but he seemed to be smug and leading the raid, same as knowing Havelock well enough (if the pat on shoulder and relaxed stance was anything to go by).

Cecelia gently patted his shoulder. “Glad we weren´t inside, but now we should go Corvo, before they notice you.” She spoke calmly and softly, like she survived worse than almost been taken by Abbey. Corvo wondered how much she had to live through in streets of Dunwall. “Fine. Let´s go. I…. dared to take your things and…” Corvo indeed packed the few things the two of them had there when he went for the staff room. “How sweet. I guess both of us should head home, but if you´ll need help do give me call or visit me. Okay? Even if you and Emily will need place to stay.” She said and took her stuff before disappearing in the shadows of the night.

Corvo stayed and faced the bar, watching how the raid went. How the Overseers rallied everyone outside and were putting them into smaller groups to be taken. He had no doubt that they would drive them to Abbey and interrogate them till they confess or will pay up ridiculous money to leave the place. Corruption seemed to walk hand in hand with the men of religion since Campbell became High Overseer.

He noticed that one of the ladies serving there as entertainer managed to sneak pass the Overseers and their terrifying wolfhounds, looking bit tipsy as it was late in the night and the luxurious companions for nobility often had to drink if offered by the nobility. Corvo sighed to himself and got closer to her to pull her further from the Overseers counting up people and their newest catches that would either die or pay up to not be heretics.

“Silvia you okay?” he asked in low voice to which the girl giggled and cupped his face. There was solid internal panic at the gesture because the woman was clearly more than tipsy. “Well hello Corrrrrvo.” She purred, prolonging the r in his name just a bit too long for comfort. “Finally decided to take me somewhere nice?” she said relatively well, even if she had to talk slowly.

“No Silvia. You are drank and I am saving your life. Now go home. There is nothing for you to do here for tonight.” Last thing he needed was for this slightly drunk woman to get killed by Overseers. Only shame was he couldn´t save others too.

He watched the woman stumbling slowly away before turning now to last group of partying nobility being guided into car. He couldn´t do anything for them and he couldn´t stay too long, or the hounds or men will notice him too. He simply walked away from it, hoping this wasn´t last time he saw those people. Despite believes, he enjoyed all the staff company. He considered them sort of friends.

Corvo came home late, but lot earlier than any other day, silently closing door just to turn on lights in the corridor of his small apartment and look horrified as he saw shadowy figure of man taking limp body of his daughter away.

Chapter Text

Corvo tried to run after them but they were putting her in car and leaving the place while one of them tried to stop Corvo. He without hesitation did his best to tackle the man, using his kinetic energy to pin him underneath himself and punched him into the masked face several times before tearing the mask off, throwing it to side and returning to his previous activity of punching the man pinned underneath hi.

He wasn´t aware he was yelling at the man, but when his voice cracked at the question of where they took Emily after Outsider knows how many times he repeated those words. His angry demands turned into pathetic cries and soon he was sobbing at the loss of the only precious being he had in this miserable world. The man underneath him unconscious at this point, all bloodied, missing teeth, nose broken and definitely in best shape Corvo could offer him after taking away his daughter. The fact that he was looking like he would die any moment was other thing. Corvo checked the wounds and it wasn´t so bad. The man would likely live but there was high chance, bordering with certainty, that he won´t remember a thing of tonight and therefore he was useless for him. Corvo found himself not caring at all if the man lived and was for moment considering tossing the body to Wrenhaven.

He stood up and dragged the limp body far away from his house and made sure he would be found by the café when the morning shift will start. Corvo also made sure no one would find a thing on him. He could not allow that. Not now that Emily needed him after they took her away. He then returned back to the sight trying not to panic and think what to do next. What should he do. He needed to save Emily, but he didn´t know who took her, where she was now and who ordered this whole thing.

As he was walking around in circles he almost tripped on the mask he tore off the man. He stopped and picked it up with bit shaking hands, looking at the inside of the thing that was lined with blood red velvet, before turning it to look at the golden mask that Overseers of Abbey of the Everyman used centuries ago when they were practicing tortures on assumed heretics and used something called Holger´s device to hunt heretics and now rare breed of dogs accompanied them most of the time. Corvo couldn´t tear off his eyes from the mask as a cold fear settled in his guts.

That was wrong! It had to be! Abbey wouldn´t take child like this anymore. They wouldn´t harm innocent. Unless… unless they found Emily guilty of something. But she never did anything wrong and… It had to be because of him. Corvo was sure it was because of him that the Abbey took her. ´if it even was Abbey.´ a voice whispered in his head that sounded too amused at Corvo´s situation. It was crazy and he wasn´t sure if he could manage at this point. If he was able to do anything.

If Abbey took Emily he wasn´t sure what to do. There was no chance he would get to the Holger Square without bloodshed or his own death. None seemed appealing to him. He needed plan. But first he needed to pack his things, abandon the apartment till this resolves and he needs to find alternative place where to hide. Thankfully he had idea where he would find spot now, even if he would hate it. And it wasn´t Jessamine´s apartment. He would not set foot there without Emily. No. First he hides somewhere no one will find him and then, when he gets Emily they´ll go to the apartment. It should have enough secret spots for him and Emily to hide once together.

Corvo took the mask with him as his only clue to who took Emily from him. He had to pack at last some essentials and take some useful items that may help him. It definitely felt odd to return to once again empty flat and he felt his heart ache and his legs felt heavy. Corvo started with clothing. He changed to something more appropriate and put on his long old black coat that he used to wear as protector. It had plenty of pockets for hidden gadgets and extra equipment that was definitely going to be useful and to his advantage. Same as his old but trustworthy boots that made barely any sound when he walked around.

Corvo packed many things. Namely those that he hid behind fake wall in his own secret room. There was everything. From his small but efficient crossbow to other much more modern weaponry like rifles and pistols of various kinds. It was bad habit to collect such things and yet now he was glad he did collect those. He packed as much as he could carry and looked at empty spot that was meant for Jessamine´s portrait when he would find it again. But he never got it after her death and he wasn´t even sure if he stood chance to have his beloved at last like that by his side.

There was a thud of the cursed heart and he jumped, dropping the bags and the beating organ to floor in surprise. When did he summon it was beyond him. He was quickly on his knees and holding Jessamine´s heart to his chest. “I´m sorry. You scared me a bit.” He whispered to her, not sure if the organ was just having her voice, or there was her mind in it too. ´My dear Corvo.´ the heart began and he felt his own heart ache. ´Protect our daughter Corvo. You do know what to do.´ she was silent for a moment and Corvo ran his fingers along the organ in loving fashion. It was heart of his dead lover in the end. Little sentimental was allowed mood now.

´They took her creaming and kicking. The drug didn´t work as they expected and she bit one´s finger off. In the end she went limp in arms of aspiring Overseer.´ the heart whispered and Corvo sobbed. No, he had to get out. He will get chance to talk to his beloved later. “I am proud she is little fighter, she has it from you Jess. Don´t worry, I´ll get her back safely, but first I need to get out of here before someone will come.” He said to the organ and put it into inner pocket of the coat and picked his bags again. He carried them all to the door but almost froze at the spot.

“He must be inside! Make sure he won´t escape detective! I´ll go around!” he closed the hidden room and moved to see through the door. He wasn´t sure how he knew to do such hand gesture with his left hand, but he suddenly saw through the wall and saw the City Watch moving at the corridor outside of his apartment. Corvo hesitated about what to do. He had to get out. Getting caught wasn´t on the schedule and he was not planning to squeeze it in there.

Soon there was only one man standing outside and looked hesitant. The City Watch officer looked around before knocking. “Mister Attano?” That was definitely voice of Geoff Curnow, uncle of Emily´s tutor. Corvo sighed and opened doors, ready to knock the man out if necessary. His vision was thankfully back to normal, as he wasn´t sure if his eyes looked normal when he did that. “Good evening Captain Curnow, what is the matter?” He asked calmly.

The officer seemed more than comfortable and Corvo didn´t need any supernatural abilities to understand that the man was there to arrest him for whatever his supervisors seemed fit. It took few seconds before Curnow spoke and even than it was clear that the man was very uncomfortable with the whole situation. “The watch is looking for you. I mean… someone raised some accusations on you. The Abbey is at it too. Look… Attano I am trusting my niece to know good man, and she believes you are one. Your reputation before the false accusation is spotless too… So I give you fair warning now and will look the other way, while you leave down this corridor and through the emergency stair that no one is currently on and you disappear. Got it? I am doing this because Callista likes you.”

Of course it was then that the cursed organ spoke and Corvo stood there frozen in place, afraid that Curnow heard it too. It was clear and soft Jessamine´s voice that spoke in amusement ´He likes you a lot. He only wishes the circumstances were different and could ask you out. He is afraid that love for another man will get him fired in this prejudice society. He has so many ideas of what the City watch could be like. If only a good honest man would lead them.´ But the Captain seemed not to hear. “Mister Attano? Please. Do go or I will have to bring you in.” ´He is honest. One of the last good men. Not corruptible like the rest of them. He does things because he believes it is right.´ Geoff reached out and put hand on Corvo´s shoulder. He looked at the captain of City Watch in front of him.

“Thank you Captain Curnow. I… I will try to prove you that this was right choice and…. If you could, do be careful around Abbey, but try to find if they have my daughter. Men with old Overseer masks took her.” He offered back and tried to smile, even if it looked very sad and broken. He was then taking his bags and rushing out of the place.

The stairs were empty as promised and only when he wanted to go for emergency exit the heart spoke. ´WAIT!´ that was all he needed to stop and listen. There were footsteps outside and the Dark Vision indeed confirmed that there was man walking outside. It seemed that Jessamine was looking out for him even now that he was alive and she was dead. “Thank you.” He whispered to the organ, which only seemed to contently beat in his pocket, silent. “I will find out daughter.” He whispered and moved to leave the neighborhood in search of safer spot to discuss this all with the Heart.

Chapter Text

Corvo found himself soon in one of the most questionable parts of city, except the flooded district that was not reachable without ruining his footwear. He must have been looking angry enough, for no one dared to even step closer to him or approach him in general as he walked down the shady streets lined with bags of garbage and definitely lot more body fluids than should be acceptable.

He stood before empty looking house and sighed before knocking. It was no surprise when Samuel opened doors for him and Cecelia was peeking from behind corner with revolver in her hand. “Corvo?” said Cecelia and hid the revolver to rush over and move pass Samuel to hug her friend. “I heard they are looking for you. Are you okay? Where is your little girl?” She said and pulled the man inside, even if Samuel looked hesitant to let Corvo in. He couldn´t blame the old man. There was first raid on the bar he co-owned and now Corvo was standing in front of his doors after there was definitely announcement of him being guilty of something.

“Come in and do explain what happened.” Said Cecelia already pulling him to living room where TV was running in background. Corvo was forced to drop his bags and to sit at the old sofa by the noticeably smaller woman. Samuel locked behind them and followed them in silence. There was something about how he acted towards Corvo. The other man was kind and welcoming to people he saw worthy, even if he was more anxious due to events of last months. Not a single soul here felt safe with plague spreading so fast, and with scientists and natural philosophers not doing much, or experimenting on unfortunate souls.

“I apologize for this early intrusion, but I wanted to ask if you still have that old flat further down towards quarantined zone. I need to lay low for a bit and figure out where they took Emily and why.” He explained and looked from Samuel to Cecelia who seemed shocked by that, her hands pressed to her lips to hide her shock. It must have been harsh news for her, as Cecelia was one of the few people from Corvo´s work that knew Emily and were actually fond of her.

“I am sure you will find her Corvo.” She whispered and looked to Samuel who was thinking. “I do have the apartment, but first I do need to know, for sake of my old mind, did you do what they accuse you off? And I am not talking about renewing the charges of murder of our Empress. I am talking about the attack on Abbey when they came in and resisting City watch when they wanted to take you to custody for high treason towards the Lord Regent.” Samuel spoke of Hiram Burrows as if he was curse to this world, which Corvo related to. But the new accusations were something he wasn´t aware of. “I left the bar before Abbey arrived. Cecelia is my witness to that,” the woman promptly nodded “He was with me when they burst in.” Corvo offered her tired smile of gratitude and continued. “And the charges are new thing to me, same as the renewing of accusations about murdering Jessamine. You know I would never harm her. We talked about that and I told you my side of story as I saw the events go before my eyes.”

The old man thought for moment and nodded. “You know Corvo, you never lied and if you did you were very bad at it. So I do trust you. I just needed to hear it from you too. Of course I have the old apartment. But at this point it is beyond quarantine line. I am not sure how you want to get in there, but best of luck. I hope we meet once this is over.” Samuel spoke calmly as he stood up and handed Corvo the key to the apartment. Corvo knew the way and it shouldn´t be hard to get in if he could avoid guards thanks to his Dark vision. Maybe he will figure out other handy things on his way there.

Cecelia saw him to the doors and made sure he had at last some spare canned food with him, in case he will not be able to get anything edible. “Stay safe there okay? And do try to look for Piero. He was around the quarantined area. I am just worried he got into trouble. You know how he is all the time. Maybe make sure he gets safe here? I really don´t want to think about all the things that could happen to him there. Oh, and Corvo? Good luck. I hope Emily is safe. She is too sweet to be forced to live through this nightmare.” She said as goodbye and Corvo was left alone on street again. At last now he had place to stay at and hope. The Heart gently keeping steady beat in his inner pocket, a reminder of his task.

He walked down the streets and soon it was beating rather faster and Corvo was worried it may be having some trouble but then again, when he took Her heart in his hands, she just gently guided him towards an old looking bone that hummed with Void powers. A charm, as Corvo realized. A bloody bone charm in dumpster of Dunwall streets. Corvo picked it up with odd curiosity building within him, as he was certain he knew this bone charm, but he never saw one outside TV screen till now. “By Outsider´s tongue.” He whispered and he put the charm next to the Heart, which seemed to calm down now that Corvo found the charm. He would deal with the old, almost ancient, whale bone later. At last he hoped it was whale and not human bone.

He soon returned back his way towards the old apartment. He also figured out what Samuel meant when he saw City Watch watching over border halfway to the apartment. Corvo hummed and looked around to see if he could find way around them. The heart in his pocket only whispered soft ´up´ and Corvo was quick to catch up with what She meant. He was soon climbing on top of the roofs. It was rather hard climb, but he was managing. Corvo was confident enough in his abilities and that was likely his downfall.

He was almost to the roof of the building when he slipped and started to fall. The rush of panic and adrenalin was enough to get him to figure out the blink and he soon was splat on roof, looking at the grim sky. “Too close for my liking.” He mumbled and the hearted beats in agreement. This was however going to make the roof travel so much easier for him and it will help him avoid all guards. After confirming with Dark Vision that there were no enemies up there. He dared to take few minutes to calm down after almost falling into his damnation. He had the luxury with no one around.
It also offered chance to look at the bone charm. As he held it there was this odd feeling, need, to find white rats and devour them. It was scary, but he also felt that this could be useful as simple rest for moment seemed to help restoring energy that his powers take from him when he uses them actively.
However, the bone charm was more interesting than the feeling of his energy being slowly restored. He held it in his hands and studied it carefully. The desire to search for white rats grew within him, same as alarming need to devour them. And yet there was still the promise of something in return for doing so. Corvo thought about it for moment, deciding to keep the bone charm for later, as it may come in handy. Worst case he can slip it to someone and practically accuse them of heresy if needed. It was just practical. He would be branded as heretic anyway, if he wasn´t already. What will change if he disobeys teachings of Abbey and will eat some bloody rats?
There was many of them in the city and the charm seemed to almost like the idea, if nonliving thing could like anything. Which was distressing, but not the weirdest thing that would happen to Corvo. Talking heart with soul of his dead lover is topping it all no matter what.

He decided to get up, as he didn´t want to stay on the roof longer than he needed. There may be no one there, but that is only for now. It was just question of time till some unfortunate soul would come out on roofs. Corvo wanted to be long gone when that happens. His powers and energy felt like stable enough already and now that he knew he could blink through longer distances, he was more confident in getting to the apartment unseen. It was simple and he could managed that. Just rushing a bit, as it seemed like the weather would only get worse and Dunwall was destined to yet another grim, rainy day.

Corvo managed to slip into the apartment just in time to avoid rather bad storm that broke out above the city. He didn´t light up any lights, as he only kneeled down immediately. He heard footsteps and mumbling of a man. The voice was familiar as he listened to it bit more. There was click of light switch and the room was basked in bright yellow light as Piero walked in, almost jumping to ceiling at sight of Corvo kneeling by window. “I see you managed to hide before too much trouble found you Piero?” He said as greeting and grinned at the man.

The inventor seemed to be lacking all words for solid moment, so Corvo took it into his hands and stood up to speak to the man properly while taking is wet coat off. “Cecelia mentioned you got caught in quarantined district. She is worried for you, you know that? You should not stress such young girl so much Piero. She takes you as father.” He hanged the coat on a floor lamp and stretched a bit. “Thankfully you seem to find hiding places well. Good job. I… uhm… how to put it….” Corvo started to consider how to gently break it to the man that he may need him to craft gear. Thankfully Piero finally find word. “I see. You want me to craft you gear and weaponry. Very well. But I do need material for that. I have some things here, but I will need to restock things eventually. You´re lucky Samuel allowed me to make workshop here.” The inventor spoke and started to walk around the room to close the window that Corvo left opened. “And don´t worry. I heard on radio. They accused you of very nasty things. City Watch same as Abbey actuall. I wonder who you angered so much. And don´t look at me like that. I know you for quite some time Corvo. I know you would never harm anyone without good reason, same as you´d never sacrifice young Emily to the Outsider.” The man spoke slowly with rather amusing intonation if it wasn´t for the message he was passing to Corvo there.

“Excuse me for interrupting, but what do you mean by the Void?!” Corvo said horrified. Is that why Abbey was taking Emily away from him? Was it to brand him heretic in eyes of public? Piero waved his hand to hush the distressed bodyguard. “I am sure you didn´t do it Corvo. But I am only saying what they did. I am sure if you show everyone that Emily is safe you will clear your name. That is of course that you know where she is. I assume you don´t, as she isn’t with you here.” Piero was too smart and too good at observing his surroundings, and once again right. “Right… I… Abbey took her. I believe they are holding her, or someone working for Burrows is.” Corvo admitted with sigh. This was going to be way harder but he could manage it. Piero at last trusted him.

“Just have faith Corvo. I am sure all will be well. For now try to make list of things you want me to make. I´ll prepare dinner for us.” The inventor said and left Corvo in room alone. The protector took in a deep breath, held it in for few seconds and let it out. He needed to think and this was likely only chance he got in near future. But first, the list of needed things.

Chapter Text

Corvo sat down with his portion of meal, silently praying that Piero knew how to cook at last. The man may be genius and brilliant mechanic, but that doesn´t mean he can cook too. It was however something he will have to deal with as he won´t be able to cook for himself. He likely will have little to no time, added the desperate rush to search for the ´Daud´. Corvo had idea who that was supposed to be, but he had no idea where to begin his search.

“You prepared the list of needed equipment Corvo?” Piero asked as Corvo was silently eating the somewhat edible excuse of meal. It wasn´t worst, honestly he doubt that there was something topping pitiful meals in the prison. “Hm, oh. Yes. I have them ready.” He said and put the spoon down to fish out the paper. It was amusing to see that Piero barely ate. He clearly would need more time to get used to own cooking than Corvo. But he had unfair advantage of eating trashy meals before.

Corvo watched as Piero went through the list, likely making one with needed things and checking mentally if he had everything. “I will need some copper wires for stun mines, but I should have most of it ready. And maybe you could try to find some spare fabric too? We need to get you mask, now that your face will be everywhere. You are wanted man.” Piero pointed out and as usually, was right. Corvo had to admit that mask may be good idea now. Same as maybe finding necessary components. Stun mines were good aid if he didn´t want to take lives. “And if you find some quality leather, I can make you more holders for sleep darts. Even if I am surprised you are still using that bow of yours. We have much more modern and effective equipment. But you never were one to kill aimlessly, no? I will get to work.” The man spoke fast and was gone before Corvo could stop him.

He sighed and finished his meal quickly, devouring it in rapid time. He had nearby apartments to look into and things to find. And there was no better time to do it than now. He can´t rush into streets underprepared and lacking basic equipment. Maybe with bit of luck, he will find clue to the Daud as well.

Corvo walked through the evacuated apartments, or so he thought, until he found killed people, elderly couple, locked in own houses that were raided by the City Watch. It was more than disgusting and the distressed beating of the heart only confirmed that this was horror to Her too. ´So much death, so much suffering. And what for? Only to have moment of power, money and false sense of control. How low did we fall as nation, how much further we have to fall to meet our doom?´ Jessamine´s voice echoed through the empty rooms of the fifth apartment.
Corvo felt sad that he agreed, that all was true. The sight of murdered people by the law was almost as bad as holding his beloved bleeding in the gazebo Jessamine got built for them. It was tragic to witness both, Jessamine´s death, same as the rampage caused by guards thinking they owned the place.

He suppressed desire to yell at something, and carried the two bodies and one by one carried them into what he assumed was their bedroom. He laid them down and covered them with white sheets he found after digging through the apartment. It was likely most he could do for them now. A silent prayer for the two souls and he was back to looking for what he could use.
Even that felt bad. He knew that it legally had to all belong to someone now, and he was taking it as if it was free. A thought of ´Restless hands´ crossed his mind, but he was pretty much sure he was damned in eyes of abbey once he got the mark for Outsider.

Apartment after apartment he took only essential things he needed and was as respectful to bodies as possible. Eventually he ended in furthest away apartment he dared to go to without any proper gear, near other edge of the district. It was then when he felt Heart beat like crazy. He took it out and pointed it around him to figure out where was the rune or charm, where was She pointing him.

Corvo wasn´t aware that he was watched as Jessamine took his attention. He ended up by bookshelf that seemed just ordinary. Corvo made small hand gesture and he could see that there was complex mechanism opening hidden doors there. A bit of looking around later and he pushed correct brick to open the doorway. The shrine looked odd, almost ancient in a way, yet it was familiar. The lanterns emitted soft purple glow and the fabric there, on which runes were placed was of lot higher quality than any other fabric within the apartment. Corvo was sure it was expensive too. But the heart was more beating due to the rune and bones laid out as offering.

Corvo hesitantly reached for the rune, it was familiar and yet foreign motion. There was odd sound followed and when he turned, he was standing on island in middle of nowhere. He was in the Void and watched as whale swam by. Water flowed in wrong direction and nothing made sense at that place. Corvo was pretty sure he was hating it.

“Lord Protector.” The voice of god spoke from behind him, to no one’s surprise, outsider was sitting on one of the floating rocks nearby. “I see you found my shrine once again. Many think that I grant them favors or pay them attention when they set up shrines or play just the right tunes. But let me tell you secret here. All these shrines do is allow me to pull people I chose into the Void.” A cloud of black dust and the Outsider was gone from his spot.

The voice now came from his right and Corvo did face the entity again. “The man living in this apartment wasn´t the one who set this shrine up. He wasn´t even aware of existence of this space. No… It was his secret lover who dabbled in the dark art. And let me tell you, he was good with bone charms and runes before Abbey caught him.” Another cloud and now was the Outsider mimicking walk around Corvo midair.

“All three got executed for deviant behavior, for their Wanton Flesh, or heresy, even if the third one had nothing to do with it, except being married to the wrong man in wrong time.” The entity stopped in front of him and tilted it´s head slightly to side as if in amusement. “All that was possible thanks to the plague and thanks to the regent. I wonder how much further he will let the High Overseer go in his medieval practices.” Corvo wasn´t sure why the Outsider looked as if over his shoulder and flashed way too toothy grin, but when he turned there was nothing behind him. He wanted to face the god again, but he was gone too. With small flesh of light all went back to normal and he was back in the hidden room.

It was then that he understood the smile and why he suddenly felt way too alarm. There was gun barrel touching back of his head and voice clearly female, even if muffled by mask, spoke. “Arms so I can see them stranger.” Corvo hesitantly did so, even if he wasn´t sure what was going on. Did Outsider lie and the owner of shrine was still around? Maybe it belonged to the woman behind him. But then again the God didn´t strike him as someone to lie, would be likely ´too booring´ or something along those lines. “Turn around slowly!” She commanded in calm manor and the barrel of gun was moved so he could do so, no doubt it was still pointing at him Corvo wasn´t naïve to think they would just drop the weapon after presenting it. No one was that stupid in these desperate times. So Corvo did the best thing he could now and turned to look at the female in red coat and with the mask that was odd mixture of years old whaler mask design and more modern gas mask. The pistol was still aimed at him, as suspected.

“I want no troubles, I am only passing through these parts.” Corvo started calmly, regretting he went this close to borders of the district. He also could see two more people, dressed similarly like the woman. One in brown coat and other in faded blue one. All had same masks that Corvo recognized as masks belonging to gang that was under rule of some guy that folk called Knife of Dunwall. Corvo never bothered to learn the proper name, and he was kind of regretting it now. It may have been helpful as he could maybe easier decide what to expect of the cutthroats from the gang. Corvo really had no time, nor mood to deal with them now, they were burden that slowed his progress down and pushed him further from his goal. This was going badly especially since there was likely bounty on his head too and the gang must have heard of it by now.

“The amount of trouble you get will be decided by Daud.” At that name Corvo´s interest actually did 180 turn. On the other hand maybe he could get bit involved with these people, if they knew of Daud. Maybe the man he was looking for was in the end the Knife himself. “Cuff him. We are taking this one with us.” The woman gave order and the two moved to do as she commanded. Corvo took note that she was likely above them in rank. It was these little information that could make the future interaction turn in his favor. “Oh don´t worry. I am going willingly. I am sure this Daud is reasonable man.” Corvo said as he held out his hands for the whaler in blue coat. “In fact I am excited to meet him.” There was a soft smile playing on his lips, which seemed to unnerve the Whaler as his hands were bound.

This was lot easier than expected.