“May I see the child?” Ullanine said softly.
Cassine carefully handed the bundle over to the High Abbot who bounced and swayed the child for a moment.
“She’s beautiful,” Ullanine said, enraptured. Master Elia sighed, rose from her chair, and came to see what the fuss was about.
Elia wasn’t one for children. She didn’t like them much until they could speak full sentences and begin to train in fighting. That’s when they became interesting.
Yet as soon as she laid eyes on the child, she knew this one was different. The baby's eyes were keen and intent, a pure and deep gold in coloring, much like her mother’s. Her face was serene and she already had a silken patch of blond hair. She really was beautiful, not the usual grimy, grubby, drooling mess.
“Oh,” was all Master Elia said. Perhaps the High Abbot was right in her belief that this child was special.
“Has she spoken yet,” the High Abbot said casually, still looking at the child.
Cass laughed, “She’s only a few days old. She can’t speak yet.”
“Oh, I doubt that,” Ullanine said confidently. “Isn’t that right, Aehryn?”
I should have known better than to try and hide among the keepers of all secrets. Embreth has told you of me. Hasn’t she?
The voice, a woman’s voice, was light and high yet still resonant and commanding. It spoke into their minds directly.
“Oh!” Cass started.
Davar looked stunned, blinking.
“Indeed she did, Great One. Rest assured, your secret is safe with us.” The High Abbot smiled and handed the child back to Cass, who starred at it, an odd look on her face.
Keep only that I am among the mortals of this world a secret. Otherwise, spread the word that Aehryn has returned among the Gods to help heal the world.
“My daughter?” Cass said in awe.
Yes, my daughter and mother. But I am a child in all other respects and will need your love and care. Speaking of which, my body grows hungry.
“Of course,” Cass said as calmly as if all children told their mothers their needs. She opened the top of the blouse she was wearing and lifted the child to her breast to feed.
“This is going to take some getting used to,” Davar said with an odd grin.
“Less than you might think,” the High Abbot said. “You’re lucky to have a child who can tell you what it needs. You may go now. I’ve confirmed what I was told. Thank you.”
You’re welcome, the Goddess replied.
“So,” Davar said as he ushered Cassine from the room. “What’s next?”
“More children, many, many more.”
“We’ll have to get started on that right away, then.”
“I figured you’d like that part.”
The door closed behind them and Elia heard no more. She turned to the High Abbot. “What are we to do? What does this mean?”
“It means our war against the darkness is finally at an end. We have won and the world is whole once more. As for what to do? You heard the Goddess. We spread the word of her return.”
“Sounds like a big job,” Elia said.
“Yes,” the High Abbot said with a beatific grin. “I thought I’d put you in charge.”
To learn more about R. Michael’s books and to sign up for his newsletter to receive exclusive announcements and new release notifications visit:
www.rmichaelcard.com
Other Books by R. MICHAEL CARD
TALES OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS
The Goblin King
The Swordmaster’s Apprentice
GUARDIANS OF LIGHT
Book 1: The Last Scion
Book 2: Scion Rising
Book 3: Scion’s Sacrifice
About R. Michael Card
R. Michael Card has loved fantasy since he read his first Dragon Lance book so many years ago. He has been writing for twenty years but has only recently decided to start sharing his work with the world. He has always enjoyed the lighter side of epic fantasy, the grand adventure, and has infused that love into his works.
He lives near Toronto, Ontario with his beloved wife and their cat. He has had a plethora of careers, working in software, insurance, trades, and education, with jobs ranging from washing cars to career counseling.
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