Page 59 of Destiny of a King

Dravic followed her gaze. “What is it?”

Before she could answer—even if she could have—Cadby called out.

“My king!”

Dravic immediately turned.

Four riders approached quickly through the snow-covered ground, their horses moving at a determined pace. He recognized the colors before he recognized the men.

His guards.

Dravic brought his stallion to a halt.

When the riders reached them, one dismounted and hurried forward, bowing.

“My king, Percy found us and it did not take long to find your trail and get to you.”

Dravic gave a brief nod. “And Percy?”

“He went after the Hunters as ordered.” The guard paused briefly. “My king…”

Dravic scowled at his slight hesitation. “Say what you will.”

The man lowered his voice. “You have crossed the border…”

“Do not hesitate again,” Dravic snapped.

The guard didn’t. “You have crossed into Driochmor.”

The other guards exchanged uneasy glances.

Dravic’s gaze shifted to Hollis on his horse next to Cadby.

Hollis had grown quiet, his attention moving between the king and the forest surrounding them.

Dravic studied him. “Is this true?”

Hollis hesitated only a moment before giving a slow nod. “Aye, my king.”

Dravic looked ahead.

The trees stretched endlessly before them, their branches heavy with snow. Nothing about the land appeared threatening. Nothing revealed the danger his grandfather had warned him of all his life.

Yet the unease among his men was unmistakable.

“Remain alert,” Dravic commanded.

The guards immediately straightened.

“Watch the trees and the path. Do not assume anything is as it appears.”

“Aye, my king,” they answered.

Dravic turned back to Hollis. “Fail to keep me informed again and you will suffer for it. Now, lead us to Ernach.”

The old man bowed his head. “Aye, my king.”

He guided his horse ahead of the others and proceeded deeper into the forest.