Black Harvest by M.C. Planck

Author:M.C. Planck
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Black Harvest
ISBN: 9781633885592
Publisher: Pyr
Published: 2019-04-24T16:00:00+00:00

19

GOODBYE

“I am not entirely certain what just happened,” Christopher said. The dragons had dispersed. Jenny and Lucien sat far away on the largest remaining building in the center of the city, having a private conversation. The others changed back into human form and made their farewells, awkward and tender at the same time. Oribus and Lethanial were at opposite ends of the dome, each sulking alone. They apparently had to wait on Jenny’s spells to renew before she could give them a shape small enough to creep out of one of the handful of tunnels to the surface.

The elves were also packing up, getting ready to leave. Alaine had come over to check on Christopher and his party. Since it might be the last time he saw her for a while, Christopher wanted some answers. In particular, the battle seemed anticlimactic for the culmination of his great quest. Things did not feel as resolved as he thought they would. He wanted to make sure that wasn’t just his ego complaining because he had not been at the center of the action this time.

“The future is always uncertain,” she answered. “The past is unclear. Why should the present be any different?”

Lalania was no more satisfied with ambiguity than he was. “What is a domain lord,” she demanded, “and why did we acquire one?”

“You always had one,” Alaine told her. “You just didn’t know. To be honest, it would behoove you to forget. He cannot intervene in your personal affairs without risking his greater mission: to keep this entire domain free of hjerne-spica. A task so important I would have assented to Oribus taking the role if necessary. Although you would not have appreciated his reign.”

“So there won’t be a Black Harvest,” Christopher asked.

Alaine looked around at the rubble and shrugged. “Other than this one? Not unless you cause it.”

He narrowed his eyes at her. “I was told I had a free hand. So I’m going to finish my task.”

“Apparently you understood some part of the proceedings after all. Yes, you may continue with your scheme. Yet do not forget my promise to you. It still holds, every word.”

“Okay, but what can they do now? I mean, what’s left to go wrong?”

She looked at him expressionlessly. “Anything and everything. You play for an entire plane as a prize. There are no rules to such a game.”

“Which of you rules us?” Cannan asked with a glare. “Field officer or overlord?”

“‘Rule’ is a poor term. We each have certain responsibilities, which usually do not impinge on your concerns. I have been patrolling this domain for . . .” She stopped herself. “For a very long time. I will, presumably, be here long after you are gone.”

“Longer than Lucien?” Lalania’s barb thrust home, wicked and clever.

Alaine stared at her. “Yes.” She turned back to Christopher, clearly finished with the topic. “You can stay here until your spells renew or even until your rank manifests if you wish. After that you should make your way home.”

“About that,” he said, but Alaine was already handing him a leather satchel.

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