Page 35

Sophos

T he white marble of Qimorna’s high temple shines brightly, even as shadows cling to my heart. Evil stirs in this land. I’ve looked it in the eyes, and still I let it slip through my fingers.

The weeping sores on my back are a small penance to pay for my failure—the blasphemer’s mark, branded on me with her stolen magic.

If you love the gods so much, say hello to their power.

I shudder as her words ring through my head. She taunted me with her sin, reveled in her crime. I can only thank Ethira that he saw fit to allow me to escape with my life.

I release a sigh of relief as I reach the top of the Temple steps. The view here always soothes me when I walk through the celestial hall, between the likenesses of the gods. Each one is white as pure snow and four times my size. Ralus, Lusteris, the four gods of the elements—they’re all here, watching over me. And there, in the middle, is Ethira himself.

Magnificent.

My survival is no accident. Ethira doesn’t allow such things. No, it must be a test. I’ve been spared so I can redeem myself. He’s giving me a second chance to put things right.

Beyond the celestial hall, I enter the corridors of the Grand Bearer’s court, nodding to the clerics and acolytes who bow to me as I pass. They respect me for my rank, but they have no idea how I’ve diminished the sacred name of the Temple.

No matter. The Grand Bearer will know what we must do. He will help me right this wrong.

He’s in his forum today, looking out over the reflecting pool. I pause for a moment, taking in the scarlet train of his cloak against the white of the floor, collecting my thoughts before I disturb his.

“Ah, Sophos,” he says without turning. Even after all these years, I’m struck by his voice, like wind in the trees, whispering of many ages of wisdom.

“Good morning, Your Grace,” I say, bowing.

“And what news do you have for me from the north? Your message was most cryptic.”

“Apologies, Your Grace, but I couldn’t be sure our enemies wouldn’t intercept it.”

He chuckles. “Always so cautious, Sophos. I admire that about you.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

“But you said the purge did not go well.” He turns now, a slight frown on his face. “What happened?”

“Morgana Angevire appeared, sir, as our allies had hoped. But she brought with her an army of heathens from Filusia. Fae demons who struck down our strongest men.”

“That is troubling,” he says. “Do you think Leonidas Claerwyn was among them?”

“He may well have been, Your Grace.” I swallow. “But I’m afraid that is not the worst of it.”

“Go on.”

I ignore the bead of sweat trickling down my spine and the burning from where my sores rub against the fabric of my robe.

“Morgana Angevire is a solari, Your Grace. I saw it myself. She attacked me with her stolen power.”

The Grand Bearer’s dark eyes consider me for a moment.

“Now that is a development.” He leaves the poolside, approaching me with quiet steps.

“Tell me what troubles you, Sophos.”

I smile weakly. Of course, he sensed my discomfort the moment I walked in here. I should’ve known better than to try to conceal it.

“I’m afraid, Your Grace. She is a solari, and yet she is also the heir to the throne. Surely this is one of our biggest threats yet? To think such evil might one day rule Trova?—”

“Hush, Sophos.” He places a hand on my shoulder, and I bow my head. Perhaps I’ve said too much and listened too little. I must be careful not to miss any wisdom he has for me.

“Ethira is on our side,” he says. “And the Temple is already preparing its soldiers for a challenge such as this. Things are in motion that will ensure we needn’t fear this girl. She is a solari, but that is all, and we will deal with her as we do any other heretic with stolen power.”

I nod, the truth of his words like a thrumming within my soul.

“Yes, Your Grace,” I say. “As the gods will it.”

And yet, I questioned the gods’ will, didn’t I? At first it had seemed strange to me, that a small place like Otscold would have fallen so deep into sin that it needed to be purged. Now, of course, I understand why it was chosen. The gods knew what evil had taken root in that village even when we did not—knew that it had nurtured the worst of heresies. But even when they told the Grand Bearer what needed to be done, he didn’t question their guidance. He gave the order, certain and unwavering.

That’s why they speak to him more clearly than the rest of us.

I must strive to have the strength of faith he does. I realize now that Ethira intended for me to meet that woman, to gaze upon the face of our enemy so that I would be rid of all my doubts. This is my mission. I will protect our people, no matter what it takes.

I will cleanse our land of this blight and of all her kind.