James Islington

For friends, lost

RANK

RECEIVES WILL FROM:

1. PRINCEPS

40,320 PEOPLE

2. DIMIDIUS

20,160 PEOPLE

3. TERTIUS

6,720 PEOPLE

4. QUARTUS

1,680 PEOPLE

5. QUINTUS

336 PEOPLE

6. SEXTUS

56 PEOPLE

7. SEPTIMUS

8 PEOPLE

8. OCTAVUS

NONE

after three years, I’m adept at recognising other actors.

Only six feet wide and not much deeper, each unlit alcove contains only two things.

A prisoner. And the Sapper to which they are strapped.

This is the only place in the world where I don’t have to pretend to be friendly. Or dull. Or servile. Or weary.

I’m not technically an Octavus, having never ceded before

CHAIN YOUR ANGER IN THE dark

I was a prince of Suus.

I think you’re so used to resisting, you don’t know how not to.

Sometimes bullies are better off with the truth, no matter how unpleasant.