the Divines overpowered them? Or did they fall because of the treachery of those who were close to them?”
Talen couldn’t guess. He’d never heard of the victors.
The Creek Widow smiled. “I can’t relate the whole history of the world in one night. Neither can I explain this. I—none of us—totally understand the old lore. Much has been lost. But you can be assured that we will deal with the creature and its master.”
Talen examined the square again. It was gold, not black. “But it’s empty. How can you use it?”
“I told you this wasn’t the work of Kains and dreadmen. This isn’t a weave just anybody can wear. This is not a weave you pick up lightly. It must be used with great care—and not until it’s absolutely necessary. Not all can survive such a thing—it will kill the wearer if there isn’t enough strength to draw upon.”
She folded the crown back up in its cloth. “There are few men I know with the might to wear this. Maybe only one in our Grove.”
Talen thought of all those he knew were in this Order. “Uncle Argoth is an incredible warrior.”
“He is,” she said. “But I’m not talking about him. I’m talking about your father, Talen.”
Da?
“Physical strength and skill are important. But the strength I speak of is something else. You have to be bred to it. For the most part, the ability runs in family lines. Ke is close in strength. In fact, he might be able to wield the crown as well. But he hasn’t been tested. River is not able. That’s why we were so interested in you.”
“I don’t understand.”
The Creek Widow paused. She took a deep breath through her nose. “Everyone has some gift. Part of the joy of the lore is watching what gifts are made manifest in each person. Sugar and Legs will have theirs. Ke has his. Your mother discovered things about you.”
Talen thought about the revelations of the previous night. “Yes, I’m some accident, some freak of nature. River already told me.”
“No. You are not an accident of nature. You grew under the influence of a design. A pattern, if you will. Born a grub, like the rest of us, but blessed, from the moment of conception, in your growth. And what you’ll be when you’ve fully matured is anyone’s guess. You’re not some common worm.”
“I don’t know that I want to be a worm at all.”
“Oh, worm, flower, seedling. You’ve been pruned and grafted for a great purpose—that is the truth of it. We all are.”
“Pruned by whom?” asked Talen.
“Well, think: who would want that? There are stories, very old stories, of cultivated lords, but there’s no agreement on the source. Most say this cultivating was one of the lost arts of the old gods. A few texts talk of dark foes, of creatures with a bloody thirst, which the cultivated lords battled. The old records are not clear. But the point is, your mother discovered, worked into your very being, strange and intricate patterns of power.”
“But to what purpose?”
“So impatient. Think! A child born to one of those in the Order. My dear boy, could it be the Creators have seen it’s time for a new crop to be planted? A special generation that will bear forth a new kingdom? We’ve all been waiting expectantly to see the blessing you’d become. Who knows, Talen: you yourself might one day be more than a victor.”
More? He could not deny that a thrill ran along his skin, even if it was foolish. He wondered: if he could handle the quantities of Fire River said he could, did that mean he might be able to multiply himself more than other men? A supreme dreadman.
“I think you are overly expectant,” Talen said. “Whatever these patterns are, they are flawed in me.” That had to be what Mother meant. Not that he needed a flaw, but that he was broken by them.
“Who is ever without blemish?” she asked.
“It wasn’t a blemish,” said Talen. “River used the word ‘twisted.’ ”
“Indeed,” said the Creek Widow. “When talking about a weave, twists are very specific patterns of power.” She grasped him gently by the chin and forced him to look at her. “Besides, all of us, lad, are broken. Don’t worry about your limits. Worry about what you choose to do or not do despite those limits. You are Hogan’s and Rose’s boy. You have been bred to power and packaged with a few surprises. And if you turn