Page 79 of Destiny of a King

“Speak your piece.”

“It is not wise of you to be here, in Driochmor. If Tavish knew, I believe he would have sent stronger words than those I carry. The people of Scotara will not understand.” Turcan’s expression grew troubled. “Rumors will spread that you intend to free the evils of magic. That you seek to undo what your grandfather fought so hard to prevent. He would not have wanted this. He believed magic was responsible for the deaths of your⁠—”

Turcan’s words faltered, his eyes shifting past Dravic, and the color drained from his face.

“Ernach? It cannot be. He is dead.”

Turcan stared at the older man who had stopped walking and looked at Turcan with the same shocked expression.

Adira looked from one man to the other. Only moments before, Turcan’s expression as he spoke was one of slight hesitancy but determined to speak regardless. What he had to say had been important to him whether the king wished to hear it or not.

Yet the sight of Ernach had shocked him, had made him look at the man as if it was not possible he was seeing him. As if he had thought the man dead.

The king remained silent, but she felt the shift in him. His thoughts were moving quickly, searching for answers, weighing what had just been revealed.

Dravic looked down at her, feeling her fingers curl more tightly around his hand, reminding him she was there beside him, always. That he was not alone. Never alone.

I will never let you go.

Adira saw it in his eyes and felt it in the tightening of his hand around hers. He would not let her go… and she did not want him to.

“How?” Turcan demanded. “You betrayed King Halric. He had you killed.”

Just as Dravic turned to Turcan, Ernach spoke.

“He lied.”

Turcan’s face reddened with anger. “You betrayed the king and now accuse him of lying?” He turned to Dravic. “You must do as your grandfather commanded and kill this treasonous bastard.” His hand went to the hilt of his sword. “And I will gladly carry out your command.”

Dravic stepped forward. “Remove your hand from your sword.”

Turcan hesitated. “I served your grandfather faithfully, my king. He ordered the man’s death.”

“And I did not.”

Turcan’s hand remained on the hilt. “He betrayed⁠—”

Dravic’s voice cut through his. “I am king.”

Silence fell.

“My grandfather no longer rules Scotara.”

“Nay, but his command still stands,” Turcan argued.

Dravic took one deliberate step toward him. “I decide who lives.” Then another step. “I decide who dies.”

Turcan’s hand dropped immediately from his sword.

Dravic held the older warrior’s gaze. “If Ernach is to answer for anything, he answers to me. As do you, so guard your tongue or chance losing it.”

Turcan bowed his head. “Aye, my king. I am honored to serve you with the same loyalty I served your grandfather.”

“As my grandfather expected all who served him.”

“I will wait to hear what message you wish me to take to Tavish.”

A smile edged its way to Dravic’s lips but never reached them. “Tavish’s words for you to repeat.”