Page 69 of King's Warrior

“But what did they say?” Eoghan demanded, pacing the length of the floor while those who were standing tried to predict his movement and clear the way. Niam sat behind his desk, allowing him to remain still.

“I told you, I didn’t understand the words, but it was Craician.” Rufe would bet a month’s wages on the language. He heard snippets in his nightmares from his abductors.

Eoghan scoffed, as he’d done every minute they’d been in this office. “How can we believe you if you don’t know the language?”

Rufe dug his nails into his palms to keep from screaming. “Because I’ve heard Craician before. I recognized the word ‘Craice’ at least three times and ‘rex’ twice.”

“What significance does rex have?” Eoghan persisted.

“It’s Craician for king.” Rufe would love for Niam to come to his defense, but he couldn’t without giving too much away.

But Niam spoke up. “Did you recognize any words beyond rex? No matter how strange you think they sound, I might get a better idea of the riders’ conversation.”

“They said your name a time or two.”

Niam arched a brow. “Anything else?”

Rufe winced. He didn’t want to say the word, but Niam needed to know. “Yes. Whreyn said ‘mortus.’”

Dead.

Vihaan waited in the hallway when Rufe managed to extricate himself from the office. Tall and hulking, Vihaan leaned against the wall, eyes closed. Was he… sleeping? While standing?

“Are you waiting for me?”

Vihaan didn’t open his eyes. “Me and a few of my men think we should take word of what’s happening to King Draylon.”

Missives could be intercepted. Vihaan likely could not. “Good idea. What do you need from me? Money? Supplies?”

“I’ve got both.” Vihaan slowly opened one eye. “I’ve grown quite fond of the princes—and their father. Keep them safe?”

“Of course.”

Vihaan’s lips turned upward into a smile. “Good man. I expect to see you in Renvalle soon. How about I buy you a drink? I hear there’s a tavern where old soldiers like us gather.”

“I look forward to it.” The man’s personal life wasn’t Rufe’s concern, but he had to ask. Must be Nera’s influence. “What of Casseign?”

Both of Vihaan’s eyes opened now, a bit of stiffness creeping into his posture. “Captain Casseign? What of him?”

“You’re going to make me ask directly, aren’t you?” While rapidly becoming a friend, Vihaan occasionally deserved a good shake.

“Where’s the fun in volunteering information?” Vihaan smirked.

Sounded like a challenge to Rufe. “Your relationship won’t become an issue, will it, or conflict with your duties?” In this case, any number of situations could become a problem. And while he’d never begrudge the two men their pleasure, as a representative of the emperor, he needed to ask.

Vihaan rolled his shoulders in a shrug. “You know as well as I do, soldiers can’t afford to form bonds. They never last, and if you’re on opposite sides of a battle, well….”

“When do you leave?”

“At first light.”

“May the God of War go with you.”

“And may the Unnamed Goddess protect you.” Vihaan saluted with an arm across his chest. Rufe repeated the gesture and watched Vihaan stride purposefully down the hall.

Rufe would miss the man.

But how did he know of Rufe’s affinity for the Unnamed Goddess?

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