No, nothing so dramatic. There are some protective spells built in for highbloods, to guard against assassins and the like, but among the family they simply compel loyalty. No one who wears a sigil can act against the interests of the family head. If not for measures like that, Scimina would have found a way to undermine or kill Dekarta long ago.

The leafroll smelled too good. I bit off a piece, making myself chew slowly as I mulled over Siehs words. The fish was strangesome local species, similar to but not the same as the speckled ui usually used. Still good. I was ravenous, but I knew better than to bolt my food after days without.

The Stone of Earth is used in the succession ritual. Someonean Arameri, by Itempass own decreemust wield its power to transfer the master sigil.

An Arameri. Another puzzle piece slipped into place. Anyone in Sky can do this? Everyone, down to the lowliest servant?

Sieh nodded slowly. I noticed he did not blink when he was intent on something. A minor slip.

Any Arameri, however distant from the Central Family. For just one moment, that person becomes one of the Three.

It was obvious in his wording. That person. For one moment.

It would be like striking a match, I imagined, having that much power course through mortal flesh. A bright flare, perhaps a few seconds of steady flame. And then

Then that person dies, I said.

Sieh gave me his unchildlike smile. Yes.

Clever, so clever, my Arameri foremothers. By forcing all relatives however distant to serve here, they had in place a virtual army of people who could be sacrificed to wield the Stone. Even if each used it only for a moment, the Aramerithe highbloods, at least, who would die lastcould still approximate the power of a goddess for a considerable time.

So Dekarta means for me to be that mortal, I said. Why?

The head of this clan must have the strength to kill even loved ones. Sieh shrugged. Its easy to sentence a servant to die, but what about a friend? A husband?

Relad and Scimina barely knew I was alive before Dekarta brought me here. Why did he choose me?

That, only he knows.

I was growing angry again, but this was a frustrated, directionless sort of anger. Id thought the Enefadeh had all the answers. Of course it wouldnt be that easy.

Why in the Maelstrom would you use me, anyhow? I asked, annoyed. Doesnt that put Enefas soul too close to the very people who would destroy it if they could?

Sieh rubbed his nose, abruptly looking abashed. Ah well that was my idea. Its always easier to hide something right under a persons nose, you see? And Dekartas love for Kinneth was well known; we thought that would make you safe. No one expected him to kill hercertainly not after twenty years. All of us were caught off guard by that.

I made myself take another bite of the leafroll, chewing on more than its fragrant wrapping. No one had expected my mothers death. And yet, some part of methe still-grieving, angry part of mefelt they should have known. They should have warned her. They should have prevented it.

But listen. Sieh leaned forward. The Stone is whats left of Enefas body. Because you possess Enefas soul, you can wield the Stones power in ways that no one but Enefa herself could do. If you held the Stone, Yeine, you could change the shape of the universe. You could set us free like that. He snapped his fingers.

Then die.

Sieh lowered his eyes, his enthusiasm fading. That wasnt the original plan, he said, but yes.

I finished the leafroll and looked at the rest of the plate without enthusiasm. My appetite had vanished. But angerslow-building and fierce, almost as hot as my anger over my mothers murderwas beginning to take its place.

You mean for me to lose the contest, too, I said softly.

Well yes.

What will you offer me? If I accept this alliance?

He grew very still. Protection for your land through the war that would follow our release. And favor forever after our victory. We keep our vows, Yeine, believe me.

I believed him. And the eternal blessing of four gods was indeed a powerful temptation. That would guarantee safety and prosperity for Darr, if we could get through this time of trial. The Enefadeh knew my heart well.

But then, they thought they already knew my soul.

I want that and one thing more, I said. Ill do as you wish, Sieh, even if it costs me my life. Revenge against my mothers killer is worth that. Ill take up the Stone and use it to set you free, and die. But not as some humbled, beaten sacrifice. I glared at him. I want to win this contest.

His lovely green eyes went wide.

Yeine, he began, thats impossible. Dekarta and Relad and Scimina theyre all against you. You havent got a chance.

Youre the instigator of this whole plot, arent you? Surely the god of mischief can think of a way.