Page 137 (1/2)

“I do, Highness”

“So then” She spurred Jet into a gallop, descending the eastern slope areet the E”

CHAPTER EIGHT

Reva

“Where did you get that?”

Reva found herself reaching involuntarily for the bow The design was unfa and the wolf, but the craftsmanship was unmistakable A bow of Arren

“You know this weapon?” Varulek asked her, his eyes shining with the same intensity

“I once owned its thich now rests at the bottom of the ocean They are heirloorandfather by the finest bowsmith in Cumbraelin history, lost in the wars that built the Realrip on the bow “Where did you get it?”

“It is ods, and the scripture they left us As , and our pockets deep Volaria is rich in merchants and traders who appreciate the virtues of discretion Twenty years ago one of theht this bow to ers traced over the carvings, recalling the feel of her o, the way it had always seemed to fit her so well Antesh had told her each one had been decorated to reflect the varied interests of her great grandfather The one she had carried through Alltor had provided evidence of his passion for hunting This one, it appeared, showed a keen interest in war

“What would you have me do with this?” she asked Varulek

“Your spectacle will be a great trial Jarvek and Livella I will not lie to you, the chances you ht survive it are slender, but should you do so, I can hide this bow in the arena at a place within range of the Empress’s balcony”

“There are archers on the upper tiers I’ll be dead before I draw the string”

“The arena has its own Kuritai, they answer to es to settle, the Ees have left few families in this city untouched”

“If I kill her, I will only be loosing what’s inside, and it will surely find a new shell”

“Your queen approaches The Empress’s latest scheme to defeat her failed I itness to her reaction to the news, and it was a bloody sight She’s now scraping together what strength she can, but the best troops are off in the north, facing a new threat, and the empire seethes with rebellion No help will come from the provinces Your spectacle will take place three weeks from now, and your queen marches closer every day Should you kill the Empress in front of thousands, she could find a new body but it will not matter Who would follow her? Your queen ”

“And you will no doubt expect a rehen she does”

“You worship a god, but she does not, and yet she permits your worship When Volar falls she will be Eods”

She’s more likely to tear this charnel-house down around you Reva’s gaze tracked over the bow once more Uncle Sentes would have seen the Father’s hand in you, as he saw it in me It occurred to her that this event, should it ever become knoould form the key verse in the Eleventh Book The Blessed Lady and the Bow of Arren, a gift from the Father The storm couldn’t kill her, the arena held no terrors for her and, with the Father’s love to guide her aim, she sent an arrow into the black heart of the E back the bow “But if I do not live, you will ensure this thing is burned and no h lies

• • •

“O!” Lieza squealed, rolling on the floor and rubbing her knee For such a finely ly clumsy and mostly devoid of coordination, despite teeks of constant training

“Get up,” Reva sighed “Let’s try again”