Read Online Sacrifice (Book 4) by Brian Fuller - Free Book Online

reach of that man or. . .”
    Ethris incanted and Cadaen fell to the ground, unconscious.
    Mirelle regarded him softly, tears coming to her eyes. “I am sorry, old friend. You cannot follow me this time. Please see that he is treated with dignity and honor.”
    “It will be done,” Lord Kildan assured her.
    “Dason,” Mirelle said, “are you prepared to come to Athan’s camp with me? I cannot say what he will do with you.”
    “I am loathe to leave the Chalaine in this peril,” he said.
    “Please, Dason,” the Chalaine said. “Do this for me. If he allows you to stay with her, please do. It is the greatest gift you could give me. I would be in your debt forever.”
    He bowed. “Then I will.”
    “Let’s hurry,” Ethris prompted. “There is little time. Kildan, ride to Athan’s camp and let him know our terms. There is a small hedge just a little way off. Mirelle and the Chalaine will trade identities and clothes there.”
    They worked quickly in the heat of the summer afternoon. They had to conjure a replacement veil for the Chalaine, though Mirelle knew that the powerful beauty that had once exuded from the Chalaine had already dimmed, the darkness around her red-streaked eyes dulling her once-powerful radiance.
    When they were finished, she signaled Ethris over.
    “You are of the same height and build,” Ethris observed, “but the problem is in voice and bearing. The voice I can change. The Chalaine’s bearing is yours to imitate, Mirelle. You are used to ruling and commanding and getting your way.  Right now, you need the humility, fear, and exhaustion of your daughter. I mean no offense, Chalaine.”
    “I feel those things, too,” Mirelle said. “I plan on saying little.” To her daughter, she said, “Since you spent a great deal of time with Athan, I will need you to inform me of any significant events that he may bring up casually, though there is no time for detail.”
    While Ethris incanted, the Chalaine rattled off a number of meetings she had attended and conversations she had had with the Padra, but Mirelle doubted they would help much. When Ethris finished, the voice of her daughter issued from her lips, surprising her.
    “It will be strange,” Ethris warned her, “and it will only last for about a day. If you can keep up the ruse that long, we should be far enough out of Athan’s reach.”
    “I’ll do my best.”
    Duke Kildan returned, galloping directly to where they waited. “He has agreed,” he reported. “He demands she come at once. There is a lot of activity in their lines, and I am worried he means to attack anyway.”
    “Let’s get this over with,” Mirelle said, embracing her daughter one last time. “Remember your worth, Chalaine. Remember who died for you. I hope we may meet again soon, but if not, remember me for my love, whatever my mistakes have been.”
    Prying the reluctant Chalaine away, Mirelle signaled Dason over to her and steeled herself. If she failed to convince Athan of her identity, she had little doubt Athan would see her run through on the spot. Ethris hugged her and the rest of the party bowed.
    “Remember,” Ethris said, “you are your daughter. Diffident, quiet, and not prone to sharp remarks. Speak as little as possible and you’ll get through.”
    Mirelle nodded, and, with Dason in tow, mounted the horse and rode away from the line of soldiers who, unaware of the ruse, whispered among themselves about the Chalaine’s departure. Course decided, she allowed one last look backward at her daughter and let the grief she had held at bay finally have its just due.
    Ahead, Athan waited next to a prison wagon, and as Lord Kildan had observed, the lines bustled with movement and preparations that indicated that more was at stake than just an unforced departure. Men donned armor and checked weapons, and Athan’s bearing bore the hallmarks of impatience. He bowed as they approached.
    “Most Holy Chalaine,” he intoned reverently. “I thank you