Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 87731 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 292(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87731 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 292(@300wpm)
“You are troubled and I understand why.”
His jaw tightened, yet he still said nothing.
Bria stopped walking.
Several paces passed before Kaelan realized she was no longer beside him.
He turned.
Fiora continued ahead before noticing neither of them followed.
Bria crossed her arms. “I am not taking another step until you speak to me about it.”
For a moment neither spoke, they simply stared at each other, the autumn wind stirring the leaves around them.
Then Kaelan looked away.
She grabbed his arm. “It is my possible execution that troubles you, isn’t it?”
His eyes turned bright gold briefly, fury left in their wake, and his arm snatched at her waist, dragging her up against him.
“I will kill anyone who dares to try to execute you, even the king himself.”
And there it was, what she feared… he would give his life for her.
“You will do no such thing,” she ordered firmly.
He smiled, not a pleasant smile. “Try and stop me.” A quick kiss stole what she was about to say and gave him time to continue. “But it matters not. Once you are done with the council, I am taking you home.”
Her brow wrinkled. “To Willowmere?”
“Willowmere is no longer your home. Your home is with me in the Northland at my tribe.”
She shook her head. “I cannot leave Scotara when war threatens its shores and I could possibly be of some help.”
“You are going home with me and that is final,” he said.
“Excuse me, you two,” Fiora said, flitting close to them. “The argument can wait, we need to keep moving.”
Bria bit back the argument she wished to continue and fell into step beside her husband once again.
The silence between them returned. Not as sharp as before, but still there.
The forest gradually thickened around them. Sunlight filtered through the canopy overhead, painting the ground in patches of gold and shadow. Fallen leaves crunched beneath their boots and a cool breeze carried the scent of pine and damp earth.
Fiora remained unusually quiet as she darted ahead through the trees.
Kaelan suddenly stopped so abruptly that Bria nearly walked into him.
His head tilted slightly, listening and every muscle in his body tightened.
“What is it?” Bria asked softly.
He lifted his hand for silence.
For several moments she heard nothing, then it came. Faint and rhythmic. The sound of horses, several of them.
Kaelan’s gaze swept the trees. “Four.”
Bria looked at him in surprise then recalled what he had once told her, how the beast heightened some of his senses.
The sound grew steadily louder.
Fiora groaned dramatically. “Oh, this day simply refuses to cooperate.”
The fairy vanished from sight just as four mounted riders, garbed in black emerged from between the trees.
Bria knew who they were… the king’s Hunters.
Bria saw the unease on their faces as they brought their horses to a halt and glanced around the forest. Even here, surrounded by sunlight and autumn color, Driochmor unsettled them.
One of the Hunters rested a hand on the hilt of his sword, cautiously.
His gaze swept over them both, but he directed his question to Kaelan. “What are you doing in Driochmor?”
Kaelan appeared entirely unconcerned. “I could ask the same of you since Hunters have no power here.”
The Hunter glanced at his companions as though uncertain what to make of that answer.
The older Hunter studied them carefully. “Not many willingly travel here.”
“Which makes me wonder what brings Hunters to Driochmor,” Kaelan said, shifting his glance on each one of them.
Bria wondered what he was doing, questioning them, but then they were in Driochmor out of their region and amongst magic.
The older Hunter’s expression remained cautious. “We seek someone.”
Kaelan folded his arms across his chest casually. “Who could you possibly seek in Driochmor?”
Bria watched the Hunter hesitate clearly unsure how much to reveal and clearly unsure of Kaelan. After all, they were in the forbidden land where magic ruled.
At last, the Hunter said, “A Wise woman.”
Bria felt her stomach tighten while beside her, Kaelan remained perfectly calm.
“Don’t all women believe themselves wise?” Kaelan asked with a chuckle.
A few smiles appeared along with a laugh. Even the older Hunter’s stern expression softened briefly.
The moment passed quickly.
The older Hunter shifted in his saddle. “The king seeks her.”
“Why?” Kaelan demanded.
The Hunters’ expression hardened. “You do not ask questions.”
“And you do not enter Driochmor demanding answers,” Kaelan shot back with a glint of anger.
The older Hunter, realizing his mistake, softened his tone. “She is to be brought to Caerith.”
“What right has the king to take anyone from Driochmor?” Kaelan asked.
“He is the King of Scotara,” the younger Hunter said, annoyed that Kaelan should dare question the king’s rule.
“He doesn’t rule Driochmor,” Kaelan reminded. “The council does.”
“And the council answers to the king,” the older Hunter said.
“Why does the king want this woman?” Kaelan asked.
“We were given orders not explanations,” the older Hunter said. “Now do you know of her or not?”
Kaelan scratched his head, his brow creasing as if confused. “Strange the king learned of her. News seldom escapes Driochmor.”