Brothers of the Wind (The Last King of Osten Ard #0.75)

by Tad Williams

“It tears at my heart,” said the taller one, and though he spoke quietly I recognized Ineluki’s voice. My fear ebbed but was replaced by a troubled curiosity. What did he want in his brother’s chamber? And who was with him? “He lives, but he suffers every day,” Ineluki said. “There are moments when I think it would have been better if he had perished in Serpent’s Vale.” I did not hear what, if anything, his companion said, then Ineluki spoke again. “Of course I do. No punishment could be enough to pay for his suffering. For what they did to him, I would happily see every one of those cowardly vermin driven from our lands.” As I peered from the shadows, I saw the shorter figure lean close to Ineluki, but all I heard was an almost silent murmur, like dry leaves blowing across the ground. The figure was hooded, but I thought I could guess the name of Ineluki’s companion, and my heart sank a little. “No!” Ineluki still did not raise his voice, but his reply was full of shock and disgust. “Never! He is dearer to me than anything. But I see no way to go forward with him this way. How can he be Protector when the time comes?” Again I heard the dry rattle of a whisper. “You run ahead of all sense, Ommu,” Ineluki said. “That day will never come. I have told you so before and told your mistress as well. He is my brother. He is my blood.”