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Both of them were sitting back to back, bound together with a coarse rope, while the meeting across the room dragged on. They still wore the wristbands that kept them from using their magic.
Zedd glanced across the room, where a heated discussion was being conducted. The bareheaded elder, his number one wife, several influential members of the Si Doak community who had claimed rights to use the services of the captives, and the Si Doak shaman, were all complaining to one another about troubles they had had. Zedd couldn't understand all of the words, but he could understand enough to follow the deliberations.
"They've decided they want to cut their losses and rid themselves of their domestic slaves," Zedd whispered to A
"What's happening?" A
The eyes across the room all turned to the captives. Zedd made a warning sound to A
"I think maybe we should have been a little more attentive to our chores," Zedd whispered over his shoulder. "I think we're in a great deal of trouble."
"Why, what are they going to do," A
Zedd shook his head as the Si Doak rose up. The shaman's necklaces jangled together. The elder thumped his staff.
I wish they would. They want to get back all their costs and something toward the damages. They are going to take us on a journey.
"They have just decided that they can get the best price for us by selling us to ca
A
"Zedd, you were able to take the collar off your neck. Can't you get these confounded bracelets off our wrists? I think that now would be the time." "I'm afraid we may end up in a cook pot with them still on us." Zedd watched an angry elder and a seething shaman stalking toward them. "Well, it's been fun, A
"Are you sure?" Verna whispered to Walsh. "Here? Nathan wanted us to meet him in the Hagen Woods?" "Yes," Walsh said over his shoulder. "That was the name he told me, too," Clarissa added.
Verna let out an a
Trailers of moss hung down, like gauzy rags of the dead. Roots tripped their feet as they moved through the darkness. Unpleasant odors wafted in on the warm, humid air. Verna had never been this deep into the Hagen Woods before-and for good reason.
"How are you doing, Warren?" she whispered. "Fine," he mumbled in a groggy voice.
"It won't be long. Warren. It won't be long, now. Just a little farther, and then it will be over. Nathan will help you."
"Nathan," he mumbled under his breath. "Must warn him." They came upon a massive stone block that was obviously worked by man; it was square. It was nearly covered with snaking tendrils and gnarled roots. More stones, like white bones in the moonlight, jutted up from the thick vegetation. She saw the low, jagged remains of a wall, and columns, looking like the ribs of a monster.
Light shone through the undergrowth. The way it flickered it appeared to be the light of a campfire. Walsh and Bollesdun held aside the branches for the rest of them. The fire was set in a circle of rocks placed on the stone floor of old ruins. Beyond the fire Verna could see the round wall of a large well, or something like a well. She had never known that this place was hidden in the Hagen Woods, but as infrequently as anyone went into the Hagen Woods, that wasn't surprising.
Nathan, dressed like a rich nobleman, rose to greet them. He was tall, and intimidating, especially without a Rada'Han around his neck. When he saw them all, he gri
Clarissa ducked under an arm, throwing hers around Nathan's midsection. He grunted when she squeezed with all her might and ardor. When she proudly held out the book, he took it from her. He gave her a private smile, laden with meaning. Clarissa's eyes sparkled. Verna's eyes rolled.
"Verna!" Nathan called out when he saw her. "Glad you could make it." "How good to see you. Lord Rahl."
"You shouldn't scowl like that, Verna. You'll get wrinkles." He sca
Clarissa held out an arm, wiggling her fingers, urging Manda forward. From underneath, Manda's fists tightened the cloak at her throat. She timidly stepped forward.
"Nathan, this is a friend of mine, Manda. From Renwold." Manda put a knee to the ground as she bowed deeply. "Lord Rahl. My life is yours."
"Renwold." Nathan's brow twitched again as he glanced briefly at Clarissa. "Yes, well, glad you escaped from Jagang, Manda."
"I owe it all to Clarissa," Manda said as she came to her feet. "She is the bravest woman I've ever seen."
Clarissa giggled as she pressed herself to Nathan. "Nonsense. I'm so thankful that the good spirits put you where they did, or I'd never have even known you were there."
Nathan turned his attention back toward Verna. "Who have we here? The young Warren, I presume?"
Verna did her best to smooth her own brow. «Nathan-» "Lord Rahl." His grin cracked through the scowl. "But we are old friends, Verna. I am still Nathan to you, and all my old friends." Verna dipped her head as she bit the inside of her cheek. "Nathan," she began again, "you're right; this is Warren. Can you help him? He's just coming into prophecy, just starting to have them. I took his collar off a while back and there is nothing to protect him from the gift. He's having the headaches. Nathan, he's in a bad way. I'll follow you anywhere if you will help him." "Help him?" "Please, Nathan. I'm begging you."
"Nothing to it. Verna. I'd be delighted to help the boy." Nathan gestured. "Bring him over here by the fire."
Warren mumbled, trying to introduce himself, but he was nearly unconscious. Verna and Janet helped him down where Nathan pointed, and balanced him upright.
Nathan hiked up his trousers at his knees and lowered himself to the stone floor of the missing building, sitting cross-legged. He set the book beside him. His brow drew down in that Rahl frown as he studied Warren's face. He waved his hand at Verna and Janet, ordering them away. With a web, Nathan held Warren upright. He inched forward, until their knees touched.
"Warren," Nathan called in that deep, commanding voice of his. Warren's eyes opened. "Hold up your hands."
Fingers extended, both Warren and Nathan held up their hands. They pressed their fingers together. Their eyes fixed on each other.
"Let your Han flow into my fingertips," Nathan said in gentle prompting. "Open the seventh gateway. Close the others. You know of what I speak?" "Yes."
"That's a good lad. Do it then. It will make it easier if I have your help." A warm, mellow glow enveloped both men. The night air hummed with the power from that light. It was neither flame nor heat. Verna didn't know what Nathan was doing. She was somewhat astounded that Nathan did.