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)
Adira looked from one man to the other. Only moments before, Turcan’s expression as he spoke was one of slight hesitancy but determined to speak regardless. What he had to say had been important to him whether the king wished to hear it or not.
Yet the sight of Ernach had shocked him, had made him look at the man as if it was not possible he was seeing him. As if he had thought the man dead.
The king remained silent, but she felt the shift in him. His thoughts were moving quickly, searching for answers, weighing what had just been revealed.
Dravic looked down at her, feeling her fingers curl more tightly around his hand, reminding him she was there beside him, always. That he was not alone. Never alone.
I will never let you go.
Adira saw it in his eyes and felt it in the tightening of his hand around hers. He would not let her go… and she did not want him to.
“How?” Turcan demanded. “You betrayed King Halric. He had you killed.”
Just as Dravic turned to Turcan, Ernach spoke.
“He lied.”
Turcan’s face reddened with anger. “You betrayed the king and now accuse him of lying?” He turned to Dravic. “You must do as your grandfather commanded and kill this treasonous bastard.” His hand went to the hilt of his sword. “And I will gladly carry out your command.”
Dravic stepped forward. “Remove your hand from your sword.”
Turcan hesitated. “I served your grandfather faithfully, my king. He ordered the man’s death.”
“And I did not.”
Turcan’s hand remained on the hilt. “He betrayed—”
Dravic’s voice cut through his. “I am king.”
Silence fell.
“My grandfather no longer rules Scotara.”
“Nay, but his command still stands,” Turcan argued.
Dravic took one deliberate step toward him. “I decide who lives.” Then another step. “I decide who dies.”
Turcan’s hand dropped immediately from his sword.
Dravic held the older warrior’s gaze. “If Ernach is to answer for anything, he answers to me. As do you, so guard your tongue or chance losing it.”
Turcan bowed his head. “Aye, my king. I am honored to serve you with the same loyalty I served your grandfather.”
“As my grandfather expected all who served him.”
“I will wait to hear what message you wish me to take to Tavish.”
A smile edged its way to Dravic’s lips but never reached them. “Tavish’s words for you to repeat.”
“Aye, my king, word for word,” Turcan assured him.
“Brace yourself, Turcan, when you deliver my message, for Tavish is not going to like what he hears. Tell him I intended to go deeper into Driochmor.”
Chapter Twenty
Danger at Dusk
A Selfless Act
The day had slipped by far too quickly. The air had grown colder with the fading light that stretched long shadows across the snow. Any colder and snow would fall again.
Dravic did not want more snow. He wanted to start his journey further into Driochmor. Something Tavish would protest but would have little choice but to obey his command.
A command he had to see reached Tavish safely.
“The message is meant for Tavish alone. Make sure only the two of you are present when you deliver it. No one else,” Dravic ordered, standing not far from the horses where no one could hear them.
He cast a quick glance to Adira exploring just a few paces from the edge of the forest. He had thought to stop her when he felt her leave his side, but she had patiently remained there all day. She deserved the few moments of peace the forest brought her. That she was deaf was terrible but at the moment it was a gift since Fiora sat on her shoulder chatting away as if she could hear every word.
At least the annoying fairy could alert him if necessary.
“Won’t Tavish expect Turcan to return with your response, my king?” Percy asked.
“And he will. But this one I have given you does not exist. Understood?”
“Aye, my king.”
“You will leave at first light and take Turcan with you.”
Percy bobbed his head.
He glanced again at Adira. Her steps had slowed and there was a weariness to her face, he just now noticed. The long day had demanded much of her, though she had not complained once. She had remained by his side, gently squeezing his hand whenever she sensed the weight of the day pressing too heavily upon him… or simply because she wished to.
And the look in her eyes… he chased the thought away. He could not allow himself to think about it.
“They have returned.”
Percy’s announcement had Dravic turning to see that Seger and his Hunters had entered the village. Once Seger spotted him, he veered off from his men and headed to Dravic.
“Nothing?” Dravic asked when the Hunter reached him, though the answer was obvious, since no woman was with the group.
“Nay, my king. The forest is silent. Even the animals were nowhere to be seen.”
“You will prepare your men. Tomorrow, we leave to travel deeper into Driochmor.”