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)
Bria reached out to her great-grandmother beside her and took hold of her hand and was surprised to feel an overwhelming sense of calm and peace. Did she sense something Bria didn’t?
King Dravic continued. “We live in troubling times and all of Scotara must unite if we are to stand strong against Warlord Tharne of Drogath. And that includes Driochmor.” He gave Tavish a brisk wave.
Tavish handed the document to him.
Dravic held it in the air. “I have a proclamation rescinding my grandfather’s law against the Wise. They are no longer enemies who are to be executed.”
The small group cheered.
A pen and inkwell were produced, and the king signed the paper, declaring it law.
“Now, food and drink while I talk with each of you,” the king announced. “Kaelan. I will speak with you first. Join me at the dais.”
Bria turned to her husband. “All is well. We are safe.”
“Are we?” Kaelan whispered. “We are at the mercy of the king. If he can change a law that quickly, he can also write one just as quickly. Be cautious and stay alert until we see if this king can truly be trusted.”
She kissed his cheek. “Right now, Wynn senses no worry, no fear. So, I will go with her judgment.”
“Good to know,” Kaelan said. “I will return soon.”
“Kaelan,” Bria said as he went to turn away and stopped.
“Let the beast rest. He is not needed here today.”
Kaelan smiled. “I will do my best.”
Kaelan waited for King Dravic to sit when he joined him at the dais. It was just him and the king. His advisor was making his rounds, talking with each one there, though he had already spoken with them; a second time always helped gather more information.
Once seated and drinks poured, King Dravic said, “You look familiar to me. We have met before.”
Kaelan nodded. “I wondered if you would remember.”
“Barely,” the king said.
“You were young.”
The king nodded, a slight smile blooming. “You were several years older. We were in the woods. You attempted to teach me about the animals and what they could tell me.”
“For one so young, you did good.”
“I would have forgotten if my mum had not reinforced your teachings.” The king’s brow wrinkled. “My mum and—”
“My mum took us into the forest that day,” Kaelan continued to explain, the king looking puzzled. “My mum was your mum’s older sister. Unfortunately, after your mum’s passing our families drifted apart.”
“We are cousins,” the king said, surprised though also suspicious. Lies were told easily and truths often manipulated. “Why not say something upon your arrival?”
“I had more important matters on my mind.”
The king looked toward Bria. “Your wife, a Wise woman.”
Kaelan nodded. “My wife comes before all else.”
“A king must put his kingdom before his wife.”
“Something I could never do,” Kaelan said.
“Then it is good you are not a king. Now tell me about your journey here and another time we will discuss my Northland relatives. I know little about them.”
Bria watched her husband talk with King Dravic and while she could spy a bit of tension, she also spotted curiosity. Their conversation was going well.
She turned to see Elara and Wynn in deep conversation with an older woman. She remembered Elara introducing her, Feena. A young woman sat beside her. Adira was her name. She had entered with the king but joined them at the table when the king had pointed to it. Feena had explained she could not hear or speak but did understand better than most, through what she sensed, body movement, and facial expressions.
Bria saw that Adira was staring at her chest and she looked down to see the pendant had revealed half of itself. Before she could tuck it back in, Adira pointed to it and held out her hand. Bria understood she was asking to see it.
Her first thought was to shake her head, deny the young woman’s request, but then she thought, what if the mute woman was the one who was to claim it? Not likely, but it would be best if she took no chance.
She slipped off the bench and went around the table to sit beside Adira. She did not want anyone else to see the pendant so she kept her body turned in a way that no one else could see.
Adira smiled wide when Bria slipped the silver pendant out of her blouse. She nodded and pointed to the bench repeatedly as she went to stand, excitement filling her gentle green eyes.
Bria realized that she was telling her to stay where she was. Bria nodded and slipped the pendant back beneath her blouse.
Adira was gone only a few minutes and when she returned, she motioned for Bria to join her in the shadows of a corner in the Great Hall.
Bria was shocked to see she held a silver piece that appeared as if it would fit perfectly into the pendant. She slipped the leather cord over her head and handed it to Adira.