Dark One Rising(123)

“I see. It seems coming here may have been in error, but no matter. It was important that I do. In speaking of Fallon, his power is growing stronger, and we’ll be forced to go to war soon. I’m afraid my army is too small for forces such as that.”

“We have enlisted the help of the dwarves, and the elves are prepared to join as well. We will need to enlist the help from the nomads in Isamar if we want an army big enough to at least compare. It won’t be easy to convince them, but I fear we have no choice now. We must send representatives to them to speak on our behalf.” He shook his head. “I thought we would have more time than this.”

“I as well.” Kevaan was quiet for a moment and looked at them both, crease forming across his forehead. “There is something else. The reason I have come.”

“What is it?”

“My father is dead.”

Both Alekzand’r and Dain stared at him in shock.

“What? How? When?”

“Three weeks ago, in his sleep. The physician says it was from natural causes, old age, but I believe that to be false. The pressure he was getting from the wraith was starting to take its toll on him, mind and body. There were nights I found him wandering around muttering incoherently to himself, eyes glazed over, skin pale as a ghost. Fallon has been out in the field, striking fear into everyone with his power and his army from hell. He left his counselor there with my father, to keep control on him. It was obviously more than he could take. I’m King of Aaralyn now. I can’t stay away long, especially after the news you have just relayed. My Captain of the Guard is holding down the castle. I only came here myself to break the news to my sister. She should not hear it from anyone else.”

“Please accept my sincerest apologies, Your Majesty. Anything I can do you just ask. We are in this together, and it seems our timetable has been moved up. Fallon’s next move, I assume, will be to try and usurp you from your throne. It will require armies from both sides and the enlistment of the people in the west as well if we plan on standing against him,” Dain said, concern darkening his face now.

“Thank you, Your Majesty. Where is Melenthia? I need to see her.”

“She should be down in a few minutes. She’ll be most happy to see you.”

“Until we speak. Once again I have to burden her with painful news.”

“She also has things to tell you. I will set up a conference with our other guests as soon as the two of you have had a chance to talk. I’m afraid what we have to say is not any less grave.”

He nodded his head in acknowledgement, then turned when he heard a voice from behind him. “Kevaan!”

Melenthia came running into the room, lavender dress sweeping the floor as she moved, the corset showing off her ample curves. The satin of her skirts caught the muted light from the candles and made the material shimmer, and small dainty pearls lined the sleeves. Her hair was pulled up away from her face, but a few stubborn curls got away, framing it. She was smiling as she ran into her brothers arms when he stood to greet her. She squealed from delight as he caught her, lifting her off the floor, squeezing her tight. He was suddenly choked up with emotion from seeing her. His shoulders shook a little, and, when he put her down, Dain could see dampness on his cheek. He felt as if he was intruding on something personal and felt sad for them. Kevaan held her back a bit to look her over and smiled at her.

“My God, Melenthia, you look stunning. What’s happened while I was away? I didn’t know you could look so ravishing.”

She smiled and laughed, her voice light and full of happiness. “Don’t tease. Had I known it was you, I would’ve presented myself as you’re accustomed.”

“No, no, this is much better.” He glanced at Dain for a moment, eyes slightly teasing. “What did you have to do to get her to succumb to ladylike graces, Sire? I have tried for years and couldn’t manage it. You must tell me your secret.”

She glanced over at Dain, peeking at him from under long red lashes. “Perhaps he’s just more persuasive than you,” she said.

Alek caught the glance between the two and cleared his throat. Dain looked away. It was not his place to give anything away. It was Melenthia’s privilege to tell her brother what he needed to hear.

Kevaan, not getting the exchange, just laughed. “Indeed.”

“Why are you here, Kevaan?”

“I bring news from home,” he said, his voice suddenly serious.

“What news?”

He looked down at her, a frown making lines at the corners of his mouth. “Perhaps we should go somewhere more private.”