The Sword (42 page)

“I know. But it is time.”

She paled slightly and brushed her hair away from her face again. “Now? This will
not
put him in a good mood, you know that. I'm…I'm afraid.”

“But it
is
your Destiny.
Now
,” he added firmly, as she hesitated a moment more. “As soon as you can safely get free—and do not delay. There is no telling what
he
might do, when you have put him off for so long. The odds of Fate are already stretched too thin.”

Nodding, she twitched, listening to a sound too faint in the connected surfaces of mirror and reflective water for him to hear. Morganen quickly cut the connection. This was a dangerous game both of them played, one they had been playing for three and more years. So close to completion, discovery and failure was
not
a healthy option. He was patient, and watchful; she was braver than she knew, and very careful.

It would work. Hopefully.

And so it begins…again.

The Eldest Son shall bear this weight:

If ever true love he should feel

Disaster shall come at her heel

And Katan will fail to aid

When Sword in sheath is claimed by Maid

 

The Second Son shall know this fate:

He who hunts is not alone

When claw would strike and cut to bone

A chain of Silk shall bind his hand

So Wolf is caught in marriage-band

 

The Third of Sons shall meet his match:

Strong of will and strong of mind

You seek she who is your kind

Set your trap and be your fate

When Lady is the Master's mate

 

The Fourth of Sons shall find his catch:

The purest note shall turn to sour

And weep in silence for the hour

But listen to the lonely Heart

And Song shall bind the two apart

 

The Fifth Son shall seek the sign:

Prowl the woods and through the trees

Before you in the woods she flees

Catch her quick and hold her fast

The Cat will find his Home at last

 

The Sixth Son shall draw the line:

Shun the day and rule the night

Your reign's end shall come at light

When Dawn steals into your hall

Bride of Storm shall be your fall

 

The Seventh Son shall he decree:

Burning bright and searing hot

You shall seek that which is not

Mastered by desire's name

Water shall control the Flame

 

The Eighth Son shall set them free:

Act in Hope and act in love

Draw down your powers from above

Set your Brothers to their call

When Mage has wed, you will be all

—THE SEER DRAGANNA