The Gathandrian Trilogy 01 - The Gifting

Sins have been committed and errors made, for which a price must be exacted. It is my responsibility, as First Elder of the land, to welcome you to us and to oversee the learning that you must swiftly undergo. But I believe that now such an honour is best performed by another.”
    He paused and closed his eyes for a moment. When he opened them again, he was looking straight at her.
    “Annyeke Hallsfoot,” he said, “will you take to yourself the cloak of responsibility for this undertaking? Will you do what is necessary to ensure Gathandria and its neighbours live and breathe again?”
    Annyeke blinked, the river of surprise she felt from Johan a mere echo of her own. Still, the request felt right, somehow. She straightened her shoulders and pushed back her hair.
    “Yes,” she said. “I will do it.”

    THE END