Temple of the Winds

"Risky?" he asked, as his fit of laughter died out. "Why, what have I to fear from the likes of you four? And I'll have you know that I took off the Rada'Han by myself. I think it only fair to tell you that while you foolishly chose to view me as a crazy old man, I was studying things you can't even fathom. While all of you Sisters-"

"Get to the point," Sister Jodelle growled.

Nathan held up a finger. "The point is, my fine people, that I have no ill will toward you or your leader, but I can weave webs you couldn't even understand, much less defend against, should you wish me harm. For example. I'm sure you detect the simple shields I've placed here and there, but there is more. hidden beyond those things you sense. Should you-"

Sister Jodelle lost her patience and cut him off again. "We didn't come here to listen to the babble of a doddering old man. Do you think us stupid? We detected the pathetic magic you have so proudly laced about this place, and I can tell you with confidence there's not a bit of it that one of us alone couldn't slice apart with ease. while at the same time enjoying a bowl of soup!" Vincent shoved the two Sisters aside. "I've heard just about enough from this dried-up old jackass. He always was full of himself. It's about time he learned just who he's dealing with!"

Nathan made no move to defend himself as Vincent lifted his hands. Clarissa's eyes went wide in fright as the young man's fingers curled and his face twisted with hate. Clarissa covered her mouth in terror as light shot from Vincent's hands toward Nathan.

A brief whine sang through the air. The light from the young man scattered. There was a thump that Clarissa could feel in the floor as light flared through the other room.

When the sound and light cleared, Vincent was gone.

On the floor, where he had stood, Clarissa could see a small pile of white ash. Nathan went to the wall and retrieved a broom leaned there, just behind a curtain. He opened the door and swept the ash out through the door into the hall.

"Thank you for coming, Vincent. Sorry you have to leave now. Let me show you out."

With a flourish, Nathan swept the last of the ash out into the hall, creating a small cloud as he did so. He shut the door and turned back to the gaping gazes of the three people left.

"Now, as I was saying, you will be making the last mistake of your lives if you underestimate me or what it is you think me capable of. Your negligible intellects couldn't even understand it if I showed it to you." Nathan's brow drew down in a way that frightened even Clarissa. "Now, show proper respect and bow to the Lord Rahl."

Reluctantly, the three people bowed, each touching a knee to the floor. "What is it you want?" Sister Jodelle asked after she had straightened. Her voice had lost some of its edge. "You can tell Jagang that I'm interested in peace."

"Peace?" Sister Jodelle fussed back some of her dark hair. "What position are you in that you could make such an offer?"

Nathan lifted his chin. "I am Lord Rahl. I will soon be Master of D'Hara. I will be in command of the New World. I believe it is a war with the New World in which Jagang is embroiled."

Sister Jodelle's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean, you are soon to be the Master of D'Hara?"

"Just tell Jagang that his daring plan is about to be successfully completed; he will soon have eliminated the present Lord Rahl. Jagang has made a mistake, though. He forgot about me."

"But. . but — . " Sister Jodelle sputtered, "you aren't the Lord Rahl." Nathan leaned toward them with a sly smile. "If Jagang succeeds, which as a prophet I can foresee he will, then I will be the Lord Rahl. I am a Rahl, born with the gift. All D'Harans will become bonded to me. As you know, that bond will prevent the dream walker from using his talent to take the New World.

"Jagang has made a mistake." Nathan thunked Pierce on the head. "He's been using amateur prophets, like this witless tadpole." Pierce turned red. "I'm no amateur prophet!"

Nathan regarded him with a look of contempt. "Really? Then why didn't you warn Jagang that by using prophecy to eliminate Richard Rahl, it would get him nowhere but into a worse predicament, because it would leave me to become the Lord Rahl, Master of D'Hara and most of the major powers in the New World?

Did you warn him about that result? While Richard may be determined, he knows next to nothing about magic, whereas I know a great deal about it. A very great deal."

Nathan lowered over Pierce. "Just ask Vincent. A real prophet would have realized the danger lurking behind my simple shields, waiting to be triggered if anyone attacked. Did you?"

Sister Willamina put out an arm. forcing Pierce back. and just in time. it appeared to Clarissa, as Nathan looked to be about to make another pile of white dust. "What is it you want. Lord Rahl?" she asked.