:If this is a god then there is reason to fear there are more, Rian said. We know these people worship five gods. Why would this god tolerate them worshipping four additional gods if they were false?

:Five new gods? Juran said disbelievingly. All undetected by ours?

:We have to consider the possibility, Mairae said.

:We know the black sorcerers are strong, Rian pointed out. How else can they rival us in strength without the assistance of gods?

:Either way, we know this will not be an easy battle, Dyara added.

:No, Juran agreed. Our people do not need to hear of this. They would become…disheartened. Auraya, get out of there as soon as you can. We must meet and reconsider our own strategy.

:I will, Auraya told him. I assure you, the last place I want to be right now is here.

One loud cheer burst from the Pentadrians. The apparition disappeared. Auraya felt a surge of relief.

:It’s gone, she told them.

The sorcerers descended the stairs. The lake of black robes stirred and separated into five columns. Auraya murmured a prayer of thanks to Chaia as the Pentadrian leader moved to the head of a column and began to lead the army down the valley.

43

Leiard opened his eyes. He was riding an arem and he was alone. Mountains rose before him. The road wound toward them. He felt a flare of panic and reined in the arem.

I’m heading toward the pass. What’s going on? I should be going in the other direction.

Yes, Mirar replied, but that fool student of yours ran away and we have to find him.

Jayim? Why would he run away?

I don’t know. When I went to find him he was gone.

Find him? Were you separated?

I thought he’d appreciate his privacy.

Leiard felt suspicion growing. Why? What have you done?

I bought him a gift, to keep him distracted. You wouldn’t have wanted him to witness a confrontation with Auraya, would you?

What gift?

A whore. Who’d have thought a young man like Jayim would take fright at that?

Leiard groaned and pressed his hands to his face. You’re supposed to be wise and skilled in understanding the mind and heart. How could you have made such a mistake?

Nobody’s perfect.

If you were wrong about Jayim, you might also be wrong about Auraya.

No, Mirar replied firmly. Only a lovestruck fool cannot see the danger you were putting our people in. Arleej agreed. So did Juran.

And Auraya? Leiard felt his heart sink with dread. What did you say to her?

Nothing. Haven’t seen her. Which is a pity. I was looking forward to it.