Sorceress (53 page)

She knew that her son had been conceived in the union of Dark and Light spelled out in the prophecy. But she also realized that his was an innocent soul, one that could be guided and taught, brought up in love.

Of course Gavyn knew the truth, but once, when they were in bed together and she lay awake worrying about the boy, Gavyn levered himself up on one elbow and stared deep into her eyes. “He is my son, Bryanna. Whether of my blood or not, I will raise him as my own. There will be other children, if we are fortunate, and they will all be as one family.” His jaw hardened and she realized then that he meant it. Having lived forever without a father’s love, he would not pass that rejection to another generation. “Now,” he said and kissed her forehead, “we will speak of this no more. We will raise him to be a good, fair man. ’Tis the best we have to offer.”

Now, as she plucked her son from his father’s arms, she sensed that their years together would be long and happy. She also could foresee that Truett, conceived of good and evil, would have many tests, many choices, many battles. He would struggle. He would make mistakes. But his true destiny was not yet decided. In the end it would be up to Truett, the Chosen One, to decide which path he would follow.

“You are worried, wife,” Gavyn said as they walked past a hayrick, where a wheelwright was mending the spokes of a broken wheel.

“’Tis a mother’s fate.”

“And a father’s, but,” he said, his eyes twinkling with devilment, “worry not. Today, while I was out hunting, I saw an old friend hiding behind a rotted stump.”

Her head snapped up. “The wolf? Bane?” she asked, disbelieving. Could it be?

“She was there.”

“You’re certain it was Bane?” She thought he might be teasing her.

“Aye, ’twas no other.”

Bryanna thought of the mother she’d never known. Could it be true? She hadn’t seen the beast since that final battle at Holyhead, and had feared she would never lay eyes upon her again.

“I have a feeling the wolf will follow us to Agendor.”

“Do you?”

“Aye, wife, I do,” he said. With their son nestled between them, he drew her into his arms as the sun sank lower on the horizon.

“It seems impossible.”

“Many things do,” he said, whispering into her ear. “But you, sorceress, of all people, should know that above all else, there is one thing you must do.”

“Is there? And what is that?” she asked, amused.

“Have faith, Bryanna,” he said. “Do as you taught me.”

“As
I
taught you? And all that time I felt sure you were turning a deaf ear to me.”

“Aye, ’tis all you must do.” He kissed her, then lifted his head and winked. “’Tis simple, wife. Just . . . believe.”

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