Tishlyn - The shadow war book one (chap 1 & 2)

The funerary pyre did not take long to set up, and then Clay’s body was placed on it. The people gathered walked past and placed a flower or herb on the pyre these would help mask the smell of burning flesh. Gilmore had proven the wine was poisoned but nothing more was said of this. Then came the lighting of the pyre this was done by Aaron, everyone hung their heads in respect.

They stayed by the pyre until it was dark and waited for it to collapse. When it did a shower of sparks went with it. Tishlyn and Gilmore began the walk back to their hut. "A new leader must take his place." Gilmore stated.

"And that is Aaron it’s his birth right."

"It doesn’t have to be Aaron if the elders choose someone else."

"But they have no need Aaron will make a fine leader."

"He has his father’s vices, not good for a leader to be so narrow minded."

"Then who." Tishlyn knew the minute she had said, who Gilmore had in mind. "No! I’ll not come between Aaron and his rightful position."

"But just yesterday morning you were saying you wanted more, and you said it yourself his skills are poor." Tishlyn began to walk faster. "Tishlyn all you do is challenge him if you win you become leader how do you think Clay got the position."

"Gilmore!"

"I know you long to hold the position of leader and for a fact that you are more suited to the position then Aaron."

"I’ll talk no more of it, goodnight Gilmore." Tishlyn disappeared inside the hut.

***

As morning broke the ceremony for the choosing of the new leader began Aaron had to prove himself by the completion of three tasks. The first a test of honor and valor, the second justice and righteousness and the last simply know as the judgement. These tests would take place over the next three days if found worthy Aaron would become the leader. Tishlyn made her way to the stables, she had volunteered to go and assess the king’s movement at Kelb and then further north to Kilendra she came from the mountain area and knew the land, so they could see none better suited for this mission of stealth. Gilmore approached her as she was saddling her horse. "Are you sure you’ll not challenge Aaron." He said stroking the mare’s grey shoulder.

"How long do you believe we can keep up this charade, how long will I stay Rowan the boy, if I am leader that secret will not last long."

"You are right…you’ve too much pride and dignity to keep it hidden."

"No Gilmore, I want it to end I am sick of being a captive in my own body."

"You did it to yourself, this masquerade is of your own doing."

"Would you have trained me if I’d came to you as a girl."

"Tishlyn…"

"No I want the truth Gilmore would you have trained me if I’d came to you as a girl."

"No."

"Then why did you, why did you allow me to become trapped in lies and deceit."

"You’ve more of your father in you then I thought I can see it now, I could see it when you asked me to train you…I saw him in your eyes, you had that same regal posture. When you asked me to train you I wasn’t training a girl I was training an old friend."

"What am I going to do go out there and reveal it to everyone."

"No, Tishlyn, I’m sure when the time comes the truth will reveal its self." Tishlyn led her mare out of the stables. "Be careful the mountains are a dangerous place even when they are not crawling with kings men."

"Gilmore don’t worry I’ll be fine see you in a few days." She mounted the horse and nudged it with her feet into a brisk trot.