Chapters (39)
- Title Page
- Copyright Notice
- PROLOGUE
- ONE
- TWO
- THREE
- FOUR
- FIVE
- SIX
- SEVEN
- EIGHT
- NINE
- TEN
- ELEVEN
- TWELVE
- THIRTEEN
- FOURTEEN
- FIFTEEN
- SIXTEEN
- SEVENTEEN
- EIGHTEEN
- NINETEEN
- TWENTY
- TWENTY-ONE
- TWENTY-TWO
- TWENTY-THREE
- TWENTY-FOUR
- TWENTY-FIVE
- TWENTY-SIX
- TWENTY-SEVEN
- TWENTY-EIGHT
- TWENTY-NINE
- THIRTY
- THIRTY-ONE
- THIRTY-TWO
- TOR BOOKS BY JACQUELINE CAREY
- PRAISE FOR JACQUELINE CAREY
- GODSLAYER
- Copyright Page
Carfax shook his head and looked away, withdrawing from her grasp. “Dani raised his hand against Darkhaven when he drew forth the Water of Life,” he murmured. “Malthus knew it, if the boy did not. And the Were knew it, too. I’m sorry, Fianna.” Gathering himself, he met Blaise’s eyes. “I’ll do nothing to thwart your purpose. You have my word on that, my lord. But I cannot pledge you my loyalty.” He swallowed against the lump in his throat. “I ride into Beshtanag as your prisoner.”
“So be it.” The Borderguardsman’s gaze was steady. “My hand is extended in friendship, Staccian. It will be there should you wish to take it.”
Not trusting himself to speak, Carfax nodded.
TWENTY-FIVE
TWENTY-FIVE
THE WALL WAS FAILING.
It was simply too much to hold. For three days, Haomane’s Allies had assailed it without cease. Day and night, night and day. No one could sleep for the sound of battering rams thudding mercilessly against granite, seeking cracks where Lilias’ power weakened.
She had held out longer than she had dreamed possible. It wasn’t easy work, Shaping, and she was neither Ellyl nor Counselor, with Haomane’s Gifts in her blood to make it easier. Rock and stone fought her will, seeking to return to their original form. Again and again, her bindings loosened. With grim determination, she held them in place, until exhaustion left her weak and dizzy, forgetful of her surroundings.
“Please, my lady! You must drink.”
The cool rim of a cup touched her lower lip. Raising her head with a jerk, Lilias saw Sarika kneeling before her, eyes pleading. “Sweetling.” She steadied the girl’s hands with her own, drinking deep. The water forged a cool trail into her empty belly, lending the illusion of fullness. “Our stores endure?”
“Water.” Sarika licked her lips involuntarily. “There is water, and quarter-rations of gruel for the wardsmen. As you ordered, my lady.”
“Yes.” Lilias pressed one hand to her brow, feeling the weight of the Soumanië. “Of course.” A hollow boom shook the mountain as a battering ram struck her wall for the hundredth time that morning, and she shuddered. “Where is Gergon?”
“He’s coming.” It was Radovan’s voice that spoke; Radovan, whose smouldering eyes had pleased her once. Now they stared at her with dark hatred, and disdain laced his voice. “My lady.” He spat the words like an epithet, running one grimy finger beneath the linked silver collar that bound him to her.