Queen (Brotherhood of the Throne)

by Jane Glatt

  “Jemma, are you all right?”

  “Brenna, thank the gods you helped us” Jemma said. “I’ve never been so afraid in my life.”

  “Are they gone?”

  “I think so - at least I can’t hear them anymore. But he said he’d come back. Beldyn, no, you can’t go after them, he’ll kill you, you know he will!”

  “Beldyn,” Brenna called him as strongly as she could. “Beldyn, I need you to help me. Listen to me.” She finally felt his anger subside. “I need to you to help Jemma get somewhere safe.”

  “Jemma, yes. I’ll make sure he never touches her,” Beldyn said. His anger still crackled along the link but he seemed in control of himself now.

  “Good,” Brenna said. “Listen carefully. There’s a tavern in Thieves Quarter called the Crooked Dog. You need to take her there right now. Find Eryl Fentin and tell him the best thief in Kingsreach sent her. Have you got that?”

  “The Crooked Dog, Eryl Fentin. Yes, I can do that,” Beldyn said.

  “I know you can. Jemma, contact me as soon as you get to the Dog. Good luck to you both.” Brenna broke the connection and slumped on the bed, her eyes still closed. She had an hour, maybe less, before Jemma contacted her. She groaned and sat up, opening her eyes.

  “Well, that was interesting,” Kane said as he stretched and rolled his shoulders. “I feel as though I just put in a very hard day training.”

  “Did I take too much from you?” Brenna asked worriedly.

  “Nothing a good meal and a mug of ale won’t set right.” He grinned and she sighed with relief. “What do you say Dasid?”

  “I could feel you taking my strength, Brenna,” Dasid looked at her in wonder. “It was the strangest sensation - as though I was a water skin being drunk from.” He looked from her to Kane. “I could sense you taking much more from Kane. You have my permission to take more from me next time.”

  Brenna met his gaze and nodded before she looked away. It was a very intimate thing, drawing strength through the old steel, having someone trust her with so much of themselves. She felt comfortable with Kane – he was her foundation in so many ways that this seemed just one more thing added to the list. But though he’d pledged allegiance to her, Dasid was practically a stranger – and using his strength connected them more closely. Self-conscious, she reached for Kane’s hand.

  “Well,” Neemah said. “I have no idea what just happened but I did hear someone mention they could use a good meal. I’ll just go see what I can find. Unless you’d rather head back to Duke Ewart’s house? I’m sure they’ve plenty of food there.

  Brenna looked over at Kane and shook her head. She’d rather spend the time here, where it was quiet, than face the inevitable questions from Duke Ewart. She would let him know what had happened later.

  “I think we’ll be better served here, Neemah,” Kane said. “If you don’t mind finding us something to eat, that is.”

  “I’ll be back soon.” Neemah headed for the door.

  “I’ll help,” Dasid said. “Brenna and Kane need more rest than I do.”

  Dasid unbarred the door and steered Neemah out of the room.

  Brenna sighed and leaned into Kane, closing her eyes.

  “Did you hear it all?” she asked.

  “Yes,” Kane replied. “And felt it. Beldyn was very angry with his father. It’s a good thing he was there and Jemma was in contact with you when Thorold came. I hate to think what would have happened otherwise.”

  Something about Kane’s words sent a shiver down her spine and Brenna sat up. She could See what would have happened, could See Beldyn’s face twisted in pain and disgust and hatred as his father told him about the little weaver he’d bedded and how she’d begged him to take her.

  “That was it,” she whispered. “That was what I felt, what I needed to stop.” She looked at Kane, her eyes wide. “Beldyn already knew the prophecy meant I would declare myself queen, it was Jemma who was the key.”

  “I don’t understand. What about Jemma?” Kane sent her a puzzled look.

  “Jemma, his one real friend. If Thorold had used her and twisted it, Beldyn would have believed his last friend had abandoned him. He would never have trusted the Brotherhood again.”

  “And since nothing would matter to him anymore he might let his father do whatever he pleased,” Kane said.

  He took her hand and she felt some of the chill leave her.

  One person, one person others wouldn’t even see as important and if Brenna’s other visions were also true, so many lives depended on what happened to just this one person. She sighed and settled closer into Kane, letting her eyes drift closed. Her unease was gone. She hoped it meant that her horrible vision of war had been averted.

  When the door swung open Kane sat up on the bed, gently pulling Brenna upright with him. Dasid entered the room with a tray of steaming bowls, Neemah following with a pitcher of ale and four mugs on her tray. She set her load down on the small table and carefully picked a bowl and spoon off Dasid’s tray.

  “Here you are, Brenna.” Neemah handed the bowl and spoon to Brenna before she turned to get another bowl.

  “Thank you.” Kane gratefully accepted the second bowl from her.

  Dasid and Neemah each took a bowl, Dasid leaning against the wall while Neemah perched on the wooden chair by the bed. They ate silently and when they’d finished their meals, Neemah replaced the stew bowls with mugs of ale. Kane sighed after the first swallow.

  “Neemah, I’m not sure where you managed to find us such a meal but thank you,” Kane said, taking another sip of ale. “Dasid, did you tell her what happened?”

  “Some,” he said. “She was taken by surprise when we became invisible.”

  “Dasid said as how Brenna made someone else, someone you were talking to through the weapons, invisible and it must have somehow worked on you here too.”

  “Yes, that’s about right,” Kane said. “It was a girl, a member of the Brotherhood by the name of Jemma who we were talking to. And Beldyn, Duke Thorold’s son.”

  “The one’s to become king?” Neemah looked from Kane to Brenna before her eyes settled on Dasid. He nodded and Neemah closed her eyes. “I’m not sure you should be telling me secrets like this.”

  “Why not?” Brenna asked. “You were here. I think you have a right to know.” Brenna looked over at Dasid. “Don’t you Dasid?”

  “I …,” Dasid started, then turned away. “Yes, I do. But I didn’t feel it my place to tell her everything without talking to you and Kane first.”

  “Don’t worry,” Kane said. “It will soon be common knowledge.”

  Dasid sent him a puzzled look.

  “Talking to Beldyn was the final thing Brenna needed to do before declaring herself,” Kane said.

  Dasid looked from him to Brenna, then he nodded.

  “Declare herself what?” Neemah asked.

  “Queen,” Brenna said. “I’ll be declaring myself queen.”

  Kane shifted to take more of Brenna’s weight as he led her across the square to Duke Ewart’s house. Jemma had finally contacted Brenna - she was safe at the Crooked Dog - and though the conversation had been brief, it had sapped the last of Brenna’s energy. She’d refused to draw strength from either him or Dasid and now she could barely keep her feet under her. Tomorrow he’d have to lecture her on the importance of keeping herself fit and well but for now he was simply helping her get home to bed.

  Thankfully Beldyn had been able to deliver Jemma to Eryl at the Crooked Dog without any trouble. Jemma had told Beldyn that Carolie and Colm could be trusted - they could get messages to Brenna, if needed. Eryl would get Jemma out of Kingsreach safely.

  When he reached the stairs to the house Kane gently picked Brenna up and carried her up. She didn’t even have the energy to protest and he frowned as he made his way to their room. She could not allow herself to get so depleted - he’d have to make her see that in the morning. He laid her on the bed, gently removed her clothing and pulled the qu
ilt up over her. A few minutes later he slid into bed beside her. She was fast asleep when he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to him.

  Duke Thorold scanned the note before crumpling it angrily. How dare she, that witch, how dare she? He turned and waved off the two servants who held his silk vest for him.

  “You will keep this quiet today of all days, Captain,” Thorold said. Barton nodded and Thorold poured himself a glass of wine. “Does anyone else know this news?”

  “No my Lord,” Barton said. “I received the sealed note myself and came here directly once I read it.”

  “Who did it come from?” The note, from the Brotherhood of the Throne, had advised him that Brenna Trewen, his son’s bastard, would be crowned today in Silverdale. Both Aruntun and Fallad would pledge to her.

  “It was left with a servant overnight, my Lord. I have questioned the man himself and he claims he didn’t recognize the lad who dropped it off. Since the lad said the note was for you he gave it to me to determine the best course of action.”

  “And it was sealed when you got it?”

  “Yes my Lord. I don’t believe the servant can even read.”

  “I will deal with this later.” He sipped his wine, letting his anger subside. Today was the culmination of years of planning and painstaking and dangerous execution. He would not allow the witch to spoil this day.

  “You should get into position, Captain. The guests will be allowed in soon and you must be in place before them.”

  Barton bowed, the polished buttons on his dark blue dress uniform glinting in the light that streamed in the window.

  No, he would not allow the witch to spoil this day, the day his son is crowned King of Soule. She could sit in Fallad and proclaim herself queen but after today there would be a fully acknowledged king for her dethrone - a king who would not step aside easily or willingly, he would see to that. Thorold finished his wine and waved his servants to bring his vest over. He slipped his arms through the fine material and smiled as they settled it on him, fastening it in front with the heavy, gold seal of the regent. He would not give this up, not after working so long and hard to achieve it.

  Kane stepped around some wooden crates and peered in through the open the door. The blast of heat that hit him sucked his breath from his throat and he coughed as he ducked through the doors. It was hot enough outside today, he thought as he wiped his sleeve across his now sweat-beaded brow, but she had to be in the forge. His eyes adjusted to the glare of the fire and he saw Brenna leaning over a red hot length of iron. Master Innis, the smith, pointed a thick-gloved hand at the metal.

  “Brenna,” he yelled over the sounds of the bellows and she turned her head. “It’s time.”

  She nodded, touched Master Innis’ arm, said something he couldn’t hear, then joined him.

  “Master Innis was showing me how to forge a sword,” she said as they stepped out into the relative coolness of the mid afternoon sun. “It’s very interesting. He said I could try it myself later.”

  “If there’s time,” Kane said. “You need to get ready.” He looked at her red face and disheveled hair and shook his head. “I’d suggest a bath but I fear a cold wash is all you’ll have time for.” He led the way through the back alley towards Duke Ewart’s house. “The crowds are gathering.”

  “Already? But there’s hours yet.” Brenna looked up at the sky and then at him. “Sorry,” she said. “I lost track of the time.”

  “Yes, well, many people showed up at first light. I’m surprised you didn’t see them when you left this morning.” He caught the guilty look on her face and smiled. “Even by roof top you should have noticed them.”

  “I hoped it was market day.” Her smile faltered. “I did notice but I didn’t want to think about it. You know I hate this, being the centre of attention.”

  “Something you must get used to it.” Kane opened the back gate. He signaled to the four militia guards that all was well. The men snapped to attention when he and Brenna went past them. Kane heard her sigh and said. “Something else to get used to.”

  “I know,” Brenna said, her head drooping. “It’s just not something I ever wanted.”

  “Which is just one reason why you are a better choice to rule than Thorold.”

  “Yes,” She clutched his hand as they entered the house. “But I still hate it.”

  six

  Brenna studied her reflection in the mirror, wishing again that she could wear her black breeches and tunic. The dress looked well enough, she thought turning to the side. It was a deep, charcoal gray wool – the same colour she’d chosen for her Guards - and as finely woven as anything she’d worn. It draped her nicely, even she had to admit that - but she felt naked in it. Even with her knife belted around her waist she felt vulnerable. And confined.

  She knew it wasn’t the dress, not really. It was the ceremony and what it would mean for her life. After this she worried that she’d be forever on display, her every movement and statement noted and discussed by others. For someone who had fought for her freedom, whose mother had died buying that freedom, willingly giving it up felt like a betrayal. In just a few minutes Kane would come get her, escort her outside and put her on display in front of a huge crowd. And her life would never again be her own. Oh, it wasn’t the same as being indentured and no doubt her mother would have been happy for her, but Brenna knew what her coronation it meant.

  And today there were two coronations - hers in Silverdale and Beldyn’s in Kingsreach. At Beldyn’s, Duke Thorold would be named regent, no doubt with a great deal of ceremony, and the High Bishop would likely bless the crown. Brenna shivered at the thought of the High Bishop touching anything she would wear, let alone the coronet. She pulled the coronet from her pack just as the door opened and Kane entered.

  “You look beautiful,” Kane said as he walked around her. “Very much a queen. Are you ready?”

  He held out his arm and she nervously took it, grateful for the warmth in his eyes. By the time they got downstairs she felt a little steadier. Neemah stood at the bottom of the stairs and Brenna handed the coronet to her. Once out of her hands the coronet’s song intensified and Brenna stumbled.

  Kane paused while she found her feet, then signaled to Dasid to open front door. Then she was outside walking towards the dais that had been built just for today.

  She’d wanted the whole ceremony to take place outside, where people could see, but now the size of the crowd made her regret that decision. Kane held her arm tight as they passed between the rows of Brothers, solemn in their new gray uniforms. Beyond the Brothers, people in the crowd strained for a glimpse of her as she walked by.

  And then they were there. She didn’t remember climbing the steps but she must have, for she was above the crowd now, with Kane on one side and Ewart on the other. Both men stepped away and she stood there by herself, the wind playing with the hem of her dress. Brenna held her breath as the noise of the crowd slowly subsided until the only sounds were pigeons cooing from the roofs of the houses and the occasional high pitched voice of a child.

  Duke Ewart stepped forward, the green of his dress uniform vivid in the afternoon sun.

  “I, Ewart Wortley, Duke of Fallad, on behalf of the people of Fallad, declare allegiance to Brenna Trewen, my cousin.” Duke Ewart then took a scroll from inside his vest and unrolled it. “I, Avery Kerrich, Duchess of Aruntun, on behalf of the people of Aruntun, pledge allegiance to Brenna Trewen, beloved granddaughter of my sister.” Ewart stepped back and Kane came forward.

  “I, Kane Rowse, council member of Brotherhood of the Throne, on behalf of the Brotherhood, declare allegiance to Brenna Trewen, the Caller.”

  At Kane’s words the Brothers in the crowd gave three sharp cheers. Brenna caught Kane’s eye as he stepped back. She was about to step forward herself when she noticed a disturbance in the crowd.

  The crowd rippled and parted. Mother Lyran walked slowly towards the dais, helped through the crowd by one of the healers. When the old w
oman reached the platform she fixed Brenna with her sightless eyes for a moment before turning towards the crowd.

  “I, Mother Lyran, pledge to Brenna Trewen. The old gods have answered our prayers and have sent a true daughter of Aruntun - the True One who has long been awaited.”

  Mother Lyran moved towards the side of the dais and Neemah hurried forward to help the old woman climb the steps. When she stood beside Brenna she could feel the power emanating from her. Brenna stepped forward and raised her chin.

  “I, Brenna Trewen, pledge to aid Soule and all her people - to put their health and well being ahead of my own and to treat them with fairness and compassion.” She turned as Neemah brought the coronet to her. The coronet sang as it was brought out into the open. Mother Lyran took the coronet and held it aloft.

  “Wolde’s coronet,” the old woman’s voice rang out across the square. “Last worn before the church of the One-God was welcomed into Soule. It has returned to help restore balance.” Mother Lyran took two small steps and placed the coronet on Brenna’s head.

  The coronet sang to her. Eyes closed, she let the music sweep over her for a few moments. When she opened her eyes she had to squint against the brightness. The coronet shone, bathing the crowd in its clear, bright light. Faces in the crowd looked on in wonder and Brenna realized that they could hear the music as well. She glanced around and met Mother Lyran’s wide smile before her gaze settled on Kane’s face. He nodded and smiled and she relaxed, just a little.

  Brenna struggled to dim the light the coronet radiated. The song faded and eventually the coronet fell silent, but it continued to glow faintly. She bowed to the crowd, who sent up a cheer. Kane and Ewart stepped forward to flank her as she stood, coronet on her head, her gray dress floating around her, while the sun set and dusk crept across the square. Eventually the somber crowd dispersed, leaving Brenna’s Guard ringing the dais.