Luís’s Reviews > The Other Lands > Status Update

Corinn had not expected to say what she did then. She had not even known she thought it. But it was true, and it felt imperative to say it now. "Then you know that only you can save me. Please."

Rialus pulled his hands away from his ears and placed a finger to his lips. He whispered, without faith, that he would be answered, "Giver, protect us."

Corinn shook her head and waited until all the scribes were ready for more. "Tell your people," she said, "that the Law of Quota, which has been in effect since Tinhadin's time, is now revoked. As of today, no more children of the Known World will be sent to the Other Lands. Let the people know this. Invite them to drink the vintage of Prios in celebration. Hear me again. The quota is abolished."

She likes changing gears, this one. Fine. I won't complain. Delivegu felt like purring; such was the pleasure of his position. "Once again, I have intelligence for her," he said, "news that she may find very, very interesting. I have word that something important is about to ... hatch. Four things, in fact. Four things that someone has kept hidden from her."

She had landed at a run and closed the last few strides with her head low. She moved with frightening, reptilian rapidity, all sinewy snapping and writhing, her feather plumes erect and trembling, her mouth open in a rasping hiss. Her head stretched out, and her neck reached to receive the tumbling boy. (....)

Her shoulder brushed him, and he watched her from the back as she sought the contours to open the door. She had just leaned to push against it when one of the Numrek, Codeth, called for the queen from the other side of the door. The feigned calm of his voice was short-lived. A rush of new voices beat it down, with the clang of steel on steel and the commotion of furniture being overturned.

The woman ridged her brow for a moment, perplexed, but then registered understanding, "You learn fast, Dariel."
"Not everyone would agree, but I try. And as soon as you start telling me things about Ushen Brae, I will be all ears. Is it time for that yet?"
Skylene thought for a moment. "That's up to Mór."

She was almost ready to put down her sword for good. Perhaps the time had come to do as Melio had so long wished. Maybe she was finally ready to be a mother, to raise a child, and to know peaceful things. Yes, she had not felt this good in a long time.

It was hard to tell whether most of the party saw the creature or Mena. Mena shouted her name, telling them to drop their weapons, but confusion surged through them so thick and loud she was afraid they did not hear. She found Mélio's face, locked eyes with him, and saw the frantic intensity. He could not have looked more perplexed. Still, he shouted for the archers to be ready. This Elya did not like at all.

It took Dariel longer to regain his breath than he would have liked. He kept his voice calm when he said, "It's easy to hit a bound man. Punish me as much as you like, Mór. Get it over with. Then I'd like to -"