Ranald eyed him speculatively, but the Gibbor shook his head. “Never mind how. There are complexities involved, many of which I don’t understand. Now, I have a gift for you.”
“A gift?” The Warrior stared at the Gibbor’s empty hands.
“Nothing tangible, but a prophecy. You will have a son.”
All tentative camaraderie fled. Ranald flushed with anger. The subject of a son had struck home.
“When the gypsies bring their potions and predictions, we chase them out with dogs and stones. Have I debased myself with a charlatan then?”
The Gibbor wasn’t put off. “I have certain gifts which don’t include concocting useless potions or lying to lovesick girls. You’ll have a son. I’m telling you the truth.”
The King gave an odd bark of laughter. “May it be as you predict, but I’m an old man at thirty- seven. I ache and chill; sleep is often denied me. My physicians tell me it is none of the plague, chiefly because I’m still living, but I wonder. The Earth Skyll, Elymas, claims to have a remedy. He is concocting it even as we speak.”
“Elymas’ remedy notwithstanding, you will have a son,” the Gibbor replied, then added, “in a twelvemonth.” He stretched out his arm and without warning, the falcon landed. “Your father’s soul has easement, but not until I gather my brethren for the final absolution will he know peace. I’ll send a feather from my falcon. “ Lightly he touched one of the white circles on the bird’s wing. “A feather dyed blue, its color changed from beyond. When you receive it, know that your father has been granted a path in the Deep.”
“Peace this day and each day waking between the Royal House of Casoria and the servant of Jah,” said Ranald “As long as I have breath, the Eld Forest, as well as the other sikiestras, will be kept inviolate. Know that I will keep my word.”
“Well spoken,” the Gibbor nodded in agreement.
The King turned to go, then turned back. “Will I see you again?”
An odd look of sympathy flashed across the Seer’s face. “I can’t say. It’s still possible. But if you never see me again, know that I’ll see you in the face of your son.”
“My son.”
“Yes.”
I like it that the Gibbor and the king had ended in peace.