text stringlengths 1.73k 3.83k |
|---|
He granted me the title of arteth and allowed me to continue teaching.” Hrathen rubbed his chin thoughtfully, regarding the Arelish priest. “You know what Arteth Fjon did was wrong.” “Yes, my lord. An arteth cannot appoint another to his own position. When I speak to the people, I never refer to myself as a priest of D... |
If Fjon gets off for any reason, kill him.” “Yes, my gyorn.” Dilaf rushed from the room. He finally had an outlet for his enthusiasm—all Hrathen had to do no1w was keep that enthusiasm focused in the right direction. Hrathen stood for a moment after the Arelish man had gone, then shook his head and turned back to his d... |
might of Jaddeth's holy calling behind it, Fjorden would prevail. Then, with all mankind united under Wyrn's rule, Jaddeth could rise from his throne beneath the earth and reign in glorious majesty. And Hrathen would be the one responsible for it. The conversion of Arelon and Teod was his urgent duty. He had three mont... |
what hope was there for Raoden? “I told you she chose well,” Galladon continued. “She might be a few pounds of food lighter, but she doesn't have any wounds. Now, if she had turned right-like you did, sule-she would have been at the dubious mercy of Shaor's men. If she had gone forward, then Aanden would have had the r... |
realize how scared I am, you'll probably find me trying 1to hide under those cobblestones over there. Now, tell me more about these gangs.” Galladon shrugged, walking away from the broken door and pulling a chair away from the wall. He turned a critical eye on its legs, then carefully settled down. He moved just quickl... |
street; the thoroughfare was far larger than any of its kind back in Kae. Elantris had been built on a massive scale, and while the size had seemed daunting from without, Raoden was only now beginning to grasp just how enormous the city was. He and Galladon had been walking for hours, and Galladon said they were still ... |
filth were the remnants of Elantris's former greatness. A spire, the remains of a delicately carved wall relief, grand chapels and vast mansions, pillars and arches. Ten years ago this city had shone with its own mystical brightness, a city of pure white and gold. No one knew what had caused the Reod. There were those ... |
with such things-but yes, his followers get first call on one-third of the offerings.”1font> “Why the compromise?” Raoden asked. “If Shaor's men are as uncontrollable you imply, then what convinced them to hold to such an arbitrary agreement?” “The other gangs are just as big as Shaor's, sule,” Galladon explained. “On ... |
the food personally. Maybe she doesn't trust her underlings enough to handle it.” “Perhaps.” Raoden said. “What else do you know about her?” “Not much-leaders of violent thieving gangs don't tend to be the type to spend their afternoons chatting.” “Now who's taking things lightly?” Raoden said with a smile. “You're a b... |
Raoden narrowed his eyes thoughtfully, but he didn't volunteer any information. As he stood, watching the city, he noticed a small ball of light floating through one of the streets below. The Seon meandered with an aimless air, occasionally floating in circles. It was far too distant for him to make out the Aon at its ... |
Elantrians had been able to call upon the power locked within them. That power was supposed to be gone: it was said to have failed when Elantris fell. Galladon smiled at him through the glowing symbol that hovered in the air between them. CHAPTER 5 “MERCIFUL Domi,” Sarene asked with surprise, “where did he come from?” ... |
Hrathen said darkly. Iadon waved a dismissive hand. “I care nothing for the squabbles between the two sects, priest. Go convert someone who doesn't believe-there are still plenty of Arelenes who hold to the old religion.” “You should not dismiss the offering of Wyrn so casually,” the gyorn warned. “Honestly, priest, do... |
head. “Not this time. Today was a test, Ashe. Now Hrathen will feel justified in taking action against the king-he has convinced himself that Arelon is indeed ruled by a blasphemer. He'll try to find a way to overthrow Iadon's throne, and Arelon's government will collapse for the second time in ten years. This time it ... |
foolish, so I'll be foolish. It's much easier to manipulate people when they assume you can't gather enough wits to remember your own name.” “Ene?” a sudden voice bellowed. “Is that you?” The deep, scratchy voice was oddly familiar. It was as if the speaker had a sore throat, though she had never heard someone with a s... |
rascal. “Hunkey Kay is married?” “You aren't the only one who has grown over the last ten years,” Kiin rasped. “Oh, and as cute as it is to hear you call me Hunkey Kay,' you'll probably want to call me Uncle Kiin now.” Sarene blushed again. 'Hunkey Kay had been the creation of a child unable to pronounce her uncle's na... |
of stark blond hair on her head. “When do you not want to eat, Kaise?” a little boy, who looked almost identical to the girl, asked with a sour look. “Children, don't squabble,” Daora said firmly. “We have a guest.” “Sarene,” Kiin declared, “meet your cousins, Kaise and Daorn. The two biggest headaches in your poor unc... |
“If we don't eat soon, Father will have to stop complaining about me because I'll be dead.” “Yes, Kiin,” Daora agreed, “you should probably go to the kitchen and make sure your feast isn't burning.” Kiin snorted. “I have each dish cooking on a precise schedule. It would be impossible for one to . . .” The large man tra... |
“I still think princesses should be smaller. Besides, princesses are supposed to have good table manners; cousin Sarene's dropped about half of her meal on the floor. Who ever heard of a princess that didn't know how to use MaiPon sticks?” Sarene blushed, looking down at the foreign utensils. “Don't listen to her, 'Ene... |
country changed when the disaster struck. Elantris used to be the most beautiful city in the worId-trust me, I've been everywhere else. It was a monument of glowing stone and lustrous metal, and its inhabitants looked like they were chiseled from the same materials. Then, they fell.” “Yes, I've studied this before,” Sa... |
realized that before.” “So,” Kaise continued. “If you are a prince, then your daughter is a princess.” “I'm afraid it doesn't work that way, Kaise,” Lukel said. “Father's not king, so his kids would be barons or counts, not princes.” “Is that true?” Kaise asked with a disappointed tone. “I'm afraid so,” Kiin said. “How... |
the nobility to follow me without a fight. They're too entrenched in their ways. Perhaps if we had gotten to them right after the Reod. Of course, we weren't sure that whatever disease had taken the Elantrians wouldn't affect us as well.” “Jaddeth struck down the Elantrians,” Dilaf said fervently. “Yes,” Hrathen said, ... |
the parent religion of Shu-Dereth. The day Teod fell beneath Fjorden's glory would be a joyous day indeed. “A Teoish princess could be a problem,” Hrathen mused. “Nothing can hinder Jaddeth's empire.” “If nothing could hinder it, Arteth, then it would already encompass the entire planet. Jaddeth takes pleasure in allow... |
nobility lived practically unguarded. He had also heard that, despite the thievery, a large percentage of Elantris's wealth-pieces of art too large to move easily, or smaller items that hadn't been plundered before Iadon began enforcing the city's isolation-remained locked within Elantris's forbidden walls. Only supers... |
separated men from the animals was religion. Men could serve Jaddeth's empire: beasts could serve only their lusts. The Elantrians represented the ultimate flaw of human arrogance: they had set themselves up as gods. Their hubris had earned their fate. In another situation, Hrathen would have been content in leaving th... |
Jaddeth has cursed them?” “Yes, Your Grace. As I said, the Elantrians created many falsehoods to rein- force their divinity.” Hrathen shook his head, then stood and began to remove his armor. Dilaf moved to help, but Hrathen waved the Arteth away. “How, then, do you explain the sudden transformation of ordinary people ... |
to right, then pulled his finger down at a slight slant, drawing a curved line downward at the corner. Next he lifted his finger from the unseen canvas and replaced it to draw a dot in the center. Those three marks-two lines and a dot-were the starting point of every Aon. He continued, drawing the same three-line patte... |
sule, but not since the Reod. Whatever took the life from Elantris also stole AonDor's power. Now all we can do is paint pretty characters in the air.” Raoden nodded, drawing his own Aon, Aon Rao. Four circles with one large square in the center, all five connected by lines. The Aon reacted as all of the others had, bu... |
glow more brightly and steadily than any lamp, sule,” Galladon explained. “The Elantrians could shut them off with a bare brush of their fingers. Elantris didn't need oil-it had a far more reliable source of light. For the same reason, you won't find coal-or even furnaces-in Elantris, nor are there many wells, for wate... |
He's probably decided to denounce Elantris as some sort of judgment from his god. I'm surprised it took them so long.” “People have been whispering it for years,” Raoden said. “but no one had the courage to actually teach such things. They're secretly afraid that the Elantrians are just testing them-that they will retu... |
their carnal eyes staring at the new man with hunger. It was all the encouragement the newcomer needed. “What do I do?” the man asked with a quavering voice. “Run!” Raoden ordered, then took off toward one of the alleys at a dash. The man didn't need to be told twice: he bolted so quickly that Raoden was afraid he woul... |
that? You could have just thrown them the food back in the courtyard. In fact, why 'save' him? For all w1e know, Shaor's men might not have even hurt him.” “We don't know that. Besides, this way he thinks he owes me his life.” Galladon snorted. “So now you have another follower-at the cheap price of the hatred of an en... |
face. “That's how he shows affection.” “If you say so, Master .. .” Raoden paused. “Just call me Spirit,” he decided, using the translation of Aon Rao. “Master Spirit.” Then Mareshe's eyes narrowed. “You look familiar for some reason.” “You've never seen me before in your life. Now, about those shoes ...” “They have to... |
head, a self-congratulatory smile on her lips. “Iadon has a quick temper, and grows frustrated with ease. The more I convince him of my brainlessness, the fewer orders he's going to give me. He knows I'll just misunderstand him, and he'll just end up aggravated.” “I am beginning to wonder how one such as he obtained th... |
He had married about two years ago, and had fathered two children during his stay with the second noble. Both nobles claimed ownership of the babies. “I thought slavery was illegal in Arelon,” Sarene said quietly. “It is, my lady,” Ashe said with a confused voice. “I don't understand.” “They speak of figurative ownersh... |
systematically and deliberately had the light beaten out of them. “This is worse than I had feared.” Sarene said. Lukel nodded at her side. “The first thing Iadon did when he took the throne was eliminate individual landholding rights. Arelon had no army to speak of, but Iadon could afford to hire mercenaries, forcing ... |
nodded. Sitting on his throne. Iadon finally made his decision regarding the case. He declared with a loud voice that the runaway peasant did indeed belong to the first noble, but his children would remain with the second. “For,” Iadon pointed out, “the children have been fed all this time by their current master.” The... |
opinion into any and every royal ruling. He was the crown prince, and so court laws-written by Iadon himself-gave Raoden a chance to speak his mind in every matter brought before the king. And let me tell you, Princess, you don't know what a scolding is until you've had one from Raoden. The man could be so stern at tim... |
is young enough. One of the more powerful dukes would probably be next in line. Lord Telrii or Lord Roial.” “Are they here?” Sarene asked, scanning the crowd. “Roial isn't,” Lukel said, “but that's Duke Telrii over there.” Lukel nodded toward a pompous-looking man standing near the far wall. Lean and strong-postured, h... |
to complain about the necessities of state marriages. If Domi had taken her husband before she even met him, then He obviously wanted to leave her mind clear for other concerns. Uncle Kiln emerged from the kitchen, stuffed a book in his apron, then gave Sarene one of his crushing hugs. “So you couldn't stay away after ... |
“As if that proves that she's actually more intelligent than the rest of the world.” With that, the torrent of words from the small blond girl's mouth changed directions. With a start, Sarene realized Kaise was now muttering in Fjordell. Kaise wasn't done, however: she topped of the tirade with a brief, but biting, acc... |
again-this time instigating the collapse of the Duladen Republic-it became obvious that Teod needed to either reacquaint itself with its ancient ally, or face Wyrn's hordes alone. And so Sarene had suggested the marriage. Her father had objected at first, but then had bowed beneath its utter practicality. There was no ... |
over Kae like a disapproving sentry. Walking at its base, Sarene finally realized how truly formidable it was. She had once visited Fjordell, and had been impressed by many of that nation's fortified cities-but even they couldn't compete with Elantris. The wall was so high, its sides so smooth, that it obviously hadn't... |
rock. Except, it was no longer flawless. Pieces of the enormous monolith were crumbling and cracking, especially near the top. As they neared the end of their climb there were places where great chunks of the wall had torn away, leaving jagged wounds in the stone reminiscent of bite marks. Still, the wall was impressiv... |
group that had already been beaten down so soundly? One thing was clear, however. If the gyorn saw reason to preach against Elantris, then it was her duty to defend it. It was possible to block her enemy's schemes before she fully understood them. “. . . as all know, animals are far beneath men in the eyes of Lord Jadd... |
one man could serve Jaddeth directly; the religion was very regimented, and its structure was reminiscent of the feudal government that had once ruled in Fjorden. One served those above him, who served those above him, and so on until it reached Wyrn, who served Jaddeth directly. Everyone served Jaddeth's empire, but o... |
about it. “That one worries me,” Ashe observed by her side. “I have seen such men before, and my experience has not been favorable. A dam so poorly constructed must eventually collapse.” Sarene nodded. “He was Aonic-not a Fjordell. He looks like a page or attendant of Hrathen's.” “Well, let us hope that the gyorn can k... |
of them.” Kaise said. “How do they eat?” Sarene asked. “Someone must feed them.” She couldn't make out many details about the people below-only that they were human. Or, at least, they had the forms of humans; she had read many confusing things about the Elantrians. “No one,” Daorn said from her other side. “No one fee... |
he had an unquestioned prejudice when it came to the Teoish people. Teod had banished Derethi ministers from the country fifty years ago following a small misunderstanding, and had never consented to let them back in. The Teoish king had come quite near to banishing the Fjordell ambassadors as well. There wasn't a sing... |
converting them to Derethi, not murdering those who didn't believe. Except, perhaps his way was wrong. Wyrn's patience seemed only slightly greater than Dilaf's-the three-month time limit proved that much. Suddenly Hrathen felt an extreme sense of urgency. Wyrn meant his words: Unless Hrathen converted Arelon, the coun... |
could feel Dilaf tense by his side as he mentioned the word. Idan's discomfort left as he chuckled, shooting looks at several of his companions. “The Elantrians have been dead for a decade, Fjordell. They are hardly a threat.” “No, my young lord,” Hrathen said. “They live on.” “If you can call it that.” “I don't mean t... |
said, changing his argument subtly, “have you traveled the countries of the East?” There were several nods. During the last few years, the East had seen a flood of visitors from Arelon touring through the old Fjordell Empire. Hrathen strongly suspected that the new aristocracy of Arelon, even more insecure than most no... |
the priest's words. Hrathen had to be careful yet; it was quite possible that only a few of these men would end up supporting him, and he didn't want to give the others evidence against him. Lenient as he may be with regards to religion, King Iadon wouldn't suffer Hrathen's preaching long if he found it treasonous. Lat... |
coming months. Remember who and what I represent.” “Remember Elantris,” a voice, Dilaf's, hissed from beside Hrathen. “Do not forget the well of desecration that pollutes our land. They sleep, and they wait, clever as always. They wait to capture you-all of you-and drag you into their embrace. You must cleanse the worl... |
and all of Elantris will collapse from the shock.” “Pessimism?” Galladon demanded as Raoden crept down the alleyway. “Pessimism? Me? Dulas are the most lighthearted, easygoing people in Opelon! We look at each day with- Sule? Don't you dare leave when I'm defending myself!” Raoden ignored the large Dula. He also tried ... |
you tell me which way he went. Don't you want to get out of here?” The newcomer raised a wavering hand and pointed at the path Galladon had taken. “Come on!” Raoden urged. “Unless we move quickly we'll lose him forever!” With that, he started running. The three newcomers stood for a moment: then, Raoden's sense of urge... |
attentive. “My name is Saolin, Lord Spirit,” the man said, “and I was a soldier in Count Eondel's personal legion.” “I know Eondel,” Raoden said with a nod. “He's a good man-a soldier himself before he was granted a title. You were probably trained well.” “We are the best soldiers in the country, sir,” Saolin said prou... |
as their words. “Now. Mareshe,” Raoden continued, “please explain to our new friends about what it means to be an Elantrian. I don't want Riil falling off the top of a building before he realizes breaking his neck won't necessarily mean an end to the pain.” “Yes, my lord,” Mareshe said, eyeing the newcomers' food, whic... |
the problem. Everyone's convinced that their lives are over just because their hearts stopped beating.” “That's usually a pretty good indication, sule.” Galladon said dryly. “Not in our case, my friend. We need to convince ourselves that we can go on. The Shaod isn't causing all the pain here-I've seen people on the ou... |
sculptors before the Shaod took him, but he had not been of noble blood. Of course, Raoden's own father had been nothing more than a simple trader until chance had made him king. In Elantris, Taan had apparently taken advantage of a similar opportunity. The years in Elantris had not been kind to Taan. The man was blubb... |
esteem, but unless I'm completely wrong, the Aon for 'spirit' is Rao.” “Yes,” Raoden said hesitantly. “And doesn't the king of Arelon have a son named Raoden?” “He did.” “And here you are, sule, claiming to know all the barons in Arelon. You're obviously a man with a good education, and you give commands easily.” “You ... |
man, Galladon.” “Books, stile, are a wonderful thing. A wise farmer has time to study, assuming he lives in a country such as Duladen, where men are free.” Raoden raised an eyebrow. “So, you're going to hold to this farmer story?” “It's the truth, stile,” Galladon said. “Before I became an Elantrian, I was a farmer.” R... |
by the Shaod. He'd assumed-perhaps hoped-that Ien had been destroyed by the Shaod, as sometimes happened. Raoden shook his head. “Ien used to be so wise. I never knew a creature, Seon or man, more thoughtful than he…” “I'm sorry, stile,” Galladon said solemnly. Raoden held out his hand again, and the Seon approached du... |
he offered them a barony to keep their caravans running. Shuden's father passed away about five years ago, and the son is much more traditional than the father ever was. He thinks Iadon's method of rule contradicts the heart of Shu-Keseg, which is why he's willing to meet with us.” Sarene tapped her cheek in thought, s... |
very good friends. Either that or they're very old enemies. I can never remember which it is.” “There's a bit of a distinction there, Uncle,” Sarene pointed out. “Not really. The two of them have been squabbling and sparring for so long that neither one would know what to do without the other. You should have seen thei... |
prove their wealth. Noblemen will be nobleman, 'Ene-they're worried about maintaining their place in society.” Further discussion was halted as a voice called from the dining room. “Kiin,” Duke Roial noted pointedly. “we could have raised our own hogs and had them slaughtered in the time this is taking you.” “Good meal... |
frame. “I knew it!” he proclaimed. “My dear, no person could possibly be as stupid as you made yourself out to be-not even the queen herself is that empty-headed.” Sarene pasted a smile over her nervousness. “I believe you're wrong about Queen Eshen, Your Grace. She's simply ... energetic.” Ahan snorted. “If that's wha... |
just Sarene, daughter of Teod: she was also Sarene, wife to the crown prince of Arelon. “I applaud your caution, my lords,” she said. “You have good reason to be careful-you have lost your patron, the only man who could have given you a measure of protection. Remember, however, that I am his wife. I am no substitute fo... |
in this country can outdo you.” “Arelon is a large place, Eondel,” Kiin said. “Be careful not to encourage me too much, lest you find someone better and disappoint me.” “Nonsense,” Eondel said. “I can't believe that you make all of it by yourself,” Ahan said with a shake of his large round head. “I'm absolutely certain... |
real interest in the process, it's just one of the traditions that Iadon decided to hold over from the old days-the Elantrians used to do something similar whenever one of their kind died. I never liked the custom myself. It seems to me we shouldn't encourage the people to look forward to our deaths: it doesn't bode we... |
wolves. The others paused, turning toward Edan. “We had decided not to meet for a while, Lord Edan.” Eondel said. “We never intended to stop meeting completely.” “You should be happy, Edan,' Ahan said, waving a fork topped with a chunk of pork. “You, of all people, should be eager to keep these meetings going. How long... |
himself into a corner before we move in to help.” “But Iadon will destroy Arelon in the process, Your Grace,” Lukel objected. “The more time we give him, the harder it will be to recover.” “I do not see another option.” Roial said with raised hands. “We cannot continue to move against the king in the way we were.” Edan... |
to lead. You claim it is unwieldy and unfair-that its foolishness is a torture to the Arelish people.” “Yes.” Roial said curtly. “And?” “Well, if Iadon's system is so bad, why worry about overthrowing it? Why not let the system overthrow itself?” “What do you mean, Lady Sarene?” Eondel asked with interest. “Turn Iadon'... |
The people on our lands have food to eat and clothing to keep them warm.” “That may be true, my lord,” Sarene continued, “but the people must feel that you love them. Do not trade them to other nobles or squabble over them. Let the peasants know that you care, and they will give you their hearts and their sweat. Prospe... |
right, and this is it. Don't tell me you've never felt any guilt for what you have done to this country.” Sarene regarded Roial anxiously. The elderly duke had impressed her, but there was no way for her to be sure he felt ashamed for Arelon. She had to depend on her impression that his heart was good, and that in his ... |
of Fjordell wine at the kitchen table, and their manner was even more relaxed than the dinner had been. “A few days wouldn't have hurt our position, and I certainly would have given you my support. I've found that thoughtful, well-considered commitment is much more productive than spurious professions.” Sarene nodded, ... |
trouble-which it is.” “Weren't either of you even a little suspicious when you heard the prince was dead?” Sarene asked, contemplatively sipping her wine. “It came at such a convenient time. Iadon has the benefit of an alliance with Teod, but now he doesn't have to worry about Raoden producing any heirs.” Roial looked ... |
you know how Mother is. Everything must be done in its proper order no rushing allowed.” Kiin nodded, downing the last of his wine. “Then you and I should get to cleaning before she returns. We wouldn't want her to see what a mess our collected noble friends have made of the dining room.” Lukel sighed, giving Sarene a ... |
the last of the wine into his cup. CHAPTER 12 EARLY in his career, Hrathen had found it difficult to accept other languages. Fjordell was Jaddeth's own chosen tongue-it was holy, while other languages were profane. How, then, did one convert those who didn't speak Fjordell? Did one speak to them in their own Ianguage, ... |
in Kae, the people at these first meetings would find themselves important by association. They would brag that they had discovered Shu-Dereth long before their neighbors, and as a consequence they would have to continue attending. Their pride, mixed with Hrathen's powerful sermons, would override doubts, and soon they... |
audience than Hrathen ever had. Dilaf's hatred of Elantris wasn't logical-it was irrational and feral-but they didn't care. Hrathen could spend years explaining to them the benefits of Shu-Dereth and never get the reaction they now expressed. Part of him scoffed, trying to convinee himself that the power of Dilaf's wor... |
calculated dismissiveness. “And they appear to have liked it. Perhaps I will have you speak again sometime. However, you must remember your place, Arteth. You are my odiv; you do not act unless I specifically tell you. Is that understood?” “Perfectly, my lord Hrathen.” Hrathen quietly shut the door to his personal cham... |
but it had taken years for Hrathen to accept the idea. In the end, logic had swayed him. Just as it was sometimes necessary to speak in heathen languages to preach Jaddeth's empire, there were instances where the enemy's arts proved valuable. Of course, only those with the most self-control and holiness could use the S... |
reached down and pulled out a similar coverless volume, its cover pages stained with Elantris grime. “A dictionary of the Aons.” Galladon studied the first book with a critical eye. “Stile, I don't even recognize a tenth of the Aons on this page. Do you have any idea how long it's going to take you to translate it?” Ra... |
things were going so well that he could almost forget the pain of his half-dozen bumps and cuts. Through the window to his right he could see the newest member of his band, Loren. The man worked in the large area beside the church that had probably once been a garden. According to Raoden's orders, and equipped with a n... |
of the rooms in the back. His head poked out a moment later. “By chance, did those traps you set up catch any of last night's rainfall?” “Of course, my lord,” Mareshe said indignantly. “Good. Show Kahar here where the water is.” “Certainly.” Mareshe motioned for Kahar to follow. “What am I to do with water, my lord?” K... |
lord. I counted twelve of them, and they are carrying steel weapons.” “Steel?” Raoden said. “In Elantris? I wasn't aware that there was any to be found.” “They're coming quickly, my lord.” Saolin said. “What do we do-they're almost here.” “They are here,” Raoden said as a group of men forced their way through the chape... |
Shaor and Aanden will attack her. Kolo?” “Yes, but what then?” Raoden asked, trying the strength of a rope Mareshe had fashioned from some rags. It seemed like it would hold his weight. “Karata wouldn't be able to find us, but neither would anyone else. People are finally beginning to realize we're here. If we move now... |
could have mentioned that before I got down here,” Karata said nervously. However, a splash soon sounded, followed by a quiet groan that ended in a gurgle as something large was sucked past Raoden in the current. Muttering a prayer to Merciful Domi, Raoden released the rock and let the river drag him beneath its unseen... |
as guards crossed on the battlements, “you got us out. Now get us in.” Raoden nodded, trying to drain his sodden lungs as silently as possible-an act not accomplished without a fair bit of muffled retching. “Try not to cough so much,” Karata advised. “You'll irritate your throat and make your chest sore, and then you'l... |
an extensive knowledge of the palace,” Karata observed. Raoden didn't answer, unable to think of a response that wasn't too revealing. His father had shown the passage to Raoden when he had b1arely been into his teenage years, and Raoden and his friends had found it an instant and irresistible attraction. Ignoring caut... |
beside something that Raoden hadn't noticed at first: a mattress on the floor, occupied by a small lump that could only have been a sleeping child, its features and sex lost to Raoden in the darkness. Karata knelt beside the child for a quiet moment. Then she was done, motioning Raoden out of the room and closing the d... |
their trek back to Elantris. “That guard. He was my husband, during another life.” “Your husband?” Karata nodded. “We lived together for twelve years, and now he's forgotten me.'' Raoden did some quick connecting of events. “Thar means the room we entered...” “That was my daughter.” Karata said. “I doubt anyone ever to... |
pouch. It was empty, but he kept it as a reminder of his purpose. Karata's eyes blazed with desire. “It held food.” “What kind?” “It's one of the pouches of corn that is part of the sacrifice that comes with a new Elantrian,” Karata said. “Not just corn. Karata,” Raoden said holding up a finger. “Seed corn. Part of the... |
now, you should probably put us back in the city before we wake the entire neighborhood and start a panic. Oh, and I wouldn't get too close to me. The Shaod is, after all, highly contagious.” The guards backed away at his words. Watching Elantris was one thing: being confronted by a talking corpse was another. The offi... |
the men and women you see here left a little child back on the out-” Karata paused, affectionately rubbing a small Elantrian child on the head. “The children unite us, keep us from giving in to the pain. The food we gather is for them. Somehow, we can endure the hunger a little better if we know it has come, in part, b... |
friend?” Raoden asked from the darkness as he approached. “Sule!” Galladon cried. “By Doloken, you're not dead?” “Of course I am,” Raoden said with a laugh, clapping his friend on the shoulder. “We all are-at least, that's what you seem to be fond of telling me.” Galladon grinned. “Where's the woman?” “I walked her hom... |
with a mental scowl. Daora's own hoop was filled with a detailed masterpiece of embroidered perfection. She had entire flocks of birds, each one tiny yet intricate, hovering and spinning through the branches of a statuesque oak. Kiin's wife was the embodiment of aristocratic virtue. Daora didn't walk, she glided, and h... |
their men assumed. The quiet continued for only a few moments before Eshen spoke again. “Sarene, what do women do in Teod to pass the time?” Sarene raised an eyebrow in surprise: she had never heard the queen ask such a straightforward question. “What do you mean, Your Majesty?” “What do they do?” Eshen repeated. “I've... |
he thinks of women 'fighting.' “ “We couldn't . . .” Eshen began. “Why not?” Sarene asked. “Swordplay is frowned upon by the king, dear,” Daora explained. “You've probably noticed that none of the noblemen here carry swords.” Sarene frowned. “I was going to ask about that.” “Iadon considers it too commonplace,” Eshen s... |
ceremonial guard.” Sarene said, picking through the row of black garments, her skin quivering at the thought of donning yet another flat, colorless monstrosity of a dress. As much as she respected the memory of Raoden, she couldn't possibly wear black again. Ashe bobbed in the air at her comment. “I am afraid, my lady,... |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.