The pillars of creation

Sebastian nodded. "I wouldn't suggest it if I didn't. I know the destructive power of the magic on Lord Rahl's side-I've seen it with my own eyes-and I know how our sorceresses have been able to help us fight back. Magic can't do it all, but I think they can provide valuable help."

Jennsen held herself erect, her chin up. "I would appreciate it. I will gladly accept any assistance they can offer."

A small smile curved the line of his mouth.

"But know this," she added. "With or without their help, I intend to kill Richard Rahl. If I must go alone and bare-handed, I intend to kill him. I will not rest until I do, because I have no life until I kill him-by his choice, not mine. I'm at the end of running. I will run no more."

"I understand. I will take you to our sorceresses, then."

"How far do you think it is to the Old World? Until we can reach them?"

"We won't be going to the Old World for now. In the morning we'll need to start looking for a pass to the west, over the mountains. We have to begin looking for a way into the Midlands."

Jennsen pulled a ringlet of her hair back off her face when she noticed him looking at it. "But, I thought that the emperor and the Sisters of the Light were in the Old World."

Sebastian's expression twisted with a sly smile. "No. We cannot allow Lord Rahl to bring war to our people without answering his aggression, without making him pay a price. We intend to fight, and win-the same as you have finally decided. Emperor Jagang is with our troops, laying siege to their seat of rule in the Midlands, the city of Aydindril. That's where the Confessors' Palace is-Lord Rahl's wife's palace. We're cleaving the New World. When spring arrives, we will take Aydindril and break the back of the New World."

"I had no idea. Have you known all along that Emperor Jagang would try something so bold?"

Sebastian half laughed. "I'm his strategist."

Jennsen's jaw dropped. "You? You thought of it?"

He dismissed her wide-eyed astonishment. "Emperor Jagang came to the rule of the Old World because he is a genius. He had two alternatives in this, two different recommendations-to attack the Midlands, or to attack D'Hara first. Brother Narev advised that right is on our side, and that the Creator would grant us victory either way, so he had no preference, no military advice to offer.

"The emperor himself already had the goal of Aydindril in mind, though he kept silent on it until he heard the recommendations. My recommendation decided it for him. Emperor Jagang does not always use my strategy, but I was pleased that in this he saw what I saw-that taking the city and palace of Lord Rahl's wife would not only be a momentous military victory, but will also strike a great blow at our enemy's very heart.»

Jennsen was seeing him again as she had at first, in awe at how important he truly was. This was a man who, in part, directed the very course of history. The fate of nations, and countless lives, hung on Sebastian's word.

"You don't think the emperor may have taken the Confessor's Palace by now?"

"No," he said with certainty. "We will not waste our brave men trying to take such an important objective until the weather is with us. We will seize Aydindril in the spring, when this wretched winter is over. I think we can yet reach them in time to be there for the great event."

Jennsen was enthralled by the very idea of seeing such a momentous event-the forces of a free people striking a mighty blow against Lord Rahl. At the same time, she knew it meant the beginning of the end of D'Hara. But it really only meant the end of evil rule.

In the crackling firelight, it seemed a remarkable night in more ways than one. The world was changing and she was going to be a part of it. She had changed this night, too.

The fire was warm on the side of her face. She realized that she had never seen Sebastian without a shirt. She liked the sight.

His other hand came up to gently grasp her other arm. "Emperor Jagang will like to meet you."

"Me? But, I'm no one important."

"Oh, yes, Jennsen, Jagang the Just will be eager to meet you, I can promise you that, to meet the brave woman who wishes to strike such a blow for our courageous people, for the future of a free mankind, and finally bring an end to the scourge of the House of Rahl. For such an historic event as the taking of Aydindril and the Confessor's Palace, Brother Narev himself intends to travel up from the Old World to witness the great victory on behalf of our people. I'm sure he, too, would be most pleased to meet you."

"Brother Narev.

Jennsen thought about the sweep of events that, until now, she had no idea were taking place. Now she was a part of those momentous events. She felt a kind of thrill that she would meet Jagang the Just-a real emperor-and maybe even Brother Narev, who Sebastian said was just about the most important spiritual leader ever to have lived.