The War of Souls by Margaret Weis

Author:Margaret Weis [Weis, Margaret]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780786930029
Amazon: 0786930020
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
Published: 2003-09-02T00:00:00+00:00

Palin's voice whispered to him, soft and urgent. "Mirror, what are you doing? You cannot trust

this woman. Her name is Odila. She was once a Solamnic Knight, but she has been consumed by

darkness."

"A few moments with her. That's all I ask," Mirror replied softly.

"You may take all the time you want with her, sir," said Odila, mistaking his words. "Although

the time we have is short before Malys arrives."

"Do you believe in the One God?" Mirror asked.

"Yes," said Odila, defiantly. "Don't you?"

"I believe in Takhisis," said Mirror. "I revere her, but I do not serve her."

"How is that possible?" Odila demanded. "If you believe in Takhisis and revere her, it follows

that you must serve her."

"My reply takes the form of a story. Were you with Goldmoon when she died?"

"No," Odila said. Her voice softened. "No one but Mina was with her."

"Yet there were witnesses. A wizard named Palin Majere saw and heard their conversation,

during which Takhisis revealed her true nature to Goldmoon. That was a moment of triumph for

Takhisis. Goldmoon had long been her bitter enemy. How sweet it must have been for Takhisis

to tell Goldmoon that it was she who gave Goldmoon the power of the heart, the power to heal

and to build and to create. Takhisis told Goldmoon that this power of the heart stemmed not from

the light but from the darkness. Takhisis hoped to convince Goldmoon to follow her. The

goddess promised Goldmoon life, youth, beauty. All in return for her service, her worship.

"Goldmoon refused to accept. She refused to worship the goddess who had brought such pain

and sorrow to the world. Takhisis was angry. She inflicted on Goldmoon the burden of her years,

made her old and feeble and near death. The goddess hoped Goldmoon would die in despair,

knowing that Takhisis had won the battle, that she would be the 'one god' for now and forever.

Goldmoon's dying words were a prayer."

"To Takhisis?" Odila faltered.

"To Paladine," said Mirror. "A prayer asking for his forgiveness for having lost her faith, a

prayer reaffirming her belief."

"But why did she pray to Paladine when she knew he could not answer?" Odila asked.

"Goldmoon did not pray for answers. She knew the answers. She had long carried the truth of his

wisdom and his teachings in her soul. Thus, even though she might never again see Paladine or

hear his voice or receive his blessings, he was with her, as he had always been. Goldmoon

understood that Takhisis had lied. The good that Goldmoon had done came from her heart, and

that good could never be claimed by darkness. The miracles would always come from Paladine,

because he had never left her. He was always with her, always a part of her."

"It is too late for me," said Odila, despairing. "I am beyond redemption. See? Feel this."

Grasping his hand, she placed his fingers on her palm. "Scars. Fresh scars. Made by the blessed

dragonlance. I am being punished."

"Who punishes you, Daughter?" Mirror asked gently. "Queen Takhisis? Or the truth that is in

your heart?"

Odila had no answer.

Mirror sighed deeply, his own mind at ease.

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