Read The Two Tanists (A Bard Without a Star, Book 2) for Free Online Page A

but I also know
that you are unlikely to go. That puts the onus on me.”
    “I see.” Math sat back and
stroked his beard. “You feel some responsibility for Moryus’ death, don’t
you?”
    “I saved his life this
summer,” Gwydion said. “And I was in his caer just days before this happened,
trying to find out more about your Rules.”
    “Do you think your visit
caused Deykin to act?”
    Gwydion said, “I don’t think
Deykin knew I was anywhere near there. But I know that he was seeking Moryus
life, and that Kyrnin was encouraging him.”
    “That is a grave charge,
nephew,” Math said. “How do you know this?”
    “Because I was in Dyfed when
Kyrnin found out,” Gwydion said. “He seemed pleased by the news to me.”
    “Did he know you were
watching him?”
    “No, Uncle.” Gwydion cocked
his head. “Didn't you know what I was doing?”
    “I knew you were in Dyfed,”
Math said. “I did not know you were spying on Lord Dyfed’s Tanist.”
    “Are you upset?”
    Math looked a bit surprised.
“Not at all,” he said. “Your methods may be somewhat unorthodox, but you are
taking your duties seriously, which is what I have been training you for.”
    “Then may I go down there
officially?”
    Math sighed. “Something must
be done. So we will try your plan.”
    “I will leave immediately.”
    “No,” Math said. “Remember
that you are not travelling alone this time. Wait for the weather to break.”
    “As you wish, Uncle,” Gwydion
said with a bow.
    “And take Gilventhy,” Math
said.
    “If you would like,” Gwydion
said. “May I ask why?”
    “Because he is moping around
like a lovesick bull,” Math said. “I know not which woman has his attention,
but he needs to be distracted.”
    Gwydion found Gil in the
training area, but instead of swinging his sword, he was sitting on a bench,
head in his hand. Gwydion sat next to him, but he only grunted an
acknowledgement.
    “You’re thinking about her,
aren’t you?” Gwydion said.
    “I can’t help it,” Gil
replied.
    “You’d better,” Gwydion
said. “Even Math knows that you’re pining for a woman.”
    “Does he know who?”
    “No, but I think that’s
mostly because he doesn’t want to yet.” Gwydion leaned close. “And if he
finds out, I suggest you leave Glencairck.”
    “And where would I go?” Gil
asked.
    “Some other world,” Gwydion
said. “And even that might not be far enough.”
    “Are you trying to make me
feel worse?”
    “Actually, I have a way to
make you feel a little better.”
    “Of course you do,” Gil said
sourly. “You’re going to let me beat you up.”
    “Better,” Gwydion said.
“We’re going on a little trip to Dyfed.”
    Gil sat up. “Is this what
you’ve been planning?”
    Gwydion said, “I don’t think
this time will do it, but you never know. I certainly am going to push them
hard.”
    “And Math knows?”
    “He suggested taking you
along.”
    Gil whistled lowly. “I sure
as hell hope you know what you’re doing.”
    Gwydion ignored the nagging
doubts in his mind and said. “I know exactly what I’m doing.”
    Three weeks later, Gil was
champing at the bit to leave, and Gwydion had made all the preparations
possible. He talked to winds in the morning, getting a feel for how the
weather was changing, and finally he gave the order to leave. Gil said, as
they rode out of the gate, “I thought winter would never end.”
    “It’s not, quite,” Gwydion
answered. “We have one more good storm coming, but it will be about ten days
before it gets here.”
    Gil looked at him slyly. “I
suppose that’s part of your plan.”
    “I’m not that good,” Gwydion
said.
    “No, but everyone thinks that you think that you are.”
    Ten kerns rode with them,
making the progress painfully slow for Gwydion. It took them two days to get
to Caer Don, where three more kerns joined them. Gwydion felt a huge
responsibility settle on his shoulders as he led them all south and across the
border