Page 24 of Bewitched

“Did the women get to safety?” asked Rhys, hoping they did.

“Aye,” said Darium as they both stopped their steeds in front of him. “I thought it best if Talia and her family stay in hiding for now. I instructed her to stay in their cottage until I return.”

“Will they be safe there?” asked Rhys.

“I believe so,” said Darium with a nod. He tied back his long black hair, which only made the white streak down the center more noticeable. He had been ridiculed a lot from people calling him a skunet because of it. No one wanted to be compared to the hairy black and white animal of Mura that had a stench worse than the garderobes on a hot day. “They will be hidden by their fae magic. No one will find them, so we don’t need to worry. What happened to Mother?” asked Darium “I didn’t see her anywhere, and she was with us when we crossed into Kasculbough.”

“I gave her a silent command to meet us at the caves along with Medea and Rapunzel,” Rhys explained. “Thank goodness, Medea and her sister have the power to transport. They are in grave danger and were lucky to get out of there alive.”

“What do you mean?” asked Darium.

“King Osric has commanded me to... to kill them.”

“What?” Zann’s eyes opened wide. “You’re not really going to do it, are you?”

“I have never disobeyed an order from my king.”

“Well, mayhap now is the time to start,” said Darium. “Rhys, are you really planning on killing the women?”

Rhys had never killed a woman in his life, and didn’t want to start now. But the situation he was in would determine his future. He’d worked so hard to please the King, and now was so close to getting what he always wanted. The King trusted him enough to name him as heir. How could he let the man down?

“I’m in a terrible predicament, Brothers.” Rhys shook his head in despair. “The King also wants me to bring back the dragon. He wants the dragon killed, too.”

“So, it sounds as if he’s changed his mind about magic again,” said Darium.

“He has. He says it needs to be stopped, and he is counting on me to do it.”

“Well, he’s got another guess coming then,” said Zann with a chuckle. “After all, we know you’d never carry out those crazy orders.”

Rhys remained silent. This only caused concern from his brothers.

“Rhys?” asked Darium. “Please tell me you are not truly considering doing what King Osric wants you to do.”

“You know that the last thing I want to do is to hurt or kill a woman. That’s not who I am,” said Rhys.

“Then why the long face, Brother?” asked Zann.

“Aye. Tell us exactly who you are,” said Darium.

“Rhys, why do you look like you’re not sure of your decision?” asked Zann.

“I’m not,” admitted Rhys, blowing air from his mouth. “You see, King Osric told me that he has named me as his heir when he dies.”

“What?” both his brothers said together.

“That’s great!” said Zann.

“Congratulations,” added Darium.

“Nay. You don’t understand.” Rhys closed his eyes and shook his head.

“Rhys? What’s going on?” asked Darium, glancing over at Zann and then back to him again.

“King Osric warned me not to let him down,” explained Rhys.

“So you mean, if you don’t carry out his orders you will no longer be his heir?” Zann was starting to understand the situation.

“That’s exactly what I mean.” Rhys felt like he was going to be sick.