The Song of All by Tina LeCount Myers

Author:Tina LeCount Myers [Myers, Tina LeCount]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Night Shade Books
Published: 2018-01-01T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

BÁVVÁL, THE VIJNS OF the Order of Believers, had given a few days’ thought to the matter of the Apotti of Hemmela. The letter he had received confirmed that the priest could not be trusted. It was obvious he would need to be removed. What was far less clear were the Brethren’s motives. What did Dávgon really want? Because surely he had little use for a zealot like Rikkar.

Bávvál sloughed off his heavy, fur-lined robes so he could pace freely in front of the roaring fire.

Rikkar had always thought too much of himself, even as an acoltye. Yet Bávvál had never figured him to be a man of action. Words, yes. But action? No. And yet he had proof of the man’s conspiracy with the Brethren. But Bávvál could not immediately see the man’s appeal to the Brethren.

Perhaps it’s not the man himself. Rather, the place, the High Priest mused. He took a quick step back to avoid the hungry flames that licked out of the hearth. But a few farms and trade-huts hardly seemed worthy of attention. Bávvál repeated the village name in his mind. There was something in the name. And then it came to him like the crack of an errant spark. Hemmela’s temple rested upon the razed foundations of a Jápmea gathering site.

What had Rikkar found?

Bávvál began pacing again. Fresh tension added a spring to his step. Of course, when he got his hands on the man, he would soon enough know what the priest had been up to. But until then the possibilities would plague his thoughts.

Then there was the acolyte. The Amanuensa of Hemmela was clearly cunning, because he managed to betray his superior’s intention while leaving himself above suspicion. The young man’s wide-eyed surprise had surely been affected. Bávvál, however, could not help but be impressed by the ruse. The acolyte had managed treachery without its stain. This type of skill could prove to be both a benefit and a cause for concern, particularly in a role of increased power.

A knock at the door halted the High Priest’s perambulation.

The door opened without entreaty or ceremony and the lithe figure of Bávvál’s most trusted agent entered.

Áigin inclined his head. Wisps of long grey hair closed in around his face like threadbare curtains.

Bávvál had asked his spy to befriend the young man and ferret out the truth behind the facade.

“And?” Bávvál asked.

“Our young acolyte rankles at the unfairness of his fate, and believes himself capable of greatness. He is willing to deceive those he deems his inferiors, but has a respect for those who hold the key to his advancement.”

The High Priest considered Áigin’s assessment. “And do you feel he can be trusted?”

“I feel he can be trusted to do what is best for himself,” the agent answered.

“He is no different than most.”

“No, we are all ambitious,” the spy agreed, “but he will work to curry your favor if you bestow it upon him. Dangle a bright future, but keep a firm grasp upon his reins.

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