Child of flame by Kate Elliott

Author:Kate Elliott [Elliott, Kate]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Epic, Fiction, Fantasy, General, Fantasy Fiction; American, Wendar (Imaginary place)
ISBN: 9780886778927
Publisher: DAW Books
Published: 2000-10-26T07:00:00+00:00

"So much time has passed," replied Two Fingers with a solemn nod.” The time of weaving will not wait for us. It will come whether we are ready or not."

"We must be ready." Adica wore that stubborn expression which Alain had learned to respect.

Two Fingers nodded.” If we are to succeed, one among us must reach Horn's land to see if she yet lives. I will travel there with you." "It is hard enough risking my own self," said Adica.” You must not risk yourself as well."

"Nay, for I have Hehoyanah to follow me." He gestured toward the young woman.” She will work my part of the pattern. You cannot be replaced, Young One, since you have no apprentice. Although it is true you have a powerful spirit walking with you." He gestured toward Alain, marking him with an astute glance. His dimple peeped again as his lips quirked up, but the smile was brief.” I must make sure you arrive safely in your own land."

Adica's shoulders stiffened. She yanked at the sleeve of her bodice the way she always did when she was irritated.” So easily do the old sacrifice the young. Does your apprentice embrace her fate gladly, that you have passed onto her so unexpectedly?"

Alain began to step forward, to soothe her, but thought better of it as Two Fingers' assistant lifted a corner of her veil up to cover her face, hiding her expression. Better not to interfere. This was out of his hands.

Two Fingers gazed on Adica blandly, as if the anger boiling in her heart slipped off of him like water. Yet his voice was not easy.” Do you think the old gladly bury the young?" He gestured toward the silent pots at rest in the painted alcoves.” Do not let your own eyes cloud what you see. I am sorry for the burden the young have been forced to share with the old. But we have no choice unless we choose to let the Cursed Ones win this war and subject all humankind to slavery."

Such words made Alain nervous. Why did everyone speak so stubbornly about fate and death? Adica was so young that although it was true that all people must expect to die in time, and perhaps untimely, she ought to have many long years to live. With Alain at her side.

The wind whined distantly, like the lost and fading wails of an infant torn from his mother's breast.

"Come." This time Two Fingers' curt smile did not bring out his dimple.” We cannot wait for the storm to falter of its own. We must walk the phoenix path into Horn's land."

From a ceramic dish resting in one of the niches, he scooped up a paste of red ocher and brushed Adica's forehead with the color, marking her. After a hesitation, he did the same to Alain. He veiled himself before the curtain was drawn aside so they could leave the chamber.

In the larger chamber, six people remained. Laoina looked relieved to see them, and she fell in beside Adica at once.

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