explain. I was at a meeting between the leaders when the news of your arrival came. I called for a break, but I can’t stay away long. I must go back and try to knock some sense into the two of them.”
“What is the argument about?”
Sirri grimaced. “Mines. The Fire Mountain tribe claim that once the mines pass beyond the ridge that divides their territory then everything cut from them is theirs to sell.”
“Ah. That won’t be an easy one to settle. You have my sympathies.”
“Thanks,” Sirri said dryly. She moved toward the entrance.
“Come and tell me about it later, if you have time.”
“I will.”
Sirri slipped out through the door-hanging and hurried away. Alone at last, Auraya moved to a chair and sat down.
Everything’s back to normal, she mused. Then she shook her head. No, it just seems that way on the surface. My mind is shielded and my body is no longer aging. As far as the gods are concerned, nothing is as it was - or should be.
She had sensed nothing of the gods since Huan and Saru’s last visit. After the pair had sped away to find the other gods, Auraya had expected Yranna, Lore and Chaia to visit, even if just to confirm what Huan claimed.
Perhaps Huan didn’t tell Chaia, she thought. So much depends on Chaia. I need to talk to him. I need to know if he will accept what I’ve done.
She briefly considered calling to him, but that hadn’t always got his attention in the past. Instead she decided to try finding him through mind-skimming.
Closing her eyes, she slowed her breathing and let herself sink into a dream trance. At first she skimmed the minds of the Siyee around her, finding men and women engaged in domestic tasks and a group of children playing a game. Stretching out further, she let herself be aware of the minds in the world as points of thought, like tiny lights, and sought bigger, brighter presences.
She found an unfamiliar feminine presence and guessed she’d found Yranna, sure that she would have recognized Huan instantly. The goddess was not conversing with anyone else, and Auraya could not hear her thoughts. Confirming that she couldn’t actually read the gods’ minds was reassuring. Moving on, she found a masculine presence. It was not Chaia and she continued searching.
I’m doing this to find Chaia, not to eavesdrop, she told herself.
Finally she sensed a buzz like the sound of someone speaking just within hearing. Drawing closer, she felt a thrill of triumph as she recognized Chaia’s voice.
:... are in place. What do you think they’ll do next?
:Depends if they’ve heard about what happened in Jarime. They’d be fools to try the same thing. The second voice belonged to Lore.
:They’re not that stupid.
:No, but if they’re given orders what choice do they have?
:None, Chaia replied. It will be interesting to watch.
:Yes. Anyway, I came to tell you your favorite has returned to the Open.
:Ah.
:Huan will want us to decide now.
:Of course. You know how much Huan likes complications, dull bitch that she is.
Auraya felt amused surprise. She doubted Chaia would have spoken of Huan that way if he knew Auraya was listening in.
:There are interesting complications and there are dangerous ones, Lore warned.
:Auraya is not dangerous - or she won’t be if Huan stops manipulating her, Chaia replied.
:How will you know if Auraya is dangerous if you can’t see her mind?
:Because I took the time to get to know her. She won’t betray us unless we make her.
:She won’t betray you.
:No. Ironically, I have Huan to thank for that.
:So what will you do? Lore asked.
:I won’t let the bitch kill her.
:Even if the others outvote you?
:Especially not then. Things are only just getting interesting. Consider this: there are other ways of redressing the balance. I’ve always favored recruitment over extermination.
:I’m finding I agree with you more and more. I wonder if I could persuade Yranna...
:You’d have a better chance than I.
:I will try.
As Lore flashed away, Auraya began to pull her mind back. She had found answers to more than what she had sought.
:Before you sneak away, Auraya...
She froze.
:Chaia?
:Yes, I can sense you there, though you’re keeping quiet. How often have you spied on us like this?
:Only twice. The first time it was an accident. This time I came to ask you a question.
:Then ask away.
Chaia did not sound angry, only amused.
:Will you... How long have you known I was listening?
:From the moment you arrived.
:And Lore?
:Oblivious. He doesn’t know what you’re capable of, so he doesn’t watch for spies.
:But you knew, she pointed out.
:I suspected your abilities would develop, under the right circumstances. What made you decide to learn to hide your mind?
:What I heard the first time I, er, eavesdropped.
:Ah. And have you become immortal?
She paused. If she didn’t trust Chaia, she may as well abandon her loyalty to the gods completely.
:Yes. Huan said I was doomed anyway just for knowing how.
:I’m a little disappointed you didn’t consult me first.
:I would have, she said honestly, if you’d been around to ask. Do you forgive me?
:For becoming immortal or not consulting me?
:Both.
:We’ll see. You have not lost my love and support. I know I can’t stop you growing into your powers any more than a parent can stop their child growing up. Stay loyal to me, and I will stay loyal to you.
Auraya felt a wave of relief.
:I will.
:Don’t think it will be easy, he warned. Huan may like the world to be simple and straightforward, but her traps and schemes are not. The more powerful you get, Auraya, the harder she
