Page 42 of Highland Lords of War & Thunder: The Prequel

Torden frowned. “On what grounds?”

“That's the interesting part. No one seems to know.”

Legion's eyes narrowed.

“Exactly,” Creagan said. “Rumors are moving through Morra Mist faster than the truth can catch them. I've heard them from farmers, merchants, men in taverns and chieftains. Everyone has heard something. No one knows where it started.”

“Or who started it,” Torden said.

“Not even a hint,” Creagan said.

Legion glanced around the crowded tavern settling on the woman who had just left Creagan’s side. “And the woman?”

Creagan smiled. “She works in the castle kitchens.”

Torden stared at him for a moment before shaking his head.

Legion laughed.

Creagan spread his hands. “What? A man can enjoy his work.”

“What did she tell you?” Legion asked.

“That the castle knows something is coming. Guards have been increased. The queen has been meeting privately with men she appears to trust, and more messages than usual have been coming and going.”

Torden reached for his ale. “So, she didn't summon us because of rumors.”

“Nay,” Creagan said. “Whatever is happening, I think the queen knows more than anyone else does.”

Legion looked toward the tavern door. “Then perhaps it's time we find out what.”

Creagan shook his head. “Not yet.”

Torden's brow rose. “The queen summoned us.”

“And she's waited this long,” Creagan said. “She can wait another day.”

Legion studied him. “You think there's more to learn.”

“I think we're sitting in the town where the rumors appear to be spreading fastest. It would be foolish to walk into the castle before we learn what we can.”

Torden considered that, then nodded. “One day.”

“One day,” Legion agreed.

Creagan lifted his tankard. “Excellent. Now that that's settled, we can finish our ale.”

Torden shook his head. “Some things never change.”

Creagan grinned. “And you should both be grateful for it.”

Chapter Thirteen

Queen Eudora

Eudora stood at the window of her private solar, staring beyond the walls of Dunsire toward the distant hills.

Where were they? Three days had passed since she'd stood alone in the forest and spoken the words her grandmother had taught her.