Chapter 38: Chapter 38: The Past Revealed

Shaking his head, Thrane replied, "Now that I am certain is fact rather than rumor. A formal letter was sent, though it contained little information from what I heard. The king and the high priest are dead. That is why I asked if you had heard from home. I apologize for breaking it to you so callously."

Cerant said nothing, just stood and fled the room. Neikirk went after him, unsurprised to find Cerant amongst his roses in the garden. "Master …" Cerant did not reply, did not turn around, but Neikirk did not press him. He simply wrapped his arms around Cerant's waist from behind and held him.

What he wanted to do was bind a new lightning incantation and then cast it on Thrane, the heartless, thoughtless bastard. He should have realized that, if unaware, the news would strike Cerant hard. To be told in one blow that his king and high priest were dead … as fiercely loyal and devout as Cerant was, the words must have torn him apart. "I'm sorry, Master," he said softly.