Page 60 of Highland Lords of War & Thunder: The Prequel

“She will be dealt with accordingly.”

Torden didn't like the sound of that. “What does that mean?”

“It means her fate will depend upon what we learn.”

“What you learn from the documents?” he asked, wanting it made clear.

“The documents and from her.” Eudora's expression grew serious. “If the documents are genuine and prove I have no legitimate right to this throne, which seems unlikely, then Morra Mist faces a problem far greater than the woman who discovered the truth.”

“And if they prove false?”

“Then I need to know whether she was deceived by someone or knowingly participated in the deception.”

“And if she forged them?” he asked.

“Then she has deliberately attempted to undermine the crown.”

Torden knew the punishment for treason… the woman would hang.

He didn't know her and had no reason to care what became of her. Yet the thought of delivering a woman into Eudora's hands without knowing whether he was bringing her to safety or to the gallows didn't sit well with him.

“You are obligated to obey my command,” Eudora said, feeling he needed reminding.

“That is true, but it doesn't mean I can't ask questions.”

“Which I have generously answered.” She pointed out.

As much as Torden disliked the uncertainty surrounding the task, he had no choice. He would find the woman and the documents and bring both to Eudora.

“Where do I find her?”

“That is a problem in itself. I don't know exactly where she is. I know she is from Morra Mist, but she recently returned after spending time in the Highlands across the sea.”

It couldn’t be. It just couldn’t be, Torden thought.

“What else do you know about her that could help me find her?”

“Very little, I am sorry to say.”

“Her name? Can you at least tell me that,” Torden asked and waited, hoping it wasn’t what he thought it was.

“Ismera.”

The name echoed through his head as if the queen had shouted it.

The hellion he had no wish ever to deal with again. And now he was obligated to find her and bring her before a queen who might very well order her to hang.

Chapter 17

Creagan’s Task

The door across the passage opened.

Creagan looked up from where he sat, sprawled comfortably in the chair, one ankle resting over the opposite knee. Torden stepped from the queen's solar and closed the door behind him.

Creagan's smile came easily. It always did.

Torden did not move.