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    The Fields of Falodirian
    The Fields of Falodirian
    The Fields of Falodirian
    Ebook692 pages10 hours

    The Fields of Falodirian

    By Ashley Abbiss

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    About this ebook

    Things are tense in the Atriosine Temple Compound in ‎Atriosa. Someone is attacking village temples and ‎shrines. Keladryn has sent out the Temple Guard, but ‎all they are really able to do is arrive in time to help ‎the villagers put out the fires and bury their dead. ‎
    It seems likely that the New Elithimites are behind the ‎attacks. Shortly after Tassi and her friends returned ‎home from Dawpenel, Keladryn’s intelligence service ‎discovered that Amarya had also returned home to ‎Falodirian, bringing her followers with her, and is ‎building up the New Elithimite cult again. ‎
    It’s very likely that they’re punishing the church of ‎Atrios for supporting Tassi. There certainly don’t seem ‎to be any other candidates for Enemy of the Church at ‎the moment. But, Keladryn’s people can’t find either ‎the New Elithimites or proof of their involvement, and ‎Keladryn cannot justify a campaign against the New ‎Elithimites without sufficient grounds. ‎
    Then, they do find the evidence they need and set out ‎on an expedition to clean out the New Elithimites and ‎put an end to the attacks. The campaign, however, is a ‎disaster.‎
    Halfway there, Tassi, Lidiana and Adeena are swept ‎away when they fall into a swollen stream. That very ‎same night, the New Elithimites attack their ‎encampment and kidnap several of the Companions.‎
    With their campaign in tatters, the survivors must ‎rescue whomever they can and try to make it back ‎through the New Elithimite lines to safety. ‎
    Join Tassi, Niari, Carlitha, Keladryn and the rest of the ‎Company on an adventure that definitely doesn’t turn ‎out the way they planned.‎

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherAshley Abbiss
    Release dateNov 9, 2018
    ISBN9780463712245
    The Fields of Falodirian
    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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      The Fields of Falodirian - Ashley Abbiss

      CHAPTER ONE

      Niari, sister to the king of Nebreth, sorceress, ‎formerly the One of prophecy, and now happily ‎married to Keladryn, High Priest of the god Atrios, ‎knocked on the door that connected her apartment to ‎that of her adopted daughter Tassatina, and then, ‎without waiting for an answer, pushed it open. ‎

      ‎Tassi, I... aargh!‎

      Tassi’s head appeared between two enormous ‎leaves of a tropical plant. ‎

      ‎Oh, sorry. ‎

      She waved a hand and the jungle into which Niari ‎had walked changed back into Tassi’s sitting room.‎

      ‎What are you doing?‎

      ‎Practising illusions. Would you like some tea?‎

      ‎What about that? ‎

      Niari pointed to a large tropical bird which looked ‎rather out of place perched on the back of Tassi’s ‎couch. Actually, on closer inspection, it would have ‎looked out of place anywhere because although it had ‎the brilliant red and orange plumage of a tropical bird, ‎it was actually a large blackbird.‎

      ‎Oh, that’s not mine. I had a little help.‎

      Giggling sounded from behind the couch, and ‎Niari’s six-year-old foster daughter Cazotira popped ‎up, crawled over the arm, and fell chuckling onto her ‎back on the couch. The bird wavered and disappeared. ‎

      ‎And er...? Niari said, pointing to a kitten whose ‎spiky fur was striped in garish rainbow colours. This ‎one was also remarkable for the fact that it wasn’t ‎moving and actually wasn’t terribly lifelike. The tail ‎was too short, the legs too long, and the ears ‎completely missing.‎

      Wordlessly, Tassi pointed to the other end of the ‎couch. A large cushion heaved, convulsed and fell to ‎the floor to reveal a second giggling child. ‎

      ‎Atrielle? Niari said incredulously as her ‎daughter launched herself at Cazotira and the two of ‎them rolled around in a cackling ball of glee. But ‎she’s never shown any sign of power before. ‎

      Tassi spread her hands. Don’t look at me. ‎Cazotira and I were practising and Atrielle suddenly ‎created that kitten. I was as flabbergasted as you ‎were. I can only assume that Cazotira’s been teaching ‎her.‎

      ‎But she’s only two years old. Everything I’ve ‎ever heard says that children of that age don’t have ‎any control over the power.‎

      Tassi shrugged. Maybe she’s a precocious ‎sorceress like Cazotira.‎

      ‎That’d be a bit much of a coincidence, wouldn’t ‎it?‎

      ‎Maybe it makes a difference being around other ‎sorceresses. Actually, Tassi said thoughtfully, the ‎idea that young children can’t control the power is ‎based on Irhanai’s experience with Miriala, isn’t it? ‎Maybe it’s not that these two are precocious but that ‎Miriala was a late developer.‎

      ‎It would make more sense, wouldn’t it? Niari ‎said. And Irhanai wouldn’t realise because there ‎were no other children with the ability around to ‎compare Miriala with. Countess Irhanai was Official ‎Sorceress of the land of Crinnan. What were you like ‎as a two-year-old? Niari asked Tassi.‎

      ‎I can’t remember back that far. You could ask ‎Father next time you see him.‎

      Niari pulled a face. That could be weeks.‎

      Tassi nodded glumly. ‎

      ‎Hang on, she said a moment later. Carlitha’s ‎always telling us about how she used to terrorise the ‎people where she lived when she was little but wasn’t ‎she only about three or four when Bethmemin ‎adopted her? ‎

      Princess Carlitha was Niari’s older sister, but they ‎hadn’t grown up together. Abandoned as a baby, ‎Carlitha had grown up quite wild until a woman ‎named Bethmemin adopted her.‎

      ‎Yes, she was. So, she was obviously in at least ‎partial control of the power at an early age. Maybe ‎you’re right, and it’s Miriala who was unusual. Niari ‎sighed. With so few of us, it makes this sort of thing ‎very difficult.‎

      ‎Especially since you were a complete oddity and ‎didn’t even know you were a sorceress until you were ‎grown up, Tassi grinned. ‎

      ‎That doesn’t help, no, Niari agreed. She turned ‎to look at her daughter. And what am I going to tell ‎your father? As if he doesn’t have enough to cope ‎with.‎

      Atrielle and Cazotira wrapped their arms around ‎each other and went off into fresh gales of laughter.‎

      ‎And a fat lot of help you are, Niari told the ‎giggling tangle of arms and legs. ‎

      ‎Somehow I don’t think he’ll be too shocked, ‎Tassi grinned. After all, if you marry a sorceress, you ‎have to expect that your daughter may turn out to be ‎one, too.‎

      Niari grinned. I actually came in to ask if you ‎want to eat with us tonight. There’s not much sense in ‎sitting here alone.‎

      ‎Thanks, I will.‎

      ‎How long’s Dalurin going to be away this time?‎

      ‎Ten days, Tassi said so glumly that Niari ‎laughed.‎

      ‎I know it’s tough when you’ve only been married ‎three months, but I guess you have to expect this sort ‎of thing if you marry a soldier.‎

      ‎I know, but he’s hardly been home since our ‎honeymoon. And I’m so scared something will happen ‎to him, Niari.‎

      ‎Dalurin’s a professional, Tassi. He’s good at ‎what he does, and the Atriosine Temple Guard is one ‎of the world’s elite forces. He’s as well-trained and as ‎well-supported as he can possibly be.‎

      ‎I know, but I still worry.‎

      ‎That’s another good reason for not sitting about ‎here brooding.‎

      ‎That’s why I was doing some practice, trying to ‎take my mind off things.‎

      ‎I think that’s very wise.‎

      ‎I was pathetic when I faced Othran and Amarya. ‎I can’t help thinking I survived that encounter more ‎by good luck than anything else. ‎

      Tassi had succeeded Niari as the One of prophecy, ‎the spearhead of the struggle between the rogue ‎goddess Elithim and the other gods, the individual ‎about whom all of prophecy revolved. A little over a ‎year ago, as part of that function, she had travelled to ‎the neighbouring country of Dawpenel where she had ‎battled Othran and Amarya, the leaders of the New ‎Elithimite religion. She and Dalurin had killed Othran, ‎but Amarya had got away and Tassi and her friends ‎had barely escaped with their own lives.‎

      ‎Are you still having nightmares?‎

      Tassi nodded.‎

      ‎I think we’ve all had some of those from time to ‎time, Niari acknowledged, putting an arm about her ‎adopted daughter’s shoulders. And there’s nothing ‎anyone can do to help you through them, I’m afraid. ‎They do get better with time.‎

      ‎I hope so, Tassi said despondently. She ‎straightened her shoulders. Anyway, I wasn’t very ‎happy with my performance in Dawpenel. I cringe ‎every time I hear the songs about me.‎

      ‎We all do that, too, Niari said. ‎

      Tassi laughed. I thought I was pretty well-‎prepared, you know. I did all that training and all that ‎work on magic with Carlitha. Well, the battle turned ‎out to be mostly magic, but when it came to it, I ‎couldn’t think of more than a couple of things to do. I ‎think I still have a bit of a block about using magic.‎

      Niari nodded. When she had first met Tassi the ‎younger woman had spent the last several years ‎pretending she wasn’t a sorceress.‎

      ‎I think I spent so much time suppressing that part ‎of me and pretending it didn’t exist that now I forget ‎about it even when I need it, Tassi went on. I ‎decided the only way around that was to use magic as ‎much as I can and get used to it. So, I decided it was ‎time to do a bit of work. It was quite fun once the ‎girls decided to join in.‎

      ‎Speaking of which, I suppose I’d better put in ‎some time soon and find out just what Atrielle can ‎do, Niari sighed. I think I’d have been happier if she ‎hadn’t been a sorceress, really.‎

      ‎But she’ll grow up in the temple compound ‎where people understand about magic. No one will ‎ever throw rocks at her or drive her out of her home. ‎And she’ll have you and me and Carlitha and Cazotira ‎to teach her.‎

      ‎But what if she ends up having to do the sort of ‎things we have?‎

      Tassi shrugged. We’re all still here.‎

      ‎Yes, but... Niari gave herself a little shake. ‎‎Listen to me. I came in here to cheer you up and now ‎I’m the one going all mopey.‎

      Tassi laughed. I’ll order that tea, shall I? And ‎then we can see if Atrielle feels like showing off a ‎little bit.‎

      ‎‎**********‎

      The high priest of Atrios arrived home just before ‎dinnertime, looking tired and stressed.‎

      ‎You look exhausted, Niari said, jumping up to ‎pour wine for him.‎

      ‎Exhausted doesn’t begin to cover it, Keladryn ‎said, rubbing at his eyes with his hands. Thank you. ‎This as Niari handed him a goblet of wine. I can’t ‎stay for the meal. I have to go out again straight ‎away.‎

      ‎What for? Niari demanded.‎

      ‎Special memorial service, Keladryn said wearily. ‎‎I only came to change into my ceremonial regalia.‎

      ‎Another attack? Niari asked tensely.‎

      ‎Two chapels burned to the ground, three priests ‎killed and two civilians.‎

      ‎Oh, dear. But can’t you leave the memorial ‎service until tomorrow? You look as though you’re ‎ready to fall on your nose.‎

      Keladryn shook his head. The people who ‎brought the news are farmers and they need to get ‎back. I can’t let them go without at least letting them ‎know that the church cares about their losses. Atrios ‎knows it’s about the only thing we can do for them.‎

      ‎Of course, you’re right. I’ll tell the kitchen to ‎hold the meal, and we’ll come with you. We should all ‎show our respects.‎

      ‎Thank you, my love, Keladryn said, catching ‎her hand and kissing the palm.‎

      When she had called the nurse and sent the ‎children off to change, Niari turned again to her ‎husband. You’ve still got no clues?‎

      ‎Nothing. Plenty of people have seen the ‎attackers, but there’s nothing that distinguishes them. ‎They could be anyone.‎

      ‎But surely they have to be New Elithimites, ‎Tassi said.‎

      ‎I agree with you, Tassi, Keladryn said. But I ‎can’t order a crusade against the New Elithimites ‎without some solid proof of their involvement. I can’t ‎think of any other group the Atriosine church has ‎offended lately, but the possibility remains that it ‎could be someone else. Public opinion’s very fickle. ‎We don’t want to risk making the New Elithimites the ‎victims and us the villains by going after them without ‎sufficient reason.‎

      ‎What about the Guard? I’ve barely seen Dalurin ‎in the last couple of months. Aren’t they achieving ‎anything at all?‎

      ‎The Guard is doing its best, but these people are ‎extremely mobile. By the time they get to the site of ‎the latest attack all they find are ruined chapels and ‎bodies. We need a break, but I’m afraid chasing all ‎over the country two steps behind the opposition isn’t ‎going to provide it.‎

      ‎What are they doing there then? Tassi ‎demanded bitterly.‎

      Keladryn looked at her with sympathy. They’re ‎doing two very important things, Tassi. First, they’re ‎providing some reassurance for our people, letting ‎them know that we care and we’re doing what we ‎can, even if it isn’t very much at the moment. ‎Secondly, they let the other side know that while they ‎may have things pretty much their own way at ‎present, it will only take one small mistake and they’ll ‎have the entire Temple Guard on their backs. And just ‎maybe while they’re out there they’ll find the ‎evidence we need. He drained his cup and heaved ‎himself to his feet. I’d better go and get changed.‎

      ‎‎**********‎

      ‎Mother, where are you? ‎

      Kerelline, goddess of healing, looked about the ‎kitchen she had just appeared in then, finding it ‎empty, crossed to the door and looked out. A few ‎hundred paces beyond the door her mother Warin, ‎goddess of prophecy, destiny and fortune, stood ‎surrounded by a throng of eager animals and a halo of ‎butterflies and birds. ‎

      Warin’s animals were legendary. She had ‎populated this, her heaven, with creatures of every ‎species, from the tiniest insect to the greatest dragon. ‎She knew each one by name, and she loved them ‎almost as much as they were devoted to her. It wasn’t ‎going to be possible to get her attention until she had ‎finished and sent her friends home again. Shaking her ‎head in tolerant amusement, Kerelline retreated back ‎inside. ‎

      All the gods knew better than to try to approach ‎Warin when she was with her animals; not unless one ‎enjoyed being mobbed by animals wanting treats and ‎caresses, anyway. Often, Kerelline did enjoy helping ‎her mother. There was something rather appealing ‎about the innocence and enthusiasm of the animals as ‎they crowded about one, quite unafraid and grateful ‎for whatever small attention they received. ‎

      But today, she didn’t really feel up to being ‎butted by impatient young or buffeted by clouds of ‎insects and birds. Instead, she sat down at the table, ‎conjured a cool glass of fruit juice and a plate of ‎sweetmeats, and settled down to wait for her mother. ‎She’d finished the sweetmeats and was munching on ‎an apple before Warin came through the door, smiling ‎happily.‎

      ‎Oh! she said when she as her daughter. I ‎didn’t realise you were here.‎

      ‎I’m not surprised, Kerelline said drily. You ‎looked fully occupied.‎

      Warin smiled. I haven’t had time for them for a ‎little while. Things have been a bit hectic. I haven’t ‎seen you for some time, either, she said, taking a seat ‎and conjuring a cup of wine for herself. ‎

      She looked at her daughter. Since her birth, ‎Kerelline had waffled around from child to adult and ‎back again, changing her appearance what seemed like ‎every five minutes, but lately, she seemed to have ‎settled to an age somewhere in her late teens. She was ‎the image of her mother, although her long dark hair ‎reached only just past her waist, whereas Warin’s ‎reached her knees, and her eyes were sea-green like ‎her father Ker’s. ‎

      ‎What have you been up to? Warin asked now.‎

      ‎I’ve been busy. You wouldn’t believe how many ‎prayers I’ve had to answer lately. Are humans always ‎so helpless?‎

      ‎That’s why they need us, Warin said. ‎

      ‎Not only am I swamped with prayers for ‎healing, Kerelline said, rubbing at her face with her ‎hands, but I need you to have a word with your ‎church hierarchy.‎

      ‎Oh?‎

      ‎We agreed that we would share your temples, ‎didn’t we?‎

      ‎Yes, of course we did. It saved you having to do ‎all the setting up of your own religion all at once, and ‎it made sense since most of the Houses of Healing are ‎in my temple compounds. What’s the trouble?‎

      ‎Your priesthood is being a bit obstructive, ‎Kerelline said. My priests want to hold regular ‎healing services. We really need them, there’s a huge ‎demand, but your people say they can’t because the ‎temple’s always in use.‎

      ‎There have been a lot of services held lately, ‎Warin said, frowning.‎

      ‎Of course there have, Kerelline said. They can ‎hardly claim the temple’s too busy and then have it ‎empty half the time, can they?‎

      ‎Is it really that nasty?‎

      ‎Yes, Mother, it is. If your people had their way, ‎mine would be shunted into the most obscure side ‎chapel in the temple. Or completely out of it if they ‎could get away with it.‎

      ‎I thought Aleetha would be above that sort of ‎thing, Warin said sadly.‎

      ‎It’s not Aleetha, Kerelline said, shaking her ‎head. I doubt that the Holy Mother or the Council ‎know anything about it. It’s the local priests. Official ‎church policy is completely cooperative, but that isn’t ‎filtering down to the local temples. She pulled a face. ‎‎Grandmother may have blundered there. She was the ‎one who said I should have my own priesthood even ‎though I was sharing your temple, but it’s created a ‎division. I think your priesthood sees mine as ‎competition.‎

      ‎They’re like a bunch of kids! Warin said angrily. ‎‎You have to belong to the right gang or you can’t ‎play!‎

      Kerelline laughed.‎

      ‎Well, I’m glad it’s not Aleetha, Warin sighed. I ‎would have been very disappointed indeed if my high ‎priestess had been party to it. I’ll send out a few ‎dreams and stand on a few heads, and that should ‎take care of it. She looked at her daughter. What’s ‎your feeling about combined services?‎

      ‎How do you mean?‎

      ‎Well, obviously your healing services and my ‎oracle sessions have to remain separate, but what do ‎you think of combining the ordinary worship services ‎instead of us each having separate ones? That’d sort ‎of underline the idea that we work together, and we ‎expect our priesthoods to as well.‎

      ‎That’s a brilliant idea, Mother! Kerelline ‎squealed. We can be a team. And we could have ‎some of your priests and some of mine sharing the ‎officiating. She held out her hands and a glass of ‎wine appeared in each. "Let’s drink to it,’ she said, ‎handing one of the glasses to her mother. ‎

      Warin smiled as she took her glass. Her daughter’s ‎enthusiasm was infectious. I’m glad we got that ‎sorted. Is there anything else I can help you with? ‎she bantered as she sipped her wine.‎

      ‎No, but I might be able to help you, Kerelline ‎said. ‎

      ‎Oh?‎

      ‎I came to warn you that you’re likely to get a ‎visit from Granddad Atrios sometime soon. He’s on ‎the warpath.‎

      ‎With me? What about?‎

      ‎This. Kerelline waved a hand and Warin’s ‎tabletop turned into a window, a window looking ‎down on the world below. The scene was a village in ‎the highlands of Falodirian. Villagers milled about ‎looking shocked before the charred ruins of a chapel. ‎Two ominous shrouded forms lay on the ground ‎nearby, and a healing woman was tending to some ‎injured men. He’s upset about the attacks on his ‎chapels.‎

      Warin looked at her daughter in perplexity. For ‎Chaos’ sake! What does he expect me to do about it?‎

      Kerelline gave her mother a cheeky grin. You’re ‎the head of the pantheon. You’re supposed to be able ‎to fix anything.‎

      Warin made a rude noise. If I had any control ‎over Elithim at all, I’d have sorted her out long ago!‎

      ‎I think he really just wants someone to yell at, ‎Kerelline shrugged. You know how he is. He wants ‎to be able to jump up and down and claim that it’s all ‎your fault and none of this would have happened if ‎you hadn’t forced him to let Keladryn marry Niari. I ‎just thought I should warn you to be prepared.‎

      ‎Thank you.‎

      Kerelline looked down again at the window. Is it ‎Elithim?‎

      ‎Of course it’s Elithim. Who else? She’s upset ‎that Keladryn’s been using the resources of the ‎Atriosine church to help Tassi.‎

      ‎So, she’s declared war on the church?‎

      ‎Apparently.‎

      ‎No wonder Granddad Atrios is upset.‎

      ‎Yes, well that’s as may be, but I still don’t know ‎what he thinks I can do about it. Warin grinned ‎suddenly. Is Arnia still chasing him?‎

      ‎I think she might be winding down. She can ‎surely hold a grudge, can’t she?‎

      ‎Arnia? Oh, yes. Mind you, it was a filthy thing ‎he tried to do to her.‎

      ‎What did he do, exactly?‎

      ‎He tried to convince Ker that he should take over ‎some of Arnia’s areas of responsibility.‎

      ‎Without asking Grandma Arnia?‎

      ‎Yes. ‎

      ‎That’s outrageous!‎

      ‎I know. Why do you think Arnia’s so furious?‎

      ‎What did Daddy do?‎

      ‎He wouldn’t have anything to do with it.‎

      ‎Well, good. But why would Granddad Atrios do ‎that to his own wife?‎

      ‎I don’t know, Kerelline. You’ll have to ask him ‎that.‎

      Kerelline opened her mouth to say something else, ‎but she was interrupted by a call from outside. ‎

      CHAPTER TWO

      The two women looked at each other.‎

      ‎Oh, no! Warin groaned, putting her head in her ‎hands. She took it out again almost at once and raised ‎her voice. Come on in, Uncle Atrios. We’re in the ‎kitchen. Close that, she said to Kerelline, indicating ‎the window on the world. Let’s not give him any ‎extra ammunition.‎

      Kerelline laughed and closed the window with a ‎flick of her finger as Atrios, god of the sun, walked ‎into the room.‎

      ‎There you are, Warin! Oh, hello, Kerelline.‎

      ‎Hello, Granddad Atrios, Kerelline said with a ‎wink at her mother. You look a bit harassed. Is ‎anything the matter?‎

      ‎Of course I’m harassed! Have you seen what ‎they’re doing? Atrios cried dramatically, flinging his ‎arms about so violently Warin had to duck to avoid ‎being concussed.‎

      ‎What who’s doing, Granddad? Kerelline asked ‎calmly.‎

      ‎Them! Down there! Elithim’s followers! ‎Destroying my chapels! Killing my priests!‎

      ‎Oh, my goodness! Really? Why are they doing ‎that? ‎

      Warin, who had just taken a sip of wine, choked.‎

      ‎It’s all your mother’s fault! Atrios said ‎viciously, throwing her a contemptuous look as she ‎coughed and spluttered.‎

      ‎Mother’s fault? Really, Granddad, when has ‎Mother ever been able to tell Elithim what to do? ‎How can it possibly be her fault?‎

      ‎If she hadn’t forced me to let my High Priest ‎marry Niari, none of this would be happening.‎

      ‎They’re doing it because Keladryn married ‎Niari? Kerelline asked with just the right touch of ‎incredulity. ‎

      Kerelline, her mother reflected, had inherited a ‎good dollop of her grandmother Cazovania’s ability to ‎control a situation. ‎

      ‎Of course not! They’re doing it because he ‎supports Tassatina.‎

      ‎Oh, I see. So, if Keladryn hadn’t married the ‎adoptive mother of the One, the church of Atrios ‎wouldn’t support the Plan, is that what you’re ‎saying?‎

      ‎Yes. I mean, no. I wouldn’t put it quite like ‎that, Atrios said awkwardly. ‎

      ‎That’s what it sounds like to me, Kerelline said. ‎‎And I imagine that’s what it will sound like to ‎others, too. So, what are you going to do? Order ‎Keladryn to stop supporting Tassi? I should think ‎Elithim will be thrilled. That’s just what she wants, ‎isn’t it?‎

      Atrios glared at his granddaughter. You’re a very ‎disagreeable young woman, do you know that? You ‎sound just like my sister.‎

      ‎Well, that’s only natural, since we’re related.‎

      Atrios grunted irritably. Well, I can see I’m not ‎going to get any help here, he said acidly, so I may ‎as well go. And he blinked out.‎

      ‎"Very slick,’ Warin congratulated her daughter. ‎

      ‎I’m glad you liked it. At least it got rid of him. ‎With a bit of luck, he won’t come back.‎

      ‎Thank you. I wasn’t looking forward to dealing ‎with one of his moods along with everything else.‎

      ‎Are you going to do anything about Elithim? ‎Kerelline asked, flicking a finger and reopening her ‎window on the world below. ‎

      ‎Such as what? Warin asked, spreading her ‎hands.‎

      ‎I don’t know. Send your team of pet humans to ‎sort her out?‎

      ‎Kerelline!‎

      Kerelline laughed merrily.‎

      ‎The question is, Warin mused, leaning over the ‎window, which now showed the Atriosine Temple ‎compound in Atriosa, where a sad little band of ‎farmers and townsmen was reporting the latest attack ‎to the High Priest, is it Elithim who has instigated ‎this new aggression, or are her people acting on their ‎own initiative?‎

      Kerelline shrugged. She isn’t stopping them, is ‎she? That makes her responsible, whoever had the idea ‎in the first place.‎

      ‎There is that, Warin said, chewing on her lip as ‎she frowned down at the scene. She straightened ‎suddenly. I think I might do a bit of investigating, ‎she said in a decisive voice. I think I’d really like to ‎know just what’s going on in the other camp. Six ‎months ago, the New Elithimites were keeping their ‎heads well down and doing their best to be invisible. ‎Now, suddenly, they seem to have declared war on ‎the church of Atrios. I want to know what’s ‎changed.‎

      ‎They know Keladryn’s been helping Tassi, ‎Kerelline pointed out. ‎

      ‎They knew that before. It doesn’t explain this ‎sudden change.‎

      ‎The change of leadership, then. That’s fairly ‎significant. New leaders always have new ideas.‎

      ‎Yes but is it enough to explain such a radical ‎change in policy? her mother mused. My instinct ‎tells me there’s something more, and I really want to ‎know what it is.‎

      ‎What exactly do you mean by ‘a bit of ‎investigating’? Kerelline asked suspiciously.‎

      ‎I’m going down there. I’m going to nose around ‎a bit and see what I can find out.‎

      ‎You could do exactly the same by probing a few ‎minds from up here, Kerelline pointed out.‎

      ‎But that wouldn’t give me a sense of the ‎atmosphere, of what’s really going on down there.‎

      ‎I don’t see why not.‎

      ‎Because I don’t just want to know what they’re ‎doing, I want to get a feel for the whole thing, for the ‎dynamics of the situation, the way Amarya and ‎Horana relate to their followers. She paused. And ‎how deeply Elithim is involved in these changes, she ‎said in a new, tighter voice.‎

      ‎You think she’s cheating? Kerelline asked ‎sharply. ‎

      ‎Of course she’s cheating! When did Elithim ever ‎not cheat? Just because I haven’t caught her at it ‎doesn’t mean she isn’t doing it. ‎

      ‎Don’t you think you’re becoming a little ‎obsessed with Elithim? Kerelline asked, raising her ‎eyebrows. That didn’t make a great deal of sense, ‎you know.‎

      Warin looked at her daughter. Actually, it makes ‎perfect sense, Kerelline, she disagreed. Elithim is up ‎to something, that’s quite obvious if you stop to think ‎about it. Apart from the fact that she always is, there’s ‎also the indisputable fact of the radical change of ‎policy among the New Elithimites. Six months ago, ‎Amarya was in hiding, keeping her head well down ‎and desperately trying to consolidate her position as ‎the leader of the religion. Now, suddenly, she’s ‎building an army and openly attacking one of the most ‎powerful religions in the world. And she achieved all ‎that on her own? I don’t think so. No human being ‎could change that radically that fast – not unless a god ‎had a hand in it. And we both know there’s only one ‎god likely to be involved in this particular change.‎

      Kerelline’s eyes were narrowed as she thought ‎that over. You might have a point, she conceded at ‎last.‎

      ‎I do have a point, and I am going to find out ‎what Elithim’s up to, Warin said decisively.‎

      ‎I think we’d all like to know that, a third voice ‎said, and Warin swung about to see Cazovania ‎standing in the doorway. ‎

      ‎What are you doing here? Warin asked, turning ‎to fix her daughter with a hard gaze, a gaze Kerelline ‎returned with a look of wide-eyed innocence and a ‎little shrug. ‎

      ‎Well, that’s a nice greeting, Cazovania said, ‎strolling further into the room.‎

      ‎That’s not an answer to the question.‎

      ‎Touchy, aren’t we? Cazovania said with a raised ‎eyebrow. Actually, I came to see my granddaughter.‎

      ‎Kerelline? What for?‎

      ‎I ran into my dear brother, Cazovania said. ‎‎Congratulations on rattling Atrios’ cage so ‎thoroughly, she said to Kerelline, with a little bow. ‎‎Although, I’m not entirely sure what you did. Atrios ‎was spluttering so badly I could only catch about one ‎word in three. You seem to have upset him terribly.‎

      ‎Why, thank you, Grandmother.‎

      ‎When you two have finished! Warin said to her ‎smirking relatives.‎

      ‎So, what was it all about? Cazovania asked, ‎sitting down at the table and waving a hand. A flask ‎of wine, a plate of sweetmeats and a bowl of peaches ‎appeared, along with the appropriate utensils. She ‎poured herself a goblet of wine, popped a sweetmeat ‎in her mouth, and selected a fat, juicy peach, which ‎she began to peel with a small silver knife, all the time ‎looking at her granddaughter with an enquiring eye.‎

      ‎It wasn’t really all that much, Grandmother. ‎Granddad Atrios is a bit upset about what’s been ‎happening to his chapels, so he decided to come and ‎take it out on Mother. He said it was all her fault for ‎forcing him to let Keladryn marry Niari, so I asked if ‎that was the only reason he supported the Plan. He ‎spluttered a bit, then told me I was a very disagreeable ‎young woman, just like you, and left. Kerelline ‎shrugged and reached for the wine flask. I took it as ‎a compliment.‎

      ‎Why, thank you, Kerelline, Cazovania smiled. ‎‎So, what has been happening to Atrios’ chapels? I’m ‎a bit out of touch, I’ve been with your grandfather ‎helping him with this new world he’s making.‎

      ‎Elithim’s people are attacking them because ‎Keladryn’s been helping Tassi, Warin said. There ‎have been several chapels burned down in the last few ‎months, and several priests and villagers wounded or ‎in some cases killed. I can’t really blame Uncle Atrios ‎for being upset, but I don’t know what he thinks I can ‎do about it.‎

      ‎Don’t worry about it, Cazovania said, waving ‎her knife. You know Atrios, he just wants to be able ‎to blame someone. Have a glass of wine and forget ‎him. He knows perfectly well you can’t do anything.‎

      ‎That’s not entirely true though, is it? Kerelline ‎said thoughtfully.‎

      ‎What do you mean? Warin asked.‎

      ‎Well, a god can be indicted, can’t they? They can ‎be banished if they go too far?‎

      ‎That’s true, but it would take an agreement ‎between all the other gods, and the god in question ‎has to have gone completely beyond the pale, ‎Cazovania informed her granddaughter. Attacking ‎Atrios’ shrines isn’t nearly enough. We’re at war, ‎don’t forget. Doing damaging things to each other’s ‎followers is normal behaviour.‎

      ‎That’s kind of sad, isn’t it? Kerelline said ‎soberly.‎

      ‎War’s sad, Cazovania said. But when you’re ‎dealing with someone like Elithim, what choice is ‎there? Do we all just bow out and turn our followers ‎over to her? Because that’s the alternative. We either ‎fight or we capitulate and let her have this world and ‎everything in it. She’s left us no other choice. ‎

      Kerelline nodded sadly.‎

      ‎It’s not just ourselves we have to think about, ‎either, Warin said. Our followers have rights too, ‎rights Elithim wants to take away from them. They ‎look to us to protect them from that. They’re a big part ‎of what we’re fighting for. ‎

      Kerelline nodded again. Is that why you always ‎use humans to do what needs to be done?‎

      ‎Partly. But there’s also the fact that if we gods ‎were to fight a real war we’d stand a good chance of ‎destroying the world, and that wouldn’t really help ‎anyone, least of all the creatures who live there.‎

      ‎Is that really true? I seem to remember hearing ‎about you and Elithim facing off more than once, and ‎last time I looked, the world was still there.‎

      ‎It’s true that I’ve faced Elithim a few times, ‎Warin acknowledged. But each time I’ve only done ‎what I absolutely had to in order to achieve what I ‎needed to, which was usually about saving the ‎Companions from Elithim, and I’ve got out as soon as ‎I could. Even then, there was quite a bit of ‎destruction, fortunately, localised and not too ‎significant. But if all the gods got involved in an all-‎out attempt to destroy each other, I don’t think ‎there’d be a lot left when they’d finished. Elithim and ‎I are fairly safe because we’re not earth-focused gods, ‎so we don’t have the forces of nature at our ‎command. Imagine the damage Morv could do, for ‎instance, or Ker, or even Arnia.‎

      ‎Scary thought, Kerelline shuddered. Yes, I see. ‎I hadn’t thought of the forces of nature being brought ‎into play. That could really do some damage, couldn’t ‎it?‎

      ‎It would completely devastate the world, ‎Cazovania said. I doubt there’d be a thing left living ‎by the time it was over. Nobody wants that, not even ‎Elithim. After all, there wouldn’t be much fun in ‎being Queen and God of an empty world with ‎nothing left to worship her. And you’re forgetting, ‎Warin, that Elithim is the moon goddess, and the ‎moon controls the tides. And that’s definitely a ‎natural force to be reckoned with.‎

      ‎Stop it, Grandmother, you’re scaring me, ‎Kerelline said.‎

      ‎That’s why we have to be so careful, Warin ‎said. That’s why there are strict rules about how and ‎in what circumstances we can interact with the world ‎below in person.‎

      ‎I don’t quite understand, Kerelline said. You ‎say that Elithim doesn’t want the world destroyed any ‎more than you do, but she doesn’t seem to mind ‎risking it, does she? I mean, she breaks the rules any ‎time she feels like it, and she must know that you ‎other gods are going to react.‎

      ‎Probably she feels safe doing that because she ‎knows none of us would risk too strong a reaction, ‎Cazovania said. And you’ll notice that she’s never ‎dared to invoke the forces of nature herself, no matter ‎how annoyed she’s been about Warin or me ‎interfering with her plans.‎

      ‎Yes, that’s true, Kerelline said. Yes, I see. ‎She’ll put a toe over the line, but no more than that.‎

      ‎Precisely. So, what were the two of you talking ‎about when I came in?‎

      ‎Mother wants to go down below and find out ‎what Elithim’s up to, Kerelline said. She seems to ‎think she’d find out more down there than she would ‎by watching from up here.‎

      ‎That’s actually not a bad idea, Cazovania said.‎

      ‎Thank you, Mother, Warin said. So, why don’t ‎you two stay and mind the shop? I’ll be back shortly.‎

      ‎Hold on a moment. I think we should all go.‎

      ‎Why?‎

      ‎The drawback with being on the ground is that ‎you can only see what’s happening at one location at a ‎time, Cazovania said. If we all go, we triple that. ‎One of us can get close to Amarya and find out what ‎she’s doing and how closely Elithim is interacting ‎with her, and the others can look at her army, say, and ‎the ordinary people out in the towns and villages, get ‎a feel for how the common folk feel about where their ‎church is going. If you’re going to do this, Warin, you ‎might just as well do it right.‎

      ‎That’s really a very good idea, Mother.‎

      ‎Thank you. I thought so myself. What are you ‎going to do? I fancy being a soldier, myself. As she ‎spoke, her voice deepened, and by the time she’d ‎finished, she stood before them as a man-at-arms.‎

      Warin laughed. You need a shave.‎

      ‎Probably. We militia-types are a slovenly lot ‎unless there’s an officer to keep us in line. What are ‎you going to do?‎

      ‎I’ll take Amarya, I think. I’d like to get to know ‎her and Horana a little better. It could be useful on ‎down the line.‎

      ‎And I’ll take the hinterlands, Kerelline said. ‎‎That suits me very well, actually. I’ve been meaning ‎to get down there on the ground and have a look at ‎the health and well-being of the ordinary folk, so I can ‎combine the two. She stood up, and by the time she ‎was on her feet she was dressed in the garb of a ‎peasant girl. ‎

      ‎Who’s going to keep an eye on Tassi and the ‎temple group? Warin asked. I won’t be able to go ‎near there, not with Uncle on the warpath.‎

      ‎I’ll take care of it, Kerelline said. I can pop in ‎from time to time. I’ll tell Granddad Atrios I’m ‎looking for ideas on how to run my religion. He’ll ‎probably let me right into his temple if I do that. In ‎fact, I’ll do that right now, and then if I play with ‎time a bit I can attend the memorial service that’s ‎about to begin. That’ll give me a good initial ‎assessment of how the temple group are coping.‎

      ‎Let’s get on with it, then, Cazovania said. ‎

      The three goddesses stepped together through ‎the door and vanished as they did so.‎

      ‎‎**********‎

      Somehow, Keladryn managed to make the ‎memorial service an expression of hope rather than the ‎depressing acknowledgement of yet another defeat. ‎As they filed out of the temple afterwards, Tassi ‎noticed several faces that actually looked uplifted. ‎She saw Keladryn talking to a rustic-looking group ‎that she presumed were the farmers who had brought ‎the news, and she could tell by their faces that the fact ‎that the High Priest himself had dropped everything ‎to hold a memorial service for their friends meant a lot ‎to them. She commented on that to Keladryn later as ‎she helped him remove the great Collar of the Sun.‎

      ‎People want to know we care, Tassi. That’s the ‎most important thing. Of course, if we don’t come up ‎with something in the way of results soon, they’re ‎going to stop believing that, and then there’ll be ‎trouble. Thank you, Keladryn said, rubbing his ‎shoulders. That thing may look grand, but it’s ‎unbelievably heavy.‎

      ‎You should get a replica made out of something ‎lighter and then just gild it. No one would know the ‎difference. Then you could melt the old one down. ‎The gold would probably pay for Atrielle’s ‎education.‎

      Keladryn laughed. Don’t tempt me.‎

      ‎Speaking of education, Niari said. Atrielle has ‎something to show you while we wait for dinner to be ‎served. Show Daddy your kitten, Atrielle.‎

      ‎Do you have a new kitten, Atrielle? Oh! ‎Keladryn said as the rainbow striped kitten appeared ‎before him. He looked at his wife. Did she...?‎

      Niari nodded.‎

      ‎Oh. Well, it was to be expected, I suppose. He ‎bent to inspect the illusion. Well, it’s a bit exotic, but ‎then so is this family, when you get right down to it. ‎And at least you can all provide your own weird ‎pets.‎

      Niari and Tassi burst out laughing, and the ‎atmosphere, still somewhat shadowed by the news of ‎the new attack, lightened considerably.‎

      ‎You need to take a couple of days off, ‎Keladryn, Niari said firmly as they finally sat down ‎to their meal. You look completely done in. You’re ‎going to make yourself ill if you keep up this pace.‎

      ‎I can’t, Niari. Aleetha and Warintu are due the ‎day after tomorrow for our regular meeting, ‎remember?‎

      ‎Well, of course I know that. I also know that this ‎meeting’s been in the pipeline for the last six months ‎and your staff are perfectly capable of seeing to the ‎last minute details without you breathing down their ‎necks. You’re taking tomorrow off.‎

      ‎But Niari...‎

      ‎No! Niari’s hand came down on the table hard ‎enough to rattle the glasses. You’ve been running on ‎your nerves for weeks, ever since these attacks started. ‎You either take some time off now, while you’ve got ‎a day to spare, or you’re going to fall over, probably at ‎a highly inconvenient moment, and you’ll almost ‎certainly have to take much more time to recover. I ‎don’t care how many golden collars you’ve got, ‎Keladryn, you’re not a god. You’re a man and you ‎have limits, and you’re getting pretty close to them.‎

      ‎All right. But just tomorrow.‎

      ‎You really need a week, but I’ll take what I can ‎get.‎

      ‎I’ll need to see my secretary in the morning ‎though.‎

      ‎Oh, no, you don’t. Tassi can go and get Ruhan ‎when we’ve finished eating and you can tell him ‎whatever you need to then. You’re not going ‎anywhere near the office tomorrow. I’d need a ‎crowbar to get you out again.‎

      Keladryn sighed. Yes, dear.‎

      CHAPTER THREE

      Both Keladryn and Warintu, the Prophet of ‎Cazovania, had been present during the momentous ‎events that had taken place in the Temple of the ‎Damned and had seen the evil goddess Elithim reveal ‎her true colours at last. A few years ago Niari, in ‎response to the lament of Holy Mother Aleetha, high ‎priestess of Warin, that she had never seen her ‎goddess, had used sorcery to implant her own ‎memories of Warin as she had appeared at the Temple ‎of the Damned in Aleetha’s mind. ‎

      Consequently, Aleetha also had what amounted to ‎first-hand experience of those events. The three high ‎priests, therefore, were more aware than most of just ‎how deep the treachery of Elithim went and how ‎much of a threat she posed to a peaceful world where ‎people were free to worship as they chose. For ‎Elithim’s aim was to banish the other gods, along with ‎all secular rulers, and set herself up as sole god and ‎ruler of the entire world. ‎

      The Warinites were inclined to the view that the ‎struggle against Elithim was nothing to do with them ‎and they were better off keeping well out of it and ‎minding their own business. Aleetha now knew how ‎mistaken that attitude was, especially given that ‎another of Elithim’s aims was to break up the marriage ‎of Maras and Cazovania and have Maras to herself. ‎Aleetha’s own goddess, Warin, was Maras and ‎Cazovania’s daughter and had become the arch-enemy ‎of Elithim. ‎

      For the church of Warin to remain neutral was an ‎absurdity. However, Aleetha was having a great deal ‎of trouble trying to convince the Warinite Council that ‎it was in their own interests to be more involved. Her ‎frustration with the obtuseness of her colleagues and ‎her conviction that something had to be done about ‎Elithim had led her to suggest these periodic meetings ‎between the three church leaders.‎

      During those sessions, they pooled information, ‎discussed tactics, and tried to do what they could to ‎thwart Elithim’s ambition. Actually, in practice what ‎that frequently boiled down to was supporting Tassi, ‎who had succeeded Niari as the One of the ‎prophecies, and who was, therefore, the human face ‎of the gods’ struggles against Elithim. ‎

      Keladryn, of course, had his own private army, ‎the Atriosine Temple Guard, and attached to that his ‎own intelligence-gathering operations. The ‎Cazovanian church was militant by nature, with every ‎priest also being a trained warrior, and it also boasted ‎a very efficient intelligence-gathering apparatus. ‎Warinites, on the other hand, were charity workers ‎and healers rather than warriors. They knew nothing ‎of espionage and so Aleetha had expected to have ‎little to contribute in the way of information. ‎

      To her very great surprise, however, she had ‎discovered a groundswell of opinion among the ‎ordinary priests and priestesses of her church that was ‎in direct opposition to the position of the council. And ‎because those priests worked closely with their ‎parishioners, they were trusted. People told them ‎things. Almost without meaning to, Aleetha had ‎found herself in possession of a very effective ‎intelligence-gathering organisation. ‎

      It was an organisation, moreover, that garnered ‎information from all over the world since the Warinite ‎church had a presence in almost every country, and ‎that often picked up on things the professionals ‎missed. Dumpy, grey-haired and motherly, Aleetha ‎looked like anything but the head of a successful spy ‎network. Yet the men had learned to defer to her in ‎matters of intelligence. ‎

      Since the guests were the leaders of major ‎religions, there would, of course, be the usual formal ‎dinner and reception on the night of their arrival. But ‎they were also friends, and Warintu and his wife ‎Amatira, the Prophet and Priestess of Cazovania, were ‎Cazotira’s parents. Therefore, when the day’s business ‎was concluded on the second day of their visit, Niari ‎threw an intimate family dinner party. ‎

      Present along with the high priest, his family and ‎guests, were Niari’s sister Carlitha, her husband ‎Boladan, Duke of Onnian, their three-year-old twin ‎sons Bindrath and Costin, and Boladan’s apprentice ‎Adeena who had ridden in just that day from Onnian, ‎where she had been working in the great library there. ‎

      Boladan was one of those rare people who could ‎actually understand and interpret the cryptic ‎utterances that went by the name of prophecy. He had ‎been central in several of the adventures Niari and ‎Carlitha had participated in when Niari was the One. ‎Now, he was busy raising a family and serving as ‎ambassador to the church of Atrios for Niari and ‎Carlitha’s brother, King Aanek of Nebreth. ‎

      Though he still pursued his own studies, his place ‎had largely been taken over by Adeena, the ‎granddaughter of an old retainer of Boladan’s family, ‎who had proved to also have the ability to understand ‎prophecy. Though still officially an apprentice, she ‎had already been on one trip with Tassi, and most of ‎the responsibility for finding out what the next step in ‎the great Plan of the gods required of Tassi and her ‎friends fell on her shoulders.‎

      ‎You look tired, Adeena, Niari said as she ‎handed her a cup of tea and offered a plate of cakes. ‎It was quite late. Dinner had been over for a while. ‎Carlitha’s twins had departed with their nurse to go ‎home to bed, Atrielle was already asleep, and ‎Cazotira, allowed to stay up since this was one of the ‎few times she saw her parents, was curled sleepily in ‎her father’s lap. Now the adults could talk without the ‎distraction of noisy excited children.‎

      ‎I rode hard to get here, Adeena said. She ‎flicked a glance at Boladan and received a slight nod. ‎‎I found something you ought to know about.‎

      ‎Oh? Niari said, her voice sharpening. ‎

      Tassi, comfortably full and half-asleep, sat up, ‎noticing as she did so that the attention of everyone ‎else in the room had sharpened, too. Where before the ‎group had been companionably relaxed, suddenly a ‎little frisson of tension rippled through it, for Boladan ‎and Adeena’s studies were not just an academic ‎exercise. ‎

      The war of the gods, that war in which most of ‎the people present in the room were involved, was ‎directed and foreshadowed through prophecy. It told ‎them what they had to do, and it often provided clues ‎about what the other side was doing as well. When ‎Boladan or Adeena came out with a statement like ‎that, it was rarely good news.‎

      ‎You tell them, Adeena said to Boladan. You ‎know the situation here better than I do.‎

      ‎All right. Adeena found a prophecy that appears ‎to be talking about the situation here in this country ‎right now. We can show it to you tomorrow if you ‎want to see it, but briefly, the attacks that have been ‎occurring against Atriosine chapels and shrines are the ‎work of the New Elithimites.‎

      ‎You’re sure about that? Keladryn asked.‎

      ‎Yes. The prophecy is quite clear about it.‎

      ‎Really, Boladan, Carlitha said. How can you ‎possibly expect people to take you seriously when you ‎come out with an absurdity like that? When was ‎prophecy ever clear about anything?‎

      Boladan chuckled. Perhaps I should have said ‎that it’s clear to those of us who are able to read it, ‎he corrected himself.‎

      ‎Well, thank you. That’s very useful information, ‎Keladryn said. Aleetha has some reports that say the ‎same thing. On their own, they weren’t terribly useful ‎because we couldn’t be sure how reliable they were. ‎With the two together though, there are sufficient ‎grounds to take action.‎

      ‎That’s not all the prophecy had to say, Boladan ‎said, holding up a hand. According to what Adeena ‎read, there are two main reasons for the attacks. First, ‎they want to do as much damage as possible to the ‎Atriosine church in retaliation for the help you’ve ‎given to Tassi.‎

      ‎We’d pretty much figured that, Keladryn said.‎

      ‎Yes. But it’s the second reason that made ‎Adeena ride so hard to get here. The idea is to draw ‎the Temple Guard out so that this compound is less ‎well protected, and they have a greater chance of ‎penetrating it.‎

      Niari made a little noise in the back of her throat ‎and her eyes went to Tassi.‎

      ‎The New Elithimites, Boladan said in a flat ‎expressionless voice, have passed sentence of death ‎on, he began to count names off on his fingers, ‎‎Keladryn, Tassi, Niari, Atrielle, Cazotira, Bindrath, ‎Costin, Carlitha.‎

      ‎What? Niari screeched.‎

      ‎Why are the children on that list? Aleetha ‎asked.‎

      ‎I assume they must either suspect or know that ‎the children are going to be a future threat to them.‎

      ‎How could they know that?‎

      ‎Probably because they have a prophecy that says ‎so.‎

      ‎No! Niari said. A risk to myself I can handle, ‎but Atrielle’s just a baby. She doesn’t even ‎understand all this, and someone wants to kill her? ‎How can the gods let this happen? What are we going ‎to do, Keladryn?‎

      ‎Fortunately, there is a simple way to keep the ‎children safe, Boladan said. Although, I’m not sure ‎you’ll like it very much.‎

      ‎If it keeps Atrielle and Cazotira safe, I don’t care ‎what it is, Niari said. We’ll do it.‎

      ‎Carlitha and I feel much the same about the ‎boys, Boladan said. Read them that passage, ‎Adeena.‎

      Adeena turned pages in the document she held on ‎her lap. Here it is. ‘And in my vision, I saw Warin, ‎sweet Lady of Destiny, and she wept. Long and bitter ‎were her tears and great her anguish. What shall I ‎do? she wept. For the Plan must be preserved or the ‎future will fail. But the children are the future, and ‎they are hunted. How shall I protect them? How can I ‎keep them safe?" ‎

      ‎Give the little ones to me, her mother said. My ‎Prophet and my Priestess shall care for them most ‎tenderly, and I myself will protect them. No minion of ‎the Moon shall come near them while they dwell in ‎my land.‎

      ‎Do you swear this, Mother? asked Warin.‎

      ‎On my life, said Cazovania. Tell the ‎Companions that the young ones must come to me.‘‎

      Niari closed her eyes and a single tear ran down ‎her cheek, but Tassi couldn’t be sure whether it was ‎because Atrielle would be safe or because she’d have ‎to give her up, at least for a time.‎

      ‎Warintu? Amatira? Keladryn asked tentatively.‎

      ‎Well, of course we’ll be delighted to have them, ‎Keladryn, Amatira said warmly. Won’t we, ‎Warintu?‎

      ‎It’ll be rather nice to have children around the ‎place again, Warintu said with a smile. And it’ll be ‎good to have Cazotira home for a while.‎

      ‎Thank you, Carlitha said gratefully. The boys ‎can be a bit boisterous, but they come with their own ‎nurse, so they shouldn’t be too much of a burden.‎

      ‎They’re not going to be a burden at all, Carlitha, ‎Amatira said. I’m looking forward to it.‎

      ‎I just hope Cazotira and Atrielle don’t cause you ‎problems with their sorcery as Cazotira used to, Niari ‎said. I think I’ve got that pretty well trained out of ‎her now, but I can’t be sure what will happen when ‎she realises there isn’t a sorceress around to keep her ‎in check.‎

      ‎It’s not a problem at all, Niari, Warintu said. ‎‎Song of the Night’s living just around the corner ‎from us.‎

      ‎I’d forgotten, Niari said. Well, that’s all right ‎then. Song of the Night would soon sort them out.‎

      ‎And I thought my sons were trouble, Carlitha ‎said. Thank all the gods I had boys. At least I know ‎they can’t demolish the entire house with a stray ‎thought.‎

      The room erupted in laughter.‎

      Three days later, the guests left for home. Along ‎with Warintu and Amatira went a large carriage ‎containing the four children and their nurses, and ‎surrounding the carriage rode a contingent of heavily-‎armed Temple Guardsmen who would escort the party ‎to the border with Nava. The children cried a little, ‎although the excitement of going on a trip rather ‎overrode that. ‎

      The adults smiled and told them what a ‎wonderful holiday they were going on and what fun ‎they were going to have. But once the last child had ‎been hugged and kissed and inserted into the carriage, ‎once the

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