Chapter 324 - The Verses of Victory (V) (2/2)
The voice was right there, right before her, on that old pendant that held the image of a circle. Inside the circle was a series of lines, increasing in length from base to top, forming an upside-down triangle shape. It was the first time she'd been able to see the design there, and it intrigued her. She drew the pendant closer, and realised that it seemed to be covered in a layer of dust.
”Rima Bluesun…do you not wish to hold the name of your mother more than anything else?”
”My mother?” asked Rima, ”Her name…but my mother ran away”.
”A new name then. A new name for a new Rima…”
The voice seemed to pause a moment.
”All the good you have done for this Tribe who has been all but abandoned by it's Chieftain…Bluesand. Rima Bluesand,” said the voice, it's tone so hypnotic, ”A name and a title with it. No longer a Princess, but a Chieftain. A leader of two great Tribes. Such a great responsibility. But you will do it”.
”Two great tribes…” Rima frowned, then she gasped, ”The fire, the fire will kill them all”.
”Just say the word and all will be fixed. Just say the word and the fire will destroy no more,” the voice promised.
”What word?” asked Rima.
”You must wish for it, and promise something in return. Every great leader must sacrifice something,” said the voice.
”Wish?” Rima frowned, recognition penetrating her hazy mind, ”Ya…Yashi?”
”What do you say, Rima Bluesand? You do not have to sacrifice too much. Perhaps you should give away your street smarts from Rene. After all, you have no need for them anymore. Or perhaps your skills with a sword, you appear to have little talent in that. Or, maybe that memory of your mother, the one where she combs your hair and tells you stories. That should be more than enough to save your Tribes…”
”My mother…why would you take memories of my mother?” asked Rima.
”It won't hurt. And once they are gone, you won't even remember they were there. It is hard to miss something you don't even remember,” said Yashi. For Rima was certain it was the Djinn now.
”Rima”.
The sound was muffled, but she knew it was her name and she turned towards it.
”Decide, Rima Bluesand,” Yashi's voice cut back into her concentration, drawing her eye back to the pendant.
”Rima”.
Loud this time, more distinct.
She stared at the Pendant long and hard, unable to help it as her thumb swiped over the dusty surface to reveal a clear, crystal like surface beneath it.
”If I don't remember the what I paid to make a wish, how long until the sacrifices out number what I have left?” asked Rima.
Yashi seemed to hesitate. There was no physical reference that Rima had, but she could somehow sense that the question had surprised him. As if no one had asked that before.
”When you can have everything you ever d.e.s.i.r.e, does it really matter?” asked Yashi.
”I can't have my mother,” said Rima, ”Dead is dead. My memories are all I have left of her”.
”Then you can pay with something el-”
”Rima!”
Rima's eyes snapped up, and she met Tigin's worried gaze.