“As long as I’m able.”
Fyar’s raised an eyebrow. “A permanent move, then? Killian mentioned you were a healer in your village. Your magic feels strong. I’m sure any master in the city would be happy to take on such a promising candidate.”
Kade’s hand twitched like he wanted to cover himself from Fyar’s prying eyes. Then, he declared, “I intend to apprentice under Healer Hokda, if he will have me. Killi—Killian is going to make the introduction.”
Killian let out a long, defeated sigh.
That was enough to form a crack in Fyar’s mask. His eyes blew wide and a short laugh burst from his lips unexpectedly. “Apologies,” he said, putting a hand to his lips. It did nothing to hide the peal of laughter that followed. “Well, ifKillianis going to make the introduction, I suppose that’s that.”
“Oh, shut up.” Killian’s lips twitched. “He could say yes.”
Eyes flickering to Killian, Fyar grinned. “And elves fly. I would suggest keeping your options open. Ingara has many great healers.”
Kade scowled.
Killian chuckled. “We’ll show you.”
“Sure,” said Fyar dryly. He paused. “I would have a moment with you, Captain. Enjoy your stay in Ingara, Kade del Torau.”
It was a clear dismissal.
“Do you remember where the kitchens are?” Killian asked. When Kade nodded, he continued, “I’ll meet you there in a moment. I won’t be long.”
Hesitant, Kade went, pausing only to look over his shoulder before passing through the stone archways and out of sight.
“He’s not what I expected,” Fyar remarked. “From the way you spoke of him, I was sure the sun would shine out of his ass.”
Killian shrugged. “He was nervous. It’s not every day you’re ambushed by your king.”
“It wasn’t anambush—”
“Really? Then why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”
“I wanted it to be a surprise.”
“An ambush.”
Fyar huffed. “Stop being so dramatic. I wanted to see who he is, given no time to hide.”
“Not everyone needs to hide behind a mask.” Killian’s heart beat faster. Whatever he said, Fyar’s acceptance and approval meant a lot to him. “And your verdict?”
A terribly knowing look twinkled in Fyar’s eyes. “He’s strong. Committed. Optimistic. Though he lacks finesse and foresight.”
Groaning, Killian put his head in his hands. “What am I going to do? He sold the vineyard.”
“Committed.”
“Stubborn, more like it. Stupid and stubborn and…” Killian trailed off. “Hokda will never say yes.”
A peal of unsympathetic laughter. “No, he won’t. He’ll curse you for even the thought. Did you tell your brother that?”
“Obviously. He thinks he can convince him.Ithink I’m sending myself to the slaughter.”
More laughter. Bastard.
From the very moment Kade had voiced his thought, Killian had known the possibility of his insane idea coming to fruition was nil. None. Zero. Hokda would never let anyone,anyone—least of all Killian—disrespect him or his craft by asking to jump the line.
The Royal Healer’s apprentices were hand picked, chosen from the best prospective healers in the kingdom through a series of intense and lengthy tests meant to cull the weak. Once they are finished with their training—ten long grueling years under Hokda’s watchful eye—the prestige follows and floats them into positions unthinkable to others.
