Read Online In the Shadow of the Dragon King by J. Keller Ford - Free Book Online

has nothing to do with it. I heard it from a reliable source that Gowran and Crohn took a trip to Faucher a couple of weeks ago and delivered a personal warning that he was not welcome. Need I say more?”
    Eric snorted. “As if Trog needs their protection.”
    “Well, you know how the four of them are, all armed to the hilt and eager to ruffle some feathers.”
    “They must have anticipated trouble and put an end to it before it began.” Eric put down his goblet and rotated it around on the tablecloth. He looked down at his plate of food and pushed it away, his mind elsewhere.
    “What’s the matter?” Sestian asked, taking a bite of bread. “Not hungry?”
    Eric shook his head. “I can’t eat.”
    Sestian’s eyes narrowed with concern. “Why not?”
    “I found out about an hour ago Trog, and I are heading to Avaleen tomorrow.”
    Sestian’s gaze fixed upon Eric. “What? Why?”
    Eric folded his arms on the table and spoke just above a whisper. “I’m to spend the next twelve days in combat training with the mages.”
    Sestian sputtered, almost choking on his food. “What?” he whispered back, his eyes wide with disbelief. He put down his napkin. “No one our age trains with the mages!”
    “You sound almost jealous,” Eric said. “I’ll be more than happy to let you go in my place.”
    “No, no, that’s not what I meant. This is incredible! Who will be your master?”
    Eric kept his expression bland. “Mangus Grythorn.”
    Sestian caught his breath for a moment and let it go. “The general of the mage army? Jared’s right arm?”
    “One and the same.” Eric swallowed his wine in one gulp.
    “B-but. That man is a lethal weapon, more so than Trog!”
    “Thanks, Sestian. You’re doing a fine job making me feel better.” Eric sat back, his arms folded tight to his chest.
    “This is insane,” said Sestian. “That man has the power to kill you with a look. Why would Jared hand over his top advisor and right-hand man to train you?”
    “Do you have to say it like that?”
    “You know what I meant. I wonder if it has something to do with the paladin.”
    “I doubt it. I think Trog feels he’s taught me all he can.”
    “That’s a load of dragon dung, and you know it,” Sestian said. “You could spend a lifetime with Trog and never learn all he knows. No. There’s something more to this. They must have hand-picked you for something.”
    “Like what? An early death?”
    Sestian patted Eric’s back. “You’re going to be fine. I’m sure Trog won’t let him scar up that pretty face of yours too bad.” An infectious grin spread across his face.
    Eric smiled despite himself. “I’ll show off my battle wounds when I return.”
    “I’d expect nothing less. Now eat. You’re going to need it.”
     
     
    ***
     
     
    The festivities continued in the adjoining ballroom where the royal couple initiated the first dance of the evening. Eric leaned against a marble column and watched, thankful to be a spectator. His contentment was short-lived when Trog arrived with Lady Emelia on his arm.
    “Eric, I think you have met Lady Emelia, Lord Cameron’s daughter.” He gestured to the center of the room. “Why don’t you take her for a dance?”
    Lady Emelia smirked as she twirled a red ringlet around her finger. “Hello, Eric.” She linked her gloved arm in his. “Shall we?”
    Eric’s insides boiled as he moved onto the dance floor. “I see you used your position to once again get what you want.”
    She laughed in his ear. “I always get what I want, haven’t you noticed?”
    “You won’t get me.”
    “Ahh, but I have you now, don’t I?” Her words brushed across his ear like a warm summer breeze laced with slivers of glass.
    Unfortunately.
    The music ended, and everyone clapped.
    Eric bowed and escorted Lady Emelia to her father and exchanged a few moments of necessary pleasantries. Afterward, he returned to the dais where he bid goodnight to the royal couple. Trog caught up