here when you wake.” Making her way towards the
door she noticed that Mord still stood, utterly shocked
she could not believe what her eyes had just seen.
“You too will need your rest; her lessons begin
tomorrow.” Harelda left, she made her way to her own
quarters, still shocked and holding a hand to her neck,
she had composed herself, she had found the child of
the stars, the ancient spirits of the woods would waken,
to guide Harelda in all she needed, to make Librye the
greatest version of herself she could possibly be.
Harelda had planned only one night spent in the
palace of Cronnin, that would soon change, as Librye’s
lessons began, Harelda would soon learn that she was
a sponge of knowledge. Everything she wanted to
know Harelda taught her, but she needed her in
Sonnin, in order to teach her more, it was not up to
Harelda to take Librye to Sonnin, that would be for
Brenin to decide, upon his return.
The council of Cronnin remained nervous, they
feared Harelda. With Cronnin being the supposed
superpower, Sonnin were a close sister to the power of
Cronnin, without them, Cronnin would fail, the
council knew to tread lightly around Harelda, she was
known to be volatile when provoked, but she was not
hasty.
Arriving in the palace grounds, Brenin finally
returned. Having spent so much time on the long road
to Marrion he simply wanted a decent meal and an
early night. Afie agreed, however the council thought
differently. Pouring onto the steps of the palace they
did not greet Brenin, instead, they hindered him.
Warning him of Harelda’s arrival, Kailron followed
him up the steps and into the palace.
Kailron rushed after Brenin. “You’ve finally
returned then,” he said with annoyance.
Brenin stopped, he sharply twisted to Kailron.
“What concern is it of yours?” Kailron always seemed
to grate at Brenin, being one of the newest of the
council he was yet to earn his trust.
“The child awaits your return,” Kailron quietly
hissed. Brenin furrowed his brow. It was the first time
he had heard Kailron speak of Librye. Kailron’s voice
changed, completely, he held concern, “she needs
you.”
Brenin did not argue, he headed straight up the
stairs and towards Librye’s room. He did not know of
her current condition. He had heard the muffled
shouting of Harelda’s arrival, he did not listen, and he
did not care, he simply wished to see Librye.
Bursting into her room, Librye was not there, he
assumed she would be in his chambers and so he
made his way across the mezzanine. Walking in, he
saw Mord, stood by Brenin’s window, alone.
“I take it she is in the gardens?” asked Brenin, he
held a cheerful tone as he stepped inside. His guards
followed and took their place by his door.
Mord turned, she had been watching Librye and
Harelda walking through the gardens. Hands shaking,
Mord felt a rage within her.
“You selfish, self-centred, callous man!” she
shouted as she slowly walked towards him. Brenin
drew back in disbelief. Councillors Ryan, Gurrand and
Connor stepped inside his chambers to hear Mord’s
rant, “she has been in tatters because of you!” she
shouted. Mord continued to walk towards him, a tear
caught in her eye.
His voice was deep as he argued. “I placed her in
your care, I have to tend to delicate matters, Mord, I
am still a king!”
“King or not, you tore her from all she knew.” Her
voice whimpered into a silent cry. “She doesn’t need
an attendant; she needs a parent!”
“This is outrageous!” called Connor. “Guards!
don’t just stand there!”
Brenin held his hand up for Connor to quiet. “She
needs you; she needs a father; you are the closest thing
she has to that!” Mord calmed, she stopped in front of
Brenin. “She has spent her day’s hidden within the
palace, hiding in books, her need to learn is one thing,
but she has a need for family now as well. You brought
her here to show her that, then you left, you are as bad
as the men who took her parents.” She looked to
Connor, as she condemned their actions. “Even the
council have taken more interest.” Her mouth curled
with disgust. “Some of you at least, these beastly men
you call your council are not worthy of the title.” Her
eyes lit with rage towards the councillors, who stood,
mouths gaping. “So, arrest me if you wish, but I can
assure you, before night fall, this palace will be filled
with hate for your council who already tread on ice.”
She turned to Brenin, her voice calmed, her eyes
softened. “You are not them, Sire, you are more, you
are worthy, do not let them decry you,” her voice
became a whisper, “you are her father now.” Mord
stormed from the room.
Brenin turned to face his council. They could
sense his disapproval of their actions towards Librye.
Connor tried his best to defend them all.
“Kailron, he dined with the child. He has grown
some affection towards her, he told us that she is an
extraordinary creature.”
They saw Brenin’s eyes soften, his anger deflated.
“Speak to no one about this.” Brenin turned to the
door, pushing Connor, Ryan and Gurrand out, they
continued to argue for a meeting but Brenin would
hear nothing more of it. His guards helped remove the
councillors from the room.
As the door slammed, Brenin turned to one of his
guards, Evan. “Bring Kailron to me, when you return,
stay here, I need to know that all he says, is the truth.”
Mord remained, still shaking, on the porch,
watching as Harelda and Librye walked through the
gardens. Several of Harelda’s guards followed them.
Kailron was summoned, he confidently walked
into Brenin’s office. “You called for me, Sire?” he
joyfully asked as he stepped towards Brenin’s desk.
Brenin was sat silently, his pyramid fingers caught
his lips. Brenin pointed to the chair in front with his
fingers before placing his hands on his desk. Kailron
sat.
“I hear you’ve been dining with Librye?”
Kailron gave a nervous laugh, “Well yes, I didn’t
realise this would be an issue, Sire.”
“An issue, no,” replied Brenin, he signalled
annoyance in his soft whispering tone, “however, I was
not told of these meetings,” his tone became high as
he sat up straight, “I find it highly inappropriate that
my council have to resort to the tactics of interviewing
her.”
“I sense you’re annoyed by this…”
Brenin jumped forward onto his desk. “Yes,
annoyed is one way of saying it!”
Kailron held his hands out for Brenin to calm.
“Please,” he begged, “I volunteered myself for this.”
His explaining did not seem to ease Brenin. His voice
quivered as he remained fixed to his chair, his arms
flailed with every word he said. “If I am honest, I
didn’t want the other members of the council getting
involved. I have not been near a child in…well ever, I
didn’t want them frightening her, she is a sweet girl, I
simply wanted to find out more about her, I was
charged the duty by the council and I actually enjoyed
her company, I think she is an extraordinary child, but
a child nonetheless.”
Brenin sat, he finally calmed. His voice became a
calm sneer as he asked, “What have you told the
council, of your, encounter?”
Kailron struggled, he did not want to reveal his
doubt to the one person who could see the end of his
career, but he needed to be honest. “I didn’t, I told
them I needed more time, to make up my mind about
her being the child of the stars, I believe she is,
Brenin, but I cannot tell the council that.”
“Why not?” he was confused, his creasing brow
made Kailron unsure.
Kailron knew he could trust Brenin, it was the
others he did not trust, and he did not know how far
Brenin’s loyalties went. Kailron sat forward, he looked
over his shoulder to the guards who he knew would be
listening. He muttered, “How many of them do you
trust? Truly, trust?”
Brenin slightly shook his head, he wanted to trust
them all, but he honestly did not. “I trust enough,” he
replied with narrowing eyes.
“Then you will know why I didn’t say I believe she
is the star child,” Kailron widened his eyes, his voice
became low, “the one the prophecy spoke of. Even
Egan believes she is the child of the stars, but he has
revealed something else.”
Brenin’s interest grew, the dragons knew who they
trusted, Kailron did not have a trustworthy face, but
his words and his loyalty seemed to catch Brenin, he
wanted to trust him, but did not know if he could.
“Egan has told me nothing yet.”
“No, he has told me,” said Kailron, his mutter
could not be heard by the guards. Kailron stood, he
reached into the left side of his cloak to reveal a small
parchment, as he unfurled it, Brenin could see the
gold writing, it was well known that the dragons
inscribed their thoughts onto parchment, their fire
would leave the golden words of their thoughts. He
handed it to Brenin.
Brenin was stricken with pride as he read the
paper. Kailron watched as Brenin read. Egan was
impressed with Librye, she was yet to learn all she
could from the dragons, but the paper spoke of Librye
as the child of the stars, she was the one Cammbour
had been waiting for and the dragons knew this.
“This is why I agree with Mord,” said Kailron as he
watched Brenin read, “the halls are alight with what
she said to you, but I agree. Leave the matters of war
to your new commander in the west, he returns soon,
your duties belong with Librye now, she is the child of
the stars.”
Brenin placed the paper on his desk. His hands
trembled. “It is true,” he stuttered, “this may be what
we need for the dragons to join our cause.”
His excitement was met with a harsh warning from
Kailron. “She is not a weapon, Brenin.” His teeth
gritted as he warned, “Do not think of her a bargaining
tool either, she is the one that will guide the world, the
star child is not the one to end the pain, she is the one
that will guide this world towards its future.”
Kailron left. Evan gave a quick nod to Brenin, he
knew that Kailron was telling the truth. The star child
was confirmed. The fey believed it, the dragons
believed it, even the council would eventually believe
it. Brenin’s mind had journeyed to a dangerous place,
he had seen the star child as a weapon to end the war
which was tearing at their world. His own father had
struggled to end the turmoil, which had led to the war
in the first place. Having met the star child, he was
finally starting to understand what his duty would
become, his time of travel was ending, but his time of
journeying was about to begin.
‘I bring you great news,’ wrote Brenin as he sat at
his desk which was now amass of papers and
parchments. ‘Of the star child, her mind is solid with
the dragons, her strength and brutality has been
proven to be a part of the Atlanti, her fey-like
appearance has everyone stricken with awe. The
pooka, Mother, knows her well, she is aware she is
safe with me, however, I need your guidance, she has
an ailment, I trust that your magnificent alchemists are
well versed in the care and treatment of wings, I
believe she is ready to receive hers. I hope to hear
from you very soon, I plan to visit at some point after
the turns renew. I wish onto you and your kin, a
blessed Onmidden, may the lady shine favourably on
you always. Respectfully, Brenin Oakwood.’ The letter
was quickly sealed and sent by falcon to the lands of
Bourellis, where the small yet mighty King Bushwell
Oris would gratefully receive the news.
Chapter Eleven Innocence.
harsh summer rain pelted the roads along
the Artver river. With only Svend for
A company, the nights and days were
surprisingly enjoyable for Harris. His loyal horse had
seen him through many battles and journeys. A gift
from Waron; Svend was not like any horse the
mainland of Cronnin had, his physique was different
to the horses of Cronnin, born of a black stallion and
working shire horse, his size was colossal compared to
the nimbler Cronnin horse breeds.
Sat in the porch of a small rest stop, Harris
remained by the side of Svend, as he lay watching the
rain patter the road in front.
“Just one more tavern?” asked Harris as he looked
to Svend. Svend lowered his head and began to shake
while huffing. “No, didn’t think so, it could mean a
decent night though,” Harris argued. Taking an apple
from the side of him he began to slice it using one of
his daggers from his boot. “Just one night.” Svend
began brushing his tail along the floor, he was clearly
disagreeing with Harris. “Fine, but you do know,” he
said with a full mouth as he began to eat, “I can’t be
with her; I can never be with her.” Svend turned to
Harris, he relaxed his head, placing it in front of him.
“I know,” Harris began to stroke his mane, “I like her
too, love her even, but she is the daughter of
Harelda,” he whispered to Svend, “she would have my
bollocks as a new coin purse.” He took another slice
and offered the rest to Svend.
Harris continued looking ar
ound the wet and noisy
wood. The air was warm, the summer rain was a
welcome break from the sun which had baked Harris
for the past six turns. Marrion was still stuck in his
mind, he could not help but wonder how they were
doing without him.
Retiring into the rest stop, Harris did not bother
lighting a fire in the crude stone hearth, the night was
wet, but it was warm. The pattering of rain on the
canopy of the trees broke the rustled noises in the
woods surrounding. Watching from the open window,
as he sat on the sill, Harris glared into the woods, the
fluttering shadows in the trees confused the senses, but
Harris was well trained in the art of inspection. His
eyes drifted through the trees, his hearing did not
match with what he was seeing, something was there,
but the unseen force remained deep in the shadows of
the woods.
The pattering rain slowed, Harris could finally
hear the rustling, his eyes narrowed towards the
speckled shadows in the woods, the moon that night
was absent, engulfed by rain.
“I think I will light that fire,” he said to himself as
he jumped from the sill, his daggers rattled together as
he landed on the cold stone floor. He took some
kindling which was piled on the wall at the back.
Making a fire, he reached into his quiver which he had
left at the side of the door. Taking some arrows and
his bow, he took a bag and pulled out a jar, filled with
black tar, he coated his arrows and stepped back
towards the window. Lighting the arrows from the fire,
he shot them into the trees outside. The rain pattered
and hissed as it hit the burning hot flame. The trees
remained safe from the fire, but now Harris could see
the hidden creatures as they crept through the woods.
Dark shadows prowled along the thick woodland
ground; the rustle sent Harris’s senses into overdrive
as he took his swords. Leaving Svend safely in the rest
stop he pelted onto the road and ran to the back of
the rest stop. From the bushes leapt three snarling
gobgee, the wild beasts were a reminder that nature
can often be twisted. The creatures were covered with
black scaled skin, along their backs a thick hair had
turned to spines. Teeth as sharp as knives and claws
like rakes, their eyes were wide and filled with
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