The Initiate Brother Duology (146 page)

BOOK: The Initiate Brother Duology
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The Teacher smiled and Shuyun felt like a student who had pleased his Master. “You have other duties, Brother. Your time will come.” He waved
toward the mountains. “When I am no longer among you, Shuyun-sum, you must go to the faithful. The mountain people await you as the tribes of the desert await the rains. It will be the beginning of your long task, Brother Shuyun. Your path will eventually lead you among the hypocrites and liars—some whom you will know by name.” He looked up at a passing cloud. “You will be the Bearer, Shuyun-sum, you will be the Gatherer.” He smiled upon Shuyun, a smile of great peace. “Botahara will walk beside you.”

 

I have gone to the base of the Sacred Mountain

And watched him ride up among the clouds,

He of the tranquil soul.

Turning back then,

My soul was a raging torrent

But tonight I dream of dark eyes

Above the fan’s edge.

If peace can restore an Empire

Will it not a man’s spirit?

Lord Komawara Samyamu,
Consort to the Empress Shigei

The End

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DAW Books by Sean Russell:

The Initiate Brother Duology

THE INITIATE BROTHER

GATHERER OF CLOUDS

Moontide and Magic Rise

WORLD WITHOUT END

SEA WITHOUT A SHORE

The River into Darkness

BENEATH THE VAULTED HILLS

COMPASS OF THE SOUL

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