Page 76 of Destiny of a King

Dravic was barely eight when his da and mum died. He had loving memories of them both, but they faded as the years went on, his mind occupied with learning what it took to be a king, and he barely recalled them now.

“I know my grandfather threatened the death of the Driochmorian children if they did not comply with his edict. But how real could that threat be against magic? Surely, Driochmor could have easily quelled my grandfather’s threats.” Dravic’s brow narrowed. “Though being here in Driochmor, I have seen little signs of powerful magic.”

“To quell such a troubling edict would have been at a horrific expense of lives that Driochmor was not willing to lose on either side. And as for the lack of magic, you have seen here? This village sits just over the border of Caerith. Travel deeper in and you will find more than you ever expected or imagined.”

“Then again, if such powerful magic exists, why would they surrender their children?”

“You are not a foolish king. You know the answer,” Fiora challenged. “You just don’t want to accept it.”

Dravic stared at her for a few moments, then looked to Ernach. “Did you not warn my grandfather what Driochmor’s surrender truly meant?”

Ernach sighed heavily. “He refused to listen. He believed himself more powerful. I offered to negotiate a truce with Driochmor, but he had discovered that I had fallen in love with a woman from Driochmor and accused me of betraying him. I had no choice. If I wanted to live, I had to run. He could not accept that I escaped and so he fabricated a story about my death to make sure others would dare not disobey him.”

“So, because of my grandfather’s hubris, I now find myself with Driochmor having infiltrated all of Scotara by having spread their progeny throughout the kingdom. Now their abilities are awakening, like Elara’s did.”

“Aye,” Ernach said, “but unlike your grandfather, the Wise ones of Driochmor chose such a plan to not only protect their people but all of Scotara. By making sure their progeny was scattered throughout the kingdom they believed that one day Scotara could live as one once again.”

“But something went wrong, didn’t it?” Dravic asked.

Ernach nodded and looked to Fiora.

She flew off the mantel to land on the table and stood near Dravic’s arm that rested there.

“There are dark forces in Driochmor that did not agree with the council’s decision. They believe the king has no right to rule here. That it is a land of magic and always will be. The council fears those are the ones Warlord Tharne is attempting to recruit, promising them complete rule over Scotara.”

“Tharne will never allow that. He lies to them,” Dravic said, and shook his head. “The only reason for him to strike Scotara is to rule it.” He scowled. “Or maybe to harness its magic since Drogath possesses none.”

“He would keep us as slaves to do his bidding,” Fiora said, her cheeks glowing red with anger.

Dravic stood. “Tharne makes sure that I see his buildup of ships, his preparation for war so that I will do the same. I will see the shoreline protected, stop the attack, and keep him from coming ashore.”

Ernach paled. “When all along he will attack from within.”

Dravic’s scowl deepened. “And he wants the power of the exceptional healer to help him secure victory.”

Chapter Nineteen

The King’s Decision

Loyalties Tested

“Ineed to think.”

The words came quietly, but there was no mistaking the finality in them.

Dravic pushed back from the table and rose. His thoughts were already moving ahead, weighing choices and consequences as they always did when the fate of his kingdom rested heavily on his shoulders.

He turned to Adira and held out his hand.

She took it without hesitation, feeling relieved as his fingers closed firmly around her hand.

The simple gesture continued to ease her worry that he would not send her away, last night’s incident still haunting her. He had not stepped back from her. He still reached for her as he always had.

Fiora lifted her head from the mantel. “Must you leave already? I was just beginning to enjoy making you uncomfortable.”

Dravic gave her a look. “I have no time for your nonsense now. Follow silently or busy yourself elsewhere.”

Fiora pressed her hand to her chest in exaggerated offense, but Dravic had already turned away.