Demon Within Read Online Free PDF Page B

her son with adoring eyes. Graced with her good looks, he was breathtakingly handsome. They couldn’t ask for a better son to carry forward their legacy. His dark blonde hair fell forward around his face as he bowed his head to catch his breath. Beaming to his mother, he waited a few moments before moving to stand by his father’s side.
    ‘You should have some breakfast Jace, sit.’
    Ellanor placed a cup where Jace waited to sit. Rolling his eyes as his mother poured fresh milk into a cup; she still thought of him as her boy, he would have preferred some mead, like his father, but not wanting to offend her accepted the offered drink.
    Jace had been up since the early hours, waiting for the messenger to arrive from Brightstone. He’d still be by the gates now, hunger gnawing at his stomach if he hadn’t arrived. Giving his mother a huge grin when she handed over a large plate full of bacon and sausages, he started eating.
    ‘You need a hearty breakfast lad.’ Caster slapped his shoulder. ‘Now let’s see what news we have from Brightstone shall we?’
    The communication, from a spy within Brightstone Castle, would advise him when to make his move. Quickly opening the note, his wife and son waited for the news.
    ‘ The King will travel to Littlewood in two days. He is offering his daughter’s hand in marriage in exchange for an alliance with Kai of Darkmide. I strongly advise you halt all plans. I will send word when I know more .’
    The news wasn’t what he expected. Caster looked concerned.
    ‘He’s marrying his daughter to a… slave?’ Jace narrowed his brows.
    Kai’s reputation had reached the Highlands; a rebellious slave who’d fought his way to freedom and pillaged the Wild Plains. He’d taken over Blackhill, a large city situated in the North of the Plains. All the surrounding towns and villages soon followed and he ruled over them with a firm hand. Darkmide's gold mines were closed; Kai and his warriors stormed the mines and raged a bloody war on the slavers, and vowed no one would ever work there as long as he lived. His reputation as a tyrant had soon spread throughout the lands, but not many had encountered him to confirm the rumors.
    Jace frowned. ‘Does this mean we won’t be marching to Brightstone?’
    ‘This letter was dated two days ago; he’ll already be nearing Littlewood and no doubt has the army of slaves as his protectors.’
    Leaning back in his chair Caster ran both hands over his head and down the back of his neck before letting out a deep sigh. It had taken years to build an army strong enough to overthrow King Garlan and his forces, and now he’d forged an alliance with a powerful warrior, he didn’t stand a chance.
    Pushing from the table, he rose and placed a reassuring hand on Jace’s shoulder.
    ‘Don’t fret, son, we need to use this information to our advantage and not see it as a problem.’
    Caster needed time to think about his next move. Excusing himself he left the room while his wife and son watched.
    Jace looked to his mother; he admired his father more than any man, and knew the problem would be addressed and resolved. ‘What do you think father will do now?’
    Ellanor’s eyes followed Caster as he left the room. ‘I don’t know.’
    Jace was eager to show off his sword skills, and fight alongside his father; although now it looked like they wouldn’t be moving on Brightstone. He paused with a forkful of sausage suspended halfway between his plate and his lips.
    ‘Whatever father decides, I’ll go along with.’
    Ellanor smiled; their son never caused them to worry nor disobeyed their will. ‘I know you will, and don’t worry, your father will make the right decision.’
    Ellanor started clearing the table after Jace pushed his plate to the side, empty of any trace of food. Wiping his mouth with a napkin then rising from the table, he smoothed his hands down his shirt.
    ‘I have to get off mother; I need to pay the tanner for a new scabbard he’s