Read Online Aegis of The Gods: Book 02 - Ashes and Blood by Terry C. Simpson - Free Book Online

mentor. If someone else spoke to the man, they were indiscernible. The large oak doors swung open as if blown by a powerful gust.
    Face livid, High Shin Jerem stormed from the room. “May Ilumni have mercy on you all,” he yelled, and stalked away. He winked as he drew abreast of her before he strode toward the bridge, muttering to himself.
    “Irmina?”
    “Yes,” she managed, still gaping at Jerem. She turned to face a dark-haired High Shin with tight, disapproving eyes. A lump formed in her throat. The High Shin hadn’t addressed her by any form of title.
    “The Exalted will see you now.”
    Legs wooden, the stone floor seemingly miles beneath her feet, Irmina bowed and approached the door. A near blinding luminescence filled the room beyond. Taking a deep breath, she stepped through the opening and into the light. The door swung shut behind her with a soft click.
    “Irmina Nagel,” a disembodied voice said from all around her.
    Irmina paused. Compared to outside, which was practically devoid of scent, the Exalted’s room reeked. The pungent odor reminded her of decomposition, festering wounds, of something dying. Her pulse quickened as she remembered the stink from the Wraithwoods and from the shadelings in Castere Keep. If she was anywhere but the Iluminus, she would have sworn the shade inhabited the room. Involuntarily, her hand slid down to her empty scabbard.
    “You were brought here today to show you are worthy of the calling you seek.” This second voice was different, almost as if water dripped while the person spoke. It chased the thoughts from her mind. “There will be but one chance for you to turn back and resume your duties as an Ashishin. Now is your chance. Decide.”
    Irmina licked her lips and then cleared her throat. “What happens if I don’t want to decide?”
    “Then we may decide to strip you of your current status. Uncertainty is unbecoming for an Ashishin.” This voice hissed like water poured over hot coals.
    “And if I fail?”
    “You will be nothing.” Another new voice, this time with a musical tinkle.
    A Raijin, an Ashishin, or nothing. Why can’t these things ever be simple?
    “Choose.” The command was like a rumble of thunder. For some reason it irritated her.
    “Suppose I turned back now, what then?”
    “You will remain an Ashishin until the end of your days,” the disembodied voice announced.
    Well, that didn’t sound so bad. There are worse ways to die.
    “Many have failed before you. Many have decided not to proceed,” said the hiss.
    “There is no shame if you lack the ability.” The person with the musical tone was almost mocking.
    The speeches continued in a susurrus, goading her, giving her doubts, some encouraging, some belittling. They spilled forth so fast, her head spun. It was as if a crowd surrounded her, taunting. She always hated being bullied. Temper flaring, she opened her mouth to answer then abruptly stopped. Now she understood why Jerem shouted earlier, why he was so out of character, why he winked. A reminder.
    Irmina sought the control of the Eye. She floated within its center while her anger, fear, confusion, and a dozen other emotions skittered on the outside. She said nothing.
    Moments passed with the voices’ taunts. Abruptly, they stopped.
    Silence stretched for what felt like an eternity.
    “Good,” disembodied said. “A Raijin must know when not to speak.”
    “However, there is still a choice to be made. Do you wish to take the test?” asked the voice that dripped.
    She offered no answer.
    “Good. A Raijin must never be forced into any decision but their own.” The response came in a hiss.
    “Why did you allow he who was responsible for your family’s demise to go free?” The musical voice continued in rhythmic tones, “Why did you spare the life of one of the greatest threats to our rule? A threat to peace?”
    Irmina gritted her teeth, almost losing her hold on the Eye with the mention of her family. “Everything is