Second Son (The Minstrel's Song Book 2) by Schmidt Jenelle Leanne

Author:Schmidt, Jenelle Leanne [Schmidt, Jenelle Leanne]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Stormcave Studios
Published: 2014-03-05T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER

FOURTEEN

“Ah, good morning, Jhasen,” King Stiorne said. His eyes appeared brighter than they had in weeks and he was sitting upright in his bed. Jhasen looked delighted as he bowed his head respectfully.

“You are looking much better today, Sire,” he said. “Forgive my saying so, but for a while there I thought I had lost my talent for healing.”

“One such as yourself does not lose the ability to heal,” King Stiorne said, smiling.

“Yes, but even I doubt myself at times.”

“Abilities such as yours must be a heavy burden.”

“A burden they may be, Sire, but their weight does not bend my back, I am a healer, it is what I was born to do, it is what I love to do. More than that, it is who I am.”

“Then you are a lucky man indeed.”

Jhasen straightened. “You summoned me?”

“Lords Nills and Bors came to visit me earlier, they brought me a disturbing rumor.”

“What rumor was that, Sire?”

“Apparently my son, Rhoyan, has been spotted. It seems he may be alive, and traveling home as we speak.”

“I have heard these rumors,” Jhasen said.

“Why did you not inform me then? You have always been honest and trustworthy, your advice has always been shrewd and welcome. Why did you not tell me of this?”

“My king, your health was on the knife’s edge of peril. I could not know how you would react to such a rumor. Please believe that I did not keep this information from you out of malice or a desire to deceive. It was in the best interests of your health alone.”

Stiorne gave the old physician a calculating look. “I don’t have much longer, do I, Jhasen?”

“My lord?”

“Don’t play games with me, please. We’ve been friends for far too long, you should not feel the need to spare my feelings,” the king chuckled and then sobered. “I have a decision to make, and soon, while I still have the ability.”

“Yes, Sire.”

King Stiorne’s expression grew troubled. “What would you have me do, Jhasen?” he asked. “I have not the time to wait for the dead to return from the grave. The minstrel has not visited in many years, and now, when I need his advice the most, he is nowhere to be found. The people need a king, and Seamas has learned much in these past few years. He has been a good leader while I have been ill. The people trust him. They know he is there for them.”

“Aye, Seamas has been a great leader, and true to your wishes. He honors you with his words and actions. He has become a man that any father would be proud of.”

“I have always been proud of him, Jhasen,” Stiorne chided. “No prophecy could change that.”

“I know, Sire. I am merely trying to help.”

“I am dying, Jhasen,” Stiorne said with a sigh. “The people need a king; a man true and strong. It is time to make room for a younger man, a man who has the energy to care for the people and lead them.

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