My heart beat so fast I could hear nothing else but its rushing in my ears. A boon from the Goddess of Death. I could’ve asked for enough metal to restore my family seat, to buy back the liens owed to the Markreev of Stavira, to regain my vassals’ loyalty in Tolamer. I could’ve asked for the death of Oreth, the man who had forced me from my own home, or for Thaena to Return my grandfather. I could’ve asked to see my parents again …

I shut my eyes in pain. No. I couldn’t. “If it is in my power to grant” didn’t include Returning my parents or even seeing them. My parents’ souls lay beyond the reach of gods.

It’s not easy, in our dual and intertwined worlds, for someone to truly die, but it can be done. Demons most easily bring this true death to others.

But in any case, I could only make one request and still live with myself after.

“Then I ask this: put a stop to Relos Var.”

Thaena blinked at me. Then she chuckled and turned to her son. “What have you been telling her?”

“It’s not me,” he protested. “She found out about the wizard all on her own.”

“Please,” I said, standing to my feet. “I know Relos Var is plotting ill in Jorat. He has a witch and a dragon giving him aid, and I don’t know his goals, but they cannot be good.”

“Oh, you don’t need to convince me,” Thaena said. “I know better than anyone just what he’s capable of doing. Unfortunately, you have named a boon not in my power to grant.”

I felt faint.

I had assumed Relos Var to be strong. Strong enough, anyway. But strong enough to dwell beyond the gods’ judgment? I stared in shock.

“Indeed, stopping Relos Var is a topic that much preoccupies myself and my brethren in the Eight,” Thaena admitted. “So instead of helping you, it will be the reverse.”

I frowned. “I don’t understand.” She did something with her hands. Nothing flowery, but one second her hands were empty, and the next she held a spear. A golden spear, beautiful and shining. She offered it to me.

Mind you, spears aren’t my preferred weapon.

I couldn’t remember any occasion where I’d ever used one. I’d practiced with swords or maces for the greater part, which isn’t the same thing at all.

However, when a god hands you a weapon, you take it. You don’t ask for a different style.

The metal felt warm in my hands. The long, barbed spear was decorated along the shaft with sun symbols. It was light and well balanced. Without being told, I knew every inch was magical.