Page 57 of Destiny of a King

The other guard hurried to offer, “Your guards are closer. I could ride and let them know you are here. Then I can track the Hunters and bring them to you while Cadby remains with you. If that is acceptable to you, my king?”

Dravic was impressed by the young guard’s quick thinking.

“Your name?” he asked.

“Percy, my king,” he said with a brief dip of his head.

“See it done, Percy,” Dravic ordered.

“Aye, my king, I will send them here to you.”

“I will not wait long,” Dravic warned. “Have them follow our tracks if we are not here.”

Percy looked about to disagree, but quickly held his tongue, bobbed his head, and hurried off.

Adira continued to watch. Plans were being made, though she could see from the guards’ expressions that they were not in agreement with their king. But no one dared disobey the king.

She smiled when servants placed platters of food on the table and Skellie filled tankards with hot cider—apple by the scent of it.

“Skellie,” Dravic said.

Skellie stood straighter before the king.

“My companion needs a wool cloak that will keep the cold at bay.”

“Aye, my king. We have a talented weaver here. She will have what you need. I will see it brought to you.”

“You will be well compensated for it.”

“Not necessary, my king. I am only too pleased to provide what you need.”

“Nonsense,” Dravic snapped. “You work, you earn, no matter who it is.”

Adira watched Skellie stare at the king a moment before bobbing his head and walking away. He had been surprised at something the king said, but there had also been admiration in his eyes. Whatever the king had said, it had gained even more of Skellie’s respect for the king.

A quiet peace settled over the room as everyone focused on food and drink.

Adira enjoyed the porridge and fresh bread while she saw that the king favored the smoked ham and quail eggs. The guard ate as well, the king having insisted on it, after watching the exchange between the two.

It made her wonder how long they would be traveling if the king had insisted his guard eat before they left.

After most of the food was eaten and the tankards emptied, Dravic stood and everyone in the room rose.

“We leave now,” Dravic said, turning to Cadby.

Cadby nodded and went to the door.

Skellie hurried over to the king and handed him a deep green wool cloak.

“The finest the weaver had, my king.”

Dravic gave a quick nod, took the cloak from him, and slipped it around Adira’s shoulders. Before he took hold of her hand to lead her to the door, he dropped several coins on the table.

Skellie’s eyes widened. “Thank you, my king, and may your journey be a safe one.”

Others in the inn followed suit, wishing the king well.

Their horses waited, clouds of white breath rising from their nostrils.