The Gates of Memory, стр. 67

Ana’s pacing stopped. “And you think that if you were offered control of a gate, you might be able to do more than him, don’t you?”

The idea sounded harsh when she said it. But the words were true. “It’s occurred to me.”

“Brandt!”

The confession halfway made, he stood back up. If he couldn’t convince Ana, who would believe him? “It’s something to consider, Ana! I like Hanns, and I believe he has the best intentions for the empire, but what if trusting him with these gates is a mistake? What if I could do more? We need to at least ask, right?”

“The emperor is in control of two gates, and he’s spent his lifetime training in their use. Do you truly believe you could do more with one against the queen?”

“I don’t know! But I can’t say ‘no’ for sure, either.”

Ana continued pacing, but she no longer stared at him. Brandt felt the need to keep explaining. “I’m not going to attempt to control the gate. Yes, I do wonder if we’re taking the right action, but I also believe that Hanns does have the greatest opportunity to defeat the queen.”

Ana groaned. “It’s not about the gate, Brandt. Honestly, I don’t much care who controls it right now.”

“What—?” Brandt was too confused to even figure out how to finish the question.

“It’s about you.”

She stopped pacing and stood across from him. “First you wanted Alena to teach you how to soulwalk so you could use the deaths of others to advance your own power. Now you’re thinking about what you could do with the abilities of a gate behind you. Don’t you see?” When she saw the confusion on his face, she spelled it out for him. “Your desire to grow stronger is turning into a dangerous obsession.”

“I’m only obsessed with beating the queen and protecting the empire.”

“Truly? Because you never consider alternatives. You only volunteered to train soldiers around Highkeep because you felt guilty you weren’t doing your part. Every effort you’ve taken has focused only on your own strength. Perhaps it started with pure intent, but I’m not so sure anymore.”

Brandt wasn’t sure how to answer, but Ana didn’t provide him the space to do so. “I accepted it earlier. I’ve not met the queen, but I hear the fear in your voice when you speak of her. I hoped perhaps you would find a way to defeat her. I believed in you.”

“You don’t anymore?”

“I want to.”

The loss of her faith made him feel as though he stood on shifting sands. He’d come to take her presence and her support for granted. Even when they’d argued, he’d trusted that she would aid him. He sat down, shaken.

He heard her words and grasped their meaning, yet they weren’t true. She didn’t understand the threat the Lolani queen posed. He didn’t like considering some of these options, but they were absolutely necessary if he was going to beat the queen.

She needed to believe in him.

Like Ren did.

He thought back to the short time they had spent together in the chamber of the elders. Ren had watched him lie, yet he still stood behind Brandt and proclaimed his loyalty to the other warrior. Ren told the elders he would be honored to fight by his side.

Two strong reactions clashed within Brandt. The first was the familiar glow of pride and satisfaction. He’d earned the trust of a warrior of quality. Even with his lies on display, Ren stood by him.

Which made Ana’s betrayal cut all the deeper. If anyone was supposed to understand him, was supposed to support him through his failures, it was Ana.

Some small part of him wanted to yell at her, to accuse her of betraying him, but he recognized the impulse as immature. She was his wife. They had fought together and lived together for years. Her doubt wasn’t something to criticize, but to prove incorrect. “How do I gain your trust again?”

She shook her head. “I suppose leaving this all behind is out of the question?”

He kept his tone light to match hers. “We’re a ways from putting this behind us, I’m afraid.”

“Then I don’t know. I’ll fight for you, Brandt, but consider everything. We need to defeat the queen, and even if I don’t understand her power the same way you do, I have an idea what it must take for you to fear her as you do. I just don’t want to lose you, not to her, and not to a quest for the strength to defeat her.”

He nodded, and they left their argument at that. Shortly thereafter, Ana left, claiming the need for a long walk. Brandt let her go alone.

Ren’s prediction turned out to be accurate. He came to them the next afternoon, and when Ana opened the door for him, he studied them inquisitively.

“I didn’t hurt him,” Ana said.

“I’m relieved,” Ren said.

“And I appreciate what you did for me in that chamber, Ren. I’m sorry I didn’t understand earlier,” Brandt added.

“I only spoke the truth. Though we may not agree, I think I understand what drives you, and I would fight by your side.”

Brandt resisted the urge to glare at Ana, strong as it was. “Have the elders decided?”

“I believe they have. Both you and Regar have been summoned.”

“May I accompany you?” Ana asked.

“Of course,” Ren answered.

Brandt wasn’t sure if Ana wanted to join because she didn’t trust him, or if it was because she wanted to show her support. He supposed that no matter the reason, he was grateful for her company. Their relationship had been tense for the past day, but not unkind.

Once again they made their journey deep into the heart of the mountain. Brandt was proud that he was able to keep track of the twists and turns, and was now confident he could find his way to the chamber again if he needed to.

As before, they met Regar in the antechamber. The prince looked to be in good spirits. Brandt wished he