The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms
Page 11

I nodded slowly, not allowing myself to feel foolish. Logic had not been part of what Id done.
Sieh came over and took my hand. Thank you anyway, he said shyly. The purpled, ugly handprint around his throat was fading even as I watched.
We all looked over at Nahadoth. He sat on his knees as he had fallen, the knife still hilt-deep in his chest, his head slumped. With a soft sigh, the gray woman went to him and pulled the knife out. I had felt it lodge in bone, but she made the withdrawal look easy. She examined it, shook her head, then offered it to me hilt first.
I made myself take it, getting more gods blood on my hand. I thought that she held the blade more firmly than necessary because my hand was shaking so badly. But as I got a better grip on the hilt, the womans fingers trailed down the blade. When I had the knife again, I realized that not only was it clean of blood, but it was a different shapecurved nowand finely honed.
That suits you better, said the woman, giving a solemn nod at my stare. Unthinking, I put the knife into its sheath at the small of my back, though it should no longer have fit. It did; the sheath had changed, too.
So, Zhakka, you like her. Sieh leaned against me, wrapping his arms around my waist and resting his head on my breast. Immortal or not, there was such innocence in the way he did it that I did not push him away. I put my arm around him without thinking, and he uttered a deep, contented sigh.
Yes, said the woman without prevarication. She leaned forward, peering into Nahadoths face. Father?
I did not jump, not with Sieh leaning against me, but he felt me stiffen. Shhh, he said, rubbing my back. That touch was not quite childlike enough to be truly soothing. A moment later, Nahadoth stirred.
Youre back, said Sieh, straightening with a bright smile. I took that opportunity to step away from Nahadoth. Sieh caught my hand quickly, all earnestness. Its all right, Yeine. Hes different now. Youre safe.
She will not believe you, said Nahadoth. He sounded like a man waking from a deep sleep. She will not trust us now.
It isnt your fault. Sieh sounded unhappy. We just need to explain, and shell understand.
Nahadoth looked at me, which made me jump again, though it seemed the madness was indeed gone. Nor did I see that other lookwhen hed held my hand in his heartblood and whispered soft, longing words. And that kiss no. I had imagined it. That was clear, as the Nightlord who sat before me now was detached, regal even on his knees, and contemptuous. I was reminded painfully of Dekarta.
Will you understand? he asked me.
I could not help taking another step back in answer. Nahadoth shook his head and rose, nodding gracefully to the woman Sieh had called Zhakka. Though Zhakka towered over Nahadoth, there was no question which was the superior and which the subordinate.
We have no time for this, Nahadoth said. Viraine will be looking for her. Mark her and be done with it. Zhakka nodded and came toward me. I stepped back a third time, unnerved by the intent in her eyes.
Sieh let go of me and stood between us, a flea confronting a dog. He barely came up to Zhakkas waist. This isnt the way we were supposed to do it. We agreed to try and win her over.
That isnt possible now, said Nahadoth.
Whats to stop her from telling Viraine about this, then? Sieh put his hands on his hips. Zhakka had stopped, waiting patiently for the dispute to be resolved. I felt forgotten and supremely unimportantas I probably should, given that I stood in the presence of three gods. The term former gods just didnt seem to fit.
Nahadoths face showed something less than a smile. He glanced at me. Tell Viraine and well kill you. His gaze returned to Sieh. Satisfied?
I must have been tired. After so many threats that evening, I didnt even flinch.
Sieh frowned and shook his head, but he stepped out of Zhakkas path. This wasnt what wed planned, he said with a hint of petulance.
Plans change, said Zhakka. Then she stood before me.
What are you going to do? I asked. Somehow, despite her size, she did not frighten me near as much as Nahadoth.
I will mark your brow with a sigil, she said. One that cannot be seen. It will interfere with the sigil Viraine intends to put on you. You will look like one of them, but in truth youll be free.
Are they All the sigil-marked Arameri? Was that who she meant? not free?
No more than we, for all they think otherwise, said Nahadoth. There was, for just that moment, a hint of the softness in him that Id seen before. Then he turned away. Hurry up.
Zhakka nodded, and touched my forehead with the tip of a finger. Her fists were the size of dinner plates; her finger seemed to sear like a brand when it touched me. I cried out and tried to slap her finger away, but she lifted her hand before I could. She was done.
Sieh, his sulk forgotten, peered at the spot and nodded sagely. That will do.