Page 23 of Bewitched

“This is all so sudden,” said Rhys, not sure what to say. Being king and having his own castle was everything that Rhys ever wanted. He had a hard time believing what the King was saying, and it made him wonder why he decided on him as his heir. “May I ask why you’ve decided this so suddenly?”

“My second advisor was the one who convinced me it is the right thing to do. I trust the man completely.”

“Second advisor?” asked Rhys, not knowing the King even had any advisor except for his man, Raudfer, who Rhys was sure didn’t even like him.

“Aye, I’ve had Cirle undercover at Macada Castle for some time now. He gave me valuable information about King Sethor’s defense plans. He goes back and forth from Macada to here, and he’s also been keeping an eye on you and your family for me.”

“What?” asked Rhys in surprise.

“Don’t be alarmed. His report was a good one. He’s told me wonderful things about you, Sir Rhys. Things that made me confident I was making the right decision.”

“With all due respect, I’m not sure I like the idea of being spied on, Your Majesty.”

“It’s a good thing, I assure you, Sir Rhys. You should be thanking my spy, since it was on his word that I’ve based my decision to make you my heir.”

“Well then, if I ever meet the man, I will be sure to thank him. But what about your three daughters, Sire? Surely, you’d put them in line in front of me to sit on your throne?” Rhys had a hard time believing this was true.

“Bah!” The King swiped his hand through the air in a dismissing manner. “They are just women, and cannot be my heirs. You know that.”

“I am sure that someday they’ll marry, Your Majesty. Wouldn’t you prefer one of them and their husband to rule in your stead, rather than me?” As much as Rhys wanted this position, he needed to know it was truly the King’s wishes, and not just an impulsive decision that the King would soon regret.

“Nay! I don’t trust anyone but you. I’ve left a signed and sealed missive with Raudfer. It is to be opened upon my death. In it, I name you, Sir Rhys, as heir to all I own.” This shocked Rhys so much that it left him tongue-tied, and not able to speak. Even if he had been able to talk, he wasn’t sure he knew how to respond. This was a stroke of luck. He would someday get everything he ever wanted. This was an amazing dream come true.

“I am honored, my lord,” he finally managed to squeak out. “That is, if you are sure you want me.” This was a tough position to be in. As the proclaimed king’s heir now, how could he possibly deny any command the man gave him? He couldn’t. And the King just gave a command that Rhys wasn’t sure he could possibly carry out.

“Are you saying you don’t want this opportunity, Blackseed? What is the matter with you? You would turn down a kingdom and title of king?”

“Nay, of course not. It is an opportunity that only a fool would pass up,” he answered, feeling excited, hesitant, and confused all at the same time.

“Just follow my orders exactly, or I’ll make someone else my heir instead,” he warned Rhys. “Unless you are trying to tell me you’re turning down my offer?” The King looked at him suspiciously, almost as if he had started to doubt his decision. Mayhap Rhys’ hesitancy had caused this. He needed to be more careful. The last thing Rhys wanted right now was for the King not to trust him.

“Nay, of course I wouldn’t turn down your offer,” he answered, shaking his head, feeling very confused right now. “I didn’t mean that at all, Sire. After all, doesn’t every knight want to someday own his own castle and be a ruler? Of course, I do. I am just surprised, as well as honored, that you should choose me, that’s all. I really didn’t expect it.”

“Through the years, you have served me well, Sir Rhys. You have always done what I’ve asked, and have been more loyal to me than even any of my hounds. You have never questioned my word, nor have you given me doubt that you would ever betray me.”

“Thank you, Sire. I assure you, that you can trust me completely.”

“You are the best man for the position, once I am gone. The last thing I want is for Kasculbough to fall into the hands of my enemies.”

“Of course not. I understand.”

“Good. Then, prove to me that I haven’t made an error in judgement. Bring back that dragon and the witches as I’ve commanded. Dead or alive. But either way, you will be required to kill them all. I know you can do it, Sir Rhys.”

“I will do my best, Your Majesty.” He bowed his head. “But concerning the witches…” He tried again to change the King’s mind.

“You know what you have to do! Don’t make me question my choice of naming you heir.”

“Of course not, my lord.”

“Now, go! And in the name of all the gods in The Haven, do not even think of letting me down.”

Seven

Rhys mounted his warhorse and rode out over the drawbridge of Kasculbough Castle, feeling as if someone had just punched him in the gut. What the King was offering was everything that he had ever dreamed of. It was almost too good to be true. Of course, it didn’t go into effect until the man was dead, but the way things were going on Mura lately, that could happen sooner than later.

He took the path around the east of the castle and rode along the shore of the sea. He had never disobeyed an order from the King before, but this time was different. How could he carry out the order to kill Medea and her sister? And in regards to the dragon, he had no idea how to even capture it, let alone kill it. He was more than sure that he might be the one to get killed just trying to carry out the order.

“Rhys!” called out his brothers from behind him. He turned to see Zann and Darium riding their horses fast, trying to catch up with him. He stopped and turned around.