The Gifting by Anne Brooke – Excerpt and Character Interview

As Lord Tregannon looped the rope around Simon’s neck, he could smell the herbs and wine from his breath. And the faint trace of wintergreen. The dreaming potion. Simon dared to glance at him once, but those grey eyes flickered across his face and didn’t stay. Simon’s legs were still shaking and soaked with sweat.

“Please, Ralph,” he whispered. “Don’t let them kill me. I don’t want to die. Not yet. I’m not ready. Please.”

Ralph’s only answer was to pull the rope tighter so Simon’s throat burned and he struggled for breath.

Heart thudding in his chest, he tried to speak again, to beg Ralph, anyone, for mercy once more, but the rope was too tight and the only noise the scribe could make at all was a low moan. Somebody laughed, and then a spattering of saliva landed on his cheek.

“Kill him,” somebody shouted.

“Let him hang!”

“Devil.”

Ralph took three steps back, his job complete. Through the scarlet web creeping over his vision, Simon could see his gaze swing back and forth over the crowd, even now controlling them with ease. “Do it then,” he said.

From nowhere, the boy kicked the stool away and the morning sky swung wildly above as the scribe’s feet danced on air.

Anne: Today it gives me great delight to introduce a very important young woman, Annyeke Hallsfoot. Annyeke plays a key role in my fantasy novel, The Gifting, which is the first book in my Gathandrian Trilogy. She’s a vital member of the Gathandrian Council of Meditation and is taking a lot of interest in the journey of Simon the Scribe, with his companions, from the Lammas Lands to the city of Gathandria. Annyeke, can you tell me more about why this journey is taking place?

Annyeke: Yes, of course. It’s all our own fault, to my mind. We Gathandrians are supposed to keep a watch over the affairs of the countries around us, but we’ve let everyone down this time-cycle. I think we’ve lost the art of thinking for ourselves and relied too much on our Elders to make decisions for us. We’re all to blame for what’s happening. If we hadn’t let the war which started in Lammas take full hold, then we wouldn’t be under attack now, our beautiful city destroyed, and we wouldn’t need the help of Simon. This is why Johan, the man I … the man I work for, has been forced to put himself into danger and bring Simon to us.

Anne: Why is it so important for Simon to come here? How can he help you?

Annyeke: Our elders think he’s the Lost One from our Legends, the saviour in a time of devastating war. Johan started off believing it too, but when he found out about Simon’s past and his role in the deaths of many people, then he became far less convinced. But Johan is a man of honour and he won’t go back on what he’s promised. Still, I can’t help wishing …

Anne: Wishing what?

Annyeke: I can’t help wishing he’d never set out on this journey. There are many dangers to face, and the last thing I want is for Johan to come to any harm. He’s a very good friend indeed.

Anne: [Smiles] Yes I know. So now you have to work more closely with the elders in Johan’s place while he’s away. How are you finding that?

Annyeke: [Snorts] I understand the elders work very hard for us and have great responsibilities, but sometimes I think they’re nothing more than a group of old men, well mostly old men, who don’t have the first notion of how their people really feel. There’s something about them which unsettles me too, but I can’t work out what it is. One thing I am sure about is I’m definitely going to find out. I have a responsibility to the people too. After all, as I’m sure you know, you can’t outwit a redhead.

Anne: Very true!

Annyeke: It’s funny, isn’t it, how our hair is almost the same colour though you’re more auburn. And our names are similar too. Anyone would think we were related. [Pauses]. You’re not a distant relative, are you? That would be … interesting.

Anne: No! I plead innocent on that one. There’s nothing to worry about there.

Annyeke: That’s a relief. One distant relative in our lives is already proving more than enough. Not that he knows it yet, but if they survive the journey (and please the gods and stars they will!), then Johan will have to tell him. I hope he will not be too afraid.

Anne: I hope so too. Everything depends on the truth and courage of Simon’s heart. Thank you for taking time out of your day to speak with me, Annyeke. It’s been a pleasure to talk to you again.