Healer (Brotherhood of the Throne Book 2) (10 page)

Brenna sighed and snuggled closer to the warmth, tiredly raising a hand to rub her still closed eyes. A sound woke her up fully and she opened her eyes and met Kane’s warm blue gaze. When her eyes dropped to his lips, his smile widened and he leaned forward to kiss her. Brenna concentrated on the kiss, the softness of his lips, the warmth of his breath against her cheek. With a small groan, Kane reached an arm around her and dragged her on top of him, their bodies laying full length against each other. She could feel the evidence of his desire for her and she reached a hand down and stroked him. He gasped and caught her hand.

“Unless you want this over before it starts, you had better not do that.” His voice was ragged and his breathing shallow.

“Hmm, not exactly my plan,” she said, trailing kisses along his collarbone.

Kane brushed a hand down her spine and she shivered. He cupped his hands on the soft flesh of her bottom and lifted her hips until she straddled him. He smiled a slow, languid smile as she lowered herself onto him, her breathing ragged when he was fully sheathed. He leaned forward and she gasped as warm lips teased one nipple. Kane moved under her, increasing his rhythm until she forgot everything except where their skin met, at hips and chest and lips. She arched her back, pleasure flooding her body, before she collapsed onto Kane, her hair falling across his face as they kissed.

Kane wrapped both arms around her and hugged her tight as she rolled off him and fit herself to his contours, head on his shoulder.

“See, that wasn’t so frightening, was it?” she murmured as she kissed the underside of his chin, rough with morning stubble. She felt as well as heard his laugh.

“Terrifying,” he said, “but the alternative was worse.”

She moved to lean on one elbow, looking him in the eyes. “So you decided to finally share my bed because you’re more afraid of not sharing it?”

Kane nodded. “I paid for the room, so it’s not actually your bed.” He looked at her through lowered lids. “You just happened to be in it when I woke up.”

“So it’s my fault, is it?” She reached under the covers and stroked him and grinned when he growled. “I’ll take credit for the first time, but what about now?” She barely had time to take a breath before his mouth covered hers and he rolled over and pinned her to the mattress. Brenna wrapped her arms around Kane, feeling the muscles in his back move beneath her hand as he continued to take her breath away.

A knock sounded on the door and Kane surged out of bed, reaching for his sword.

“Mistress Seer it’s me, Kevan.”

Kane relaxed and settled his weapon back by the chair.

“Yes Kevan, I’m here,” Brenna answered from the rumpled bed.

“I talked to Master Sellars like ye asked me and he’s downstairs in the tavern waitin’ on ye.”

“Thank you Kevan, please tell him we’ll be down soon.”

The boy’s footsteps faded down the hall and Kane turned back to Brenna. She was sitting in bed, the blanket wrapped around her shoulders, a grin on her face.

“Remind me to arrange for someone to wake us up like that often.” She laughed and stood up, the blanket still around her. She moved to him and kissed him lightly, one hand trailing down his bare chest. “You look magnificent, Kane. If my grandfather wasn’t waiting downstairs right now I’d show you how much I appreciate the view.”

Kane grabbed the blanket and let it drop to the floor as he scooped her up into his arms. “If you hadn’t worn me out already, I might make you.” Even as he said it he felt himself responding. He didn’t think he’d ever get enough of her. “Come on,” he dropped her onto the bed. “We don’t have much time before we’re due to meet with the duchess.” He handed her clothes to her before turning to find his own.

Kane picked up the mugs and carried them over to the table where Yowan and Brenna sat.

“Here you go,” Kane placed the three mugs on the table and took a seat beside Brenna. She brushed his leg under the table and he smiled at her.

“Glad to see you finally accepted your fate, my boy.” Yowan looked from him to Brenna. “I expect it’ll help with the duchess as well.”

“I’m not sure I know what you mean.” Kane picked up his mug and drank. Was it so obvious that he and Brenna had finally bedded?

Yowan gripped his shoulder. “I know it’s a hard thing, falling for a Kerrich woman.” Yowan smiled over at Brenna. “They are none of them easy to live with.”

“I am not difficult to live with.” Brenna scowled at Yowan and Kane smothered a grin. 

“Yes you are,” Yowan continued. “You’re headstrong and you attract trouble like bees to honey. But I’m sure Kane would say that despite all that, you’re worth it.”

Kane nodded. Yes, even if all he had was a few months, Brenna was worth it.

“My Madelay was headstrong. Why do you think she went off journeying without me by her side?” Yowan shook his head. “I’ll always regret that, but maybe she knew something she couldn’t tell me? Something that would have been too hard for me to hear?” Yowan turned sad eyes to Brenna. “It’s not only Seers who have visions. Sometimes they come to those with the blood but not the true Sight. For years I’ve thought that maybe that’s what happened to Madelay.” He took another long drink of ale.

“It was I who told her the Call, of course, I’m the reason it was passed down to you, Brenna. At the time I thought maybe Madelay could use it if she got into trouble.” He glanced at Kane. “I know it would have been under false pretenses, but if it would have saved her, it would have been worth it to me. After all, the Brotherhood had been around for two thousand years, who wouldn’t expect a false alarm or two?”

Yowan fell silent and Kane traced some old knife scars across the wooden table. He looked up at Brenna. He couldn’t blame Yowan, he would have done the same for Brenna.

“It doesn’t change the fact that I believe Brenna to be the true heir,” Kane said quietly.

“Of course not, lad,” Yowan said. “I think more than ever she is. And not just because she’s related to Madelay.” Yowan picked up his mug and twisted it in his hands. He looked up them hesitantly. “I grew up with my father’s family. He was a farmer up north close to Kingsreach and his folk were good, solid people, Brotherhood, too. I never knew my mother, but my father and grandmother made sure I never missed out, if you know what I mean?”

“You felt loved,” Brenna said, reaching a hand to cover Yowan’s. “And safe.”

“Aye, that’s true lass,” Yowan continued. “And I knew nothing of my mother for years and years. It must have been twenty years after Madelay left, when my father sent me a message. He was dyin’ ye see, and needed to unburden himself.” Yowan sighed and smiled sadly.

“Turns out I wasn’t his child at all. All these years, he’d raised me as his own. My mother was a stranger, but him and my grandmother, being good folk, they took her in and all. They couldn’t bear to let a woman so heavy with child wander, not with winter coming, he told me. My mother didn’t live very long after I was born and my father said he never knew whether to believe her or not.” Yowan shrugged. “But what she told him was that she’d come from Kingsreach, where she’d worked at the castle until her condition showed - then she was let go. Her folks refused to take her in and her baby’s father, my father, wouldn’t acknowledge her child.” Yowan turned sad eyes to Brenna. “You can guess who it was, can’t you? My mother claimed King Bodan was my father, though he was just a young prince at the time.”

Kane sat back in his chair. “Do you believe it?” he asked Yowan.

“I have to now, don’t I?” Yowan gestured to Brenna, who sat very still.

Kane reached for her hand, cradling it between both of his.

“I’d have to agree with you, Yowan,” he said, meeting Brenna’s gaze. “That’s all four of Wolde’s bloodlines. That
is
the prophecy.”

eight

It was late afternoon and Kane followed Yowan through the streets, his hand clasped in Brenna’s. They were on their way to Laurel’s house to meet with Duchess Avery. Yowan wanted to start the conversation with the Duchess and Kane was relieved. How did you tell a woman that not only was her only sister still alive, but that the grandchild of that sister was right in front of her? At least Yowan knew the family – he’d known Madelay and he now claimed Brenna as his granddaughter.

Duchess Avery had recovered from her surprise at Yowan’s presence but his years of watching her in the king’s council told Kane that she was deeply worried about something. Which meant he was worried too.

They were in the same room they’d retired to last night after dining. Duchess Avery stood in front of the fireplace, flanked by Neal Ravershaw to her left and Laurel and Clift to her right. Both men wore swords and knives at their sides and Kane wondered what had put such wary looks on their faces. Yowan stood facing the duchess, a few steps in front of him, and Brenna leaned casually by the door, her pack jammed against her and the wall, as if she was hiding it.

“Duchess, if I might speak?” Kane stepped forward with a nod to Yowan, who stepped back a pace. “What Yowan has to say is important, more important than you can possibly imagine, but I think you have other issues on your mind.” Avery nodded so Kane continued. “I think that everything will come back to what Yowan has to say, but there is more than one road to Kingsreach, after all. Please tell us what’s troubling you.”

“Yowan,” Duchess Avery said. “You would not be here other than for something of grave importance, but I fear Kane is correct. I cannot focus on anything else.” Avery started to pace. “Laurel, could you please ask for some tea? I need to compose myself.” She led the way toward the two long settees that sat across from each other, a large low table between them.

Avery Kerrich sat down, Laurel beside her. Clift sat on the other side of Laurel and Neal stood beside the duchess. Kane, Brenna and Yowan sat across from them. Kane shook his head when he realized the two women had no idea their men had arranged the seating in order to protect them. The tea arrived and Avery poured it with shaking hands.

Kane felt Brenna nudge his foot with her own. She looked at him then at the group opposite. Kane smiled. He and Yowan had instinctively mirrored the duchess and her party, with Brenna tucked between the two of them.

“You find something amusing in all of this, Kane?” Neal Ravershaw said sharply.

“Yes, actually, I do,” Kane replied calmly. He wasn’t about to back down but nor did he wish to antagonize the man.

“As do I,” Brenna said. “If you haven’t noticed, we seem to be well supplied with consorts ready to protect their women.”

Avery looked around the room and laughed. “I believe you’re correct, Brenna.” Her eyes narrowed when she looked from Yowan to Kane. “Shall I assume that Yowan’s tale will explain why you, my dear are sitting with two?” Kane nodded and she continued. “That must wait. My first concern is my duchy.”

Avery sat up straighter. “When traveling through Comack we came across many, many stories of followers of the old gods being mistreated. They are being overcharged for goods and underpaid for their services. Whole families are converting to the One-God in order to save their livelihoods. Even I was treated poorly - inns would not rent us rooms, merchants refused to sell us goods and it took four days for us to find a ship that would sail us from Dryannon to Smithin.”

Kane nodded. “It was starting when I journeyed through in late winter.”

“You know something of this?” Avery demanded.

“Yes. Again, it’s connected to Yowan’s tale. I think Duke Thorold has allowed the High Bishop to spread hate against followers of the old gods.”

“But why? Is this also part of Yowan’s tale?”

Kane nodded.

Avery looked from him to Yowan, her gaze sliding right over Brenna. “Then you best tell it, Yowan.”

Yowan cleared his throat, ready to start his tale but Brenna interrupted.

“You will have people ready along the borders, won’t you duchess?” Brenna asked sharply. “And you spoke to Duke Ewart as well? Laurel told you?”

“About your Seeing?” Avery said. “Yes and I passed it along to Ewart. Interestingly, he didn’t take it very seriously until I told him it came from a young woman from Kingsreach whom my daughter was schooling in magic.” Avery looked at Brenna speculatively. “Why would that matter to him? But yes, my borders have all been alerted. Tents and healers and other supplies will be moved there toward midsummer. Does your Seeing have anything to do with what’s happening in Comack?”

“I’m not sure, Duchess.” Brenna shrugged. “It just seemed like a question I had to ask just then. Sorry Yowan, please tell your tale.”

“All right. This tale starts over two thousand years ago,” Yowan said. “With King Wolde and his daughter Aruntun. All here know about Aruntun Seeing the end of Soule and the end of Wolde’s line.”

“Yes, of course,” Avery said. “The prophecy of the one who reunites the blood.”

Kane looked up, startled. He’d thought only the Brotherhood knew about that.

“You didn’t think Aruntians would forget any of her visions, did you lad?” Yowan said to him. “But what some at this table don’t know is that Aruntun’s Seeing was taken seriously elsewhere and a secret group was formed,” he continued. “The Brotherhood of the Throne - whose only purpose was to wait for the prophesied one to arrive and save Soule.”

“And this Brotherhood has survived all these years?” Avery asked. “Surely at some point in the last two thousand years one of them would have let their secret slipped.”

“Perhaps they did,” Yowan sipped his tea. “But mayhap they weren’t believed. Nonetheless, the Brotherhood did survive all those years in secret. You’ve known Brothers most all your life, Avery.”

“You’re one of them,” Avery said. “Even when you were younger?”

“Aye,” Yowan replied. “Since I was thirteen. But I became more involved, after.” Yowan bowed his head.

“My uncle was at the heart of the Brotherhood,” Kane said.

Avery’s brows rose in surprise.

“Before his death Uncle Feiren was head of the council. In fact, it’s one of the reasons why he was killed.”

“Thorold tells a different story. Your uncle was caught slipping poison into the king’s wine. The records show that even Feiren didn’t deny it.” Neal’s voice was sharp.

“It was an antidote,” Brenna said. “It was poison but it was to counteract the one Thorold was already giving him.”

“When we first met you said Feiren had been giving the king an antidote.” Avery placed a hand on Neal’s arm when he would have spoken. “But you forgot to mention that it was a poison.”

“Are you a healer duchess?” When the duchess shook her head, Brenna continued. “No, and I knew that. Most people who are not healers would have the exact same reaction as Neal Ravershaw if told them a poison was being given to someone. So I kept that information to myself.”

Avery sighed deeply. “Yes, we might not have been quite so accommodating if you’d told us that. There is no denying the king is ill, and very likely from unnatural causes.” She looked over at Neal. “Even you agree with me on that now.” Neal nodded, his face grim.

“How does this connect to the problems in Comack?” Clift asked.

“Down through the millennia,” Kane said. “The Brotherhood has been very good at keeping our existence secret but in the past few years Thorold has uncovered information that reveals that we follow the old gods.” Duchess Avery seemed willing to believe him but Neal Ravershaw looked skeptical. “Thorold has enough evidence to prove we exist but he does not know who we
are
. We,” Kane paused, “that is, the working council of the Brotherhood, believe the attacks on followers of the old gods are aimed at weakening the Brotherhood.”

Clift nodded. “That would explain the timing. Up until now Thorold has never allowed the church to do anything to disrupt trade, but this persecution does just that.”

“We believe Thorold has engaged Langemore in trade without the king’s knowledge.” Kane drained his tea and pushed the cup away from him. “We also think he has discussed other opportunities.”

“What other opportunities?” Avery asked. “The trade he takes away would be bad enough.”

“The king of Langemore has a daughter who is an appropriate age for Beldyn.” Kane said.

“Do you have any proof?” Neal asked.

A cup rattled in its saucer as Avery set it down with shaking hands, her face pale. “I don’t need proof,” Avery said. “That is exactly what Thorold has done. All along he’s wanted the crown. If he gets his way he’ll rule Soule and heavily influence Langemore. Aruntun will be forced to deal with him or go hungry.” She shook Neal’s hand off and rose to her feet, pacing the room. “I’ve been so blind. All these years I’ve known that Duke Thorold was manipulating the king and I just let him. It didn’t affect me and mine, so I thought. I’ve neglected my sworn duties in order to spend my time comfortable in my own land.” She stopped behind Neal and put a hand on his shoulder. He reached up and covered it with his own. “I’ve been such a fool.”

“It’s nothing any of us could have foreseen, Duchess,” Kane said gently.

“That’s where you’re wrong!” Avery whirled on him. “My own family, my own daughter, has the Sight and yet we never bothered to look. We Aruntians always thought that if we let others manage their affairs they would in turn let us manage our own. But if Brenna’s Seeing is any indication we are about to suffer terrible consequences to that line of thought.” Avery sat down, straightened her shoulders and faced across the table again.

“What else must I know?” she asked. Her gaze went from him to Yowan, once again sliding past Brenna, before darting back and resting on her. “We come back to you Brenna. Why do you sit there in the protection of two consorts, one of whom not so long ago was the Captain of the Kingsguard as well as a key member of this Brotherhood?”

Kane glanced at Brenna and smiled at the grin that spread across her face.

“You’ve guessed by now, haven’t you?” Brenna asked. “I’m the one prophesied.”

“But it was Aruntun’s prophecy,” Laurel said. “She wouldn’t be able to have a vision about another Seer,” Laurel said.

“But Aruntun was the strongest Seer who ever lived,” Brenna replied. “You taught me that yourself, Laurel. Besides, whether I am the answer to the prophecy or not isn’t as important as whether I can unite the Brotherhood, Aruntians, Falladians and any of the other good people of Soule behind me to stop Thorold.”

“But you
are
the prophesy, Brenna,” Yowan interrupted. “You have the bloodlines.”

Kane agreed with Yowan - Brenna
was
the heir. But Brenna was also correct, that didn’t matter unless she could convince all of Thorold’s opponents to rally behind her. With both Duke Ewart and Duchess Aruntun supporting her, there was hope.

“Yes,” Brenna said. “I seem to have all four of the bloodlines.” Kane followed Brenna’s gaze to Avery. “My father was Alastair, the oldest son of Duke Thorold. His mother was the sister of the old Duke of Fallad, Ewart’s father,” Brenna said.

“But Alastair died young leaving no heirs,” Avery said. “Thorold was devastated by his death.”

“Alastair died young,” Brenna agreed. “And there were no official heirs. Thorold didn’t know Alastair had even fathered a child until recently. My mother was an indentured servant, a healer, brought in to care for Thorold’s first wife. That’s how she met Alastair.” Brenna paused and looked around the table. “My mother’s name was Wynne and her mother was Madelay Trewen, an indentured healer out of Aruntun. Your sister.”

“That can’t be right.” Avery stood up again, her eyes fixed on Brenna. “Madelay was a Kerrich, not a Trewen. Besides, if Madelay was indentured all she had to do was let us know and her debt would be bought out.”

“I believe Brenna,” Yowan said. “I believe she’s the daughter of my child, mine and Madelay’s.” Yowan gripped Brenna’s hand in his. “And before he died the man who raised me told me my father was King Bodan. I didn’t believe it until now.”

Duchess Avery of Aruntun slumped back into her chair. “Can it be true? Neal, Laurel, what do you think?”

Neal Ravershaw raked his gaze over the group and Kane almost smiled when not only his and Brenna’s chins went up, but Yowan’s as well.

“There are too many coincidences for it to be chance, Avery,” Neal said finally. “I think the prophecy is at work.”

“And Madelay is alive,” Kane said. “We have word that she’s an indentured servant in Comack.”

“My sister,” Avery whispered. “After all these years she’s alive? We must get her. Neal, you’ll need to go.”

“Yowan, Brenna and I will find her,” Kane said gently. “We’re leaving as soon as we find a ship.” He met Neal’s gaze. “The fewer who go the better our chances.”

“Kane is right,” Neal said. He squeezed Avery’s shoulder. “And I need to return to Kingsreach with you.”

“What if they can’t get her?” Avery asked. “I want all the power of the Aruntun Duchy behind this. Duke Thorold has my sister!”

“And doesn’t even know it,” Brenna said. “If he knew he’d have used her against you years ago. We don’t want to give him that chance now, not when he and the High Bishop are turning people against followers of the old gods.”