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“Death,” said Sorak.
“Whose?” asked Kieran, frowning. “One of us?”
Sorak shook his head. “No. I did not know them.”
“Them?” Ryana said. “How many?”
“At least half a dozen,” Sorak said. “Members of the Veiled Alliance. We must get to Altaruk with all speed,” he said. “They are being butchered.”
“Who is doing this?” asked Kieran.
Sorak shook his head. “I could not tell. But this time, it was different. I think it was the same killer I saw before, but this time I was seeing through the killer’s eyes, feeling what the killer felt, and it was…” He shuddered, unable to complete the thought.
“Can you can recall any more?” asked Kieran.
Sorak nodded. “Yes. A templar. One of the senior templars of the Shadow King.”
“In Altaruk?” said Kieran.
“She seemed to be directing the killer,” Sorak said. “And she knew about the Shadows’ attack on us. I think she was involved somehow. It may have been because of me. I’m the one they’re after. But I am not the only one.”
“So,” said Kieran, “the defilers are making their bid to control Altaruk. And I thought this was going to be a simple, boring job. But where do you fit in? Why do they want you?”
“Because of who I am,” said Sorak. “And what I represent.”
“Then the bard’s tale was true?” said Kieran.
“In part,” said Sorak. “But there is much more to it. Have you ever heard of the avangion?”
“The myth of the preserver dragon?” Kieran said. “The legend of the Sage?”
“The avangion is neither myth nor dragon,” Sorak said. “And the Sage is more than legend.”
“You mean to say he actually exists?”
“He was once called the Wanderer,” said Sorak.
“The pilgrim who wrote that journal of his travels? He is an adept?”
Sorak nodded. “He is also my grandfather.”
Kieran exhaled heavily. “Gith’s blood,” he swore softly. “I knew there was more to you than met the eye, but this…” He shook his head. “You know where he is, don’t you?”
Sorak nodded.
“Who else knows?”
“Only the pyreen elders. And Ryana, of course. It is my task to do what my grandfather cannot. Not only to serve the cause, but to make it known. And in some ways, ways that I still do not understand, he has prepared me for it.”
“You mean the Sight?” said Kieran.
Sorak nodded again. “And the blade. And I do not know what else. There is much about myself I have yet to discover. It would be difficult to explain. I had hoped there would be more time, but it seems I’ll not have that luxury. The Shadow King has other plans.”
“More than just the Shadow King, if all you say is true,” said Kieran.
“You doubt him?” asked Ryana. “I can attest to the truth of everything he says. I was there.”
“Oh, I would not question your word, my lady,” Kieran said. “But it does strain one’s credulity. I wish I did not believe it, for it means you will both be targets for every defiler on Athas. You must admit, that argues against a long life, for you and anyone with you.”
