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

added, "may the ham and ale never run dry!"
    The dining hall was filled with laughter once again, then all drank from their mugs. When the toast was finished, the Knights resumed their conversations.
    "Brianna," Angen addressed the newest of the Knights. "Are you able to taste with your new, magical tongue?"
    Brianna grinned, holding her head down in embarrassment as the others laughed. "Yes," she replied. "It works well."
    "You tasted nothing at all before?" Daryth asked.
    Brianna took a bite of ham, chewing it and swallowing with a smile. "Only bitterness," she replied.
    As the Knights broke into rowdy laughter again, the great doors of the dining hall opened, and Erenoth stepped inside. Galen stood, unfamiliar with the priest, but accepting of his presence.
    "Erenoth!" Brynn shouted. "Galen, this is Erenoth, High Priest of Dol Drakkar. Our friend and ally."
    Galen bowed, and Erenoth returned the gesture.
    "Pleased to meet you, Erenoth," Galen said.
    "Sit down," Angen said. "Join us."
    "I am afraid I have come to deliver grave news, my friends," he said with a great sadness in his eyes.
    "Is it Eamon?" Galen asked.
    "No, sir," Erenoth replied. "Your healer assures me he will recover. It concerns the Queen. I am afraid she is no longer with us."
    Brynn stood, not believing what he was hearing. Wrothgaar and the others slowly joined him.
    "What are you saying?" Brynn asked.
    "The Queen was abducted from the castle a few nights ago," Erenoth explained. "She was taken to Faerbane, where she was murdered."
    "Are you certain?" Galen asked, sympathetically.
    Erenoth nodded gravely. "I retrieved her body myself," he said. "Maedoc awaits Eamon's return before her burial takes place. Eamon is now King."
    A silence fell over the Knights. Brynn sat down, his head falling into his open hands. He was affected the most, it seemed.
    "I have known her all of my life," he said. "I knew she would not be with us forever, but this is a shock."
    Angen sat as well, having served Siobhan since she ascended to the throne many years ago. "She was my friend," he lamented. "And a great Queen. She will be missed."
    Wrothgaar stepped toward Erenoth, his face a mask of confusion. "Who did this?" he asked.
    Though Erenoth knew the truth, he was reluctant to risk the Knights losing respect for Garret. He was a great man, and should be remembered as such.
    "I do not know," Erenoth lied. "But it has come to my knowledge that Garret tried to rescue her from her captors. He was killed as well. But I was not able to recover his body."
    "My friends," Galen said sadly. "I have no idea what to say. I knew Siobhan well, though such a relationship was not welcome here under Maebh's rule. She was indeed a great Queen, and a wonderful person. I will grieve this loss along with you."
    "Maedoc wishes all of the Knights to attend the burial," Erenoth said. "And the coronation of the new King. My priests are on their way to carry you back to Morduin. They will return you here when all of this is done."
    "Erenoth," Wrothgaar interrupted, placing his hand on Brianna's shoulder. "This is Brianna, daughter of Galen and our newest Knight."
    Brianna stepped forward to greet Erenoth. The priests bowed, drawing a curious look from her. "I am honored to meet you, my Lady," he said.
    "And you, as well," Brianna replied.
    "I will return to Eamon's bedside," Erenoth said. "When the priests arrive, we must be on our way."
    With one final nod, Erenoth turned to leave, closing the double doors behind him. The Knights were left to contemplate the news, and they were all silent with grief.
    "I didn't know Siobhan," Brianna said softly. "But I will grieve this loss, as well. I will grieve for Eamon, and for my brothers."
    Galen gazed at his daughter proudly. He was impressed with the honor and sympathy she showed. She would make a great Knight, and he knew she would serve Eamon to the best of her abilities.
    Despite this grave news, Galen was a happy man.
     
    Eamon opened his eyes, seeing