[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
.Your exploits have been the talk of the Academy."So have yours, Liriel thought with mutinous rage.It was well known that Triel had never taken a consort, and dark whispers suggested the matron mother's tastes were deviant even by drow standards.But to speak of such matters aloud would be less than wise.Nor did Liriel see any reason to either confirm or deny her tutor's boasts.She responded to Triel's baiting only with a noncommittal leer.The Baenre matron glanced toward Gromph's scowling face, and a tiny smile lifted the corners of her mouth."In fact," she continued softly, "I think one could say many are looking forward to the day you finally enter the Academy."There.The old wretch had finally shown her steel.Liriel's heart sank, but she knew there was no possible way to parry the blow to come.Well, she thought grimly,, she could definitely imagine worse fates.Tbe loss of freedom would be hard to take, but she truly enjoyed the study of magic.And Kharza's boasts, although completely untrue, saved her the trouble of establishing a fun-loving reputation.She could hit the Academy running, in a manner of speaking."When?" Liriel asked bluntly."Considering you're fifteen years late, there's no real hurry.Tomorrow will be soon enough," Triel said.Her red eyes glowed with malicious amusement."At your command, Auntie Triel," Liriel agreed."I will report to the Sorcere before Narbondel reaches midpoint."Triel's smile broadened."I'm afraid you misunderstand, dear child," she said with false sweetness."You will report to Arach-Tinilith.""What!"The word burst from Liriel on a shriek of rage and disbelief.She whirled to face her father.The archmage raised his hand, and the look on his face was so forbidding that his daughter's protests and entreaties died unspoken."It is the custom of the city, and it is Matron Triel's wish," he said stiffly.With great difficulty, the young drow managed a nod.Furious at Triel for shunting her off to the clerical school, she was almost as angry at herself for falling into the nasty little trap the old spider had laid for her.Triel had deliberately led her to believe she would be attending the Sorcere, when all along the matron had intended to send her to the clerical school.Liriel paid little heed to Triel's words of instruction and dismissal, and was only vaguely aware of her father's hand on her shoulder, guiding her none too gently out of the chapel.They were almost to the door when Triel called her name.Still numb with shock, Liriel turned to face the older female.All pretense of pleasantry had faded from the matron's face, and Liriel was stunned by the triumphant, icy malice in Triel's narrowed gaze."Listen well, my girl: once you're in the Academy you will follow the same rules as every other novice.Much is expected of you.You will excel in your studies, uphold the honor of House Baenre, and earn the favor of Lloth, or you will not survive.It is that simple." She gave Gromph an arch glance, and Liriel an icy smile."But you have one last night to carouse.Do have a good time.""Have a good time," Liriel mimicked bitterly as she and the archmage strode down the hall."This, from someone whose idea of fun involves whipping people with snakes!"Her blasphemous remark drew a shocked chuckle from Gromph."You must learn to guard your tongue," he admonished."Few of the Academy's mistresses are burdened with a sense of humor.""Don't I know it! Father, do I really have to become a priestess?" she demanded."Can't you do anything to stop this?'Liriel knew the words were a mistake the moment she spoke them.No one stayed healthy for long by pointing out to proud, frustrated Gromph that there were limits to his power.The expected rage did not come."It is my will you become a priestess," the archmage said coldly.He was lying, of course, and he made no effort to hide theElnine Cunningham fact.Was her future not worth even that much, effort?"You have many talents," he continued, "and as a priestess you could accomplish a great deal.""For the greater glory of House Baenre," she said bitterly."That too," Gromph agreed cryptically.He was silent for a long moment, as if carefully weighing his next words."Do you know why we wizards are tolerated in Menzoberranzan?"Liriel cast a quick, startled glance at her father."Target practice?""Don't be flip with me!" snapped the archmage."It is important you understand.Consider this: Lloth is the sole recognized deity in the city, and her priestesses rule virtually unopposed.Why does Menzoberranzan need males at all, except to breed still more priestesses? Why grant males the power to wield magic?""Few drow females—at least in Menzoberranzan—have the sort of innate magical talent needed for wizardry," she responded."So? Why tolerate wizards at all?"The young drow thought this over."There are limits to clerical powers," she reasoned."Not that any priestess would admit to it," he agreed in a sour tone."But know this: few drow females have magical talent, and wizards have access to powers that followers of Lloth cannot manage.This power is carefully monitored by the matriarchy, of course, but Menzoberranzan needs her wizards."The archmage reached into a hidden pocket of his cloak and drew out a small book."This is yours.Learn it well, for you would surely go mad in Arach-Tinilith without the escape this book offers you." He paused for a grim smile."I had this compiled for you—a task that spanned several years and cost the lives of a number of wizards—knowing this day would come."That was quite a pitch, even for melodramatic Gromph, Liriel thought with a touch of wry humor.She took the book and opened it to the first spell.She skimmed the page, and the meaning of the symbols came to her with a rush of excitement and disbelief."This is a spell for summoning a gate!""And so is every other spell in the book," he agreed."With this knowledge, you can travel where no priestess can follow."Liriel leafed through the spellbook, her excitement growing by the moment.Magical travel was extremely difficult in the Underdark, and those who tried it often ended up as a permanent part of the landscape.This gift would give her greater freedom than she had ever enjoyed.Best of all, her father had foreseen this day, and prepared for it! Liriel hugged the precious book to her chest."I can't begin to thank you!" she cried joyfully.Gromph Baenre smiled down at her, but his amber eyes remained cold."Not yet, perhaps, but when the time comes I will tell you how you can properly express your gratitude.Become a priestess and seize what power you can.But never forget you are a wizard first and foremost [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]