Chapter 174: A Divine Touch? [4] (2/2)
”I walk with companions who would give their lives to keep me safe. We adventure in the world together, embracing life. Does your divine care when you cry out in the night? Is she there to give comfort? Can you understand that kind of devotion?”
”Ah, your divine beast.”
Gallazza said. His smile turned cruel. He took a step toward her.
”A beast protects its companion with an equal fervor. I can train beasts to answer my command, so yes, child, I understand the devotion you speak of. Of course, a beast is usually willing to offer affection to its master in addition to service. Does your beast fulfill this role as well?”
”That's enough.”
”But why?”
The yaomo crouched in front of her.
”In your eyes, I'm just a worthless yaomo that could be killed without second thoughts. But to me your existence shares as many echoes of tragedy as you see in mine. You stand on the edge of oblivion, spellscarred, victim of a lost goddess's power. So you adventure in the world, embracing life, as you call it, even taking on the dwarves' burden as your own—whatever it is that will fulfill you, ease the emptiness inside. All this I understand. We all do what we have to do to survive the darkness. I am surprised because you are what we have to do to survive the darkness. I am surprised because you are the last person in Wujin who should pity me for my existence. Pity yourself.”
He left the fire, retreating to the other side of the room. Chang Chang felt the heat burning into one side of her face, but she couldn't move. If she moved, she could either attack the yaomo or leave the room.
”What troubles you?”
The Lochal asked. She'd remained silent during Chang Chang's exchange with Gallazza, but now she came to stand beside her. She looked at Chang Chang and further asked.
”Can I help?”
”I don't think anyone on this plane can. For now, I need enlightenment and a clear head.”
Chang Chang said. She tried to push the drow's taunts from her mind, but they lingered like a poison.
”The latter can easily be remedied. You've not been outside this room in many hours. Walk about and clear your mind. As for enlightenment …”
”What is it? You have a book to recommend?”
Chang Chang asked eagerly.
”Perhaps. It might aid both of you, in fact. Or it might drive you mad.”
The Lochal said as she glanced uneasily between Chang Chans and Gallazza.
Gallazza was the first to respond.
”You have my attention, spirit. Speak.”
”Don't be so eager.”
The seneschal cautioned him. She held her hands palms up in front of her. A black leather-bound tome appeared, heavy and intimidating, with two brass locks to secure it.
”If enlightenment is what you seek, this tome may provide the answer.”
”What is its power?”
Chang Chang asked. A faint reddish aura surrounded the book, which intensified the longer she stared at it. Power—barely contained, Icelin thought. Whatever knowledge was stored within, it must be significant.
”Enlightenment to the discerning hearts.”
The Lochal said enigmatically and continued.
”The book itself contains no words.”
”Then what purpose does it serve?”
Gallazza asked the dwarven spirit who shook her head and answered..
”For clouded thoughts, it brings clarity. For troubled minds, certainty.”
”Clarity and certainty are two friends I don't often converse with. But why are they dangerous?”
Chang Chang asked curiously.
”Because of the ways used to arrive at them.”
Said the dwarf woman as she continued.
”The tome delves into the deepest parts of your mind, draws out secrets, confronts truths you may be unable—or unwilling—to see. By facing your own truth can you discover the true enlightement.”
Saying this last, the Lochal looked pointedly at Gallazza who laughed scornfully, but Chang Chang thought she detected a spark of eagerness in his eyes before the yaomo replied.
”You cannot frighten me, spirit. Let your tome work its magic. I'll master it.”
The Lochal inclined her head, seemingly unsurprised at Gallazza's bravado. She turned to Chang Chang.
”What say you?”
Chang Chang raised her hands in a defensive gesture.
”I think you're right. I need to walk outside and clear my head. When I return, I'll make my decision.”
”A wise choice.”
The Lochal smiled at her.
”Go, then. All will be ready when you return.”