Kalona's Fall by P. C. Cast

Author:P. C. Cast
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781466846272
Publisher: St. Martin's Press

7.

YOUR BROTHERHOOD PLEASES ME MORE THAN ANY TEST EVER COULD …

“Argh! It is putrid!” Kalona’s nose was wrinkled in disgust. “I will not take you closer to that mud and mess.”

“Nyx, there you are! It is lovely to see you.” Mother Earth embraced her.

“It is a pleasure to see you, as well.” Nyx returned her embrace, and then smiled at the dancing dryads that had taken to following the Great Mother everywhere. “If ever I wonder where they have gotten off to, I know all I need do is find you, and there the Fey will be.”

Mother Earth’s gaze went to Kalona. “And if ever I wonder where you have gotten off to, I know all I need do is find Kalona, and there Nyx will be.”

Kalona bowed his head slightly but respectfully to her. “I greet you, Earth Mother.”

“I greet you as well,” she said. “Whenever you are ready, you may begin your test. I do hope it turns out better than your last one.”

“I am ready, but—”

“But it is me who has summoned you here! There is no need for you to move from this spot. From here you will have a perfect view.” Erebus dropped down from the sky above them, glistening as golden as the midday sun. “Mother Earth, your beauty outshines the majesty of the pine trees,” he said with a flourish and a bow.

“So charming and handsome.” Mother Earth smiled fondly at him.

Then he turned to Nyx, and from behind his back he produced a single length of a fragrant herb, topped with a brilliant purple flower. Moving to her, he smiled and said, “Hello, my Goddess. This plant reminded me of the scent of your skin. I hope my creation pleases you as much as it does me.” Erebus tucked the sprig in her hair behind her ear.

Nyx smiled. “Lavender! You are right, Erebus. I do so love its delicate fragrance. I often rub it on my wrists. Thank you.”

“You should have brought enough for all of us so that we could stand the stench of this place,” Kalona said gruffly.

“Brother, I have actually missed your scowling face, but probably only because it bears such a resemblance to my own!” He clapped Kalona on the shoulder.

Nyx thought Kalona’s face looked like a thundercloud ready to explode all over his brother.

“There is nothing wrong with the scent of this place,” Mother Earth said sternly. “It comes from the mixing of heat and minerals that rest just below ground. During the winter, many animals come here and take comfort in the warmth it provides. They do not complain of the smell, and neither would you, Kalona, were you to freeze to death otherwise.”

“I am an immortal. We never die,” Kalona told her placidly.

“Indeed?” Mother Earth replied. “Never is a very long time.”

“Then let us waste not another moment of it,” Nyx said. “Erebus, what is it you have created for me with Water and magick?”

“Hopefully, something that pleases you greatly.” With two beats of his

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