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eBook Category: Fantasy
eBook Description: Discover the curse and mystery of the seventh son ... and the power of white hands.

eBook Publisher: Rosetta Solutions, Inc., Published: Sword & Sorceress 10, DAW, 1993
Fictionwise Release Date: October 2002

22 Reader Ratings: Great Good OK Poor

Available eBook Formats [MultiFormat - What's this?]: Adobe Acrobat (PDF) [61 KB], eReader (PDB) [26 KB], Palm Doc (PDB) [13 KB], Rocket/REB1100 (RB) [12 KB], Microsoft Reader (LIT) [91 KB] - PocketPC 1.0+ Compatible, Franklin eBookMan (FUB) [83 KB], hiebook (KML) [59 KB], Sony Reader (LRF) [40 KB], iSilo (PDB) [11 KB], Mobipocket (PRC) [14 KB], Kindle Compatible (MOBI) [41 KB], OEBFF Format (IMP) [21 KB]
Words: 4800
Reading time: 13-19 min.
Microsoft Reader (LIT) Format: Printing DISABLED, Read-Aloud ENABLED
Adobe Acrobat (PDF) Format:  Printing DISABLED, Read-Aloud DISABLED
All Other formats: Printing DISABLED, Read-aloud DISABLED

This is a tale of myth and madness, of prophecies fulfilled and unfulfilled, and of hands white and fine like silver. The hands belonged 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 to wield it, like one 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 fine like 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 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 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!"