vision.
Eventually, it grew dark. The warriors never bothered to light lamps or torches, and as Aliisza watched, it became clear that they could see perfectly well without the need for such illumination.
So much for sneaking out under cover of darkness, the alu thought. What a wretched mess this has become.
Aliisza remained huddled in her secret sanctuary. She hoped the angels and their soldiers would eventually move on or settle in for the night and she could find the means to slip away undetected. She dozed from time to time, but always some noise, some shout or shuffling near her spot, jerked her awake again, heart thumping rapidly. Each time she would curse her circumstances, but the celestial warriors were still hard at work, moving around the clearing.
Aliisza, came Tauran's voice. Aliisza, can you hear me?
The alu was hesitant at first, leery that it might be a trick. But she knew the sort of magic being employed, and she doubted it could be used to determine her location.
Yes, she answered. I hear you.
Where are you? the angel asked.
How do I know it's really you?
Well spoken, Tauran replied.
There was a long moment's silence, and Aliisza began to grow worried that she had miscalculated, that it was a trick, that soldiers with nets were closing in on her position right at that moment.
Just when the alu was on the verge of bolting from her hiding place in panic, Tauran said, How can I prove it to you?
Answer me this, Aliisza said. Tell me the name of the boy I saved, in the dream world where you kept me imprisoned. The one who worked for the tailor. Who was he?
It was no boy, Tauran replied without hesitation. Lizel was a girl.
Aliisza's relief cascaded through her. She sank back into the cool earth and sighed. Yes, she said. It's you. How did you find me-reach me?
A little trinket Eirwyn gave me before we parted ways. I had forgotten about it until just now. Where are you? Can you come to us?
I don't know where you are. I am hiding within the clearing. There are devas and archons everywhere. What's happened?
Kael and I are safe, the angel replied. We are watching Micus. He and some of his warriors are concealed near the passage to the World Tree. Probably expecting us to make a break for it. There was a pause, and then, Where are you hiding?
Under Tekthyrios's wing, she answered. Then, biting her lip, she asked, What about Kaanyr?
There was another, longer pause. Micus's troops captured him. He's there, in the camp, very near you. I'm sorry.
Sorry? You didn't help them, did you?
No, Tauran answered. But I'm sorry they turned against you. I'm sorry it all fell apart like this. The angel sounded tired and defeated. Kael and I are considering offering a trade: me for Vhok.
No, Aliisza replied. They won't agree, and you know it. They are sworn to uphold your many and sometimes ridiculous laws.
I know, Tauran replied. His voice was without hope. But we have no other choice. There are too many of them. We can't free him by force, and I will honor my word to him to let him go back to Sundabar.
Aliisza thought for a moment, then inspiration struck. I have a better idea, she said.
CHAPTER TEN
'How do you know they aren't hostile?' Myshik asked. Kashada saw the half-dragon reach for his war axe out of the corner of her eye. 'They don't look like they're very happy to see us.'
The figures approaching them did seem wary. As they drew closer, Kashada saw that they resembled elves in appearance, though they had eschewed clothing and their deep brown skin mimicked the bark of a tree.
Dryads, the Sharran thought with a mixture of distaste and surprise. A whole colony of them. Annoying little fey.
On her other side, Zasian chuckled. 'You leave that to me, young Morueme. In a moment, they will be falling all over themselves to please us.' The priest pulled a pendant from his shirt and rubbed it between his thumb and forefinger, chanting softly.
When Kashada saw that it was the silver skull of Cyric, she grimaced. Though she was grateful to Zasian for his timely rescue of her at the hands of the ghaele, it only made her further resent the necessity of associating with one of his ilk. He is merely a tool, she reminded herself. As Cyric is Shar's.
Use him to achieve the ends you desire. Such thoughts were of little comfort when she felt so dependent upon him for seeing the plot through.
Zasian completed whatever divine invocation he had engaged in and paused expectantly. The half-dozen dryads, who had slowed and stopped once they were within a few paces of the trio, broke into shy grins and closed the remainder of the gap, arms outstretched. They fawned all over the strangers in their midst, gently pawing at buckles, jewelry, and other shiny bits of outfit. They chattered and giggled like young girls, but Kashada could understand none of it.
Zasian began another spell, murmuring softly as he caressed his pendant. When he finished that one, he let the thing slip back inside the folds of his shirt. He began speaking words that Kashada did not understand, but whatever the priest was saying, it made the dryads beam all the more. One of them replied, and Zasian nodded.
'They are more than happy to lead us where we need to go,' he explained to his companions. 'But they would welcome us to their village as guests first. They have invited us to rest and partake of whatever meager fare they can provide.'
As if it somehow understood, Myshik's stomach let out a pronounced rumble.
Zasian and the dryads chuckled. 'I think they're taking that as a yes,' the priest said.
'Is that truly necessary?' Kashada grumbled. She did not relish the idea of spending any more time than needed among the pesky creatures. She was already fighting the urge to fling their infuriating little hands away from herself. 'We will lose precious time.'
Zasian turned toward her. 'It is, in fact,' he said, 'for reasons you will come to understand soon enough.'
Kashada sighed, thankful that her veil hid the frown she knew she wore. His smugness and condescension were wearing thin. 'I suppose a bit of rest would do me good,' she said, hoping she sounded agreeable. 'My body's just not used to all this activity after so long confined within my prison.' She batted her eyes at the priest, hoping he got her little dig.
Zasian's level stare told her he had, but otherwise, he did not react. 'Very well, then,' he said, turning to the dryads. He said something with a warm smile, and the dryads eagerly led the three of them into the village.
The entire population of the little woodland community could not have numbered more than two dozen or so, but they were more than enough to make the tiny hut feel crammed beyond reason after a couple more of Zasian's charming spells brought them all merrily under his sway. The dryads prepared a simple meal for their guests that consisted of some type of greenish paste served on sections of thick leaves and garnished with giant ant abdomens.
Kashada watched as Myshik looked at his for a few moments, then shrugged and grabbed up an ant abdomen. He split the carapace with his teeth, sucked out the soft flesh within, then used half of it as a scoop to shovel mouthfuls of the green stuff as fast as he could past his lips and tongue. He hardly seemed to taste the fare at all.
Kashada tried not to make a face as she turned to Zasian. 'The fact that he seems to think it delicious gives
