The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms

I cant do that, either.

That jolted me, badly. Why in the Maelstrom not?

Nahadoth smiled. There was something strange about the smile, something that unnerved me even more than usual, but I could not allow myself to dwell on it. The succession will take place in four days, he said. Someone must send the Stone of Earth to the chamber where this ritual takes place. This is tradition.

What? I dont

Nahadoth pointed into the pit. Not at the shuffling, whimpering creature there, but slightly away from it. I followed his finger and saw what I had not before. The floor of the oubliette glowed with that strange gray light, so different from that of the palaces walls. The spot where Nahadoth pointed seemed to be where the light was concentrated, not so much brighter as simply more gray. I stared at it and thought that I saw a darker shadow embedded in the translucent palacestuff. Something small.

All this time it had been right beneath my feet. The Stone of Earth.

Sky exists to contain and channel its power, but here, so close, there is always some leakage. Nahadoths finger shifted slightly. That power is what keeps him alive.

My mouth was dry. And and what did you mean about sending the Stone to the ritual chamber?

He pointed up this time, and I saw that the ceiling of the oubliette chamber had a narrow, rounded opening at its center, like a small chimney. The narrow tunnel beyond went straight up, as far as the eye could see.

No magic can act upon the Stone directly. No living flesh can come near it without suffering ill effects. So even for a relatively simple task, like moving the Stone from here to the chamber above, one of Enefas children must spend his life to wish it there.

I understood at last. Oh, gods, it was monstrous. Death would be a relief to the unknown man in the pit, but the Stone somehow prevented that. To earn release from that twisted prison of flesh, the man would have to collaborate in his own execution.

Who is he? I asked. Below, the man had managed at last to sit down, though with obvious discomfort. I heard him weeping quietly.

Just another fool caught praying to an outlawed god. This one happens to be a distant Arameri relationthey leave a few free to bring new blood into the clanso he was doubly doomed.

H-he could I could not think. Monstrous. He could send the Stone away. Wish it into a volcano, or some frozen waste.

Then one of us would simply be sent to retrieve it. But he wont defy Dekarta. Unless he sends the Stone properly, his lover will share his fate.

In the pit, the man uttered a particularly loud moanas close to a wail as his warped mouth could manage. Tears filled my eyes, blurring the gray light.

Shhh, Nahadoth said. I looked at him in surprise, but he was still gazing into the pit. Shhh. It will not be long. Im sorry.

When Nahadoth saw my confusion, he gave me another of those strange smiles that I did not understand, or did not want to understand. But that was blindness on my part. I kept thinking that I knew him.

I always hear their prayers, said the Nightlord, even if Im not allowed to answer.

* * *

We stood at the foot of the Pier, gazing down at the city half a mile below.

I need to threaten someone, I said.

I had not spoken since the oubliette. Nahadoth had accompanied me to the Pier, me meandering, him following. (The servants and highbloods gave us both a wide berth.) He said nothing now, though I felt him there beside me.

The Minister of Mencheyev, a man named Gemd, who probably leads the alliance against Darr. Him.

To threaten, you must have the power to cause harm, Nahadoth said.

I shrugged. Ive been adopted into the Arameri. Gemd has already assumed I have such power.

Beyond Sky, your right to command us ends. Dekarta will never give you permission to harm a nation which has not offended him.

I said nothing.

Nahadoth glanced at me, amused. I see. But a bluff wont hold this man long.

It doesnt have to. I pushed away from the railing and turned to him. It only needs to hold him for four more days. And I can use your power beyond Sky if you let me. Will you?

Nahadoth straightened as well, to my surprise lifting a hand to my face. He cupped my cheek, drew a thumb along the bottom curve of my lips. I will not lie: this made me think dangerous thoughts.

You commanded me to kill tonight, he said.

I swallowed. For mercy.

Yes. That disturbing, alien look was in his eyes again, and finally I could name it: understanding. An almost human compassion, as if for that instant he actually thought and felt like one of us.

You will never be Enefa, he said. But you have some of her strength. Do not be offended by the comparison, little pawn. I started, wondering again if he could read minds. I do not make it lightly.