“Hurry, Sire. Drink it as quickly as you can,” Grenreth said.
“It's very hot, Grenreth,” King Cynric said with a grin.
“Yes, I know. I'm terribly sorry.”
The King chuckled and blew over the liquid. “I suppose a burned tongue and throat is better than dying.”
“Oh, for the love of the Gods!” Juri exclaimed.
“Relax, Lord Juri. I'm drinking it.” The King gulped, wincing as he did, then handed the empty mug back to Grenreth.
The rest of us watched him carefully, waiting.
The King shrugged. “I feel the same. How long does this take to . . . oh, wait.” He held up an arm. It trembled, but then steadied. “I'm feeling stronger.”
“It's worked,” Grenreth said in relief. “A full recovery will take time. Your body will have to heal at its normal rate, but that's fast for us Dragons, and your returned strength means the poison is gone. You will live, Your Majesty.”
The King smiled. “Thank you, Grenreth. I owe you a great debt.”
“Not at all.” Grenreth bowed. “It was an honor to be of service, Your Majesty. I'm much relieved to know that you will recover.”
“I as well.” King Cynric nodded. Then he stood up. “Dear Gods!” He held out his arms. “It's been months since I've been able to stand without feeling as if I'm going to topple over. It's funny how much I took my health for granted.”
“I'm glad you're feeling better, Your Majesty,” I said. “But I urge you to be careful. You still have to find the assassin. Unless they've already been apprehended?”
“No, we have not caught them yet .” He stared at me for a few long seconds, then said, “Ru'din, I would like to retain your services for a bit longer.”
“Sire?” Lord Juri asked, his face scrunching up.
“I shall take my leave,” Grenreth said. “Don't hesitate to summon me if you have any issues, Sire. I will remain here for another few days, just to be certain you have no further need for me.”
“Could you stay until we catch the poisoner?” I asked. “Just in case it happens again.”
The mage looked at the King.
“I would pay you for your time,” the King offered.
“That's not necessary, Your Majesty. I'm happy to stay for as long as you need.”
“That would be appreciated. Thank you again, Grenreth,” the King said.
Grenreth bowed and departed.
Once he was gone, the King said to Juri, “Ru's proven to be reliable and trustworthy. I need men like him around me.”
“But, Your Majesty, he's a thief.”
“Yes. I imagine he even knows a few murderers,” he said pointedly. “Which makes him more knowledgeable about my situation than anyone else in the castle.”
“Uh, they prefer to be called assassins, Your Majesty,” I said. “A murdered doesn't get paid.”
The King snorted a laugh and sat down. Then he waved at the chair again. “Sit down, Ru'din. Lord Juri, give us a minute.”
“But . . .”
“Juri!” the King growled, startling Juri and me both.
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Juri bowed and left the room, closing the door behind him.
