“While on our trip, we were attacked two times, in similar spots, by the cold ones. Taeryn mentioned that they are likely called vaimpír, the undead children of a demon. One killed Turalyon,” I say, sadly.
At this, Lothar looks up, his lips slightly parted. His brows draw together. “My apprentice?”
The room is silent as I nod. “I am so sorry, friend.”
Thorne purses his lips and steps forward. “Vaimpír are little more than pests—they are undead creatures that are easy to kill and have little to no mental capacity. I wouldn’t worry too much if you know how to dispose of them.”
I raise an eyebrow, tearing my apologetic gaze away from my advisor. “Your fellow assassin mentioned that Abhartach controls them from his bindings.”
Thorne shrugs. “She also believes that the gods listen to prayers. I suspect they are not quite as omniscient as we would like to think.”
Enduares are nothing if not a deeply ritualistic people with kind gods. The comment rubs me the wrong way, but now is not the time for a theological debate. Especially not with a child of Doros.
“From my perspective, as we went to the Sisterhood’s Enclave, we were initiated by killing one of her targets to prove our worthiness. This secured us a temporary arrangement to help rescue my lovely mate. To continue this agreement, I must return an artifact. Only then will they assist us in retrieving Mikal and killing the giant king.”
Thorne makes a tutting sound with his tongue. “And you will help Mrath with killing her brother.”
I look at Liana who is studying the room like a hunting bird.
“Tell everyone what we know ofCumhacht na Cruinne,”I say.
Thorne’s eyebrows rise as she nods her head. I can almost hear the comment begging to slide off his tongue, but he behaves.
Liana nods.
“My old mentor, another wise woman, assisted with its removal from Arion’s father.” She looks at Svanna and Vann, who have both been quiet as they listen to everyone’s reports. “Would you like me to tell them?”
Svanna shrugs. “You did all the work researching. Vann mostly scowled at hunters from the cave. All I did was… literally everything else. The hunting schedules, the cooking, the training, the?—”
“While you were gone,” Liana interrupts, “I spent time revising the old archives of the wise women. Don’t worry Ma’Teo, they aren’t stored in your precious library.” Her gaze lands on Estela, who has been listening attentively the entire time. “There is much I have neglected to teach you, Lady Estela. I will rectify that soon, but for now, everyone else should know that it is clear that Teo’Lihk kept it in one of his great stone vaults in Iravida. I believe it is still there.”
My thoughts about the battalions protecting the artifact were correct.
“At the bottom of the ocean?” I ask.
She nods. “Yes, but it is not so worrisome. Our people traversed the seas once before.”
I remember. “But there was equipment that no one in this cave knows how to forge. Things like crystals and magicked air bubbles that no longer exist.”
She shakes her head. “I found some preliminary plans. Crystals fall under the wise women’s talents. We don’t need the same things as stone benders or metal benders. Have a little faith in my foremothers.”
I nod, considering her words as one of the spell lights bobs down over Vann’s scowling face.
“Can you build one of these suits?” I ask, amazed.
She nods her head. “I have already begun. I need Estela to help me… when she is ready.”
I look at my mate. Her eyebrows are raised. She nods, and I return my attention to the others.
Thorne seems enraptured for the first time since he came under the cave, not a hint of sarcasm or defensive wit is present in his hopeful face.
“This is good news,” he says. “I will tell Mrath.”
“Yes, why don’t you run along right now,” Liana says mockingly.
He lifts an eyebrow. “I will leave this room when I wish to. Besides, you haven’t even heard what I wanted to say.”
I see Estela trying to keep a smile off of her face when I look down.
