Free Warrior Blind by Calle J. Brookes Page A

be, brother. In fact, I come here today to ask that you rule Lothicano in my stead completely. I do not know when I will return to this throne. My calling and my place is now elsewhere, at my gamata ’s side. I do not know when that will change. And this war that comes will claim many lives. Possibly mine own. I come to gather the warriors I will need to protect this new healer city. And I come to tell you...to tell you that our paths diverge today. And to tell you that...you have been the closest to me all these years. And that I...care for you. And I always will.”
    Sinrik cursed. “You cannot mean to abdicate? Our people have had twin kings for a thousand years.”
    “Not abdicate. But I am needed elsewhere. It is my duty, and my destiny. This is my path, brother. And I ask that you respect my decision.”
    “Of course. But our warriors? Many will not wish to leave their home world. War within our realm is one thing. But many do not ever wish to leave this place.”
    “And that is another reason I have come here. To put them the question. Please, have the numbers gathered as quickly as possible.”
    “I will do that.” Sinrik clasped his hands around Koios’ forearms. “I care for you, as well, brother. May my strength go with you into this new path.”
    “Oh, you two are hopeless. Just admit it—you love each other! Now, what do we have to do to help Bronie?”
    Did he love his brother? He supposed he did—though he would never say it so. He was Beskre warrior , it just was not done in that manner. “Gather the warriors. It will be protection the healers need. I will lead the warriors. She will lead the healers. Hopefully together we can make a difference in this war that comes.”
    “And what war is that?”
    “The dark sorcerer who destroyed Evelanedea, one of the inner worlds, thousands of years ago. He is rising soon, and some of the Laquazzeana believe he is behind the attacks on Relaklonos, on Thrun, and even on Sharalda. I do not know that I fully believe it. But my gamata does, and she is set on this path. So I must accompany her.”
    “And you want to take some of our men with you.”
    “I will take all that will join me.”
    “Then so be it. I will call the guards and have them send out the summons. I just hope you know what you are about, brother.”
    “I do.”
     
    ***
    It took several hours to have all of the armies of Lothicano assembled. And that was a good speed. They had worked long and hard to ensure that the Lothicano army could form quickly. And now that work was paying off. When he got the signal from his top men, and his brother’s, he stepped onto the stone steps. He stood with his brother at his side, the princess clutching her spawn on the other side of his twin. The castle that had been his home his entire life was strong and majestic behind him. He held up a hand and had the warriors gathered quieting.
    “I know you have questions, and I cannot answer them all. But this duty is that which has been set down before me. Before my gamata .”
    The roar of the crowd was expected at the news. His people had lived without a queen for hundreds of years. Now they had one. He just wished that she was by his side, visible for those who followed him. He held up a hand and the crowd quieted.
    “The time to celebrate your new queen is later. For she has been set upon her own task this day. A grim one. The healers gather near the city of Thrun. Each healer will be counted, each one will be needed. And they still might not be enough.”
    The mood of the masses immediately darkened. “As will we. We have been called to protect those who would heal and save us. To protect our queen, the Laquazzeana Healer Bronwen, once of Gaia, now Queen of our beautiful Lothicano.”
    They began chanting his gamata ’s name. He held up his other hand.
    “I come to you this day, as your king. Not to command you to this new task. But to ask you to do this. War has been brought to our doors, to our homes,