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the great one, but these were the very first and they were to behers. That made all the difference.
 How wonderful, she murmured, stretching one arm out to a servant. The young maiden immediately
reached for Azshara s gown. The other attendants created a wall, obscuring all but the queen s head
from the view of Xavius and the Fel Guard.  How very fitting. Your gift is acceptable.
 I am pleased thatyou are pleased.
The servants stepped back. Now clad in a translucent, frost-colored gown, Queen Azshara rose from
her bed. With calculated steps, she walked up to the towering figures and inspected each, her gown
trailing along over the marble floor. For their part, the Fel Guard stood so motionless that they might have
been mistaken for statuary.
 Are there more?
 There will be, eventually.
She frowned.  So few after so long? How will the great one himself come through if we cannot manage
more than a few of his host at a time?
 We draw from the Well as best we can, oh glorious queen. There are contradictory currents, outside
reactions, the influence of other spellcasters elsewhere 
Like a child reaching out to touch a new toy, Azshara let her fingers just graze the blazing armor of one
of her new bodyguards. There was a slight hiss. The queen pulled back her fingers, an oddly pleased
expression crossing her perfect features.  Then why haven t you cut off the Well from such outside
interference? It would make your task then much simpler.
Lord Xavius opened his mouth to explain why the intricacies of the Highborne spellwork would not
permit such then realized that he had no good answer. Theoretically, Azshara s suggestion had
tremendous merit.
 Truly you are the queen, he finally commented.
Her golden eyes seized his own.  Of course I am, my darling counselor. There has only ever been, only
ever will be& oneAzshara.
He nodded wordlessly.
 She strode back to the bed, seating herself delicately on the edge.  If there is nothing else?
 Nothing& for now, my queen.
 Then, I think you must have more work to do now.
Dismissed, Lord Xavius bowed low to his monarch, then backed out of her chambers. He did not take
any umbrage at her regal tone or attitude, did not even grow more than slightly annoyed at her mastery of
the situation.
Cut off the Well from interference&
It could be done. If not by the Highborne alone, then with Hakkar s good guidance. Surely the
Houndmaster would know best how to do it. With use of the Well limited only to those of the palace, the
power the Highborne drew from it would be more easily manipulated, more easily transformed&
Small matter what havoc cutting off the Well would wreak upon therest of their people.
* * *
 He is definitely one of us& somehow I know this as well as I know myself.
The words were perhaps the most ironic ever spoken in history, or so Krasus believed at that moment.
They had, after all, been uttered by the dragon Korialstrasz, the newest of Alexstrasza s consorts.
And also Krasus s younger self.
Korialstrasz did not recognize himself, at least, not consciously. However, the fact that Alexstrasza had
not informed him of the newcomer s true identity raised many questions.
One question possibly related to the others had to do with the male dragon s present condition. While it
was true that Krasus s memory was full of holes, he doubted that he could have forgotten such an illness
as his earlier incarnation seemed to be suffering at this moment. Korialstrasz looked far older, far more
feeble than his age. He looked older than Tyran, who was centuries Korialstrasz s senior.
 What else do you say about him? Alexstrasza asked her mate.
The other dragon squinted at Krasus.  He is older, very old, in fact. Korialstrasz tilted his head.
 Something in his eyes& his eyes& 
 What about them?
The huge male drew back.  Forgive me! My head is addled! I am not worthy of being in your presence
at this time! I should withdraw& 
But she would not yet let him go.  Look at him, my mate. I ask you this one last thing; with what little
you know, would you trust the word of this one?
 I& yes, my Alexstrasza& I& would.
Suddenly, a curious thing happened to Krasus. As the dragons continued conversing about him, he
began to feel stronger, stronger than he had ever felt since first arriving in the past. Not quite as strong as
he should have been, but at least much closer to normal.
And it was not him alone. He also noted that, despite words to the contrary, his younger self also started
looking more fit. A bit of color had returned to the scales and Korialstrasz moved with somewhat better
ease than earlier. His words did not come out in gasps anymore.
Alexstrasza nodded in response to her consort s answer, then said,  So I wanted to hear. It tells me
much that you feel so.
 Is there more that you wish of me? My strength is better; being with you, being of assistance to you, has
clearly heartened me.
The smile that Krasus knew so well graced the dragon queen s reptilian countenance.  Always the
poetic one, my loving Korialstrasz! Yes& I wish much more of you. I know it will be difficult, but I must
request your presence when I bring this one before the other Aspects. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]