Page 122 of The Horde King of Shadow

To the east,I knew. The territory that shared a border with the Hartans, if I was remembering correctly. Where the last war had taken place.

The Karag were onto something that the Dakkari didn’t yet realize.

Namesshouldbe feared, not hidden. And thisKarathhad a fearsome one, just like my husband.

“Alaryk Arn’dyne, I’m pleased to meet you,” I replied. My eyes went behind him, and I added, “And your Elthika, Samryn.”

“Our horde is departing soon,” he said, his gaze going to Sarkin. “But there is another matter I had wished to discuss with you. I met with a messenger from Elysom shortly before we departed for Tharken.”

I thought I knew what that message pertained.

Sarkin jerked his head further toward the forest, highly aware of the eyes of his own horde, ever watchful. We went to a more private place, and when we were out of earshot and protected by Samryn should anyone venture too closely, Alaryk asked, “Is it true that there is a livingthalaratree in Dakkar?”

Sarkin gestured to me. Alaryk’s responding gaze was piercing.

“Yes, I saw it,” I said quietly. Alaryk’s brows lowered. “I have a gift of heartstone magic, through my bloodlines of Rath Drokka and Rath Serok. I saw athalaratree deep in one of our forests. I believe I know where it is. It’s near where we used to call the Dead Lands.”

Alaryk’s shoulders raised with his deep inhale. He looked back to Sarkin. “You are making plans to ride to Dakkar?”

We hadn’t talked about it, but even I looked to Sarkin. I knew he’d been flying to Elysom prior to theilla’rosh, to discuss plans with the council on how best to approach the negotiations with my father. I knew that time was working against us, but I’d been so consumed with theilla’roshthat it nearly slipped my mind entirely these last few days.

“Yes,” he replied, casting me a look when he reached down to take my palm. “We are both going. Along with a few Elysom council members and some of my trusted riders.”

My breath hitched. Hope too. I would see my home again. My brother.

“I’ll be joining you,” Alaryk declared.

Sarkin’s nostrils flared. “Given the delicate nature with our relations with the Dakkari, I think it would be best to keep the rider horde small.”

“I’ll get Elysom’s approval,” Alaryk said, easy arrogance—or perhaps confidence—pouring from the soft words. “I wanted to let you know my intentions in person.”

Sarkin scoffed. But then he smirked. I couldn’t tell if they were friends or not, if they liked one another or not, if there was a history here. But like most kings, they didn’t like others to overstep into their territories. And that was exactly what thisKarathwas doing.

“The Hartans are getting restless again,” Alaryk informed Sarkin. “I thought you should know because we’re both aware of how secretive Elysom likes to be about these matters.”

My husband stilled. “The council knows?”

“Yes,” he said. “My spies inform me that the Hartans have heard rumblings of heartstones, rumors from across the sea. They know that Dakkar has them. My interests in going with you are to ensure that Grym is not overlooked in these negotiations, especially since it ismyterritory andmyriders who have defended the border since the war. At great cost to us.”

“I know,” Sarkin said. “My intention was never to cut you out. Especially you, Alaryk. You know that.”

“You’ll forgive me if I will still demand to be there,” theKarathsaid. “You would do the same, if the situation was reversed.”

Sarkin was quiet. Then said, “I would.”

“When do you leave?”

Sarkin cast me a brief look. Then he said to Alaryk, “We will wait for you. We are still in the Arsadia. Meet us at Rysar in a few days. We’ll make the flight to Dakkar together.”

Alaryk stepped forward, extending his arm. I watched as Sarkin clasped his forearm, bringing them close. “I’ll be there.”

Then theKarathof Grym stepped back. He looked to me. His chin lowered. “Sorrina.”

“Karath,” I said back.

His lips lifted again, his eyes tracing over me.

He sees more than most,came the thought. Did he have heartstone magic too? I couldn’t decide.

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