The Savage

Part 3: Chapter 2: Brenn

The cart creaked as the oxen pulled it through the muck of the muddy in the road. This far north the ground still froze at night, but so close to the warmth of the mountain the ground remained thawed. Sitting beside Ronan, Brenn hadn't bothered to light the lantern. The oxen knew their way. They were close enough to the Crone that it called to them. So they sat in the dim light of dusk, silent as they rode on.

Brenn turned to check the basket in the back. Boudicca's body had been prepared for the pyre, oiled, wrapped and secured inside the basket for travel. It had been strapped in and despite the bumpy ride hadn't moved. Behind them in another cart rode Shae, Fia and Galia.

"You alright?" he asked.

"Why wouldn't I be?" Brenn asked tersely.

"Because ya just lost yar mother." Ronan said, his voice thick with emotions of his own.

"I'm fine." She replied. She was fine. She'd expected so many more emotions at a time like this, but Brenn felt very little. Sure she felt the pang of sadness that her mother was gone, but she wasn't over-whelmed with grief or loss. It was as if she was numb. Numb was preferred. This wasn't the time to break down.

"I think Shae will want to be the new Seer's Protector." Brenn said lowly so the others wouldn't hear.

"Seems logical that he would be. He is her uncle." Ronan shrugged, the reins slack in his hands.

"I will be appointing you." Brenn replied.

Ronan turned to study her face in the dark. "Why?"

"Shae will want to Protect her as his family, not as his Seer. There is a difference." Brenn pointed out.

"Aye there is, but I don't believe that would be a hindrance to him. Shae has too much integrity for that."

"It's not a risk I'm willing to take. You will remain Protector."

Ronan sighed heavily, "If you insist."

Brenn's annoyance flared, "I command, Ronan. I don't insist."

"Are you going to keep the Seer close or are you going to hide her at the Crone."

"What do you say?"

"The Protector would say hide her at the Crone. It would be the safest place for her. But I want to be close to you not hidden away this far north."

"It doesn't need to be decided yet. But I'm inclined to keep her close. For when we need her magic."

"Magic will not win this war, Brenn."

"It keeps the usurper at bay and that is more than we would be able to accomplish without it."

"We need bodies. Warriors, soldiers."

"We chased out the Conquerer without an army."

"She didn't have Colvin." Ronan said bitterly.

"Without the Seer, Colvin will be useless to the usurper."

"I wouldn't be so sure. Shiny says he is powerful."

"He is still a man."

"From the sounds of it, he has been able to over come the obstacle."

Brenn scoffed.

As the lush forest around them parted and thinned, the village fires came into view. The village of Bhaile. Tucked between the rocky roots of the Breathing Mountain it reminded Brenn of Mor. She bit the inside of her cheek to keep her feelings at bay. Bhaile was the oldest village and closest to the Crone which was still half a days walk around the base of the mountain and up to the plateau. The earth rumbled as they approached. Brenn's heart leapt and began to race.