To Discover His Truth

The Burning Mind

In the morning, Brynnan entered the Deep Redoubt of ArMor-ys. They had passed through the massive corridors of the Redoubt to come at last to a gate three times the height of a man. A glowing panel at the left side of the door caught Brynnan’s attention. He had been in this place before, and, at that time, the Master of Science was the only one who could use the key.

The Master of Records spoke to Brynnan. “We have had a grave problem since last year when Telemon died. We thought he had passed the key to Morgwynt but found it was not so. Now, no one holds the key to this area.”

Brynnan and Nijal glanced at each other. From a leather bag slung over his shoulder, Nijal brought out the small lamp he had discovered in the ruins at the high plains. He poured oil from a small bottle into the lamp and lit the wick. Then he set it on the ground in front of the door. The current Master of Science, Morgwynt, looked on in interest.

“I see the silver coin inset on the side of the lamp. There must be a semiconductor embedded in the matrix that is heat-activated. Will it help us open the gate?”

“Yes,” replied Nijal simply.

The men waited. Then Nijal picked up the lamp and handed it to Brynnan. The Bard had held it once before, and a stream of knowledge and information had entered his mind. It had shown him the halls of the Deep Redoubt. Now, as he held it, it happened again, but he was prepared this time. In the forefront of his mind, symbols appeared, then a rush of information so intense he staggered and felt Geraint’s supporting hand on his back. A current of fire travelled down his left arm to his hand. Compelled by the unseen forces, he placed his hand close to the glowing panel beside the door and an answering flash of light burst from it. With a mighty groan, the door opened, sliding into the sides of the frame.

The party entered the Deep Redoubt. The construction of the hallways changed. The raw, red granite stone of the mountain was exposed. Topped by massive stone lintels, doorways were inset into the wide corridor. Each door had a key plate beside it. The Master of Science led them to a particular entry and looked at Brynnan, but the Bard took Morgwynt’s hand and touched the man’s forehead with his other hand. He summoned up the knowledge of the gates and poured it into the Master’s mind.

The Master gasped and nearly pulled back. “Open your mind to me, Morgwynt,” Brynnan said in the Shadow-voice of command.

The Science Master closed his eyes. In an instant, he opened them again as a sheet of light flashed down his arm. “I know what to do!” he announced and placed his hand near the plate. The door slid back.

As they stepped into the darkness, an unknown source of light flickered and illuminated the chamber. There were strange devices and racks containing trays.

 “It will not help Nijal and myself just to absorb the knowledge into our minds, Master Morgwynt. How can we obtain a physical version of the proof?”

“Take what knowledge you can from here. This is where I acquired my own – a blessing and a curse, as few people understand the technological aspects of my speech, but I am still able to teach much to the apprentices. But what I can show you is a room where we can look upon the stars themselves.”

“Let us start here,” said Nijal. “I suspect it will take us the rest of the day to work with these machines. Tomorrow we will explore the room where the instruments that record the stars are located. On subsequent days we will examine the other rooms. You have the key now, Master Morgwynt, and Brynnan will also transfer the knowledge to the Master of Records and to our Grand Master.”

So, Brynnan, then Nijal, put on the headband that activated the neural pathways in their brains, allowing direct knowledge of the early days of the First Settlement. They spent most of the day there, and the two acolytes attending them provided food and drink. It was exhausting, and Brynnan was grateful when they finished their session and returned to his chambers.

*    *    *

Andri was still at practice with the apprentices, but Nijal and Geraint attended Brynnan.

“Are you sure you would not want the knowledge in your mind, Geraint?”

“No, that is too . . . too arcane for me. You can tell me in words. If you want to transfer anything, greet me, and transfer your love, Brynnan. I missed it this morning.”

Brynnan laughed. “That I will do for you, old Warrior. Let me finish this cup of wine first; then, I am at your command.”

After they drank the wine, Brynnan removed his black gown, breeches and underclothing until he was completely naked except for the crimson silk rope harness about his chest—his pledge of love from the Warlord, Samir. He had Geraint lie on the bed and expose his thick, heavy cock.

“I can stand up and take your mouth—I am not that frail,” Geraint protested, but he made no move to arise from the bed.

“Be comfortable, my friend,” said Brynnan as he lay down so that his head was over Geraint’s hairy loins.

As he enclosed the cock in his mouth, Brynnan felt his body relax, and he put all thoughts of the knowledge he had acquired from his mind. He took his time and sucked languorously, simultaneously massaging the old Warrior’s balls. He felt Geraint’s body relax as the old Warrior sighed and began to stroke Brynnan’s hair that hung like a dark raven’s wing over Geraint’s groin. Presently Brynnan felt a hand stroking his ass and then the feel of cool, slick lubricant on his rectum. He grunted assent while Geraint’s cock was deep in his throat, then he felt Nijal’s hard cock at the entrance to his rectal passage.

Nijal pushed his cock inside, slow but deep, not pausing. Brynnan felt a wave of hot eroticism flow up his body from the sensation as the Guardian thrust deeper and began to move in a steady rhythm. Brynnan matched the rhythm to his sucking, moaning in pleasure. Geraint watched keenly as the Bard’s ass was fucked.

“Do it to him, Nijal. Fuck his ass. I love to watch you,” Geraint sighed. Then: “Go faster, and Brynnan, lad, you suck me in time to it; harder now.”

Nijal and Brynnan obliged until Geraint was grunting in his lust. When he was about to cum, Brynnan ringed his fingers below the head of the cock and squeezed.

“Lad, don’t hold me back: let me cum. I want to feel you swallow,” the old Warrior complained.

Brynnan decided to have mercy and once again sucked the cock deep in his throat. His golden torc—the gift from his father, pressed against Geraint’s thighs but fortunately had no other effect, even if it was from the realm of Annwn.

With a subdued roar, Geraint ejaculated. Brynnan relaxed his sucking, allowing the pulses of cum to invade his throat. Nijal slowed his thrusts, mindful of Geraint’s present sensitivity. Brynnan released the cock but rested his cheek on the spent member, and Nijal resumed his action, pumping fast and hard. He came into the Bard’s ass, holding Brynnan’s hips tightly.

It was at this moment that Andri entered the room. He stared wistfully at the scene before him.

“Do you want to finish him off, lad?” Geraint asked.

“Yes, please,” Andri answered eagerly.

“Then take off your over-tunic; I don’t want to get cum on it,” Brynnan told him.

Andri stripped off his new tunic—the dark green woollen cloth of an apprentice, and carefully laid it aside. Brynnan rolled to his back, then stood at the edge of the bed, beside Nijal. Andri knelt before Brynnan and played a little with his erect cock before grasping it in his hand and sucking. Nijal reached over and, seizing Andri’s hair, guided the boy’s mouth on the cock. The young singer applied himself with vigour, and it wasn’t long before the Bard ejaculated, cum filling Andri’s mouth.

Brynnan helped Andri to his feet. He embraced and kissed the youth. “I feel indulged. I have been well serviced, and here I was just greeting my Keeper.”

Geraint winked at him.

*    *    *

The next morning, Brynnan and the others took the corridors of the deep Redoubt to the Star Room, as it was informally named. Master Morgwynt explained its function.

“In the early times of Settlement, there were a great many devices that constantly circled our world from a distance in space. They were the eyes and ears of the settlers and had the power to activate weapons, the like of which we cannot conceive of now. Many of the Redoubts had control of them.”

“Are they still there?” asked Geraint.

Nijal answered him, “No. when we gained understanding, we Alsar infiltrated the Redoubts and destroyed them all. The knowledge of how to do this is still with us.”

Morgwynt looked grave. “That was indeed so. Whatever benefits they possessed were offset by their powers of destruction. But one device remains, in orbit far, far above us. It has neither fallen to earth nor escaped into the stars. And marvelously, it still functions.”

“What is it?” said Geraint.

Morgwynt seemed to struggle to explain. “It is a device that sees the stars. It is like an enormous optical glass scope in a way. But it doesn’t just show pictures of the stars as one would see through a glass scope, but it can show them in different dimensions of light. It needs skill and practice to take full advantage of its properties, but I have a team of apprentices who could work with it and give us images.”

“Can they do it still?” Brynnan enquired, suddenly seized with interest.

“As I said, we have been locked out for a year, but now it is time to revive our skills. I will send my team to work on it today.”

Brynnan and Nijal walked around the chamber, examining the arcane equipment.

Brynnan asked, “Will we be able to train this device on specific objects, specifically the ship of the invaders that Nijal and I sense is approaching?”

“Yes, we have been able to do it in the past.”

“When you can focus on the ship, let me and Nijal know. There must be a way to make an image, a material copy, of what it sees. People who view the image may deny its reality, but this just might be proof people can understand if we can present the Invaders’ approach in a way they can grasp.”

“That, too, can be done. See the large table there, with multiple devices pointing down on it. That is a scribing table, but the image is created with focused light on a special film, which we still have a supply of. We can attempt to make you multiple copies of the images you choose.”

“I remember learning from star maps created like this as a young apprentice. Master Morgwynt and Records Master Penarth have just thirty days to explore our proofs. I cannot give us more time before leaving to spread the word. We also will have to organize messengers to the local Chieftains through King Cyndyllan.” Brynnan sighed, “There is so much to be done . . ..”

Geraint said, “It will be done, even if I have to chase your Ruithin myself to do it.”

Brynnan couldn’t help but smile at the image of Geraint hounding the solemn Ruithin scholars. Two of the acolytes present looked shocked, but Master Morgwynt laughed.

*    *    *

In the afternoon, Brynnan left Nijal and Geraint to liaise with the Science Master, the Record Master and their teams, while presenting himself to the Grand Master Neven-Tanet.

The Grand Master was in the Meditation Chamber with the Ruithin priests. They were taking turns chanting a selection of the Triads, then discussing their meanings. Brynnan listened quietly, sitting cross-legged and at ease. It brought back memories of his own training.

Presently, Neven-Tanet brought the discussions to a close. The crimson-robed priests left, bowing to Brynnan as they passed. When the room was empty, the Grand Master greeted Brynnan.

“I hear you are making discoveries and have restored the key to the Master of Science,” he said after they had exchanged courtesies.

“Yes, Master. I would give the key to you also. I can transfer it directly to your mind. How comes it with the powers that seek control over you?”

“With your help and the grace of Lord Arawn, I am shielding my mind now that I know the source. I had been seeking a danger in this world, not among the stars.”

“If you are ready, I will give you the key, but you must allow my mind to enter yours. I cannot contend with your strength, Master.”

“I want you to practice doing just that. If one of the Invaders, or a group of them, can seek to control my mind, you had better develop the strength to fight them, lest they attack you also.”

“I am in your hands,” replied Brynnan.

“Then come to me each day, after your research in the Deep Redoubt. You will be more tired then. Strength developed in weakness becomes easy when your weakness finally fades.”

Brynnan bowed in acquiescence. Then he approached the Master closely and reached out to take his hand. He touched the Neven-Tanet’s forehead with his other hand. In his mind, it was like plunging into a forest fire. Walls of flame rose up before him, and he felt an intense pain in his being, but he did not retreat. He pushed back, although he cried out in agony, and the force abruptly winked out, giving him clear access to the Master’s mind. Brynnan was extremely careful not to diverge in his purpose, not to violate secrets or go where he should not. He pulled the knowledge of the key to the forefront of his own mind and let it surge into the Master’s mind. A sheet of light flashed down his arm, tingling intensely, and flowed into the Master, whose head jerked back. Brynnan put his arms to his sides, palms open and empty, breathing deeply.

“You did well to get through my shield,” said Neven-Tanet with a slight smile.

“It is powerful, but I suspect you allowed me to, at the last.”

“I can feel the knowledge of the key. You have my gratitude. You are developing powers that no servant of Mavrenn has previously possessed.”

“As I told you, Master, my blood was blended with Nijal’s on two occasions. I believe that accounts for some of my skill—”’

“And another part of your skill comes from the heritage you bear. It surprised even me when the Lord Arawn embraced you as his Son. I don’t need to tell you the implications.”

“I am not aware of the extent of my heritage. I suspect that some of it will be dark indeed, but I don’t seek the knowledge of it at present. I am sure it will unfold as it is needed.”

The Grand Master looked at Brynnan, and there was compassion there. “King Arawn has placed a heavy geas upon you, which once accepted – as you have done – cannot be put aside without the direst consequences.” He paused for some moments as if reflecting on his own words. “And you gave an oath to the Warlord Samir. I hope your vows do not cause conflict within you. It would tear you apart.”

“So far, they are aligned, Master.“

“Now that I, too, have burdened you with another task, I will send you away to recover from this trial, but I expect to see you tomorrow, and each day after, for training in shielding your mind. Go in peace.”

Brynnan bowed in respect and took leave of the Master.

*    *    *

So for each day forward, for the rest of the waning and waxing of the moon, Brynnan spent each day with Geraint and Nijal, exploring the hidden treasures of knowledge in the rooms of the Deep Redoubt, after which he would spend time with the Grand Master, working his mind. He turned his power into helping shield the Master’s mind further, as well as learning to shield his own. He determined not to seek mental contact with the Invaders until he gained more strength.

In between these activities, he made time to exercise in the College’s practice grounds, strengthening his body on the suspended rings and sparring with other Ruithin and apprentices in combat practice. Several times he encountered Andri in these, as it was part of the curriculum of all apprentices to train their bodies in combat arts. Andri took to fighting with the long staff and showed great aptitude. Geraint thoroughly approved.

Then there came days where they consolidated their research: images from the telescope that orbited the world were produced in multiples and packaged for the return journey, texts were copied, and conclusions discussed.

Nijal and Brynnan made few journeys into the astral plane. “When we travel again, you and I shall spend time most nights learning to discern the Mother’s voice and seeking out the Others,” Nijal told him. “And we will rely on Geraint and Andri to guard us.”

Brynnan became withdrawn at the mention of his other two beloved friends. Nijal noticed it and asked, “What is wrong?”

“Oh, nothing. I was just thinking of how much extra lubricant we will need to carry,” Brynnan attempted to joke, not looking at Nijal.

“I know you better than that, my friend,” responded Nijal. “You are thinking of a possible loss, weren’t you?”

Brynnan sighed deeply. “Yes,” he admitted.

*    *    *

When Andri came into the room that night, he begged the Bard to make love with him. “I prepped myself just for you, so please don’t refuse me, Brynnan,” Andri pleaded.

“I am sure Geraint would oblige if I couldn’t,” Brynnan replied.

“Oh, I plan to ask him after you are finished with me,” the young singer replied with a mischievous grin.

Brynnan undressed Andri, but before he played with him, he held him at arm’s length and looked at the young singer, seeking his aura. Relaxing his vision and mind, he looked and saw it: steady bright turquoise and gold lights, like tongues of burning flame, emanated from Andri’s body. With a sigh of relief, Brynnan saw how healthy the aura looked.

“What are you staring at me for, Brynnan?” Andri asked.

“I am just admiring you and thinking how enticing you are. Now come, kiss me!”

The kiss carried them to the bed, and they tumbled upon it. Brynnan lay over the young man and caressed him most intimately. He took the cock in hand, kissing and sucking it, then moved up the boy’s torso and licked his nipples, and he kissed his mouth. Andri responded with equal fervour. Brynnan’s desire increased, and he hoisted up the young man’s hips after applying lubricant to his own cock and to Andri’s ass. Then the Bard pushed his cock in steadily until it was buried to the hilt. It did not take Brynnan long until he was pumping hard.

“I’m not fooling around tonight, lad. Beat your cock so we can cum together.”

Andri obliged.

In short order, they both ejaculated at the same time. It was messy but thoroughly enjoyable for them both. Andri’s cum splattered on the Bard’s stomach and chest, and Brynnan let himself directly on top of the boy’s body and rolled with him, enjoying the slippery wetness of the cum. Then they kissed again until Brynnan slid to Andri’s side. He was not in a hurry to wipe himself or his lover. The feeling of cum on his body was like a balm. They lay together for a time in peaceful silence. Then Andri stirred gently in Brynnan’s arms.

“Brynnan?”

“Yes, lad?”

“I have something to ask you. Something I need your permission for. I have been thinking about it for some time now since we have been here and I met Celyn. Oh, by the Mother’s grace, this is hard to say!”

“Just say it.”

“Brynnan, I want—”

Just then, the chamber door opened, and Nijal and Geraint stepped inside.

*    *    *