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heal.”
    Efren nodded slowly. He kissed Ryshel’s forehead
before stepping out into the hallway. There was nothing he could do for the
queen now. Alone he walked along the corridor to his brother’s chambers. It was
easy to follow the stone corridors of the castle in which he had lived all his
life. Though this was his first unaccompanied walk through the castle, he had
no trouble finding his way. Casually, he touched his fingers to the stone walls
as he continued through the hallway.
    Gannon saw his elder brother approaching and
rushed to his side. To Efren’s surprise, he grabbed him and squeezed him
tightly.
    “It’s good to see you,” Gannon said. “I wish it
were on a happier occasion.” His father’s sudden death had shaken him, but he
had been groomed for command his entire life. He felt prepared to ascend the
throne.
    “I have missed you these past months,” Efren
replied. After a pause, he added, “Your Majesty.”
    “Not for a few moments yet,” he replied. “The
ceremony will be small, with only a few dozen witnesses present. I have no
desire to overshadow the mourning period for our father.” He paused and stared
at the ground for a moment. “Do you regret being overlooked for the throne?” he
asked in a serious tone. It had bothered him over the years to know how easily
their father had dismissed Efren’s abilities. His blindness had not impeded his
intelligence in any way, and Efren had been the one responsible for most of
Gannon’s political knowledge. His tutors bored him, but his brother had a way
of explaining things that made it interesting to a young boy. In a way, he had
been a more devoted teacher than the king. Though Gannon had spent the past few
years involved in the King’s Council, it was Efren who had a clever mind for matters
of state. Gannon preferred military training and strategy.
    “I have no desire for the throne,” Efren said.
“You are my king.”
    Gannon nodded, staring at his brother. “I will
need you at my side,” he declared. “You and Ryshel will come back to court and
remain here. I shall name you my First Advisor.”
    Efren could not refuse the position, even though
it would cost him the freedom he had recently won. His brother was king, and
his word was law. Though his only desire was to live a quiet life in the
country, he would now be forced to reside at court. Until his brother gave him
leave, he would remain at his side. Once again he was trapped within the cold
stone walls of the castle.

Chapter 9
     
    “T here couldn’t
be a more perfect time to strike!” King Tyrol didn’t bother to hide his
excitement. “King Nilan is experienced, but his son remains untested in true
battle. This period of transition is just what we need.” He clasped his hands
together, a wide smile spreading across his face. All of his plans were about
to come to fruition.
    “Good,” Ivor replied.
“My troops are growing restless. What are your orders?”
    “Begin invading the
border towns. Make sure there are plenty of survivors.”
    “Why?” Ivor was
puzzled by the command. Surely dead citizens would send a stronger message than
living ones.
    “We need them to
carry the message of our strength. They must spread fear to their neighbors.
When they speak our names, they will quake with terror.”
    Ivor rolled his
eyes. “How could I forget? Your glory depends on such stories.”
    Tyrol gave his son
a scathing look. “Indeed it does. Each subsequent village we take will become
easier. Citizens will flee rather than fight a hopeless battle.” He paused a
moment and added, “Make sure you send a strong message. Torture the town leaders,
and make it spectacular.”
    “Of course,
Father,” Ivor replied. “We wouldn’t want them thinking you’ve gone soft.” He
turned and strode from the room, leaving the king behind to bask in his own
glory. Outside, the soldiers had begun preparations for a march. There were
horses enough for the commanders, but the majority