Page 13 of Destiny of a King

“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.

Dravic brushed the thought away. “You think there are more spies in Driochmor?”

Kaelan nodded. “I do, and I think their plan is to build an army. One, not made of steel alone… but of magic. Something that will strike Scotara when the time is right.”

“I have considered the same,” Dravic admitted.

“And have kept it to yourself, knowing if such news spread, fear would spread with it.”

“We think alike,” Dravic said.

Kaelan smiled and shrugged. “Of course, we’re cousins, family.”

“We keep this between us,” Dravic ordered.

“I think we should share it with Dar. I have known him only for a short time, but one can tell upon meeting him that he is an honorable man. That gives you more eyes in Driochmor that you can trust.”