“Yet it was a Warprize that destroyed the Plains,” the bell said. “And destroyed that way of life. She and her Warlord, for their love.”
“What?’ Joden asked.
“For her Warlord was the Chaosreaver,” said the deep voice. “Who left only destruction in his path and the cold, and the silence…”
“Stripped us and stripped the land,” the innocent voice was sad in its sweetness. “Stripped us of all we were. Made us what we are.”
All three pairs of old eyes burned into his.
“You make it sound as if it was yesterday,” Joden said.
“It was-” one whispered.
“—but days ago,” whispered another.
“Perhaps we’d tell you…” came yet another whisper. “But only if you took the old paths to becoming a Singer.”
“Why won’t you tell Essa? Joden asked. “He is Eldest Elder, and honored within the Tribes.”
“Essa, like the Eldest Elder before him-”
“—and before him—”
“—and before her,” and now the cackle was back. “Would not take the old paths. A child, afraid of shadows and death.”
“But there are shadows on the old paths,” and now the whisper was back.
“And there is death,” came the quaver.
“There is always death,” Joden said. “It comes in an instant, all know that. Why won’t you tell Essa—”
“He will not pay the price,” the center one growled. “Will you, Joden of the Hawk?”
“There is always a price-” Joden started, but they cut him off.
“You do not fully understand the cost,” the whisper was full of regret.
“And you won’t, until you pay it,” the cackle was harsher.
“What will you sacrifice, Joden of the Hawk? What price will you pay?” asked the quaver, as if in hope.
“Tell me,” Joden demanded. “Tell me the old paths.”
From the folds of the center blanket emerged two hands, almost skeletal, reaching out to the right and left. They too raised their hands, and once joined began to chant together.
The fire warmed you; we thank the elements
Offer your mind; sing to the flames
The earth supported you; we thank the elements
Offer your body; be buried in earth
The waters sustained you; we thank the elements
Offer your soul; wander the snows
The air filled you; we thank the elements
