She was not upset by it. “Not anymore, my son. We don’t know who carved them, only that they are very old. The sea has rubbed away at the stone for centuries and more. Maybe one day the protections will fail because time itself has robbed them of their faces.” She looked up at the walls with an air of reverence. “All it takes is a thought, and the protections are extended for another season. I have never forgotten my duty, nor lapsed in it in all the time since I was a little girl. Sometimes very small things have terribly large consequences.” She bowed her head, breathing in through her nose. Then she looked up at Trynne. “I am leaving with the tide. I have never before been away from Brythonica for an entire season, but this time I might be. You both know how to extend the protections. I don’t mind if Gannon does it. But Trynne, you need to ensure that it is done. Please do not let your other duties and responsibilities crowd your mind enough for you to forget.” Sinia shook her head. “You must do this, Tryneowy. I give the charge to you until Gannon is of age.” She reached out and ran her fingers through Gannon’s hair. But her eyes were riveted on Trynne.

“I will, Mother,” Trynne promised, blinking back tears.

The cave loomed above her as if it would crush her beneath its bulk. She did not want the responsibility. She did not want to be shackled for the rest of her life to Ploemeur. But neither had she made the promise lightly. She knew what was at stake.

But there was a dark part of her, a small whispering doubt as tiny as an insect, that warned her that she might not be able to fulfill her vow.

CHAPTER TEN Upon the Feast of St. Benedick

CHAPTER TEN

Upon the Feast of St. Benedick

Brythonica had long maintained a sizable navy and had standing ties with the Genevese to ship the duchy’s berries to distant realms. As Trynne stood on the stone quay in Ploemeur, she watched the sailors crawling up and down the rigging of her mother’s ship. It was a beautiful, solid galleon that could brave the open ocean.

Gannon was dabbing his tears on his sleeve, but there was a look of trembling courage on his face that hearkened to the man he would become. Trynne’s heart was heavy as she watched Sinia speaking gently with Owen’s mother and father. Morwenna had come to Ploemeur earlier to say farewell, but only family members had come to the dock. They had been gathered there for some time, and it was obvious the Genevese captain of the vessel, Captain Pyne, with his stubbled head and cheeks, was ready to leave. He kept rocking back and forth on his heels and glancing at the ship.