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 She would. How is she?
He nodded.  Well. His smile widened.  You know your life is good when it
wouldn t make a thrilling tale. I ve come to relish that.
 I hope it stays that way. Now, is there anything you think I need to do
before I go? Anything that can be done in an hour, that is.
As Danjin considered he turned the ring around and around. Auraya felt a
twinge of guilt. She had not told him the entire truth about it. The ring
would blanket his mind from all minds but Auraya s, which was not exactly what
had been intended. It wasn t supposed to shield the wearer s mind from the
other White, but it did. The White and the welcome-tree tenders had never
tried to make a ring like this before, and by the time they had realized the
error it had been too late to grow another one. The decision had been made for
Auraya to leave for Si and she needed the ring now.
Juran had told her to keep the flaw from Danjin. He might still work it out,
Auraya thought. Circumstances might make him realize the other White can t
read his mind.
:I doubt he would take advantage of the situation, Chaia said. He can be
trusted.
:Yes.
:Even so, the ring should be destroyed when you return.
She smothered a sigh. Once again she would have to visit the grove every day,
no matter the weather or how busy she was, to encourage the growth of another
replacement link ring.
 The only matter we haven t dealt with is Mischief, Danjin said suddenly. He
looked down at the veez.  Would you like me to visit every day, as before?
She grinned and shook her head.  He s coming with me.
 Really? That will be a treat for the Siyee. His voice was heavy with irony.
 And for him. She picked up Mischief and put him on the seat, then stood up.
 Thank you for your help these last few days, Danjin. If there s anything
else, speak to me via the ring.
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 I will, he replied. They moved to the door.  Have a safe journey and be
careful in Si.
She opened the door.  Of course.
He smiled and stepped outside. Closing the door, Auraya turned to regard the
room. She didn t know how long it would be before she returned to it. At least
this time she would not have to worry about poor Mischief pining away on his
own or tormenting Danjin.
He looked up at her, whiskers twitching.
:Fly?
 Yes, Mischief, she said.  We have a long way to travel and it s time we
began.
Whenever Reivan had the chance she explored a part of the Sanctuary she was
not familiar with in the hopes that she would eventually know all its corners
and routes. She was glad that she had this morning. A fast route from the
Baths to the Star Room obviously hadn t been a priority for anyone involved in
constructing the Sanctuary buildings. There were two choices: a long but less
convoluted route down to the Servants quarters then back up to the Middle
Sanctuary, or a twisting route through storerooms, the kitchens, a minor
library and what smelled like a tannery.
Why she was headed to the Star Room was a mystery. The messenger hadn t
explained. There was probably another ritual about to take place that Imenja
needed her to attend.
As she drew closer to her destination she felt her stomach flutter. Though she
had been in the Star Room many times she always felt a thrill when entering
it. Turning a corner, she saw the narrow entrance to the room ahead and paused
to take three slow breaths. Straightening her back, she smoothed her robes and
moved through the entrance.
Standing within the silver star set into the floor was a handsome black-robed
figure. Reivan s heart lurched as Nekaun looked at her and smiled. He motioned
toward a group of Servant-novices. As she moved to join them she looked around
the room, noting the Servants and Dedicated Servants lining the walls. Seeing
Imenja standing among them, she felt a moment s relief.
Then it evaporated as Nekaun began to address the room.
 Today eight men and women are to be ordained as Servants of the Gods. These
Servant-novices have worked hard, each earning the right to serve the gods to
the best of their abilities. They have passed the required tests and satisfied
their teachers. Today they will take the vow we have all spoken. Today they
will wear the symbol of the gods over their hearts. Today they join us as
sisters and brothers.
He turned to the novices and spoke a name. A man stepped forward. Reivan
realized her mouth was open and closed it quickly. She had been gaping at him
in surprise. Now she felt her stomach flip over.
They re making me a full Servant!
But it took years to become a full Servant. She looked at the Servant-novices
around her. They were all in their early twenties closer to her age. The
entrants that had begun their training with her were all in their mid to late
teens.
Magic is the reason, she thought. Or my lack of it. Drevva did seem to be
running out of other things to teach me. I guess all the years of training
must be mostly in Skills.
 Servant-novice Reivan.
Her heart skipped a beat and she looked up to find Nekaun beckoning. Taking a
deep breath, she stepped forward into the center of the star.
 You have been a novice for only a few short months, he said,  but your
knowledge of Pentadrian laws and history has proven to be exemplary. We have
decided you are ready to take on the full responsibility of a Servant of the
Gods.
Why didn t Imenja warn me that they were planning this? She glanced in the
Second Voice s direction and saw the woman s lips twitch into a smile.
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 Servant-novice Reivan, Nekaun repeated.  Do you wish to dedicate your life
to the service of the gods?
She met his eyes.  With all my heart.
 Are you willing to sacrifice all for the Five?
 I am.
 Would you forfeit love, wealth and even your life for them?
 I would. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]