The Rite of Abnegation by Mackenzie Flohr

Author:Mackenzie Flohr
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: fantasy, middle grade, young adult, wizards and warlocks, magic, swords & scorcery, coming of age
Publisher: BHC Press
Published: 2020-02-10T00:00:00+00:00

COINNEACH CASTLE—

THE KINGDOM OF VANDOLAY

1248 CE

Mortain entered the throne room and made his way to Déor before bowing. Torches burned silently between the large pillars that lined the great hall. Ornate tapestries hung from the tops of the pillars like silent sentries. On the walls behind the pillars were floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows that were darkened now that it was night. A large, open fire pit, in the very centre of the hall, was filled with burning wood, heating the room. He took note of Déor sitting on the throne with an empty chair next to him. The king looked rather displeased.

“Court physician, it is my belief you have a good reason for requesting an audience at this late hour?” Déor sneered.

“Yes, Your Grace,” Mortain said. “My son has gone missing.”

“Your son?” Déor asked, confused. He looked momentarily at Mierta, who was standing beside his father, before turning back to his court physician. “I do not follow. Explain.”

“My younger brother, Lochlann, is missing,” Mierta chimed in. “He hasn’t been seen by me or my father since early this morning. It is not like him to go wandering off on his own. He’s only twelve! I fear he may be in grave danger.”

“I see,” Déor said.

“I request, if I may, a guard or two to help look for my son. Mierta and I have been unable to take ourselves away from those sick and injured,” Mortain said.

Déor gave a short mirthless laugh. “Are you suggesting I freely offer my guards up to the Sulchyaes? As you are aware, our numbers are dangerously depleted. I cannot spare even one and take the chance he may be killed.”

“But Your Majesty,” Mortain cried, his heart sinking, “I beg of you! My son is defenceless.”

“It is to my understanding he is a warlock, is he not? He should be capable of handling danger, shouldn’t he?”

“My father speaks the truth!” Mierta interjected. “While my brother may be a warlock, he refuses to wield his wand. He has no interest in casting magic.”

“Regardless, I still cannot grant your request without leaving my kingdom defenceless; however, I will have my servants inquire if anyone has come across a young warlock of his description. I’m sure you understand the position I am in?”

“Yes, Your Grace. Thank you,” Mortain said.

“Yes, well, if there’s nothing further, I bid you both a good night. I shall pray for your son’s well-being.”

Mortain and Mierta bowed to the king as he left the room. Then they returned to the sanitorium to continue looking after the injured soldiers.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.