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She took a step towards him and stopped herself. This is a trial and I must be strong. Be seen to be strong. My son is two people: my son, and the high king of these Banished Lands, as I am two people, his mother, and the regent of Tenebral.
concerned at the turn of events as well. ‘So,’ Nathair said, resting his elbows on the arms of his chair and steepling his fingers, appearing as if nothing unusual had just happened. ‘Tenebral. Our home. There can be no conflict, no state of war within my own realm. Veradis has spoken to me briefly of the various grievances and accusations between you, but for the sake of clarity I will have him recount the disputes now, for all to hear. Then, if any disagree, they can speak up now. Once we have dealt with this I will not go back to it.’
‘I would talk with you of this in private,’ she said to her son. ‘No, Mother. This must be open. I cannot, will not, be accused of nepotism.’ Fidele closed her eyes, bowed her head. ‘Very well then. What I mean when I say that Lykos used sorcery to control me is that he raped me.’ She looked away, swallowed, fought the tears. Saying it aloud seemed to give it a new power. She composed herself and looked back to Nathair.
‘The loss of Father has hit you so much more than I ever conceived.’ ‘What?’ What does he mean, why…? ‘Your grief has overwhelmed you, I fear. I should never have given you the responsibility of a realm, and so soon after Father’s death.’ Fidele felt those strong walls that she had built within, layer upon layer of will and strength to protect her from the hurt Lykos had inflicted upon her beginning to crumble. She filled her lungs, slowly blew out. ‘This has nothing to do with your father’s death. Lykos—’ ‘Is a Vin Thalun sailor, a ship’s captain, lord of his people. Not a sorcerer. Look at
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Jehar were suddenly circling Krelis, swords half-drawn from scabbards. Krelis froze. ‘Sit. Down,’ Nathair commanded. Krelis just stood, glaring rage at Nathair. ‘My da was slain,’ he growled. ‘Please, Krelis,’ a voice said–Veradis. ‘Please, brother, take your seat.’ And slowly, with a final glower, Krelis did. ‘I could have you executed for treason,’ Nathair repeated, holding Krelis’ gaze, daring him to move. Krelis didn’t. ‘But I won’t. I want peace in my realm, order, trust in those ruling so that I may focus on the real task at hand. The defeat of the Black Sun. What we are discussing is
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Fidele’s mind was swirling, a turmoil of shock and pain, that her own son would disregard her so utterly and completely… I do not recognize the man he’s become, do not know him. How could someone change so completely.
counsellor… ‘What have you done to my son?’ Fidele heard herself say, loud and clear as she stood and pointed at Calidus. For some reason she shocked everyone to silence.
‘Wait,’ he said aloud, shaking his head to try and bring some focus back. ‘What are you saying, Nathair? Are you telling me that Calidus is Kadoshim, not Ben Elim?’
first.’ ‘But what of Calidus? We saw him; he had wings. He is Ben-Elim.’ ‘Oh, he has wings, but they are not made of white feathers,’ Nathair snorted. ‘What we saw in Telassar was a glamour.’
Balur One-Eye is fallen. ‘Aye,’ Cywen grunted.
As the two giants dragged Corban up the slope and through a glade, pain lancing through his leg and chest with every movement, every breath, he heard Storm howl behind him. It was a rattle, weak and fluid, yet long and mournful, and Corban felt his heart was being ripped apart. They took him deeper into the forest, and soon Corban discovered the one thing that broke his heart more than listening to Storm’s weak and fading howls. The moment when she stopped howling.
