of her words settle around my shoulders. “I needed to hear that.”
“Then I am glad to have said it. Now that you have forced yourself to see that no one else can make the choice for you, do you know what your decision will be?”
I thought about it and, finally, shook my head. “No more than I did when I came here, but at least I finally know what it really means to make it.” I took a last sip of my water. “Is that why you called me here?”
“Perhaps it is, though I didn’t know it beforehand. You are the soul-child of Namara, one of my oldest friends, and you were heartsore. I did not lie when I told you that seeing those we love reflected in those they leave behind is grace enough for me to want to see you. That I could do some small thing that eased your turmoil as she would have wished . . . well, that is a rarer gift. The dead leave the world, but they never leave our hearts. You have given me a chance to do a service to the Namara who lives in mine, and for that I owe you thanks.”
“I . . . there’s really nothing more to say between us, is there? Nothing but good-bye.”
“Only this: go with my blessing.” The dome of the huge pearl lifted behind her and began to close.
“Thank you, Lady. I hope I see you again someday.”
She smiled, but didn’t speak as the pearl finished closing and sank into the depths.
Oh, my Aral, I’m so sorry.
You have nothing to apologize for, my oldest and dearest friend. The situation is none of your making. A long mental silence followed as I rose and headed back for the cave.
Just as I stepped off the floating pier, Triss spoke again. What will we do?
I don’t know, Triss. I really don’t. I paused then as the beginnings of an idea occurred to me. There is no decision that will not unmake me, but perhaps, knowing that, I can at least choose which is the best way to be unmade.
Triss didn’t answer.
* * *
“Where have you been?” Faran asked quietly. Alone of those I had left behind she was awake when I returned.
“A visit with the Lady of Leivas.”
“She’s real?”
I nodded.
“What was she like?” asked Faran. “What did she tell you?”
“Nothing that I want to share right now.” Faran looked stung, and I held up a hand. “I’m sorry, it was very personal. But if I ever do share it with anyone, you will be the first to hear it. Now, I need more rest.” I hung up my swords, pulled myself back into the hammock, and was asleep in moments.
* * *
Heaven’s Reach.
It took us weeks to get there, but they were largely uneventful. Whether that was because the Lady asserted her will over the waters and broke our trail for the risen, or simply the natural effect of wild water on the undead, I couldn’t say. Whatever the reason, we encountered no problems while we traveled by boat down from Leivas to the edge of the waste and thence back up the River Dan to the Almarn Mountains.
The Almarn range is much lower and gentler than the Spine of Hurn and we were able to cross over into Öse without too many problems even so late in the season. From there, we worked our way down through the foothills and entered the valley that held the temple kingdom from the northwest. Patrols were light on that side and we encountered none of the undead, suggesting that the Son of Heaven had concentrated his forces to the south and east as we had hoped that he would.
Right after we crossed the border we waylaid a half-dozen soldiers wearing the livery of Heaven’s Sword so that Kelos could test the efficacy of the measures he had taken to free himself of the chains of geas. He killed two and pronounced himself satisfied, though I thought I detected the faintest hint of worry in his voice when he spoke. Or I may just be fooling myself when I think that I have finally begun to learn to read him.
The bodies we consigned to the everdark, though we salvaged their gear and uniforms. This close to the temple city, I felt little enough in the way of pity for them. Still, we didn’t have to kill them, and I know they will ultimately weigh against me when I face