Free The Warrior Returns - Anteros 04 by Allan Cole

jug on the table, which was draped by an old cloth with faded designs that still pleased the eye. She had me swirl some of the red wine in my mouth and spit it into the goblet, which she quickly filled with blessing water.
    She put her hands just above the glass, closed her eyes and chanted:
    "Cast the light
    On secrets near and far.
    Show the path of Mind and Heart.
    See the message
    The tongue cannot form
    And lips cannot speak."
    The rosy liquid swirled. Shapes emerged and I leaned closer to look. Daciar, whose eyes were still closed, sensed the motion and waved me away.
    Just as I moved back, the liquid shot out of the glass, twisting madly about like a water spout. The scent of blooming roses filled the room. My body tingled with magical force and I felt a soft pressure on my temples like ghostly fingers.
    I heard Daciar moan and suck in a sharp breath. Suddenly the water column vanished and the scent and tingling feeling were gone.
    Daciar opened her eyes. "That ought to do it well enough," she said.
    She took a quick gulp of her drink, then rubbed her hands together, smiling. "No wonder you were so button-lipped, Rali dear," she said. "You've had a visit from a god."
    I almost frowned, giving it away, but she raised a warning hand.
    "Don't react to anything I say, dear," she advised. "Otherwise you'll breach your sworn oath. I saw very little. The way was blocked by the holy presence that came to you. I know it was a god, or goddess. Probably not Te-Date, or I'd have sniffed Him out. I've dealt with Him most of my life and know His spoor.
    "Guessing, not sorcery, tells me it was a goddess who appeared before you ... probably the Holy One you worship— Maranonia."
    As I marveled at the results of this rich combination of soothsaying and long experience, Daciar closed her eyes again to concentrate. Then she opened them. This time, however, she didn't smile, but looked quite worried.
    "I see much danger," she said. "And I don't think it's only for you and your people. What that danger is I can't say. The good news—I think—is that I also see three ships that may be your salvation. One of copper, one of gold, and finally, one of silver."
    Maranonia hadn't put them in that order—she'd said silver, copper, and then gold—but at the time I thought it was only a small slip in Daciar's otherwise perfect casting.
    "I also see a bird of some sort," she continued. "I don't know why this bird is important, but it is."
    This was new. Maranonia hadn't mentioned birds—or any other creature for that matter.
    "There's also a woman," she went on. "A beautiful woman. No, two. One is royalty ... and one is not. I don't know if either means you harm. But be advised, neither woman is from this world."
    Daciar broke off. She remained silent for a long time, staring at me intently. Then she winced and her features paled. She reached out a trembling hand and touched my right cheek. I sat quite still as she explored it, moving hesitantly to my eye. Her hand lowered slowly and touched my left wrist. Her fingers lingered there, then she slowly drew them back. Tears welled in her eyes.
    "I fear you'll be hurt," she said, voice cracking with emotion. "I'm so sorry, Rali."
    I pretended indifference although my heart panged with sharp-edged fear. "I've been hurt before," I said. "So long as I live ... what does it matter?"
    "I can't promise that, Rali," Daciar said. "I wish I could. I wish I could look deeper. But the path, as I said, is barred."
    "I wouldn't want to know either way," I replied. I meant those words at the time, foolish mortal that I am. "If I die, so be it. I made my peace with the Dark Seeker when I joined my sisters of the Guard."
    "I wish I could advise you to turn back, my dear," Daciar said. "And avoid whatever pain it is you must face. But I don't think you have any choice."
    I shrugged. 'That's the way of it, then," I said. "But tell me this if you can: Will the Ice Bear King be my chief foe? Or is he just someone I