Kathir's Redemption (Book 6) by Kristian Alva Read Free Book Online Page A

Brighthollow Pact. ”
    Skera-Kina looked even more confused. “ Who am I to you, then? ”
    Xiiltharra smiled again. “ You are a means to an end. Each person has a unique purpose. That includes you, Skera-Kina. Your purpose is about to be fulfilled. Observe, and you shall understand the wisdom of my decision. ”
    Xiiltharra turned her attention back to the High Priest. “ I am here under the terms of our Pact. This is the second time in the last thousand years that I ’ ve had to return to this forsaken island in order to enforce our agreement. I grow weary of this eternal game. ”
    The High Priest stared at her in horror. “ The Brighthollow Pact? I thought that was only a myth! ”
    Xiiltharra ’ s feral blue eyes narrowed. “ Yes, that ’ s what one of your predecessors said too, before I killed him. I will teach you your place, as I did him. The Balborites are strictly forbidden from owning, breeding, or raising dragons. The pact is explicit and binding, and yet you have attempted once again to steal dragon eggs for breeding. That is a direct violation of our pact. As such, your life is forfeit. ”
    “ But I didn ’ t know, ” the High Priest whispered. “ I didn ’ t know! ”
    Xiiltharra went on as if she hadn ’ t heard him. “ Now, normally, I do not meddle in mortal affairs, but I cannot allow this crime to go unpunished. ”
    Skera-Kina stood up and touched her swollen throat. The rope left a bright purple bruise around her neck. She walked over to the elf queen and addressed her without fear. “ Why did you save me? I chose this path, and my oaths cannot be broken. I no longer wish to serve the priests … or anyone else, for that matter. ”
    Xiiltharra smiled at her. “ I think I can convince you to change your mind. ”
    “ I took a blood oath — it cannot be broken. I am forced to serve the Temple until the end of my life. My only escape from this bondage is death. ”
    Xiiltharra held up her other hand to silence her. “ You misunderstand your oath. It is not set in stone and can be changed if necessary. Today, you will get to choose between slavery and freedom. ”   Then she turned to the High Priest. “ You have broken the pact with faerie by attempting to steal dragon eggs. Your crime is indefensible, and frankly, I have indulged the stupidity of your people long enough. Thankfully, I believe I ’ ve found a solution to all my problems. ”
    “ By the gods! What are you going to do to me? ” he cried.
    Xiiltharra lifted a finger, and the High Priest ’ s mouth clamped shut like a vise. “ Silence. Do not speak. ” The High Priest tried to open his mouth to respond, but all that escaped from his lips was a choking sound.
    Xiiltharra removed a silver chain from around her neck. A black key, carved from volcanic glass, hung at the end of the chain. It was so black that it seemed to radiate darkness. Xiiltharra slipped the key from the chain and pressed it into Skera-Kina ’ s palm.
    Skera-Kina examined the key in her palm. She didn ’ t look fearful, only curious. “ What is it? ”
    Xiiltharra smiled. “ This is the shadowkey of Balbor. I created it myself, eons ago, when the Brighthollow Pact was signed. I slew the last of Balbor ’ s tainted dragons to make it. It is rare that I have an occasion to create a shadowkey, and even rarer that I should have to use it. Study it closely, for it is unlikely that you shall ever see another in your lifetime. ”
    “ But what is it for? ” asked Skera-Kina.
    “ You ’ ll understand in a moment. ” Xiiltharra pointed at the High Priest. “ Remove your robe and step forward, Fereroaz. ”
    The priest didn ’ t move.
    Xiiltharra ’ s expression hardened. “ I told you to take off your robe and step forward. Now do it. ”
    The priest remained frozen with fear, and the last remnants of Xiiltharra ’ s patience dropped away. Her face became a mask of fury.
    “ Obey me, mortal filth! ” She curled her finger into a claw and