The Crystal Mountain - Book 3 by Thomas M. Reid

Author:Thomas M. Reid [Unknown]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantasy
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast

Aliisza stood, as her companions did, in the center of the semicircular chamber of the High Council. She wore a simple robe of white cloth. Though she had already been compelled through Garin and Nilsa's divine magic to cooperate, she had been restrained with manacles that she could sense would prevent her from doing any sort of magical travel.

They remembered my trick with Kaanyr before, she thought, feeling morose.

Beside her, Kael, Pharaun, and Eirwyn stood similarly attired and restrained. The drow appeared in his true form, as he had the night before, in the enchanted garden. Aliisza had blinked when he arrived in such a state and had given him a quizzical look.

"A bit of divine intervention," he explained with a mock whisper, "the granting of a small request."

The only one they were waiting for was Tauran.

The chamber felt different to Aliisza. She could sense an undercurrent of chaos mingled with the officious, businesslike manner of those in attendance. Much had happened since she and her companions had departed, and little of it appeared good.

Nothing was more evident of that chaos than the absence of four of the High Council members, including the High Councilor. The bench upon the dais sat half empty. The group of solars who were in attendance looked concerned, agitated. Their behavior was much more animated than Aliisza remembered, and their pearly white faces and golden eyes wore expressions of disquiet. They constantly leaned close to one another, whispering and gesturing.

The collection of hound archons hovering around the defendants only added to the air of perturbation. Indeed, the sheer number of guards amazed Aliisza. The celestials had assigned no fewer than three guards per prisoner.

They are taking no chances, Aliisza realized. We really must have put a scare into them.

For a moment, she felt a swell of pride at having flustered the haughty angels. It was a fleeting emotion, though, overwhelmed by despair. And anger. Her sense of betrayal at the hands of the celestials had grown since her discussion with Kael and Pharaun in the garden, and she was finding that her sense of helplessness to do anything to convince the angels of their good intentions was beginning to enrage her.

Why do they have to be so damned disciplined? she

lamented. Their rigid code is going to be their downfall, and they're taking us with them.

It didn't help Aliisza's mood, imagining Kaanyr somewhere distant, laughing at her.

Why did I come back? she asked herself yet again. Why did I talk myself into thinking this was a good idea?

It wasn't a good idea, it was the only option, she told herself. It was this or die. You made your choice. Even back when you agreed to follow Tauran. You could have left all this long ago, when you first woke up in the storm dragon's lair. So too late for regrets now, fool girl.

She heard that final comment in Kaanyr's voice. It made her wince. Fool girl, indeed, she thought. Kaanyr was right. This place did change you.

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