Ascendancy of the Last - Lisa Smedman [49]
"You're going to allow Ghaunadaur's fanatics to enter the Promenade?" Cavatina gasped.
Qiluй missed the point. "They won't realize we've 'allowed' it. Each group will think it's mounting a sneak attack. They'll never realize that others have preceded them, since the ones who have gone before won't be in any condition to warn them, once the trap is sprung. They'll all walk into it one by one, as meek as rothe."
Cavatina was absolutely certain that this was Wendonai speaking. Qiluй would never have slain drow outright-even those who worshiped so vile a god-without first offering a chance at redemption. Nor would she have allowed the Promenade's defenses to be compromised.
"When are these 'sneak attacks' to begin?"
Qiluй smiled. "My plan is already in motion."
Leliana broke in. "But Lady Qiluй, if the symbol is not yet visible-"
Qiluй whirled around. "I know what I'm doing! Your opinion is not wanted, Protector."
Leliana stood, her mouth open. Her fingers spread slightly, and her posture shifted. In another moment she'd lunge for her singing sword. Behind Qiluй, Cavatina frantically shook her head. Not yet! Play along! she signed.
Leliana bowed. "Lady, my apologies for speaking out of turn."
"The plan has its merits," Cavatina said, trying to draw the high priestess's attention back to her. "But the Protectors will need to be notified."
"Of course," Qiluй said without turning around. She pointed at Leliana. "They just have been. A little sooner than I would have liked. There may be spies among us."
"Not among the Protectors," Leliana assured her.
"Not among the priestesses, you mean. There are Nightshadows whose loyalties I'm less certain of."
She at last turned to Cavatina. "You can see why I've been so short-tempered, of late. It's a big gamble I'm taking-but one that, if all goes well, will prove as rewarding as our assault on the Acropolis."
Cavatina nodded, trying not to betray the tension she felt. "I don't like it," she said. "It's too risky." Then she shrugged, as if in resignation. "But I bow to your greater wisdom, Lady Qiluй."
"As do I, Lady," Leliana echoed.
For a moment, no one spoke. Then Qiluй nodded. Cavatina relaxed-a little. Hopefully, Wendonai was arrogant enough to think he'd fooled them.
A knock sounded on the door. As Qiluй crossed the room to answer it, Leliana caught Cavatina's eye. Her hand nicked a word: What-?
Ask to leave.
"Lady," Leliana said. "May I check on Naxil?"
"Not yet," Qiluй said without turning around. "There's more we need to discuss."
"Agreed," Cavatina interrupted. "And the battle-mistress should hear it. Leliana, go find Rylla. Ask her to join us."
"No!" Qiluй snapped. Her hand was on the door. "Remain where you are, Leliana. I've already sent for the battle-mistress."
Cavatina's heart sank. She could think of only one reason for Qiluй to keep the Protector here: Wendonai hadn't been fooled. And it was worse than that. As Qiluй turned back to the door, Cavatina caught a glint of something: silver fire, kindling deep within the high priestess's eyes. Was Wendonai about to unleash it? Could he? If so, their lives would be measured in heartbeats unless Cavatina did something, and quickly.
Eilistraee, she silently prayed. Dancing Lady, aid me.
She caught Leliana's eye and glanced down at the other female's singing sword. One finger flicked. On my signal.
Leliana moved her feet slightly, getting ready to dive for her sword. With luck, the Protector would survive long enough for Cavatina to take Wendonai down and stop him-by killing Qiluй, if necessary.
Cavatina prayed that it wouldn't be.
Qiluй opened the door, revealing Meryl. The halfling held up a tray on which stood a single goblet. Or… was it Meryl? For all Cavatina knew, this might be another dretch in disguise.
Cavatina raised her hand slightly, about to give the signal to attack. Before her fingers could move, a voice sang into her ear. Wait.
Eilistraee? Cavatina wondered. Or the demon, mimicking her voice?
Watch, the voice urged. As before, the word sang out in a duet,