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    The Ancient Shrine
    The Ancient Shrine
    The Ancient Shrine
    Ebook755 pages12 hours

    The Ancient Shrine

    By Ashley Abbiss

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    About this ebook

    “Oh no,” the goddess cried. “Mother! Mother!” ‎
    Ten years ago, the world changed. The enmity between the Cult of the Earth Mother and ‎the other religions of the world was resolved, Maras, chief of the gods, was reconciled with his ‎wife, and their daughter Warin left her life as a human and went back to being a goddess. The ‎world has had ten years of peace, and Niari, Carlitha and their friends are busy getting on with ‎their lives. ‎
    But suddenly things are going wrong. Destinies are going awry, and as goddess of destiny ‎it’s up to Warin to fix the problem before something drastic happens down below and the ‎course of history is derailed. ‎
    Meantime, in Entroth, a new religion has arisen, and as it spreads like wildfire through the ‎nations it becomes apparent that one of its major aims is to kill Niari and Carlitha and their ‎friend Mennia. But just who is this new goddess, the Queen of All, and why does she want ‎Niari and Carlitha, and Mennia, of all people, dead? And who is her prophetess, the woman ‎known as Iltara, who is said to be a sorceress? There aren’t more than a dozen sorceresses in ‎the world. Niari and Carlitha know them all by reputation, if not personally, and they’ve never ‎heard of Iltara. Is she someone new, or one of others under a different name? Or is she an ‎impostor? The answer is rather crucial if they’re to stop her. ‎
    Niari and Carlitha’s brother, King Aanek, places his sisters in protective custody and ‎mobilises the Nebrethian intelligence service to find the answers. ‎
    Meanwhile, Warin is labouring to unravel the snarled threads of destiny and find out what’s ‎gone wrong so she can work out how to fix it. ‎
    But can they all find their various answers before something really catastrophic happens? ‎
    The Ancient Shrine is an epic fantasy adventure in the best tradition of sword and sorcery. ‎Join Niari, Carlitha and their friends as they fight the forces of evil in a world where magic is ‎real, where humans can speak to animals, and where the gods are a lot closer than you might ‎think. This is the fourth novel in the Daughters of Destiny series, but can be read as a ‎standalone novel if desired. ‎

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherAshley Abbiss
    Release dateOct 28, 2016
    ISBN9781370159390
    The Ancient Shrine
    Author

    Ashley Abbiss

    Hello there. I’m Ashley Abbiss. ‎I live and write in beautiful New Zealand, where I live with one large dog, who looks nothing ‎like Friend from my Daughters of Destiny books. She is, however, almost as intelligent and definitely as ‎opinionated, and if she can’t quite speak in the way Friend does to Niari, that doesn’t really ‎hold her back much!‎I write fantasy, mostly of the epic variety. Let me say right up front that if you’re looking for a quick read, you’re in the wrong place. But if you like a substantial, ‎satisfying story that you can really get your teeth into, stick with me. I may have something ‎you’ll enjoy. There’s no graphic sex in my books. If that’s what you want, you’ll have to look ‎elsewhere. There is violence, and there is swearing, though mostly of the ‘s/he swore’ variety, ‎nothing overly graphic or offensive. I also write about strong, independent female characters, ‎so if your taste runs to something more macho, or something more frilly and helpless, this may ‎not be the place for you. ‎I’ve always loved wandering in different worlds, be they fantasy or science fiction, although ‎lately I tend to prefer fantasy. The only proviso is that they have to be believable worlds, ‎worlds that feel real, that have depth and scope – and they must, absolutely must be fun to ‎visit. I read for escape and entertainment, and I don’t really want to escape from this world ‎into one even grimmer. Trouble, tension, and danger I can deal with, what sort of story would ‎there be without them? Where would Pern be without Thread, Frodo without Sauron, Harry ‎Potter without Voldemort? But there has to be hope, and there has to be a light touch. Happy ‎ever after does have a lot going for it, even if initially it’s only a very small light at the end of ‎a long, dark tunnel. My personal favourites include Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy, Anne ‎McCaffrey’s Pern series, and the fantasies of David Eddings, and lately, they’ve been joined ‎by J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and a few others. Of those, David Eddings was probably my ‎greatest inspiration.‎I began to wonder if I could create my own world, one just as believable and multi-layered as ‎theirs. Could I create a world with its own history, geography, social structure, deities, and all ‎the rest? One that hung together? That a reader could believe in? It became a challenge, one I ‎really wanted to see if I could meet. So I dusted off my writing skills, learned a few more, ‎cranked up the imagination, and got busy. I’d always been good at creative writing, but ‎though I’d made a few attempts to write after I left school, none of them came to anything. ‎That was until I started writing fantasy. Suddenly, I knew I’d come home. ‎I quickly discovered that I’m not the sort of writer who can plan a book (or a world!) before I ‎start. I just can’t do it. But I can create characters, and suddenly the characters took on a ‎reality of their own and took over the stories, often to the extent that they actually surprised ‎me. And the stories worked. Their world worked. Sometimes I had to go back and fix the ‎odd contradiction, but mostly it worked and was very natural and organic. Even though my ‎first attempts were pitiful, I knew I’d found where I belong. I persevered, I learned, I wrote. ‎I discovered that the characters are key for me. Once I get them right, they tell their own ‎story. I was away. There were dark days during which my stories became my refuge, my ‎characters my friends. And I kept writing. There were happy times when I didn’t need a ‎refuge, but my characters were still my friends, and they drew me inexorably back. I kept ‎writing. ‎And now, I hope my characters may become your friends too, my worlds ones where you also ‎like to walk; perhaps even your refuge from dark days. Come join me in a world where magic ‎is real and the gods are near, where beasts talk and men and women achieve things they never ‎dreamed they could. But most of all, come and have fun! ‎Happy reading.‎Ash.‎

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      Book preview

      The Ancient Shrine - Ashley Abbiss

      THE ANCIENT SHRINE

      (The Fourth Daughters of Destiny Novel)

      by Ashley Abbiss

      Copyright 2016 Ashley Abbiss

      Smashwords Edition

      Smashwords Edition License Notes

      This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

      Cover Photo Credits:

      Woman on Horse   Mircea Bezergheanu | Dreamstime.com

      TABLE OF CONTENTS

      TITLE PAGE

      MAP

      CHAPTER ONE

      CHAPTER TWO

      CHAPTER THREE

      CHAPTER FOUR

      CHAPTER FIVE

      CHAPTER SIX

      CHAPTER SEVEN

      CHAPTER EIGHT

      CHAPTER NINE

      CHAPTER TEN

      CHAPTER ELEVEN

      CHAPTER TWELVE

      CHAPTER THIRTEEN

      CHAPTER FOURTEEN

      CHAPTER FIFTEEN

      CHAPTER SIXTEEN

      CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

      CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

      CHAPTER NINETEEN

      CHAPTER TWENTY

      CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

      CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

      CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

      CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

      CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

      CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

      CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

      CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

      CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

      CHAPTER THIRTY

      CONNECT WITH ASHLEY ABBISS

      PREVIEW OF BOOK FIVE TASSATINA

      CHAPTER ONE

      Oh no! the goddess cried. Mother! Mother!

      Do you really have to arrive like some kind of whirlwind? Cazovania demanded as her daughter appeared. Can’t you knock or something?

      Not really, no, Warin said, casting a glance about her mother’s home.

      Don’t be impertinent, Cazovania said, adjusting the folds of her robe. I like my grove. And your father was quite right. It’s far more appropriate for a fertility goddess. I’m seriously considering ordering my followers to demolish their temples and plant gardens instead. I think that would be much nicer and more suitable, don’t you?

      Until it rains, Warin said, rolling her eyes. But never mind your servants and their gardens. Where’s Uncle Atrios?

      Well, I don’t keep him in my pocket, dear. I expect he’s gloating over his new high priest. It’s the consecration today. Your uncle’s terribly excited about it.

      But he’s got the wrong man! Warin wailed. This isn’t supposed to be happening!

      Warin, do you think it’s at all possible that you’ll start talking sense sometime soon? her mother asked in an exasperated voice. To the best of my knowledge, Atrios can choose whichever of his followers he pleases. They are his, after all.

      But Keladryn is one of the Companions.

      So? We’ve all promised to loan whichever of our people are needed. I’m sure Atrios will still let you borrow Keladryn.

      But Keladryn’s supposed to father Niari’s children.

      Yes? I still don’t see the problem.

      Uncle Atrios doesn’t allow his priests to marry.

      Well, they don’t need to marry, do they? Children are born out of wedlock all the time.

      Mother! Stop being obtuse.

      You mean he doesn’t let them...?

      Warin shook her head.

      Not at all?

      No.

      But that’s ridiculous!

      What’s ridiculous? a masculine voice demanded.

      I will never understand, Cazovania said in a pained voice, why you insist on wearing that silly-looking body, Atrios.

      And I will never understand why everyone seems to think a god of love should look like some overeager, fumbling adolescent. Atrios patted his slight paunch fondly and stroked his neatly-clipped grey-streaked beard. Anyone with a modicum of sense knows that older men make far better lovers. Besides, this body’s comfortable. It’s not beset by raging hormones and inconvenient urges.

      What are you doing here? Cazovania said. I thought you’d be drooling over your new high priest.

      As if that was an invitation, Atrios waved a hand and the women found themselves looking down at the temple courtyard in the city of Atriosa, where the consecration ceremony was in progress.

      Isn’t he wonderful? Atrios asked happily, pointing out the figure standing on the dais. A lot of people were shocked when I chose him, but I have very high hopes for him; very high hopes indeed. He’s going to do great things for the Atriosine faith.

      But you’ve got the wrong man, Warin burst out. You can’t have Keladryn.

      Atrios swung on his heel to face her. Excuse me?

      Warin quailed under that steely gaze.

      I take it her upbringing did include the usual lessons about minding her own business? Atrios asked his sister.

      Don’t be insulting, Cazovania said placidly. Warin isn’t trying to tell you how to run your religion. But apparently, there’s some sort of problem with Keladryn.

      He’s not supposed to be your high priest, Warin said. Something’s gone wrong. This isn’t his destiny.

      It is now, Atrios said smugly. He’s already consecrated. There’s nothing you can do about it.

      But we need him! Warin said in an anguished voice.

      Keladryn is going to be quite possibly the best high priest I’ve ever had, and I’m not giving him up. If there’s something wrong with his destiny, it’s not my problem. That’s your area. But why is it such an issue anyway? I’m as committed to the Plan as you are. If Keladryn’s needed, I guess I can loan him back to you. Taking part in the Plan would be perfectly compatible with him being high priest.

      You don’t know what he’s required to do yet, Warin said, wincing a little.

      I’m not entirely sure I like the sound of that. What’s he required to do?

      He’s supposed to father Niari’s children.

      Out of the question. Absolutely not.

      But...

      Now you listen to me, young lady. I’ve just spent ten years helping this man get over his guilt and teaching him to forgive himself, and I am not putting him through all that again. I absolutely and categorically refuse to let you do anything that will cause him moral distress. That is my last word on the matter. Atrios folded his arms firmly across his chest and glared at his niece.

      This wouldn’t even be an issue if not for your absurd edict about sex, Cazovania informed her brother. Why are you so mean to your priests?

      I do not presume to tell you how to run your religion, Cazovania, Atrios said in a cold voice. Kindly extend me the same courtesy.

      You can get down off your high horse, Atrios. No one’s impressed. Besides, this has a direct bearing on the Plan, so I think we’re entitled to an explanation.

      Atrios threw his hands in the air. All right. Every young woman who belongs to me spends the night of her sixteenth birthday in the temple.

      Whatever for?

      Because they’re hoping that I might visit them, of course.

      Visit them...? Oh, you grubby devil!

      It’s a deep and meaningful religious experience, Atrios said in a voice full of wounded dignity. I am the god of love, after all, as well as the god of the sun. Many of the ones I visit are so moved by the experience that they dedicate their entire lives to me.

      But what’s that got to do with the other?

      Atrios looked pained. Some of the priests started to take advantage. They turned something beautiful into something sordid and disgusting, and what’s more, they impersonated me to do it! So I decided to make them all celibate.

      Why didn’t you just introduce chaperones? Cazovania asked. Mature, responsible women to look out for the girls.

      I didn’t think of it, Atrios admitted. Besides, celibacy works perfectly well.

      Well, I must say I find it faintly ridiculous for the priests of the god of love to be celibate, Cazovania said. If I were you, I’d consider changing it before you become a laughing stock.

      Atrios threw his sister a slightly worried look.

      Besides, Cazovania went on, if you do change it, it’ll solve this problem of Keladryn, won’t it?

      Why should I have to solve it? Atrios asked petulantly. Why can’t Warin just shuffle a few destinies around and make someone else Niari’s lover?

      "I’m not prepared to do that, Uncle. I’m not sure what’s happened to Keladryn’s destiny, but it’s quite obvious that something has, and until I know what caused it and whether anyone else’s destiny is affected, I absolutely refuse to alter anything else. I’m sorry, Uncle, but any moral consequences for Keladryn will affect only one man. Tampering with destiny could conceivably affect the entire future of the world. Keladryn will be the father of Niari’s children."

      You can’t do that!

      Yes, as a matter of fact, I can. When you all agreed to the Plan, you also agreed to release any of your followers who were required to make it work.

      To Maras, not to you.

      I write the prophecies, Uncle. The chosen ones operate under Father’s authority, but I’m the one who makes the Plan work.

      Damn it, I didn’t agree to give you my high priest!

      He wasn’t your high priest when he was chosen, and he should never have been appointed.

      I demand that we take this before Maras! Atrios said.

      If you wish, Uncle, Warin said.

      **********

      Princess Carlitha of Nebreth stifled a yawn.

      Pay attention! Princess Niari hissed, elbowing her sister in the ribs.

      This is as attentive as I get this early in the morning, Carlitha retorted. She yawned again.

      It had been an exhausting few weeks. First, there’d been the journey here to Atriosa, capital of Falodirian, from their home in the south of Nebreth in order to attend Keladryn’s consecration as high priest of Atrios. They’d been lucky enough to hook up with their brother King Aanek and his entourage, which had made travelling much easier, but once in Atriosa the two sisters had found themselves roped into all manner of formal engagements as stand-ins for Queen Marriah who, pregnant at last after twelve barren years, had opted to stay at home rather than face the rigours of travel.

      On top of that, there had been all their own friends to catch up with. Niari and Carlitha had first met Keladryn when he accompanied them on a journey to find the fabled Temple of the Damned. He had invited all his friends to be present at his consecration, so almost the entire complement of the group who had gone on that journey was gathered in Atriosa. This was the first time they’d all been together since that adventure ended, so it was the perfect chance for a reunion. After a couple of days, the women were feeling quite exhausted. There were so many people, so much news to catch up on.

      And now they’d been dragged out of bed before dawn to witness a ceremony that was long, tedious and largely incomprehensible, at least to those who weren’t conversant with Atriosine symbolism. The sisters, however, wouldn’t have missed it for the world. The bulk of the ceremony was over now. The sun was about to rise, and the lamps had all been extinguished. An expectant hush had fallen over the crowd as they waited in the predawn gloom for the first rays of the sun, which would mark the culmination of the ceremony.

      He looks good, doesn’t he? Niari whispered.

      Carlitha nodded, looking up at the figure standing before them on the dais. Keladryn looked happy, exalted of course, but there was something else in his face that gave the two sisters even greater pleasure. When they had first met him, Keladryn had been a hard, self-destructive man and a notorious professional smuggler. He had started his adult life as a priest of Atrios but had left the order after a disastrous exorcism that had resulted in the suicide of his sister. Now as they looked at him, it was apparent that Keladryn had changed. The black patch that covered his missing eye still made him look like a pirate, and his beard was as scraggly as ever, but the hard, haggard lines and sharp angles had gone from his face, smoothed away. It was softer, more open than they remembered it. The suffering and self-condemnation were gone. He looked at peace with himself and with the world, no longer haunted by the tragedy that had driven him from the priesthood and made him the bitter, twisted being he had been when they first encountered him. The things he had been through with them, and his penance when he had returned to the priesthood at the conclusion of their journey, had cleansed him and helped him to forgive himself. For Carlitha and Niari, it was worth the whole long journey just to see that.

      Then the first rays of the sun sliced through the darkness to shine full on the new high priest of Atrios. A great crescendo of sound shattered the quiet as massed choirs carolled a hymn of praise to the sun. A priest stepped forward to clasp the great golden collar of the sun about Keladryn’s neck, completing his consecration, and the entire congregation rose to its feet to follow the new high priest into the temple, where he would be enthroned. Carlitha, crippled since babyhood, used two sticks to help her walk, and she took a little longer than usual to organise them as she tried to blink the tears from her vision.

      **********

      It’s just not good enough, Maras, Atrios complained. I’m not responsible for this mess, yet I’m expected to give up my new high priest to make it right.

      No one’s asking you to give him up, Uncle, Warin said.

      Yes, you are. If you make him do this thing, you’ll undo all the work I’ve done with him. What use is he going to be to me if he’s preoccupied with guilt all the time? He’s just as likely to walk out like he did once before.

      Warin sighed and pushed her hair back in a despairing gesture.

      Explain to me again what’s happened, Warin, Maras ordered.

      Warin looked at the chief of the gods. I’m not entirely sure, Father. But becoming Uncle Atrios’ high priest is not part of Keladryn’s destiny. Not his original destiny, anyway.

      But how could that happen?

      I don’t know. And I don’t know if it’s just Keladryn or if there are others whose destinies have changed too. And until I do know I won’t know how or even if it can be corrected. And that’s why I daren’t risk changing anything else. If I have changes on top of changes I won’t be able to tell what’s caused what. It’s going to be bad enough trying to follow all the threads as it is.

      Well, there you are, Atrios. There’s your answer. You can’t, in all conscience, expect Warin to throw the whole world into chaos just because you’re concerned about your high priest’s morals.

      But... Oh, very well! But I want it fully understood that I’m agreeing to this under protest. Atrios turned to Warin. You can do whatever you have to, but if you cause Keladryn any feelings of guilt you’ll answer to me, young lady. Do I make myself clear?

      Does that mean you’re going to alter the rule of celibacy?

      I refuse to discuss it any more, Atrios said loftily. I’m off to enjoy whatever’s left of what should have been a very special day. You just remember what I said about Keladryn! And he disappeared.

      Warin stared at the spot where he had been. Then she swore.

      Warin!

      Well, he’s such a child sometimes. And we’re no further ahead, are we? He’s just given me permission to do what has to be done and at the same time made it totally impossible. What do I do now?

      Just leave him for a while. He’ll come around eventually. I’ll talk to him when he’s calmed down a bit.

      Well, I suppose it’s not crucial right now. I can’t do anything until I’ve sorted out the rest of it anyway. It’s too risky to change even the tiniest detail right now. I just hope I don’t have to go through all this again with Uncle Atrios when the time comes. Because I’m not giving up on this, Father.

      You know, I never thought I’d hear myself say this, Warin, but I rather think the time you spent down there among the humans has been good for you. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you stand up to anyone with as much determination as you showed with Atrios today.

      Warin smiled. I miss it sometimes, she confessed. There’s something about being human. Maybe it’s knowing that you’re mortal and there’s only so much time, but they’re so much more vital and spirited than we tend to be. You kind of have to fight, have to get on with things before it’s too late. Their lives may be short, but sometimes I think they pack more sheer living into them than we do. Knowing you have forever makes you lazy.

      But you’re not sorry you came home?

      No, Father. I have a job to do here. It’s going to take me quite some time to sort out this present mess, for a start. But when I have, I may just pop back down there for a lifetime or two now and then. I’d like to stay in touch. But right now, I’d better get home and start work. Oh, and Father? Find something solid to hang onto, because Chaos alone knows what’s going to happen down there now.

      You don’t mean that!

      Warin scrubbed wearily at her face. I don’t know what I mean. It all depends on how much has gone wrong. But it’s all interconnected, you know that, a great web of destinies, all dependent on each other. This already affects Keladryn and Niari, and whoever would have been high priest if everything had gone right, and probably hundreds of other people in varying degrees. And their destinies affect others, and then others again. She shrugged. The only thing I know for sure is that it’s high time I got to work. Look after yourself, Father. I’ll be in touch. And Warin disappeared, leaving Maras to stare worriedly after her.

      **********

      You look done in, Carlitha said sympathetically.

      That’s one word for it, Keladryn agreed with a weary grin. There’s a way to go yet before I can fall on my nose, though. He scrubbed at his face.

      It had been a very long day. First, there had been the consecration, of course, before Keladryn presided at his first religious service as high priest. Then there had been a procession through the streets of the city, followed by an audience in the main square, where traditionally any follower of Atrios could approach the high priest. Now it was evening. A splendid banquet had been consumed, and they were now at a reception where the visiting dignitaries could meet Keladryn and speak with him.

      Are you happy? Niari asked.

      Keladryn scratched at his beard and squinted upwards. I don’t think happy really comes into it, Niari. I rather think this is a difficult job I’ve landed in, and I’m probably going to look back with longing to my old free days. Quite often, I shouldn’t wonder. But I really feel that this is what I have to do. It’s the place I’m supposed to be. I don’t suppose that makes much sense to you.

      Yes, Niari said, actually it does. I felt that way more than once when we were going to the Temple of the Damned. You want to turn around and run home, but you know you’ll never be able to live with yourself if you do. There’s something that drives you, and it won’t let you go.

      That’s it exactly. I’m glad you understand. I think I can do some good here. It’ll be a long hard struggle, but I really think I can. I’ve found something worth doing, and that’s more than a lot of men can say. Besides, he grinned, the old Keladryn shining through again, I always liked a challenge.

      Carlitha grinned at him. I’d say you’ve got enough of a challenge here to last you the rest of your life.

      I’d better have. The high priesthood of Atrios is a lifelong appointment. You don’t get to retire.

      They laughed at that, then Keladryn became serious again. I need to talk to you, both of you. Perhaps you’d better ask your brother to attend as well.

      Trouble? Niari asked, catching something in his voice that made her uneasy.

      I’m not quite sure, but I think you should know about it anyway. There’s a side room just through that door. I’ll meet you there in fifteen minutes.

      When Niari and Carlitha, accompanied by King Aanek and Melavim, his right-hand man and head of security, entered the room Keladryn had indicated, they were surprised to find some other people waiting there with him.

      Hello, Warintu, Carlitha said as Keladryn formally greeted the king. I’m amazed to see you here. I thought you were far too busy turning the entire theological world on its ear.

      The prophet of Cazovania inclined his head with a smile. The journey to the Temple of the Damned ten years ago had effected a reconciliation between Maras and his wife Cazovania, the Earth Mother. Peace between the gods had meant there could also be peace between the hated Cult of the Earth Mother, who now called themselves the Cazovanians, and other religions. There were, of course, generations of hatred and suspicion to overcome, but Warintu had proven to be a formidable apologist for his religion, and he was grimly determined to win acceptance for his people.

      Carlitha, Melavim, he said gravely. I was so very sorry to hear about your mother.

      Carlitha tried to smile, but the sudden pain of his remark made her face feel stiff. Although she was the elder sister of Aanek and Niari, the three hadn’t grown up together. Their parents’ affair had been a forbidden one, and the resulting children had been scattered and raised by different people. Carlitha, Melavim and Queen Marriah had all been adopted by a woman named Bethmemin. Carlitha and Bethmemin had been devoted to each other, and three months on from Bethmemin’s death the wounds were still raw. She mumbled something meaningless, then left Melavim to reply properly to Warintu while she searched desperately for something, anything, to divert her thoughts from a path that was too painful. She found it in the other two people who were standing with Keladryn.

      And what took you two so long getting here? she demanded. I was beginning to think you’d had to stay home and guard the border or something.

      Varia and Benric laughed.

      That is what they pay us for, Carlitha, Benric said.

      The two Entrothian border guards were the only members of the company that went to the Temple to be absent from the reunions earlier in the week.

      What’s all this about, Keladryn? Aanek asked as, the greetings over, they all took seats.

      There’s a new cult sprung up here and in Nava that we think you ought to know about, Keladryn said. Some of its doctrines have been causing Warintu and me a bit of concern.

      I don’t know what it’s like here in Falodirian, Melavim said, but these things seem to proliferate like flies in rotten meat in Nebreth. They drive the orthodox priests wild, of course, but they satisfy the needs of a certain kind of person, and from a security point of view they’re rarely anything to worry about. We mostly ignore them.

      We have much the same sort of situation here, Keladryn said, and we mostly deal with them in the same way. Preaching against them only seems to encourage them. Left alone, the vast majority of them quietly die out on their own. I think you might want to take this particular group a little more seriously, though.

      Oh?

      Some of it’s very subversive, Warintu said. They talk about the overthrow of the old and the setting up of a new world order. They advocate revolution and assassination to forward their aims.

      That sounds like the sort of thing your Cult used to believe in, Warintu, Carlitha said. Are you sure it’s not a breakaway sect of yours?

      That had crossed my mind, Warintu admitted. Amatira and I have done everything possible these last ten years to spread the new message and change attitudes, but of courses there are always a few die-hards who either can’t or won’t change. We investigated, of course. But we know who all those people are, and I can’t find a scrap of evidence linking any of them to this new religion. But that’s neither here nor there at the moment. What Keladryn and I wanted to do was warn you.

      Warn us? Aanek asked sharply.

      Warintu nodded. One of the teachings of this cult, and from what we’ve been able to find out, one of the major ones, is that your sisters are evil and must be destroyed.

      What? Melavim had been leaning easily against the wall, obviously not yet convinced that Keladryn and Warintu had anything of interest to tell them. Now, he unfolded his arms and stood up, fully alert.

      They say Niari and Carlitha have been condemned by their goddess, and the person who kills them will be assured of a place in heaven. We thought you should know so you can take precautions. Some fanatic may just decide to take a pot-shot at them while they’re here.

      The honour guard! Carlitha said, snapping her fingers. I wondered why we had one.

      They were the best, Keladryn assured them. I hand-picked them. I was in retreat, of course, preparing for the consecration, and Warintu couldn’t get here until today. And it’s not really the sort of thing you can tell people in a message. At least, I don’t think so. So I thought of the honour guard to keep you safe until we could advise you of the situation.

      Thank you, my friend, Aanek said gratefully.

      Is it really that serious? Niari asked.

      Yes, it is, Varia said firmly.

      The sisters turned to stare at her.

      I know what you’re thinking, she said. More often than not these things are all just hot air. Having someone to hate is a good way to pull people together, give them a focus, and you ladies would be an ideal target. Everyone knows your names and has heard the stories, but most people probably don’t actually know that much about you. Varia drew a deep breath. And I’d probably agree with you if not for the fact that we have something very similar in Entroth. In fact, after hearing what Warintu and Keladryn have to say, I’d be willing to take a bet that it’s the same thing.

      That’s a little more serious than just some band of fanatics in this part of the world, isn’t it? Aanek said. I think I’d better hear everything you can tell me about this sect.

      We haven’t been able to find out as much as we’d like, Keladryn admitted. There are grades of initiation, and the so-called mysteries are only revealed bit by bit as the initiates progress through the grades. We’ve got some people planted in there, but it’s a matter of waiting until they move up before we can find out more. They haven’t been able to find any written evidence. From what we can learn, the cult forbids writing down the secrets.

      Varia nodded. "Our group is the same. It seems to have started about eight years ago in Entroth. That’s when a woman calling herself Iltara suddenly appeared out of nowhere. She calls herself the prophetess of the Queen of All, and she’s also supposed to be a sorceress. She has quite a following, mostly among the peasants and the country folk. It’s been getting people whipped up, and there were hints of a political agenda, so I was planted in there to see what I could find out.

      Anyway, I discovered they were planning to assassinate our king. I have a violent prejudice against that sort of thing. King Hichor’s rather an old dear, quite apart from the fact that as a soldier it’s my sworn duty to protect him. I fed them some wrong information, and the assassination squad walked right into the arms of the palace guard. Varia smiled grimly. Then her face became serious again. I prevented that murder, but I may not be able to prevent the next one. Did you ladies know that you and Mennia are top of this religion’s list of people they want to get rid of?

      Mennia? Carlitha asked incredulously. Our Mennia?

      The very same.

      But why?

      I don’t know. But the point is that this isn’t just talk. They actually asked me to train people to kill you.

      Everyone stared at Varia.

      Why? Niari asked at last. What have they got against us?

      I never did work it out, Varia said. They call you the enemies of their goddess, the Queen of All, but what it all means is beyond me. Maybe it’s just a case of needing someone to hate, but they are serious about it, and they’ve got followers all over Entroth. And from what I’ve just heard, this cult in Falodirian and Nava is the same, so chances are it’s in other countries as well.

      So what? Carlitha said. They wouldn’t recognise us if we walked up and spat in their eyes.

      That’s just where you’re wrong. They’ve actually got portraits of you that they’ve copied and circulated to all their followers.

      Where would they get those? Niari asked.

      Varia shrugged. I don’t know. But they’re very good likenesses. Someone who’s seen one could pick you out of a crowd with no trouble at all. There’s something else, too. She turned to the King. Benric and I aren’t actually here for Keladryn’s elevation, your Majesty. We’re here as messengers for our government. She reached into a pouch and produced a thick wad of parchment, which she handed to Aanek.

      You know what’s in this? he asked, turning the sealed package in his hands.

      I can probably take a pretty good guess at most of it.

      Fill me in on the main points then. I’ll read the rest of it later.

      Varia nodded. When they discovered that their assassination attempt had failed, the top echelon of the cult ran. To the best of our knowledge, they’re now in Nebreth. There’s a dispatch in there informing you of that and telling what we know of the sect. There’s also probably a list of names. I was at the headquarters when the leaders cleared out, and I stayed for a while to poke around. They destroyed most of their records, of course, but when you’re rushed you tend to make mistakes. I found a list of all their top people. It was a bit charred, but someone had been in too much of a hurry. They’d thrown a whole bunch of stuff on a fire and smothered it before it could do too much damage.

      That’ll be useful.

      And there’s a request that Benric and I be allowed to work in Nebreth.

      Aanek raised his eyebrows.

      Our government was most upset at the attempt on our king’s life, Varia explained, They decided that some chastisement was in order. And since I’m the one who’s had the most contact with this sect and can recognise at least some of the leaders, I’m the logical choice. Benric and I are now special government agents, and our mission is to track this Iltara person down.

      I see, Aanek said. Well, I have no objection to your helping to track them down just so long as you’re not getting in the way of my own people. It might be better if you were to work with Melavim. I’ll have a word with your ambassador when we get home.

      Glad to have you aboard, Melavim said warmly, offering his hand to the two soldiers. I have a feeling we might need all the help we can get before this is over.

      Benric grinned and clasped the proffered hand.

      Well, Keladryn said, now that I’ve said my piece, I suppose I’d better get back out there. He sighed. It seems the whole world and his wife wants a word with me at the moment. I hope things settle down soon.

      Not appreciably, probably, Warintu smiled. But you’ll learn how to delegate and make time for yourself.

      I hope so.

      Thank you for the warning, Aanek said. You can rest assured I’ll be taking immediate steps to make sure the ladies are safe. I can’t leave here just yet, but I’ll be sending them off first thing in the morning. From what you’ve told me, the sooner they’re out of here, the better. He rose to his feet and grasped Keladryn’s arm. Good luck, my friend. I think you’re going to make a very good high priest.

      Thanks, Aanek, Keladryn said, with just the suggestion of a blush. I’ll do my best. And I’ll let you know of anything else we turn up about this sect. The new high priest of Atrios hurried from the room.

      Aanek turned to the two Entrothians. I’d appreciate it if you two came back with us to our lodgings, he said. I think we’d better know as much as there is to be known about this new religion, just as soon as possible.

      Back at their quarters in the Nebrethian embassy, they all gathered in the large lounge of Aanek’s suite. Aanek settled down to read the dispatch from King Hichor. Melavim took Varia and Benric off to one side to continue their discussion of Iltara and her sect. Carlitha settled down to reread a rather crumpled letter that she took from a pocket. Niari left her to it with a wry smile and a shake of her head and crossed to the bell pull to ring for wine and food.

      Some months ago, Carlitha had met a young man, and it was quite obvious to Niari that her sister had fallen deeply in love. There had been several trips since that Niari was convinced were merely excuses for Carlitha to visit her lover, but he’d been away for a good part of the winter. The letter was from him, inviting Carlitha to visit, and Niari knew that as fond as she was of Keladryn, Carlitha could hardly wait to leave here.

      Tired after a long day, and a little restless after what Keladryn and Warintu had had to say, Niari ordered the food and then stepped outside for a breath of air while she waited for it to come. As she re-entered the room, she looked about. Where’s Carlitha?

      Melavim looked up. Perhaps she’s gone to her room. She looked a bit tired.

      Niari bent to pick up a parchment sheet that was lying on the floor.

      What’s this?

      Aanek glanced up from his reading. It looks like Varia and Benric’s list. I left it here on the table.

      Idly, Niari glanced at the list of names as she carried the parchment across to her brother. Near the top of the page, one name caught her eye. She started, then bent to read it again. No, there was no mistake. Involuntarily, she looked towards Carlitha’s empty chair, noticing for the first time a crumpled parchment lying on the floor. She picked it up and opened it out.

      We have to find Carlitha, she said urgently.

      What is it? Aanek asked.

      This name, Niari said, pointing to the list.

      Adreni, Melavim read, coming to look over her shoulder.

      Oh, him, Varia said. He’s Iltara’s right-hand man. He’s a landowner in Nebreth, actually, but he’s half Entrothian. What about him?

      He’s Carlitha’s lover, that’s what. Niari held up the crumpled parchment. This is his latest letter to her. She’s been carrying this around as though it was her greatest treasure since we left home, and now I find it thrown away and Carlitha missing. She looked around at her friends. She must have picked this list up and read it. You know Carlitha. What do you think she’ll do, having just found out that the man she’s in love with is part of an organisation that wants to kill her?

      I’ll check her room, Melavim said, and left at a run.

      Niari stood gnawing on a knuckle.

      Will she take this hard? Varia asked.

      Very much, Niari said. She was terribly in love with Adreni. I know she hoped he would ask her to marry him.

      That serious?

      Niari nodded. I’m scared, Varia. You know Carlitha. She’s likely to do something stupid.

      Well, don’t panic until Melavim gets back, Benric said. He put an arm around her shoulders and led her to a chair while Varia poured wine for her.

      Melavim was gone for quite some time. Finally, he came back, out of breath and looking worried. Her things aren’t in her room, he said shortly. I went to the stables. Russet’s gone.

      Organise a search of the city, Melavim, Aanek ordered. See if you can at least find out whether she got out one of the gates.

      Melavim dashed out of the room.

      You stay put! Aanek ordered as Niari jumped up. Melavim and the guard will take care of it. You’re not going anywhere.

      I’ll have to eventually, Niari told her brother, unable to quite keep the note of triumph out of her voice. You’re forgetting that Carlitha’s a sorceress. Melavim and the guard won’t be able to handle her if she doesn’t want to cooperate, and if she’s feeling the way I think she is, you can take that as guaranteed. You have no choice. You have to send me.

      Aanek stared at her for a long moment, and she could see a vein throbbing in his neck. Then he swore.

      It can’t be that dangerous, Aanek, Niari said in a soothing voice. After all, we’ve been here for nearly a week now, and nothing’s happened, has it?

      Aanek grunted sourly. And stop trying to butter me up! he said, as he subsided back into his chair and picked up his parchments again.

      Do sit down, Niari, Varia said. There’s nothing we can do tonight, even if Melavim finds out where she’s gone. Just relax.

      That was easier said than done, of course. What do these people actually believe? Niari asked her friend in an effort to take her mind off her worries.

      Varia grimaced. I’m a bit confused about it all, as a matter of fact. What doctrinal teaching there was was rather vague. I was just about to be initiated into the second grade when they made the abortive assassination attempt and the leaders ran. But I think it’s a perversion of the Elithimite religion. They call their goddess the Queen of All, but they also address her as Our Lady of the Moon. They hold their main festivals at the same time as the Elithimite ones, and they’re basically the same as far as I could see. I only have a passing acquaintance with Elithimism though, being an Arnite myself, so I could be wrong. But as far as we can tell, this cult arose in the northeast of Entroth, and that’s Elithimite country, so they probably borrowed from what they knew.

      Our Lady of the Moon, Niari said. That’s one of the titles of Elithim.

      I suppose if you want to create a new moon goddess, it makes sense to give her the titles of the existing one, Varia shrugged. It sort of makes her sound legitimate, if you know what I mean. Their beliefs are different, though. They’re highly political, and I don’t think the Elithimites are, are they?

      Niari shook her head. The only group of Elithimites who could be called political are the Warriors of the Moon, and they’re only really interested in protecting the faith and the followers of Elithim, not in any sort of political power.

      Well, these people are. They want to overthrow the existing world order and make their goddess queen of the world. And that, of course, is what makes them so dangerous.

      CHAPTER TWO

      Niari woke the next morning feeling somewhat better. A good night’s sleep had cleared her head and enabled her to think rationally about the evening’s events. Carlitha would be upset, yes, hurt yes, and probably, when she got over that a bit, very, very angry. But she had sense. Niari doubted she’d do anything really foolish. The big worry was that she’d gone off alone in a country where people wanted to kill her. True, Carlitha had power and was quite capable of looking after herself, but if she was as upset as Niari expected she might not be paying all that much attention to her surroundings, and you can’t stop the arrow you don’t see coming. The sooner they found her, the happier Niari would be. She dressed quickly and went down to breakfast, where a surprise awaited her.

      Bentor? she asked incredulously.

      Hello, Niari, the big Navan smiled.

      What are you doing here?

      I’m coming with you. Keladryn and Warintu are worried about Carlitha too, you know. I’m their representative.

      Nothing like having friends in high places, Niari murmured.

      Bentor grinned at her.

      But what are the rest of you doing here? I thought we just had a reunion, she said, addressing the other friends who stood nearby. The party consisted of the Northern woman Song of the Night, her children Shad and Minnow and Minnow’s Nebrethian husband Jomac. Her smile turned to a frown as she noted that the visitors were all fully armed and had a rather businesslike air about them. "What are you doing here?" she repeated in a more serious voice.

      They’re your escort, Melavim said.

      My escort?

      Yours and Carlitha’s when we find her.

      Since they heard what Varia had to say, Keladryn and Warintu have been checking, Aanek said. And this new religion is also present in Harran and Dawpenel. The Crinnese don’t seem to know whether they’ve got it or not, but chances are they have. Also, Aanek said, idly twirling his spoon between his fingers, the city guard received a tip-off that there was going to be a riot in the street outside this embassy. The ringleaders were arrested, and King Bava’s security people have been questioning them. Aanek paused and eyed his twin sister significantly. It turns out that the whole purpose of that riot was to get an assassin close enough to kill you.

      Niari stared, trying to swallow around a throat gone suddenly dry. You mean they’re really serious about that?

      Deadly serious, Melavim said.

      You’re in very real danger, Aanek said. You and Carlitha and Mennia. Therefore, Mennia will go with you to find Carlitha, and just as soon as you have, you’re to go straight to Nebreth City and stay in the palace where you can be adequately protected until we can flush these people out.

      But that could take months! I do have a life, you know.

      And I intend to see that you keep it, the King said flatly.

      Niari stared helplessly at her brother.

      Do we know which way Carlitha went? Benric asked.

      Melavim nodded, swallowing his mouthful. Back out of town on the road that leads to the Nebrethian border.

      We probably ought to finish our breakfast and get on with this, then, Varia said. Iltara and her followers have fled Entroth, and Adreni has property in Nebreth, so it’s reasonable to assume that that’s where they’ve gone.

      Bentor grunted. And from what you’ve told us, we most definitely don’t want Carlitha walking into any place where Iltara and her people may be hiding. Especially not in her present state of mind.

      No, Varia agreed. That could be incredibly dangerous, especially if Iltara is a sorceress as she’s said to be.

      Surely Carlitha will calm down before she gets that far, Benric said. It’s a long way, after all.

      She probably will, Niari said. But that won’t necessarily stop her. She’ll be feeling hurt and betrayed and very, very angry, and she’s sometimes overconfident about her power. Not to mention the fact that she might not realise that Iltara’s likely to be at Adreni’s place. I’d really rather catch up with her before she gets herself in trouble.

      Tarras and Mennia joined them after breakfast. As they made their way through the city towards the gate, Tarras pulled his horse in beside Niari’s.

      It’s a bad business this Iltara thing, isn’t it? he said.

      I could live without it, Niari acknowledged. It’s not a very nice feeling knowing someone wants to kill you and not even knowing why.

      Niari, do you have any idea why Mennia’s a part of this? Tarras asked seriously. I mean, you two I can understand. You’re known, you have a certain reputation. You’re the sort of people a cult like this might latch onto. But what’s Mennia ever done that these people should want to kill her? It’s quite beyond me. In fact, it’s beyond me how they come to even know about her in the first place.

      Niari looked at her friend. Tarras was right. He had begun as a Warrior of the Moon, a member of the militant arm of the church of Elithim but, disillusioned with that goddess after the events in the Temple of the Damned, he had resigned his commission and was now a member of the Palace Guard and Melavim’s right-hand man. Mennia, his wife, had started out as housekeeper to Niari and Carlitha, accompanied them on their quest to the Temple, and married Tarras at the end of that quest. The only startling thing she had done since then was to produce eight children in the last ten years. Her religious views weren’t the least bit fanatical. She was a lady in waiting to the Queen of Nebreth, and her work and her children occupied all her time. While it was just possible that something in Tarras’ past might engender some sort of vendetta, there was no possible reason that Niari could see for Mennia to be a target.

      I don’t know, Tarras, she said. The only thing I can think of is that it must have something to do with the Temple of the Damned.

      But if that’s so, why is it just you three? Tarras asked. The rest of us who were there aren’t being threatened. Besides, what could that possibly have to do with this new goddess? It doesn’t make sense.

      I’m sorry, Tarras, Niari said helplessly. I have no more idea than you do. Silence fell between them for a time, then Niari asked a question of her own. I can understand you being part of an escort, she said. I can even understand Jomac being roped in. But what are Minnow and Song of the Night and Shad doing here? They’re not even Nebrethian.

      Oh that, Tarras said. That was all a bit strange, actually. The night after Keladryn’s consecration, Song of the Night had a dream that you were in danger. At first, she thought it was just due to the fact that you’d all been talking over past adventures, but then she discovered that Shad and Minnow had both had the exact same dream. The three of them turned up to see Aanek before you came down to breakfast this morning. They insisted on coming with us, and of course, since Minnow was coming, Jomac tagged along. They’re quite adamant that they’re staying with you until this is over.

      Niari blinked at Tarras. But why?

      According to Song of the Night, she and her children are your appointed protectors.

      What?

      That’s what they say. Song of the Night says she was appointed by Maras to be your protector during the quest to the Temple of the Damned, and that that charge has never been rescinded. Whenever you’re in danger, it’s their job to protect you. Song of the Night says that the dream they all had was a message from the gods telling her she was needed again.

      Niari couldn’t think of a single thing to say. She just stared.

      Once out of the city, Bentor stopped and questioned every traveller they met coming in the opposite direction, and every farmer they saw in the fields, but by the time they stopped for the night in a town about halfway to the border they had still not found a single person who had seen Carlitha. They took rooms at an inn, stowed their bags, then got to work.

      Well, she hasn’t been here, Melavim said as he came back from questioning the landlord of their own inn. Let’s move on. We’ll try near the gates first. She would have come in late, so she probably stopped at the first decent-looking place she found.

      Niari, Melavim and Song of the Night headed back to the gate they’d entered by while the rest of them tried the other.

      She hasn’t been here, the innkeeper at the inn just inside the gate said in answer to their query. He was a small wiry man with iron-grey hair and a little, wizened face. He scratched his head. But that’s not really surprising. She came late, you say?

      Melavim nodded.

      She wouldn’t have got in, then. They lock the gates at dusk and don’t open them again until dawn.

      But it’s peace time.

      Ah, but we have bandits in this area, young master. Strong bands, some of them, who don’t mind making a quick raid into undefended towns. We’ve been hit that way once or twice and we don’t care to risk it again. No, if she’d come after dusk, she wouldn’t have got in. She might have found shelter in one of the houses outside the walls. There are a few farms nearby. I’d try there.

      They thanked the little man and walked back out onto the street.

      Well, that’s that, Melavim said. We know she didn’t come into town.

      Do we try the farmhouses? Niari asked.

      Melavim shook his head. They’re probably scattered all over. It’d take us all day to find even some of them, and then chances are we wouldn’t find the one we wanted. Besides, she might have just camped out or used someone’s barn without asking.

      Niari nodded glumly. They remounted and rode back to the inn. The others were waiting in the common room, having had no more luck than they had.

      I forgot about the bandits, Bentor said when they related what they’d learned. It’s quite a big problem in these parts. King Bava does his best, but this is the main route for trade goods from both Nebreth and Harran. It’s just too tempting, I guess.

      Well, there’s nothing more we can do tonight, Jomac said. All we can do is hope for better luck tomorrow. What’s for dinner? I’m starved.

      They were on their way again before dawn the next morning, Bentor once again stopping to question everyone they met.

      She went through here late yesterday, he said, returning from talking to an old farm worker who was leaning on his shovel in a field at the edge of the road. She turned off just ahead. There’s a side road that leads to a small local inn. She stopped and asked this man if there was somewhere nearby where she could spend the night. He looked up at the sky. It’s getting on for noon. She probably won’t still be there, but we may as well check it out anyway. At least we can find out when she left and which way she headed.

      Sounds good to me, Melavim said. Where’s this turnoff?

      Just up around that bend ahead, Bentor said, and led the way.

      The inn was a low, modest building, obviously intended primarily as a tavern for the locals, though there seemed to be one or two rooms above to accommodate the odd traveller. It was a cheery-looking little place, neat and well-kept, with a horse trough and a hitching rail outside. There was nothing resembling a stable, but there was a field to one side, and a few horses grazed there.

      That’s Russet! Niari exclaimed excitedly, pointing to one of the horses. I’d know her anywhere. Carlitha’s here. We’ve found her!

      She was off her horse and heading for the door before the others had absorbed the sense of her words. She entered the main room of the inn and stood blinking in the doorway. The sunshine outside had been bright, and the interior was very dim in comparison. She was aware of the others entering behind her.

      There, Mennia said. In that far corner.

      Niari looked where she pointed. Carlitha’s elbows rested on the table, and she was staring into the depths of the wine cup she held in her hands. A half-empty wineskin sat on the table beside her. As they watched, Carlitha raised the cup to her mouth and drank deeply. She reached for the wineskin and began to pour, spilling more on the table than she got in the cup before giving up and raising the skin to her mouth.

      Looks pretty far gone, Benric said. I wonder how long she’s been drinking?

      Long enough, is the answer to that, Melavim said grimly. I think I’ll put a stop to that right now. He grimaced. I just hope she doesn’t turn me into a chicken.

      I think you’re fairly safe, Niari said, looking critically at her sister. I doubt she could summon enough power to wilt a flower right now. Magic requires concentration, and I shouldn’t think she can manage much in that direction.

      Melavim made his way past the few patrons who were in the tavern at that time of day and over to the corner where his sister sat.

      Carlitha, he greeted her.

      Melavim, Carlitha replied, blinking up at him. Have a drink.

      No, thank you.

      Go away then. I’d rather be alone anyway.

      I don’t think so.

      Carlitha shrugged. Suit yourself. She reached for the wineskin again, but Melavim gently took it from her.

      Give me that! Carlitha demanded, making a grab for it.

      I think you’ve had sufficient.

      That’s where you’re wrong. I haven’t had nearly enough. Now give it back.

      No.

      Carlitha swore at him.

      I love you too, Melavim said blandly.

      Carlitha used the support of the table to haul herself to her feet. Give it to me! she shrieked. She lunged for the wineskin, lost her balance, and went down in a heap and a clatter, taking her sticks and her chair down with her. Her eyes blazing, she struggled to a sitting position and grabbed one of the sticks. She swung it with all her might, catching her brother on the point of the elbow.

      Melavim leapt back with a yell of pain, dropping the wineskin. For several moments he danced about, clutching his injured arm, until the pain subsided a little. Carlitha sat on the floor laughing, the skin clutched in her arms.

      My brother the mighty warrior! she chortled. What a joke! She collapsed, howling with laughter.

      Melavim’s eyes narrowed and his face set. That does it!

      In two quick strides, he crossed the distance between them. Before Carlitha could react, he had slung her unceremoniously over his shoulder and was headed for the door. The others hurried after him, emerging just in time to see Melavim dump Carlitha, with a resounding splash, into the icy water of the horse trough.

      Niari and the others froze on the steps, watching. Carlitha emerged from the water spluttering and apparently stone-cold sober. Her eyes blazed as she looked at her brother.

      You bastard! she screamed. You absolute bastard! I’ll fix you!

      Niari could feel her gathering her power, and was amazed by its strength. Carlitha was indeed sober, and her power was fed by her fury.

      Carlitha! No! she yelled, terrified of what her sister might do in that moment of blind fury.

      She started down the steps just as Melavim reeled back, slammed into the wall of the inn with bone-jarring force by Carlitha’s magic. Niari lashed out with her own power, sending Carlitha back into the water. Grimly, she held her beneath the surface while she urgently waved the others back inside. Bentor and Benric sprinted to Melavim’s aid. Not until she was sure the others were out of sight did Niari release her sister. Then she hurried forward to help her out of the trough. Carlitha came up this time much more subdued. She was blue and gasping, and she vomited for several moments after Niari hauled her out.

      Damn you, Niari! she grated when she could finally speak. Damn all of you. I hate you! Why couldn’t you just leave me alone?

      Because we love you, I guess, Niari said, settling herself beside Carlitha on the tavern steps. Would you really have been happy if we hadn’t come after you? Honestly?

      Yes! Carlitha said vehemently. No. I don’t know. She began to cry. I don’t know anything any more.

      Silently, Niari put her arms about her sister and held her close. For a few seconds Carlitha resisted, then she suddenly melted against Niari, her whole body wracked with great tearing sobs.

      He betrayed me, Niari. He let me think he loved me, that I was the most important thing in his life, and all the time he was one of them, and all he really wanted was to kill me. Why?

      Why does he want to kill you?

      No. Why make love to me?

      To get information, I suppose. Perhaps to get those portraits they’ve been using to identify us. I don’t know. But it was a cruel thing to do.

      I did give him a portrait, Carlitha confessed. That one of me and you that was done last year by that incredible artist at the fair in Marrona, remember? Adreni asked me for a picture, and I gave him that one. At the time, I was terribly flattered that he wanted one. Now, of course, I feel like a total fool.

      Niari nodded quietly, not knowing what to say.

      It hurts, Niari. It hurts like nothing else I’ve ever felt. I can’t stand it. I wish he had killed me.

      Carlitha buried her head in Niari’s shoulder and sobbed as though her heart would break. They sat so for some minutes until finally Carlitha lifted her head, gave a last sniff, and shivered.

      I’m freezing.

      I’ll say you are. You’re blue. Come on, let’s see if this place runs to a bathtub. We need to get you thawed out before you catch your death.

      It’s not me that’ll be catching their death, Carlitha said in an ominous voice.

      Carlitha...

      Don’t ‘Carlitha’ me, Niari. You don’t have to come. It’s not your problem. But I’m going to find him if it takes the rest of my life. And when I do, I’m going to kill him. There’s no point arguing, so don’t start. You won’t stop me.

      I wasn’t thinking of doing that. I think the fellow richly deserves killing. Just don’t go off all fired up and not thinking again, okay? Do you have any idea how worried we all were when you just disappeared like that? We pretty well knew you’d gone after Adreni, but did you bother to stop and think that if the members of this religion have fled to Nebreth, the most likely place for them to have gone is to Adreni’s property? If you’d gone riding in there all alone, the gods only know what might have happened.

      Carlitha’s eyes narrowed. I might need a little help, at that. You will help me, won’t you, Niari? Please?

      Of course I will, but you might feel differently when you’ve had time to think, you know.

      I wouldn’t count on it.

      What passed for a bathtub was fairly basic, merely a sawed-off barrel, but it was big enough

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