Canavan, Trudi Age of the Five 2 The Last of the Wilds

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What position would you like to be in? Imenja asked.
The question surprised Reivan. She spread her hands. I just always wanted to be
a Servant of the Gods.
Why?
Reivan opened her mouth to reply, but closed it again. She had been about to say
to serve the gods, but she was not sure if that was true. I m no fanatic, she
thought. I m not sure I d sacrifice my life without some explanation of why they
wanted me to.
Then why did I harbor this dream for so long?
She had always admired Servants. Their dignity, their wisdom. Their magic.
Surely this isn t just about magic. Becoming a Servant won t give me stronger
Skills. Ever.
It must be more than that. Having to leave the monastery she had grown up in
because she could not become a Servant had seemed so unfair. She had wanted
to stay. She had been so sure she belonged there.
It is the way of life, she said slowly. We are guides and teachers. We are
order in a chaotic world. Through ceremonies we mark the steps of people s
lives and so give them a sense of value and place.
Imenja smiled, but there was no humor in it. You speak like a village Servant.
We also rule and extract taxes. We mete out justice. We lead men and women to
war.
Reivan shrugged. We do a better job at it than the old kings did, from what I ve
read.
The Voice laughed. Yes. We do. If you have plans to become a village Servant,
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or work in a monastery, put them aside for your later years. I have other uses for
you here, for now.
Reivan felt a pang of trepidation. Then I hope I prove as useful as you expect.
You will eventually, I m sure. I want to make you my Companion.
After a moment, Reivan realized she was staring at Imenja and averted her eyes.
Me? A Voice s Companion?
It meant she would have to advise and undertake errands for Imenja. Anyone
who wanted to speak to the Second Voice would have to arrange it through
Reivan. She would be replacing Thar, who had died in the war. Thar had been
powerfully Skilled&
I don t have Skills, she pointed out. I m only twenty-two.
You have intelligence. I like the way you think. You can keep to protocol, and
speak other languages. You ll do well. There is one obstacle, however. You must
appear to earn the position. Few here witnessed your part in the army s escape
from the mines, or know how much they owe you. Those who remained here
during the war do not feel your act justifies changing a rule that has been
accepted for so long that it is almost a law.
Though her heart was racing and her insides felt as if they had dropped
somewhere below her feet, Reivan managed to nod. Servants must be Skilled.
Don t be disheartened. More here are willing to give you a chance than not, and
not just because I wish it to be so. They will not protest if I take you to rituals
and seek your advice, just as I would a Companion, but to make it official this
soon& She shook her head. It could be many months before I can do so. I
know you are more than able to convince them you are worthy, but do you feel
up to the challenge?
Reivan nodded slowly. If I am to serve the gods well, then I had better put
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myself in a position where my abilities are useful.
Imenja smiled. Good answer. Ah. Just in time, too. Here s Shar.
As the Fifth Voice stepped onto the balcony, Reivan felt her heart skip a beat. He
may have been the least powerful Voice, but he was the most beautiful. His skin
was unusually pale, and long, sun-bleached blond hair spilled down his back. His
emerald eyes moved from Imenja to her.
Ladies, he said, bowing.
Do you mind if Reivan remains here to advise me? Imenja asked him.
Not at all. He smiled and bowed politely. She felt her face warm.
Thank you, holy one, she replied, her voice coming out quieter than she had
intended.
Are we the last to arrive? a new female voice asked.
They all turned as the other two Voices entered the balcony. Genza was as dark
and sharp-featured as the birds she bred. Vervel, in contrast, was stocky and
looked to be twenty years her senior. Both had been Servant-warriors during
their mortal years, despite having powerful Skills.
I m afraid you are, Shar told them.
Genza looked at Reivan and nodded. Welcome to the Sanctuary, Reivan
Reedcutter.
Reivan felt her face grow even warmer. She murmured thanks. Two male
Servants entered the room. She recognized Genza s and Vervel s Companions.
The pair nodded to her respectfully, and she returned the gesture.
As the five new arrivals settled into woven reed chairs, Reivan felt her
confidence wither. In the company of all the Voices and their powerful
Companions, she felt unimportant and a little pathetic. She resolved to say as
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little as possible, and concentrate on listening. As if obliging her, the Voices
began discussing the Dedicated Servants eligible to become First Voice.
To her surprise, they debated the merits and failings of each with an enthusiasm
that was almost frightening. No aspect of any candidate s nature was spared their
uncompromising scrutiny. She quickly realized why this was important to them.
Whoever was chosen would be their leader.
They might be working with that person for centuries, or even millennia.
I wonder why? Imenja can I change to First, she thought suddenly. She seems a
good enough leader to me.
After some time two domestics arrived with a platter of dried fruits, nuts and
other delicacies, and a jug of water. The conversation turned to minor matters.
Reivan shivered as a cool breeze touched her skin. Looking over the balcony
rail, she saw that the sun was near setting.
There have been protests against holding the Rite of the Sun during a month of
mourning, Vervel said quietly, his expression neutral.
Imenja nodded. I was expecting there to be. We can t ask couples to wait
another year for the next fertility ceremony. What is more healing to the heart
than bringing new life into the world?
The others nodded or shrugged. Imenja looked at each of them, then smiled.
I think we have discussed enough for today. Shall we meet here again
tomorrow, if the weather is pleasant?
The other three Voices nodded.
Imenja rose and smoothed her robes. I ll see you all at dinner. She looked
down at Reivan. Come with me, Reivan. We have much to discuss.
As she stepped away, Reivan rose and followed. Imenja asked Reivan a few
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questions about her lessons as they walked. After a few minutes they arrived at
the threshold of a large room. Reivan looked around, noting the simple but
luxurious furnishings.
These are my rooms, Imenja said. When you are my Companion you will be [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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