King Of The North (Book 3) Read Free Page A

imparting it to The Prophet. She reeled with him, gritting her teeth with the anticipation of their plan. Slowly, The Lifegiver withdrew its tendrils and faded back into the mirror. She was left alone, staring at her reflection, delighted at the image that stared back at her. Her youth had been not only maintained, but some of it restored. She looked ten years younger than she had before. Her body was more supple and pleasing, even to herself.
    This time, The Lifegiver had been generous.

 
    Chapter Two
     
    Erenoth looked down at Eamon as the Prince lie safe and guarded in the home of Argan's master healer. The room was open to the balcony, only separated from the outside by decorative shutters, and it was overgrown with beautiful flowering vines and fragrant hanging plants. Erenoth had sensed the pleasant air as he landed upon the balcony, and knew that his friend was in the right hands.
    The priest had sensed Eamon's ascension as it happened. He immediately knew that the final Knight had been welcomed to the order, and that the Prince was now truly the Onyx Dragon. Now, as he looked upon him as the rightful lord and master of the Knights of The Dragon, it grieved him to have to break such devastating news to the already troubled man.
    As Erenoth sat down next to his friend and placed his hand gently on Eamon's forehead, an old man in white robes walked into the room carrying a tray of herbs. He was startled by Erenoth's presence, and backed away frightfully, nearly dropping his tray. Erenoth held up his hand to ease the man's fear, standing to speak to him softly.
    "Fear not, friend," he said. "I am Erenoth, High Priest of Dol Drakkar. I am the Prince's servant."
    The man breathed a sigh of relief, continuing to the bedside to place his tray upon the table. "I'm sorry, sir," he said. "I was not expecting visitors. I was just bringing more herbs to help break his fever."
    "Please continue," Erenoth urged him. "I must wait until he awakens, and speak with him."
    "He will be awake shortly. He was awake earlier, but still in a kind of pain I have never witnessed. I gave him some poppy oil to ease the pain. It has the tendency to put a man to sleep."
    "Very well," Erenoth said. "I will return when he is awake. Do you, perhaps, know where the Knights of The Dragon may be found?"
    "I believe they are with Lord Galen," the man replied. "Don't ask why, because I have no idea what goes on with the warrior types, or the nobles. By the way, my name is Fallyn."
    Erenoth bowed with respect. "It is good to meet you, Fallyn," he greeted him. "Thank you for your help. And thank you for taking care of my friend. I will return."
     
    The Knights of The Dragon sat with Galen around his feasting table. All about, servants brought food, wine, and other spirits in celebration of their victory and alliance.
    Upon the table, hams, roasted turkey, and other delicious foods were piled high, all surrounded with pitchers of ale, bowls of smoking herbs, and baskets of bread. The Knights ate eagerly, forgetting all about etiquette and neatness, and drank sloppily. Even Azim, who was the most prim and proper of the group, stuffed endless amounts of food in his face, and gulped ale like a barbarian. His behavior drew smiles and chuckles from Wrothgaar, who had never witnessed his friend in such a state.
    "It's just not the same without the Prince," Angen announced.
    The Knights nodded, and mumbled, in agreement.
    Galen swallowed a mouthful of wine, and addressed the older Knight. "Have faith in my healers, friend," he said. "Fallyn is a master at his craft. The Prince will be on his feet in no time."
    "He'd better be!" Angen responded. "Or I'll punch him the face."
    The Knights laughed loudly, slamming their mugs on the table. Galen grinned, taking up his goblet.
    "Allow me to propose a toast," he announced. "To Prince Eamon, and our lasting alliance. May the kingdom of Eirenoch be whole again!"
    "Eirenoch!" the Knights shouted in unison.
    "And," Angen