Opal of Light: An epic dragon fantasy (The Keeper Chronicles Book 1) by Norma Hinkens

Author:Norma Hinkens [Hinkens, Norma]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781947890022
Publisher: Dunecadia Publishing
Published: 2018-05-23T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

A deathly silence fell over the throne room. The pulsing beat of Orlla’s blood grew louder in her ears until she felt certain her heart would burst. The courtiers’ faces were waxen, their bodies frozen in shock as her words circled the room in an eerie echo. Even Samten stood rigid as though he had fallen into a stupor.

King Hamend gripped the arms of his throne so tightly, his knuckles turned bone-white. Orlla was vaguely aware of the judge on her right wheezing as if he was having difficulty breathing.

Thoughts of Akolom flitted through her head. She could see his steel-gray eyes admonishing her, his disappointment in her darker than any thunderstorm. She considered her father and what this would mean for him, and a well of tears sprang up inside her. She wouldn’t be able to protect him from what she had set in motion. She could almost feel his fingers searching for her hand and not finding it anymore.

“The prisoner is lying,” one of the king’s advisors said, his voice dripping scorn as he leaned toward the king, red-rimmed eyes narrowing to slits. “The island kingdom of Efyllsseum is a myth. As for the Opal of Light, the High Dragon King alone knows where it lies—he may even have destroyed it in his wrath.”

“This is what we have always believed.” King Hamend traced his long fingers over his skeletal brow. “But what evidence do we have that Efyllsseum does not exist? The prisoner says the pass to the island kingdom has been concealed from us all these years. What if she were to lead us to it?”

The advisor stiffened, a dangerous glint in his eyes. “Your Highness, the woman toys with you, shamelessly preying on your longing for a realm free of sickness and death. Perhaps she has allies waiting in the woods. It could be another of Brufus’s traps. We have lost enough soldiers to his devious schemes already.”

Ignoring his comments, King Hamend rose and descended the steps from his throne to where Orlla stood. He threw a scant glance at Samten and then settled his gaze on Orlla. “Prove to me that you are who you say you are.”

She swallowed, her throat tight as she held up her bound hands to the king. “Untie me and you shall have your proof.”

The judge scuttled to King Hamend’s side. “I must caution you, Your Highness that—”

“Enough!” the king roared, elbowing him aside. “The truth will out! Untie this woman at once!”

A guard standing nearby hurried over and cut Orlla’s bonds with a knife. The judge clenched his fists, his mouth twisting in rage at the affront to his authority witnessed by the entire court.

Orlla rubbed her aching wrists and then addressed the king. “If you will permit me, I will work a veiling rune on the doors leading out of the throne room.”

The king stroked his chin for a long moment considering her proposition. “Very well, but you will remain on this side of the doors at all times.

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