Latainia
TORIN SHOOK HIS HEAD AS HE TURNED another corner and that stretch of corridor looked exactly the same as the last. He laughed, finally admitting he was lost.
"Torin."
Torin stopped. He turned and seeing Bowa he smiled. "Bowa, thank goodness! You wouldn't by any chance know how to get to my quarters?" Torin grinned sheepishly. "I'm afraid I'm lost."
Bowa's expression was serious. "Torin, I need to talk to you."
Torin instantly knew something was wrong. He nodded and followed Bowa down the corridor to a small office. Bowa closed the door behind him.
Torin sat down in a chair opposite Bowa and waited expectantly.
Bowa shifted uncomfortably, trying to think of the best way to word this.
"Torin, I know that you mean well and that the foremost thing on your mind right now is Jaydar," Bowa said. "But your actions during the meeting today have...well...sent some wrong messages."
Torin wasn't sure he understood. "What do you mean?"
"Some doubt your commitment to Latainia," Bowa said, slowly.
"What?! I thought we'd settled this!" Torin burst.
"They doubt that you have your priorities straight. That you care more about your own affairs than Latainia's affairs. Some also believe that we should take a vote for a new king, that you are too young and inexperienced to lead Latainia through this crisis," Bowa said.
Torin felt the anger pulse through him. A new king? That was his right!
"Who started this?" Torin hissed through clenched teeth.
"Listen to me Torin, you must prove to them that you are our king. You need to make them believe. More importantly you need to make your people believe. Go to the other kingdoms, make alliances. Earn respect. Show that despite your age you are a force to be reckoned with," Bowa said.
Torin nodded, a determined glint in his eyes. "After I return from Keppar."
"Yes, that will earn you respect in the eyes of the people but not the nobles, they believe you are too young and that one of them should take your place. Today's display did little to help your cause. You made a dangerous enemy in Jansen. He's already stirring up dissent. I'll hold the fort here while you are gone. I know you can do this." Bowa squeezed Torin's shoulder. "Trust me, Torin."
Torin clenched his fists but he knew Bowa was right. "I know. I shouldn't have done that."
"Unfortunately Jansen is going to be a problem you might have to deal with sooner rather than later."
"Yes." Torin sighed. He shook his head. "I'll deal with that when I get back. Right now Jaydar is the most important thing on my mind."
Bowa nodded. "Bring him home, Torin."
Torin's eyes raged with determination. "I will."
Or he would die trying.
YOU ARE READING
Rise of the Erifs (The Fire Song Chronicles Book 1)
Fantasy"What is that?!" "An Erif. A killing machine. If they catch us, they'll kill us. That's all you need to know." The Erifs are ruthless, powerful and unforgiving. They feed on rage and hatred. And Prince Torin is all that stands in their way. He...
