The Lengthening Shadow
Chapter 32: “Life cannot be born out of death

On the way back from the Bluff, Samuel talked with Vi’lle. “You know, there’s still one thing I don’t get.”

“Oh, and what is that, Samuel?”

“What would have happened if Jake was sacrificed?”

“Unfortunately, Iolargh spoke truly. Ra’vok would have been brought back, and this way of life would end.”

“Really?”

Vi’lle paused. “Actually, no. The thing is, the Three Fallen must be killed in order to obtain their talismans, but their deaths are indirectly connected to the resurrection. If Jacober was slain, the sacrifice would have no effect. Life cannot be born out of death.”

“Then where are the other two? I know that Sedi’s was recovered by a rogue Destromancer, but the rest?”

“I know one. In Norsän-Ran, there is a court about two hundred miles north of the Acar Mort. In it dwells General Steeltooth, head of a criminal empire loyal to nobody. He is one. The other is unknown to me as of yet.”

Samuel remembered something. “Wait a minute! Tell everyone to head back to the Bluff. There’s unfinished business we have to attend to. Come on!”

“Very well. All marchers! Turn around! Back to the Bluff! Samuel, I think I know what you mean. We’ve got to get back there before Alrack can take it, if he plans to. Quick, follow me!”

They all arrived at the Bluff later that day. Samuel and Tarsch led Jake into the cave, where he pointed out what he saw. Vi’lle lifted the earth and everybeast gasped at what had been buried there: the lost treasure of Defteye the Bow.