Kaelan folded his arms across his chest casually. “Who could you possibly seek in Driochmor?”
Bria watched the Hunter hesitate clearly unsure how much to reveal and clearly unsure of Kaelan. After all, they were in the forbidden land where magic ruled.
At last, the Hunter said, “A Wise woman.”
Bria felt her stomach tighten while beside her, Kaelan remained perfectly calm.
“Don’t all women believe themselves wise?” Kaelan asked with a chuckle.
A few smiles appeared along with a laugh. Even the older Hunter’s stern expression softened briefly.
The moment passed quickly.
The older Hunter shifted in his saddle. “The king seeks her.”
“Why?” Kaelan demanded.
The Hunters’ expression hardened. “You do not ask questions.”
“And you do not enter Driochmor demanding answers,” Kaelan shot back with a glint of anger.
The older Hunter, realizing his mistake, softened his tone. “She is to be brought to Caerith.”
“What right has the king to take anyone from Driochmor?” Kaelan asked.
“He is the King of Scotara,” the younger Hunter said, annoyed that Kaelan should dare question the king’s rule.
“He doesn’t rule Driochmor,” Kaelan reminded. “The council does.”
“And the council answers to the king,” the older Hunter said.
“Why does the king want this woman?” Kaelan asked.
“We were given orders not explanations,” the older Hunter said. “Now do you know of her or not?”
Kaelan scratched his head, his brow creasing as if confused. “Strange the king learned of her. News seldom escapes Driochmor.”
The older Hunter did not hide his impatience. “Again, orders, not explanations.”
The conversation might have continued. But suddenly a tiny voice shouted from somewhere overhead.
“Oh, for goodness’ sake! Enough already.”
Four heads turned as Fiora flew around them.
“What in the gods’ name is that?” one of the Hunters cried out.
“A fairy,” Fiona said, “who is tired of listening to men make useless chatter.”
She darted toward a patch of purple flowers growing amongst the trees and plucked a bunch of them.
Kaelan groaned, “Fiora?—”
“Too late.”
She laughed as she zipped along in front of the Hunters and blew pollen directly into their faces.
One Hunter sneezed.
