by G L Roberts
“It is not just the clanns who will unite under this banner,” Malcolm added. “We may not be able to convince all the lower kingdoms, but we will find some that will believe in this cause and will join us. There are many who already fear influence from outside the island.”
“The need to secret me away is no longer a concern?” Bryn asked.
“It will remain a concern to your friends that you live to lead another day, My Lady,” Arryn replied. “I, for one, will always have one eye on you, my sword at the ready.”
“As I you, my friend. There is one thing I would ask of all here at this fire.”
“What is that?” Leus said.
“That you no longer debate behind my back. I am a much better leader when I have your words to help guide me. I value each of you for your ability to speak your minds. Do not put constraints on your thoughts for fear you will offend me. That is not possible. If this were possible, you would not have been chosen nor accepted by the elders to be on the council.”
“Then if I may.” Thalynder shoved an apple toward Bryn’s chest. “You are too thin. Eat or I will not sleep.”
Chapter Six
The sky cleared as the five of them neared the wall. They had said goodbye to Kenna and Caraid back at the Peak Stone, where the two had turned west to return to Skye and the Lady Anestar. Kenna assured Bryn she would be in Skiel on or before the next new moon for the gathering of the council. Leus would be the next to leave the company.
Once beyond the wall—a large stone cliff that rose out of the ground and spanned the island from the sea in the west to the sea in the east—Leus would take to the Umbriel Forest. He was eager to see the reactions of the other elves to his dragon NightWatcher. Bryn had a long talk with NightWatcher about what to expect from the elves. The old dragon shook his head and snorted. He assured Bryn he was already amused by the elf who rode his back. Bryn took that as a good sign and worried not about Leus and his new friend.
As Leus and NightWatcher set out toward the southwest, the rest of the company maintained their heading of due south. The next stop would be an open field at the edge of King Thamen’s realm. There they would rest for the night before beginning the last leg of their journey. Bryn could tell that Thalynder was dreading returning to her father’s kingdom. She noted that Malcolm too had become quiet. Bryn decided they needed to get off the dragons and walk for a while. She waved over to the others and asked Meydra to set down in the moors. Meydra dropped down lightly onto a spot of open, spongy marshland. The peat was solid enough and she allowed Bryn to slide off her neck. She accepted a kiss from Bryn then ventured a question.
“Would you like us to give you room to walk for a while?”
Bryn smiled. “You know me well. Yes, I believe that both Lynder and Malcolm are concerned about returning to their kingdoms. They are under greater stress the closer we are to their realms.”
“Do you no longer consider yourself an inhabitant of the Realm That Touches Two Seas?”
“I do not believe I was ever meant to remain so. I will honor the king while in his realm. But I no longer consider myself his subject. Please do not mention anything to Thalynder.”
Meydra dipped her head. “As you wish.”
The other dragons dropped down as if on cue the very moment Meydra and Bryn concluded their conversation. The riders slid off the backs of the dragons and walked over to Bryn.
“I would like to walk for a while,” Bryn told them. “Besides, I think we need to discuss our return to the Realm That Touches Two Seas.”
“Yes,” Thalynder said. “There is much to discuss.”
“Take what you need from your packs, and we will walk through the forest while the sun is high overhead,” Arryn said. “I too wish to discuss King Thamen and the Guard.”
It was as Bryn thought. Thalynder was concerned about her return, as was Arryn. Malcolm still had not spoken.
“What lies heavy on your mind, Prince Malcolm?” Bryn asked. She always received a better response from him when she addressed him as prince.
“I do not want my brother to marry the princess,” Malcolm blurted out.
Thalynder frowned at him. “That is why you have been so silent? Truly, I can assure you, I will not be wed to your brother.”
“I had forgotten about your pledge to the king, Thalynder,” Arryn said.
“I had too until we crossed the wall and my father’s realm was no longer out of reach.”
“What pledge?” Malcolm asked.
Thalynder met Bryn’s eyes. “I told my father I would choose a husband once I returned.”
Arryn smiled at Thalynder. “It was a ploy to get the king to allow her to go on this little journey with Bryn. I was sent as body guard and chaperone.”
“He would have chosen a husband for me had I not given my word. I could not let that happen.”
“Does not your father know how you feel about Bryn?” Malcolm asked.
“He is blind to all but the realm and the need for an heir,” Arryn replied for Thalynder. “He has been blind to Thalynder’s wants her whole life.”
“You had seen much while in the King’s Guard, Arryn. You have always been my ally.”
“I have. I knew many years ago that Bryn had lost her heart to you. Yet I did not fully realize what that meant until this journey. I attributed her actions to her youth. Now, I wonder how you will explain the relationship to your father.”
“Perhaps no explanation will be necessary,” Bryn said. “We will have other news to share with King Thamen, requests to be made, announcements of our own. The king may have little time to think about his daughter becoming a bride.”
Malcolm cleared his throat. “There is a solution.”
“What is that?” Thalynder asked.
“Marry me.”
Bryn watched the reactions of all three. Arryn rubbed his chin and nodded his head.
“You? If I do not wish to marry your brother, why would I consent to marry you?”
“For several reasons,” Arryn said. He took time to lean his back against a tree. “One—”
Malcolm gave Arryn a playful push off the tree. “I can speak for myself.” He continued to walk and with his back to Thalynder, began to give her his reasons.
“One, I am the heir to my own kingdom. Our alliance would establish a larger realm with a stronger army.”
“There are the smaller kingdoms in between to consider,” Arryn said.
Malcolm spun around and shot Arryn a heated glance. “Are you for or against this union?”
“I reserve my answer.”
Malcolm glared at him then turned back to Thalynder. “Second, we know each other. You and I have common ideals, and we have a common ground with the council.”
“True.” Thalynder motioned with her hand. “Go on.”
“Three. Say, why do we always save the most important for number three?”
“Emphasis.” Arryn slapped Malcolm on the shoulder.
“Very well. Here is reason number three. I know how much you and Bryn love each other. I would not stand in the way of that love. I may ask for an heir in due time, but I would never ask for more than you were willing to give.”
“Even if that meant no consummation and no heir?” Thalynder asked.
“There are ways around the issue. The Druids—”
“The Druids have ways of encouraging acts of nature,” Bryn replied for Malcolm. “Yes, we are aware of those methods.”
“Then the heir issue may not be an issue. It is something to consider. It may smooth the way with your father, allow our kingdoms to align themselves, and it would provide you and Bryn the means to remain together.”
“Not to mention, provide you with a means to leave your own kingdom now and again while your father still reigns and be an active member of the council,” Arryn said. “Quite convenient.”
Bryn raised her eyebrows at Thalynder. “It is one means to an end.”
Thalynder smiled. “I will consider yo
ur suggestion, Prince Malcolm.”
Overhead, Meydra and IronHeart held their own hushed conference.
“Will it be safe?” IronHeart asked.
“There is no safer place.”
“It is well guarded?” IronHeart touched Meydra’s tail with his own.
“Several stand watch even now.”
“How long will it remain hidden?”
“Until one of us returns to Skerrabrae. Let us hope that will not be too long.” Meydra turned to look at the other dragons who flew behind her and IronHeart. “The young Twayling was full of hate.”
“He is young. He will learn.”
“Athebryn would not allow him to die.”
“Die? Why would he die?” IronHeart asked. “No, you do not mean he lost his bonded companion?”
“Yes. His companion was killed by the Vík Ingr. His mind painted the picture.”
“How did Athebryn stay the hand of death?”
“She took it from the Twayling’s heart,” Meydra replied.
“I did not know she could do that.” IronHeart released a trace of smoke.
“Nor did I. It was beyond even my sight.”
“We must be careful. She cannot be allowed to die.”
“I cannot interfere, and it is a source of much grief.”
“It may be time for the dragons to change the code.” IronHeart soared high then swooped back down on a long spiral of smoke and wind. “I have thought long on this. We have found the one who carries the seed of Menchor. Perhaps it is time to defend what is ours.”
Meydra did not reply. In her mind she felt that IronHeart was speaking rashly. In her heart she agreed with him. It was time to defend what was theirs before it too was taken from them. Bryn’s death, though unforeseen by any who lived, would be the end of the dragons. It was why the old dragons were willing to give their lives so she may become the Jewel. The deed was necessary to slow the course of time. Meydra flew away from the others and remained there until Bryn called her back.
The boat broke through the fog and at the same moment a shrill call was heard on the wind that blew from the west. The men in the boat had never heard such a sound and believed it to be the call of their wind god reveling in the clear light of day. The helmsman clapped once, twice and sent up his own call to the god of the wind. The captain walked forward and turned to face the men. “We will be near land soon. We will know the fate of the Jarl and return to our homeland with news, good or ill.”
The men cheered and continued to row. The wind blowing at them was not strong. The thought of making landfall had raised their spirits. They rowed like men possessed.
As Meydra carried Bryn southward, Bryn watched the eastern sky when she felt the watcher’s call. She spoke aloud to Meydra, “They are nearer now.”
“Yes, My Lady. They are but three days out.”
“They will be at the horizon while we tarry in King Thamen’s realm. My guess was right. We have six days remaining before the new moon.”
“Will you stay long in the realm?” Meydra asked.
“I will stay only long enough to judge King Thamen’s response to the threat. My wish to be in Skiel by the new moon has not changed. The clanns send their representatives to meet me there. I may have to leave before Thalynder and Malcolm are ready.”
“Arryn will go with you,” Meydra said.
“He is no longer Captain of the King’s Own Guard. He has returned his heart to the Epidii.”
“King Thamen will have had word.”
“Yes. His scouts have followed us since we made the Peak Stone,” Bryn replied.
“Then you knew his men were at the forest edge.”
“I did, as did Arryn. We were told to watch for them by the Lady Adhar.”
“There were others,” Meydra said.
“The King of Wessex sent his own men to be at Prince Malcolm’s command if the need arose.”
“Then they will know of the Jarl and the burning of the ship.”
“They will, and it is to our advantage.” Bryn patted Meydra’s head. “We must hurry now.”
Meydra extended her wings, and her speed increased. The other dragons rose higher in the air and followed Meydra’s lead. Soon they all flew as if they were being chased by the sun himself.
By the time the Keep appeared on the horizon, the windblown riders ached from clutching at their dragon’s necks. Bryn asked for the company’s forbearance and bid the dragons to race the wind and reach the Keep before dark. As the dragons set down in the dragon gardens at the back of the Keep, the company was met by King Thamen, Bryn’s father, Brymender, and the King’s Own Guard. The new dragons hesitated at first, but Bryn assured them that they were welcome. She pulled her cloak back over her forehead. She wished to see the king and her father alone before revealing the crown and the jewel.
Arryn slid off of FireSong and bid the dragon rest easy in the gardens. He walked over to the king, bowed his head and held his fist to his chest. After a moment, he raised his head and spoke. “Sire, we are returned as you see, unharmed. We have much to report. First, I would like to introduce Prince Malcolm of Wessex.” Arryn stepped back for Prince Malcolm.
King Thamen addressed Arryn and Malcolm. “You have fulfilled your promise to keep my daughter safe, Sir Arryn. Indeed we have much to discuss.” He turned to Prince Malcolm. “Welcome, Prince Malcolm. I have word for you from your father, but we will speak on that matter later. Now, I wish to see my daughter.” With that he dismissed both Arryn and Malcolm and moved to find Thalynder.
Princess Thalynder remained close to Bryn. She was a little overwhelmed by the homecoming. She felt Bryn rub the small of her back, as Bryn always did when she had to face her father over some small incident. It eased her mind. She held her head high and started toward her father. As an afterthought, she reached for Bryn’s hand.
“Father,” she said, leading Bryn along with her.
“I am happy to see you home safe and unharmed, my daughter.” The king held out his arms. “Come. Give an old man a warm hug.”
Thalynder released Bryn’s hand and embraced her father. She returned his hug with equal goodwill. “It is good to see you again, Father.” She lightly kissed his cheek. “We have had a swift return on the backs of the dragons. We could use a moment or two to compose ourselves before sitting and retelling of our journey. Could you spare us for a few moments longer?”
King Thamen gestured down the hall. “The great hall has been prepared for a meal. Take what time you need to coax the wind from your hair and then join me for the evening meal. I will send an attendant if I feel you are taking overlong to compose yourselves.”
“Thank you, Father.”
“Come, Prince Malcolm. My attendants will show you to where you may attend to the little matters before we share the evening meal. Sir Arryn, you may attend the meal out of uniform.” King Thamen left the little company and walked back to the Inner Keep with the Guard following close behind. Bryn’s father remained with the company.
Thalynder watched her father walk away with confusion. She walked back to Bryn and frowned. “Why did he not speak to you? That was extremely rude and very uncharacteristic of my father.”
Brymender spoke first. “The king has heard reports from many sources and though he is a most opened-minded liege, he is confused by what he has heard.”
“Why would that keep him from extending the smallest of courtesies to Bryn?”
“How should he address her?” Brymender gently laid his hand on Thalynder’s arm. “Because of Bryn and the events that have transpired, the world has changed for Alban. It will be an adjustment for King Thamen.”
At that moment, a Captain of the Guard returned to the group and walked up to Bryn. Arryn was quick to place himself at her side. The captain nodded his head and placed his fist on his chest. “My Lady, King Thamen requests a private audience with you and your father. If you will allow me to escort you to the king.”
Bryn gave Thalynder a warm smil
e. She turned to Arryn. “I will accompany the captain. If you will please remain with the others, I will rejoin you at the evening meal.” She turned back to Thalynder, “Your Highness, with your permission.” Thalynder gave the captain a hard look. She nodded.
Bryn grasped her father’s arm. “Thank you, Captain. Please lead the way.”
Everything was as it was when Bryn and Thalynder first left on their journey. The two months had changed them but not the life at court. The attendants scurried along on the outsides of the great rooms. The servants remained obscured by the shadows of the servant’s halls. Bryn could hear their whispers. She felt their curiosity. She was certain the news something had happened in the far north had reached even the small rooms of the servants quarters situated deep in the bowels of the Inner Keep. Some of those servants were themselves clann members.
Bryn would have to be careful with the servants. She did not intend to overrule King Thamen if she would have a need for them. Nevertheless, an arrangement would have to be made should some of the servants wish to join the fight. Bryn intended to ask, not command, the clanns to join her.
Bryn and her father followed the captain to the king’s private library. The library had always been a special place for Bryn. It was filled with the books she and Thalynder read on rainy days when they could not go outside to ride horses or practice their sword skills. Fond memories flooded Bryn’s mind as she stepped up to the door. She brushed her fingers across the small table that sat outside the entrance to the room.
The captain knocked and the door opened. “Brymender, and his daughter, My Liege.”
“Thank you, Captain,” the king replied. The captain left the room and closed the outer door behind him. King Thamen walked over to another small table that stood next to the only window in the library. He gestured to the chairs. “Join me.”
Bryn and her father took up seats opposite the king. Bryn remained cloaked. The hood covered her forehead but not her eyes. She waited. She was getting better at waiting now. It was a more sound strategy, she decided, to allow the other to gather his or her thoughts and open the conversation. She searched her heart and found Meydra was there with her. Why am I uncertain? Bryn asked.