Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 105132 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 526(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 350(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105132 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 526(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 350(@300wpm)
Dravic led Adira down the narrow staircase, his hand remaining firm around hers until they reached the last step. Only then did he release it.
The common room bustled with the sounds of breakfast. Tankards thudded against rough wooden tables, voices mingled with the crackle of the hearth, and the rich aroma of fresh bread, porridge, and smoked ham filled the air.
The moment he stepped into the common room, every sound ceased. Conversations died unfinished. Tankards hovered halfway to waiting lips. A serving girl stood motionless, a platter balanced on one hand.
Even the crackle of the hearth seemed suddenly too loud in the silence.
Skellie hurried forward at once and bowed deeply. “My king.”
One by one, every person in the room followed his example. They all bowed their heads to show their king respect.
Dravic acknowledged them with a single nod.
The room stirred cautiously, though no one returned to their meal. Curious eyes followed every movement of their king, then drifted to the young woman at his side before quickly looking away.
Skellie stepped forward. “The men you asked for are waiting, my king.”
He motioned toward a table tucked into the far corner of the room.
The two elite guards stood watch over two older men who rose as Dravic approached, both bowing respectfully.
Dravic stopped beside the table and acknowledged them with a brief nod.
“Sit.”
The men obeyed.
Dravic remained standing while Adira remained a step behind him.
“I will tolerate no lies,” Dravic cautioned.
The one older man met the king’s steady gaze without flinching. “I have no reason to lie to my king.”
“Your name.”
“Hollis.”
“You spoke of Ernach last night, Hollis, as though he still lives.”
“He does, my king.”
Dravic’s expression remained unchanged as he said, “Ernach was my grandfather’s Master of Arms. He betrayed the crown and was hunted down and killed years ago. How could you have spoken to a dead man?”
Hollis shrugged. “I have no answer to that, my king. The fellow claims he is Ernach but since I never met Ernach before then, I cannot say for sure if it is truly him. What I can say for certain is that he knows a great deal about the Great War, King Halric, and your da, Prince Edric.”
Was it possible? Could Ernach still be alive? If he was, then he would get answers to questions that had plagued him of late.
Dravic rested one hand on the table. “When did you last see him?”
Hollis answered without hesitation. “Just the other day.”
Dravic saw no deceit in the man’s face, but then lying came so easily to so many.
He turned a scowl on the man. “If this is some foolish attempt to deceive your king—”
“It is not,” Hollis hurried to say. “I have no wish to earn the king’s wrath, and no reason to invent such a tale.”
Dravic let silence respond and linger, until he finally asked the only question that mattered.
“Where can I find him?”
The two men exchanged a brief glance.
Hollis answered, “Just beyond the border, my king.”
Dravic waited, the man hesitant to continue.
“Ernach resides…” Hollis drew a cautious breath. “…in Driochmor.”
Chapter Fourteen
The Land That Rules
Driochmor Village
“Where in Driochmor?” Dravic demanded.
Hollis shifted beneath the king’s stare. “Near the border, my king. There is an old settlement beyond the eastern ridge. He keeps to a cottage apart from the others.”
“You will show me.”
Hollis’s eyes widened. “You mean to go there?”
Dravic’s tone cautioned. “You dare question your king?”
Hollis’s face paled. “Forgive me, my king.”
“You have one hour to gather what you need,” Dravic ordered.
“Aye, my king.” Hollis bobbed his head and hurried off, the other man hurrying along after him.
Dravic turned to Skellie. “We will eat now.”
The innkeeper dipped into a quick bow. “Right away, my king.”
Dravic turned to Adira and pointed to the bench at the table.
She sat and he dropped down beside her.
Adira’s gaze drifted from face to face, studying each expression, every movement, searching for meaning in words she could not hear. The old man’s startled expression lingered in her thoughts, as did the unmistakable determination that had settled over the king. Something important had changed. She simply did not know what.
Dravic looked to the two guards. “Are there any more of my guards within riding distance?”
“Possibly four, my king,” one guard answered.
“And Hunters?”
The other guard spoke up. “We passed a few yesterday, six or seven, suspending their search for Drogath spies to help us search for you.”
“One of you will go fetch them and the other will go and fetch more of my warriors.”
The two guards glanced quickly at each other before one spoke.
“That would leave you alone, my king, and the Master of Arms would have our heads if we dared leave you completely alone.”
The other guard hurried to offer, “Your guards are closer. I could ride and let them know you are here. Then I can track the Hunters and bring them to you while Cadby remains with you. If that is acceptable to you, my king?”