Total pages in book: 401
Estimated words: 390373 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1952(@200wpm)___ 1561(@250wpm)___ 1301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 390373 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1952(@200wpm)___ 1561(@250wpm)___ 1301(@300wpm)
Alaric frowned as he glanced at his sister. “Who is Kolis?”
I ignored the way my skin felt too tight. “The true Primal of Death.”
Kieran had been right.
They had many questions.
Especially Helenea.
We’d answered what we could, which had led to explaining that Seraphena was the true Primal of Life. I figured it was okay since the Fates hadn’t struck me down for speaking the truth. I didn’t go into everything—that wouldn’t help anything. But on Casteel’s advice, we stuck with the basics. Who Kolis was. That the Blood Crown had freed him. And that we believed he wanted to become the Primal of Life and Death and rule over the realms. By the time we finished, I’d learned a few things.
First, the generals had been filled in on Kolis but hadn’t been told the Seraphena part. Lizeth and Gayla were clearly pleased by the news. Sven seemed curious. Murin and Aylard? They were disturbed. I guessed it went back to the reason Aylard was behaving himself.
It had to do with what was between his legs instead of what was in his chest and head.
Whatever.
Secondly, Helenea believed what we’d shared. Alaric was a different story. He didn’t outright reject what we told them, but he had doubts, which was understandable. It sounded more made up than the lies the Blood Crown spewed.
“We need to discuss what is to be done about Kolis,” Sven stated the moment the mortals were ushered from the chamber. “We know very little about him. For example, I hadn’t—at least not directly, I don’t think—heard of him,” he said. From the corner of my eye, I saw Perry rub his temple. “I do recall references to…Primal magic associated with true Death in some of the old journals, though.”
“The kind of magic that killed the draken,” I murmured. “Those old journals? And they’re located in Atlantia?”
“They are.” He tilted his head. “Are you inquiring about certain information?”
“I know how a Primal god can be killed,” I said. “But I don’t know a way to weaken them first. That is information we’ll likely need.”
Casteel’s brow furrowed, but he said nothing.
“Yes. Such information would be invaluable. I’m not sure if it exists, but…” A couple of moments passed. “When we searched the Shadow Temple, it was mostly empty.”
We waited for him to continue.
“But?” Perry leaned forward as far as he could without ending up on Reaver.
“There is a vault beneath. It appeared to be a hall of records.” He scratched his beard. “There could be something in there.”
“Can you check?” Excitement filled me. “After you’re done checking for gruls?”
“I’ll go ahead and answer for my father,” Perry said. “He will never pass up a chance to sort through some dusty tomes.”
Sven chuckled. “I’ve always said that knowledge gained in books wields a stronger sword.”
Murin frowned as he silently repeated the statement to himself.
“I will need help,” Sven continued. “Particularly from someone who can read old Atlantian.”
“Do you have someone in mind?” I asked.
“He does,” Perry said. “Me.”
“Perry can assist,” Casteel permitted.
“Thank you,” Sven replied. “Hopefully, I can find something. But until then?”
“Let’s start with what we know or are at least close to confident we know,” Lizeth suggested. “We suspect he’s in Pensdurth,” she said. “We already have soldiers and a draken there. We’ll join them. Take the city.” She cast a look around the table with a tight, almost feral smile. “And smoke the bastard out.”
“We don’t know what has occurred to the forces or the draken we sent there,” Gayla countered.
My hand fisted as I glanced at Casteel. His jaw was tight, but I picked up nothing from him. Meanwhile, I struggled to keep my concern from growing into full-blown anxiety.
“That’s even more reason to go,” Lizeth replied.
“I would think it would be more reason to be cautious.” Gayla countered.
“You would.” The wolven sat back, her glacial eyes glittering as they locked with equally hard golden ones.
“We have no idea what kind of state Kolis is in,” Kieran admitted, drawing both of their gazes. “He could still be in a non-corporeal state. Or he could be like you and me. That is information we need and can learn from those who were at Pensdurth when they return,” he continued. Tension crept into the muscles of my neck. “They should be back by tomorrow.”
“And if they can’t answer that question?” Sven asked.
“Then we go to Pensdurth,” Casteel stated.
Lizeth eyed Casteel, and then her gaze shifted to me. “And what do you think, Penellaphe?”
I forced my hands to unclench. “I think…” I swallowed, my throat dry. “I think waiting until we have all possible information is wise.”
Gayla started to smile.
“But I also believe waiting could mean we lose whatever advantage we may have if Kolis isn’t fully restored,” I continued. “Which is a huge advantage. We’ve already seen what he’s capable of with his will alone—something we cannot prevent if he desires to exert it again. Once he’s fully restored? It will be even harder to defeat him.”