The Gathandrian Trilogy 02 - Hallsfoots Battle

alone, I shall not demand the rightful punishment for your misdemeanours, woman. But be warned that I shall not be so merciful again and, even though I have few men—or women—who follow me now, there are still some who are loyal to the Tregannon name. You would do well to heed this warning.”
    With that, he turns on his heel and hobbles out into the drizzle and damp of the day. He would have preferred to have exited with more dignity, but it is not possible. The smell of bread and spices, and the bitterness in the cook’s words, clings to his skin for many hour-cycles after.
    The first open sign of disaffection with him and all he stands for, then. Ralph has that to add to the wrongs he has caused to happen, and the problem of the emeralds still to consider. It will be a long day ahead.

Chapter Five: Mind-training and war

    Simon
    Outside Annyeke’s small kitchen area window, the clouds were darkening to night, and perhaps bringing snow, although, in a strange land, the scribe couldn’t be sure of the signs. Behind him, he could hear the sound of his landlady preparing the evening meal. He’d asked earlier if he could help, but she’d simply shaken her head and smiled. Even beyond the defences she’d raised so her mind could not be read, he’d understood her preoccupation with what had happened in her Sub-Council rooms. The Sub-Council of Meditation—even the name made him smile. He’d grown so used to hiding his mind-skills amongst his father’s people that the thought of official recognition, even encouragement, still seemed strange. The act of cooking appeared to focus his companion, and he found that watching her made him feel calmer. A good place for them both.
    Or it would have been, if both the raven and the mind-cane had not been with them. And, yes, he understood that he and Annyeke should be grateful that both the bird and the cane had helped them in the crisis that had followed the telling of the first Gathandrian legend. Simon wondered how his companion thought the Spirit of Gathandria could help them now. Was he supposed to contact it in some way? Was that what the snow-raven and the mind-cane were for? And, if that were the case, how could he do it before Gelahn mounted his attack upon them?
    Another question played in his mind, too, one that he had not fully acknowledged until now. When the mind-executioner arrived, Ralph might well be with him. What would the scribe do then?
    A hand on his shoulder made him jump and he looked up, startled to see Annyeke so close when he’d been lost in his thoughts.
    “Try not to worry so much,” she said with a half smile. “We can only do our best in the time given to us. Anything else is up to the gods and stars.”
    He swallowed and glanced away, glad she’d spoken rather than connected directly with his mind. Some things were better kept private. Though, weren’t she and he both in the same position when it came to matters of the heart? Annyeke’s deep-seated feelings for Johan were obvious, at least to him, and Simon had no idea why his friend did not seem to realise this or return her affection. He must try to find out from Johan one day, subtly, of course. And, as for himself, well, Ralph was a riddle and should remain so for the time being. Still, Annyeke’s words had made him smile.
    “It seems to me that the gods and stars are not doing their best for you,” he said, “no matter what our efforts. Can I really be ready for whatever role it is you are convinced I should play in time for when I need to play it?”
    Simon had meant to speak lightly, perhaps even to make her smile, but she shook her head, wiping her hands clean of herbs and cornflour with a bright green cloth, and drew up a stool opposite him.
    “You will have to be,” she said. “And for that, you need to take hold of the mind-cane again. You have to start learning its mysteries.”
    “No.”
    Simon’s response was instinctive. Up until now, his contact with the cane had been perfunctory, irregular. His experiences during those thankfully brief times had not been pleasant. He didn’t like the way it showed him more clearly who he was. Annyeke’s request made him shiver. At the same time, the cane began to hum and the snow-raven spread his wings and cocked his head at the scribe.
    Annyeke brushed aside his objections and the threats of their strange companions with a wave of her hand. “It’s the way we haven’t tried yet, Simon. I’m not sure we have a