Tassatina

By Ashley Abbiss

It's been a year since Niari was stabbed and almost killed. The New Elithimites have disappeared, and nothing more can be done until they are located. In Nebreth City, Carlitha is preparing for her second marriage to Boladan, since the first, Navan, ceremony isn't legal in Nebrethian law. Niari, on the other hand, although recovered physically, is still struggling with the emotional repercussions of the attack. Meanwhile, in Atriosa, capital of Falodirian, 15-year- old Tassatina works happily as the housekeeper in Madame Wennara's brothel. On her own since the age of 11, she knows she's fortunate to have found such a good employer. She works hard, and hopes, when she comes of age, to enter the real business of the place. It would be a good career. In the Atriosine religion, prostitutes are honoured as the priestesses of Atrios as god of love. In her spare time, Tassi loves to listen to the town's minstrels. Her especial favourites are the songs about Niari and Carlitha and the adventures they have had. Then, a sighting of the New Elithimite leaders is reported near Atriosa. Niari, Carlitha, and the rest of the Company prepare to head there in the hope of confronting their enemies. Tassi's idols are actually coming to town, and the King has organised a parade so the people can see them. She'll be able to see them all up close. All her dreams are coming true But, sometimes, you really should be careful what you wish for. Niari moved around the table so she could kneel and take the weeping girl in her arms. "It's all right," she said, stroking her hair. "It's all right." "No, it's not I've been so awful, and after everything you did for me. And Carlitha gave me my horse, and..." "Am I to take it that you've decided to let us teach you how to use your power?" Niari asked gently. Wordlessly, Tassi nodded. "And do we have Irhanai to thank for this change of heart?" Tassi nodded again. "She told me all about her life, and how she went to prison and everything, and she sounded like she didn't even mind." "No, I don't think she did, not really," Niari said. "When she saved those men, she did what was necessary, and that's all there was to it as far as she was concerned. She believes that her power lays certain responsibilities and obligations on her." "That's what she told me." "She's right, of course. Any kind of power carries responsibility with it. My brother, for instance, is the king of Nebreth, but he can't just do as he pleases. He has to do what's best for the country and the people, and he has to obey the law. If he didn't, he'd be a very bad king and everyone would suffer." "After I ran away from my father, I swore I'd never use the power again. I don't want to be a sorceress, Niari." "You don't get a choice, I'm afraid, Tassi. You are what you are. You can't make it go away any more than you can make yourself taller or decide to be someone else. What you can do is learn to use it properly so you can make it into a positive thing." Tassi nodded, a little glumly, it was true, but sincerely. "Why don't we go and find Carlitha, then?" Niari suggested. "Now?" Niari shrugged. "I thought perhaps we should make a start before you have time to change your mind again," she smiled gently. Tassi grinned through her tears and got up to put her plate away.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1544014775
• ISBN13: 9781544014777
• Release Date: March 2017
• Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
• Length: 346 Pages
• Weight: 1.02 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"