“Even so, it’s her choice.”
“But I’m her brother. It’s my duty to protect her.”
“Do you think she wants your protection?”
“She’s getting my protection whether she wants it or not. I failed to protect her from Geth, and I will never let that happen again.”
“Fine,” I said, “but before you execute Maveryck, don’t you think maybe you should find out who he is first?”
“Maybe.”
“You never know—he could be completely harmless.”
“A man who makes a living stealing from others is not harmless.”
“True, but maybe you’re worrying about nothing. She claims to hate him.”
“Yes, you’re right.” He took my hand. “You’re always right.”
“I’m not always right.”
He kissed my knuckles. “You’re also very wise. It’s why I love you.” He sighed as he turned toward the doors. “They’re dancing in the main hall and expecting me to make an appearance. Would you like to join me?”
“Not really. After attending the balls in the witch’s castle, I’ve had enough of dancing.”
“It will only take a minute, and then after that, I’ve been meaning to show you something. Would you like to follow me down to the river?”
“What’s at the river?”
A twinkle lit his eyes. “It’s a surprise. You’ll see.”
He led me out of the library and down the hall to a staircase that took us to the main floor where the party engulfed the entire bottom portion of the keep. I stayed close to Kull, noticing when two men appeared from the crowd and followed us. Glancing back, I recognized the man with the tall, thin frame, bad skin, and hawkish nose as one of Kull’s bodyguards.
“You’ve still got those two trailing you?” I asked.
“Yes, unfortunately. Mother insists they follow me everywhere I go. I would argue the point, but she’s impossible to reason with right now.”
Sounds of lutes and harps mingled with laughter, and I found myself wishing for a Tylenol when Rolf appeared suddenly from the crowd. He clapped Kull on the shoulder and flashed his broad, still-boyish grin. Maybe the kid hadn’t changed as much as I’d thought. That beard couldn’t mask the naïveté in his eyes. While Rolf meant well, he’d always reminded me of a teenager with more testosterone than was good for him.
“I’ve found you, old man.” He slapped Kull on the shoulder and barked a loud laugh, making my headache pound. “I’d almost started to think you were avoiding me.”
“Old man? Is that what I am now?”
“Yes! As you’re still a bachelor and I am not, I guess my status outranks yours, doesn’t it?”
Rolf’s bride walked from the crowd to stand by her husband’s side. She was an attractive girl with a bright smile and long locks of dark hair, but I couldn’t fathom what would drive her to marry Rolf. I only hoped she had great reserves of patience.
“Cousin Kull,” Rolf said, “I’d like you to meet Brynhild, my bride.”
“The pleasure is mine,” Kull said as he took her hand.
She gave him a warm smile.
“Well,” Rolf said, speaking with a little too much enthusiasm, “it looks like I’ve finally beaten you at something, eh cousin? You may have slaughtered the largest jagamoor on record, but you’ve yet to capture a wife as I have.”
“I assure you, I am in no rush to find a wife.”
“And it is well you aren’t! You certainly have a kingdom to worry over, what with the elves and all. No time for courtship, I’m sure. Have you tried the boarhound?”
“Yes, it was delicious.”
“Good, good—and Olive! You’ve come, too. I’m surprised to see you here. What brings you to the capitol?”
“I—”
Kull wrapped his arm around my shoulders. “She’s with me.”
Rolf raised an eyebrow. “Is she? What is she—your advisor or something?”
“A bit more than that, Rolf.”
“Ah! Back together again. I’m very relieved to hear it. Let’s just hope it lasts longer than last time, eh? Well, Brynhild and I are off to make more introductions. Married life can be so demanding.”
Rolf laughed as he turned away from us to navigate through the crowd. I stared after him, wishing I could’ve given him a piece of my mind.
“Cocky little punk, isn’t he?” I said.
“He’s family.”
“I still can’t believe you gave the throne to him.”
“It seemed like a good idea at the time.”
The music and laughter grew louder, or maybe my headache grew worse, I wasn’t sure which.
“Would it be all right if we go now?” I asked. “I think I need some fresh air.”
“Yes, good idea.”
He took my hand and led me through the crowd, but it took a full twenty minutes just to get outside, as every person in the kingdom felt that now was the time to stop and chitchat with the king. Kull handled it better than I could have, and I got a few polite hellos, but for the most part, I got the usual comments.
Is he with that half-breed again? I heard a few people whisper. When do you think he’ll settle down and find a real Wult woman?
The gossip was enough to make me want to mouth off and tell everyone to mind their own damn business, but Kull thankfully led me outside into the crisp evening air, where my annoyance faded.
We walked along a path overshadowed by tall trees with branches that creaked in the wind. Brittle leaves curled from the branches, and as the wind tugged on the limbs, they were set free to spiral to the ground. The trail sloped downward, and we hiked the path with the sound of the leaves crunching beneath our feet.
The evening sun dipped toward the horizon as we traded the mountain path for a flat, rocky trail that led into an unfamiliar part of the forest. In the distance, I heard the sound of running water, and several times I spotted the river’s white-capped, glacier water rushing over smooth stones.
“Where are you taking me?” I asked.
“You’ll see.”
Vines and green plants grew along the ground, choking the path and making it hard to see in the failing light.
“No one uses this trail anymore,” Kull said,
