Destroyers and the Dragons

Page 41

"Not many were mortally wounded yesterday, yet the keep fell quickly, and without much bloodshed. Our King made a wise choice in his War councilor." I keep my mouth shut not sure what I am supposed to do.

     "We will leave in two days," Evergreen says.

     "Do you think you could loan me Destroyer. I want her opinion on some of the men," Lark says grabbing my arm and practically pulling me from the tent. I reluctantly follow behind her as she drags me into the keep. Our men wave at us as we pass and I try not to laugh as they work not to smile. Instead of going where the injured are she pulls me into a deserted hallway.

     "What is going on between you and Evergreen?" she demands.

     "I am his War councilor," I say working to keep my face smooth.

     "You were in his bed," she counters.

     "I was exhausted and fell onto the first cot I found," I lie.

     "Then why didn't he sleep on your cot?" Lark demands.

     "I am not him so I would not know," I say stepping away from her.

     "Is this why my sister died?" she demands.

      "Your sister charged at me in her true form while I was attempting to leave. If it weren't for Pine and Evergreen being in the stables at that time I would probably be dead. As to why your sister did what she did I have no true motive," I snap.

     "It was because she wished to be queen," Lark hisses at me. "The councilor that represents our clan filled her head with such thoughts through the years."

     "All the councilors have been filling pretty heads with such rubbish," I say. Lark slaps a few gold coins in my hand.

     "If you could kill our councilor, I will have justice for my stupid sister," Lark says. "I know it was not her idea or yours, he put her up to it."

     "I will do what I can," I say, handing her back the coins. "I collect when I succeed." She nods and then leads me to the wounded men. We go through the line and I am thankful that none of ours died. We have to leave five here as their wounds are bad.

     "You will take care of these men," I demand. "I wish to see them in six months along with you."

     "You have my word we will do our best," Lark says.

     "Good, I have to return and make plans, we will gather our men tomorrow." I visit with the five and tell them the plans. They agree and are happy I am not forcing them to ride with us. I return to the tent and collapse onto my cot.

     "We have been invited to join them for a celebratory feast tonight," Pine says.

     "I'll pass," I say closing my eyes.

     "Lark has requested that you be there and that you help her cook something called Cheese Surprise," Pine snorts.

     "It was a mistake, and how did she find out about that. I did that to Prince Snow," I mutter.

     "She insists that she has all the ingredients," Pine continues.

     "I need sleep," I mutter.

     I wake to someone gently shaking my shoulder and roll over to find a smaller version of Lark staring at me.

     "My sister sent me to fetch you," the girl says.

     "I am busy," I mutter pulling the blanket over my head.