Knife of Rebellion: Battles of Eyenwar, Book 1

Chapter 10- Home Away From Home

I am sitting in the library as usual when Garen bursts through the doors.

"What did you do?" He says accusingly. He looks more aggressive than I have ever seen him. I brush my fingers over the knife I have hidden in my sleeve.

"What are you talking about?" I ask suspiciously as I rise from my seat. I shift subtly into a defensive position.

"I'm talking about the fact that Branon has been asleep since you brought him home yesterday and no one can wake him up. I'm talking about the fact that you should have broken all of your ribs, but somehow you're walking around looking healthier than you did a week ago!" His voice get progressively louder with each word.

I blink, confused at his confusion, "I just borrowed some of Branon's energy to heal myself. He should sleep it off in the next day or two."

Garen shakes his head, face pale. "I knew it. It shouldn't be possible, but you healed yourself."

"What are you talking about impossible," I say confused, "Didn't Branon tell you when we arrived here? I thought that was the 'miracle' you were talking about."

The prince sits down shaking his head, "Branon told me you knew that K'roth was going to shoot before it happened and you pushed him out of the way. He said it was like you could see the future. That's what I was talking about. Did Branon lie to me?"

"No, it's not a lie exactly. I did sense the arrow and try to push Bran out of the way, but I didn't get there fast enough and it went through his shoulder. Afterward I healed it for him, but I had to regain my strength for a few days. That's why we were late a couple of days." I explain.

"I wonder why he didn't tell you?" I wonder allowed to myself.

Garen shook his head, "Bran knows me very well. He probably knew I would have a hard time resisting using your abilities for myself. I think he just wanted to protect you."

I only laugh, "As if you could use me."

Garen smile ruefully, "I'm sure he knows that now."

Garen fingers his sleeves, "Are you sure he will be okay? Brans more like a brother to me than Alaric, I don't know what I would do if..."

"He'll be fine. Just be sure to have some food ready for when he wakes up. He need to eat to replace the energy he lost." I use to have to do the same for The Yuvana, who would generally be out of commission for a week or more after even a minor healing.

"Do all spirit bridges have this ability?" Garen asks.

I consider how much I should tell him, but the truth is it's not exactly a secret. So I answer-

"No, only the strongest ones. My own mentor was one of the only three we've had in over sixty years."

"And you are one of the others," Garen considers.

"Yes," I agree, "And the third is the spirit bridge advisor to the Queen."

Garen and I sit in the library talking about spirit bridges well past the time we usually go out and train. Which is alright with me because sometime this morning it started down pouring and I have no desire to get soaking wet two days in a row.

Somehow we get onto the subject of Skevetic lineage.

"I know that Alaric's full name is Alaric D'rogin, and that your full name is Garen G'vril, but I don't know why they are different." I say.

"Only the current king and his son heir take the last name of the previous king. I have my mothers last name. Now, once Alaric has a son, his last name will also be a D'rogin. If Alaric has a second son, his name will be S'var after his mother. However, if Alaric dies without an heir, I take his place and my last name becomes D'rogin." Garen explains.