Page 126 of Queen of Legends and Lies
“Okay. Let’s do it. Let’s summon the God of Lost Things and see if he can help us find our way back to the light.”
As I survey the dragons still surrounding us, then peer at Leesa’s determined face, that glimmer of renewed optimism grows. It’s small and fragile but present all the same. And for now, that’s enough.
Chapter Forty-Two
After my talk with Leesa, I bathe off the remnants of battle and put on fresh clothes. Sterling’s still asleep, so I opt to let him rest. Standing alone in my sitting room, I draw the plush velvet curtains apart and gather my resolve.
Taking a deep breath, I call out to the God of Lost Things. My words bounce off the vaulted ceilings. As far as I know, there is no ritual, no sacrifice or offering to gain his favor. All I can do is pray to him and beg for an audience.
Within seconds, the light shimmers and bends. Air stirs, and I get the distinct feeling I’m being watched, which causes the tiny hairs on the back of my neck to stand on end. I can’t see the god—only a faint glow—but instinct tells me he’s here in the room.
“It’s about time.” Though the god is nearly invisible, his voice is clear and very humanlike. A little gruff, even. “I’ve been here all along, waiting on you.”
His brusque, no-nonsense delivery reminds me instantly of Rafe. I almost smile at the comparison before remembering myself.
This is a god, not an irritable council member.
I clear my throat and gather my courage. “Forgive me for not calling on you sooner, but it never even dawned on me. I have so much to ask?—”
“I should think so. Your kingdom is in shambles, and you’re dithering about in your chambers. Get on with it, girl.”
“Yes, well, I guess I got lost along the way.” I mean it as a little joke to break the tension, but the beat of silence suggests the god is not amused.
Well, that didn’t go as planned.
“You were never truly lost.” I find his firm denial strangely reassuring.
I might struggle with my own faith, but at least others believe in me…even if one of those others is a cantankerous deity. Embarrassed by my failed attempt at comedy, I let my gaze dart around the room, alighting on the intricate engraving of a dragon in flight adorning my wardrobe.
I drag my attention back to the impatient god hovering before me. Or where I think he’s hovering, at least. “I apologize for the bad joke. I’m not sure what came over me.”
The god heaves a long-suffering sigh. “You’d started to lose your sense of humor with everything going on. But you’ve found it again, I see.” I swear I hear one unenthusiastic clap. “Impressive.”
His dry delivery startles a small smile out of me. “Uh, thank you?”
“You humans are always losing me. Forgetting me. Neglecting to call upon me in your times of need.”
Shame washes through me. He’s right. In all the ancient texts I’ve studied, the God of Lost Things is scarcely mentioned. “I’m sorry, but I don’t even know your name.”
Despite not remembering anything about this god in particular, random bits of deity trivia float to the surface of my mind. Hallr prefers hard stones to soft ones because they takemore effort to extract and shape. They’ve been underground longer, developing character. Nyc prefers the harbinger owls and black cave cats because they work well with each other.
“Orin.”
My head snaps up. “What?”
“That’s my name. Orin. But there’s no point in trying to remember it. You humans will just forget again as soon as I leave your presence. You always do.” He sounds more resigned than angry.
I open my mouth to assure him that this time will be different, that I’ll record his name in the official annals and maybe even dedicate a new temple to him.
But he waves off my platitudes before I can voice them. “Never mind all that. You didn’t summon me here to make empty promises. Tell me, human, what is it that you seek? What precious things have you lost?”
Sterling, corrupted and controlled. My people, caught in the crossfire of warring factions. My own sense of purpose as I fumble through this new role I’ve been thrust into… If there was ever a time to be honest, to be bold, it’s now. I take another deep breath. “I wish to protect my people and refresh our knowledge. I wish to restore what my kingdom has lost and make it whole once more. Will you help me?”
There’s a pregnant pause before he sighs heavily. “You ask for much, young queen. But then, mortals always do. Very well, I will guide you as best I can. But first, you must understand something crucial.”
No favor? He just wants me to understand something? “Okay. And that would be?”
“This path you contemplate, this noble quest to single-handedly save your kingdom…it’s folly. Surely, you’re starting to see that?” His voice rises in frustration. “Why do you humans always insist on bearing every burden alone?”
