"I can tell you most of that."
No surprise there, given his reaction—or lack of it—when he'd first seen them. "So you have seen pillars like this before?"
"Not exactly like these, no. But the writing on them is a variation of old cuneiform, and they were once used to summon Aedh."
I blinked. "Really? Why?"
"To bless crops or hunts, to garner favors, and in some cases, to offer one of their own to gain the blessing of the gods."
"But Aedh aren't gods." I could understand them being mistaken for angels, but gods?
"We know that, but the prehistoric world was a much simpler place."
I guess. "But these pillars aren't summoning devices. They appear to be some mode of transport."
He nodded. "They are."
"Can we use them?"
He half smiled. "No, we cannot." He picked up the Razan's wrist and pushed up his sleeves. On the inside of his arm was a small tat that was a mix of cuneiform and scrollwork. "The magic within this allows the wearer to pass through such gates. But even if we could pass through them, I wouldn't let you."
"Why not?"
"Because you're still bleeding." He cupped a hand under my elbow and carefully helped me to my feet. "If you bleed to death before Riley can give you a piece of her mind, there'll be hell to pay."
I snorted softly. Right now, him being chewed out by my aunt was the least of my worries. "What about Jak? And our captive?"
"I will give both appropriate memories. You start back through the tunnel."