Fiora flew right in as soon as the door opened a crack.
She flitted anxiously around the three of them. “You all need to come to the council building. The Hunter is there demanding an answer.”
Kaelan helped Wynn to her feet and Bria took her arm to walk out with her.
“Worry not, Bria, all will go well.”
It did not since moments later Wynn shocked them all, announcing she would go with the Hunters to the king.
Lord Oaken spoke up. “You most certainly will not.”
The other council members agreed, saying much the same.
It was Elara who voiced a different opinion.
“It might do good for Wynn to go and speak with King Dravic.”
The council members were quick to disagree.
“Nay.”
“Absolutely not.”
“Never.”
“Wynn stays here.”
“King Dravic could have imprisoned me or executed me, but he didn’t,” Elara said.
“Because you offered him something of value… your skills and entrance to Driochmor,” her grandfather said.
“Aye,” Elara said with a nod. “And think of what Wynn could offer the king and in turn have him realize he could benefit from the Wise and perhaps even more of those in Driochmor.”
Dar stepped beside her. “Once the king learns Tharne is recruiting in Driochmor, making promises to those who will fight for Drogath, he might realize it would be wise to make more friends than enemies here.”
“It is worth a try,” Wynn said. “Besides, I need no one’s permission to go. The Hunter waits outside impatiently. Summon him and let us be done with this.”
Bria stepped forward before Kaelan could hold her back. He knew what she was about to do, knew as soon as Wynn delivered the news that she would go to the king. And he did not like it one bit.
“I will go with you,” Bria announced.
“Nay,” Wynn said, shaking her head. “That is not necessary.”
“Necessary or not, I am going with you,” Bria said, leaving no room for her to be persuaded otherwise.
“Your husband might disagree,” Wynn said, looking to Kaelan and expecting him to do just that.
Kaelan stepped forward next to his wife. “While I would prefer her not to go with you, Wynn, I am a wise enough husband to know I cannot stop her, but I will see that she is kept safe.”
“Does anyone else wish to go with them?” Lord Oaken asked, looking around the room as if daring someone to speak up.
“I’ll go!”
Kaelan groaned. “Not the fairy.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Courage Comes at a Price
