“Thank you,” he said, looking back over at Korik. “I would also like to ask questions of a more personal matter, Healer Korik. How are Prince Taegan and the young princess?”
Korik blinked, surprised at the sudden change in topic; but the king now had a small smile on his regal features.
“They are well,” he replied slowly, then added, “Your Majesty. Princess Nahara is... tall for her age already. She is shy when I meet with her, but is beginning to speak. Last I spoke to them, Prince Taegan was concerned she was not eating enough. She is... particular in her preferences. But she grows as expected.”
The king’s eyes had softened considerably, despite Korik’s stilted speech. “I am glad to hear it. My son writes to me often, but it is not the same as being there. I hope that once tensions have eased, I will be able to travel to see them again.”
Korik nodded, unsure of how to reply. Varen added, “We hope for the same, Your Majesty.”
King Ruven’s soft expression faded quickly, back to business once more. “I must ask you to do something for me. The both of you.”
Korik’s heart sank, and he could feel Varen tense beside him—though whether it was in excitement, or a similar anxiety, he could not tell. Neither responded, so the king continued,
“We need to know more about the location and activities of these rebels. If they are taking citizens of Aefraya to be prisoners of war, this is a far more urgent matter than we have initially believed. Commander Petkas, at this time you have more knowledge of this camp than anyone else at my disposal. Your former position as a head ranger also puts points in your favor. I ask you to track down this rebel camp and report as much information as you can—to both Castle Aefraya, and to King Zorvut and my son in Drol Kuggradh—so we may work together to eliminate this threat.”
“I will, Your Majesty,” Varen replied quickly, his head dipping into a deep bow.
Then the king’s eyes landed on Korik again, and he felt his heart sinking. “Healer Korik, I understand you are neither soldier nor scout, and this is not your field of expertise. But I would still ask you to assist Commander Petkas in this matter. Your knowledge proved invaluable in the last encounter; to me, it seems you are our best chance at tracking down more information regarding these rebels. While I have all confidence in the commander’s ability to see this through, I believe his chances of success would be significantly improved with your help.”
Korik bowed his head, if only to hide his increasing distress. The request came from a king; how could he refuse, no matter how much he wanted to? It reminded him of his conversation with King Zorvut when the princess was born—it felt so long ago, yet was coming back to haunt him now.
He thought of Roz waiting for him back at home, looking after the shop. He’d told her to expect him back in a month. That timeline had already been pushed back—how much longer would it be before he saw her again? Was he missed by his patients and the citizens of Drol Kuggradh? Had anyone even noticed he was gone?
And he would have to continue to travel with Varen for an indeterminate length of time. The realization sent a strange mix of emotion racing through his chest.
“You would, of course, be provided with all necessary supplies and compensated upon your return,” King Ruven added, after a few beats of silence had passed.
“I...” Korik stammered. He did not want to agree, but neither did he want to refuse a king. “I don’t know that I am the right choice for such a thing. I fear I would only slow Varen down—er, that is, Commander Petkas. If he is as skilled as you say. I would only hinder him.”
He could not bring himself to lift his head to look at either elf for their reaction. For a moment, neither of them spoke; then the king’s voice came again, still sounding unphased and neutral.
“What do you think, Commander Petkas?” he asked. “Would Healer Korik be a hindrance to you?”
Varen was silent for a long moment, too—longer than Korik would have expected. He didn’t know whether to feel disappointed Varen did not immediately agree, or strangely flattered that he seemed to be seriously considering it. Varen annoyed him, sure; but in the moment, he realized he could not say with any certainty what the elf really thought about him.
“I found Healer Korik’s presence to be critical in the events of the past weeks,” Varen finally replied, his voice soft, without any of the grating edge of arrogance to his tone now. “I do not think I could have freed my sister or the other elves as easily as I did without his help. If at all. His magical ability far surpasses my own.”
Korik’s heart leapt into his throat, terror seizing him that Varen might betray his confidence after all, and to the elven king no less—but then Varen fell silent, and King Ruven made a soft hum of consideration. Still, Korik kept his head turned down, too afraid to look at either of them.
“If Commander Petkas vouches for you, Healer Korik, I am sure you are the right choice, though I can admire your humility,” the king said. “Will you go with him?”
It seemed he had no other option. Korik closed his eyes and took in a deep, steadying breath. Roz would just have to wait a little longer. She was self-sufficient. He would sorely miss his home, his shop, his calico cat—but it would all be waiting for him whenever he returned.
“Yes,” he replied, risking a glance first at the king, then at Varen. “I will help him.”
King Ruven’s expression was as neutral as ever. Varen had a small smile that Korik swore morphed into his annoyingly smug smirk the moment their eyes met, which made him instantly regret agreeing. But he’d already said it, and now it was too late.
“I thank you, Healer, for the noble service you are providing to myself and to all our people,” the king said, his voice taking on a more sincere tone. “I know we have asked much of you already, and I regret having to ask more of you. Name your price, and it will be given to you.”
“I—” Korik stammered, utterly taken aback. There had been so many twists and turns to the conversation, it felt like he could barely keep up. So he answered honestly, “I don’t know. There is little I want for.”
At that, a smile stretched across the king’s face. “Take some time to consider it, then, and when this is said and done, you need only ask. I am sure that either myself, or my son, will ensure you receive whatever it is you desire.”
“Thank you,” Korik said faintly. This was all too much.
“Commander, please speak with the quartermaster for any equipment you or Healer Korik might need,” King Ruven said, now addressing Varen again. “While I will not give you a specific time frame in this, I think we can agree that the sooner the better, hm?”
“Of course, Your Majesty,” Varen said, bowing his head.
