"Lovers and Beloveds" chapter 2.3 is live

In which a prophecy is dissected:

"At birth, every male child is taken to the Queen of the Travelers, who gives him his prophecy," said Teacher.

"The Travelers? You took me to a bunch of vagabond thieves and actors, well-known frauds--for a prophecy," said Temmin. "I hope you didn't pay for it."

That was more the spirit, thought Harsin. Aloud, he said, "A little more respect, please."

"Think what you will of the Travelers, Your Highness," said Teacher, "but their Queen can see the future--reliably when it comes to the royal family. Hers is a true gift, not play-acting."

"All right, then," said Temmin as he squared his shoulders. "Let's hear it."

Teacher recited:
Love to bear him, love to raise him, love to send him on his way
Son in sorrow, son in joy, brings darkness or the brightest day
Two the consorts, two the paths, two the deaths for him to rule
One will be the trusting child and three will be the rivals cruel
Thirst and hunger, sleep and death will come to strike a trusted one
And stones will shatter, stones will stand when might reclaims the rising sun

"That's conveniently cryptic!" said Temmin. "I have no idea what it means."

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