I am back on the hunt, but I have not been having much luck. All we have heard of Asoharith from Kasfe is that she has tried a few times her old trick of convincing the Fallen to make forays for her, and all unsuccessful. The word of what happened in the duel, and particularly what my friends did to Ivan-Turel and to Neige, has spread all through the lost lands, and no one will go near them.
Just a few days ago, Kasfe heard Asoharith herself, screaming in rage and frustration. I followed the sound immediately, but she had already vanished, and we have heard nothing since then.
I choose to take it as good news. It means that my friends are safe—not that we are relaxing our guard at all. All three of them have been taking lessons from Ero’an and Orison on how to manifest their will in their own defense. George in particular has shown a talent for defense, while I believe Kara could kill a Fallen with little more than a glance on her own now.
But there is still no sign of Asoharith. Simmah has searched but has seen only darkness, so we believe that Pelaios is hiding her. It will take more than random searching to dig her out of the shadows.
Near as I can tell, there are two plans that may be successful. I could attempt to lure Asoharith out, but I do not believe it will work. It is evident to us now that Asoharith has a seer of her own keeping watch for her, and she will see any kind of trap that we set up, and Freya and Salathiel alike have forbade me from going out on my own. So that is out.
My second plan is following the suggestion that Freya has made by trying to access the connection that was once forged between myself and Shannon. If I can rediscover even the smallest bit of what I felt for her, I can use that to lead me to her.
Freya has been helping with this. We have spent a great deal of time talking about Shannon, and she is writing out the story of all I did for her and with her. It is our hope that once it is finished, it will give me a direction.
It will be difficult and painful, Ero’an warned me, to use my remaining love for her to help kill her. But I am determined to end this.
Rachmanes says that Kara is on the warpath—someone at Freya’s office has been implying that her newest work is no good. I should get back and help Therai calm her down.
Life continues, and I am glad of that.