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)
Kaelan did not answer immediately. Instead, he studied Dravic for a long moment. “You truly know nothing of Northland, do you?”
“Very little.”
“Then before I carry such a request to my grandfather, you should know the people whose aid you seek… and whose blood you share.”
Kaelan settled back in his chair, his gaze drifting briefly to the flames before returning to Dravic.
“Northlanders are not easily understood by those who have never crossed our borders. We are a hard people, forged by long winters, unforgiving mountains, and seas that claim the careless without mercy.” He took another swallow of wine. “Strength is expected of every man and woman born there. Children learn early that no one survives alone. We hunt together, fight together, grieve together. If one family suffers, the whole village shares the burden.” A faint smile touched his lips. “Our grandfather, King Eirik, has often said that the cold teaches lessons no man can afford to ignore. Pride will not keep you warm. Only those willing to stand beside another live to see spring.”
Dravic remained silent, listening.
“We are a fiercely loyal people,” Kaelan continued. “Betray one of us and you have made an enemy of us all. Earn our trust…” He paused briefly. “…and we will stand beside you until our last breath.”
Kaelan’s expression grew thoughtful.
“Your mother understood that better than anyone. She never stopped being a daughter of Northland, even after she wed your father.” He looked directly at Dravic. “Which is why your grandfather never stopped mourning her… or wondering what became of the grandson he was forbidden to know.”
Dravic gave no outward sign of surprise, though Kaelan’s words struck him harder than he cared to admit.
He took a slow swallow of wine before saying, “Strange. My grandfather led me to believe just the opposite.”
Kaelan frowned. “In what way?”
“That Northland abandoned me after the death of my parents, I never saw any of them again. Not a single one.”
Kaelan stared at him in stunned silence. “We were told we were never to visit Scotara. That we were to have nothing further to do with you.”
“Then why would my grandfather tell me otherwise?” Dravic challenged, not believing him.
“That…” He held Dravic’s gaze. “…is a question worth asking.”
Silence settled between them. The only sound, the fire crackling softly in the hearth.
Neither man spoke, each left with thoughts neither had expected to entertain when the conversation began.
Kaelan broke the silence first. “You need not send me to Northland to learn the answer.”
“And why would that be?” Dravic asked, his tone brisk.
“Simple. King Eirik would never stand against his grandson. He would stand beside him without question.”
Dravic remained skeptical. “You speak with remarkable certainty.”
Kaelan leaned back in his chair. “I know my grandfather well.”
“I will have King Eirik speak those words himself to you, and you deliver them to me,” Dravic said.
“Hear them for yourself,” Kaelan said. “Invite him here. He will be only too pleased to visit his grandson, the king. My knowledge of what caused the rift that kept you from your mother’s people is only what I was told. Learn the truth from the man who lived it… your grandfather.”
Kaelan was met with silence, and he remained quiet as well, sipping his wine, as the weight of his words settled in.
Dravic thought about his grandfather’s warning. Never trust the Northlanders. They lie to benefit their own. Yet Kaelan spoke of loyalty, of family as something unbreakable. So, which grandfather speaks the truth?
“Either way,” Kaelan said, “I would not be able to go home right now, nor would our grandfather be able to travel here.”
Dravic went to argue but Kaelan spoke quickly.
“The North Sea is unforgiving in winter. Any ship foolish enough to sail would undoubtedly not survive.”
“And yet I have heard tales of those who did,” Dravic said.
“Tales, not truths. For now, permit Bria and me to return to Driochmor.”
Dravic’s brow lifted.
“Bria’s and Wynn’s skills combined will no doubt reveal what is needed regarding the markings. Dar and Elara can continue their search for the exceptional healer.”
“And what will you do in Driochmor besides keeping your wife and her great-grandmother safe?” Dravic asked.
“I will find out what spies still lurk in Driochmor and who has aligned themselves with Tharne.”
Dravic studied him. “And I should trust you to be truthful with me?”
“Have I given you reason to doubt me? I could have kept my wife hidden away, not brought you the information we found, and returned home without you knowing I was even here. But I didn’t. Though it was a dangerous choice to make… I chose to trust you. After all, we are family.”
“And what if I had executed your wife on sight?”
Kaelan’s grin vanished. “I would have killed you and welcomed death so I could be with her once again.”
Dravic could not help but admire his courage and be envious of such a powerful love. Such love, he would never know.