The Fractured Sky Read Online Free PDF Page A

see how Tauran yanked the rug from beneath Kaanyr.
    “You have my solemn word,” Tauran was saying as Aliisza rejoined the group, “that neither Kael nor I will do anything
    to thwart you from completing your duties, nor will we urge anyone else in the service of the Triad to do so. If you succeed in helping us stop Zasian, you will have nothing but our gratitude.”
    “And the right to immerse myself in the Lifespring,” Kaanyr added.
    “Yes,” Tauran said.
    “Which will grant me the legendary powers it is renowned for. I will gain preternatural leadership qualities. All mortals who look upon me will wish to worship at my feet.”
    “I cannot promise that each and every one of them will be enslaved to your charms, but your influence and charisma will be august.”
    “And the freedom after that to return to Sundabar and claim its throne, with no interference from you or anyone else within this realm.”
    “You may leave here unmolested at that time, but once you return to your home, how you choose to wield your newfound powers and the Court’s reaction to it are beyond the scope of this agreement.”
    “Good enough,” Kaanyr said. “I accept.”
    Tauran nodded and closed his eyes, as if in prayer. When he opened his eyes again, Aliisza wondered if he had woven the coercive magic upon Kaanyr. “It is done,” he said. “You are now bound to serve me until your appointed task is complete.”
    The cambion frowned as the angel turned to the alu.
    “And you?” Tauran asked.
    Aliisza shrugged. “I have no need to bathe in the Lifespring,” she said, smiling in bemusement. “I see no reason to agree to anything other than what you offered me before. In exchange for what I know of Zasian—which is quite little, actually—I am free to return to Toril.”
    Kaanyr gaped at her for several seconds. In return, she smiled at him. “How does it feel?” she asked in her sweetest, most innocent voice.
    “You treacherous, conniving little—”
    “Help us anyway.” It was Kael who had spoken, and he looked at his mother with a strange expression.
    Aliisza wasn’t certain what it conveyed.
    “Why?” she asked, a sense of caution sweeping over her. “What’s in it for me?”
    “The chance you wanted before, back in the garden,” the half-drow replied. “The chance to know me.” Aliisza wasn’t sure how to respond. It was almost as if he were baiting her. “If you return to Toril, to your home, that will be it. Whatever chance you have of showing me your maternal love will be lost to you. will be lost to you.”p>
    Aliisza peered into those garnet eyes and felt a deep pain in the core of her being. Despite the notion that her transformation into a being of goodness had all been a lie, a deceit of Tauran’s from which Zasian’s magic had shielded her, there was still some truth in that message of selflessness. If she walked away, no matter how much fun it would be to spite Kaanyr, she would never see her son again.
    “Very well,” she said in a small voice. “I will remain here and help you.” Then she quickly added, “But of my own volition. I do not submit to any magical coercion, Tauran,” she said, giving Kaanyr another smug smile. He only glared at her in return.
    “As you wish,” the angel said in answer. “You serve of your own free will. But know this; should you interfere with my efforts at some point in the future, I will also have no compunction against dealing with you.” There was a hint of something dangerous in the deva’s tone as he said that.
    Aliisza nodded.
    “Now then,” Tauran said, “it’s time to explain to you all that has happened since you escaped the garden. Incidentally, because of the nature of the portal you traversed to get here, time has flowed quite differently for you two than for Kael and me. Twelve years have passed since the day you entered the storm dragon’s maw.”
    Kaanyr’s howl of anguish and betrayal made Aliisza clamp her hands over her