Destroy the spiritbones … The Vektan Torque. Made of solid gold, adorned with jewels, the torque had been given to the Vindrasi people centuries ago by the hand of the Dragon Goddess, Vindrash. The torque was the most valued treasure the Vindrasi possessed. Countless warriors had given their lives to protect it. Skylan had fought an ogre-chief to keep it. Aylaen imagined taking a hammer to the torque, smashing the spiritbone of the Vektia dragon, pulverizing it, crushing it to dust and scattering the dust to the winds. She might as well smash the heart and soul of her people. “I can’t do it,” she said softly. Yet … to be barren! To never give Skylan a son to bring him honor, a daughter to bring him joy. And there was her sister, pregnant with Raegar’s son! A son destined to grow up to rule the Vindrasi! Aylaen pressed her hand on her belly, her fingers clenched. Owl Mother might say love was never barren. Skylan would love her. Aylaen was certain of that.
