The Beholding. The name sounds strange to hear, whatever it means to the Archivist. Martin remembers being raised on the stories of old monsters and demons that fed on humans. The heroes who threw them down and built an empire out of their bones. Seeing the Archivist sitting there, his quiet requests and intelligent eyes Martin wonders how much of those stories was true and how much was written to justify their actions.

At the question, Martin nods. There's little point to lying about their circumstances. "They thought that using you to do their dirty work would keep the blood off their hands."

He remembers those bodies strung up on the roof and wonders if he and Tim will join them. How many were prisoners like them. If any of them ever thought to try and befriend the Archivist rather than cower and hide away. "I know I can't offer you much, but I can bring you tea and statements to read every day for as long as we're here."