Bedesh (if dead) died before Juvens and after the Seed was given to the spirits. Now, whether the false stone given the spirits was a matter of deception on Kanedias’ part, Bedesh’s part, or Kanedias got the stone from Shabulyan after, HE HAD IT ALL THIS TIME!

Doesn’t that strike you as odd? I think there’s a lot there that I haven’t heard anyone unpack yet, so I’m curious what you folks might think about it.

Did he not trust his brothers not to use it, Did he want the power for himself, whether to protect himself, become the soul master or obsession studying it? I believe it was obsession, he had it for long enough to gravely effect Tolomei and the secret she told to Bayaz was that he’d been hunting down and incorporating materials from the other side into his works since. Whether it corrupted him or not, I don’t know, but he wanted the seed and he needed Juvens’ staff as well as Bedesh’s art to get it.

I’m sure I can’t see the whole picture with so much missing, but I believe I have the scent. Bayaz is innocent, in this regard at least.

Hopefully I haven’t rightly guessed too much of Joe’s secret histories. Body found floating by the docks...