Ironcrown Moon Read Online Free Page B

a sad Page 10

    expression. “You children have been very wicked.”
    “Yes, Mama,” the three of them chorused. The younger boys looked frightened and stood close together, hand in hand. They were not identical: Prince Heritor Orrion was slightly smaller than his twin brother, plain-featured and sandy-haired like Bramlow, while Corodon had his father’s striking good looks and hair so fair it shone like silver.
    “Wicked,” Conrig repeated in a terrible soft voice. “But especially you, Bramlow. And you know why.”
    The older boy lifted his chin. “Yes, sire. It was bad to use talent to catch the monkey. But—”
    “Only an ordained Brother of Zeth, dedicated to the service of the realm and pledged to harm no human person, may use overt forms of windtalent. A child who uses overt talent for vain or silly reasons commits a serious sin.” Conrig’s voice deepened and Bramlow winced.
    “A
    royal child who dares to exhibit overt talent in front of others, reminding them that one of our ancestors tainted the blood by mating with a nonhuman, comes very close to committing treason. Even though you’re still too young to go to Zeth Abbey and begin your arcane studies, you are old enough to know right from wrong in this important matter.”
    The boy dropped to his knees on the dirty floor. “I’m sorry, sire. Really, really sorry.”
    “You will be punished, Bramlow. For one week, you’ll remain alone in your room, with only bread and milk to eat. A novice Brother will guard you. You are forbidden to windspeak Uncle Stergos or any other talented person, neither may you scry or perform any of the other kinds of subtle magic that are usually allowed to you. The watching Brother will know if you disobey.”
    “I—I promise I’ll be good.” Tears gleamed on the four-year-old’s face. “Please don’t punish the monkey!”
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    May, Julian - Boreal Moon 2 - Ironcrown Moon
    “The animal will be confined to its cage for a sennight,” said the king, “and its keeper will receive a sound thrashing. Keep in mind that it is your fault that they suffer. Now retire to your room and pray for forgiveness until the midnight sun touches the horizon. Then go to bed.”
    “Yes, sire.” Bramlow rose up, bowed, and trudged away into an inner chamber.
    When he was gone the queen spoke to the twins. “It was very wrong of you to ask the ladies to bring in the monkey without its chain and collar. A monkey isn’t a person. It can’t be trusted to behave. Do you understand this now?”
    Corodon smiled slyly. “Bram said it be great fun. It was!”
    “But wrong.” Orrion’s face was solemn. “We sorry, Mama.”
    Queen Risalla gathered the boys to her, kissing them. “How do you feel today? Do you still cough and sniffle?”
    “No, Mama. All well now.” Corodon beamed.
    And did you eat supper before the monkey spoiled the food?“
    “Some porridge,” Orrion mumbled.
    “Monkey took strawberries,” Corodon said. “We didn’t get none.”
    “Didn’t get any”
    the queen corrected him. She rose to her feet. “The ladies will make you milksops to eat in bed.
    No strawberries for you tonight. That will be your punishment. Now bid your father good night.”
    Conrig lifted and embraced each boy gravely, looking deeply into their eyes before kissing them.
    The infinitesimal glint of talent was imperceptible to him, as it was to the Zeth Brethren and every other adept save Conjure-Queen Ullanoth and possibly Snudge—who’d never said a word about it, curse him!
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    Talent. That blessing and curse was present in all three of his offspring. But Risalla was once again with child, and if God pleased, Conrig would know tonight if the unborn was a normal-minded heir and the Sovereignty secure.

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Much later, as the time of Ullanoth’s visitation approached, Conrig and Risalla