Chapter 8
Origins
Every morning before saddling up Metrus would take flight, circling wide over their encampment, while below the rest of them woke up to tea and cold black bread, and then as they finished Metrus would come back to say their immediate vicinity was clear of danger. Today the routine was somewhat different and he took some time to address the Princess before they set out.
‘There is something you must know Highness. Back home, Naceus and a substantial number of the household guard has formed a group that is planning to move your father.’ And so Metrus told Shala of the Scholar's plan to eventually see the King to Nem Nemuris. Shala listened intently and Metrus waited to see if she approved at all. Her thoughtful silence was not kind to the Druid afterwards. ‘I will act as a messenger between our two parties, although once you reach civilization I will mostly be with them. I will keep them safe,’ Metrus assured the Princess.
‘It is a dangerous road they have chosen. They should not have. I don't think they appreciate what they might've let themselves in for,’ said Shala.
‘They care for the Kingdom Your Highness, and they care for your family. deBella, Gremhalden, Gibbon and Merohan are with them. They would not have decided to this because it sounds like an adventure. It is a grim task guarding a dead King and they know it.’
‘But you have to explain Naceus's motivation for reacting like this. Yes, my father won't last in stasis forever so I understand the haste, but you mean to tell me the assault on the castle has Naceus running for Nem Nemuris?’
Metrus reached into the inner pocket of his jerkin, then had second thoughts.
‘Maybe not just yet Highness. I do have something to give to you, but I will wait until the time is right,’ said Metrus.
‘Don't leave me with more secrets Druid,’ said Shala, almost hopelessly.
‘On the small chance that Naceus's plans and our road take an unexpected turn I'd rather not burden you with this just yet.’
In the recesses of Shala's mind she knew exactly then what Metrus had in his jerkin. What else could it be? But she wasn't interested in discussing that at all.
‘Tell me about Kaell?’ blurted Shala.
‘Your Highness?’
‘You must know something about Kaell and why he has become so strange. You said he might take leave. I would like to know what is going on.’
‘I think it is time you asked Bhask. Don't be afraid to do so Highness. He'll most likely give you an answer gladly. But I cannot. It is a thing among the Wolves, and maybe your input would resolve this matter quicker, which will be beneficial for all of us.
‘Does Bhask know about Naceus's plan?’
‘Yes,’ said Metrus.
‘So you discuss everything with him first?’ asked Shala.
‘Always. Highness, Bhask can be trusted beyond a shadow of a doubt and I run most things past him first. Besides, I cannot leave the man in charge of your safety in the dark. You must admit Highness that at the moment you don't have to make great decisions to guide the Kingdom. In the meanwhile Bhask needs every last bit of information he can get to ensure he gets the job done.’
In their current predicament it didn't leave Shala feeling any better. She expected everyone to trust her judgement as well. After that Metrus took flight and left her in the care of the Wolves again.
Dream of Embers Book 1 Page 30
