Lightning and Flame by V. S. Holmes

Author:V. S. Holmes [Holmes, V. S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780996133036
Publisher: Amphibian Press
Published: 2016-05-06T21:00:00+00:00

Chapter THIRTEEN

The 28th Day of Aeme, 1252

The City of Ceir Athrolan

THE SUN WAS JUST RISING when Alea startled awake. She curled into the enveloping library chair, an open book forgotten on her lap. Her shoulder and neck ached from the awkward position she had slept in. She frowned. She had dreamt of Arman and of anger, though she wondered if they were one and the same. She straightened with a groan.

“Dhoah’ Lyne’alea?”

Daymir sat at a desk by the windows.

Her face flamed and she sat up hastily. “Good morning, Lord Daymir.” She smoothed her hair and skirts. “Forgive me, I must have fallen asleep while reading.”

He laughed. “I can’t blame you. Some books are so dull. I didn’t want to disturb you, but seeing as you’re awake, how is your research going? Other than dream-worthy of course.”

She smiled. “Well. I’ve learned a few things that might be useful.”

When she did not provide more, he fixed her with a curious stare. “Could I help? I know this library well, and I might be able to answer questions you come across.” His smile was easy, and she suddenly noticed how few lines it bore. “I want to be useful to you.”

“Your help is welcome.” She gestured dramatically to the pile of books before her. “I have yet to start these. I’m going to freshen up, but I’ll be back in a moment.” When she returned, washed and changed, Daymir had laid out parchment and quills neatly. He was already bent over a newer tome and making notes.

“You’ve gotten farther in a quarter of an hour than I did in five.” She sat across from him in a huff of mock anger.

“I also took the liberty of ordering breakfast, as I assumed you had not yet had any.”

She leaned forward, eyes narrowed. “Have you ever been filled with cold? I suspect you might be the real Dhoah’ Laen.”

He grinned. “Yes, you’ve found me out.”

She matched his smile. The expression was still strange, but it was hard not to smile as their quick wits dueled. “We always seem to eat together.”

“I believe conversation is more entertaining when stimulated with food. What have you found thus far?”

“Not a lot. I already know how the gods killed Lynelle. I read something that says their being—soul, I suppose—is linked to their power, but it was vague.”

“It’s a start.” Daymir slid writing materials over to her. “And that is better than nothing.”

The rest of the morning passed easily, and in relative quiet, save for the arrival of their meals. Alea enjoyed dipping ham and biscuits in the syrup Daymir had mentioned before. They found small details and vague allusions. Nothing was specific, but an idea began to uncurl in the darkness of Alea’s mind.

Suddenly Daymir sat back. “Why aren’t you attacking them now? Laying aside the lack of knowledge, of course. Not to judge, but wouldn’t it be better to destroy the source of Azirik’s power first?”

“Yes, if it were that simple. The God’s Crown is a conduit to their magic.

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