Excerpt: Shadow Born

“I see you've decided to live.”
Erestas blinked slowly, his eyes feeling like someone had poured sand in them. The first thing he was really aware of was the pain. Pain wasn't quite the right word. It suffused his entire being like a fever, permeating every pore. Gritting his teeth he forced himself upright and regretted it instantly. Feeling as if someone had slammed his bead against a brick wall, the room twisted and spun around him. Moving his lips slowly he tried to form words but the effort only taxed him further. Finally he collapsed backwards, only peripherally aware of his surroundings.
“Lie still.” The disembodied voice warned. “You're still far too weak to try and sit up. Just lie back. Start slowly. Speak if you are able.” A cup was placed on his lips and the cool metal felt exquisite. “Drink this.”
Erestas swallowed weakly as cool water was dribbled into his mouth which was so dry the water seemed to evaporate before reaching his throat. Finally, he managed to turn his head, feeling rivulets of water trickle down the side of his face and coughed weakly. “Where?” He gasped, unable to form a more coherent thought.
“You're back in Darhein proper now. At the enclave.” The voice soothed. “What's the last thing you remember?”
Erestas struggled to remember. All he could see when he concentrated was flames, screams echoing in his head. “Si'Ir.” He replied thickly. “What happened?”
“You did it.” The voice replied. “You forced them to back down.”
“How many?” Erestas asked, his voice suddenly very clear.
Silence greeted him. Erestas knew his caretaker understood exactly what he was asking for. He needed to know. “How many?” He repeated. “How many were killed?”
“The scouts estimate roughly a quarter of their force was killed outright.” The voice finally replied, pausing slightly before continuing. “It is believed that half as many again died of their injuries over the next several days. It was impressive to say the least.”
“Impressive?” Erestas snarled. “I killed almost a quarter of a million people and all you can say is impressive?” The haze in his head began to clear and Erestas realized the voice was definitely feminine and familiar. The quiet click of bones rattling confirmed his suspicion. Only one magus wore such a primitive piece of jewelry. He could picture the string of carved and polished bones moving smoothly between delicate fingers. “Aris?”