Destiny Read Free

convinced me it was. What has been said here today, what these young people have experienced, is so unlikely that there must be some powerful motive behind it which we still don’t understand. That much I know. In the same way that I know that this knowledge must not fall into the hands of the enemy.”
    “We must be cautious and hide these discoveries from the world,” Urien said. “Haradin, might we use it in our favor in the coming battle? We have so little chance of surviving…”
    Haradin took a couple of steps forward with his hands clasped behind his back, considering his reply. He stopped in front of the throne and addressed the King.
    “I have no idea how we might take advantage of what we’ve discovered so far. It was only yesterday that I found out about all this. I need time to study the implications, my Lord. But I can confirm with absolute certainty the importance of having found three of the secret Ilenian temples, and the medallions which the young Chosen bear.”
    King Solin stood up.
    “Time is a luxury we don’t have, Haradin. The Norghanians are ravaging the east of the Kingdom and will soon be here. The Noceans are regrouping their troops in Silanda and will presently be marching in our direction. We have less than two weeks. I’ve summoned all able-bodied men here. Rilentor will be under siege by two hosts so numerous that they’ll stretch as far as the eye can see, not a speck of Rogdonian land for leagues around will be unmarked by enemy boots. The invading tide will flood every corner. Norghanian banners to the north and west and Nocean emblems covering the south: the sight will eat at the hearts of all Rogdonians behind the wall of Rilentor. This is our last desperate stand. Resist or die. And we shall resist! Rogdonians we are and here we shall resist, to the last man!”
    Gerart looked at his father, pride shining in his eyes.
    “Haradin, you have three days to decide which course to follow. Meanwhile we’ll close diplomatic contacts and prepare the city for the inevitable final siege. I have to try to convince the highland tribes to help us. The rest of our allies don’t dare come out in our favor. Damned cowards!”
    Hearing this, Komir’s interest was stirred.
    “The Norriel, will they support Rogdon?” he asked the King.
    “Your people have not spoken yet,” Urien said.
    “I’ll summon them,” said Solin. “But if they haven’t spoken yet, I fear they won’t come to our aid. As to you, consider yourselves my guests.”
    The Queen rose.
    “Urien, please make sure that adequate lodgings are prepared for our guests, here in the palace. They’ll need washing, appropriate clothes and food. Their present state is a clear indication of the many trials they have endured. Let us do all we can so that they recover their strength and feel comfortable in our midst,” she said, and her smile was like a blessing.
    “By all means, your Majesty,” the Counselor replied. “So it shall be done.”
    The Queen turned to Aliana, who looked at her with surprise. “Young Healer, all the other Healers of the Order of Tirsar, have moved to the capital to help the victims of this war. Their help and efforts to alleviate the pain which this pitiless war inflicts upon us are invaluable. Your sisters are working day and night, alleviating the suffering of those wounded and sick. They are a blessing from the heavens.”
    “Thank you for your kind words, your Majesty,” Aliana said. “It’s our duty, we live to heal those who need it. It’s our calling.”
    “I can’t find the words to express my thanks for all your Order is doing for the Kingdom.”
    “Are they all here? Sorundi too, the Mother Healer of the Order?”
    “Yes, all of them, she’s here too. She’s… tending to a very important patient… very gravely wounded… I pray for him all day…”
    Aliana stared at her, deeply touched.
    The Queen looked at her husband, but he remained silent.
    “You’d better go and see