The Savage

Part 3: Chapter Fourteen: Brenn

Brenn sat at the table inside her tent alone for the first time in weeks. She'd sent everyone out to search for the alchemist. Sitting there she wished she'd had someone stay with her. The ache of her heart grew when she was alone with no one and nothing to distract her. Looking around for something to do, her eyes fell on a pile of clothes sitting on top of a trunk in the corner. Llewellyn's clothes. The clothes he'd left behind to race after his brother. She'd tried to pull on the bond and bring him back but he'd ignored her. It undoubtedly make him sick to do so. She knew he was upset to be sent away, but she didn't think he would run back home. Sighing heavily through her nose, Brenn stood and crossed to the clothing. It shouldn't have been a surprise. He was still so Daearian. Picking through the items she saw her pattern, the red thread of Llewellyn now gone. The bond broken somehow. Lifting the fabric something fell from it, fluttering to the ground. Stooping to pick it up, she paused, recognizing the seal. Palming it she slowly straighten up. It was the letter for Syros.

"That bastard." She muttered to herself. He'd never sent it. He'd never intended to send it! What if he was a spy for his grandmother the entire time? 'That fucking bastard!' She crumpled the letter in her fist. That Daearian bastard! How dare he deceive her! HER! When she had trusted him despite everyone telling her not to. This was how he repaid her trust and love? With betrayal and lies! Not only had he not sent it, but he carried it with him as a reminder of his lies. How could he have truly loved her?

The flaps of the tent flew open as Ronan stomped in briefly letting a cool breeze inside the warm tent. "Still nothing." Ronan grumbled slumping into a chair.

"You can't find an old man?" Brenn demanded in annoyance.

"That mountain is a maze!" Ronan replied.

Brenn eyed him, "You could burn him out?"

"I'm not doing that." Ronan said shaking his head and reaching for a pitcher of ale.

"That dragon's breath is the key to winning this war, Ronan."

"What do you want me to do? My hands are tied. He is nowhere to be found."

Brenn threw her hands in the air. "He will hang for treason against the folk when he is found."

"That's a stretch."

"Is it? I'm not so sure."

"Brenn, you ca-."

"I can and I will!" Brenn spat tossing the wrinkled letter onto the table.

"What's this?" Ronan asked unfolding it.

"A letter that I thought had been sent to Syros. This whole time, I thought Syros had ignored me. But it was Llewellyn who failed to send it."

Ronan frowned, "What did you expect? Trusting a Daearian like that?"

"I am aware of my mistake. Thank you Ronan."

"You shouldn't ha-."

"Your Majesty!" Fia shouted bursting in. "There's a bird!" she said out of breath handing Brenn a small scroll.

"A bird?" Brenn asked taking a little parchment.

"A gull."

A sea bird? Brenn hastily unrolled the little scroll. The tiny writing was in Daearian. Elegant and delicate.

An army sails for Beal. This army is yours if you want it. If you agree to the following terms. A marriage alliance is to take place within a fortnight of the victory and both the Sliav and the Camas passes are to be shared with the Camden province. Please reply with haste. Llewellyn.