The Queen of Stone_ Thorn of Breland - Keith Baker [42]
Ah! The origin of the oni remains a mystery, Steel whispered in her mind. He couldn’t resist playing the role of sage. Despite the obvious physical similarities between the two species, onis are quite different from their mundane cousins. In addition to the formidable strength of the ogre, the oni possesses a host of magical abilities. Flight, invisibility, shape shifting, and the capability to heal from any normal wound within seconds are just a few of their powers. In addition, they are far more intelligent than trolls or ogres—or even humans. As a result, many take up the path of the wizard or sorcerer. This one has warded himself against divination, which means he has something worth hiding, and the ability to conceal it. Be careful.
At that moment, Drul Kantar stopped walking and turned to face her. Surely he’d just noticed that she’d fallen behind; no one could hear Steel’s voice except Thorn.
“Is something wrong, young lady?” He sounded truly concerned; his voice was deep and soft.
Thorn slipped the dagger into its sheath and smiled at the blue-skinned giant, moving forward to rejoin the group. “I’m fine, Lord Kantar. I’m just not used to these tunnels. I felt dizzy for a moment. It’s passed.”
“I understand. You are a child of sun and Siberys, and you miss the air and open sky. My fellows and I are creatures of darkness, and we can forget how hard it is for you.”
Thorn nodded as they began walking. “It’s kind of you to meet us personally,” she said. “If I were more suspicious, I might suspect that you were trying to curry favor with Breland.”
“If that were true, I think we’d be in better quarters.” Beren smiled to show that he was joking, but Thorn could sense tension in her companion. Kantar’s earlier mention of Sora Maenya had set Beren on edge.
The oni chuckled. Thorn found it strange to meet a monstrous creature with such a pleasant voice. If she closed her eyes, she pictured a heavyset priest of Olladra, celebrating the Feast of Fortune with humorous tales and songs. Instead, the voice was owned by a beast who could take off her arm with a single bite.
“I intend to spend time with all the delegates. I’ve already shown the Thrane and Karrnathi envoys to the hall.”
“Thrane and Karrnath?” Thorn said. “And you left them alone? Would you care to lay odds on which side is still standing when we arrive?”
Kantar’s smile widened, revealing disturbingly sharp teeth. “Oh, they aren’t alone. My ladies have called many of the warlords of Droaam to the Crag for this gathering. You’ll see. But I’m afraid you have me at a disadvantage, lady. You are—?”
Beren stepped in to answer. “This is my aide, Nyrielle Tam.”
“I see.” The giant vizier paused for a moment to look at her, then glanced at Toli before he resumed his pace. “It’s fascinating to see whom each nation chose to send. And I am sorry that you lost one of your men in that unfortunate attack.”
“And what of that?” Beren said. “I trust you’ve learned something about the attack by now. Are we still in danger?”
“It is not my place to answer such questions,” Kantar replied. “Tonight Sora Katra speaks with her own voice, and she will decide what is said. Be assured that the Daughters will not allow any harm to befall their friends.”
“And are we friends?” Beren said.
“That’s what this gathering will determine.”
Beren stopped, and Toli stepped between the ambassador and the giant. “Let me make one thing clear,” Beren said. “I am the voice of Breland in this place—your nearest neighbor and the mightiest of the Five Nations of Galifar. I am cousin to King Boranel, and I have fought at his side on the field of battle. Should anything happen to me, there will be dire consequences.