Reader Writer
Chapter 9
Bren’s Pledge
That night, when she knew Cullul was playing ornates with Chinglla in the inn’s common room, Gamma sent for Bren. His interest piqued, he came to her chamber and settled himself in a chair across from her. "Why do you wish to talk to me, honored lady?" he asked.
"I want to know what you thought of our talk this afternoon, Bren."
"Frankly, I’m puzzled," he admitted.
"I’m not surprised," she said. "Do you believe what I said was the truth?"
He remained silent for several moments. This strange old woman bothered him. Even though he knew she was sightless, he found himself averting his eyes from hers. "I don’t know what to think," he said at length.
"Bren," she said patiently. "You have led a strange life."
"How so, honored lady?"
"You are an adventurer—a man who never takes solid root."
He laughed. "I suppose that is true. I have done my share of wandering."
"Yes," she said. "You’ve done more than your share, I think. You are as shiftless as the sands of the desert, and as restless as the waters of the rivers. You have been alone, and you liked it that way."
"I have yet to find a place I care to spend all my days."
She nodded. "It is good you were the one chosen as Cullul’s guide."
"Guide?"
"Yes,” she said patiently “I have guided him up until now, but I will be leaving him soon."
"Oh—and where will you go?"
"To join my husband," she said without emotion. "I am going to die."
He looked at her skeptically. "You are sure of this?"
"I am. I will rest soon. When I go Cullul will need someone to look after him. Despite everything, he is still a boy. His destiny has not caught up with him. He will need to learn, and it is good he will be taught by a prince."
Bren snorted. "I am a prince sixth in line to the throne, honored lady. These days my family appears more than happy I chose to quit the Royal Palace at Copar."
"Is the throne important to you?"
"No, not really," he said. "I have no wish to be king. My dotard brother Isaida is more suited to the role."
"Unfortunately, the path of your destiny will put you in direct conflict with your family."
"I doubt that, honored lady."
"No Bren...Mark my words, one day you will have to oppose the Royal House of Ar at Cullul’s side."
"Honored lady, you speak as if I have no choice. I rule my own destiny. I do what I want."
The old woman smiled. "True Bren, but in the end your choice will be to follow Cullul."
"Honored lady, I like Cullul, but I’m not prepared to adopt him. I’ll help both of you on your journey. When it’s over I’ll set the boy on the right road home; but, I’m not going to take him with me."
She smiled, "No, he will take you with him, Bren."
He shook his head. All this talk was foolishness. "Honored lady," he said patiently. "I am a free spirit. I drink. I gamble. I wench. I live life on my terms. I have no responsibilities and I have no master. I like it that way."
She continued to smile. "You are shiftless, Bren. But surely you must see Cullul is someone special. The blood of King Chermok and Valtar the Slayer flows in your veins. You will not shrink from your duty when the time comes."
"My duty?"
"Yes."
"What is my duty?"
"When the time comes you will know."
He shook his head. "I promise you this—and only this. When the time comes, I will see Cullul safely back to his father’s house. I will do no more."
"We will see."
Bren had had enough of their conversation. The old woman was impossible. He began to rise.
"Where do you go, Bren? Sit for a while longer. I have a tale to tell you."
"What sort of tale?"
"I want to tell you about my husband, Bren. I want to tell you so you will know Cullul’s importance. I want to tell you so you will understand what is at stake." She tilted her head. "Will you listen to my story? Indulge an old lady."
Bren sat back in his chair. "I’ll listen for a while, but I have things to do tonight."
She nodded. "Good," she said, "Because his story is also the story of our people. It is the story of the end of The Way and the beginning of the New Law. It is a story of glory, treachery and love. It happened a long time ago. It began even before I was born..."