Free Spirits of Light and Shadow (The Gods of Talmor) by India Drummond Page B

whispered to Graiphen, who leaned on Korbin in earnest.
    “Are we?” Graiphen looked at the tall, blackened structure honoring the Spirit of Shadow. Moonlight reflected on his glazed eyes.
    Jutting barbs covered the temple’s long, severe spires. The few windows were small, high, and shuttered from within. The building looked like a torture device, and Korbin wondered what kind of person would devote his life to serving this particular Spirit.
    Korbin approached the imposing double doors. Before he could announce their presence, a flurry of red-robed priests emerged. Most wore the dark red of acolytes, but one was robed in the pure, bright red of a high priest. As he watched the younger men gather around Graiphen, he chanted, “Oh Lady of Shadows. Guide our brother home.”
    The acolytes picked up the ritual words, as they gently moved Korbin out of the way and surrounded his father. The tortured scowl faded from Graiphen’s face, replaced by an expression Korbin had never seen on him: profound relaxation and gratitude.
    They led Graiphen within, leaving Korbin stunned and bewildered. The high priest met his gaze before shutting the temple door, but Korbin couldn’t read his expression. After the door closed with a heavy, hollow thud, a lock ground into position.
    Korbin felt cold, bereft, and empty. More than anything, he wanted to leave this place. As he walked away, he worried he’d delivered his father into the hands of madmen. But then, he’d done as asked. Still, had he done the correct thing? Graiphen wasn’t in his right mind, but on the other hand, the priests were unlikely to harm him. Korbin didn’t know much about Braetin’s temple, nor did he feel comfortable with the little he did know. He did, however, understand enough about the Spirits of Light and Shadow to realize comfort wasn’t always the goal. Perhaps they would provide what Graiphen needed.
    ∞
    Peering into the dark streets, Sen Rhikar waved Octavia inside. “Come in. Quickly. Were you followed?”
    “Followed?” His agitation surprised her. “What is it? What’s happened?”
    He shuffled back into the depths of his house, the scant candlelight casting long shadows as the pair passed. As they approached his main reception room, he told her, “Lettoria is here.”
    Octavia and the other conduits in Vol knew each other well. They worked under Rhikar’s supervision. It had been a few years since Octavia trained, though, and Lettoria was just finishing her advanced studies. The two women didn’t like one another, and Octavia chalked it up to professional jealousy. Lettoria was a passable conduit, but not capable of great magic. She resented Octavia’s abilities, but there was nothing Octavia could do to lessen the sting. She tried to be kind, but Lettoria made that difficult.
    “Hello, Lettoria.” Octavia did her best to smile.
    “Octavia,” the other woman replied.
    Rhikar motioned to an empty chair. “We were just discussing the work of the new conduit.”
    “Or an old one.” Lettoria glanced toward Octavia.
    “Do you have a suspect?” Octavia crossed her arms.
    Rhikar frowned. “Lettoria brought up the possibility this conduit is one we’re already aware of, but who is, shall we say, branching out.”
    “Impossible.” Octavia shook her head.
    “What makes you so certain?” Lettoria asked. “There are five talented conduits in the city. Have you considered each of them?”
    Octavia gave Lettoria a level glance. “If you’d seen the materials, you would be certain, too. This was masterful work, far above the level of Sonna and Minny. And frankly, I can’t see Pendra as our mysterious rogue.” Pendra followed every rule and precept of their order, but she wasn’t much for the darker side of the One.
    “No,” Lettoria conceded. “That leaves you and me.” She stared hard into Octavia’s eyes.
    “Well, I know it wasn’t your work,” Octavia said. “The approach was far too imaginative.” Before Lettoria