139

All of this still ignored the most puzzling development: where had the power of her ancestors gone? What had Teiuc used? The smoke was still there, always there, pressing down upon her, blocking her from her ancestors and her gods. She could still see them, almost reach out to them and take the power that they offered, but the pressure was too great. She had told herself again and again that she would not try while the smoke remained, but in the darkest depths of the night she often found herself probing against the smoke looking for any weakness. The tests often left her exhausted and unable to rise when her food was delivered the next morning. Still, when her despair was at its height, she would try again.

Too many questions with no answers and no one to ask them of. Malina's world was tightly controlled and she was inching towards her death.

Malina was surprised when the soldier did not lead her down another level to where her cell was located. Instead the pressure on her shoulders directed her past the stairs and towards her old quarters. The room was well lit and had seen few changes since she had been deposed. The Solder kept her to the back of the room and away from the pile of papers on her old desk.

That was different. That's no way to remain in control. Serenity and order should always be the impression given to those you have power over. A messy desk implied disorganization and a lack of attention to detail. Malina knew that people noticed these things unconscious or not.

The sounds of speech and boots behind her. People, men, making their way towards her. Malina could make out the bravado of Chantico's voice. Chantico general of the Vultures, a disagreeable man whose status had risen with that of Teiuc's. A capable and cruel man who led his men through the power of fear.