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me. I don't plan to bow anytime one of your priests comes to visit. I will convert to your religion, but I will do so only with the promise of an ecclesiastic rank to match my civil one.1 Not just King Telrii, but Gyorn Telrii.” Hrathen shook his head in wonder. How easily this man claimed that he was not “ignorant” of... |
to the secret of AonDor yet forever unable to find it. The large map, now hung from the wall near his1 desk, fluttered as he pushed it flat, studying its lines. Its edges were worn with age, and the ink was beginning to fade. The map had lived through Elantris's glory and collapse: how he wished it could speak, whisper... |
head. Raoden nodded, keeping the melancholy out of his face. He didn't know what means Sarene was using to deliver the supplies, but for some reason Raoden and the others weren't allowed to retrieve the boxes until after their deliverers had gone. “Stop moping, sule,” Galladon s1aid with a grunt. “It doesn't suit you-i... |
to explain. His toe still burned, he was still an Elantrian, but the Dor had been freed. He had ... fixed something. The Dor would come against him no more. Then he heard a sound-lik1e that of a burning fire. His Aon, the one he had drawn before him, was glowing brightly. Raoden yelped, gesturing for Galladon to duck a... |
center. The glow faded immediately, the Aon's lines vanishing one at a time, as if some invisible finger were undrawing them. Then he drew another Aon Ashe, this time including all the power-increasing modifiers he knew. When this Aon finally stabilized, it appeared slightly brighter than the first one, but nowhere nea... |
Linked Aons appeared to work. “The Shaod hasn't finished with us-whatever's keeping the Aons from reaching their full potential is also stopping us from becoming true Elantrians. Until our transformation is finished, it appears that no Aons can affect us.” “I still don't understand that first explosion, sule,” Galladon... |
illusion is like an article of clothing-it only covers up my skin; it doesn't change anything.” “Then what good is it?” Raoden smiled. “It is going to get us out of Elantris, my friend.” CHAPTER 50 “WHAT took you so long?” “I couldn't find Spirit, my lady.” Ashe explained, floating into her carriage window. “So I had t... |
an opportunity to practice fencing this day. She needed to release a little aggression. As if in response to her thoughts, the carriage pulled to a halt in front of Roial's manor. In the wake of Telrii's move into the palace, the women had relocated their fencing practice to the old duke's gardens. The weather of late ... |
silks, a feathered hat on his head. He had the creamy brown skin of a Duladen aristocrat-not as dark as Shuden's, but not as light as Sarene's. His features were round and happy, and he had a foppish, unconcerned air. Duladen indeed. The dark-skinned servant at his side was massive and bulky, like most Dulas of lower b... |
my time without hint of an accent.” Sarene just frowned. As she watched the man perform, she realized what it was. Kaloo was too stereotypical. He represented everything a Duladen aristocrat was said to be-foolishly haughty, overdressed and overmannered, and completely indifferent when it came to just about everything.... |
the offending Dula. Soon she emerged into the sunlight, jumping off the wooden dais and landing barefoot in the soft grass. As shocked as they were at the impropriety of the battle, the women made certain not to miss a single blow. Sarene could see them following as she and Kaloo moved out into the flat courtyard at th... |
at her and smiled-not the silly, foppish smile he had used before, but a more knowing, sly smile. A smile she found strikingly familiar for some reason. He performed another one of his ridiculous bows, then allowed himself to be led away. CHAPTER 51 THE market's tents were a bright burst of color in the ce1nter of the ... |
The tent was a large blue structure with extravagant embroidery and large winglike pavilions to the sides. The breeze brought hints of spice and smoke: an incense merchant. Hrathen frowned. He was certain he had seen the distinctive bloodred of a Derethi robe as someone ducked inside the tent. The Arteths were supposed... |
throwing open the tent flap and striding out into the light. “Dilaf?” Hrathen asked in a voice far too soft for the Arteth to hear. “What victory?” CHAPTER 52 “OW!” Raoden complained as Galladon stuck the needle into his cheek. “Stop whining.” the Dula ordered, pulling the thread tight. “Karata's much better at this.” ... |
Raoden's bed. “I wouldn't have believed you were a Dula, but they seem to. I don't think you could have made a better choice, anyway. Kolo?” Raoden nodded as he drew. The Arelish nobility were too well known, and Sarene would have immediately seen through any attempt at pretending to be from Teod. Assuming he wanted to... |
by every man.” Galladon snorted, loved by all of the women but one, you mean.” “Well, she did invite me to spar with her any time I wanted.” Raoden said, smiling as he walked over to pull open the drapes. “Even if it was just to get another chance to impale you.” Galladon said. “You should be glad she hit you on the fa... |
been with me since I was born; he is worthy of any man's trust.” Roial nodded, turning back to look out over his estate. “I do not mention the harsh times in your homeland indiscriminately, citizen. You said they are over now, but I fear for us the terror is just1 beginning.” “Ah, you speak of the problems with the thr... |
the merchant Kiin?” “Yes.” “Meet me there tonight at sunset.” Raoden nodded, and the duke excused himself. As the door shut, Raoden winked at Galladon. “And you thought I couldn't do it.” “I'll never doubt you again,” Galladon said dryly. “The secret was Roial, my friend,” Raoden said, pulling the balcony door shut as ... |
of creamy white glaze atop them. Despite her insistences that he not prepare dinner, Kiin had obviously been unable to let this many people congregate without giving them something to eat. Sarene smiled: she doubted that other treasonous conspiracies enjoyed gourmet snacks. A few moments later, Ahan waddled in, nor bot... |
don't you try and explain that to Jindo and Duladel?” “She's right,” Roial said. “Fjorden embraced Shu-Dereth as a vehicle for domination. If those priests convert Arelon, then Wyrn will rule here no matter who we put on the throne.” “Then raising an army of peasants is out?” Shuden asked, bringing the conversation bac... |
his mistake. He had let go of Kaloo too quickly, allowing too much of his true self to show. The others hadn't noticed the change, but Sarene-dear suspicious Sarene-hadn't been so lax. He looked into her shocked, wide eyes, and knew that she knew. Somehow, despite their short time together, she had recognized him when ... |
these last few days, you ducked away-and you ignored the letter I sent you. I couldn't just jump in front of you and drop my illusion. I actually came to Kiin's last night in the hopes I would see you in the window.” “You did?” Sarene asked with a smile. “Ask Galladon,” Raoden said. “He's back at Roial's right now eati... |
One chair was still empty, however. “Where's Ahan?” Sarene asked. Kiin frowned. “He left,” he declared in a bitter tone. Lukel laughed, shooting Sarene a smile. “The count claims that something he ate didn't agree with him. He ... stepped out.” “It's impossible,” Kiin grumbled. “There was nothing in those crackers that... |
shook a mournful, white-haired head. “You fool. Didn't you realize when this stopped being a game? We aren't playing with fruits and silks anymore.” “Protest if you will,” Ahan said with a triumphant shake of his finger. “But you have to admit, I got you! I've been waiting to do this for months-I could never get Iadon ... |
him, leaving the conspirators alone. Spirit-Raoden-hopped over the table, brushing past Lukel. He shoved the still blubbering Ahan out of his way and knelt next to Kiin-the only one who had thought to try treating Roial's wound. Sarene watched dumbly from behind, her senses paralyzed. It was obvious that Kiin's care wo... |
and Lukel fall to their knees, bowing their heads reverently. “My king,” Eondel said, speaking for all of them. “My. . . husband,” Sarene realized with shock. CHAPTER 54 “HE did what?” Hrathen asked with amazement. The priest, startled by Hrathen's sudden reaction, stuttered as he repeated the message. Hrathen cut the ... |
cursed-a battle on the one night he had left his armor behind. Gritting his teeth, he spun past the fighting guards and entered the room. The tapestries were in flames, and men struggled desperately in the close confines. Several guards lay dead at the far doorway. Some wore the brown and yellow of the Elantris Guard. ... |
schoolgirl. Sarene raised her head, looking into his eyes. “I can't believe I didn't put it together. I was even suspicious about your-meaning Raoden's-disappearance. I assumed the king had killed you off, or at least exiled you.” “He certainly would have liked to,” Raoden said. “He tried to send me away on numerous oc... |
area like worried insects all morning. Sarene had sent her Seon to investigate, but he had vet to return. “He was such a good man,” Sarene said softly. “Roial?” Raoden asked. “Yes, he was. The duke was the role model I needed when my father proved unworthy.” Sarene chuckled softly. “When Kiin first introduced Roial to ... |
stubble underneath. Sarene turned with questioning, annoyed eyes, but Raoden was already drawing. It wasn't a complex Aon: it required him only to stipulate a target, how the target was to be affected, and a length of time. When he finished, her hair began to grow. It went lethargically, sliding out of her head like a ... |
was going to marry Roial last week. He was a dear old man, but he was so incredibly homely that rocks looked handsome when he stood next to them.” Raoden laughed. Despite everything-Telrii. Hrathen, and p1oor Roial's demise-his heart was jubilant. “What are they doing?” Sarene said, looking back at the palace. Raoden t... |
of the situation the count had created. The soldiers did not wait on ceremony to immolate the fallen men. They simply lit the pyre, then saluted en masse as the bodies burned away. Whatever else could be said about the Guard, they performed this one duty with solemnity and honor. “There,” Raoden said, pointing his Aon ... |
her on the dais, then turned to regard the nobility of Arelon. He recognized most of the faces. Many of them had supported him before his exile. Now most were simply confused. His appearance had been sudden, as had Telrii's death. Rumors were widespread that Raoden had been behind the assassination, but most of the peo... |
head. “Behold, your king!” she exclaimed. Some of the people actually started cheering. One man was not cheering, but hissing. Dilaf looked as if he wanted to claw his way through the crowd and rip Raoden apart with his bare hands. The people, whose cheers increased from a few scattered yells to a general exclamation o... |
would wash over Arelon, slaughtering the peopleSarene included. Hrathen had to work quickly if he was going to find a way to convert the kingdom with so little time remaining. Hrathen pulled back as Raoden began the coronation. Many a king ordered his enemies' incarceration as a first royal decree, and Hrathen didn't w... |
They weren't merchants at all, but warriors. The invasion of Arelon was to begin a month early. Wyrn had sent the monks of Dakhor. CHAPTER 58 RAODEN awoke to strange sounds. He lay disoriented for a moment in Roial's mansion. The wedding wasn't slated to happen until the following afternoon, and so Raoden had chosen to... |
on the streets of Kae without being caught. “What the boxes contain is none of your business,” Sarene replied, handing him a pouch of coins. Hoid nodded, his face hidden in the darkness of his hood. Sarene had never seen his face, but she assumed from his voice that he was an older man. She shivered in the night, eager... |
fire in his eyes. Another short hop took the soldier to the top of the carriage. The vehicle rocked slightly, and the coachman screamed. Sarene threw open her door and stumbled out. She scrambled across the cobblestones, shoes thrown from her feet in haste. Just up the street, away from the fires, lay Kiin's house. If ... |
Torena, who 1sniffled quietly in his arms. Daorn, Kaise, and Adien huddled in a corner with Lukel's wife. Raoden was not there. “What ... what are those things?” Sarene asked, looking up at Lukel. Her cousin shook his head. “I don't know. The attack started just a short time ago, and we were worried that something had ... |
prayers and incantations used to create Dakhor monks were secret; even the gyorns didn't know them. A few months after a boy was initiated into the Dakhor order, his bones started to grow and twist, adopting strange patterns like those visible beneath Dilaf 's skin. Somehow, each of those patterns gave its bearer abili... |
at the back of his head, but there were others-scratches, bruises, and cuts across his entire body. For a moment it was almost too much. Each wound stung sharply, never deadening, never weakening. Fortunately, he had spent weeks dealing with the Dot's all-powerful attacks. Compared to those crushing monuments of agony,... |
dismayed observer, as Sarene fell into Dilaf 's trap. The Dakhor monks sprang forward, jumping from hiding places along the base of the building. They leaped to the walls, their feet seeming to stick as they found tiny footholds between bricks and arrow slits. Several monks, already in place hanging from the back of th... |
being held by a quiet Dakhor. The prince reached out to her, his arm wavering. “Oh,” Dilaf said, unsheathing his sword. “I forgot about you.” He smiled wickedly as he rammed the blade through Raoden's stomach. The pain washed over Raoden like a sudden wave of light. He hadn't even seen the thrust coming. He felt it, ho... |
even at that distance, but by the time they had arrived at New Elantris, no one but Hoed remained. As far as he knew, he and Karata were the last two conscious Elantrians. Karata placed a hand on his shoulder. “Galladon, we should go. This place is not safe.” “No,” Galladon said, climbing to his feet. “I have a promise... |
was a jarring sensation, and Kae vanished around them. They reappeared in an unfamiliar city. The houses lining the nearby street were tall and connected, rather than separated and squat like those of Kae. They had arrived in Teod. The group still stood in a circle, but Hrathen did not fail to notice that the man in th... |
could no longer feel hope; he'd chased it far away, wary of its fickle tricks. He should have left it there. Without hope, he wouldn't have to worry about disappointment. “Doloken, sule,” Galladon mumbled, looking down at the mindless Raoden, “you certainly made a mess of me.” The worst of it was, he still hoped. The l... |
if they could have seen her as she was, voluntarily staying with her husband though it meant eertain death, they would have realized their mistake. Of all the deals, trades, and recognitions Lukel had won, the prize of Jalla's heart was by far the most valuable. His family pulled close to him, Daora and the children ha... |
already fifty years old back then, Hrathen,” Dilaf said. “Did you know that? I have lived nearly seventy years, though my body doesn't look older than twenty. She thought I was the most handsome man she'd ever seen, even though my body had been twisted and destroyed to fit the mold of an Arelene.” Hrathen remained quie... |
with the others. Adien didn't respond. Angry, the soldier slashed at Adien with a sword, leaving a large gash in his chest. Adien stumbled, but kept walking. No blood came from the wound. The soldier's eyes opened wide, and he jumped back, making a ward against evil. Adien approached the pile of Elantrians and joined i... |
of bodies. Three shirtless warriors stood at the side, singing some sort of chant in a foreign language that sounded too harsh and unfamiliar to be Fjordell. We will be next, Lukel realized. “Don't look.” Lukel ordered his family, turning away as the soldiers prepared Elantris for immolation. King Eventeo stood in the ... |
was so surprised that he dropped the body. Raoden stumbled forward, trying to get his footing, and fell directly into the pool. CHAPTER 61 DILAF reached around the princess to press his dagger against her neck. Eventeo's eyes opened wide with horror. Hrathen watched the dagger begin to slice Sarene's skin. He thought o... |
and swung it at a soldier. The wood bounced off the man's helmet, but the blow was powerful enough to daze him, so Lukel followed it with a solid blow to the face. The soldier dropped and Lukel grabbed his weapon. Now he had a sword. He only wished he knew how to use it. The Dakhor were faster, stronger, and tou1gher, ... |
rammed through her chest. Her horrible scream, and the sight of the blood streaming down her dress, unnerved the other women. They broke, dropping their weapons. Lukel took a long gash on the thigh as one of his foes realized he had no clue how to use his weapon. Lukel yelled in pain and fell to the cobblestones, holdi... |
related to them as pieces of flesh. They were simply lumps of pain burning at the end of his legs. But still he ran on. He knew that if he stoppe1d, the pain would claim him once again. He wasn't truly free-his mind was on loan, returned from the void to perform a single task. When he was finished, the white nothingnes... |
into the earth next to Raoden's hand, coming within inches of crushing his fingers. Still he kept moving. He looked up as he neared the end. A soldier finished the swing that1 separated Karata's beleaguered head from her body. Galladon fell with a pair of swords in his stomach. A soldier pointed at Raoden. Raoden gritt... |
still. They stood as if at the eye of an enor1mous white storm, power raging in a wall of luster that surrounded the city. Townspeople cried out in fear, and soldiers cursed, looking up at the shining walls with confusion. Lukel wasn't watching the walls. His mouth opened slightly in amazement as he stared at the pyre ... |
would never launch his ships in time. Besides, fifty Dakhor already roamed his capital. Th1e monks themselves were like an army, each one as powerful as a hundred normal men. They would take Teod yet. CHAPTER 62 SARENE and Hrathen shambled down the city street, their nondescript cloaks pulled close. Hrathen kept his ho... |
could say that he now followed the truth in his heart. He could die and face Jaddeth with courage and pride. The though1t crossed his mind right before he felt the stab of pain in his chest. He reached over in surprise, grunting as he brought his hand up. His fingers were stained with blood. He felt his feet weaken, an... |
crossed it with the Chasm line, and the wound in the merchant's leg resealed instantly. Not only did Raoden know the proper modifiers this time, but his Aons had the power of Elantris behind them. With the resurrection of the city, AonDor had regained its legendary strength. Lukel looked down, experimentally bending hi... |
awed. In him they saw a return to their former lives. Hopeful, luxurious lives filled with ample food and time. Lives nearly forgotten over a decade of tyranny. Raoden gave them no heed, continuing until he stood on the northern wall, which overlooked the broad blue Sea of Fjorden. On the other side of those waters lay... |
that happened. But, I couldn't interact-I couldn't say anything. That's changed now, but one thing remains the same. My mind ... I've always been able to figure numbers....” “Footsteps.” Raoden whispered. “One million, three hundred twenty-seven thousand, forty-two,” Ad1ien repeated. “That is how many steps it is to Te... |
stumbling back to his feet. Raoden cursed. He dashed the short distance and grabbed Sarene. “Hold on.” he ordered, his free hand tracing another Aon. The designs Raoden crafted around Aon Tia were complex, but his hand moved dexterously. He finished it just as Dilaf's men reached them. Sarene's body lurched, much as it... |
from being thrown to the ground. When she finally dared open her eyes, they were surrounded by hundreds of silver-skinned forms. “Aon Daa!” Galladon ordered with a booming voice. Two hundred hands raised in the air, scribbling Aons. About half of them made mistakes, their Aons evaporating. Enough finished, however, to ... |
This pain, however, was weak and dull compared to his former agonies. He forgot it quickly, rolling again as Dilaf 's blade sought his heart. If his heart stopped again. Raoden would die. Elantrians were strong and quick-healing, but they were not immortal. As he dodged. Raoden searched through his memory of Aons. Thin... |
begins.” Dilaf whispered reverently, bringing up his sword. “You may stop yelling, my love.” Raoden grabbed Sarene protectively with a bleeding hand. Then he paused. There was something moving behind Dilaf-a form in the shadows of the alleyway. Frowning, Dilaf turned to follow Raoden's gaze. A figure stumbled from the ... |
Dilaf and Hrathen's corpses. Then Galladon settled down, letting Raoden tell him how 1to draw Aon Ien. A few moments later, Raoden's hands and ribs had been restored, and he moved to help Sarene. She sat quietly. Despite her wound, she had already checked on Hrathen. He was dead. In fact, either one of the wounds in hi... |
that there was anyone else present. So Raoden let his mind wander too. He couldn't stop thinking of a conversation he had held with Galladon earlier in the day, a conversation initiated because of a piece of bone. The bone, retrieved from the body of a dead Fjordell monk, was deformed and twisted-yet it was more beauti... |
proclaimed to all of Arelon that its king was married. The cheering began, and Sarene leaned over to kiss him. “Was it everything you hoped for?” Raoden asked. “You said you have been anticipating this moment for your entire life.” “It was wonderful,” Sarene replied. “However, there is one thing I have looked forward t... |
If it was true that Kiin was the older brother, then he should have inherited, not Eventeo.1 Her father still wouldn't speak on the subject, but she intended to get her answers eventually. As she pondered, she noticed a carriage pulling up to the grave site. The door opened and Torena climbed out, leading her overweigh... |
fallen on Arelon, Elantris or no Elantris, and you all would be fighting for survival at this moment-if, that is, you were even still alive.” Sarene paused, letting her eyes linger on the grave. At its head stood a carefully arranged stack of bloodred armor. Hrathen's cloak hung on the end of a sword, its point driven ... |
Telrii's wife. Chay: (J) A piece in the game of ShinDa. An ambiguous piece, the Chay piece moves differently depending on what other piece is closest to it. ChayShan: (J) An ancient Jindoeese martial art based on slow movements that build in speed. Rumored to have mystical applications. Many Jindoeese people who are no... |
(A) See Crushthroat, Draok. Dula: (D) A word for those who are from Duladel. Duladel: (D) A country to the southeast of Arelon. Duladel is racially mixed, its people having heritage from all across the continent. Up until recent times, Duladel was ruled over by a republic, and all men were free. Duladen citizens tended... |
troops across the continent, Fjorden sends priests. It is said that the conversions obtained—or forced—by these priests have granted Fjorden more power than even the First Empire once held. Forton: (F) An alchemist in Hrovell. Galladon: (D) An Elantrian. Before the Shaod took him, he was from Duladel. Garha: (F) A caff... |
strong temper, and a slight paranoia of assassins. Ial: (A) 1) The Aon for 'Fertile.' 2) A large plantation in northern Arelon, currently held by Duke Roial. Iald: (A) A port city in Ial plantation. Iam: (A) The Aon for 'Age.' Idan: (A) A minor nobleman in Arelon. Ido: (A) The Aon for 'Mercy.' Idos: (A) Merciful. Often... |
plantation in southern Arelon, currently held by baron Shuden. Kae: (A) The current capital of Arelon. Before the Reod, Kae was one of the four smaller cities that surrounded Elantris. It was populated by wealthy merchants and craftsmen who pandered to the Elantrians. After the Reod, Kae became King Iadon's seat of pow... |
and adopted son of Kiin. Lukel just finished studies in the Svordish university, where he married a Fjordell named Jalla. He was Raoden's 1best friend when the two of them were growing up. Maare: (A) An Elantrian woman. MaeDal: (A) Second day of the week according to the Aonic calendar. Maiben: Second son of Daora and ... |
enormous crack in the ground just south of lake Alonoe. Revertiss: (F) A famous food dish. Rii: (A) The Aon for wealth. Riil: (A) An Elantrian man. Before the Shaod took him, he was a bricklayer. Rivercrawler: (J) A type of Jindoeese crawfish. Roial: (A) An elderly Arelis Duke. Roial is one of the richest, and most inf... |
Shu-Dereth: (J/F) The name given to the religion founded by Dereth. Shu-Dereth interpreted Keseg's teachings to mean that all men must be united beneath the rule of one nation. Dereth taught that once all men bow before a single monarch, proving their unified nature, God would come to live amongst them. Though Dereth's... |
Daughter of Earl Ahan. She is slight of frame and somewhat quiet. Tore: (A) A very minor noble title in Arelon. Waren: (A) A young noble in Arelon, known for his white hair and piety. Widor: (F) The capital of Fjorden. Wulfden: (F) A common name for Fjordell Wyrns. Wulfden the First was the one who instigated Derethi a... |
suggestions, and her help is greatly appreciated. Also, as always, my agent, Joshua Bilmes, and my editor, Moshe Feder, did an extremely large amount of work on this manuscript, taking it from the Second or Third Heightening to at least the Eighth. At Tor, several people have gone well beyond their call of duty. The fi... |
to judge roughly how many Breaths the person contains and the general health of that Breath. Persons without this Heightening have a much more difficult time judging auras directly, and must rely instead on how deeply the colors around a person change when they enter the aura. Without at least the first Heightening, it... |
a monk. Above Fafen was Ridger, the eldest son. He would inherit the throne. And then there was Vivenna. Siri sighed as she walked down the path back to the city. Vivenna, the firstborn, was...well...Vivenna. Beautiful, poised, perfect in most every way. It was a good thing, too, considering the fact that she was betro... |
out a couple of brightly colored flowers. The children’s eyes opened wide, gazing at the vibrant colors. Three of the flowers were blue, one yellow. The flowers stood out starkly against the town’s determined drabness. Other than what one could find in the skin and eyes of the people, there wasn’t a drop of color in sight... |
Hallandren? Maybe we should start inviting Awakeners into the city? How’d you like that? Some devil sucking the souls out of children, strangling people with their own clothing? Bringing men back from the grave, then using their dead bodies for cheap labor? Sacrificing women on their unholy altars?” Siri felt her hair ... |
minutes later, she galloped away from the palace, wearing her favorite brown cloak, feeling an exhilarated thrill that sent her hair into a deep blond. A nice quick ride would be a good way to round out the day. After all, her punishment was likely to be the same either way. ~ Dedelin, king of Idris, set the letter dow... |
we keep the treaty, there will be debates and arguments. If those last until the snows, then we will have gained the time we need so badly.” It all made sense. Brutal, honest sense. All these years, Dedelin had stalled and watched as the Hallandren court grew more and more aggressive, more and more agitated. Every year... |
since the Manywar. And perhaps I can find a way to rile Vahr’s broken rebel faction in Hallandren itself. At the very least, we can build, gather supplies, live another year.” Yarda turned to him. “If we don’t send the Hallandren their princess, the war will be seen as our fault. Who will support us? They will demand t... |
this, Father,” Vivenna said. “I am ready. Siri, however, will not take this well. She left on a ride an hour ago. I should depart the city before she gets back. That will avoid any potential scene she might make.” “Too late,” Yarda said, grimacing and nodding toward the window. Just outside, people scattered in the cou... |
end, it was what made the decision for him. Dedelin turned back toward the room. “Vivenna, you will not go to wed the tyrant god of our enemies. I’m sending Siri in your place.” Annotations to Chapter One Two Annotations for Chapter 2 Siri sat, stunned, in a rattling carriage, her homeland growing more and more distant... |
certain she’s ‘suited’ to that task.” What then of my training? Vivenna thought. Twenty-two years of preparation? What was that, if the only point in being sent was to provide a convenient womb? She kept her hair black, her voice solemn, her face calm. “Siri must be distraught,” she said. “I don’t think she’s emotional... |
hear the whispers. She made her way to her room—which was small and unadorned—and sat down on her bed, hands in her lap. She didn’t agree at all with her father’s assessment. She could have done something. She was to have been the God King’s bride. That would have given her influence in the court. Everyone knew that the... |
like some hunk of mutton—doomed by a document that had been written years before she’d even been born. If anyone had a right to a tantrum, it was Siri. Maybe that’s the reason for all of this, she thought, crossing her arms on the windowsill. Maybe Father was tired of my tantrums, and just wanted to get rid of me. That... |
eyes of several young men in the village. However, the fact that they would have to become monks themselves if they wanted to marry her kept them in check. If Fafen noticed how popular she was, she’d never shown it. She’d made the decision to become a monk before her tenth birthday, and her father had wholeheartedly ap... |
own, Vivenna had little purpose. And yet, as she considered it, there was someone who still needed her. Someone who had left a week before, teary-eyed and frightened, looking to her big sister with desperation. Vivenna wasn’t needed in Idris, whatever her father said. She was useless here. But she did know the people, ... |
a muscular physique that he didn’t deserve, considering the amount of time he spent idle. “Did you sleep well, Your Grace?” a voice asked. Lightsong turned. Llarimar, his high priest, was a tall, portly man with spectacles and a calm demeanor. His hands were nearly hidden by the deep sleeves of his gold and red robe, a... |
probably the world’s only god who didn’t believe in his own religion. “Was there anything else to the dream, Your Grace?” Llarimar asked, looking up from his book. “You were there, Scoot.” Llarimar paused, paling just slightly. “I...was?” Lightsong nodded. “You apologized for bothering me all the time and keeping me fr... |
girl’s face in his oversized hands. She began to cry, but she said the words, clear and distinct as she had been taught. “My life to yours. My Breath become yours.” Her Breath flowed out, puffing in the air. It traveled along Lightsong’s arm—the touch was necessary—and he drew it in. His weakness vanished, the dizziness... |
nodding to one of his aides outside the room. The lesser priest scribbled down what Lightsong had said about the painting. Somewhere, there was a city patron who sought a blessing from Lightsong. It probably had to do with bravery—perhaps the patron was planning to propose marriage, or maybe he was a merchant about to ... |
shades of color and sound. He could tell an ideal red from one that had been mixed with even one drop of white paint. He gave the peasant’s poem as good a review as he could, though he generally felt an impulse to be honest when he looked at Offerings. It seemed his duty, and for some reason it was one of the few thing... |
no petitions today. Your priests will be otherwise employed.” “They will?” Lightsong demanded. “Doing what?” “Kneeling reverently in the courtyard, Your Grace. Our new queen arrives today.” Lightsong froze. I really need to pay more attention to politics. “Today?” “Indeed, Your Grace. Our lord the God King will be marr... |
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