Brandin led Kristana past the vast gates of the castle courtyard into the Royal gardens. These were
situated within the center of the huge Citadel.
As they passed, the guards saluted Brandin; raising
their halberds to admit them. Outside, the night was cool and the air was filled
with the scents of dozens of different blossoms.
Above them, the moon was nearly full, casting its’ light upon the scene.
“It is so beautiful out here,” said Kristana. “And look, The stars are so bright, You can see all the
constellations.” She added, looking to Brandin, her eyes full of excitement. “What
Constellation were you born under?” she asked.
Brandin thought for a moment. “I'm not quite sure;
Eric and I were adopted, so we never really knew our actual birth date. I
believe we were born under the sign of the hawk, which rules during the second
moon of autumn,” he explained.
“We were brought to the Duke a few weeks’ past the
feast of Artimedius,” he added.
“You were adopted?” she repeated. “I didn’t know
that.” She said intrigued.
Brandin explained to her how the Priests of Madrin
had brought them to their father, the Duke. He then pulled open his shirt, baring
the flesh just beneath his heart. Kristana turned away at first, blushing.
“Please,” she said, embarrassed, “Please, cover yourself.”
Brandin laughed, “I was showing you the birthmark
my brother and I have- the Mark of the
Holy Sword,” he explained. Kristana turned back to him, her expression a
mixture of fear and curiosity.
“You bear the mark of the Holy Sword?” she asked
incredulous.
Brandin nodded, showing her the birthmark which was
easily visible in the moonlight. “This is why the Priests brought us to the
Duke,” He explained as she studied the mark.
“My Gods,” she exclaimed, looking at him with
frightened eyes.
She then turned and ran to the garden entrance,
crying with fear.
“Kristana, wait!” pleaded Brandin, charging after
her. She was well past the entrance and had disappeared down the hallway. When
he had reached the guards, she was long gone.
“Shall we go after her M’lord?” asked one of the
guards.
“No,” replied Brandin. He turned back to the
garden. “That will not be necessary.”
He looked up to the evening stars, cursing himself
for a fool; for showing her his birthmark. She
is afraid of me, he thought to himself. Now
I have lost her. He proceeded back
to the Great Hall, hoping she would be there.
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