“What is it, Shiraza?”
The old woman shook her head sadly. “I had hoped after food and rest you would be restored to yourself again. But alas, it is not the will of the gods.”
“What do you mean?”
Shiraza met her eyes. “My lady,youare the high priestess.”
Bree stared at her in horror. “I’msupposed to lead the ceremony tonight? Doing what, exactly?”
Shiraza shook her head, muttering to herself. “We may be able to get away with it…she only has the one prayer to chant aloud. The temple priests can conduct the ceremony. She’ll claim she is testing them, to see how well they will perform in her absence…”
She straightened her frail shoulders and faced Bree, her voice firm. “You must doexactlyas I say tonight, my lady. Your life – and the future of this kingdom – depend upon it.”