Destiny: Book 1 of the Draki Series (COMPLETED)

Chapter 13: Deception Most Foul

King Karon, King of Esos and Estoria sat upon his new throne feasting with his many lords and advisors. If all went according to plan he would soon be King of the Draki as well. Taking a swill of ale Karon grunted as Henry Greer, Karon's father's illegitimate son, wove his way through the tables of the revelers and came to stand in from of the dais.

Giving a low bow Henry gazed up at his new King, his brother. "Celebrating? So soon, brother?" Henry cocked his brow mockingly.

Karon grinned, "We have practically won, brother." Karon took another swig of ale before looking at Henry, "Did you send the letter?"

Henry nodded, "She should receive it by the morrow if not sooner. However, I doubt the Draki King will allow Eva out of his clutches."

Karon laughed, "If what you have told me is true about the Princess, I doubt he will know she has fled to save her darling maid and brother until it is too late. Once she is back in our possession the Draki King will do anything in his power to get her back."

"And if she does not come to save her beloved maid and brother? What then?" Henry's face turned serious as he crossed his arms.

"We have Esos under our control, but worry not, Notia has prophesied that I will kill the Draki King. Once he is dead, we shall rule the four kingdoms with the dragons under our control." Karon glared at his brother, "Having second thoughts are we?"

"Only concerned that I get my share of the profits up front in case your head rolls during the battle." Henry mocked and gave a short bow before striding off ignoring the celebrators drinking, gambling and whoring.

Notia appeared out of the shadows on Karon's right, watching Henry leave the throne room. "I do not trust him." the Seers' voice is soft, "Perhaps we can do away with him now that we have Esos."

Karon shook his head, "No. My word is law. Do you have the dagger ready?"

Notia nodded, her eyes never leaving the spot Henry had disappeared from, "It is dipped in cirith. The same poison used to kill King Davros in the Great War."

Notia handed Karon the dagger sheathed in a protective cover, "And you are sure this Draki King will have the sword we need in his possession when we meet in battle?"

"I have seen the sword of the gods being used in battle." Notia nodded and turned to go back into the darkness.

Karon shuddered and took another gulp of ale, "Creepy bitch."

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The next day...

The swords clashed together causing a loud noise to echo in the throne room. Eva swung her sword at Mara but was blocked when Mara swung hers back around to meet Eva's sword.

They were going back and forth for approximately twenty minutes before Mara knelt swiftly down on one of her legs and struck Eva down with a sweep of her other leg.

When Eva fell to the ground on her backside and she let out a grunt. Exhausted and completely defeated Eva opened her eyes slowly to see Mara's sword at her throat, "Do you yield?"

Eva nodded as Mara held out her outstretched hand, "You are getting better."

Groaning Eva collapsed into a cushioned chair and grabbed a goblet of water from the table, "It has only been a week. How can you tell?"

"It took me much longer to best you this time. If you do join me in battle, I would not mind having you watching my back." Mara grinned and wiped her brow with a cloth, "Though we may need someone to watch your back."