Brienne walkedat William’s side toward the mayhem. Her blood felt different now. The power coursed more strongly through her, and she could feel some abilities she did not know she had before. Jumping from fire to fire was only a small part of them. If she became fire now, she could travel in that form through the air.
And William must be feeling the same changes within him.
She could not believe the powers he had nor the size he had become in that circle. And yet he never lost himself to it all. That was another change to them—they did not lose their humanity even as they became something else.
By the time they reached the battle, it was dissipating, for Lord Hugh was already retreating, escaping with those of his soldiers still alive, riding north over the hills. The wall of fire evaporated as he took his attention from it to save himself.
“There are more circles,” Aislinn said from behind them.
Glancing back, she saw Brisbois standing guard at the priest’s back.
William turned and nodded. “And you know their location? How to find them?” he asked.
“I read the signs on the altar stone before it was destroyed and await the prophecy that will complete it.”
“When will that come, Aislinn?” Brienne asked.
“As and when the gods allow it.”
“We should see to the wounded and organize ourselves for the journey,” William said, tugging her hand. She smiled as she realized that he had not let go of her since they survived the ritual a few minutes ago.
They began to walk toward the people who gathered around the field, but she tugged William to a stop.
“Give me a moment. I wish to speak to Brisbois.”
From his darkening expression, neither William nor the warblood in him liked the idea. He gazed at her, and she let him know all was well. He kissed her hand and released it, walking at Aislinn’s side a few paces ahead of them.
“Why did you do it?” she asked the man whose actions had saved her and Aislinn, and probably ensured their success over his master.
He gave her that look, the one that said he did not wish to discuss such matters, and continued walking. Then he spoke quietly.
“You frightened him, girl. No one has done that before. And better than that, you defied him.”
“And you have served him for a long time?” she asked, knowing nothing of how or why this man had become Lord Hugh’s torturer.
“From the moment of his birth,” he said, drawing back the sleeve of his tunic to reveal the same mark that she carried. “We shared our mother’s womb, but only one could have the power. He was firstborn and inherited it. I became his to command, since he was the heir.” Brienne stopped and stared at his face then. She’d never looked for nor seen the resemblance before and yet it sat there in plain view.
“Brienne?” William called out to her, sensing her distress. She waved him on and faced her . . . uncle.
“Twins?” she asked. His face had been changed over time and from injuries and hadn’t been influenced by the goddess’s power into something different from his brother’s. He nodded. “And now?” she asked, unsure how she could be certain of his loyalty while Lord Hugh yet lived.
“I am still in service to the heir,” he said gruffly. He went down on his knees in front of her. “If you will have me.” Holding out his arm to her, Brienne stared as the mark they shared glowed. Stunned by his words and his offer, it took her a moment to accept both.
“I am the heir?”
“Aye, girl. The only one.”
“Then I accept your loyalty and your service.”
She placed her own mark on his, and their skin melted, allowing their blood to touch. He hissed as the power touched him, but he did not pull away until the marks separated on their own. By the time William returned to her side, Brisbois had regained his feet.
“What are your orders, my lady?” he asked.
The thought of having someone at her command unnerved her. William took her hand and nodded, understanding that this man had pledged his loyalty.
“As William said, guard Aislinn always, until I say otherwise.”
“As you command, my lady.” Her uncle nodded, this time with a wink at her, and followed Aislinn as she made her way to where the priests gathered.
