Page 64 of King of Tides

“The Final Tides?”

“Yeah, it’s like a purgatory for the souls of water beings. Darker souls that we don’t want to return and all that. It’s where the water guards Brodny and Bardo used to protect.”

“Is there anything I can do?”

“No, he would like for you to continue with your day. I am here to spend the day and this evening with you until he can return. I have a charm bracelet the king would like me to travel in this evening when you start your shift. He has charmed it so I can enter and exit as he can,” he looks a bit nervous about the last part.

“Have you spent time in a charm before?”

“No, I haven’t. That’s some genie shit. However, it’s an honor to be given the power to do so.

“Don’t worry. I’m a skilled warrior. You will be safe with me.”

I laugh and give him a smile. I don’t miss the disdain in his voice as he mentions the genies. I’m still in awe of all the beings that truly exist right under our noses.

“Relax, Dracon. Have a seat. I’m going back into my library to finish my breakfast and read a book. I’ll let you know when I need to leave out. Would you like something to eat?” I say with a smile.

“No, thank you. I had something already.”

I give him a wave as I turn and head back to the library. My mind is racing with thoughts. There’s still so much for me to learn. Ardan has shared so much but I’m still learning new things with each day.

Bardo comes to mind. With Ardan away, I could follow the last lead I found on him. That might be my task for the day.

Ardan said to leave it to him, but he already has so much on his plate. I can take care of this one thing. Yup, that’s what I’ll do. Dracon will be with me. It will be fine.

That’s a plan.

***

“Queen Billy,I don’t think we should be here. I know of this place. It’s not safe for you,” Dracon says.

I didn’t force him into the bracelet. I’m not on the clock and I just didn’t feel right forcing him to do something he’s never done before. I’m sort of hoping Ardan returns before my shift starts.

It’s clear Dracon is nervous about entering the charm and remaining there for hours. However, now that he’s speaking up, I’m second-guessing my decision.

“I will be in and out. I just need to know if he’s been here,” I mutter as I continue to watch the building from my car before we enter.

“He who? Only the lowest of the low hang out here. Others who could never join the brotherhood or reap its benefits. Who would you know here?”

“I don’t know him. I just need to find him.”

“King Ardan will have my patch if something happens to you. This seems like a bad idea. I am one of the youngest, and yet the kings have promoted me time and again. Please, being your guard has been one of the highest promotions I’ve had yet.”

“Lighten up, Dracon. I’m not helpless. I don’t need you to guard me. If you are worried, stay here. You can tell Ardan I gave you the slip.”

“He is not likely to believe that. There is a reason I was chosen.”

“Fine … wait, that’s him,” I say as Bardo walks toward the building, looking around as he goes. “Got him.”

“You are looking for the ice titan? Do you know how dangerous he is? Only ice creatures have clearance to hunt him.

“This is how he’s been eluding King Ardan for so long. There haven’t been enough hunters to confirm his death and now there aren’t enough to hunt him now that it’s been confirmed he’s alive.

“I’m sorry, My Queen. Neither of us should engage him. I will take my punishment for this. I cannot allow it,” Dracon says firmly.

“Calm down. Get your drawers out of your ass. I’m not going in. I don’t need to ask questions if I’ve seen him with my own eyes.

“I now have solid information for Ardan. Let’s get lunch before my shift starts.”

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