by G L Roberts
The last time they were in Skiel, Bryn was a Druid on a pilgrimage to the Stones of Staenis. Her company had just met with the Norsemen, and she had been injured. The Pict Rylan, had been rescued and returned to his kin. That in itself was enough to cause many in the village to admire Bryn. This night a different woman entered the village through the now guarded gates. The townspeople gathered to watch her enter, perhaps awestruck by the story they heard tell of the unveiling at Staenis and the confirmation at Skerrabrae. The jewel of myth was no longer a myth.
Bryn walked behind Arryn as they passed through the gates to see the people lined up and waiting. As he passed them, they bowed their heads slightly in deference to his clann, and remained bowed until he passed. Bryn could hear some among the crowd whispering that the Epidii was a great captain of armies. Arryn returned their salute by raising his fist to his chest.
The already quiet crowd fell completely silent when Bryn approached. All eyes were on her face. Bryn wore her hood over her brow, and her cloak pulled close across her chest. Arryn stood where Bryn could see him and that comforted her. Although she now wore the mantle of authority—a crown like no other—she was still the young woman who only recently had been the handmaiden to a future queen. Barely perceptible to anyone but those closest to her, Bryn’s hands shook. The walk down the lane to the meeting house frightened her, and she felt an urge to flee. Bryn turned to look behind her and saw that Thalynder was only a few steps back. She slowed and waited for Thalynder to join her.
Thalynder slipped her hand into Bryn’s and whispered, “I am here, Lady Athebryn.”
Bryn smiled an uneasy smile. “I am unused to this attention.”
“I on the other hand revel in the attention, as you well know. Allow me to lead you.”
The two women continued through the town where the people continued to bow and stare in silence.
Walking behind Bryn and Thalynder, Malcolm could see the reaction of the crowd to Bryn’s presence. The villagers showed Bryn the respect held for the most revered of leaders. Malcolm quickened his steps to be right behind Bryn and Thalynder. At the end of the line of people, Arryn waited outside the central meeting house. Standing at the door of the house was Gement and the Elf-Sisters.
Gement bowed his head. “We meet again.” He raised his head and met Bryn’s eyes. “We have word that others will arrive later tonight. Inside, we can provide you with a meal.” He turned and followed the Elf-Sisters into the house.
“The people await you, My Lady,” Arryn whispered.
Bryn stared at Arryn. “I—” She stopped. In her heart, she heard Meydra speak.
You are their beloved Jewel. They think first of how lucky they are to witness this transformation. They care not that you are young and inexperienced. Embrace them as you do your dragons and your friends, and you will win the hearts and minds of the humans. Your words will touch them.
Mo Anam. You are my courage and my strength.
No, Athebryn. It is your courage and your strength that is the common bond between all who follow you, including the dragons. We seek to find the same things within ourselves.
Bryn let out a little sigh. She turned to face those who waited patiently behind her. She tossed the cloak back to rest on her shoulders, but the hood still covered her brow. She removed Calibairn from the scabbard and touched the point of the sword to the ground. To still the shaking of her hands Bryn rested them on the sword’s cross-guard. She took a small breath and spoke to the people.
“Thank you for this warm welcome,” she began. “As before, the generosity of Skiel and her gentle folk overwhelms me and fills my heart with much gladness. It is here that I feel the most connected to the people of Alban’s vast northern lands. It is in this village, where many now gather from afar, that the Council of Alban will plan and prepare to take a stand against the Norsemen. We mean to fight for Alban and all her people.
“Our mettle will be tested. We will be subject to much hardship. Yet, there is one thing that we will gladly carry with us and it will continue to strengthen our resolve. It is not the jewel that shines upon my brow.” Bryn pushed back the hood of her cloak to reveal the jewel. A soft yellow light flowed out to touch all who stood before her. Gasps of wonder drifted up from many in the crowd.
“It is not the dragon who rides above our heads.” As if on cue, Meydra flew a circle around the center of the town and dipped in, causing a soft breeze that touched Bryn and made the light at her brow shimmer. “And it is not this sword wielded by a shieldmaiden.” Bryn raised the sword and held it so that the jewels in the hilt glinted in the light.
“We, who go to battle these raiders to free Alban of this malignant growth, carry with us the resilience and passionate spirit of you, the people of Alban. You are the most treasured of all Alban’s gifts.” Bryn held her sword higher. Arryn, Malcolm, and Thalynder raised their own swords to touch Calibairn. Their voices in unison called, “For Alban!”
From the crowd, Leus and Lothan stepped forward and drew their own swords, adding them to the others. “For Alban.”
Solemnly, the crowd echoed the words. “For Alban.”
Inside the meeting house, Bryn embraced Leus and Lothan. Leus explained that he had met Lothan in the woods outside of Skiel, and they had spent the previous night discussing Queen Betony and her charge to Lothan. The two of them had entered Skiel just after midday.
Lothan approached Bryn. He bowed his head before speaking. “Queen Betony wishes to meet with you in Northumbria. She would like to provide arms and provisions, but would also like to discuss strategies so that she can provide more than just weapons and food.”
“Good news indeed,” Bryn replied. “I was hoping your queen would be open to the little game I would like to play with the Norsemen.”
“Queen Betony would love to play a game with you.” Lothan chuckled. “Anything to make the Norsemen think twice before returning to Alban.”
“I will ride to meet with Queen Betony as soon as the council has met and we are set to our path. Will you stay for the council, or are you tasked to return to your queen immediately?”
“I traveled with another who waits for me at the inn. He will return with your message. I will remain, and if you will have me, become Northumbria’s witness to the council.”
“I would prefer that you become a member of the council.” Bryn patted Lothan on the arm. “Go and find your messenger and speed him on to Queen Betony with my promise to meet with her. Tell him that we will ride for Northumbria at the break of dawn two days hence. Come then to the meeting room and join us for the evening meal.”
Lothan bowed his head and quickly left the company. Bryn turned to Thalynder. “I wish a word with Leus. I will join you momentarily.” Bryn kissed Thalynder’s cheek. She waited until Thalynder had rejoined Arryn and Malcolm before she spoke with Leus. Leus bowed his head and held his hand out for Bryn to see that he carried something wrapped in cloth. Bryn nodded her acknowledgment and took the package. “How is your sister, Neulta?” Bryn asked as she led Leus to a quiet corner.
“Your cousin sends her greetings.” Leus stood with his back to the room, while Bryn sat down on a small bench. When Bryn was seated, Leus pulled up a low chair and sat down to face her.
“What news do you bring, Elf Prince?” Bryn asked.
“Your message reached my dragon two days ago. We prepared as you commanded and set out at the next dawn. As we speak, the first of the armies are approaching the eastern shore. Neulta leads our best archers. In your hand, you hold a gift from the Lady Adhar who will be here before the sun rises. It was her wish that I give this to you without fanfare.”
Bryn opened the cloth and found a leather scabbard inlaid with the finest silver, like thread it was so fine. The runes of the ancient tongue adorned the scabbard. Bryn ran her fingers over the words written in the ancient language: Iann A Coair. Blade of the Just, she mused. The grip of the dagger was made of a clear rock substance that glowed like the sunset. Amber, B
ryn thought. Amber as I have never seen. Bryn started to pull the dagger out of the scabbard, but Leus stopped her.
“This dagger belonged to Queen Athyl before she bonded with the first dragon and became Lady Athyl and Dragon Daughter. Her mother, Queen Ahndulyl, gave her this dagger when she left the elves to marry a half-elven high Druid and leader of the clann Brae. It was handed to each true heir to the bloodline of Athyl until it made its way to our mother’s mother. The elves have heard Lady Adhar’s recounting, and it has been agreed that Lady Arlendyl, your mother, is the daughter who carried the true seed. All has been confirmed. You are the heir and Jewel of legend.” Leus bowed his head again. “It was shown to me at Staenis, and it was confirmed to Lady Adhar at Skerrabrae. Lady Athebryn, accept this token from the Elves of The Umbriel Forest as our pledge to follow you as our leader.”
“Thank you, Leus,” Bryn replied. She pulled the dagger from the scabbard. It glinted brightly in the torchlight of the meeting room. The blade was level, and it balanced well in her hand. The hilt, adorned with the Triskele etched into the stone and wood, rested as if carved for her personally. Engraved on the blade were intertwining runes representing the clann Brae and the Elves of the Umbriel Forest, an ancient union that Bryn now believed could be rekindled. She placed the dagger back into the scabbard and hooked the scabbard on her belt. She touched Leus’s arm. “I eagerly await your mother’s arrival later tonight. Now, tell me. How many make the journey to Nis?”
Bryn and Leus spoke together for several more minutes. Finally, Bryn rose from the small bench. She placed her hand over her heart. “Do not yet tell anyone about your kin moving toward the coast. I will ask you to speak at the council, at which time you can relate this story to the others.”
“As you wish, My Lady.” Leus rose from the chair. “And, if I may, I would like to say thank you for the dragon. He is the most interesting companion.”
Bryn smiled at Leus and sent a heartfelt thank-you to NightWatcher for becoming Leus’s companion. They walked over to join the others who were gathered now at a long table. The Elf-Sisters were sitting between the dragon riders, and many were in animated conversation. Leus sat down next to Lothan while Bryn remained standing. She walked around the table and greeted all, stopping when she reached Lady Anestar.
“My Lady.”
“Lady Athebryn. Will you sit and take some food?”
“In a little while. Did Kenna travel with you?”
“My daughter had another errand to run before meeting us here. She is at Loch Nis with the Captain of the Army of the Bridei.”
“Your army is already at the loch?”
“Yes, and Kenna will join us later tonight.”
Bryn frowned slightly and the jewel flashed momentarily. “Thank you for being so farsighted and prepared, My Lady.” She leaned close to Lady Anestar’s ear. “I would have liked to have known this beforehand, but I believe I can alter my plans to accommodate your captain. What is his name?”
Lady Anestar seemed slightly taken aback by Bryn’s words and replied quietly, “His name is Baendar, My Lady.”
“I will send for him. The other captains are rallying to meet me and the council at the hill of Bynack More in four days’ time. It would be best that Captain Baendar of the Bridei be there as well.”
“I will send my messenger now.” Lady Anestar began to rise.
Bryn placed her hand gently on Lady Anestar’s shoulder. “Thank you, but there is no need. I will send the messenger. Please continue with your meal. The Council of Alban will convene once the others arrive tonight. You may wish to take some rest after the meal as I intend on convening no matter the hour.”
Lady Anestar bowed her head slightly as Bryn left the table. She watched Bryn walk out the back door of the large room. Lady Anestar picked up a piece of fruit from her plate but set it back down with a little thump.
Gement leaned over to speak with Lady Anestar. “The Lady Athebryn is most determined.”
“She is.” She pushed a grape around her plate.
“She has the knowledge of all those who have gone before her. That will be most invaluable to the clanns, do you not think so?”
Lady Anestar sighed. She turned to face Gement. “I do think so, and I will not make the same mistake twice.”
“Mistake, My Lady?”
“Yes, mistake. I had it in my mind that she is a child with idealistic thoughts, incapable of leading armies or carrying out all she proposes.” Lady Anestar glanced toward the door. “Lady Athebryn is not a child, nor is she incapable.”
“Indeed. There is more that lies beneath that youthful veneer than any child could ever imagine.”
Bryn had shared the words she spoke to the Lady Anestar with Meydra, and Meydra was waiting for Bryn when she walked out of the gate to the open field. She placed rolled paper messages into two leather pouches. Approaching Meydra, Bryn raised her hand and touched Meydra’s cheek.
“I have a message to be delivered to Captain Baendar of the Bridei. He is encamped at Loch Nis.”
“Nis is being guarded by dragons, and I am told that elves are also approaching the loch. The dragons will not allow the humans to enter.”
“Caraid and Kenna led the Bridei to Nis and provided them entrance.”
“Caraid should not have been so bold.”
“It is not the dragon’s fault, nor is it the fault of Kenna. The fault lies with a woman who does not understand the true nature of this enemy,” Bryn said. “The Lady Anestar has been too long secluded and sheltered in the west.” Bryn paced for a moment. “The elves will leave watchers at the loch, after which they will travel to Bynack More with the humans. These pouches carry a message for the Captain of the Bridei.”
“I will deliver the message.”
“You will deliver the message but not directly to the captain.” Bryn lifted the two leather pouches and placed them in the pack that was secured under Meydra’s left wing. “The smaller is for Caraid to take to Captain Baendar. You will intercept Caraid and Kenna. Tell Caraid to deliver the smaller. The larger pouch is for Kenna.”
“As you wish.”
“Once Kenna reads the note, you will take her to Skerrabrae where she will retrieve the object I require.”
“Would it not be better for you to retrieve this object?”
Bryn frowned. In her heart she felt Meydra’s disquiet with Kenna going to Skerrabrae. Bryn cupped Meydra’s cheeks and looked into Meydra’s face. “What troubles you?”
“I am not troubled.”
“You hide something.”
Meydra snorted. She rubbed her forehead against Bryn. “Skerrabrae is well guarded. You would be safe going there alone.”
“Mo anam, why do you not speak your heart to me?”
Meydra’s tail swished. “You are already burdened with much and this is such a little thing.”
“Tell me, Meydra, what has you concerned?”
Meydra raised her head. “In the ground at the Cairn of the Ancients lies my hope.”
Bryn searched her memories and those of her ancestors. She understood the words, but the meaning went deeper. Bryn closed her eyes and concentrated. The jewel grew warm. In an instant, Bryn understood.
There is an egg! Her heart sang.
“Yes, there will be a new high dragon born to take my place when I return to the stars. The hatchling should not be around other humans until old enough to fly. You are the exception. To allow the Bridei near is to put the hatchling at risk.”
Bryn rubbed Meydra’s cheeks and kissed between her eyes. She removed one of the pieces of paper from the larger pouch and replaced the pouch. “Take the pouch to Caraid and Kenna. Have Caraid take her message to Captain Baendar, and you will bring Kenna to me.” She kissed Meydra again. “When will the egg hatch?”
“Tonight, when the stars are their brightest in the night sky and the moon is hidden.”
“Will you go to the hatchling?”
“If you can join me. If not, IronHeart will
go alone.”
“Ah, I thought there was something between you and IronHeart.” Bryn patted Meydra’s cheek. “You and I will go after the others are asleep tonight. We will greet the new dragon together. Now, go. Take these to Caraid. She and Kenna should be in the air between here and Nis. Tell the other dragons I will meet them at dawn.” Bryn started to go, but as an afterthought, she turned back to Meydra.
“You will need a name for the hatchling.”
“A name has been chosen. The hatchling will be Meriel.”
“Meriel,” Bryn repeated. “Glittering Sea. I like that.”
The jewel at Meydra’s forehead glowed matching the light emitting from Bryn’s crown. They felt the same joy at the birth of the new dragon. Bryn smiled at Meydra and turned back toward the gate. The grass below Bryn’s bare feet swayed with the joy they felt coming from Bryn. Behind her, she heard the sound of Meydra spreading her wings and lifting into the night sky.
Seven of the Council of Alban gathered around the hearth: Arryn of the Epidii; Prince Malcolm of Wessex; Princess Thalynder of The Realm That Touches Two Seas; Lothan of the Inceni of Northumbria; Leus of the Elven Kingdom of the Umbriel Forest; Rythale, Rylan’s sister, and Princess among the Picts; and the Lady Athebryn. They spoke of little things—untroubled things of pleasure and peace—as they waited for those who had not yet arrived in Skiel.
Still to arrive were two others—Lady Albistan’s choice to represent the clanns of Erui and Kenna of the Bridei. It was almost certain the other clanns would desire representation, but Bryn hoped she could persuade them to allow her to be their emissary. Having a council the size of a small tribe was not something Bryn wanted to consider. A council that large would take days to make even the simplest of decisions. No, she wanted to keep the number to nine: one for each of the five Elf-Sisters and their clanns; one for each of the two southern kingdoms; one for the Picts; and one for Northumbria. This, Bryn hoped, would represent all of Alban.