Trials of the Hierophant: Vol. II of epic fantasy The Sundered Kingdoms Trilogy Read Online Free PDF

knew Mara was right. She must reign with exacting resolve. Rhodri was no king‌—‌he was more like a child in many ways. In her gut, she knew the reason for his withdrawal, but she dare not speak it aloud. Rhodri still missed his first wife. She could hardly bear the thought. Were she to hear the words, she would not be able to hold back her tears. She could not bring herself to blame Rhodri for his actions, however. Siana had bewitched him and stolen part of his soul. That was why he appeared so hollow now. It was not his fault, it was that harpy’s. Rhodri was hers now though, and she loved him enough for the both of them. She could ignore his coldness as long as he stayed near.
    “Bronwen?” Mara’s voice brought her back from her daydream.
    “I am fine.”
    Mara stood before her, waiting for Bronwen to continue, but the queen did not elaborate. “Very well.” She curtly took her leave from the room.
    After the door closed, Bronwen heaved a heavy sigh. Though she loved Mara more than any other, she found the woman to be taxing as of late.
    Bronwen wistfully turned to the window to gaze out at the north. The towers of the castle were in dark silhouette against the blood red sunset, and cast their shadows into the courtyard like black fingers climbing the walls to her windowsill.
    Far to the north, beyond the forests of Cærwyn and the waters of the Dagrau was her homeland. She found herself frequently thinking of the happenings in Annwyd. Mara warned her long ago to be distrustful of her brother, but she did not find it necessary until times of late. Madoc would soon come of age to claim the throne, and she heard whispers of his growing support in the kingdom.
    She knew, even before she became queen, that the fate of Annwyd would be closely tied to the fate of Cærwyn. She worried for both kingdoms and knew their unification would be the best option for all. However, her father would not be keen on the idea unless she remained firmly under his thumb. She had no intentions of ruling under his control, however. It was a thought which frightened her.
    Rumors of dissension among the members of the Senate crept into Cærwyn via her spies. Mihangel, though a powerful man, was frail, and it worried her. It was through his leadership that the Senate was so prosperous. She worried that when he passed into the Maker’s realm, chaos would soon follow. Her father would not be made head of the council, as it was not customary for the Annwydian king to garner so much political influence. Were they fortunate, she thought, Vaughn Garanth would take the seat. Having jurisdiction over the magisters, he already showed great promise. He too was elderly, however. A younger member would be a better choice, but Kendric Pahne had yet to prove his worth.
    What sort of council would she appoint? She smiled. She knew she set foot further into the future than she had right to, with Rhodri still seeing to affairs of the kingdom. Her thoughts quickly traveled back across the Dagrau to Annwyd.
    As she thought of her brother, Bronwen felt the hair on her neck prickle, and a sourness filled her mouth. Her dreams of late had centered on Madoc. These were thoughts which she did not even dare speak of to Mara, whom she trusted with her very life. No, she would not utter such things because she did not believe in such things. It was mere superstition which haunted her mind and gave her such fright.
    Yet, she could not shake the visions from her dreams. A banner of red spread out through the land from the gates of Rotham. As Bronwen closed her eyes, she could see small dots of light‌—‌flames. A line of flames flickered like candles far off in the distance. The scent was not of tallow but something she could not place. Something foul. Something wrong.
    “Madness,” she whispered into the night.

Chapter IV

    adoc watched braith sit at the large desk in his bedchamber, as he had so often in the past few weeks. His father pulled a large