The Shattered Land_ The Dreaming Dark - Keith Baker [137]
Because I can lead you to Karul’tash and so much more besides. For example, you should really listen to what these elves are talking about, and you don’t understand the Elvish language, do you?
If he could have, Pierce would have frowned. Instead, he simply turned his attention to the elves. The soldiers who had captured him were led by a woman with a flaming, double-bladed sword whose armor seemed to glow with inner heat.
A spirit of fire has been bound into the armor using the techniques of the Sul’at savants, Shira observed. When invoked, it will surround the wearer with a burning aura that will injure attackers.
This woman had placed a piece of black glass on the ground, and as Pierce watched, a flickering shape rose up from it. It was only a shadow formed of dark flame, a vague silhouette of a humanoid figure wearing a crown with three points. Pierce waited for a response from Shira, but none was forthcoming.
“So, Sulaje. You have found them.” It was the crackling sound of fire, woven into speech. Somehow Pierce knew the voice was speaking the Elvish language, but it was as if he didn’t even hear the words—he simply knew their meaning.
“We have, Lord Holuar, though I ask you to rescind your order and allow me to proceed with execution. The other outlanders are still at large, and—”
Other outlanders? Pierce glanced at Lei, whose eyes had widened at the words.
“They are irrelevant.” The crackling voice was curt. “I told you that the final season was upon us—but our emissary misread the signs.”
“Keeper?”
“The child of war stands next to you, Zulaje, a man without home or family. The water spoke to this one as well, and he fought the priest of dragons. He opened the gate on the ground, a mystery we have never mastered. I know it in the marrow of my old bones: These are the ones we have sought, delivered to us at last.”
“Are we to test these, as well?” The woman’s voice was full of scorn and doubt.
“There is no need. Let the gate test them.”
“This is foolishness, Lord Holuar. A number of scouts have failed to return. Even a firesled is missing. The scorpions of the Broken Oath are lurking in the shadows, and you are chasing smoke.”
“Enough!” the voice cried from the fire. “You are a child of the flame, Zulaje, but you do not respect our ways.”
“It is time for new traditions—”
“This is NOT THE TIME!” The crackling voice rose in volume, echoing like thunder. “You consider this to be the errand of a fool, Zulaje? Then you need have no part of it.”
“What do you mean?” The woman’s voice was harsh music. “I am war leader, bearer of the blade—”
“Yes, and as such, our people will need you to maintain order in my absence. I am going to the burning gate, Zulaje. I will seek out the land of the promise. You will return to the city and watch the walls. When the army of the blessed returns from the land of the promise—we will see if there is still a role for you among our people.”
Zulaje hissed, baring her teeth. “You—”
“I am the Keeper of the Burning Gate, and I shall decide who passes beyond. You have chosen your path, Zulaje. Be grateful. Should I fail to return, the destiny of our people will be in your hands.”
Zulaje paused for a long moment. “Shall I bring the prisoners to you then?” she said at last.
“No. We both know how dangerous the jungle is, and I wish to ensure their swift and safe passage of Karul’tash. You should return. Alone. Servants of the flame will arrive within moments to lead the prisoners to the gate. I feel them closing now.”
Pierce had been listening in silence, trying to make sense of this strange conversation, but now he heard the sound of people making their way through the jungle, and a moment later four figures emerged from the thick brush and cover.
“Pierce and the Lady Lei,” Gerrion said with a bow. “How lovely to see you again.”
The scorpion drow knew this region of jungle well, and they knew the path the firebinders would take to reach the Monolith of Karul’tash. The firebinder soldiers were slowed by armor and the need to manage the prisoners; Xu’sasar was confident that