Page 29 of King's Warrior

Mother hugged Draylon. “We could never be enemies. I hope to soon see you again over negotiations.” She added, “Treat my nephew well, or you’ll answer to me, and I know a thousand herbs that can kill a man before he hits the ground.”

Even Niam couldn’t tell if his mother was jesting.

Draylon swept a bow. “Far be it from me for you to undo all the hard work of healing me.”

Mother grinned. “Just so we understand each other.”

Draylon swung into the saddle while Yarif got in a few last hugs.

When Yarif mounted, Draylon led the way through melting slush down the track leading away from the keep. Guards loaned to them by Niam closed in ahead of and behind them.

Now, the true battle began, for Niam wouldn’t let his new friends face the dragon alone. After all, Cormira needed a new emperor.

One Niam could work with.

Chapter Eleven

The evening meal had just ended when Willem entered the dining room. “I beg your pardon, Your Majesty, but Captain Casseign has returned and wishes to see you in his office.”

Niam nodded to Mother and Rufe. “If you’ll excuse me.” Although he longed to stay and enjoy Rufe’s company, duty called.

Niam entered his office to find Casseign sprawled in a chair, sipping from a goblet. He started to rise, but Niam held up a staying hand. “You must be exhausted. Don’t get up.” He cocked his head, studying the goblet. “I didn’t know you drank wine.”

“Willem insisted that wine is more appropriate at this hour.” Casseign gave a cheeky but tired smile. “However, this is ale. He merely dressed it up to look the part and maintain appearances.”

Niam poured himself a glass of wine and sat in an adjacent chair. “Have you eaten?”

Casseign shook his head. “I’ll eat once we’ve talked.”

There were reasons Casseign was one of Niam’s most trusted confidants. One never needed to question his priorities. “What of Whreyn?”

“He didn’t return to his estate, and his guests were no longer there. I’m afraid I lost him during a storm. But the informationfrom the man you captured seems to confirm Emperor Soland intends to invade Delletina, using the flimsiest of excuses that you kidnapped his son’s consort.”

“Soland will be surprised when his son and the consort return unharmed.” Or as unharmed as they could appear, given their injuries.

Casseign set his glass on a side table, rested his forearms on his knees, and fixed Niam with a penetrating gaze. “It’s been said that the emperor would sacrifice his second son to get what he wants. If Whreyn is in communication with Soland, Draylon and Yarif could be walking into a trap.”

Soland might kill his own son or allow him to be killed? Niam rose and paced the floor. “Then he may need our help. Draylon has proven himself to be a decent man, and you’re one of the few to know that Yarif is my own dear cousin. We must send a force to help them, plus show our backing.”

“Won’t that be seen as an invasion?”

“Not if we meet with Draylon before he arrives in Renvalle. He left a day ago. Based on what I’ve been told, Renvalle’s army has been depleted, and the kingdoms would rather back Draylon than the emperor. How quickly can you assemble two hundred men without drawing too much attention?”

“There’s a garrison a half day’s ride from here to the south. I can send someone tonight.”

Niam studied the wine in his glass. There wasn’t time to consult with his advisors, and they’d advise against giving aid to a Cormiran. While Niam didn’t trust the emperor, he did trust Draylon,and hoped Delletina could work out an agreement, not with Emperor Soland, but perhaps with his heir. If Avestan was anything like his younger brother Draylon, he’d prove to be a reasonable man.

“To the south? Round up your men here after you’ve rested. Some will come with us to the garrison, some will see my mother safely to the capital, and some will remain here.”

“What about your guest? It’s my understanding that the Cormiran captain is still with us.”

Rufe wouldn’t like what Niam had planned. “He needs to go with Mother. Travel will be tricky since he's injured, but he can recover at Dellamar Castle. I’ll ride at the head of our men, showing my support for King Draylon and his consort.”

Casseign frowned. “Some of our nobles won’t like it.”

Niam snorted. “They never like anything I do. I think they live to squabble like birds over breadcrumbs. I’ve listened long enough. It’s time for me to act as king for the good of all and not base my actions on the wealthy few.” He scowled at Casseign. “And don’t try to talk me out of my course of action. I've made my decision.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Casseign grinned. “It will be good to go adventuringwith you.”

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