The Tempest of Eerikki - Book One - THE PANACEA QUEST

Chapter 21

Rhain had now reread his lady's correspondence several times. The selfish part of desire, had him jumping at the chance to have his love at his side but it also tormented him that she would be prepared to give up her lands for him.

As for Batair, yes it was time but then again, he could also wait until the arrival of Corina but decided that this was something, he must do for himself.

Summoning Batair, they walked in silence to their place on the battlements. Rhain did not realise that he still held the piece of parchment in his hand, the seal of Greenway visible. Seeing where Batair's eyes had gone and knowing that he would be concerned the King spoke quickly. "Yes, a letter from your mother, she is well."

Rhain indicated to the bench "Sit Batair I have a story to relay."

The King sat beside Batair, looked to the sky as if composing his thoughts.

"Long ago there was a very young very foolish prince who was tasked with the retrieval of the greatest beauty who had been stolen by a dishonoured Lord." Rhain now seemed to be caught in his memories.

"In his arrogance, he thought he could take on anyone without the assistance of his brother warriors because he had always been stronger and thought his fighting skills superior to any around him. He cut through a swath of men to get to the most stunning creature he had ever seen. But because of his ego they were trapped separated from all assistance. Barricaded within the tower of lock Colby hold he then found out what his arrogance was to cost him, not only his life but the life of the incredible creature he had sworn to save. At that moment he felt an overwhelming despair and saw the failure his stupidity would cost. What he was unaware of was the gifts the woman possessed. Instead of fear, he saw her strength, a strength she was able to share with him. Through one amazing congress, the arrogant young prince was given two amazing gifts. Firstly, the necessary strength that would enable a release from their imprisonment and..." Rhain paused and looked pointedly at Batair, "an heir."

"Even though the love between the pair was great, they both knew their duty was first to their lands, each going on to have

unions with others. Neither ever forgetting their love."

Rhain's words drained away and Batair could hear the longing. The longing for a woman he was not able to claim. Batair sat looking at his King, the man that had been the greatest influence in his life since coming to Eerikki. He was having trouble seeing Rhain as a young prince full of arrogance.

He had known that Rhain had saved his mother but neither had ever spoken of the events and he had always just assumed that his sire was the dishonoured Lord Nathanial Colby.

'Was his King, his sire?' Batair thought.

"What are you trying to tell me, my King?" Batair needed to hear it said.

"I speak not as your King but your sire." Rhain was looking at Batair, who had risen and walked to the edge of the battlements looking to the practice fields.

"Batair you will be King." Rhain was watching carefully to see his son's response.

Batair had no words, in truth he did not know what to say. In one conversation he had gone from the bastard son of a deranged lord to the heir of an honoured King. A prince, the big man felt his knees buckle and he slumped against the cool black granite.

There was one question that burst from him as a single word. "Why?"

"We have only ever wished to keep you safe." Rhain responded. "Your mother and I knew that you would be a target if your real lineage was known."

Arawn took that moment to whisper to Batair. "So, you did not earn your place, it was given to you."

Knowing his son well Batair knew the moment his anger began to build. "What is wrong?" Rhain put a command in his voice.