The Crossing (Book 1)

Chapter 13

     Brae let go of Trill's hand and moved back to lean against the wall next to the fire, "So that's meant for me? Memories? What good will that do me?"

     Trill leaned forward and frowned at Brae, "There are lifetimes of knowledge in those memories. Memories from all kinds of people, Brae, your family. That is not something to belittle. There are people in our own lands that are unable to trace their family back past their grandparents and here you will be able to trace your family's lineage as far back as the beginning of time."

     "That's probably not true."

     "Maybe not, but from what I have read and what Amarundia was able to show me, that is what it looks and sounds like." Trill leaned back in the chair. "With these memories comes knowledge. You asked what you knew of being a King or a leader? Everything you would ever need to know about anything is within these memories, not just about being a King or a leader. You can be anything your heart desires with these memories. I believe that you will be just as loved as Noa was, if not more, but Lauvallaria is the only one that can give them to you."

     Brae tilted his head, "Why?"

     Trill looked annoyed, "I have no idea Brae. That was not written and Amarundia did not share that with me. Only Lauvallaria can tell you, but she will not do that while she is ruled by Obram. Now, let us get back to Cera's part of the story."

     Brae let his hands fall to his sides on the floor, "I already know this part of the story. My mother told it to Tarn and Crina every night before bed when we were younger."

     "Brae, you need to really see it this time, not hear it as a bedtime story that your mother was telling your brother and sister. I am allowing you to see the most important parts. Ask yourself this one question, why did your mother never tell you this story?"

     "She did."

     "No Brae, listen to me. You. Why did she never tell," Trill raised her hand and pointed at Brae, "you?"

     Brae opened his mouth to answer and then quickly shut it again as he thought about that for a moment longer. He realized his mother had never directly told him the story. He had only ever heard it being told to his brother and sister. Brae looked at Trill confused, "Why didn't she?"

     "I don't know, but somewhere in that head of yours, you do know. You just have to unlock it, and while you try, you will not be falling asleep or walking off in the middle of the story like you did when you were younger. This directly affects you, all those that have come before you, and all that will come after you."

     "All that have come before me? Well, this story must not be that helpful then because they're all dead." Brae moved to stand when Cera laid her hand on his arm.

     Trill turned an irritated eye on Brae. "Sit down, now!" For the moment, she had gotten past the fact that she had hurt him by keeping secrets from him. "I have sworn to tell all of this and now that the time has come upon me to do so you will sit there and listen to everything and you will do it as if you have never heard these stories before."

     Brae stared at Trill and sat back down, the muscles in his jaw working to keep him quiet. Brae. He looked down at Cera's hand as she let it slide from his arm. Looking into her coppery eyes he drew what strength he could from her nearness.

     "Do you think you are the only one that is hurt by what I have told you?" Trill shifted in her chair, "Maybe you should think about what I have gone through every day since your parents died, knowing that I was going to have to be the one to crush your world all over again."