Read Online ZYGRADON by Michelle L. Levigne - Free Book Online Page B

One's son was born close to Mrillis' birth. It is
likely he used his son's birthing blood, possibly slaughtered the boy's mother in childbed,
to create an enchantment that has grown with the boys," Breylon said. "You have seen a
red-haired boy, yes?"
    Mrillis nodded. He tried to stand still and straight, shoulders back, but Le'esha
felt the growing tension, the fear and weariness underneath the hand she rested on his
shoulder. She ached for the boy, and tried to push away her personal feelings to see the
wider picture. Perhaps Mrillis' presence here, in the war camp, was meant to be.
    "Red hair is usually the sign of a half-blood possessing considerable imbrose ," the High Scholar continued. "We do not know if the boy is simply a
mindless, soulless tool in his father's hands, or if he is being raised as a partner for
conquest. Is he nothing more than an anchor stone for the cords of the enchantment? Or
does he drain our boy's strength, perhaps spy on his dreams?"
    "A boy told Mrillis to cut the cords that choked him in his dream," Le'esha said.
"But not the red-haired boy."
    "Fascinating, yes, but what good does all this talk of magic do us?" Lyon said.
He stood and stepped closer to Mrillis and frowned more deeply as he looked down at
the boy.
    "The most important question is whether the Nameless One wants Mrillis dead,"
Le'esha said, "or if he needs him alive to mold him into a weapon against us. Tonight's
dream could have been merely a test of how strong a hold his magic has on our boy. He
could have freed Mrillis from the dream at the last moment, when he learned what he
needed. Or tonight's dream was indeed meant to destroy our boy."
    "Either way..." The Warlord's frown turned into a vicious grin and he nodded.
"Either way, we can turn him into a weapon." A snort of laughter escaped him, like from
a restless horse. "With your permission, brother, I'll take the boy for a long ride as a
distraction. Make our enemy panic and look away, while you go for his throat."
    "A good plan." The Warhawk nodded. "It will be a hard ride, and the enemy
might send men to take or kill you, boy. Are you willing to obey?"
    "Majesty." Mrillis stepped away from Le'esha. Her hand fell back into her lap as
she felt him grow older, more aware in that moment. He went to one knee before the
Warhawk. "I was stupid."
    "No," Graddon said, with a chuckle rasping in his voice. "You're simply a normal
boy, hungry for adventure. And you knew better than to ask, because you knew we'd
say no."
    The others in the tent relaxed a little more and grinned. Le'esha reflected that
all four men likely remembered childhood pranks, adventures and dangers that had
taught them wisdom.
    "Why did you come, lad?" Breylon asked.
    "To protect my Lady." Mrillis shrugged and flicked his gaze up to meet Le'esha's
for just a moment.
    "I think the Queen of Snows is the last person who will ever need anyone's
protection," Afron grumbled. He nodded, and the smile he gave the boy held a little
more warmth. "Your loyalty is admirable. Even if your choices were bad."
    "At least Ceera didn't come, too," Le'esha remarked. She saw Mrillis flinch at her
words. "Oh ho--she argued when you left her behind. Or did you sneak away from her,
too?"
    "She cried," the boy admitted.
    "Neither you nor the little lass had any reason to worry," Lyon said.
    "I know, but... she's our mother."
    "Ah." The Warhawk nodded. He cleared his throat and glanced around the
gathering.
    Le'esha fought not to cry. Her eyes burned with tears. She wasn't sure if she
would scold Ceera first when she returned home, or sit and simply hold the child for
hours.
    "Well, lad, are you willing to obey now?" Afron continued.
    "If you give me this chance to help, I will be grateful," Mrillis said, and pressed
his hand over his heart in pledge.
    "Just keep that in mind when you're saddle sore and limping," Lyon said. He
winked at Mrillis. The boy grinned back at him.
    Le'esha tried to be proud. She tried to put away her worry,