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billowed outward and continued all the way to the floor, hiding her feet. It was the kind of dress that made one feel regal. Even a princess needed reminders once in a while. “It isn't black, my lady.” Ashe pointed out. “This part is,” Sarene objected, pointing to the long cape at the back. The cape was actually part o... |
the most influential people in Kae.” “Yes, my lady. Anything else?” “Yes,” Sarene decided with a wrin1kle of her nose. “Find someone to take those black dresses away-I've decided I won't be needing them anymore.” “Of course, my lady,” Ashe said with a suffering tone. Sarene glanced out the carriage window as it approac... |
Shuden asked. “Those who can least afford extravagance seem to be the ones most determined to spend what they have left.” “You are a wise man, Lord Shuden.' Sarene said. “No, just a man who tries to see to the heart of things,” he said, leading her to a side gallery where they could find drinks. “What was that you were... |
Lord Telrii.” “They don't get along?” “They get along fine. They're just in the same business. Iadon runs a merchant fleet-his ships travel the sea of Fjorden, as do those of Telrii. That makes them rivals.” “I think it's odd that he's here either way,” Sarene said. “My father never goes to these kinds of things.” “Tha... |
of the man, I am impressed with his confidence. He simply walked into the king's private party that first night and began talking to one of the dukes-he barely even nodded to the king. Apparently, Hrathen considers the title of gyorn equal to anything in this room.” “Kings bow to gyorns in the East.” Sarene said. “They... |
be an exhibition. He is an opportunist, and his extreme piety gained him notoriety.” Sarene studied the white-haired man, worried. He was very young, but he carried himself as a man of accomplishment and control. His conversion was a dangerous sign. The more such people Hrathen gathered, the more difficult he would be ... |
matter of pure luck.” Shuden's eyes grew suspicious. “Duke Telrii has declared no allegiance to Derethi.” “Not openly, no,” Roial agreed. “But my sources say that there is something between those two. One thing is certain: There has rarely been a party like this in Kae, and the duke is throwing it for no obvious reason... |
the dull-minded can hear. Such people tend to be so confused by events that it is a disservice to allow them the opportunity.” Most of the people around her didn't even appear to have heard the gyorn's comment. The king, however, had. Iadon regarded Sarene for a moment, then grabbed his messenger by the arm and strode ... |
not quite to the level of being insulting, and his manner uninterested. Beyond the initial address, he completely ignored Sarene, obviously satisfied that she was of no discernible significance. Eventually, the duke sauntered away, and Sarene watched him go with annoyance. If there was one thing she loathed, it was bei... |
used to be and try to hide your sins beneath the blanket of darkness. Tomorrow the sun will rise, and all will be revealed once again.” “My lord? Did you say something?' Hrathen turned. He had barely noticed the guard passing him on the wall, the man's heavy spear resting over his shoulder and his wan torch nearly dead... |
of Iadon's fall. No revolution. Everything would be clean. Unless he made a mistake. He had visited the farms and cities around Kae; he knew that the people were stressed beyond their ability to bend. If he gave them too much of a chance, they would rise up and slaughter the entire noble class. The possibility made him... |
blunt attack using Telrii was his best bet for a smooth change in leadership. “Why don't you tell me what is bothering you?” Hrathen said. “Yes, well,” Telrii said carefully. “I'm just not sure that I want to work with Fjorden.” Hrathen raised an eyebrow. “You didn't have that uncertainty before.” Telrii eyed Hrathen f... |
Arelon. Few outside the high priesthood understood the second, more powerful force Wyrn had at his call: the monasteries. For centuries, the Derethi priesthood had been training its monks in war, assassination, and ... other arts. Arelon's defenses were so weak that a single monastery's personnel could probably conquer... |
the funds to pay my men extra?” Telrii asked carefully. Hrathen rolled his eyes. “Very well.” Telrii nodded, then walked off to join his guards. Hrathen turned, leaning against the wall, looking back out over Kae. He would have to wait for a short period before returning to the steps and descending. Telrii was still wo... |
different option.” The captain's eyes shone as Hrathen began to pull gold wyrnings-stamped with Wyrn Wulfden's head-out of the pouch. “I have been wanting to study one of these Elantrians up close, for theological reasons,” Hrathen explained, setting a pile of coins on the table. “I would be appreciative if the nex1t c... |
away. They were on a rooftop a Few buildings down from the chapel, ejected from their habitual place of study by an apologetic Kahar. The old man had been cleaning furiously in the days 1since his arrival, and the time had finally come for the final polishing. Early in the morning he had contritely, but insistently, th... |
kept its distance from Arelon. Besides, those letters were intoxicating. This last year has been ... difficult. My father seems determined to run Arelon to its ruin, and he is not a man who suffers dissent with patience. But, whenever it seemed that my burdens were too great, I would get a letter from Sarene. She had a... |
Unsure what else to do, Raoden returned to the chapel, distracted by his thoughts. He didn't remain distracted for long. “Kahar, it's beautiful!” Raoden exclaimed, looking around with wonder. The old man looked up from the corner he had been cleaning. There was a deep look of pride on his face. The chapel was empty of ... |
my lord. It is the most amazing feeling in the world-I don't even notice the pain anymore.” Raoden nodded, and Kahar left. The man had come looking for a magical solution to his woes, but he had found an answer much more simple. Pain lost its power when other things became more important. Kahar didn't need a potion or ... |
watched the people work, his eyes unreadable. He appeared to have overcome his grief, for the moment. “Speaking of jobs.” Raoden began. 'I have something I need you to do.” “Something to keep my mind off the pain, sule?” “You could think that. However, this project is a little more important than cleaning sludge.” Raod... |
at the doorway to the palace. At least ten of the men in the entryway-a full two-thirds of Karata's followers-looked as if they were preparing for battle. “You can continue to dream with your new friend, Karata,” Dashe replied gruffly. “but I will wait no longer-especially not as long as that man threatens the children... |
on the inside. They stood near the center of the rectangular structure, the collapsed wall a short distance to their left, another doorway a short distance to their right. Galladon cursed quietl1y. “I don't trust this.” “Neither do I.” Raoden said. “No, it's more than that. Look, sule.” Galladon pointed to the building... |
you?” Raoden asked. “Do you really understand what it means to live in Elantris, the city of the gods?” He turned toward the table, still wiping, his back to Aanden. “Elantris, city of beauty, city of art . . . and city of sculpture.” He stepped back, revealing the now clean tabletop. It was covered with intricate carv... |
food. Eating is the source of all struggle. But, we have no needs. Our bodies are cold-we barely need clothing or shelter to warm us-and they continue on even when we don't eat. It's amazing!” The groups still eyed each other warily. Philosophic debate wasn't a match for the sight of their enemies. “Those weapons in yo... |
hopped into Kaise's chosen seat. Kaise stamped her foot with pique, then, realizing that every chair along the wall was exactly the same, chose another. “I'm sorry.” Lukel said with an embarrassed shrug. “I was stuck with them.” “Be nice to your siblings, dear,” Daora chided. “Yes, Mother,” Lukel responded immediately.... |
easily batted the girl's sword away and placed a thrust directly between her breasts. “You're dead,” Sarene informed her. “Fencing does not depend on strength; it requires skill and precision. Only use one hand-you'll have better control and reach that way. Turn your body a little to the side. It allows for a greater l... |
book, and her language-learning ability is unreal. I feel sorry for Daorn sometimes. He tries his best, but I think he just feels inadequate-Kaise can be domineering, if you haven't noticed. But, smart or not, they're still children, and they're still a pain to take care of.” Sarene watched the children playing. Kaise,... |
stood, reaching over and pulling out her practice syres. “Care to spar then, my lord?” she asked offhandedly, testing one of the blades in her hand. Eondel looked surprised. “I ... I have never sparred with a woman before, Your Highness. I don't think it would be proper.” “Nonsense.” she said, tossing him a sword. “Def... |
said. “Where did you get it?” “I had it boiled and then poured between two buckets to restore its flavor,” Sarene said. “I wasn't going to have the women falling over each other in drunken stupors while they tried to practice.” “Arelish wine isn't that strong, Cousin,” Lukel pointed out. “It's strong enough.” Sarene re... |
you grow dizzy watching them.” “All right, ladies,” Sarene declared, turning to the women, most of whom were still staring at Shuden. “Thank Lord Shuden for his exhibition later. Right now, you have some lunges to practice-don't think I'm going to let you leave after just a few minutes of work!” There were several groa... |
not, child,” Omin said, waving her over. “Come, how have you been? I missed you at the sermon last night.” “I'm sorry, Father Omin,” Sarene said with a slight flush. “There was a ball I had to attend.” “Ah. Do not feel guilty, child. Socializing is not to be underestimated, especially when one is new in town.” Sarene s... |
tradition.” Sarene raised her eyebrows. “Honestly, I am surprised to hear you speak that way about the Elantrians, Father.” Omin's eyes sparkled. “Just because the Derethi Arteths hated the Elantrians doesn't mean that Domi did, child. I do not believe they were gods, and many of them had inflated opinions of their own... |
wealthy man-his father made sure of that. Under King Iadon's government, it would not be good for the crown prince to be any less rich than a duke. By the same token, it would be a source of extreme embarrassment to him if his daughter-in-law weren't fabulously wealthy. All you need to do is speak to the royal treasure... |
her. “You could have sent for me at any time, Father,” Sarene said. “I didn't want to intrude, honey. I know how you value your independence.” “Independence is second to duty right now. Father,” Sarene said. “Nations are falling-we don't have time to worry about one another's feelings.” “I stand corrected,” her father ... |
country is against you.” “I have to stay, Father, regardless of the situation.” “What loyalty do you owe them, Sarene?” Eventeo pled. “A husband you never knew? A people who are not your own?” “I am the daughter of their king.” “You are the daughter of a king here as well. What is the difference? Here the people know a... |
marrying again. No, there is no one for me now, Father. The best I can do is make use of my situation here. At least I can command a measure of respect in Arelon without having to worry about how my actions will affect my future marriageability.” “I see,” her father said. She could hear the displeasure in his voice. “F... |
Jindoeese,” Sarene said. “The Jindoeese are a wise people, Sarene,” her father said, his voice growing firm. “They did what they needed to survive.” “But that would mean giving up!” “It would mean doing what we have to do,” her father said. “I won't do anything yet. As long as there are two nations left, we have hope. ... |
our allies for us.” Sarene nodded. “He has placed me with Elantris and Iadon-not a very enviable position.” “We all do the best with what Domi has given us.” “You sound like a priest.” “I have found reason to become very religious lately.” Sarene thought for a moment before replying, tapping her cheek as she considered... |
she realize it wasn't actually coming from her room, but from the wall beside her room. She frowned in confusion. There weren't any rooms on the other side; she was at the very edge of the palace. She had a window looking out over the city. The noise was not repeated, and, determined to get some sleep despite her anxie... |
the university in Svorden on occasion, and knew of the bodies they kept there for study. “Very similar,” Dilaf agreed quietly. “The skin isn't the only sign, my hroden. Their insides are rotten as well.” “How can you tell?” “Their hearts do not beat,” Dilaf said. “And their minds do not work. There are stories from the... |
have you been an Elantrian?” “I was thrown in during the fall,” Diren said. “Seven months? Eight? I lose track. ...” So Dilaf 's other assertion, that Elantrians fell “comatose” within a few months, was incorrect. Hrathen sat thoughtfully, trying to decide what kind of information this creature might have that could be... |
for us to move on to the next step in our plans.” “The next step, my hroden?” Hrathen nodded. “I think we have successfully established our stance against Elantris. The masses are always quick to find devils around them, as long as you give them proper motivation.” “Yes, my hroden.” “Do not forget, Arteth.” Hrathen sai... |
Arteth speak, Hrathen had learned to ignore his own envy-to an extent, at least. He replaced it with pride. As he listened. Hrathen congratulated himself on the Arteth's effectiveness. Dilaf did as Hrathen had ordered, beginning with his normal ravings about Elantris, then moving boldly into a full accusation of Shu-Ko... |
them! Cleansed by holy fire!” Hrathen leaped up onto the dais. “And so they shall be!” he yelled, cutting the Arteth off. Dilaf paused only briefly. He turned to the side, nodding toward a lesser priest holding a lit torch. Dilaf probably assumed that there was nothing Hrathen could do to stop the execution-at least, n... |
still hedge when asked if the Elantrians are demons. The Korathi are afraid that the city will return to its glory, but we know better. We know that Jaddeth has pronounced His curse. There is no mercy for the damned! “Shu-Korath is the cause of your pains. It is the thing that supports and protects Elantris. You will n... |
Do-Dereth. “Judgment belongs to Jaddeth alone, and it is executed by his only servant Wyrn,” Hrathen quoted, using a different pa1ssage from the same book. 'You should not have forced me to kill this creature.” “It was inevitable,” Dilaf said. “Eventually all things must bow before Jaddeth's will-and it is his will tha... |
of immolation brought memories to Hrathen's mind-memories he had long tried to banish. Images of pain, of sacrifice, and of death. Memories of Dakhor. He turned his back on the charred bones, walking toward the chapel. He still had one other task to complete this evening. The Seon floated free from its box, responding ... |
of a mystic in his town, though he always put on a show of Derethi orthodoxy when he spoke with Hrathen. Hrathen explained what he wanted, and Forton repeated it back. Though Forton was often drugged, he was very accomplished at the mixing of potions, poisons, and elixirs. Hrathen had met no man in Sycla who could matc... |
direct his words through the Seons. As if Lord Jaddeth were a member of the post. “Goodnight. Forton.” Hrathen said, keeping the displeasure from his voice. Forton was a drug addict, a heretic, and a hypocrite-but he was still an invaluable resource. Hrathen had long ago decided that if Jaddeth would suffer his gyorns ... |
distrustful. She was worried about her son's wound, anxious as any mother whose child was near death. Suddenly, the boy felt the pain in his leg. It was blinding and intense, stemming from the festering wound and shattered bone in his thigh. He had fallen from someplace high, and his leg had snapped so soundly the shat... |
Ien still burned into his vision. He blinked, looking down. The wound was gone. Not even a scar remained. But he could still feel the pain. It burned him, cut him, caused his soul to tremble. It should have been gone, but it was not. “Rest now, little one,” the Elantrian said in a warm voice, pushing him back. His moth... |
them into a squad of guards. “You know I am flattered by your attentiveness, Saolin,” Raoden said. “But is it really necessary?” “A lord requires an honor guard, Lord Spirit,” Saolin explained. “It wouldn't be proper for you to go about alone.” “I'm not a lord, Saolin.” Raoden said. “I'm just a leader-there is to be no... |
Raoden with his blade, shooting him a gap-toothed smile of reassurance. Then he spun around to face a group of wildmen charging down a nearby 1street toward them. Stunned, Raoden stumbled backward. “Saolin, no! There are too many of them!” Fortunately, Saolin's men had heard the commotion. Within seconds, there were fi... |
“They are of no danger to us now, Saolin. Let's put them with the others.” Soon after his success with Aanden's gang, and the subsequent swell in his band's numbers, Raoden had done something he'd wanted to from the beginning. He started gathering the fallen of Elantris. He took them off the streets and out of the gutt... |
you one step closer ...” “No, my lord, I don't think it does. Those people gave in to their pain because they couldn't find purpose-their torture was meaningless, and when you can't find reason in life, you tend to give up on it. This wound will hurt, but each stab of pain will remind me that I earned it with honor. Th... |
people, but her gang had always been the smallest-if most efficient-of the three. Shaor's had always been the largest: its members had just lacked the cohesion and the motivation to attack the other gangs. The occasional newcomers Shaor's men had been given had sated their bloodlust. No longer. Raoden would accept no q... |
which character was the base Aon without referring to the text. “If only he would explain what it means to 'channel the Dor'!” Raoden exclaimed, rereading a particularly annoying passage that kept using1 the phrase. “Dor, sule?” Galladon asked, turning away from his planting. “That sounds like a Duladen term.” Raoden s... |
must be it.... Galladon, that's why we are still alive!” “What are you babbling about, sule?” Galladon said, looking up from his work with tolerance. “That is why we live on, even though our bodies don't work anymore!” Raoden said with excitement. “Don't you see? We don't eat, yet we get the energy to keep moving. Ther... |
agree with Ahan, Princess,” Roial said with outspread hands. “Why the sudden change? What good will it do to aid the king now?” Sarene gritted her teeth in annoyance. Then, however, she caught a twinkle in the elderly duke's eye. He knew. The duke reportedly had a spy network as extensive as most kings'-he had figured ... |
separate from the duke, allowing Telrii to appear a pious conservative. Despite Hrathen's recent advances, it would be much easier for a traditional Korathi to usurp the throne than it would be for a Derethi.” “He'll take the throne, then make good on his pact with Wyrn.” Roial agreed. “Which is why we have to make sur... |
that gyorn Hrathen every liberty of a visiting nobleman. I seriously doubt we could convince him that Wyrn is trying to depose him.” “We could try framing Fjorden.” Eondel suggested. “Making it obvious that the sinkings are Wyrn's work.” “It would take too long, Eondel,” Ahan said, shaking his jowls. “Besides, Iadon do... |
thought he was cheating you.” The others nodded at Shuden's statement. Although the Jindoeese man was the youngest in the group, Shuden was quickly proving himself to be as shrewd as Roial-perhaps more so. Thar capability, mixed with his deserved reputation for honesty, earned him respect beyond his years. It was a pow... |
If he is using Elantris against us, we must respond.” “Just have that short Korathi priest agree with him,” Ahan suggested. “Put them on the same side, then no one can use the city against anyone else.” “Omin won't do that, my lord,” Sarene said with a shake of her head. “He bears the Elantrians no ill will, and he wou... |
convinced, and neither did the others. “Look, I'll go in first and test it,” Sarene said. “I want you lords to join me after the first few days.” “Why us?” Edan said with a groan. “Because I need to start somewhere,” Sarene explained. “If you lords brave the city, then others will feel foolish if they object. Aristocra... |
me in.” The guards hesitated, and Sarene simply pushed her way between them and opened the door herself. The guards, obviously unused to dealing with forceful women-especially in the royal family-simply let her pass. Iadon looked up from his desk, a pair of spectacles she had never seen him wear before balanced on the ... |
his control. “You propose a deal?” the king demanded. “I do,” Sarene said. “Silk is going for a premium in Teod right now, Father. One could make quite a profit selling it to the king. And, considering certain familial relationships, you might be able to talk Eventeo into giving you sole mercantile rights in his countr... |
but he was an absolutely horrible businessman; he kept a fleet of accountants to manage the royal finances. Once Iadon had sensed her father's inability, he struck with the enthusiasm of a raging predator, and only Sarene's presence had kept Iadon from leaking away Teod's entire tax revenue in a rampage of trading ferv... |
last comment. “Ashe?” she asked. “The people loved Raoden, didn't they?” “By all accounts, my lady. He was known for paying very personal heed to their opinions and needs.” “He was a better prince than I am a princess, wasn't he?” she asked, her voice falling. “I wouldn't say that, my lady,” Ashe said. “You are a very ... |
didn't even think of this. We lost another girl this afternoon, and it didn't occur to me that your room was on her list of duties.” “'Lost.' Meala?” Sarene asked with concern. “A runaway, my lady,” Meala explained. “They aren't supposed to leave-we're indentured like the rest of the peasants. For some reason we have t... |
in that direction is ... “The king's rooms,” Sarene finished. “Where else would a passage lead?” “Are you suggesting that the king takes secret excursions twice a week in the middle of the night, my lady?” “At precisely eleven o'clock,” Sarene said, eyeing the large grandfather clock in the corner of her room. “It's al... |
it was possible to channel a zealot's ardor, Hrathen currently had neither the time nor the energy to do so. The future of an entire kingdom depended on Hrathen's ability to focus, and he hadn't realized how much attention Dilaf would require. It could not continue. Hrathen's world was one of control and predictability... |
turned and walked back out into the chapel's hollow sermon hall. The event had been even more painless than he had hoped. He held back a sigh of relief, stepping with a bit more confidence as he walked toward his chambers. A voice sounded from behind. Dilaf's voice. Speaking softly-yet with enough projection to be hear... |
it was much of a conflict-Hrathen knew what he had to do. Dilaf was unstable. It was possible that he was bluffing, but equally likely that he would destroy Hrathen's efforts in spiteful retribution. Hrathen gritted his teeth until his jaw throbbed. Hrathen might have stopped Dilaf's attempt to burn the Elantrian, but ... |
here, you know. There used to be four of them, all surrounding Elantris, but the others dried up. Not enough food for so many people in such a small area, they said. We hide in the ruins.” “Are there many of you?” Hrathen asked. “No, not many. Only those who've the nerve to run away from the farms.” The old man's eyes ... |
fall was probably good for our souls. Still, I can't help recalling those days with awe. Do you realize that no one in all of Arelon went without food? The Elantrians could turn stone into corn and dirt into steak. Confronted by those memories, I am left wondering. Could devils do that much good in this world? Would th... |
to ask you a question.” “Then ask, priest, and leave me to my thoughts.” “I want to know what happened,” Omin began speculatively. “What happened, Hrathen? What happened to your faith?” “My faith?” Hrathen asked with shock. “Yes,” Omin said, his words soft, almost meandering. “You must have believed at one point, other... |
“We should have brought Saolin,” Galladon said quietly. Raoden shook his head. “Saolin is a wonderful soldier and a good man, but he's completely lacking in stealth. Even I can hear him approaching. Besides, he would have insisted on bringing a group of his guards. He refuses to believe I can protect myself.” Galladon ... |
inside Elantris was seen as far more secure than one in Kae.” Raoden nodded. Some merchants, like his father, hadn't trusted the Elantrians. Their insistence on storing their fortunes outside of the city had eventually proven wise. “You think Shaor's in there?' he asked. Galladon shrugged. “If I were going to choose a ... |
again. “Perhaps I should have said 'simplistic.' They found something extraordinary-a child with long golden hair-and decided that it should be worshipped. They placed it on an altar, and it makes demands of them. The girl wants food, s1o they get it for her. Then, ostensibly, she blesses them.” “What about that hair?”... |
and defeat any one group. If Shaor ever organized a larger, multidirectional assault, however, the result would be disastrous. Raoden's band of women, children, and weakened men just couldn't stand against the feral1 creatures. Saolin had begun teaching simple combat techniques to those capable, but he could use only t... |
that power was removed, the city was left hollow. Like the discarded shell of a small rivercrawler that has grown too big for its skin. The stones are empty.” “How can a stone be empty?” Galladon said skeptically. Raoden cracked off another piece of marble, crumbling it between his fingers. “Like this, my friend. The r... |
hand. Then she reached up and whipped the cloth off the back of the cart, revealing its contents. The cart was piled with food. “Idos Domi!” Raoden cursed. “Galladon, we're in trouble.” Galladon regarded him with a frown. There was hunger in his eyes. “What in Doloken are you blabbering about, sule? That's food, and my... |
a chance to impress. “No.” Raoden said. “You have to practice being Aanden.” CHAPTER 23 EONDEL and Shuden both insisted on going with her. Eondel kept one hand on his sword-he usually wore the weapon no matter what Arelish propriety said about them-and he watched both their guide and their complement of Elantris City G... |
replied the second form-apparently a woman, though her bald head and wrinkled face were virtually indistinguishable from those of a man. “What do you want of us?” “I was led to believe you two were enemies,” Sarene said suspiciously. “We recently realized the benefits of an alliance,” Aanden said. He was a short man wi... |
meeting was finished. Karata assigned a guide to lead them back to the gate-not Spirit, this time. He stayed behind, approaching the city's two tyrants as Sarene left the building. “Was that good enough, my lord?” Mareshe asked eagerly. “Mareshe, that was perfect,” Raoden replied, watching the retreating princess with ... |
people in a state of near starvation.” Shuden raised an eyebrow, looking over at the Elantris City Guards, the source of Sarene's information. The group leaned lazily on their spears, watching with uninterested eyes as the noblemen began unloading the cart. “All right,” Sarene admitted, climbing into the cart and handi... |
to realize I was here.” “How long . . .” “Oh, about ten minutes now,” he replied. “I arrived just after you began unloading.” Spirit took the box away, stacking it with the others. Sarene stood in muted stupefaction on the back of the eart-she must have mistaken his dark hands for Shuden's brown ones. A throat cleared ... |
the lords stood behind the boxes, distributing food to the weary supplicants. Even Ahan stopped griping as he got into the work, doling out food in solemn silence. Sarene saw him give a bag to what must have been a little girl, though her head was bald and her lips creased with wrinkles. The girl smiled with an incongr... |
their observations together with the names I gathered, and produced what I told you.” Sarene paused for a moment, leaning against a marble pillar. “He's hiding something.” “Oh dear,” Ashe mumbled. “My lady, don't you think you might be overextending yourself? You've decided to confront the gyorn, liberate the court wom... |
came placidly, refusing to ingest even a single guard-let alone the princess. His demons refused to perform, and he could see the disappointment in the crowd's faces. The princess's move had been masterful, castrating Hrathen's devils with a sweep of the brutal scythe known as truth. Now that Sarene's personal aristocr... |
a lucrative trade treaty with the East. I can provide you with the proper documents. There will be money enough for all-and that is something that Iadon hasn't been able to provide. Your people know that this country is on the verge of financial ruin. Fjorden can bring you out of it.” Telrii nodded slowly. Yes, Telrii,... |
and scheming revealed an otherwise hidden degree of maturity. Dilaf was far more seasoned than he led people to assume. But, what did that mean? Hrathen shook his head, pushing the door open and walking into his rooms. Dilaf's power over the chapel was growing as Hrathen struggled to find an appropriate, and willing, n... |
aging pages, selecting the one he was looking for. I have found purpose, the book read. Before, I lived, but I didn't know why. I have direction now. It gives glory to all that I do. I serve in Lord Jaddeth's empire, and my service is linked directly to Him. I am important. Priests in the Derethi faith were trained to ... |
Arelish noblewoman's extravagant wardrobe. “Be nice to her,” Sarene ordered, handing Raoden a box from the cart. “She's the only woman brave enough to come-though she only agreed because I had Shuden ask her. If you scare that girl away, none of the others will ever come.” “Yes, Your Highness,” Raoden said, bowing slig... |
noble his rank. She gave orders easily and naturally, and never feigned weakness in order to draw a man's attentiveness. Yet, the lords followed her. Eondel, Shuden, even Duke Roial-they deferred to her in judgment and responded to her commands as if she were king. There was never a look of bitterness in their eyes, ei... |
do a great deal of rebuilding after Sarene's Trial finished, but the setbacks would be worth the effort. Assuming, of course, he survived long enough. The casual thought brought a sudden awareness of his pains. They were with him as always, burning his flesh and eating at his resolve. He no longer counted them, though ... |
day in Elantris. His pain then had only been emotional, and comparatively weak at that. If he had truly understood what he was getting into, he probably would have curled up and joined the Hoed right then and there. He turned, putting his back to the gate. Mareshe and Galladon stood in the center of the courtyard, look... |
them. “Oh, you're going to love this,” Galladon said, peering into the second box with a shake of his head. “What?” “It's our steel,” the Dula explained. Last time they had asked for twenty sheets of steel, and Sarene had promptly delivered twenty plates of the metal pounded so thin they almost floated when dropped. Th... |
“We'll get there again, sule.” Galladon said. “We worked so hard to help them become human again, and now they've abandoned what they learned. They wait with open mouths-I wonder if Sarene realizes that her three-meal bags usually last only a few minutes. The princess is trying to stop hunger, but the people devour her... |
declining to respond. “Come on,” Raoden said, leading the way out of the chapel's back room. They found Karata sitting outside of the Hall of the Fallen, a length of string and a needle held in her hand. Saolin sat in front of her, his sleeve pulled back, exposing a long, deep gash running along his entire arm. There w... |
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