Born of Fire (The Cloud Warrior Saga Book 8) Read Online Free PDF Page A

woman.
    “My responsibilities were to maintain the bonds. The Utu Tonah asked for new ways to bond and to maintain the supply, but that hasn’t been the role of the Master of Bonds.”
    She spoke so matter-of-factly about what had been done to the elementals that it disarmed him. “Then perhaps it is good that you are not the first, or second, or third…” Tan leaned slightly toward her so that he could make his point clear. “The elementals do not choose the bond. Some will come willingly, and maybe that can be your focus, but if they do not, you will not force the runes upon them.”
    “You do not understand, Utu Tonah—”
    Tan suppressed the surge of anger, not knowing whether it came from him or Asgar. “They are not crops to be used.” He tried finding a different approach. Perhaps one that would reach her better, but couldn’t come up with anything. Amia didn’t seem to have any other suggestions.
    “Tell me what you would have me do, Utu Tonah.”
    Tan suppressed a sigh. Elanne might already be beyond his ability to change. How many more would there be like her in Par-shon? How many more saw the elementals as nothing more than wheat to be harvested for their use?
    This will be harder than I realized, he sent to Amia.
    That is why you must be the one to do it.
    “If you would understand what I ask, then you will need to understand the elementals. That is your task. Listen to them.”
    “Not all are like your draasin, Utu Tonah. Some need the bond, or they become wild.”
    Asgar bristled at the comment.
    Elanne watched Tan for a moment, focusing on his sword for longer than he felt comfortable. “If you will allow me a question, Utu Tonah?” Tan nodded. “You could have killed us all, couldn’t you? Even with all the bonds that we wore.”
    “I would rather not kill.”
    “That is not the question, Utu Tonah.”
    Tan thought of the ease he had now with the elements, an ease that he shared with the elementals, even more so with fire through the fire bond. He could draw more power than any other warrior. Cora had grown stronger since bonding to Enya, and Roine had more strength than he realized, but Tan had come to understand that his unique connection to the elementals granted him incredible strength. But he had to use it wisely. That was why he had come to Par-shon.
    “Had I wanted to, yes. I could have killed you all.”
    Elanne nodded. “You are like him in that,” she said, though it was mostly to herself. Then quickly, she added, “Utu Tonah. Different, though. He would have killed to demonstrate that he could.”
    “I have no need of such a demonstration.”
    That wasn’t quite true, he decided. Had he no need, he wouldn’t have used his shaping on their runes, but anger had gotten the best of him and he had done what he thought needed at the time.
    She tipped her head, almost a bow, and then turned and left him.
    Tan waited until she was gone and let out a long sigh.
    Amia still stared at the door. “She remains uncertain.”
    “As am I with her.”
    “Hers is different, I think.”
    Amia’s ability to sense spirit was much more sensitive than his, and she could use it to detect much more delicate and subtle things than he could. Because of that, Tan reined in his frustration and told himself to listen to what she had to say.
    “Different how?”
    “She hasn’t decided whether to help you or not.” A smile spread across her face.
    “I don’t see why you’re smiling. If she doesn’t know if she wants to help me, I might have to replace her.” Or eliminate the position entirely. There was no need to have a bond master now that he had forbidden such bonds, but he would take the time to evaluate everything before making those decisions.
    “Because someone like her could be your most vocal opposition,” she started. Tan’s stomach sank. That was what he feared. “Or your most vocal support. I think you will need to work closely with her.”
    Tan sighed again. He hadn’t