Page 74 of Made

“Very well. The second challenge will be to enter and return from the Land of the Unworthy Dead. While there, you will not be able to claim your sephalian form.”

“How will I gain access?”

“The usual way. You’ll die.”

“Die?”

“Well, yes. Once you step onto the barge, you’ll be unable to reenter the land of the living without assistance. Don’t worry. If you succeed in escaping, we’ll know. We’ll retrieve you and revive you.” She clapped her hands. “Good as new!” And laughed.

Kagan drew, frowning. It seemed Araxinthe was enjoying the prospect of his or their demise, far too much. Factoring that into the equation, it felt as though his chances of success were far less than he’d thought.

“Also, your ability to shift into your lion form will be restricted. You’ll either succeed or fail in your present form.”

“That means there’s no ban on shifting for the first challenge?”

With a smirk of appreciation, and Araxinthedidappreciate his quick deduction, she said, “Yes.”

“Beg pardon, but I need further explanation. Yes, there is no ban?”

All three could hear a slight tinge of irritation creeping into Araxinthe’s tone as she said, “Yes. There is no ban on shifting for the first challenge.”

“Alright. Tell me about the final trial.” Kagan asked.

Araxinthe had returned to visibly enjoying herself. Either the knight really thought he had a chance, or he was a master of self-delusion.

“While the first two trials are objective, meaning you either do or die, the third is subjective. You will stand before a tribunal of Fritjof’s peers and make a case for granting herindependence. If we concur with your argument, she’ll be free to go.”

“Forever.”

“Yes. Forever.”

“Do you have proof that the judges are open-minded?”

Araxinthe’s patience with the novelty of Kagan’s gall was again wearing thin. “If I say it is so, that’s proof enough.”

“Oh. Well then. I’ve successfully completed the first two tests. Is that proof enough?” he quipped, beyond worrying over the appearance of arrogance.

Araxinthe exploded upward from her throne-like chair. Not to a standing position. To a position where she floated ten feet above the sephalian. All present braced for shouting, but instead she spoke with a quiet, calm stillness that felt deadly enough to raise hackles on all three sephalia.

“The tribunal will be composed of five members chosen by Fritjof. She’ll have an opportunity to interview anyone she wishes.”

“Anyone?” Kagan asked.

“ANYONE!!!” Araxinthe shouted in frustration. When she realized she’d been too flustered to recognize that she was being tricked, it was too late to take it back. Everyone had heard her answer clearly.

She’d agreed that the panel would be composed of Esme’s choice of five people. Not just Cardinals.Anyoneof Esme’s choice.

Kagan couldn’t help himself. His face split into a huge grin. He couldn’t remember grinning like that, ever. Except after making love to Esmerelda. For hours.

Keir and Killian were too shocked by the sight of a grinning Kagan to finish their victory ritual that normally involved a fist bump, chest bump, and pelvis wiggle. They neverclaimed it was dignified, but no one had ever been around to witness it before.

Several of the saffrons ducked their heads and giggled. Araxinthe wheeled to pin them with a look that promised reprisal.

Keir glanced in Esme’s direction. Her bright smile was trained on Kagan with an intensity that left no doubt about the depth of her feelings. It was evident that, if she could, she’d will herself out of bondage and fly into his arms. She was proud to be his in every way possible, and so thrilled by his public avowal that she’d momentarily forgotten the dangers and pitfalls ahead.

“Are you ready to undertake the first trial?” Araxinthe asked, having taken steps to recover her dignity and air of authority.

“I have a couple of questions,” Kagan said.