Born Of Fire And Darkness (Book 2) by India Drummond Page A

this very afternoon.
    The situation made Graiphen itch. His son had caused so many problems already. The boy had been offered a seat on the Council of Eight, the senate’s representatives for the eight surrounding provinces in and around Vol, but fortunately, he had no aptitude nor desire to take up politics. Graiphen had hoped that when the boy inherited Eliam’s property and title, he would take his place in Vollian society like dozens of other nameless noblemen and settle into a quiet life of meaningless pursuits: hunting, attending balls, spending money, and providing employment for others.
    But if the emperor interfered with what seemed to be his son’s inevitable path, Korbin would, once again, get in Graiphen’s way. The boy had proved to be a disappointment early in his adult life, and now he was becoming a nuisance to boot. Why, though? Why would the emperor call on Korbin? He had no skills or talents that others did not possess in greater abundance.
    The call to the witch was even more puzzling. Yes, she had been Braetin’s catalyst for bringing down Seba, but he had already honored her beyond what was appropriate for that feat. Besides, alone, she could not have done it, while Braetin would have found a way. The mistress might be more limited than she was in the old days, due to things that had happened since the gods left this realm some centuries ago, things Graiphen did not understand. But she would return to strength. The old ways would return.
    The emperor owed fealty to the gods. No man was above them. In the time since the Spirits had withdrawn their presence, though, men had grown too bold. They’d forgotten the power the Spirits wielded. Graiphen himself had begun to show them. In Vol, no one doubted the power of the temple anymore. Durjin would have its turn as well.
    These thoughts brought his focus once again to Pang. Clearing his head, he entered her temple and made his way down to the inner sanctum, which it seemed Kiarana rarely left.
    Graiphen paused at the door, reminding himself to be vigilant against Pang’s seductive words. He belonged to Braetin. He would not be tempted to betray her.
    As soon as he touched the door, a heavy, throbbing presence beckoned him in. The strength of it surprised him. When he pushed the door, it swung back as though of its own accord, slamming the heavy wood into the wall beyond.
    Kiarana lay on the bed, propped languidly against the pillows. A young man lay nearby, tracing a finger over her exposed breast, staring at it with interest. For a moment, Graiphen thought the boy was Korbin. Revulsion spread over him when he realized it was Zain, grown rapidly since their first meeting ten days ago. He appeared to be just past puberty, but watching him, it was clear to Graiphen that Zain was not human, and human landmarks would mean nothing.
    When Graiphen stepped in, both mother and son looked up. Kiarana smiled. “Good. You are here.” Her voice thrummed with power. Her skin radiated and glowed. “The time has come,” she said.
    Graiphen bowed. “For what, Lady Pang?”
    The boy watched Graiphen with interest, but said nothing.
    “For your choice, of course.” Kiarana stood, leaving the boy to lay on the bed. Adjusting her gown to cover her, she focused her eyes on Graiphen. The boy looked disappointed, as a puppy whose mother has tired of suckling him.
    “My choice?”
    “Soon Zain will be ready to make his appearance, and Durjin will be mine. Already they come, the faithful, to offer themselves, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. The anticipation is growing. The city wants him.” She turned and glanced at her son, her face glowing with pride. “Soon, the whole world will want him.” She paused. “And his brothers and sisters. His children. He’s almost ready. He grows more every day.”
    “My choice, as you call it, is clear,” Graiphen said. “I have fulfilled my mistress’s command to bring you here and to help you get established. I have one