Bloodwalk - James P. Davis [90]
She did not remove her hand from the sword, but neither did she unsheathe it. Ignoring the high oracle's question, she continued.
"My mother defied you, accused you of using the sight to further your own power." Eli's words were focused on Sameska, but she spoke more for herself than for the high oracle. "She would have ruined you, and so, too, the traditions of the Setha'Mir.
"My father would not let her travel alone, guarding her as she went to Littlewater to speak with the oracles there, to plead her case against you. And you let them die."
"You are as naive as she was, Elisandrya Loethe! You believe rumor and hearsay before the words of your betters. She paid terribly for her hasty actions," she replied. "The Hidden Circle tolerated you for the sake of your mother. I see now that was a mistake." Sameska had lowered her arms and now attempted a more authoritative demeanor.
"One mistake among many, 'a blade of grass on the Shaar,' as our people once said."
"Further evidence, child, that you are living in the past."
Sameska turned away. Elisandrya stepped closer, inches from the high oracle. "I think being aware of the past has proven quite valuable in recent days." Eli stared daggers at Sameska's back. "Our present may depend on it."
Sameska looked sidelong at Eli over a trembling shoulder.
"Your ignorance is no longer welcome here, child. You and your sister shall be arrested and charged with heresy before the Hidden Circle." Sameska's hidden smile was evident in her tone as she added, "Unless you intend to slay me, I have no doubt what conclusion will be drawn, I assure you."
Elisandrya breathed close to Sameska's ear, making up her mind and slowly drawing her sword. The high oracle trembled all the more, but made no move to defend herself. For all the favor of Savras she supposedly had, Elisandrya considered Sameska's helplessness quite telling. She savored the moment, then spoke, her sword freed. "Don't bother with your charges."
Elisandrya turned and walked toward the sanctuary doors, satisfied that she had said all she needed and heard all that was necessary.
"You renounce your faith, then?"
Eli slowed and stopped, but did not face the high oracle. Her words echoed easily in the round chamber. She had no need to look upon Sameska's face again.
"I do not question my faith." She adjusted her armor and bow as she added, "I renounce this prophecy and your foolish edict, but most of all, I renounce you. Savras willing, I will finish what my mother started."
She shoved the doors open and disappeared down the hallway, leaving Sameska to shiver and fume in the blasting winds of the storm that howled through the open temple doors.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Dreslya blinked, opening her eyes and rising from the bed on weary legs. The room had grown cold-a strong draft blew from beneath the door. Resting her head in her hands, she tried to recapture all that she'd been shown, the horror and wonder of a strange dream. Taking a deep breath, she looked out the window. The candle had gone out, leaving the room in darkness save for flashes of lightning outside.
No, she thought. That was no dream.
"Elisandrya is alive," she whispered.
The moment of relief was quickly overcome as the vision reasserted itself in her mind's eye. She shivered, afraid of what was to come. Clenching her eyes shut, she squeezed her hands together. She steeled her nerves that had too often sought shelter behind the walls of the temple and the tenets of her faith. Exhaling a long, slow breath, she eased herself off the bed and knelt on the floor. Beneath the bed was a small box she'd touched almost every night but had never opened.
She cradled it in her arms and stood, setting it down on the windowsill beside the unlit candle. Unhooking