Chapter 185: Life Or Death [4] (2/2)
”No, don't look away.”
Mith Barak said.
”You deserved to know the truth as much as those gathered here. I would have used you without regard for the consequences.”
”You offered a fair bargain.”
Chang Chang said.
”I was obsessed with knowing Zollgarza's secrets. I'd tried everything to break through that drow's magic and uncover the truth of his purpose here. Then you arrived in the city like a gift from the gods. I thought you'd find the sphere and use the Silver Fire, succeeding where I couldn't. I didn't care if I put you in danger. I was still half-dead, broken.”
With Abron and Druya's aid, king Laggarma stood up. Silver light burned in his eyes. He stood straight and shook himself as if chasing away shadows.
”I made the choice.You didn't force me.”
”You showed courage when you confronted me in the library—courage that I lacked. It shamed me out of hiding, if only for a little while.”
”I would have hidden as well if I'd endured what you have. It's enough to break most people.”
Chang Chang said, giving the king a nod.
”I was supposed to be stronger than that..I should never have let it happen in the first place.”
Mith Barak said harshly.
”You mean because of what you are? That's a lot of rubbish. I mean, all beings in Wujin feel pain, don't they, whether they're among the high and mighty or the lowliest creatures. They can be hurt, and they can be broken. It's a sad truth, but it makes us all equal in somethin', at least.”
King Laggarma stared silently at the young blood. Chang Chang thought she saw Abron nod in approval is right, she thought, though it gave her no comfort. We are equal in our ability to suffer—even Gallazza suffered at the hands of his inner demons.
In the battle ahead, there was no such equality. The yaomo outnumbered them, but if their target was the Arcane Script Sphere, if it had been the artifact all along, and its purpose was tied to Gallazza's memory loss, then there was only one thing left for them to try, one way to give back Gallazza's identity and discover what the yaomo were plotting. She'd refused to do it for herself, but if it saved the dwarves …
Chang Chang stepped forward, addressing the king.
”None of the yaomo know your secret, do they?”
”Not from what I've gathered from Gallazza's mind.”
King Laggarma replied, turning towards Chang Chang.
”What are you getting at?”
Joya raised an eyebrow.
”I think she's suggesting you meet the yaomo as you truly are.”
”As a dragon?”
Ju Fengl whistled.
”That'll surprise them. You can be sure of that. They'll think their king is willing to do whatever it takes to save his people. Even reveal a secret that makes him vulnerable.”
Ju Feng uttered slowly.
But Abron shook his head in rejection of the idea.
”We'd never ask him to take such a risk.”
”And why not? Earlier you said my people have shed blood for me, and you were right. How can I do less?”
King Laggarma quipped in. He looked at Chang Chang who nodded in return.
”And while you fight, I'll strip away the magic that cloak Gallazzza.”
”No. ”It's too late anyway. There's no time to find the sphere.”
”But I think I know where it is.”
Chang Chang said.
”Where?”
Chang Chang, sounding skeptical.
Chang Chang shook her head.
”I want to be sure. I need to go to the library to speak with the Loscchal.”
”Lass, are you sure about this?”
Chang Chang nodded.
”Yes. I'm doing this because—” but she couldn't finish. Her throat closed around the words.
”Because Myria isn't dead yet. The city can still be saved.”
Ju Feng finished it for her. He glanced at the king who nodded in agreement.