Enchanter: Book Two of the Axis Trilogy. Sara Douglass

yearned for his son, but FreeFall was dead. Despite his grief and his resistance to naming Axis his heir, RavenCrest indeed knew that he would have to do it. StarDrifter would be a hopeless Talon, and, even though Axis was not full-blood Icarii – not even winged – he knew how to lead.

      The anger on RavenCrest’s face faded, and he gestured to his brother. “StarDrifter, call our wives and EvenSong. They must be here so that the entire living House of SunSoar will bear witness to this.”

      At StarDrifter’s summons, BrightFeather, RavenCrest’s wife, then Rivkah and EvenSong entered the room.

      As soon as the door was closed behind them RavenCrest stepped forward and took Axis’ face between his hands, then kissed him softly on the mouth.

      “As the head of the House of SunSoar and as Icarii Talon, I not only welcome you who was lost into the House of SunSoar, nephew, but also name you in front of these witnesses as my heir and successor to the titles, ranks, privileges and powers of the hereditary office of Talon.”

      EvenSong’s eyes widened in surprise. Rivkah smiled at StarDrifter; their eyes burned with pride.

      RavenCrest’s eyes were still locked with Axis’ and his hands still gripped his nephew’s head; he took no notice of the reactions about the room. “Axis. For the past six thousand years the House of SunSoar has been the guardian of the office and person of the Talon. We have been privileged, and have enjoyed the trust and loyalty of the Icarii people.”

      If not the trust and loyalty of the Acharite people over whom you once ruled, Axis thought a little sourly.

      “Respect that tradition of trust and loyalty.” RavenCrest paused. “Axis. You will be the twenty-seventh Enchanter-Talon, the first for over fifteen hundred years. You will wield much power, both in your own right and in your position as StarMan. Do you promise to respect your people?”

      “Always,” Axis responded softly, his sourness fading.

      “Do you promise now, before me and your family, that you will not abuse your power?”

      “I will never do so.”

      “Will you guide your Icarii people through the Prophecy so that they will drift only into sun-bright clear air and not shadowed turbulence?”

      “I do so promise.”

      RavenCrest gently let Axis’ head go and kissed each of his nephew’s palms before folding them gently over Axis’ heart.

      “Then accept my blessing and my goodwill, Axis SunSoar. Before the House of SunSoar here gathered I formally name you heir to the Talon throne as I will name you to the Icarii nation in Assembly. Shoulder your responsibilities and fly with them into the future.”

      “I shall endeavour not to falter, RavenCrest, and I will do my best for our people. I am grateful for your trust and for your belief in me. I will do well.” In truth, Axis did not know if he’d ever take the throne of Talon, but this was not the time or place to tell RavenCrest how he intended to structure the new Tencendor. But if he did not become Talon, he would pass it to another of the same blood. The office of Talon would not leave the House of SunSoar.

      StarDrifter embraced his son. “Welcome to the House of SunSoar, Axis. Welcome home to your heritage.”

      He was followed by MorningStar. “Welcome to the House of SunSoar. You are a powerful Enchanter, Axis, heir to the Throne. I am proud of you. Fly high and soar well.”

      BrightFeather whispered some cordial words of welcome, then Axis was enveloped into a bear hug by his mother. He could feel her cheeks were wet with tears as they brushed his.

      “I weep with happiness, my sweet son,” she said, “and because at least I have witnessed you seize your heritage in both your hands before I die. Welcome among the SunSoars.”

      Axis hugged her tightly, tears springing into his own eyes. He wished he had enjoyed her love and support all his fife instead of only the past few months.

      Rivkah let him go and stepped back for EvenSong.

      EvenSong placed her hands on Axis’ shoulders and kissed him gently. “I have not been very welcoming, Axis,” she said softly. “Please accept my sorrow that I did not more fully embrace your return into our family earlier. I have acted badly, and for that I beg your forgiveness. Welcome into the House of SunSoar, brother.”

      Axis touched her cheek. “There is no need. I know of your grief. EvenSong,” he hesitated, “FreeFall’s last words and thoughts were of you. Have faith in his love for you.”

      EvenSong leaned back, her face expressionless as she fought back tears. Even now, after so many months, words of FreeFall were painful.

      “There is one more task that must be done before we enter the Assembly,” said RavenCrest, “and it breaks my heart to do this.” He held out his hands. “Rivkah. StarDrifter.”

      When they joined him he took each by the hand. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

      Rivkah nodded. Her mind was made up. “Yes, RavenCrest. This is what we must do.”

      StarDrifter was silent.

      “Many years ago,” RavenCrest began, “it was my privilege to announce and witness the marriage vows and bonds between you. Now, by mutual decision, you have decided to break those vows.” He dropped each of their hands, the gesture deliberate and grave. “Your marriage has come to an end, StarDrifter and Rivkah. Use your freedom wisely.”

      Rivkah and StarDrifter had warned their children and family earlier of their decision; none were truly surprised. The true tragedy, Axis thought, was that this passion, this love that had altered lives and would alter nations, could be ended so simply.

      “I loved you, Rivkah,” StarDrifter said gently. “Know that.”

      “And I loved you, StarDrifter, with heart and soul. Know that.”

      “Rivkah,” RavenCrest laid a hand on her shoulder. “You are and will always be SunSoar. Talon Spike is still your home if you wish to call it that. You are not cast out of this family because you have ended your marriage to StarDrifter.”

      Rivkah nodded. “Thank you, RavenCrest. Those are kind – and welcome – words.” She hesitated. “I will stay until Beltide, celebrate that with you, and then return to Achar for a time. I do not know how long I will stay, or if I will find a home there.”

      “Come,” RavenCrest said to his family. “I can hear the Assembly Chamber filling. It is time for us to robe. Axis must meet his people.”

      Axis had lived among the Icarii for some three months now and had yet to meet the Icarii people as an assembly. For the first two months he had been so closeted with MorningStar and StarDrifter that he’d hardly seen anyone else, and for the past month his efforts with the Strike Force had kept him relatively isolated.

      However, even though the greater proportion of the Icarii had yet to have the chance to make up their minds about Axis SunSoar, rumour and hearsay had spread like wildfire through the Talon Spike complex. If Axis spent two months closeted with MorningStar and StarDrifter it was because he was teaching them, not they teaching him. He was planning to throw the Strike Force at Gorgrael immediately after Beltide in revenge for the Yuletide attack, while a contrary rumour had Axis planning to drive south and capture Achar for the Icarii first. Five Icarii solemnly swore they’d personally seen the letter of surrender that Gorgrael had sent to Axis, addressed to Talon Spike, while another seven claimed to have seen a similar letter announcing that Gorgrael had been assassinated by a band of Ravensbundmen. Several Icarii women claimed that Axis had proposed marriage to them. One woman claimed to be bearing his child. Others still tried to determine which of the conditions of the Prophecy had been fulfilled and which still waited. Many wondered if RavenCrest had finally made up his mind regarding the succession. If not Axis, then who? A few talked of Azhure and her mastery of the Wolven, and one or two privately wondered if she were one of the Star Gods wearing mortal disguise, returned to play among the Icarii.