Page 106 of King's Warrior

Niam ran to his sons, crashing to his knees and sweeping them into an embrace. “You were so brave. You didn’t make a sound. I’m so proud of you.”

“Not even when those bad men came by,” Quillan said.

Vihaan wrinkled his brow. “What bad men?”

“They wore Cormiran soldiers' uniforms, but spoke Craician. They must’ve stolen uniforms.” Quillan was smart and observant, but far too young to witness such treachery.

“Some were riding with us.” Which might mean they left dead soldiers behind, soldiers who had been picked off and replaced with imposters. Rufe had to get back to Draylon and the others.

“Stay close,” Vihaan told the boys. “Rufe, you lead. I’ll take up the rear. Your Maj… Niam. Boys. Stick close to Rufe. If I veer off, don’t come after me.”

Uri stared wide-eyed at Rufe’s sword — his bloody sword — gaze roaming upward to Rufe’s face.

Niam noticed and diverted his son’s attention while Rufe wiped the blade on the grass. They couldn't do much about the rest without water. He retraced his steps, voices getting louder as he approached. Voices speaking Cormiran, though that wasn’t much consolation given the imposters in their ranks. Then he heard an unmistakable voice.

Draylon.

Rufe quickened his steps, getting his family to safety. He slowed near the road. “Wait here,” he said, making eye contact with Vihaan, who nodded assent.

Rufe eased from the forest near the bend in the road, venturing slowly, following the sound of Draylon’s voice. A blur came from the left. A direct hit, taking him to the ground on his belly. His sword flew from his hand. He squirmed, pulling air into his lungs to scream.

A hand came over his mouth, and an unfamiliar voice barked out something in Craician. When Rufe didn’t respond, his assailant tried again in Delletinian. “Where are the royal brats, you Cormiran scum?” Why the bastard would think the average Cormiran scum understood Craician defied logic.

Rufe opened his mouth as though to speak… He bit down hard, tasting blood, and he didn’t want to know what else. The man howled, slamming his fist into Rufe’s jaw. A bit of struggling got Rufe turned over. He grabbed his sword and ran the man through.

The man stared wide-eyed at Rufe, then down at his chest. Rufe rolled him off and got to his feet by the time footsteps pounded his way, Draylon at the head.

Thank the gods.

“Vihaan! All clear,” Rufe called as Draylon sank down beside the man Rufe just killed, who was wearing a Cormiran uniform.

“He’s wearing the uniform, but I don’t recognize him.” Draylon searched the body, but found nothing.

“He spoke Craician and wasn’t alone when we last met.” To the infernal lands with whoever might be watching. Rufe hugged his family. The boys didn’t fight his embrace. Hopefully, they never would.

“Is he the lowdown skunk who tried to shoot me?” Vihaan drawled.

“Same one,” Rufe murmured into Niam’s hair.

Draylon rose. “We’ve regrouped and caught the mules. I didn’t find anything in pockets, but we found a few interesting messages in saddlebags. Who reads Craician?”

Niam stepped away from Rufe. Rufe missed the comfort already. “I do.”

“I want you to look at this.” Draylon led Niam away, and Vihaan and Rufe walked with the princes. Poor boys, they were too young to witness this ugliness. Then again, Rufe had been scarcely older than Quillan the first time he’d wielded a practice sword.

First, he needed to find Casseign. To prevent spies from easily infiltrating the ranks, they must search and vouch for every soldier in their party. Only the most trusted soldiers should have any contact with Niam’s family.

Niam stood beside a red mule when Rufe approached, scanning a parchment. He looked up, locking gazes with Rufe. “We have to get back to the castle. Now! Craice is planning an invasion.”

Chapter Forty-two

Rufe kept a close eye on Niam, who fidgeted often and spoke quietly with Draylon. Rufe should ride with his husband. He glanced down at Uri, who’d surrendered his mule to ride in front of Rufe, Rufe’s arm around his waist. An arm Uri hauled back into place when Rufe tried to move it. Whatever made him feel safer. The boy leaning into him popped the bubble of Rufe’s jealousy. Right now, he didn’t need to make all the plans. Draylon, better knowing what Avestan might agree to, could smooth out details with Niam. Rufe was where he needed to be, soothing a boy who would likely have nightmares tonight.

They camped after dark, Rufe joining Draylon, Vihaan, Exa, Casseign, and Niam.

Draylon said, “I’m leaving half our soldiers to get the boys to safety. The rest are coming with us.”

Niam snorted. “Where exactly is safe?”

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