Fires of War (War and Deceit #4) - Erin O'Kane Page 0,75

and Tia convinced the Great Mother to team up with her against the other gods. Sacrificing a huge part of her power, she created the magicians to even the fight between the powerful elves and the weak humans. Eventually, Tia was killed, but they spared their youngest sister, seeing only good in her and knowing she was led astray. The gods became bored with the humans and elves, so they left Morrowmer and their creations behind. Except, the youngest goddess stayed. The Great Mother was weak after creating the mages, so she had to withdraw, only able to watch as the world fell into chaos. She would rebuild her strength, and one day, she would return to unite her creations.

“So, you see, we all worship the same goddess, we just know her under different names,” Vida concludes, gesturing around the clearing. “Are we really all that different?”

Pierre snorts and scowls, striding forward and leering down at Vida with such menace that I step back. Vida, however, only narrows her eyes and stands her ground. “I’ve never heard such a load of—”

“Enough,” Merrin barks, sharply cutting him off, and it’s a good thing he does, because Vida’s fellow tribespeople don’t react well to one of their keepers being threatened, their hands hovering over their weapons. Pierre backs off, skulking to his original spot with many narrowed eyes following him as he goes.

“I have read mentions of some of these other gods before in the old texts, and we all know that the Mother goes by different names. Why else would she be directing us here to work with the elves?” Merrin questions his colleagues, excitement brightening his eyes. Ellis nods, wearing a thoughtful expression on his face as he continues to watch Vida closely. “Try to look past your hatred, my friend.” This last comment is aimed solely at Pierre, who has adopted a carefully blank expression. That worries me more than anything. I’m used to seeing scorn and hatred on his face, I don’t like not being able to tell what he’s thinking. “I would need to do some more research, but thank you for sharing that with us. Absolutely fascinating.” Merrin mutters the last part to himself, and I can see the researcher in him. I’m sure he and Master Ardeth would get on well and would be able to see past each other’s race. “Would you mind if, at a later date, I ask you more questions?” he asks Vida, and I can’t hide my smile, knowing he’s dying to learn more but realises it’s not the right time or place.

“That would be fine,” Vida replies with a tight smile, recognising the same thing about the magician but still on edge from his colleague’s verbal attack.

Ellis clears his throat, and when I glance over, I notice he’s looking at me with a determined expression on his face. “We still need to talk about the king.”

I’d been dreading this, and so far, we managed to get through the whole meeting without this coming up, and I hoped that they would discuss it with me in private. My hope was short-lived. I know I have to appear strong in front of everyone, so I try to keep as still as possible so as not to give away my true feelings. Vaeril must feel my distress through the bond, though, as he appears at my side, placing his hand on the small of my back in a show of support. Glancing over at Grayson, I can see him gritting his teeth. He wants to be the one supporting me, not standing apart as his fellow mages upset me.

“He gave us a message to give to you,” Ellis continues, unaware of my internal struggle.

“I know about the message.” The words come out sharper than I intended, and from Ellis’ arched eyebrow, he hadn’t expected my ire. Blowing out a frustrated breath, I try to soften my tone. “How did he get it to you?”

This is something that had been bothering me since Grayson told me the king had given them a message. They split from the king while we were still travelling to the mountains, before we joined with the tribes, which was some time ago now. So how was it that the king has only recently given them a message for me? Unless they had the message for some time?

“He somehow knew we would be coming to you,” Merrin informs me, realising the story would probably sound better coming from him.