Gambit of the Glass Crowns: Vol. I of epic fantasy The Sundered Kingdoms Trilogy Read Online Free PDF Page A

accepted.”
    Connor’s eyes widened at the proclamation. His uncle had not said anything to him about the offer of marriage, nor his acceptance. It became clear the young girl, the girl Connor had presumed was younger than he, was to be his uncle’s bride.
    The nobles below were silent for a time. It would seem they too had not expected such an announcement.
    “The union between the high king and a woman raised in reverence of the One is of great political importance, as is any offspring that comes from this union. It strengthens the resolve followers have to stay loyal to the crown of Cærwyn.” Andras was in obvious good spirits as he took another sip of wine.
    “And what reason do we have to care for the political importance of a marriage between the high king and someone of your faith?” High Priest Cairbre crossed his arms. “What benefit does this offer Arlais? Your Hume politics do not concern us. If anything, this will prove detrimental to the Meïnir and Arlais. Why should the high priestess and I take comfort in such a marriage‌—?”
    Rhiannon lifted her hand from her lap and Cairbre stopped mid-sentence. “Duke Helygen, you have been a friend to the Meïnir, as was your father, Cadfael, before you. You are a follower of the Old Ways, and you have even married one of our own. What say you to this union?”
    “My Lady, I have never known my uncle to be anything but a supporter of the Old Ways. The marriage between him and a follower of The One will show the people that this religious strife is not as important as the threat of war.”
    “My nephew speaks honestly and with true passion. It is not often that one finds a man who puts the good of his people ahead of his own political ambition.”
    “While I cannot argue Lord Helygen’s honesty, it is not just, as he stated, religious strife that is the problem for our people. It is the religious persecution promoted by those like Father Andras.” Cairbre looked to Alric.
    “What is this persecution of which he speaks?”
    “My King, it has come to my attention there are some who look to the Maker and use force to bring His word. I had no foreknowledge of such things. I assure you, Lord Cairbre, that if I had known of such plans, I would have put a stop to them.”
    “And you would certainly never endorse these actions, Andras.” Rhiannon turned to him, her brow tensed.
    “Certainly not! To bring harm to others goes against what He teaches. I would rather see the world turn from His gaze than to see innocent blood spilled. I can assure you, I have no thoughts as to why a small sect has taken it upon itself to carry out such atrocities. You have my word, Lady, that I will put an end to them.”
    Connor rubbed his chest. He realized the fire in the great hall long ago dwindled to embers, and the scent of the sweet grass had since faded. It grew colder inside as the wind whipped through the windows. He pulled his cloak around himself and stood back up, his legs tight and aching from his crouched position on the gallery floor.
    “It would seem I was not the only one who had the idea to view the clansmeet from up here.”
    Connor looked over to see Gawain standing in the doorway. Having met only briefly, Connor had not noticed the otherworldly appearance he displayed. His luminous skin was golden from time spent in the sun. He had a strong, square jaw lacking signs of scruff. His tousled hair was filled with braids, like the forest folk, and his grey eyes had the unmistakable gleam that only the forest dwellers had‌—‌a spark that Humes did not possess‌—‌a light that signified they saw more of this world than the unknowing eyes of a Hume.
    Meïnir.
    They were said to be the most beautiful creatures in Dweömer, almost indistinguishable from Humes except for subtle marks they possessed somewhere on their bodies. But they were normally tall and thin. This one looked much sturdier and only a bit taller than Connor.
    “I could not resist