The Name of All Things (A Chorus of Dragons #2)

by Jenn Lyons

“The stone she used is no river rock. It is the most dangerous of all Cornerstones: the Name of All Things.” Brother Qown felt a shiver sweep through him. The priest knew very little about the Cornerstones. Father Zajhera seldom spoke of them, but Brother Qown remembered enough to know they were eight artifacts with different and significant magical abilities. “You once told me the Cornerstones are gods trapped in stone,” Brother Qown whispered. Zajhera waved a hand, irritated. “I was being poetic. That description gives the stones more credit for sentience than they deserve. The Cornerstones are eight gems, tied to universal concepts. They contain godlike power, but not a divine being’s will and intelligence. Such direction must be supplied by another. Anyone who holds them in fact.” His smile turned sardonic. “Even an escaped slave from Doltar.” “What…” Brother Qown’s throat felt dry and thick. “What does the Name of All Things do? What are its powers?” Zajhera shrugged. “Who can say with any certainty? It provides information. Its power is subtle. Its sphere is knowledge. It seems the stone can be used to answer questions. Even perhaps questions as esoteric as, what tenyé sigil might turn the air sweet and pure?”