Page 12 of Destiny of a King

The chamber was modest compared to the rest of the castle. A sturdy desk stood near the window, shelves of ledgers and rolled maps lined one wall, and a small hearth kept the room comfortably warm against the winter chill. Two chairs sat before the hearth, positioned for conversation rather than ceremony.

It was a room meant for private matters.

Kaelan’s gaze fell on Adira sitting quietly near the fire with her stitching resting in her lap. She looked up when he entered and he wondered how she knew he entered when she could not hear. Then he recalled Bria reminding him how Adira could feel things and no doubt she felt a shift in the room when he opened the door.

The king stood with one hand resting lightly on the mantel, watching the flames rather than his guest.

Without preamble, he said, “I want you to return home to Northland.”

“Why?”

Dravic turned to the sideboard, filled two goblets with wine, and handed one to Kaelen before taking a seat. Then he pointed to the chair beside him.

Kaelan sat but made no move to speak.

Dravic took a swallow of wine. “Once again, war looms over Scotara.”

Kaelan continued to remain silent.

“I know little of Northland beyond what I remember as a child, and those memories are few.” He paused briefly. “With my mother having been the daughter of King Eirik, that makes him my grandfather.” He rested the goblet on the arm of his chair. “If Tharne comes against Scotara in the spring, I need to know whether my mother’s family will stand beside this kingdom… or against it.”

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.”