Goddess of Light (Underworld Gods #4) Read Online Karina Halle

Categories Genre: Alpha Male, Dark, Fantasy/Sci-fi, Paranormal Tags Authors: Series: Underworld Gods Series by Karina Halle
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Total pages in book: 135
Estimated words: 125422 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 627(@200wpm)___ 502(@250wpm)___ 418(@300wpm)
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“Except Louhi knew where they were,” Rasmus says.

My gaze snaps to his, and I’m tempted to tell him to shut up.

“What do you mean?” Lovia asks.

“I mean Louhi knew where the ley lines were,” Rasmus says. “There’s a map here somewhere of them.” He looks around. “Or, I don’t know, she probably took it with her, but she said the ley lines were important. It’s where the Old Gods would rise from the ground.”

I narrow my eyes at him, not wanting to believe a word he’s saying.

“He’s right,” Ilmarinen says, his voice raw and barely audible. “Her magic opened the ley lines. They were a conduit she corrupted.”

“Okay, so Rasmus just proved his worth,” I say to the Magician. “Now can I kill him?”

General Pekka snorts. At least someone here thinks I’m funny, though I wasn’t really joking.

Torben nods thoughtfully. “Perhaps if we restore order to the ley lines, their monstrosities weaken.”

“I can forge a device, the sampo, to stabilize the ley lines,” Ilmarinen says. “If we combine that with the power of three shamans, we might be able to at least put the Old Gods back in their place.”

“And this device you speak of,” Lovia says, “how long would that take?”

“A week,” Ilmarinen says. “Perhaps.”

“We don’t have a week,” I practically growl. “We’ll be found out by then, and Louhi will bring her army to us. We won’t have the element of surprise.”

“Maybe I can do it,” Torben says.

“I was once a skilled blacksmith before I was brought to this wretched land,” Ilmarinen tells him. “No offense, but you don’t have what it takes to forge the sampo. I would be quicker, but my strength has been drained along with my magic.”

“Let’s call this plan B, then,” I say. “If you can get it done sooner, then great.” I look to everyone else. “What else do we got in terms of ideas?”

“When we attack, I can redirect the waterways, flood certain valleys,” Vellamo says. “If we channel them into narrow routes, our enemies may be forced into traps.”

“Skeletons don’t drown,” Lovia points out.

“No,” Vellamo says patiently, “but where water goes, so do my serpents. They will tear them all apart.”

I nod again. “Good,” I say, voice quieter now. Every promise of help is a candle in the darkness. “Torben, can you erect wards to protect key positions?”

He sets his jaw and nods. “Temporarily, but I’ll try.” He glances at Rasmus. “If I have help, even better.”

Rasmus nods, looking determined. I still don’t trust him, though.

Vellamo straightens, trying to show resolve. “We’ve lost much. We will not lose more without a fight. I’ll see to that.”

Tapio murmurs agreement, though he looks as if his heart is ashes. “The forest is under my domain, but only when I’m in it. Still, I do have a connection to the animals of the land. We can use them as scouts, birds especially. And Tellervo’s green magic can control plants anywhere in the realm.”

“Then that’s a start,” I tell them by way of dismissal.

The generals begin murmuring amongst themselves, exchanging tactical ideas: ambushes, scouting missions, coded messages. Torben, Ilmarinen, and Rasmus move to a corner, whispering about stabilizing energy currents and forging anchors. Lovia stands near me, her eyes still bright with impatience, but I see the way her hand tightens on her sword hilt.

“I want you to be my general, Lovia,” I say to her. I shoot General Pekka a wry glance. “Sorry, mortal, you’ve been bumped a spot. You’ll now answer to Loviatar.”

I swear, I see a hint of disappointment in his eyes. Perhaps I’m not controlling him as much as I thought.

No offense, I put the thought in his mind. You’re doing a good job.

He relaxes slightly, but my daughter’s mouth is agape. “General? Are you sure?”

“I have no doubt,” I tell her.

She raises her chin at that. “I won’t let you down.”

“You better not,” I say under my breath, to which she laughs.

I laugh too, even though it rings hollow.

I catch a reflection of myself in a polished shield mounted on the wall. I look older somehow, wearier. Grief and guilt have carved out my cheeks, made my eyes darker, like an old silver coin. I must not let them see me falter. I force my posture straight, my shoulders square. I am Death. They look to me as their king, and a king I must be.

I dismiss the meeting with a nod, and the assembly breaks apart. The generals hurry off, eager to begin preparations and to consort with the troops, many of whom are taking shifts getting warmth and shuteye in the rooms of the east wing.

Rasmus stands uncertainly until guards nudge him along. Ilmarinen follows, guarded closely, led to their own rooms for potential traitors. Tapio, Tellervo, and Vellamo linger at a window, heads bowed, speaking softly of routes and weather, grief heavy in their voices. Lovia gives me one last look, one of gratitude, and then strides away after the Magician.


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