Page 36 of Sword of Rage
“Are you certain you want to return there?” Harley asked, her voice soft and delicate, capturing everyone’s astute attention. Her gaze remained on Owen. “After the royal family and my brother were murdered, they killed everyone. The royal castle is filled with death. You could build a new home.”
“The castle is my home, and I will reclaim it,” Owen said gently.
“Once you retake your throne,” Harley said, fierce determination lighting up her eyes, “promise me you will make Russek pay.”
Owen took her hand, squeezing it. “I promise.”
Rubbing his chin, Ackley tried to fathom why a kingdom would invade another kingdom, slaughter so many, and then just leave. He needed to learn more about Russek and the state of this continent before he could make an accurate assumption. “Do we know why they invaded in the first place?” He addressed his question to Harley since she’d mentioned something about Kerdan wanting the king to sign a treaty.
“They wanted soldiers,” she answered. “But King Coden refused.”
Ackley tapped the map where the kingdom of Russek was labeled. “I think we’re overlooking one additional thing that needs to be considered.”
“What’s that?” one of the generals inquired.
Taking note of how Russek bordered Melenia, he replied, “If Russek came here for soldiers, did they get them? If so, what do they need them for?” In other words, was there something larger brewing on the continent? “I’m also concerned with Russek’s sudden withdrawal. Does it have to do with this traitorous king, or is something else going on here on the mainland?” There, he’d said it. What he feared—a war was coming. If his past had taught him anything, it was that his gut was usually right.
Everyone stared at the map, as if it would provide the answer.
Harley cleared her throat. “When Prince Kerdan asked for soldiers, King Coden said he refused to align with Russek because he didn’t want to go against Emperion.”
“For good reason,” one of the generals said. “Emperion is the largest and strongest kingdom on the mainland. To go against them is suicide.”
Another thing Ackley had learned through the years was that power changed people and made them do stupid things. This traitor obviously sought power. What was the price he’d paid for it?
“These are all excellent points that need to be considered,” Owen said. “Since there are so many of us, traveling to the castle will take a couple of weeks. We can work out these details along the way. For now, I want everyone to prepare to leave tomorrow at first light. My generals are dismissed; everyone else, please stay.”
Studying the map, Ackley wondered which route they’d take and why. “You’re going to keep the army together and not split us up?”
“Correct.” After the generals exited the tent, Owen peered at Harley. “I can escort you to your parents’ home on our way.”
“If it’s even still there.”
“Let’s hope so. Penlar is in a pretty remote location. Think about it. Once you’ve decided, let me know.”
“I want to stay with you. I want retribution.” Her eyes glistened with unshed tears.
Owen’s hands balled into fists. “I promise we will avenge their deaths. My parents, brothers, sister, and your brother.”
“I want all those responsible to pay,” Harley whispered. “King Drenton, Prince Soma, the Melenia soldier who betrayed us. I want them all to suffer.” She glanced at Ackley as if he alone could accomplish this.
“They will,” Owen answered. “I won’t rest until they’re dead—every single one of them.”
“Good.” Harley nodded.
Ackley had thought there would be an all-out war when they arrived in Melenia. Instead, this was sounding more and more like a huge mess that wouldn’t be sorted out easily. It wasn’t that he minded being there and helping Owen. It was that he feared for what his sister was getting into. If Melenia wasn’t strong and capable, Idina would be a sitting duck on the throne. And that was something he wouldn’t stand for.
It was time for him to get to work. He needed to send out his men to glean information. And right now, information was key.
* * *
Ackley stepped out of the small lagoon and dried off. He hadn’t bathed in days and the clean water felt refreshing, though it was a bit warm for his taste. After dressing, he stretched out on the ground, staring up into the sky. The sun had set and pale pink clouds drifted over the ocean.
“I thought I’d find you here,” Idina said by way of greeting.
He peered over his shoulder at her approaching form. “You’re alone?” Gytha or someone else should be guarding her.
“Don’t give me that look.” She sat beside him. “I needed a moment to myself. And, to be honest, I wanted a couple of minutes alone with my brother. Ever since we left Marsden, I’ve had people hovering around me. It’s exhausting.”
