to the dungeon. I don’t know all the details, but seeing that you are here, you couldn’t have been the one that attacked Firgrest. I would almost think it was dragons except that doesn’t make much sense.”
“It makes more sense if you knew that one of the Dragon Lords was virtually raised by dragons. Thank you for telling me, I had no idea what had happened to Cero.”
“Cero? That was the boy?”
“You know the one that I was chasing? With the blue eyes and blond hair. Well, he is my son. Adopted son, but little difference that makes.”
“Really? I suppose that makes sense in a way. A good way, don't get me wrong. If it makes you feel any better, the only bodies that they found were the castle regiment. There weren’t any prisoners among the dead. It is why they think you were the one that attacked.”
“Let Reigns think that all he wants. One way to forge a legend is to claim responsibility for impossible feats when no one else takes the blame. Such a legend can be used in battle more effectively than any sword. I just wonder when I will be able to take up searching for Cero again.” Urake mused distantly for a moment until Enthack responded.
“I wish my dad was still around. There is so much I want to ask him now after what I have seen.”
“Do you know if he had any other children? He was a good friend and I would like to make sure they are taken care of. It would pain me to hear his children were ever starving.”
“There was only one other one that I am aware of. Father took me out to visit the boy once before he died. It was only a half days ride out of Warton. I used to live there with my mother before she moved to Cercha.”
“Half day ride out of Warton?” Urake frowned slightly.
“Yes, in the Black Forest. I went looking for him again, but his mother had died and the locals told me that a group of bandits had him the last they had heard and that was years ago.” Urake stopped frowning and broke into a wide grin.
“Emeck, come over here, there is someone that you should meet.” Urake dropped back to a normal voice as Emeck approached. “I knew he looked a little familiar. Looking at you proves it.”
“Yes? Oh, you are the messenger that Tusul was telling me so much about. I hear you insulted Brounn a fair amount. I couldn’t do that, he scares me a little.” Emeck stopped talking and glanced back at Urake in confusion when he noticed Enthack’s slack jaw stare.
“Meet your half-brother, Enthack, this is Emeck. I sort of liberated him from the bandits. He has been with me ever since.” This time it was Emeck that had the slack jaw stare. Enthack’s mouth closed with a click a moment later.
“It is truly a pleasure to meet you again. Seeing you up close and thinking about it, I am sure that it was you.” Enthack jumped to his feet and seemed ready to break into dance as Emeck tried to process the development.
“How?” Emeck was pointing at Enthack and staring at Urake when he finally formed the monosyllable.
“Brest was always the ladies’ man. It didn’t hurt that he knew exactly what to say to them when he walked up. It also would seem he sowed a few wild oats along the way. I see Balinor coming so I will let you two catch up.” Emeck was still pointing at Enthack when Urake clapped him on the shoulder and walked off following behind Em'risi.
The council was held inside the Sea Fort. In a room that had once been some sort of private dining hall. Nothing remained except the ancient oaken table that looked to be of an age with the fortress. Some chairs from a more recent time were around the table and a set of candelabra were placed on stands at each side of the table. The small window that looked over the Silent Sea didn’t let in enough light, even if there hadn’t been a board to replace the long shattered glass. With the wall reconstruction a priority, nothing beyond removing the majority of the cobwebs had been done in the way of maintenance. It had been chosen in part because of the seclusion that was provided. A set of guards were on duty at the hallway leading into this wing so none