Chains of a Dark Goddess by David Alastair Hayden Read Free Book Online Page A

spell. He’s committed to the action.”
    Breskaro took a deep breath. “You could tell I was holding it.”
    “The spell of compulsory obedience is not subtle, even for the well-versed.”
    “You would have no problem with it.”
    “I almost never use it. I prefer manipulation.”
    Breskaro impatiently studied the temple and its manicured gardens of herbs and vegetables, its pathways and lawns, its stables and barns, and its two small ponds. His eyes darted from one feature to the next, as if they were enemies.
    “You seem irritated,” Nalsyrra said.
    “It’s … I don’t know. This place is beautiful and for some reason that grates on my nerves.”
    “It may surprise you, but I like this place. Of all the Keshomae temples, this is my favorite.”
    “I’ve never ventured into a Keshomae enclave before. I found their ideas about Seshalla distasteful .”
    “These are good people here.”
    The Seshallan faith worshiped Keshomae above all others. To them she was the primary Great Deity, the one who stopped the other Great Deities from destroying humanity out of jealousy. Seshalla was Keshomae’s prophet and the manifestation of her earthly will. The Keshomaeans, however, did not acknowledge Seshalla as anything more than another lesser deity and one prophet out of many. In Issaly the Keshomaeans were allowed to worship in their way, by decree of the Matriarch, since their doctrines were compatible, but they were not allowed to proselytize. In actuality, most were persecuted. 
    Nalsyrra handed Breskaro a pouch filled with gold and silver coins. He weighed it in his hands. It was a small fortune, more than he had ever earned in a single year as a colonel in the Imperial Army.
    “For your journey, though a donation to the temple would be wise.”
    “These Keshomaeans accept you, though you reek of sorcery and look like a demon. Why?”
    “For many years I have stopped here on my journeys. A friend of mine — Do not look so surprised. I have friends. A friend of mine built this temple.”
    “This place looks like it’s been here for centuries.”
    Nalsyrra shrugged. “My friend left many years ago. I come here as often as I can, to honor her memory. The priests always welcome me here, if sometimes reluctantly. And I always bring a large donation.”
    “That never hurts.”
    “I had seen Orisala here without knowing who she was. When Harmulkot contacted me and asked for help, the Star Spirits revealed her identity to me. I knew then that I could motivate you to return.”
    “How did you know I was still in the Shadowland? I could have moved on.”
    “Harmulkot knew.”
    “I still don’t understand why I am the only one who can do this. Why not some living hero?”
    “Because Harmulkot thinks you can. She believes in you.”
    “And what do you think?”
    “The Star Spirits tell me you have a chance of success. No one else does.”
    “A good chance?”
    “It is a chance, Breskaro. You can ask for nothing more.”
    Two people in white robes came out to meet them, a man and a woman. The priestess held a small child in her arms. She hurried to Nalsyrra and held out the child. Nalsyrra took the toddler, hugged it tight, and spoke to it in silly, high-pitched tones as any other might. 
    “You’re a mother?” Breskaro asked incredulously. 
    “Ignore him,” she said to the child. “He doesn’t understand that a mother can be many other things besides.”
    The child had olive-brown skin and striking blue eyes. It didn’t resemble Nalsyrra.
    “He doesn’t look like you.”
    Nalsyrra suppressed a smile. “Nor should he. But do not doubt that he is mine.”
    Breskaro noticed that the priestess and priest had backed off a few steps and were staring at him with looks of fear. The writhing green energy within his eyes flickered and they both recoiled.
    “I am here to see Orisala.”
    The priestess cocked her head in confusion. “Who?” she asked nervously.
    “The girl I spoke to you about two weeks