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Co
'I can't do this,' said Bran. 'I can't stop thinking about Ru. I'll head for home tomorrow.'
'We need you, Bran,' said Co
Bran shook his head. 'You taught me everything I know,' he told his brother. 'And with you at the head the Stone army will be beaten. I am sure of that.'
'I may not be here,' said Co
'What?'
Brother Solstice saw the shock register on Bran's face. The younger man crouched down beside his brother. 'What madness is this? Of course you will be here!'
'I hope that is true, my brother,' Co
Bran bowed his head, then looked up at Brother Solstice. 'I am sorry, my friend, for striking you.'
'Forgiven and forgotten,' said the druid. 'Perhaps you should find Banouin – and listen to his report a second time.'
Bran nodded, then turned to Co
'Nothing will stop my destiny,' agreed Co
'Aye.'
Then do as the Brother bids and seek out Banouin. We will talk more later, when Gova
Bran rose and left the tent. Brother Solstice remained. 'Tell me of these two futures,' he said.
Co
'And the second?' asked the druid.
'I see myself on a tall horse, my armour shining bright, my helm in place. I draw my blade and hold it aloft. Fiallach is beside me. The great battle is underway and together we lead the charge down the slope.'
'Perhaps these were not true futures, merely signs of what could be,' said the druid. 'They ca
Co
Brother Solstice took the parchment and opened it. There, in Braefar's flowing script, was the message: My dear brother, we have suffered a great misunderstanding. I have spoken to Guern and he agrees that the time has come to settle our differences. We will meet you at the Circle of Balg tomorrow at dusk. If you have any love left for me come alone, Co
'He must think you stupid,' said Brother Solstice.
'Yet I will go,' Co
Then take a troop of men with you.'
'How can I, my friend? He bids me to come alone.'
'Oh, Co
'I know that,' said Co
'I know, Co
'More than a year. Jasaray sent him money to help finance a rebellion among the Pa
'Men change,' said the druid. 'Weak men ca
'Ah, well,' said Co
'It must not end!' said Brother Solstice. 'What you are pla
Co
'You think these visions will come to pass in the lands of the Rigante?' asked the druid.
'I do not know. I only know what I must do. And that is ride to the circle. Alone.'
'They will kill you, Co
'I have always been alone,' said Co
Bane saddled a chestnut mare, then walked back into the farmhouse. Gryffe and Iswain were waiting in the main room. 'When will you be back?' asked Gryffe.
'Some day,' Bane told him. Reaching into the pocket of his black, sleeveless jerkin, he produced a rolled parchment. 'I made this deed in Three Streams the day the army moved out. It has been witnessed by three elders.' He handed it to Gryffe. 'It deeds the farm and all cattle and land to you.' He gri