Page 174 of Destiny of a King

Adira had wandered several steps ahead of him.

“That is far enough,” he ordered.

She nodded but continued walking.

Dravic shook his head. His wife may have found her voice, but there were times she reverted to gestures, mostly when she ignored his commands.

A few steps toward her and he heard what she had heard, frantic fluttering.

Dravic saw the bird on the ground at nearly the same moment his wife did. One wing lay awkwardly beside its small body while another bird fluttered anxiously nearby, darting toward its injured mate and then away again.

Adira approached slowly.

The uninjured bird grew more agitated.

“Careful,” Dravic warned, staying close enough to intervene if necessary.

Adira nodded once again and crouched beside the injured bird.

The other bird continued its frantic movements until Adira began speaking softly.

“There now. I won’t hurt your mate.”

Dravic watched as the bird settled.

Adira extended her hands slowly. The injured bird made no attempt to escape when she gently lifted it and cupped it between her palms.

She whispered to it, her words too soft for Dravic to hear.

A faint shimmer appeared between her fingers for a few moments, then vanished. She opened her hands. For a heartbeat, the bird remained there. Then it spread both wings and with one quick flutter, it took flight.

Its mate immediately followed. Together they disappeared among the trees.

“Well, isn’t that sweet.”

Dravic groaned as a familiar golden light shot past his shoulder.

Fiora hovered beside him.

“You,” Dravic said as if accusing her of something.

“Were you expecting another fairy?”

“I was hoping you had found someone else to annoy.”

“I have. Tharne.”

Dravic almost smiled. “Then you have finally found a worthwhile purpose.”

Fiora planted her hands on her hips. “He says worse things about you.”

“I would expect nothing less.”

“He also says you remain an arrogant arse.”

“And yet he sits on my council and decides to return home to Driochmor permanently.”

“But he still has ties to Drogath, appointing the next warlord of his choice,” Fiora reminded.