Voices from the Grave

‎‘Niari wasn't really sure when she first became aware of the sound. When she went back ‎‎over the events of that afternoon later, it seemed that it had been there all along, slowly ‎‎growing in volume, intruding itself gradually into her awareness. At first, it seemed like the ‎‎sighing of a breeze, a mere breath of sound that barely disturbed the silent air of the tomb, but ‎‎gradually it grew in intensity until it could no longer be ignored. All heads came up in sudden ‎‎alarm. ‎
‎ “What was that?” Mennia gasped, clutching Jomac's arm. He shook his head helplessly, ‎‎drawing her close and placing an arm around her. ‎
It was all around them, a sighing whisper that seemed to be comprised of many voices, all ‎‎repeating the same thing, but still it was impossible to pick out what it was that they were ‎‎saying. The intruders listened and trembled. For some reason, though the door was close, ‎‎none of them thought to make for it and get out of the cave. And then Niari heard it, one ‎‎distinct word in all that mass of sighing. ‎
‎ “Awake.” ‎
And all the other voices suddenly picked up on that word, repeating it over and over with ‎‎growing volume. ‎
‎ “Awake. Awake. Awake.” ‎
The sound grew until it was a mighty crescendo. And then in one last thunderous climax, ‎‎all those unseen voices cried, “Awake. Awake, for the One is come!” ‎
And then silence. Silence so profound that it seemed yet another sound to their terrified ‎‎ears. They stared at one another in shock and wonder. ‎
Finally, Keladryn broke the silence. “Well,” he said in a voice that was remarkably steady ‎‎considering what had just happened, “it seems we're in the right tomb.” ‎
‎ “What's that?” Varia said, pointing towards the back of the cavern.’‎

The last two years have been hectic for Niari and Carlitha. Their brother King Aanek has ‎‎made good use of the fact that he has two sorceresses for sisters, and they and their magic ‎have ‎played a major role in helping the country recover from the ravages of war. Now, the ‎rebuild is all but complete, their brother has a firm ‎grip on power, the economy is beginning to ‎pick up, and the mood in the country is one of ‎optimism. Finally, the sisters can begin to relax ‎and enjoy the fruits of their labours. ‎
That is until a ghost turns up with a message from the gods. ‎
Suddenly, it’s all happening again. The Cult of the Earth Mother is back and still ‎‎determined to conquer the world for its goddess. ‎
And once again, Niari, Carlitha, Friend, and their companions must stand in their way. ‎
With a group of mostly new companions, a few old acquaintances, and some very ‎‎unexpected allies, the three friends must set out on another mission to thwart the Cult and ‎‎secure peace for the world – if they can. The mission itself is simple. The Cult is on the trail of ‎‎a magical artefact, and Niari, Carlitha, and company must beat them to it. ‎
But before they can even get started, they must find the prophecy that will guide them. ‎‎After that, they must find the rest of their company, then discover what they’re looking for, ‎‎where to find it, and how to keep it out of the Cult’s hands once they have it. Simple, right? ‎
‎ Join Niari, Carlitha and a rather motley group of companions on another wild ride ‎through ‎a world where magic is real and the gods are near, where prophecy determines the ‎direction of ‎events and trouble is around every corner, as they find themselves once again ‎caught up in the ‎battles of the very gods themselves. ‎
This is the second novel in the Daughters of Destiny series and follows on from events in ‎‎The Collars of Phaleran. It is not necessary to have read The Collars of Phaleran in ‎order to ‎enjoy this book – although, of course, I do hope you may wish to go back and fill in ‎the ‎background to this story at some point! ‎