Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 103333 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 517(@200wpm)___ 413(@250wpm)___ 344(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103333 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 517(@200wpm)___ 413(@250wpm)___ 344(@300wpm)
Elara lowered her voice. “You don’t believe the king is wise?”
Feena turned her question on her. “Do you?”
Elara stared at the door. “I don’t know, though I pray he is.”
Heavy footsteps sounded near the chamber door.
Elara and Feena stepped back as the doors swung open.
Dar stepped out, Muir following and closing the door behind him.
Dar turned to Muir. “See that everything is made ready for departure. We leave by mid-morning.”
Muir nodded and hurried off.
Feena stepped aside when she saw Dar turn his attention to Elara. His jaw was locked tight, the muscle there ticking, and his gray eyes appeared stormy.
Dar planted himself directly in front of his wife. “What were you thinking?” He raised a quick finger to silence her before she could speak. “You don’t need to tell me. I already know—” His voice turned sharp. “You weren’t thinking when you spoke up. One day your foolish boldness will earn you a blade at your throat.”
Elara lifted her chin, refusing to wilt. “You would have had me stand silent while a frightened lass was used at the whim of the king? And what of the healers taken captive? Should I have ignored them, left them to linger here in Caerith? And what of us? What good would we do stuck here?”
His jaw tightened further, annoyed she made sense.
She let a slight smile break through. “Though, you are right, I acted before I fully thought it through.”
He shook his head and lowered it, his warm breath brushing her face. “And now your life hangs on the mercy of a king who possesses none. Do you understand the danger you have placed yourself in?”
She boldly leaned closer. “Then it appears that I have—we have—no choice but to find the exceptional healer.”
The storm in his eyes softened and he could not resist… he brushed his lips over hers. “You will obey my every word, wife, and not do anything foolish.”
She hesitated, a rush of warmth running through her from his faint kiss, followed by a sudden chill when a question hurried to her lips. “How can I give you my word when I don’t know if I can trust you?”
“I gave you my word that I would protect you, keep you safe, and I kept it, and I will continue to do so.”
“And will you continue to lie to me?” she challenged.
He demanded the same of her. “Will you do as well?”
“Trust each other or this task will never get done,” Feena said as if chastising two young bairns. “You must be careful, Elara. Visions are not easily bent to one’s will. They come as they choose and having your husband beside you will be of great help but only if you speak the truth with him. And you, Dar, be a husband to her before a Hunter, leaving her no reason to doubt you.”
Dar took hold of Elara’s hand. “You know I have kept my word about protecting you and keeping you safe. Know now you have my word that I will always speak the truth to you and keep nothing from you.”
Elara’s heart jolted, catching her breath in her throat.
“If you are wise, my son,” Feena said softly, “you will keep hold of that promise, for it will be tested.” She looked to Elara. “Your turn.”
A breath escaped Elara, and it took a moment for her to speak, giving her time to realize what her promise would mean. She would have to confide in her husband about the ethereal figure who healed Muir.
Did she trust him enough to do so?
Did she have a choice?
She spoke quickly, knowing it must be done. “I give you my word, husband, that I will always speak the truth to you and keep nothing from you.”
“Then we will surely succeed,” Dar said with confidence that Elara thought she felt rush over her.
“Aye, together you will,” Feena said as if she knew it to be so. “Now go and see to what needs doing for departure.”
“What of you?” Elara asked.
“Wherever Adira is, that is where you will find me. I will not leave her no matter what the king commands. Now go and I will pray for a safe and successful quest.”
Elara felt an odd connection to the old woman she barely knew, and she hurried to give her a hug. It came swiftly and briefly, an image of Feena holding Adira crying in her arms, soothing her, patting her chest, letting her know all would be well.
When she stepped back, Feena was smiling softly and Elara sensed that the old woman knew she had a vision.
She turned to Dar. “A brief vision that Feena will remain with Adira, though it will not be easy for the young woman.”
“Nothing is easy when it comes to the king,” Dar said.
Footsteps sounded on the stone stairs and Muir appeared, sending Dar an anxious look. “You are needed.”