Page 115 of The Last Storm
Yes. Save all that wish to be saved.
Also, Doran is angry. Please write to him (I said please, but that’s an order).
-Ro
Satisfied with my note, I folded it, tossed it into the fire, and continued through the sea of tents back to the castle.
Every commander had arrived with their recruits by nightfall and the encampment was large—just walking from end to end took well over an hour. We estimated over a thousand men had joined us.
Since I had become king, there had not been a single minute in which I felt proud of anything I’d accomplished, because I was always grasping at straws, trying to mend the broken pieces my father left behind.
But this.
The open display of our people’s love for Ravaryn. The loyalty to each other. The unwavering selflessness.
They all had come to defend the other, steadfast at each other’s backs.
It inspired me. Galvanized me.
In this moment, I was proud.
I took a deep breath as a hopeful smile pulled at my lips.
“Sire?” a soldier asked hesitantly behind me and I turned to see him bow his head.
“No need for formalities. Call me Rogue,” I said.
He nodded, smiling.
“Very well. My name is Alex. I was picked up by Commander Lee in Canyon.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Alex.”
“It’s nice to meet you too, Sire.” He paused, rubbing his palms on his thighs in nervousness. “I… Well, I wanted to speak to you about your brother. I heard the message that you were seeking him.”
I leaned forward with a renewed interest.
“Do you know him?” I asked. “Have you met him?”
“Yes, I knew a man who claimed to be your half-brother several years ago. Probably close to twenty years ago now. I didn’t really believe him at the time. I honestly thought he was jesting, but now… After hearing about your search and seeing you”—he gestured up and down at me—“you look pretty similar. He was a bit thinner and his eyes weren’t quite as red, but I can see the relation.”
My heart was thundering in my chest as hopefulness, albeit fearful hope, rushed through me.
Just then, another note appeared in my fist.
Unfolding it while still looking at him, I asked, “What was his name, do you remember?”
I glanced down at the note at the same moment he responded.
“Yes, his name was Adonis.”
Rogue, he’s your brother. The king. It’s him.
Chapter Twenty Nine
Ara
Alden and I had been on the island all morning.
