Phoenix in Shadow - eARC Read Online Free PDF Page B

you wanted to be that kind of person, we’d already know it. But then...who? Or do I leave anyway?”
    “You may have to,” Tobimar said with obvious reluctance. “Believe me, I understand your concern—in your position I’d share it—but as you said, the world isn’t waiting for us.”
    “Perhaps I might offer a solution,” said an impossibly familiar voice from the doorway.
    Almost without realizing it, Kyri found herself standing, staring in simultaneous disbelief and joy.
    Tall, angular, straight of figure, impassive of expression, Lythos, her invincible, imperturbable Master of Arms, stood framed in the doorway.
    And then the Sho-Ka-Taida collapsed to his knees.
    “Lythos!”

Chapter 4
    Tobimar hadn’t recognized the tall Artan , but he knew the name that Kyri gasped as the warrior nearly fell face-first to the polished stone floor. He taught her entire family, including her parents, her brother, and her sister.
    Kyri reached the Artan warrior, whose deep-violet hair pooled slightly on the floor before him as he knelt on all fours, arms and knees supporting him so he looked like a man broken. “Lythos... Sho-Ka-Taida , are you all right?”
    The head lifted then, and Tobimar could see a tiny smile, a glint of amusement in the eyes that matched the hair. “More exhausted and worn than I have been in many generations, but my injuries are minor. I have...perhaps driven myself too far, too fast, and have so failed to take my own advice, eh, Kyri Vantage?”
    “You...you...” To Tobimar’s astonishment, Kyri suddenly burst into tears and threw her arms around Lythos; by the Artan ’s expression, it was at least as great a surprise to him. “Lythos, I thought you might be dead ! Thank the Balance!”
    A great sadness descended upon Lythos, clouding the long, aristocratic features and dimming the smile. “Ah, of course you would have. Nearly I was, as well. It has been a trying time—but no less for you, I think.”
    Leaning slightly on Kyri’s arm, Lythos stood. “If you will allow me to sit at table with you, I can refresh myself some and speak with you a while, before I must rest. But now that I acknowledge my body’s warnings, hold them no longer at bay, I will admit that rest must come soon.”
    Kyri helped him sit. “You said you were injured , Lythos.” She said the word as though she found the concept impossible to grasp. Then she shook herself and straightened. “I’m sorry, I sound like I’m fourteen again.”
    Her hands rested on Lythos’ shoulders, and the gold-fire glow of the power of Myrionar shone out, the power that Kyri Vantage could wield because she was the one, the true, and only Justiciar of Myrionar. Even though this was far from the first time he had seen that power, the sight still sent a tingle of awe through Tobimar. His own god, Terian, rarely granted such powers to warriors who walked the world, nor did He often intervene directly.
    Lythos’ head came up, and in his eyes Tobimar saw an echo of the same awe, and, at the same time, something else: vindication. “So it is true, Kyri Victoria Vantage. You are now the Phoenix Justiciar, the one to reclaim the honor that was lost and cleanse the stain from Myrionar’s name. So I heard rumor as I approached.” His voice was stronger, though still exhausted, and the lines that had hinted at pain and injury were gone.
    Kyri bowed. “Because you taught me, and I learned, I suppose, enough.”
    “Enough, yes.” He smiled again, and that simple expression made Kyri smile back at him. For a moment Tobimar found himself wondering if there was something else in that smile, then kicked himself, mentally. If there is, it is no business of mine. Besides, he is Artan and ancient; he wouldn’t think of...and there I go again! It’s not my business! Stop thinking about it! Why am I thinking about it?
    Vanstell himself laid a plate with carefully prepared delicacies before Lythos. “Welcome home, Sho-Ka-Taida ,” he said. “You