Free The Well of Shades by Juliet Marillier Page A

judgment.
    “You have my support whichever way you go, Bridei,” said Talorgen. “I don’t relish the thought of finding myself in conflict with Broichan, but I trust you to make the right decision. Both choices have their advantagesand disadvantages. Carnach’s arguments are compelling, and we’ll doubtless hear them stated and restated once the news of Drust’s death gets around. Your warrior chieftains are likely to support Carnach.”
    “My support, I have already pledged,” Aniel said. “If it sets me at odds with my fellow councillors and the king’s druid, so be it. It won’t be the first time. In the aftermath of war, perhapsthe blood runs more hotly in some men, urging them to impulsive choices and ill-considered action. For me, a matter of such vital import must be carefully weighed. I have done so. This is Bridei’s choice.”
    Bridei glanced at Fola.
    “Don’t look at me,” the wise woman said. “You must know I don’t make hasty decisions. I will consult the gods; you will do likewise. Let us meet again in the morningand see if there is a clear way forward. We must not become enemies, any of us. Carnach, I understand what drives you. I feel it myself, in the bones. I know thatBroichan will be the same. I hope we do not break his heart.”
    “Broichan has a heart?” Aniel lifted his brows. “Intellect, ambition, faith, all those he possesses in generous measure. But I remind you of the one time he nearly failedus. Was not the matter of Tuala one in which heartlessness was nearly his downfall, and that of our long-nurtured plans?”
    “Let us not discuss that now,” Bridei said. “Carnach, will you think on this tonight and be ready to speak further tomorrow?”
    “I’m not going to change my mind. Forgive me, but to follow the course you’re considering would be a monumental error of judgment. I’m waiting towake up and find this was all a bad dream, Bridei. I can’t believe it’s happening.”
    “You are my kinsman and my chief war leader,” Bridei told him quietly. “I may not follow your advice in all things but, believe me, I will always consider it. I don’t want this matter to come between us, Carnach. I’m well aware that, in large part, I owe the kingship of Fortriu to you. Our country cannot afforddivisions between its own leaders.”
    Carnach did not reply but stood up, making ready to leave. His expression was forbidding.
    “Very well,” Bridei said. “I will go now to commence my vigil. I’ll see you all in the morning. A decision must be made swiftly. Circinn will act over the winter, one way or another. To contest the election I’d need to dispatch a messenger to the southern court almostimmediately. Let us trust the gods will furnish us with answers.”
    When the others had gone, the king lingered in the council chamber with Fola, while Garth maintained his stance by the door.
    “I’ve a question,” the wise woman said. Her gaze was shrewdly assessing. “How much of your reluctance to involve Broichan has to do with the precarious state of hishealth? Are you trying to avoid upsettinghim and sending him into a terminal decline?”
    Bridei sighed. “That is in my mind, of course. He returned from his stay with you much improved, but he’s still frail and subject to bouts of pain. Of course, being the man he is, he won’t admit to any weakness.”
    “The news of this death must be made public soon. Then Broichan will ask what you intend to do, and you must tell him.”
    “We’ll announceDrust the Boar’s death as soon as we return to White Hill. I’ll speak to Broichan, Fola. If we disagree, we disagree. Of course he’ll be angry if I decide to let the southern kingship go.”
    “Angry
is an understatement, I think.”
    “Believe me, even the king of Fortriu fears such a confrontation. I intend to appeal to his sense of logic. He was always better at accepting unwelcome news if it waspresented coherently and backed up by sound arguments. I will