Captive of Raven Castle by Jessica Greyson

Author:Jessica Greyson
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Ready Writer Press
Published: 2013-08-02T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

The next few days passed pensively for Taleon and Cassandra. A new group of refugees came up from the valley and most of their spare time was spent with them. Some came ill, with rumors of a plague starting in the valley.

It was evening and Cassandra and Taleon were reading together but separately. Cassandra put down her book and looked at Taleon, who looked deeply involved in the pages of his book.

“Why are so many people ill, Taleon?”

He didn’t raise his head. “Poor food in the valley makes the people weak and when they are weak, people get sick. It’s surprising that this hasn’t happened earlier. Your father has tried for many years to make sure the valley has enough food, but this spring and summer have been one of the worst. Hopefully that will all be over soon.”

“Do you think we are in any danger?”

Taleon shrugged. “Don’t know; not likely, but then again there is no knowing.”

“Why has my father never attempted an attack before this?”

“Aren’t these questions you should be asking your father?”

“I would, but he isn’t here.”

Taleon smiled to himself and put down his book. “True.” Then his gaze grew serious. “He would not endanger you, his only heir to the throne. His brother has killed your mother, destroyed his cities, and let you live.”

“Why, I don’t understand.”

“Torture.”

Cassandra shook her head. “He is so cruel.”

“You say that now.”

“Now that I know, I see things in such a different light. It’s like I was blind my whole life, and now that I see, I am shocked at what is all around me. How can a man do such things? Turn against his own brother, murder my mother—an innocent woman, kill, blind, beat, hurt so many people without a heart.” Tears formed in her eyes and she looked away.

“Your father had to protect you the best he could. You were the only heir left.”

Cassandra turned abruptly to him. “The only heir left?”

“You had a brother. He died while you were still an infant.”

“I had a brother.”

Taleon nodded.

“What was his name?”

“Arthur.”

“Arthur,” she murmured under her breath. “How did he die? Was he also slain by my uncle?” She shuddered at the thought.

“It was an accident; your uncle was out of the country on diplomatic business when it happened. He was riding a horse. I don’t know what happened; I just know that he died. Your father has never spoken of it to me.”

“Do you know if you bear any resemblance to him?”

“To who?”

“My brother?”

“I wouldn’t know; I never saw him and if I had. I probably wouldn’t remember it. With such losses, he couldn’t bear to lose you. The torture of knowing you were being raised by his mortal enemy was a severe affliction, but he bore it. You were still living, and heir to the throne.”

“I don’t understand that. Why did my uncle never marry and have children, an heir of his own? You would think that is what he would want, to get rid of my father completely.

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