Chapter 189: Daemon Priestess Gallazza (2/2)
King Laggarma bowed his head; then, gazing at those dwarves nearest him in turn, he nodded. A peaceful stillness descended over his weary face. He moved forward, passing into the gathered throng.
”This day, I say that and ever was my home, my clan.”
The crowd parted, but only enough to let the king pass. The dwarves reached to meet the hands King Laggarma stretched out to them. In a minute, the army had enveloped him, and the only way to follow his progress across the plaza was by the joy that broke over the faces in the crowd. The weaponsmaster man followed the king. Chang Chang smiled as Druyaya and the rest of her family emerged from the crowd. Ongara and Arngam followed close behind.
”We should get ready,” Ongara said. She turned to Chang Chang and Ju Feng. ”Our family is overseeing the defense of the city near the main gate. We'd be honored if you joined us there.”
”The honor is ours,” Ju Feng said. ”Lead the way.”
Chang Chang hesitated. She glanced back at the great hall.
”I need to do something first.”
”You're not thinkin' of goin' back in there to see the yaomo?” Ju Feng asked. ”He's … she's out of her head, lass.”
”Then it won't matter one way or another,” Chang Chang said. ”I won't be long.”
”I'll come with you,” Druyaa said. ”She might benefit from healing.”
”Don't be long,” Abron. The king walks among his people for a purpose. He'll be getting the army into position, and we don't know yet if this 'parlay' is going to happen.”
Abron's tone left little doubt what he thought of negotiating with the yaomo. Chang Chang followed Druya back through the hall to the library door. Druya drew her axe in answer to Chang Chang's questioning glance.
”Just in case,”
When they entered, Gallazza was sitting up by the fire. Chang Chang blinked in surprise when she recognized the Lochal standing over her.
”Any change?” Druya asked, tension stiffening her posture.
The Lochal looked up at them and smiled faintly. She turned to Chang Chang.
”I knew you would come back one last time. I am pleased you found what you sought.”
”Thank you for everything.”
Chang Chang said as she glanced at Gallazza and was surprised again when the yaomo met her gaze. A bright, feverish light danced in her eyes. Chang Chang didn't know if that was a sign that she was coming out of her madness or descending further into it.
”You, you're the one I need. She spoke with an effort. I can't … kill you.”
Gallazza said with an effort. She had a beautiful voice, soft and husky.
”Better you don't try, either.”
Druya remarked, though she made no move to brandish her axe.
Gallazza didn't seem to hear her. She reached out a hand to Chang Chang, who tensed but let the yaomo clasp her wrist and spoke hoarsely.
”Take me to him. To King Laggarma. I have what he needs.”
”The king?” Chang Chang said. Understanding dawned on her. ”If you're a yaomo priestess, you have information about the attacking force, don't you?”
”Part of me does.”
Gallazza said. Beads of sweat stood out on her forehead. She gritted her teeth as if fighting off physical pain.
”It's not strong yet, dominant. It fights with him, with the unclean parts of me. But it won't win. We have to hurry.”