The Radisha ignored him. Before Kina fell asleep she realized shed been tricked. She took a huge breath, exhaled a minute fraction of her soul-essence, no more than a ghost of a ghost. That specter wanders the world in search of living vessels it can possess and use to bring on the Year of the Skulls. If that avatar can free enough souls and cause enough pain, Kina can be wakened.

Swan chuckled like an old woman scolding. You believe any of that stuff?

What I believe doesnt matter, Swan. The Deceivers believe. If the rumor spreads that Kina has been seen, and theres any evidence to support it, theyll preach a crusade of murder and torture. Wait! She raised a hand. The Taglian people are ripe for an outburst of violence. By damming the normal discharge for generations theyve created a reservoir of potential violence. The Deceivers would like that to explode, to bring on the Year of the Skulls. My brother and I would prefer to harness and direct that ferocity.

Blade grumbled about the absurdities of the theological imagination and why didnt people have sense enough to smother would-be priests in their cradles?

The Radisha said, We dont think the Deceivers have a formal, hierarchical priesthood. They seem to form loose bands, or companies, under an elected captain. The captain appoints a priest, an omen reader, and so forth. His authority is limited. He has little influence outside his band unless hes done something to gain a reputation.

Blade said, They dont sound so bad to me.

The Radisha scowled. The main qualification of a priest seems to be education and probity toward his own kind. The bands indulge in crimes of all sorts. Once a year they share out their spoils according to the priests estimation of the members contributions toward the glory of Kina. To support his decisions, in the event of dispute, the priest keeps a detailed chronicle of the bands activities.

Fine and dandy, Swan said. But how about we get to what you want us to do? We supposed to drag Smoke around to see if we can sniff out what really happened to the Shadowmasters soldiers?

Yes.

Why bother?

I thought I just explained... The Radisha controlled herself. If that was a true apparition of Kina we have bigger troubles than we thought. The Shadowmasters may be the lesser half.

I warned you! Smoke squealed. I warned you a hundred times. But you wouldnt listen. You had to bargain with devils.

Shut up. The Radisha glared. Im as tired of you as Swan is. Go find out what happened. And learn what you can about the woman Lady, too.

I can handle that, Swan said, grinning. Come on, old buddy. He grabbed Smokes shoulder. He asked the Radisha, Think you can manage Jahamaraj Jah without us?

I can manage him.