Devilish Game (Shadow Guild: The Rebel 4)

He frowned, reaching idly to grip a giant ladle that protruded from an enormous pot set into the counter. This had to be a restaurant of some kind, or a tavern.

“Do you own this place?” I asked, gesturing to the large space around us. The ceiling was high, with a balcony on one side and windows on the entry wall.

“I do.”

“It’s very nice. I’m Carrow Burton. Who are you?”

“I am Tarat. Why are you here?”

“We’re here about the Temple of Anat. We’re having a problem, and we think there are answers there.”

He scowled. “Are you one of the newcomers?”

“Newcomers? No. Who are they?”

“Fanatics who appeared earlier this year. They worship the goddess Anat, but not in the way they are meant to.”

“Are they modern people?” I prayed they were. It was a hell of a lot easier than figuring out how to fight ghosts or an ancient goddess.

He shrugged. “They’re not ghosts.”

“Is the Goddess Anat there?” I asked, shivering at the idea.

He shuddered. “She is not, and you’d best pray that she never is. Never. She must not rise.”

Thank fates. “She’s dangerous, then?”

I had felt it in my visions—if that really was her—but I couldn’t help asking.

“You cannot imagine.”

“Are there prisoners at the temple?” I asked.

“There are.”

Hope flared. “Really? They’re our friends. We’re here to rescue them.”

“You cannot reach them. It is impossible. The temple is fortified by the magic of the invaders. No one can pass through. Not even ghosts.”

“Who are the invaders?” I shared a frustrated glance with Mac.

“The newcomers who worship the wrong sides of Anat.” His form vibrated, frustration evident. “The balance is at risk.”

It was the exact same thing he’d said before. I’d clearly gotten all I could out of him. “Will you take us to them?”

“For a price.”

“What price?”

“Get rid of them. They have polluted the word and the will of Anat, and they disturb our peace. They are working to bring about a terrible, tragic fate, and you must stop them.”

13

Carrow

A terrible, tragic fate?

The ghostly figure of the ancient man stared at me, his gaze shadowed. He repeated, “You must stop them.”