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eBook Category: Fantasy
eBook Description: Erester was the seventh son of the Emperor, which gave him the gift of prophecy. But even he couldn't foresee the abilities of the bride his father chose for him.

eBook Publisher: Marion Zimmer Bradley Literary Works Trust, Published: Sword & Sorceress 10, 1993
Fictionwise Release Date: December 2009

11 Reader Ratings:

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Available eBook Formats [MultiFormat - What's this?]: eReader (PDB) [30 KB] , ePub (EPUB) [36 KB] , Rocket/REB1100 (RB) [13 KB] , Portable Document Format (PDF) [175 KB] , Palm Doc (PDB) [13 KB] , Microsoft Reader (LIT) [65 KB] , Franklin eBookMan (FUB) [83 KB] , hiebook (KML) [62 KB] , Sony Reader (LRF) [46 KB] , iSilo (PDB) [11 KB] , Mobipocket (PRC) [14 KB] , Kindle Compatible (MOBI) [47 KB] , OEBFF Format (IMP) [22 KB]
Words: 4040
Reading time: 11-16 min.
Microsoft Reader (LIT) Format: Printing DISABLED, Read-Aloud ENABLED
Portable Document Format (PDF) Format:  Printing DISABLED, Read-Aloud ENABLED
All Other formats: Printing DISABLED, Read-aloud DISABLED

"What I noticed about Bonds of Light was that the colorful, strong writing style that Vera has worked on for years has come to full fruition - it doesn't get in the way of the story. And the story itself is beautiful." -- Marion Zimmer Bradley

This is a tale of myth and madness, of prophecies fulfilled and unfulfilled, and of hands white and fine like silver. The hands belong to the seventh son of the West Emperor, the one given the name Erester which in that tongue means "light," while some say it also means "destruction," and a curse of uncontainable power upon the imperial line. With those white hands he was known to harness light, to hold it and wield it, like one who would mold a thing of the earth. And because of these hands, these hands cursed with light, some said, Erester the seventh son--who was really half mad--would speak prophecy.

The West Emperor lay dying, having himself long ago prophesied his death moment--for such knowledge was in the blood of this imperial line. And he called his seven sons to him, to declare his successor.

Long he held each of his sons' two hands in his wrinkled own--once also pale and silver--and at last his hands came to clasp those of Erester. The other six sons looked on, some with haughty wounded hearts, others with knowing humility, and one, the oldest, with righteous anger. Many had been hoping to the last. Yet it was no surprise to any as to the final outcome.

"Things have come full circle..." breathed the old Emperor, his breath and voice issuing as though out of the deep faults of the earth, the final crypt. With trembling fingers he removed a seal-ring from his hand and placed it in the hands of his seventh son. "Take this, and let this help you know the truth that will emerge from madness. There must be no conflict between the seven of you.... You, Erester, you will be the one. My child of light. You, with the doe-eyes of the innocent. And yet, it is not all complete. Promise me... one thing. There is a woman, who even now comes to you, from the solar plexus of the East. She comes to you in state, for I had called upon her thus.... She comes to wed you. You must now consent to have her. Speak!"

The seventh son lifted his onyx eyes, filled with otherness, wildness, and yet gentle wisdom. "Why, Father? Why must I take this--queen of queens--this woman? I cannot consent until you tell me why."

"And I cannot tell you why. Only that... things must come full circle. Trust my wisdom and agree to this thing. Quickly now, for I have very little strength left...."

A slowly blooming star of defiance came to the unearthly eyes of Erester, but he was wise indeed. Averting his gaze he spoke: "This wedding, Father. It must not be. And yet, only because I respect Thy Wisdom, Lord, I... consent."