Thornhold - Elaine Cunningham [159]
“Oh, Cara,” Bronwyn breathed.
“The child is in grave danger, and not only from the corrupting influence of her father’s faith. The paladins are gathering to mount an assault on Thoruhold. It appears that this attack will take place sooner than my brother paladins anticipated. There are not enough men to mount a conventional siege, but the brothers have faith that they can prevail regardless. Not more than an hour ago, a young man of our order, a promising youth known as Algorind, rode in from Summit Hall with four of his brothers. Do you know this man?”
“We’ve met,” she said shortly, not bothering to look up. “He and his friends followed me back to the city.”
“They are seeking you even now-you, and the artifact you carry with you.”
This time she did glance at the knight. “The rings,” she hedged.
“And the siege tower,” he added. “Few among the Knights of Samular know that story, but I heard it from Hronulf, and recognized the Fenrisbane from Algorind’s story. Unfortunately, so did Laharin Goldbeard. You see, once, long ago, the great Samular himself captured Thornhold with the help of this artifact. My brother paladin desires to use it again, for the same purpose, and for the greater glory of
Bronwyn rose and started to pace. “Why are you telling me this?”
The knight came to her and took her shoulders. “You are the daughter of my dearest friend. I see in you Hronulf’s spirit. A terrible injustice has been done to you. As a servant of Tyr, it is my duty to try to see it put to rights.”
She stared up into his face. “What do you mean?”
“Your destiny was stolen from you when you were too young to understand it. Now that you are a woman grown, men seek to do this again. This is not well done, even though it is done in all good conscience, and for a great cause.”
“So what are you saying?”
“The power is yours, Child of Samular. You must decide for yourself how you will use it.” He glanced over his shoulder toward the door. “Now go, and quickly! They will find you if you linger.”
“He’s right.” Danilo emerged from the back, holding out his hand for her. “Though I must say, sir, your words surprise me. Bronwyn, I’ll get you out of the city. Once you’re safe, you can decide what to do.”
Alice came up and pressed a leather bag into her hands. “I heard everything. Here are the things from the safe. You might well be needing them.”
Bronwyn nodded her thanks and turned to the Harper. She clasped his offered hand. “I’m ready.”
As Danilo began the words of a spell, Bronwyn felt a whirling force gather about her. She felt as if she was about to be sucked into a tunnel, torn away from her own body. Never had she traveled magic’s silver paths-never had she had occasion to do so, she told herself. But in truth, the notion terrified her more than the prospect of sea travel.
But she had conquered that old fear. Suddenly Bronwyn knew that she need never again yield to lingering demons from her past-or to a belief that meaning and order for her life could only be found in the secrets of the past.
As the roar and whirl of magic carried her away, Bronwyn lifted her chin and stared straight ahead into the white void. The answers she now sought lay not in the hidden past, but the untried future.
Eighteen
Bronwyn emerged from the magical journey at the Thann family estates not far north of Waterdeep. The sun had vanished by the time they arrived, so she accepted Danilo’s urging and stayed the night. As exhausted as she was, as comfortable as the featherbed in the villa’s guest chamber might be, her dreams were haunted by all that had happened in the last several days and by the uncertainty and danger that lay before.
She rose before the sun and found that Danilo had been busy while she slept. Servants brought new traveling clothes and gear to her room, along with a tray of food. She quickly ate and dressed, and then followed the servants’ directions to the stable. Danilo was there, directing the selection and preparation of a suitable horse and the packing of travel supplies.
His face turned somber