Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 87731 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 292(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87731 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 292(@300wpm)
“The Morvane, a clan in Driochmor,” Wynn explained, her gaze never leaving the pendant. “They possess powerful magic.” A troubled look crossed her face. “And they believe there should be no limits placed upon it.”
Silence settled over the cottage.
“The council forbade certain practices,” Wynn continued. “The Morvane ignored those warnings.”
“What sort of practices?” Kaelan asked.
Wynn finally looked up. “The kind that eventually lead good people down dark paths.”
Bria felt a chill sweep over her and her fingers tightened around the pendant.
Wynn noticed. “Where did you get it?”
Bria detailed how she and Kaelan came by the pendant.
Wynn’s eyes softened as she asked, “And what are you not telling me, granddaughter?”
“Only what I fear if you knew could cause you more problems,” Bria said, not wanting to put that burden on her great-grandmother.
Kaelan admired his wife for being wise enough to realize that and not hesitating to protect her great-grandmother.
“I am not sure if I should think you foolish or courageous, but I trust you and leave it at that. Just be careful, for the Morvane are known to keep what is theirs and with a piece missing from that pendant someone is bound to claim it.” Wynn looked to Kaelan. “You will need the beast to protect her against the Morvane.”
“You know?” Kaelan asked, not surprised she did.
“Aye, I know the Northland. I visited there when I was young. There is much beauty there and isolation as well. I would love for you to take Bria there, but I sense she has no intention of leaving Scotara just yet.” She smiled, her voice taking on a commanding tone. “I trust you will take her there when necessary.”
“Aye, I intend to,” Kaelan said without hesitation.
“Then I can sleep peacefully,” Wynn said content.
“Do I get a say in this?” Bria asked, looking from one to the other.
“Nay,” Kaelan and Wynn said in unison.
“Bria!”
The screech had them all cringing.
Wynn shook her head. “I have never met such an—”
“Annoying and pain in the butt fairy,” Kaelan finished as he went to the door.
Fiora flew right in as soon as the door opened a crack.
She flitted anxiously around the three of them. “You all need to come to the council building. The Hunter is there demanding an answer.”
Kaelan helped Wynn to her feet and Bria took her arm to walk out with her.
“Worry not, Bria, all will go well.”
It did not since moments later Wynn shocked them all, announcing she would go with the Hunters to the king.
Lord Oaken spoke up. “You most certainly will not.”
The other council members agreed, saying much the same.
It was Elara who voiced a different opinion.
“It might do good for Wynn to go and speak with King Dravic.”
The council members were quick to disagree.
“Nay.”
“Absolutely not.”
“Never.”
“Wynn stays here.”
“King Dravic could have imprisoned me or executed me, but he didn’t,” Elara said.
“Because you offered him something of value… your skills and entrance to Driochmor,” her grandfather said.
“Aye,” Elara said with a nod. “And think of what Wynn could offer the king and in turn have him realize he could benefit from the Wise and perhaps even more of those in Driochmor.”
Dar stepped beside her. “Once the king learns Tharne is recruiting in Driochmor, making promises to those who will fight for Drogath, he might realize it would be wise to make more friends than enemies here.”
“It is worth a try,” Wynn said. “Besides, I need no one’s permission to go. The Hunter waits outside impatiently. Summon him and let us be done with this.”
Bria stepped forward before Kaelan could hold her back. He knew what she was about to do, knew as soon as Wynn delivered the news that she would go to the king. And he did not like it one bit.
“I will go with you,” Bria announced.
“Nay,” Wynn said, shaking her head. “That is not necessary.”
“Necessary or not, I am going with you,” Bria said, leaving no room for her to be persuaded otherwise.
“Your husband might disagree,” Wynn said, looking to Kaelan and expecting him to do just that.
Kaelan stepped forward next to his wife. “While I would prefer her not to go with you, Wynn, I am a wise enough husband to know I cannot stop her, but I will see that she is kept safe.”
“Does anyone else wish to go with them?” Lord Oaken asked, looking around the room as if daring someone to speak up.
“I’ll go!”
Kaelan groaned. “Not the fairy.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Courage Comes at a Price
And Destiny Takes Hold
Three days on the road had left everyone eager to see the journey done. Only two more days remained before they reached Caerith, home of the king.
Driochmor was well behind them now.
The road wound through familiar forests and rolling hills, the sort of countryside Bria had known all her life. There were no floating lights among the trees, no strange creatures watching from the shadows, and no sense of ancient magic lingering in the air.