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It was him—his answering call. The response she'd felt in their shared power, but now so great it almost sucked her into its heart. He was drawing on her to come alive.
"Amshazar,” she cried.
Across the space the shape moved, his bodily form absorbing the whorling light around him as he grew closer. As she took in the sight of his tall familiar form, his handsome face, the fall of his hair on his shoulder and his smile as he looked at her across the gap, she trembled inside.
And then the blazing sky melted away into the sunset, and he was right there in front of her, reaching out to her with both hands. She ran to him, meshing her fingers in his, reassuring herself it was real, it was really him.
"My love, I heard your voice,” he said, as he took her into his arms, his voice rough with emotion.
"Hold me, hold me,” she whispered, savoring the feeling of him. She kissed his face, her hands running over his body, claiming him as her own, because if this were another dream, Elishiba never wanted to wake up.
Epilogue
The night Elishiba appeared before the council of the gods for her introduction, she was filled with nerves and excitement. Amshazar was by her side, which calmed her a little—enough so she felt she could perhaps speak without stumbling over her words too much.
He led her by the hand and together they mounted the steps in the magi citadel. “See how worn the steps are, centuries of magi have trod this path before us. You are the first woman to do so."
Elishiba paused and lifted her eyebrows. “Amshazar, please. You are making me nervous again."
He gave her a quick kiss and smiled. “You have nothing to prove. You've already done all that they hoped for. This is just about what happens next."
What happens next? This was the first time he'd mentioned that. She was about to quiz him, when the door at the top of the steps swung open soundlessly and revealed the portal he'd described.
Santor stood there, beckoning them on.
Elishiba exclaimed in wonder as they stepped out into the mists of the plateau. The sky overhead shone with turquoise and silver, the mists rolling away from their feet as they approached the massive stone table, around which a group of figures sat.
Santor introduced her. “Empress Elishiba of Aleem."
"Welcome, Empress.” It was an older, thoughtful god who spoke, and he was at the head of the table. “I am Credan, and we are pleased to welcome you here this evening."
Elishiba murmured her thanks, glanced around at them all and then bowed her head, barely able to look upon them, for their personages were so awesome. It was Sevita who captured her attention most, for Sevita was smiling at her fondly. She was the only female presence, but she was so powerful. Elishiba knew that her order was equal to that of the male gods around her. Elishiba felt bathed in her beautiful radiance, an encompassing glow that enthralled her.
"Amshazar, thank you for successfully delivering a message to the exotic lands,” Credan continued. “This has been a project of special interest to Sevita, as you were aware."
Amshazar squeezed Elishiba's hand as he acknowledged Credan's words. “I'm pleased we were able to avert conflict. The Empress Elishiba has proven a worthy recipient of magi knowledge."
Several of the assembled gods chuckled and Credan lifted his eyebrows in an expression of amused irony. “The goddess Sevita has a very direct way of demonstrating her wishes."
Elishiba felt that they were talking about her but wasn't quite sure.
Sevita smiled, apparently not in the least perturbed by her companion's remarks. “Empress, you must forgive us. They jest at my expense, not yours."
When she blinked, Elishiba felt a certain understanding settling within her.
"It has been my wish for a long time that women should be admitted to the Magi School. You embodied the strength and clarity of mind that assured me you would be an ideal recipient of such knowledge. You not only proved adept at sorcery, but you demonstrated your female knowledge, and instinct helped you seek the just path. You have paved the way for many women to follow.” She folded her hands in front of her. “I hope you will forgive the fact you represented a test for me?"
Elishiba paused only a moment before nodding. “The skills I learnt from Amshazar enabled me to achieve the very thing I wanted, the safe negotiation of peace for my country and my people."
"It is my belief,” Credan interjected, “that the empress would have achieved much without the benefit of sorcery. However, it has proven an important point to us as the council. We must consider women as candidates for the Magi School. I'd also like to add that your influence on Emperor Hanrah of Karseedia seems positive. Whilst he is in a difficult place within himself at this present time, he will come through it and in the future he will visit Aleem and he will adopt many of your more just ways with your people."
Elishiba couldn't withhold her smile in response to that news, and glanced at Amshazar. He nodded, and she could see the pride in his eyes. “If that is the case,” she said to the assembled group, “it makes me very happy."
She lifted the pendant she had been wearing around her neck since they left the city of Lhastari, and carried it to the table, setting it down carefully. “I have brought this captive jinneyah and her prisoner, the Empress Mehmet, here for your safe custody."
"A wise move,” Credan said with a smile.
