Read Online The Paths of the Dead (Viscount of Adrilankha) by Steven Brust - Free Book Online Page A

the dark ceiling of the chapel. After some thought, he came to the conclusion that whatever he and Arra had done had been more exhausting that he had at first realized. He considered further and decided he would take some time before attempting to rise.
    After a moment, he said, “Arra? Are you well?”
    “Sword,” she said, which seemed to be a not entirely responsive answer.
    “I beg your pardon,” he said after a moment, “but I fail to comprehend what you have done me the honor to tell me.”
    “Sword,” she repeated.
    “Well, I do have a sword,” he said. “Shall I draw it? I am not quite able to do so at this moment.”
    Arra shook her head, tried to struggle to her feet, and failed. “Sword,” she said.
    Morrolan would have shrugged, but he lacked the strength to do so, wherefore he decided to wait until either he was able to move, or matters became clearer.
    Presently Arra stirred, and said, “My lord Morrolan, are you well?”
    “Well enough. Did you speak with her?”
    “Yes. She said you must have a sword.”
    “Well, yes. If I am to attack these people, I must indeed. But, as it happens, I have a tolerably good one.”
    “No, she means a particular sword.”
    “Ah. That is different.”
    “Entirely.”
    Arra struggled to her feet, leaning upon the altar. Morrolan, not to be outdone, did the same, and soon they were, more or less, standing next to each other.
    “Did she say what it was about this sword that makes it special?”
    “No.”
    “Did she say anything about where to find it?”
    “In fact, she did not.”
    “Hmmm. That makes it more difficult, then.”
    “Yes, I can see that it might.”
    “Did she say anything that might help me to find it?”
    “She said that, when the time came, it would find you.”
    Morrolan thought about this for some few moments, then said, “This would require me to wait before acting against those who raided Blackchapel.”
    “And?”
    “You know, I think, that I am not of a disposition to enjoy waiting.”
    “Yes, I know that.”
    “I am at this moment less inclined to wait than I have ever before been in my life.”
    “I know that, too, milord.”
    “And, moreover—”
    “Well?”
    “If we do nothing, what is to stop them from returning?”
    “Oh, as to that—”
    “Well?”
    “There is more the goddess told me.”
    “I am listening.”
    “We must leave Blackchapel.”
    “How, leave?”
    “Yes, exactly.”
    “That is hard.”
    “It is. But consider: we are not strong enough to fight them, and they know where we are.”
    “Both of those statements are true,” admitted Morrolan.
    “And moreover—”
    “Yes?”
    “The goddess has said so.”
    “Well, that is a strong argument.”
    “That is my opinion; I am gratified that it coincides with yours.”
    “And our Circle?”
    “What of them?”
    “Will they be willing to leave Blackchapel?”
    “If you lead, they will follow.”
    “You think so?”
    “I am convinced of it. Consider: You are their leader, who has brought them together, and they have all learned more of the Art from this, and share in the power we are gathering.”
    “That is true.”
    “And consider as well that, if they stay here, they will be subject to more depredations from jealous or frightened neighbors.”
    “The Goddess! You are right about that, too!”
    “Then, are you convinced?”
    “Nearly.”
    “Well?”
    “There is something I wonder about.”
    “And that is?”
    “When we leave Blackchapel—”
    “Yes, when we leave?”
    “Where do we go?”
    “Oh, as to that …”
    “Yes?”
    “I have not the least idea in the world, I assure you.”
    “But then, we cannot set out without setting out in some direction; that is a natural law.”
    “Oh, I do not quarrel with natural laws.”
    “Then we must determine, if not a destination, then at least a direction.”
    “Perhaps we will receive a sign.”
    “You think we might?”
    “It is possible.”
    “Is the goddess known for giving