He could have fooled anyone into thinking he was nothing more than an ordinary farmer or woodsman, but the keen look in his pale blue eyes spoke of something deeper than his simple, rugged appearance.īaron Thomas stepped forward and promptly introduced Trask. The young king’s gaze swept over the group. When Baron Thomas said the king was in the fields, Jace had assumed he meant inspecting them, not working them. At least a couple of days’ worth of stubble darkened his jaw, and dirt smudged his skin and sweat-darkened shirt. Perspiration dampened his forehead and the strands of shoulder-length, dark blond hair that fell from the rest he had tied back behind his head. His stature befitted a king, but that was as far as his appearance of royalty went. He was tall and strong, matching Jace closely in height and build, and no more than ten years Jace’s senior. The others rose as well to get their first look at the king. The hall doors creaked open a short time later, and everyone looked up.īaron Thomas pushed up from his chair. How could they be, with the steps Daican had already taken to attack them? The villagers in Samara should have heeded the warnings, but hadn’t Jace wanted to stay at the farm after Kalli and Aldor died? This was no different. The two men took the news with grim acceptance, neither one of them surprised. “I’m afraid not, but we do hope we can help.”įor the next half hour, Trask, the baron, and Mason discussed the developments in Arcacia.

“I assume, especially coming with such a large company, that you do not bring good news.” We tried to warn people to come back behind our borders, but how could they just leave their homes? I don’t blame them for staying.” He paused, a look of resignation settling in his expression. Many lives were lost, and more and more wounded show up every day. Thomas sighed heavily, his worry lines deepening. “We noticed the burned villages on the way here,” Trask said. That sort of thing would be hard to miss, especially these days. I sent for him as soon as I received your message. One of these days, she would start questioning him.īaron Thomas and General Mason took seats across from Trask, who said, “We heard at the fortress that King Balen is here.”īaron Thomas nodded. She offered him a brief smile, but the look in her eyes said she was still thinking about what she must have seen on his face. Trask thanked him, and they all found seats around the table. I’m sure it’s no short trip from Landale, even with dragons.” “I’ve sent for refreshments.” The baron gestured to the table.

Samara's Peril by Jaye L. Knight