And it came to pass that the sacrifice was offered, and it was found acceptable by the Most High. And he deigned to bend down from the throne of his greatness to confirm the sacrifice, and to give a final gift. But his words were terrible. Thus saith the Lord, the Most High: “For the last time I grant the fallen a boon, until the fire-born braves the final baptism and stands before me in his transfigured flesh.”
—From “The Prophecy of Llun” (The Sayings, Book XXIII, 4:1-4)
CHAPTER NINE
The EscapeMirodara dropped the flask into the first canvas pack she found lying in a heap of rubble in Llun’s smithy. It tied over her shoulder well enough. She hoped it wouldn’t look conspicuous in the first reach. She must do everything possible not to attract too much attention to herself on her way ou
