Cheysuli 4 - Track of the Wolf by Roberson Jennifer

Author:Roberson, Jennifer [Roberson, Jennifer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2012-08-31T17:19:49+00:00

"By seeing to it I am slain?" Though I watched Ceinn, I saw her twitch of shock. "What did you think he wanted from me, 'Solde—a peaceful retirement into the country?"

"Niall—"

" 'Soldo—enough." That from Ceinn, as if he had no more time for verbal maneuverings even from his wife.

"Plain speech, aye; and aye, I serve the prophecy! So do the rest of us." He turned a bit closer to me, edging Isolde out entirely. We confronted one another squarely -

"You have some of the blood, it is true, but you also bear other blood—"

"So does Ion," I said clearly. "If it is true the a'saii desire a return to the days of purebred clans, how does it serve the prophecy? The prophecy demands a mixture—

it points us to other realms."

"Other realms, aye," he agreed. "I do not contest the need for the blood of other realms; it can only strengthen us. But I do contest your absolute lirlessness, your lack of Cheysuli gifts, your lack of Cheysuli customs." He drew in a breath made uneven by the intensity of his anger; by the depth of fanaticism. "There are so few of us left now, 185

those with untainted blood, and if it were possible I would prefer one of the a'saii to take the Lion on Donal's death. But we are not so blind as to turn our backs on a warrior who has more right than most—"

1<—that warrior being lan," I finished. I thrust out a band and pointed at Gisella, still huddled in her chair.

"In her body lies the seed of that prophecy, Ceinn—a chad born of Homana, Solinde, Atvia and the Cheysuli.

How can you tell me that child should be replaced?"

"Because it should be. And will be." He reached out and caught Isolde's elbow. "Come, 'Solde. My business with him is finished. Let us go to the other hall."

"Ceinn—wait.'9 She pulled free of him even as he had pulled free of me. "Is it the truth? You want lan to take Niall's place?" She thrust up a silencing hand even as he began to answer her question. "You know lan would never do it. He is Niall's liege man as well as his rujholli.

Do you think he would break that service merely to accept yours?"

Ceinn's mouth was grimly set, lips pressed tight against one another. "If he will not, we will simply find another with similar heritage."

"Similar heritage—' Isolde fell back a step. Then she stood very still. "Would identical be better?" she inquired bitterly. "Augmented by yours, no doubt ... do you think a child from us would do?" Isolde smiled, but it was the smile of a predator. "My jehan is likely to live for at least another twenty years, perhaps more. By then, no doubt a son of ours would be old enough to accept the Lion- Is that it? Is that it, Ceinn?"

" 'Solde-—"

"Just answer!" she cried. "Just answer. I do not want an explanation. Tell me aye or nay!"

Whatever else he was, Ceinn was not a liar.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.