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One of the other gods murmured something about keeping it safe and out of Hurda's reach.
Credan lifted it in his hand, observing for a moment the swirling purple and white lights within the amulet, before snapping the object closed within his palm, wherein it seemed to vanish completely from sight. “We appreciate your thoughtfulness on this matter, Empress."
Elishiba stared for a moment, wondering if it were some trick, a sleight of hand, and then chastised herself. These were gods, not men. She rejoined Amshazar, who nodded approvingly.
"Part of our duty when we gather here at the council,” Sevita said, “is to consider the prayers of those who seek our intervention, and to discuss the continuing influence we may have."
She directed this last remark to both Elishiba and Amshazar, and Elishiba was aware that Sevita was trying to draw Amshazar into the conversation.
Amshazar nodded. “I noticed Hurda has not yet rejoined the council?"
Sevita sighed. “Alas, the god of war has still not returned. He is now out of favor with us here. He has taken his meddlesome ways further afield and I'm afraid there is still more work to be done, Amshazar."
Amshazar put his free hand to his chest. “I understand, and I await the council's suggestion on how to proceed."
For one terrible moment, Elishiba thought they were going to part her from Amshazar, for the conversation suggested they were going to instruct him with another task, and that he would have to leave her. She tensed, a sudden chill overcoming her. Could she bear to be parted from him again?
As soon as the fear welled up inside her, Sevita seemed to sense it and the golden aura surrounding the goddess's body grew brighter, which lulled Elishiba's troubled spirit.
"Empress Elishiba, now that your country is at peace with Karseedia, we foresee a stable and prosperous period ahead in your region. Your father's health is weak, but he is more content now, and that will enable him to rule until your stepbrother Tariq comes of age. In view of that, we wondered if you would consider spending some time in the Magi School to extend your skills, and then use your powers as a negotiator and a leader, alongside Amshazar, in the future?"
It took a moment for Elishiba to realize the immensity of what the goddess was saying. The opportunity they were offering her was so incredible, a mammoth decision, so life-changing in every respect. To leave Aleem, but to stay by Amshazar's side? She had done her duty to Aleem, was her place with the man she loved now?
She turned to him and looked into his eyes.
He lifted both her hands in his own and raised them to his lips, kissing them gently. “This is a big decision, my love. If you choose to stay with your people, I will understand and return to you as often as I can."
Elishiba shook her head, for she sensed her destiny in this. This is what he'd meant when he said the meeting would also be about what would happen next. It was about the future, their future. Their lives, and what they might go on to achieve. Together.
To explore the world with the man she loved, to take on new challenges, to practice and refine her new sorcery alongside him, would be a wondrous thing. She remembered how she had seen the trade routes unfolding before her, and how she'd wondered about those who lived on the road. As she looked at her handsome lover, she recalled watching him riding his stallion across the desert sands as they made their journey to Karseedia.
He smiled, and in the deep well of his eyes she saw a world of possibility—a world of adventure—and an image of them entwined in that starlit sky when they had first become lovers.
"I would be proud to accept this opportunity,” she said to the assembled group.
Sevita nodded, smiling to herself, and an impressed murmur ran around the assembled members of the council.
Elishiba felt Amshazar's response, a vibrant life force pulsing through their clasped hands. He hadn't been sure of her choice in this matter. He was pleased, grateful, too. But for Elishiba the answer had come readily, because it was written on her heart.
