Page 118 of King's Warrior

Cass approached, stripped down to his stained tunic and breeches. Blood covered his boots. He placed a hand on the healer’s shoulder and murmured in a soothing tone. The healer nodded and began wrapping Rufe’s wound.

“What’s his problem?” Draylon asked, a challenge in his voice.

So like Draylon, always coming to Rufe’s defense.

“I’ll tell you later.” Cass stood by while the healer finished binding Rufe’s wound. “Come. I’ll take you to the hot springs. Vihaan is already there.”

Rufe trudged after Cass. Yes, a warm bath sounded wonderful, but so did a bed. Or a bedroll. Or a mound of hay in the corner of the barn. Even a chair would do. As long as Niam was safely nearby. Rufe watched his feet, following Cass's torchlight.

Cass stopped, and Rufe looked up. “Hey, this is the temple.”

“I thought you might want to thank the goddess for our victory. And I want to show you something you need to see.” Cass pushed the door open, ushering Rufe inside.

Draylon remained silent, trailing Cass and Rufe into the warm temple. Rufe no longer cared who saw or what they thought of his worship; he kneeled before the statue of the Unnamed Goddess.Thank you, Goddess, for delivering us and bringing me to this place and Niam. Keep him and hi…ourfamily safe.

Cass and Draylon remained quiet until Rufe rose. If he kept his eyes closed any longer, he might fall asleep.

“Come see.” Cass led Rufe to the statue.

The statue depicted the goddess with one arm outstretched, a crack in the granite marking her right wrist with a unique zig-zag—a crack matching Rufe’s wound.

“That’s why the healer reacted as he did.” Cass ran a finger along the crack. “The goddess has marked you, giving you her blessing.”

“It’s just a cut! I got careless,” Rufe protested. Really? Were these people so superstitious of a goddess few still worshipped?He recalled his battlefield prayer:Unnamed Goddess, God of War, lend strength to my arm.

The very arm she’d marked.

Cass placed a finger on Rufe’s lips, silencing him. “Though people don't openly worship the Unnamed Goddess, many revere her and respect her claims. Though foreign-born, those who might otherwise reject you must accept you; otherwise, they risk incurring her wrath.”

It’s just a cut!

“Now.” Cass placed a hand on Rufe’s back. “We’ve lingered long enough. Come. This work is far from over.”

“What now?” They’d won the battle. Wasn’t that enough?

“We must round up and investigate those who might be involved in the plot to overthrow King Niam. But first, we bathe.”

Thoughts of returning to Niam vanished. But helping to end the rebellion helped Niam. Rufe would do whatever was needed.

He stared at the statue of the goddess he’d secretly worshipped most of his life. Had she really marked him as her own? He stared at his wrist, the mark and hated tattoo hidden beneath bandages. Next, he trailed a finger over the crack on the statue’s wrist. Thestone felt warm, possibly because of the hot springs below the temple. Or could there be other reasons? Chills swept along Rufe’s spine. He hurried to catch up to Cass and Draylon.

Chapter Forty-seven

Niam sat on the barely used throne, wearing a seldom-worn crown, staring out over a crowd much larger than he’d hoped. There’d been no time to see Rufe since the battle two days ago, as Niam had spent much of his time with trusted advisors, spies, the magistrate, and his mother, going over lists of those accused of being part of Whreyn’s plans. Only the truly guilty stood before him today.

Craician soldiers kneeled next to Delletinian nobles on the hard stone floor under the watchful eye of Niam’s loyal forces. Several of the nobles he’d considered friends. They didn’t look at him. Off to the left kneeled Delletinian soldiers who’d willingly betrayed their oaths to protect the king and kingdom.

The magistrate stood by the throne, calling out a list of names. If any accused showed one ounce of remorse and repented of their crimes, Niam could justify mercy, but along the walls, others watched. It was as though he must establish his kingdom all over again. What he called mercy, others might perceive as weakness. He could show no weakness for the sake of his family and kingdom.

The magistrate finished the list, far more names than Niam ever imagined, and tucked the scroll away into a pocket. It pained himto hear Eoghan, his former advisor’s name. The corruption had run deep. Niam cleared his throat and said, “You stand accused of colluding with Lord Whreyn to overthrow your rightful king. Some of you have given private confessions. Others will stand trial, where you may present your evidence of innocence. Those who are head of your household forfeit your family’s lands if found guilty.”

Gasps went up from the crowd.

“I knew it!” one man jumped up, shouting from among the accused. “You’re going to let those Cormiran bastards take from us.”

A guard placed a heavy hand on the man’s shoulder, pushing him back to his knees. Niam didn’t want to deprive this man’s family, any family, of their home. He’d order more investigations, and wouldn't take from them if the families were innocent and properly cared for their lands and tenants. He dared not say so now. Lots of work awaited in the future.

“No one is taking anything.” Niam kept his voice calm. “The penalty for treason hasn’t changed since my great-great-grandfather’s time. I believe it’s how your family obtained its titles and estates in the beginning.” He nodded toward the magistrate. “Please continue.”

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