Temple of the Winds

Zedd glanced across the room, where a heated discussion was being conducted. The bareheaded elder, his number one wife, several influential members of the Si Doak community who had claimed rights to use the services of the captives, and the Si Doak shaman, were all complaining to one another about troubles they had had. Zedd couldn't understand all of the words, but he could understand enough to follow the deliberations.

"They've decided they want to cut their losses and rid themselves of their domestic slaves," Zedd whispered to Ann.

"What's happening?" Ann asked, when the chattering finally came to an end. "What have they decided? Are they going to set us free?"

The eyes across the room all turned to the captives. Zedd made a warning sound to Ann.

"I think maybe we should have been a little more attentive to our chores," Zedd whispered over his shoulder. "I think we're in a great deal of trouble."

"Why, what are they going to do," Ann mocked, "return us to the Nangtong and demand their blankets back?"

Zedd shook his head as the Si Doak rose up. The shaman's necklaces jangled together. The elder thumped his staff.

I wish they would. They want to get back all their costs and something toward the damages. They are going to take us on a journey.

"They have just decided that they can get the best price for us by selling us to cannibals."

Ann's head swung around. "Cannibals?" "That's what they said. Cannibals."

"Zedd, you were able to take the collar off your neck. Can't you get these confounded bracelets off our wrists? I think that now would be the time." "I'm afraid we may end up in a cook pot with them still on us." Zedd watched an angry elder and a seething shaman stalking toward them. "Well, it's been fun, Ann. But I'm afraid the fun is over." Verna put an arm around Warren's waist, trying to help him as he stumbled along. as she followed behind Clarissa, who was following behind Walsh and Bollesdun. Janet hurried to the other side of Warren and lifted his arm, draping it over her shoulder.

"Are you sure?" Verna whispered to Walsh. "Here? Nathan wanted us to meet him in the Hagen Woods?" "Yes," Walsh said over his shoulder. "That was the name he told me, too," Clarissa added.

Verna let out an annoyed breath. It was just like Nathan to make them go into the Hagen Woods. Even if Richard had cleared the mriswith from this place, she still didn't like it. Verna always suspected Nathan of being dangerously unbalanced, and that he would want her to meet him here only confirmed it.

Trailers of moss hung down, like gauzy rags of the dead. Roots tripped their feet as they moved through the darkness. Unpleasant odors wafted in on the warm, humid air. Verna had never been this deep into the Hagen Woods before-and for good reason.

"How are you doing, Warren?" she whispered. "Fine," he mumbled in a groggy voice.

"It won't be long. Warren. It won't be long, now. Just a little farther, and then it will be over. Nathan will help you."

"Nathan," he mumbled under his breath. "Must warn him." They came upon a massive stone block that was obviously worked by man; it was square. It was nearly covered with snaking tendrils and gnarled roots. More stones, like white bones in the moonlight, jutted up from the thick vegetation. She saw the low, jagged remains of a wall, and columns, looking like the ribs of a monster.

Light shone through the undergrowth. The way it flickered it appeared to be the light of a campfire. Walsh and Bollesdun held aside the branches for the rest of them. The fire was set in a circle of rocks placed on the stone floor of old ruins. Beyond the fire Verna could see the round wall of a large well, or something like a well. She had never known that this place was hidden in the Hagen Woods, but as infrequently as anyone went into the Hagen Woods, that wasn't surprising.

Nathan, dressed like a rich nobleman, rose to greet them. He was tall, and intimidating, especially without a Rada'Han around his neck. When he saw them all, he grinned that confident Rahl grin. Walsh and Bollesdun laughed aloud, and received good-natured slaps on the back.

Clarissa ducked under an arm, throwing hers around Nathan's midsection. He grunted when she squeezed with all her might and ardor. When she proudly held out the book, he took it from her. He gave her a private smile, laden with meaning. Clarissa's eyes sparkled. Verna's eyes rolled.

"Verna!" Nathan called out when he saw her. "Glad you could make it." "How good to see you. Lord Rahl."

"You shouldn't scowl like that, Verna. You'll get wrinkles." He scanned the others. "Janet, so you have joined us, too." His brow tightened a bit. "And Amelia." He looked to the other woman, standing off to the side. "And who have we here?"

Clarissa held out an arm, wiggling her fingers, urging Manda forward. From underneath, Manda's fists tightened the cloak at her throat. She timidly stepped forward.