The Crystal

of Light

Excerpt

  

“Speak, young pixie.” Bronwen returned to the chair she had vacated to answer the door. “You have disturbed me now, so you may as well say what you came for.”

Bailiwick blushed. “Oh, but, I came only to make sure you were settled.”

“Do not lie to the prophetess. I see the truth.”

“Oh. Of course.” Bailiwick let himself sink, cross-legged, onto the floor at Bronwen’s feet. Chin resting in hand, mouth twisted into a tone of careful consideration, he was the perfect picture of innocence. Bronwen was entranced and refreshed by his directness.

“I know who you are.” Bailiwick whispered.

Bronwen started--he was not so innocent after all. She took a moment to poke at the fire and collect her thoughts “Of course you know--I am the prophetess.”

“No. No. No.” He flipped in the air and came to rest on the floor again. “You became the prophetess after you left here. After you left your infant son behind.”

Bronwen’s heart stopped beating and she felt her face drain of all color.“How do you know this?”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.” Bailiwick looked contrite and somewhat worried.

“You have upset me. Who else knows this?”

“No one, I swear. I’ve told no one. It’s not my place. I know that. I swear I’ll never tell anyone, cross my eyes and spit at the moon.”

Bronwen sighed. “Fine, I’ll have to take your word that you’ll keep the secret. But tell me how you know of such things.”