Page 78 of Destiny of a King

“Yet you still refuse to speak.”

Again, Dravic’s words were met with silence.

Dravic studied him for a long moment. “You fear Tharne more than you fear me.”

The prisoner’s expression flickered, only slightly, but Dravic noticed.

A cold calm settled over the king. “I can change that.”

Fear sparked in the prisoner’s eyes.

“Take him away,” Dravic ordered.

The Hunters moved at once, dragging the prisoner away from the gathering.

Dravic watched him go, knowing the man would spend the coming hours wondering what fate awaited him.

He turned back to Percy. “I see more of my warriors have joined you.”

Percy nodded. “Aye, my king. Tavish sent them with a message for you.”

“I will hear it,” Dravic commanded, having been expecting one since he had not returned home yet when, by now, he should have.

Percy lifted his hand and motioned toward one of the warriors standing beside their horses.

The warrior stepped forward.

Dravic recognized him immediately.

The warrior’s gait held a limp but it did not stop him from keeping a good pace to the king.

“Turcan,” Dravic said when the older warrior stopped in front of him.

Turcan bowed his head. “It is good to see you safe, my king.”

Turcan had served Scotara for many years. He had fought beside the finest warriors of Scotara and earned his place among them, but age and injuries had taken him from the battlefield. He was a man trusted for his wisdom, loyalty, and judgment, and Tavish had chosen him to deliver his message.

That alone told Dravic more than words could.

Dravic looked toward Percy and Cadby. “Leave us.”

They bobbed their head and stepped away, leaving Dravic, Adira, and Turcan alone.

Dravic turned his attention back to the older warrior. “The message.”

Turcan bowed his head. “My king, Tavish’s words were these.” He paused, recalling them exactly. “You must return to Caerith. It has been discovered that more spies have entered Scotara than previously thought. That means more information gathered to help Tharne. War plans need to be changed in case the ones we have in place have been revealed. The kingdom cannot afford to have its king absent at such a precarious time. The council must prepare, and your duty to Scotara must come before all else.” Turcan continued. “Your duty to secure an heir must also be addressed, especially with war pending. The future of Scotara cannot remain uncertain.”

Dravic waited a moment before asking, “That is all of it?”

“Aye, my king, every word.”

He did not like the news that more spies had been discovered. It meant Tharne would know, if he already didn’t, more about what was going on in Scotara than Dravic knew of Tharne’s plans. And with his realization of Tharne attacking from within, that could prove fatal for Scotara.

“Forgive me, my king,” Turcan said, drawing the king’s attention, “but I must speak.”

“You have something to say.”

Turcan nodded. “Aye.”