An Oath Of The Kings (Book 4) Read Online Free PDF Page B

of the magical beasts bond with a simple Elf girl like her? Oh, the adventures they could go on together! And, her cat would fiercely protect her from all the dangers in the world. From all the darkness.
    The sound of running feet outside of the stables pulled her from her fanciful reverie and she ran to the window.
    Two Haventhal soldiers raced toward the estate, shouting. “Lord Falewir! Urgent news! Lord Falewir!”
    What in the Highworld is going on?
    She opened the door, picked up the sides of her dress and raced after the two soldiers, keeping out of sight behind the trees surrounding the back of the estate.
    Her father’s manservant, Quincy, came out of the house, pulling on those silly white gloves of his. “What is all this screaming about?” he demanded.
    The soldiers pulled up short. “The King,” one said breathlessly. “The King is dead. Airron Falewir must be raised at once.”
    The usually unflappable manservant blinked in surprise and a hand flew to his mouth. “The King? But, how?”
    “A Dagarmon .”
    A Dagarmon ? Izzy had heard that name before but wasn’t quite sure what it meant.
    “Are you telling me Iserlohn is behind this?” Quincy asked.
    The soldiers shrugged their uncertainty.
    Quincy mumbled a prayer to Elán for the death of the King and then quickly recovered. “I will have Lord Falewir at the King’s Round in a few moments for the raising. Tell Captain Oliver to ready the army. I am quite sure the command will be made to travel to Nysa at once.”
    Izzy privately bid her King safe passage to the Highworld, but couldn’t help but recognize the opportunity that had just fallen into her lap.  
    She no longer needed to run away. She would be traveling to Nysa with an army at her back.
     
    ****
     
    Melania stood by the window with her night cloak pulled in tight around her throat. “What do you think that shouting was all about?”
    Airron shrugged and stretched his long legs and arms in the bed. “Probably a few revelers left over from the Earthshine celebration. I wouldn’t worry overly much. Without a doubt, the pedantic Quincy is outside confronting the offenders as we speak.”
    Melania snorted a laugh. “You two are more like rivaling siblings than manservant and lord.”
    “You should have told me you were a package deal when we married.”
    She turned from the window. “Oh, pooh. He puts on airs, yes, but I don’t know what the two of you would do without each other after this many years.”
    A hard knock sounded outside their door and then Quincy’s shout from outside. “Lord Falewir! Open at once!”
    Airron moaned. “Speak of a demon and he shall appear.” He got out of bed and followed Melania into the sitting room. As soon as she opened the door, Quincy rushed in along with two Haventhal Gardiens.
    Airron stiffened, sensing that this was no ordinary visit.
    “What is the matter, Quincy?” Melania asked.
    “I’m afraid I have very bad news, my lady.” Quincy turned toward Airron and twitched his nose in distaste. “My lord.”
    “Out with it, man. What’s happened?” Airron asked, planting his feet and crossing his arms at his chest.
    One of the soldiers stepped forward. “King Thorn is dead, Lord Falewir. Murdered in his private gardens this evening.”
    Melania let out a squeal of disbelief.
    “Murdered?”
    “Yes. The Gladewatcher on duty at the time claims a sorcerer came out of nowhere and attacked them in the gardens. The Mage tangled him up with a spell and then killed the King. A few moments after the assassin left, the spell dissipated, but it was too late.”
    “A Mage?” Airron mused out loud, running a hand through his long hair. “That’s impossible. Beck Atlan assured me that the Dagarmon were marked.”
    “Can we believe him?” Melania asked quietly.
    His gaze snapped to hers. “Of course, we can believe him! I’ve known Beck since we were children, Melania. He’s like a brother to me as you very well know. Come now, the