Page 80 of Destiny of a King

“Aye, my king, word for word,” Turcan assured him.

“Brace yourself, Turcan, when you deliver my message, for Tavish is not going to like what he hears. Tell him I intended to go deeper into Driochmor.”

Chapter Twenty

Danger at Dusk

A Selfless Act

The day had slipped by far too quickly. The air had grown colder with the fading light that stretched long shadows across the snow. Any colder and snow would fall again.

Dravic did not want more snow. He wanted to start his journey further into Driochmor. Something Tavish would protest but would have little choice but to obey his command.

A command he had to see reached Tavish safely.

“The message is meant for Tavish alone. Make sure only the two of you are present when you deliver it. No one else,” Dravic ordered, standing not far from the horses where no one could hear them.

He cast a quick glance to Adira exploring just a few paces from the edge of the forest. He had thought to stop her when he felt her leave his side, but she had patiently remained there all day. She deserved the few moments of peace the forest brought her. That she was deaf was terrible but at the moment it was a gift since Fiora sat on her shoulder chatting away as if she could hear every word.

At least the annoying fairy could alert him if necessary.

“Won’t Tavish expect Turcan to return with your response, my king?” Percy asked.

“And he will. But this one I have given you does not exist. Understood?”

“Aye, my king.”

“You will leave at first light and take Turcan with you.”

Percy bobbed his head.

He glanced again at Adira. Her steps had slowed and there was a weariness to her face, he just now noticed. The long day had demanded much of her, though she had not complained once. She had remained by his side, gently squeezing his hand whenever she sensed the weight of the day pressing too heavily upon him… or simply because she wished to.

And the look in her eyes… he chased the thought away. He could not allow himself to think about it.

“They have returned.”

Percy’s announcement had Dravic turning to see that Seger and his Hunters had entered the village. Once Seger spotted him, he veered off from his men and headed to Dravic.

“Nothing?” Dravic asked when the Hunter reached him, though the answer was obvious, since no woman was with the group.

“Nay, my king. The forest is silent. Even the animals were nowhere to be seen.”

“You will prepare your men. Tomorrow, we leave to travel deeper into Driochmor.”

Seger did not hide his surprise, though he voiced a concern. “As you say, my king, but I worry we do not have enough warriors to protect you sufficiently… or the abilities to combat those we may face.”

Dravic cast a quick glance at Fiora. “Many of the magical creatures have been made aware of my presence. We should do fine.”

“As you say, my king,” Seger said, though the doubt in his eyes said otherwise.

“One more task left to see to… the prisoner. Time to question him.”

After that, he and Adira would retire to the cottage for the night, though whether it would be wise of him to remain there the entire night was a question he had yet to deal with.

“Fiora, bring Adira to me,” Dravic called out and thought the annoying little creature was finally useful.

Adira was pleased that the king allowed her to walk in the forest though it was only a few paces in. It helped her to learn that the whispers in the forest were different from the whispers she heard outside the forest, though this time some of them mingled. She just wished she could understand why.