147 The Dragon's Proposal

"What do I have to do?" Stoneheart asked, his eyes shining with eagerness at the chance to redeem himself.

Arran did not share the tall novice's enthusiasm. Although he was still anxious to regain his strength, the benefits of the Tempering made his need less pressing, and he still remembered that Snowcloud had told him Elder Naran might try to entice him to ally himself with the Soaring Sun.

Elder Naran glanced at Arran, seemingly waiting for the same kind of response Stoneheart had shown. When it didn't come, he eventually scraped his throat, then spoke.

"Some weeks ago, the two of you faced an army of Body Refiners. That army still exists. Although they lost many of their numbers to the fire, and more to the adepts I sent to drive them off, thousands still remain, and their leader still lives."

He paused briefly, then added, "I am offering you a chance to correct that."