Free Dark Realm: Book 5 Circles of Light series by E.M. Sinclair Page A

delicate
as cobwebs, close fitting except where a ruffle flared from the
cuffs.
    ‘I ask that you swear
to the Dark, Grent, apprentice to Waxin Pule, before we talk
further. Are you able to do this?’
    Grent found himself on
his knees with no recollection of how he’d got there. He tried to
reply, cleared his throat and tried again. He had never been in the
presence of such a person, of such a power.
    ‘I will so swear my
lady.’
    ‘And how will you
swear, Grent, apprentice to Waxin Pule?’
    Gossamer noticed hands
move among those through the room as in ritual gestures, then
turned back to watch Grent.
    Grent’s left thumb
touched his forehead. ‘I swear with my mind.’ His thumb moved to
his lips, ‘I swear with my breath.’ He touched his chest. ‘I swear
with my strength.’ His hand reached towards Lerran, palm upwards.
‘I swear with my life.’
    ‘And the Dark accepts
you Grent. Accepts your mind, your breath, your strength and your
life.’
    Lerran bent slightly to
lay the palm of her left hand against Grent’s for a moment. Grent
felt a tearing within his mind, not painful, but as though curtains
had drawn open and sunlight rushed in. Lerran withdrew her hand and
Grent swayed but Jemin moved quickly to help him up and then back
onto the bench. Grent understood what had occurred. The First
Daughter had somehow released the knowledge Waxin Pule had hidden
in his mind over all the years. He felt light headed and confused,
rather as if he’d just woken after a fever.
    Shea leaned close. ‘Are
you all right Grent?’
    He was touched by the
concern in her voice. ‘I’m fine,’ he replied. ‘A little dizzy,
probably the heat.’ He found his chin drooping to his chest and his
eyes heavy but felt no alarm.
    Lerran sat back on her
throne: Gossamer and Shea could not think of such a magnificent
seat as a mere chair.
    ‘I must introduce some
of my people,’ she smiled at Gossamer. ‘You’ve met Jemin I
think.’
    Shea grinned while
Gossamer simply nodded.
    ‘Corman of course and
my Shield Master and Armourer, Garrol.’
    Gossamer hadn’t noticed
him but recognised the man who’d retrieved them from the meadow
yesterday.
    ‘This is my Sword
Master, Favrian.’
    The tall man beside
Lerran’s throne inclined his head. His eyes were nearly the same
bright gold as the First Daughter’s.
    ‘My brother Peshan.’
Yet another tall, golden eyed man stepped forward.
    Shea voiced Gossamer’s
own thoughts. ‘My word, you all seem very tall.’
    Lerran smiled at the
girl but did not reply to her comment. ‘More introductions can come
later but now I think Grent should be taken to the infirmary to
rest.’
    To Gossamer’s
astonishment Waxin Pule got quickly to his feet and came to Grent’s
side. She had never seen him move so sprightly. Pule glanced at the
First Daughter. ‘I’ll take him myself lady. I’d prefer to stay by
him for a while.’
    Lerran nodded. ‘I’m
glad you found an apprentice so worthy of your affection Waxin. I
do not underestimate the pain of your years away from
us.’
    The brown robed healer
helped Waxin Pule get a sleepily unsteady Grent to his feet and
lead him slowly from the room.
    ‘I think the rest of
you may leave but for Seola and Peshan for now. I would like to
speak with our two guests.’
    The room gradually
emptied and Lerran leaned her head back, closing her eyes. Before
Gossamer thought to stop her, Shea had moved to lean against the
great throne.
    ‘Are you unwell Lady
Lerran? Would you like a drink of water? Or tea
perhaps?’
    A man’s laugh came from
near a long dark sideboard at the other end of the room. He was
pouring a dark red liquid into a goblet.
    ‘Lerran has been ill
from the dreams. I think you have experienced the dream of which I
speak Lady Shea?’
    ‘Oh Peshan, I am quite
recovered, don’t fuss.’ But Lerran accepted the goblet and sipped
gratefully.
    Gossamer was startled
when Peshan offered her a similar goblet filled with
wine.
    ‘But I