his seat feeling very satisfied with himself.
Following this, several of the guards along with Birger were summoned to tell the council exactly what they had seen.
When they were done, the king stood to address the council.
“Although I am still uncertain as to the wisdom of the course we are preparing to take, there is no denying that the dragons have returned. This holds true to the prophecy. I still believe that it will be the end of our people should we challenge Shinzan, but perhaps Lady Thora was right when she said that our people died long ago. That we now only breathe air and occupy space, bereft of culture and purpose. If that is so, then we cannot die. We can only be resurrected.”
He drew a deep breath. “So, unless there are any objections, I say we should begin to make preparations for war.”
Thora was the first to applaud, quickly joined by another and another, until the entire council was clapping vigorously. Ethan felt the hairs on the back of his neck rising. What would be his role in this? Would he be expected to lead? The enormity of the situation slowly began to press down on him.
Halvar held up his hands and the room settled down. “There is no more we can do here today. And I’m sure Lord Dragonvein is tired from his journey. So, until tomorrow.”
Each member bowed to Ethan before departing the chamber. Lady Thora gave him a friendly smile and squeezed his hand fondly.
“I’m not used to that kind of treatment,” he said to the king once everyone had left. “It feels a bit strange.”
“You had better get used to it,” Halvar told him. “My people will be looking to you for courage in the days ahead. I pray you can provide it.”
So do I, Ethan thought.
“Your room is still at your disposal,” the king continued. “And you may move about as you wish. Though I would ask that you take an escort whenever you leave the manor, just to be on the side of caution.”
Ethan nodded his agreement and turned to the door.
“One last thing,” called Halvar. “Thank you for keeping my honor…and my throne intact.”
He smiled and bowed his head. “Your people need you far more than they need me.”
On returning to his room, he found Markus and Jonas already waiting there. He told them what had transpired, and about the girl in the crystal.
Jonas was elated. “She lives?! That’s good news indeed! Can you take me to her?”
“Tomorrow,” said Ethan. The sight of his bed was making him keenly aware of the fatigue in his muscles. “Right now, I really am tired.”
Markus grinned and slapped Jonas on the shoulder. “Come on you old bag of turnips. Let the boy rest. I think we should find ourselves a few bottles of wine.”
Jonas scowled. “I’d kindly ask that you do not call me that.”
A sudden loud bang at the door grabbed everyone’s attention. Before Ethan could answer, it flew open and Kat stepped inside. Her face was red with anger.
Beaming, he held out his hands. “So you heard we’re back.”
Whatever reaction he was expecting, it was far from the one he received. Spanning the distance between them in two long strides, she punched him squarely on the nose. Ethan staggered back, a thin trickle of blood spilling over his lip.
“That’s for leaving me behind!” she shouted. Message delivered, she rounded on Markus and Jonas who were wide-eyed with shock. “I’ll deal with you two later.”
Her furious gaze remained fixed on the pair until they finally took the hint and hurried from the room. Ethan heard both of them bursting into laughter the moment they were outside.
“How could you?” Kat demanded.
“I had to. It was too dangerous.”
“No. How could you leave without saying goodbye?”
Ethan looked into her eyes. Though still burning with fury, they also contained a deep hurt. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I should have said something. But I was afraid you would find a way to follow us. At the time, it didn’t look like we’d be able to stay alive much longer. I…”
Before he could finish, she threw her arms around him, burying her face in his chest. “I know you don’t feel about me the same way I feel about you. And that’s fine. I understand now. But that’s no excuse for abandoning me without as much as a word.”
Ethan stroked her hair. “I promise. I’ll never do it again.”
Kat looked up at his face and began to laugh softly.