Healer (Brotherhood of the Throne Book 2) Read online

  “And I don’t think their children think of themselves as illegitimate,” Brenna continued. “After all, not only have they been acknowledged by both parents, but it’s a tradition for the Duchess of Aruntun’s family.”

  “Yes, so Clift said.” He smiled sadly. “And Yowan, he was your grandmother’s consort. Clift said consorts are combination advisor, bodyguard and lover. Yowan was a bodyguard for the Kerrich’s and he’s your grandfather. Madelay was Avery’s older sister.”

  Brenna sucked in her breath. “Kane, is that what this is about? You’re worried that I’m more closely related to the duchess than we both thought?”

  “No. Clift said something else, something that he saw when I met Rory.” Kane swallowed and looked at her. “He said that I’m your consort, whatever your background. And it’s true.”

  “Of course you are,” Brenna said. It made sense. She was a Kerrich after all, why wouldn’t she have a consort? “So what has you all in knots?”

  “You’re going to be queen. You’ll need more than a consort.” He stroked her hair with one hand. “You’ll need a union that can help you consolidate your power and you’ll need children that are legitimate in the eyes of all of Soule.”

  “Hmph.” Brenna snorted. “You’re looking too far in the future. Besides, don’t I get a choice? You know me well enough to know that I don’t do things just because others expect it of me.” She gently held his head and forced him to meet her eyes. “Do you think I’ll ever give you up?” she asked solemnly. “Kane, you are the best man I’ve ever met. Besides, if I have to be queen I need someone I trust at my side.” Then she rose on her toes and kissed him. A long, slow, soft kiss that made her blood sing when he returned it, his arms tightening around her as she melted into him. The old steel between them, his sword and her knife, began to thrum, until she was sure the whole dock, the whole city could feel it.

  “What did you do?” Kane asked. “I felt the old steel more strongly than ever.”

  “I didn’t do anything,” she said. “I think they approve.” She hugged him again. “Did I ever tell you I don’t really want to be queen?”

  “Yes, more than once. I believe.” Kane looped an arm over her shoulder and pointed them to where the sun was rising over the water.

  “So if no one wants me as queen, I’ll be fine.” She looked sideways at him as he watched the sun rise. “I have other skills, you know.”

  Kane laughed and she relaxed. He seemed to have made a decision about them, finally. She reached up and took hold of the hand he’d rested on her shoulder.

  “I really think we should head back. It’s a shame to pay for a room and not use it, don’t you think?” She smiled up at him. “And really, now that I know I have my very own consort, I feel I haven’t been getting the full value. What was it Clift said? Advisor, bodyguard, and what was the third one? Oh yes, lover.”

  As he and Brenna made their way back to the Red Anchor, Kane felt content, settled even, for the first time in a very long time. Brenna was right, in a way, about him looking too far into the future. Oh, it was his role to think about the future - you had to have a goal and a plan in order to make things happen - but he also had to make sure that she made it through today and that she lived to become queen. As her consort he would be better able to do that.

  As they reached the Red Anchor, Kevan ran out to greet them, a bun clenched tight in one hand.

  “Beggin’ yer pardons, but Master Chennel asks that ye meet him in the kitchen straight away.” The boy looked at them curiously. “That’s a right unusual get up ye got on there healer.”

  Kane ignored his comment. “Did Master Chennel say what this was about?”

  “No sir,” Kevan stuffed the end of the bun in his mouth and took a bite. “But a runner come from Mistress Laurel’s house early. I heard him say the duchess’ ship was expected to reach port today.”

  Kane pulled out a half copper and tossed it to the lad, who grinned and darted back into the inn. “Shall we see what our host wants with us?” He held to door for Brenna to precede him into the inn.

  Kane refilled all three cups with steaming tea and sat back down. Warrick had insisted that they eat first and though Kane had been irritated at the delay, now, with a full stomach and a second cup of tea, he realized that lack of sleep and the emotional turmoil of the previous night had taken its toll on him. He didn’t exactly feel rested, but at least he was ready to tackle the day. He could tell that Brenna also felt better for the short break.

  “Kane, Brenna, I am sorry to disturb you so early but a message came from Laurel Kerrich,” Warrick said. “Duchess Avery will be arriving this morning and you’re asked to attend her in the afternoon at Laurel’s home.”

  “But we just saw Laurel last night,” Brenna said. “There was no mention of the duchess arriving today.” She leaned forward in her chair. “How did they find out exactly when to expect her?”

  “Why, magic, of course.” Warrick seemed surprised. “The duchess and her daughter can communicate over long distances. It’s a well-known Kerrich ability.” He paused. “Well known by Aruntians, anyway. If it’s important enough they’ll pass on messages from and to ordinary folk. I have a neighbour who got word to his uncle in Kingsreach through the Kerrich’s when his ma died.”

  “Avery and Laurel can converse over long distances,” Kane said. “Did you know that?” he asked Brenna. The more he understood about her family, the more it seemed that her magical skills with old steel were related to family traits.

  “No, but I should have,” Brenna said. “When we were in Lakeview Laurel would often make comments about letting her mother know this or that, but I assumed she was sending messages by courier, even though I never saw one in town. Instead she must have been contacting her by magic.”

  “She must have assumed you knew,” Kane said. “It doesn’t sound like they keep it a secret.”

  “I think you’re right,” Brenna agreed. “I don’t think she tried to hide it from me. If we’re to meet with Duchess Avery later today I need to rest.” She stood up and Kane felt his heart squeeze when she looked at him.

  “Warrick,” Kane said. “Is there anything else you need from us?”

  “No, just thought you’d want to know…” Warrick started, then Kevan burst into the room.

  “It’s Sneath, mistress healer,” Kevan said. “He’s in the kitchen and says he’ll stay there until you have time to see him. Cook asks if you can see him now. Can’t stand the smell, though I told her he’s less ripe than yesterday.”

  “I’ll take a look,” Brenna said. “Let me grab my pack.”

  “I’ll get it,” Kane said. “You go see to your patient.”

  By the time he got back downstairs there was line of people waiting to see Brenna. Kane dropped her pack on a table.

  “Thanks,” she said. She was already rooting around in the pack.

  “Kevan.” Kane called the boy over. “There’s a copper in it for you if you don’t let anyone else wait for healing. Brenna needs some rest today.”

  The boy nodded and went to stand behind the last person in line, a scowl on his face. Satisfied that Brenna wouldn’t be overwhelmed, Kane headed back to their room. He needed sleep too.

  Brenna wearily cleaned her knife and packed up the last of her tools and herbs. Thankfully she only had five patients to deal with, besides poor Sneath. The stable hand had been so excited to be relatively pain free that he’d begged for more of the paste. He was terrified he’d run out and Brenna wouldn’t be available to give him more. Sighing, she grabbed her pack and opened the door.

  “Hey Kevan,” she called. The red-haired lad had stood outside the room the whole time. “Do you know Yowan Sellars? Good. Find him and ask him to meet Kane and I here late this afternoon.” Kevan nodded and then raced down the hall to the door.

  At least that was one thing out of the way. Yowan had wanted to be the one to tell Duchess Avery about her and Madelay, and Brenna was more than happy to le
t him.

  Brenna gently opened the door to the room she shared with Kane and slipped inside, quickly sliding the bolt on the door. The room was dim but she could see a Kane-sized lump on the bed and when she moved closer she saw that he was lying on his stomach, head facing away from her. She dropped her pack and quickly stripped her shirt and breeches off, throwing them at the chair by the window. Lifting the cover, she slipped in beside him. He hadn’t left much room for her, so she took it as an invitation to press up against him, facing his shoulder and lengthening her body along his side. She reached a hand out and touched his smooth back, enjoying the silky feel of his skin beneath her hand. Sighing, she dropped her head to the bed and with Kane’s warmth guiding her, she fell asleep.

  Brenna sighed and snuggled closer to the warmth, tiredly raising a hand to rub her still closed eyes. A sound woke her up fully and she opened her eyes and met Kane’s warm blue gaze. When her eyes dropped to his lips, his smile widened and he leaned forward to kiss her. Brenna concentrated on the kiss, the softness of his lips, the warmth of his breath against her cheek. With a small groan, Kane reached an arm around her and dragged her on top of him, their bodies laying full length against each other. She could feel the evidence of his desire for her and she reached a hand down and stroked him. He gasped and caught her hand.

  “Unless you want this over before it starts, you had better not do that.” His voice was ragged and his breathing shallow.

  “Hmm, not exactly my plan,” she said, trailing kisses along his collarbone.

  Kane brushed a hand down her spine and she shivered. He cupped his hands on the soft flesh of her bottom and lifted her hips until she straddled him. He smiled a slow, languid smile as she lowered herself onto him, her breathing ragged when he was fully sheathed. He leaned forward and she gasped as warm lips teased one nipple. Kane moved under her, increasing his rhythm until she forgot everything except where their skin met, at hips and chest and lips. She arched her back, pleasure flooding her body, before she collapsed onto Kane, her hair falling across his face as they kissed.

  Kane wrapped both arms around her and hugged her tight as she rolled off him and fit herself to his contours, head on his shoulder.

  “See, that wasn’t so frightening, was it?” she murmured as she kissed the underside of his chin, rough with morning stubble. She felt as well as heard his laugh.

  “Terrifying,” he said, “but the alternative was worse.”

  She moved to lean on one elbow, looking him in the eyes. “So you decided to finally share my bed because you’re more afraid of not sharing it?”

  Kane nodded. “I paid for the room, so it’s not actually your bed.” He looked at her through lowered lids. “You just happened to be in it when I woke up.”

  “So it’s my fault, is it?” She reached under the covers and stroked him and grinned when he growled. “I’ll take credit for the first time, but what about now?” She barely had time to take a breath before his mouth covered hers and he rolled over and pinned her to the mattress. Brenna wrapped her arms around Kane, feeling the muscles in his back move beneath her hand as he continued to take her breath away.

  A knock sounded on the door and Kane surged out of bed, reaching for his sword.

  “Mistress Seer it’s me, Kevan.”

  Kane relaxed and settled his weapon back by the chair.

  “Yes Kevan, I’m here,” Brenna answered from the rumpled bed.

  “I talked to Master Sellars like ye asked me and he’s downstairs in the tavern waitin’ on ye.”

  “Thank you Kevan, please tell him we’ll be down soon.”

  The boy’s footsteps faded down the hall and Kane turned back to Brenna. She was sitting in bed, the blanket wrapped around her shoulders, a grin on her face.

  “Remind me to arrange for someone to wake us up like that often.” She laughed and stood up, the blanket still around her. She moved to him and kissed him lightly, one hand trailing down his bare chest. “You look magnificent, Kane. If my grandfather wasn’t waiting downstairs right now I’d show you how much I appreciate the view.”

  Kane grabbed the blanket and let it drop to the floor as he scooped her up into his arms. “If you hadn’t worn me out already, I might make you.” Even as he said it he felt himself responding. He didn’t think he’d ever get enough of her. “Come on,” he dropped her onto the bed. “We don’t have much time before we’re due to meet with the duchess.” He handed her clothes to her before turning to find his own.

  Kane picked up the mugs and carried them over to the table where Yowan and Brenna sat.

  “Here you go,” Kane placed the three mugs on the table and took a seat beside Brenna. She brushed his leg under the table and he smiled at her.

  “Glad to see you finally accepted your fate, my boy.” Yowan looked from him to Brenna. “I expect it’ll help with the duchess as well.”

  “I’m not sure I know what you mean.” Kane picked up his mug and drank. Was it so obvious that he and Brenna had finally bedded?

  Yowan gripped his shoulder. “I know it’s a hard thing, falling for a Kerrich woman.” Yowan smiled over at Brenna. “They are none of them easy to live with.”

  “I am not difficult to live with.” Brenna scowled at Yowan and Kane smothered a grin.

  “Yes you are,” Yowan continued. “You’re headstrong and you attract trouble like bees to honey. But I’m sure Kane would say that despite all that, you’re worth it.”

  Kane nodded. Yes, even if all he had was a few months, Brenna was worth it.

  “My Madelay was headstrong. Why do you think she went off journeying without me by her side?” Yowan shook his head. “I’ll always regret that, but maybe she knew something she couldn’t tell me? Something that would have been too hard for me to hear?” Yowan turned sad eyes to Brenna. “It’s not only Seers who have visions. Sometimes they come to those with the blood but not the true Sight. For years I’ve thought that maybe that’s what happened to Madelay.” He took another long drink of ale.

  “It was I who told her the Call, of course, I’m the reason it was passed down to you, Brenna. At the time I thought maybe Madelay could use it if she got into trouble.” He glanced at Kane. “I know it would have been under false pretenses, but if it would have saved her, it would have been worth it to me. After all, the Brotherhood had been around for two thousand years, who wouldn’t expect a false alarm or two?”

  Yowan fell silent and Kane traced some old knife scars across the wooden table. He looked up at Brenna. He couldn’t blame Yowan, he would have done the same for Brenna.

  “It doesn’t change the fact that I believe Brenna to be the true heir,” Kane said quietly.

  “Of course not, lad,” Yowan said. “I think more than ever she is. And not just because she’s related to Madelay.” Yowan picked up his mug and twisted it in his hands. He looked up them hesitantly. “I grew up with my father’s family. He was a farmer up north close to Kingsreach and his folk were good, solid people, Brotherhood, too. I never knew my mother, but my father and grandmother made sure I never missed out, if you know what I mean?”

  “You felt loved,” Brenna said, reaching a hand to cover Yowan’s. “And safe.”

  “Aye, that’s true lass,” Yowan continued. “And I knew nothing of my mother for years and years. It must have been twenty years after Madelay left, when my father sent me a message. He was dyin’ ye see, and needed to unburden himself.” Yowan sighed and smiled sadly.

  “Turns out I wasn’t his child at all. All these years, he’d raised me as his own. My mother was a stranger, but him and my grandmother, being good folk, they took her in and all. They couldn’t bear to let a woman so heavy with child wander, not with winter coming, he told me. My mother didn’t live very long after I was born and my father said he never knew whether to believe her or not.” Yowan shrugged. “But what she told him was that she’d come from Kingsreach, where she’d worked at the castle until her condition showed - then she was let go. Her folks refused to
take her in and her baby’s father, my father, wouldn’t acknowledge her child.” Yowan turned sad eyes to Brenna. “You can guess who it was, can’t you? My mother claimed King Bodan was my father, though he was just a young prince at the time.”

  Kane sat back in his chair. “Do you believe it?” he asked Yowan.

  “I have to now, don’t I?” Yowan gestured to Brenna, who sat very still.

  Kane reached for her hand, cradling it between both of his.

  “I’d have to agree with you, Yowan,” he said, meeting Brenna’s gaze. “That’s all four of Wolde’s bloodlines. That is the prophecy.”

  eight

  It was late afternoon and Kane followed Yowan through the streets, his hand clasped in Brenna’s. They were on their way to Laurel’s house to meet with Duchess Avery. Yowan wanted to start the conversation with the Duchess and Kane was relieved. How did you tell a woman that not only was her only sister still alive, but that the grandchild of that sister was right in front of her? At least Yowan knew the family – he’d known Madelay and he now claimed Brenna as his granddaughter.

  Duchess Avery had recovered from her surprise at Yowan’s presence but his years of watching her in the king’s council told Kane that she was deeply worried about something. Which meant he was worried too.

  They were in the same room they’d retired to last night after dining. Duchess Avery stood in front of the fireplace, flanked by Neal Ravershaw to her left and Laurel and Clift to her right. Both men wore swords and knives at their sides and Kane wondered what had put such wary looks on their faces. Yowan stood facing the duchess, a few steps in front of him, and Brenna leaned casually by the door, her pack jammed against her and the wall, as if she was hiding it.

  “Duchess, if I might speak?” Kane stepped forward with a nod to Yowan, who stepped back a pace. “What Yowan has to say is important, more important than you can possibly imagine, but I think you have other issues on your mind.” Avery nodded so Kane continued. “I think that everything will come back to what Yowan has to say, but there is more than one road to Kingsreach, after all. Please tell us what’s troubling you.”