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

jerked it forward. The old man stumbled forward like a fish on a hook, and his fancy robe dropped to the floor. Now his chest and arms were bare.
    The elf queen rubbed her hands together. “ That ’ s much better. ” Xiiltharra continued. “ Now, here ’ s your choice, Skera-Kina. You took a blood oath to protect the Temple. Unfortunately, that oath cannot be broken, so you are bound to protect this island and its citizenry until your death.  However, your oath to protect the High Priest is somewhat more … flexible. Since the High Priest can die or be replaced, your oath to him is not forever-binding. The oath binding you to him is weaker, so it may be shattered, with the right tools. ” Xiiltharra pointed at the shadowkey in Skera-Kina ’ s hand. “ Now listen carefully. To break the oath, you must kill the priest with the shadowkey. Take the key and pierce his heart. He will die, and you may take his place. ”
    The High Priest almost collapsed with fear. He was now so pale that he seemed to be drained of all blood. Down on the street below, a small crowd had started to creep back into the square. There were a few soldiers too, but they kept their distance. Everyone was afraid but curious.
    Skera-Kina ignored him and touched the key in her hand. “ So if I kill the High Priest … then what? I would replace him? For how long? Forever? ”
    “ You would replace him, but only until the end of your life. So, make your choice, child. ”
    The High Priest ’ s lips parted, and he struggled to speak.  “ Skera-Kina is a former slave. She isn ’ t fit to hold any royal office! ” He babbled on in a choked whisper. “ You cannot kill me, Skera-Kina! Breaking your oath will destroy your body — it will turn you into a wraith! ”
    Xiiltharra interrupted him. “ Shut up, you fool, ” Xiiltharra hissed, “ or I'll kill you myself — and believe me, your death shall be decidedly unpleasant! ”
    A long moment of silence followed the queen ’ s words. Skera-Kina ’ s studied the shadowkey, contemplating her decision. Then she looked up and nodded.
    Moving like lightning, Skera-Kina struck the High Priest with the sharpened end of the key, stabbing him through his heart. The High Priest screamed and clawed at the air, but he was powerless against Skera-Kina ’ s superior strength. The old man staggered backwards and fell. The priest shook, then gasped and lay still.
    Xiiltharra stepped forward and pried the bloody key from Skera-Kina ’ s grip. “ Excellent job, my dear. I ’ ll take this now. ” When Xiiltharra removed the key from her hand, Skera-Kina collapsed, her body writhing in pain.
    “ I can ’ t breathe! ” she cried, gasping for air. “ I can ’ t breathe! ”
    Xiiltharra nodded. “ Yes, that ’ s a normal reaction. Your body is fighting itself. It ’ s like a war being waged in two directions — the key protects you, while the magic of the blood oath attacks you. Just be patient, it ’ s only temporary. I can help you. ”
    The elf queen knelt down by Skera-Kina ’ s side and scraped her neck with the key, drawing blood. Then, Xiiltharra placed the key against Skera-Kina ’ s chest.
    The elf queen ’ s hand glowed pink against Skera-Kina ’ s tattooed skin, and she muttered a long incantation. There was a sharp smell of burning flesh, and when Xiiltharra pulled her hand away, the key was fused to Skera-Kina ’ s chest.
    Skera-Kina ’ s breathing steadied and slowed. She counted fifty breaths, and then sat up slowly. She glanced down at her chest and touched the implanted key. It was hot to the touch. Her face registered neither discomfort nor fear, just surprise.
    Xiiltharra swatted Skera-Kina ’ s hand away. “ Do not attempt to remove it. Not ever. The implant must remain for the rest of your life. As long as the shadowkey remains in your physical possession, you shall live without pain. The scars will diminish over time. How do you feel? ”
    “ Good. Better than I ’ ve