Larantyne Page 3

  *You heard Me, although I understand your confusion. My people here have suffered and made terrible mistakes in the last few generations of their kind. Now it's up to you and your cousin to fix the mess they've made, because I'm tired of seeing them suffer and My direct intervention is sorely limited these days. Due to constraints I will not discuss with you at this time, I can not act beyond the walls of this chapel. This is why I need you. When the time is right, you will perform a great service for Me. And bring your Bard in here sometime. He's suffered a crisis of faith, but he'll come around.*

  "Oh," Kirel said blankly. "I'll do that."

  *As for the reason you finally heeded My call,* the Mother said, and Kirel flinched a bit at the reproach in Her voice.

  "I'm sorry," he muttered. "I was afraid."