Page 18 of The Dragon Shifters' Enemy
“But that wasn’t it,” Caden said.
“I blamed myself for what I thought was this girl’s suicide,” Jahara stated.
Kaila rubbed her arms.“She was already gone from what you are describing.”
“Just like Serai,” Esme murmured.
“Yeah, that totally makes sense,” Caden said.
“I thought it was just zealotry, but it was as if she were a different person,” Esme stated.
His mother said, “That might explain at leastsomeof the Faith, wouldn’t it?Maybe they are affected too?”
“I think that as well,” Wally agreed.“Though we shouldn’t be thinking that people act evil because of some outside force.But maybe some of that is happening here.”
“Thank you, Wally,” his mother said with a watery smile.
“I have a listing of all of Fadel’s associates,” Marban offered.“My connections may be able to find things that yours could not, King Anwar. Perhaps we could find out how Fadel was accessed and changed.”
Anwar’s eyes cut to Valerius.“You never seemed to care much what was happening in your own territory, let alone mine, Valerius.Yet here your Councillor seems to have reached far outside your own dealings.”
Caden glared at Anwar.“King Valerius has taken a light touch, because he thought it best that elected officials conduct the business of the people.When he is needed, he is there. It may not be your way of ruling, but I can tell you that as a citizen of his territory--before I became a Dragon Shifter--I appreciated it. And I know many people do.”
His father actually smiled and gave a brief nod to Caden.The rule of law and democracy were things that his father valued greatly.Caden was starting to understand why.He didn’t know if his hard words would offend Anwar, and he didn’t care. One person could not know everything.One person’s views could simply be wrong even if they were trying to do what was best.He glanced up at Valerius, who had one hand covering the broad smile on his lips.
Very well done, Caden.I am quite defended,Valerius said.
Yeah, well, he shouldn’t have said that!Caden’s tone was still hot.
Just don’t challenge him about my fashion sense or High Reach’s decor, Valerius murmured.
Anwar bowed.“Forgive me, King Caden, you are right.We each are different in our ways of ruling.Hearing Fadel’s name is still… painful.And it caused me to lash out.For all my words, the truth is…”
Caden saw Valerius’ surprise at these words.He had a feeling that Anwar didn’t often speak so openly.
Anwar grimaced, “The truth is that I wish Valeriuscouldfix this so there are no more Fadels.No more Tamiras.No more…”
Valerius was not smiling any longer.He lowered his hand from his mouth.Caden felt the surprise in him and the disappointment too.Valerius’ gaze went to Chione and then Esme.They were the ones that had convinced him to rule 30 years ago.He had done it, but then…
I have let things slide,Valerius stated.Raziel and I had no interest as Anwar said.But if I had--
Everyone was hiding things from one another,Caden told him and when he thought of “secrets” he saw clearly Iolaire and Raziel in his mind’s eye.Something about them waswrong.He did not hear or feel Iolaire’s thoughts as if his Spirit was hiding from him.He shook himself and went on,Each and every one of you thought it was something that was unique to their territory.To ask for help--even from you--would have been to show weakness.
Yes, it would have.But we are not just responsible for ourselves,Valerius stated.And I am the ruler of all.
They need you,Caden stated.No matter what they say, they need you.
Yes.
Valerius rubbed his face. When he brought his hands down, he looked different.More determined.More focused.
“We have, each of us, acted as if we were on our own,” Valerius stated.“I, most of all, have distanced myself from all of you and from the people of this planet.I did not want to rule.I did not want… But I accepted it and I should have... I have been absent in some ways.Butno more.”
All the Dragon Shifters’ eyes were upon Valerius as he stood there tall, proud, noble and strong.He looked like what he was: the Black Dragon King, equal, yetmore. Chione was looking at him proudly.There were tears in her eyes.
“While this video is interesting, it is not definitive of such a creature as Behemoth existing and being here,” Valerius stated and when Anwar opened his mouth to object, he held up a hand and added, “But I trust you, Anwar.I trust that you feel this is true and, therefore, I accept that.Something is very wrong.”
Anwar actually bowed again.“Thank you, King Valerius.I am honored.”
