Tongue of Hauden
Book Three in the Harmony of the Othar Saga
Unity without strength, harmony without power - Hauden still weeps with the blood of slaughtered innocents. Laedian Fayersae's long struggle to unite the Houses and the Nations has succeeded, but despite her efforts that have ended the bloodlust, the cruel Dasyu and the ghastly Plague Bringers now vie for dominion over all, threatening to destroy the Othar of Hauden before they can coalesce around the power of the ancient fires. With their decision to fight, the Aktsi'a Othar plant the seeds of a new hope, a hope that the Khe'kenha Othar will discover their true role as servants of the land.
Excerpt
Seven concentric rings of sycamore trees encircle seven pillars of stone. Thrust from the primordial void, these ancient pillars are untouched by the ravages of time, the rough stone still holding the whole of Hauden above the sea. Within the circle of stone, seven Sisters quickly link their thoughts after being hastily called home on a panicked summons.
"Calm yourself, Sister, we are here," Violoni said to Blaoni. "Do not let your despair add to the discord."
"I would not have thought such a thing possible," Graeblaoni said, her mind equally disturbed by Blaoni's revelation that the Teotl of Blood had come to Hauden.
"It is time to fight!" Geloni said, letting her eyes flare in unison with the amber stone hanging at her neck, her desire to subdue the anguish caused by Blaoni focusing the will of all seven. "We can no longer remain passive, allowing our enemies to destroy our servants one-by-one. It is time for us to walk the land openly. It is time for us to fight!"
"Our Sister brings voice to the correct path," Violoni said aloud. "While five of us remain unbroken, the Khe'kenha Othar must have our unwavering assistance."
