Leif found a way around his oath without breaking it. As Rawn’s oath was not broken, for he had not returned to Greenwood by choice, they brought him here.
But Rawn wasn’t sure if he could believe that was the extent of Leif’s plans. “To what end? To get a hold of Altham’s half of the key?”
Leif studied him carefully. “Do you have the second half?”
“I do not.” And he could say so confidently.
His gray eyes narrowed. “The key opens the door which contains the Dragon’s Fang and the Dragon’s Eye. Keeping it from me would renege on your oath.”
Rawn’s lips pursed tightly together. He was no oathbreaker, and such an insinuation insulted everything he had done for the crown. “Sire, I have sworn my fealty to you for the good of the kingdom. I gave you an oath to not return until I found the Dragon’s Fang, and I paid for that promise with years of my life. However, I never promised you a key. Greenwood does not need such dark power. It would only corrupt all that is pure here. There is a reason it was broken, for no one is meant to open that door.”
Leif became pensive and crossed his arms as he watched the fire burn in the hearth for a long moment. “Red Highland was not always sand. It was once an oasis with many maple trees which turned red in the Autumn, giving the highlands the illusion of crimson seas. Their greed for power killed their land. Thank you for reminding me of that.” He turned to him. “Be that as it may …”
Rawn inhaled a breath. “I must still find the Dragon Blades.”
“Unfortunately, Altham still lives. Auxiliary forces arrived as we were crossing through the Elder Tree, and I was forced to release him.” His cool eyes met Rawn’s. “You killed his son and heir. Red Highland will never forget. Greenwood must prepare for their reprisal.”
That meant war was coming.
It had always been inevitable, but his capture had accelerated it.
Leif moved from the window to stand before him. “You have served more than enough time on this mission, Rawn. Thus, I am permitting you to bequeath your oath to another.”
Rawn blinked. “Another?”
“Raiden has endeavored to go to Mount Ida in your stead.”
He sucked in a shaky breath, swallowing to control the outrage building in his chest. “No.”
“Of course, I assumed as much. No respectable father would burden his son with his duties. Be that as it may, you have done plenty for the crown, and there is no dishonor in stepping down. As I understand it, you became great acquaintances with Elon. He declares to owe you a great debt and has proposed to inherit your oath once he returns.”
“Thus giving you ownership of his life as you have owned mine?”
Leif raised his chin. “I think it is time that you stay with your family, Rawn. I am setting you free.”
And chaining others.
“By all means ponder it,” Leif said at his silence. “Take the remainder of the season for a holiday. Rest and decide what you want.”
“At the moment, I wish to return home, sire.” Rawn stood. “I have been away from Sellav for too long, and there are matters I must settle. All I ask is one favor from you. Spread the rumor of my demise.”
Raising his eyebrows, the king gave him a nod. “You have my leave.”
“I’m told two had attempted to capture my wife in Evos. I would like to question them before I go.”
“I’m afraid that is not possible,” Leif said as he strode for the door. “They quietly passed through the Gates the day after their arrest. No one harms my sister and keeps the privilege of life.” He paused there, a slight smile hovering on the edge of his mouth. “Do give Lord Karheim my regards.”
Rawn could have askedto be sent home through the Elder Tree, but he had not been in his country in so long, he was content to travel the land and see how much it had changed. And perhaps, he secretly hoped to bond with his son on the journey.
Yet he and his wife had to travel by carriage for discretion, and Raiden chose to ride with the escort instead. Joining them were his friends, the Ranger Regiment, and a handful of Valkyrie.
As they left the castle, Aerina glanced outside and softly gasped. The path was lined with Greenwood soldiers in decorative armor. As they passed them by, Lieutenant Handuril called,“Order arms!”The men saluted by drawing their blades and resting them diagonally across their hearts.
Emotion stirred in Rawn’s chest, and Aerina laid her head on his shoulder. “Greenwood honors you.”
But Rawn questioned if he was worthy of such honor. He had yet to complete his mission. To return home now with so much time gone, it made those years lost seem pointless.
Rawn stole glances of Raiden from the windows when he could. His son was strong, healthy, and handsome, if he could be so proud to say. Raiden had also wielded magic at an admirable level. Rawn spent the journey asking Aerina about him, and she told him everything. Raiden’s schooling, his likes and dislikes, his habits that were so similar to his.
