“You’ll see soon enough.”
The entire blindfolded walk to the throne room, Eira played out situations in her mind. If they let her go, she would have to find a way to get back to the Court of Shadows first thing and report on her discoveries…and apologize to Ducot…if he was still alive. The thought made her chest tighten with guilt. Death haunted her wherever she went, but it didn’t turn its immortal gaze on her. No, death hunted the people who were foolish enough to ally themselves with her. They paid the price of her actions.
If the Pillars refused to let her go—which she had to admit was the most likely—they would probably do one of two things. They would either throw another messed-up test of loyalty to them and to Yargen to prove that her suggestion wasn’t a desperate attempt to flee. Or, they would kill her on the spot. If that was what they chose, then she wouldn’t go without taking Ferro with her.
She’d find the courage and iron will to murder him where he stood for Marcus. There would be no more hesitation if the moment presented itself. But for now, she’d keep him alive. His existence was still serving her.
The heat of the throne room was familiar. Even though she’d only been here once before, Eira would recognize that distinct warmth for the rest of her life. Ferro removed her blindfold and went to stand at her side.
Pillars were lined up, flanking her, but fewer than last time. Were the others off on some kind of mission? Or were they not privy to what was about to happen?
“Eira Landan, you come before the Chosen One, the Champion of Yargen, the man who is destined to restore Her goodness and order to our world,” a Pillar announced. “The man who is the rock of the pillars, our base, our foundation of goodness and righteousness.”
“May I be worthy of his righteousness.” Eira knelt before the man on the throne.
The Champion was silent for a long time, staring down at her with perfectly still composure. Finally, when the silence was so tight that it nearly thrummed in the air like a string under tension, he spoke.
“I have received the wisdom of Yargen and have decided to give you a mission.” The Champion stood. “You are to return to the world of heretics and apostates. You will go back to the Archives, Her most holy site, now violated, and use a secret passage underneath the bookcase at the very top of the spire to access a hidden room that was once the chambers of the Voice.”
That was the room she’d met with Taavin in.
“There, you will seek out a token that carries words from the altercation that happened in that room. You will take this token, and deliver it to Ferro in two weeks at the tournament ball that will soon be announced.”
Soon be announcedstuck out to Eira foremost. If this ball wasn’t announced yet, then they must have people on the inside of Lumeria’s court. Eira imagined a shadow and a Pillar, unknowingly working side by side in that room of desks she and Ducot had sneaked through.
“What does the token look like?”
“Whatever you can find that contains the words. If your powers are truly ordained by the goddess—as my reign is—then you will have no problem finding something to our satisfaction.”
“Of course,” Eira said with a blissful smile. “And…what altercation am I listening for?”
His eyes narrowed slightly and the Champion seemed to debate telling her. “You will likely hear mention of the name Deneya. That should be all you need to know. Let your faith guide you to the rest.”
Deneya? How was Deneya involved in all this?Eira worked to keep the peaceful smile slung across her cheeks.
“I understand. My faith will guide me.”
“Good. Because if you fail, we will be forced to exact Her righteous justice on you.”
“I will not fail.”
“And if you should attempt to tell anyone of our organization… The punishment will not only fall on your head. The other Solaris competitors will also suffer for your betrayal.”
They’re not part of this!Eira wanted to scream. Instead, she said, “I understand.”
“I hope you do, Eira. We are putting a great deal of faith in you. But it is a risk we take knowingly. The Pillars are the foundation of Risen. We are found in every house, every organization, every order of knights, and everymanor.”
The competitors’ manor wasn’t as safe as everyone thought. At least, that’s what Eira heard him say underneath his words.
“I will not betray your trust. I have seen the light and never wish to return to the darkness.”
“And will you do anything to be worthy?”
“Anything.”
“Good.” The Champion sat on his throne. “Soon, you will sleep, Eira. And when you wake, this will be nothing more than a dream. Your truth will be that you were taken captive by two morphi who lured you away. They wished to give their competitors an advantage by demanding that Solaris be out of the competition.”
Even in her cover story, the Pillars were trying to break apart the treaty by sowing doubt between the kingdoms.
