Page 84 of A Warrior's Heart

The other assassins were out of sight, but I knew they waited nearby.

When the first man came over the railing, he was greeted with my dagger pressed to his throat. He looked familiar, though that didn’t matter. Anyone could become a foe.

“State your purpose,” I growled. “And I might just spare your life.”

“King Triton sent us,” the man said, holding his hands up. “I’m Yuval, the leader of the king’s scouts.”

I lowered my blade and took a step back, but I remained on alert, as did everyone behind me. Four other men climbed aboard, all dressed in shades of blue and gray to help them blend in with the oceanic environment.

“Why did he send you?” Lorcan stepped forward.

Yuval dropped to one knee and bowed his head. “My prince.” The other four followed his lead, all showing their respect. “We were sent to warn you and your traveling party that the treaty has been broken. King James has made an official declaration of war.”

“The sirens?” Lorcan asked.

“Yes, my prince.” Yuval rose from the deck. “Their behavior was a direct violation of the terms agreed upon, and thus, the human king took action. We were sent to warn you that any town you stop in now could be dangerous. Proceed with caution.”

“Is Avalontis safe?” Troy asked, stepping up beside Lorcan. In that moment, he appeared older, more experienced in the ways of the world.

“Yes,” Yuval answered. “The king remains vigilant at the palace. He’s doing all he can to protect our people. He sent me with another message as well.” The scout turned to Lorcan. “King James learned of your son and sent men to Emerald Cove to capture him.”

Lorcan rushed forward, his teeth bared. In his anger, they turned to sharp points. “What happened to Theron?”

“Your son and the man who watches over him in your absence have been taken to Avalontis,” Yuval answered, bowing his head again. “King Triton was one step ahead of the human king. Theron is safe in the palace as we speak.”

The air left Lorcan as he swayed in place a moment, the relief nearly sending him to his knees. Alek moved to his side and wrapped his arm around him, letting Lorcan use him for support.

“I can assure you Theron is being well taken care of,” Yuval continued. “Before we left to find you, the boy was devouring every dessert in the kitchen and terrorizing the poor guards charged with looking after him.”

“Sounds just like another prince I know,” I said, glancing at Lorcan.

He smiled, though it didn’t hold for long. The worry over his son was too great. “Thank you for the news, Yuval. You and your men are free to rest here a while before taking your leave.”

“Gratitude, my prince.”

Lorcan and Alek left the deck and went to their quarters. The prince, like me, kept a strong face around everyone. I knew he needed privacy to sort through the emotions brought on by Yuval’s news. His son had nearly been snatched away by our enemy, and he was shaken from how close he’d come to losing him.

“It’s strange,” Troy said. He rested his head on my arm as he stared out to sea.

“What is?” I slid an arm around him. The scent of rosewater lingered in his hair from the bath he’d taken earlier that morning.

“The thought of war has always frightened me, yet after learning that the treaty is broken, I’m not afraid. I’m more determined than ever to fight for our home.”

The scouts left within the hour, staying long enough to drink water and rest before setting back out to sea. Everyone on board remained on edge, searching for ships trailing us and discussing strategy should the ship be attacked. The Crimson Night was equipped with canons and artillery should we need to fight.

With war declared between land and sea, we all knew a battle waited for us. The only question was: when?

“Land ahead!” Nereus shouted from the crow’s nest later in the day. He grinned as he peered through the spyglass.

“It’s as if he doesn’t realize we can see the mountains with our own eyes,” Shar said with an amused snort. “He is a complete buffoon.”

“Shar!” Nereus called down to him, then pointed ahead. “Look! Mountains!”

Shar’s sigh was barely audible. The light in his eyes told of his true feelings though. Buffoon or not, the assassin adored Nereus.

“It’s a small island,” Kellan said from the helm. “But I’ve heard of it. Should be safe to stop for the night. What say you, Lorcan?”

Lorcan breathed deep, eyes closed. “The trident is close. I can hear its call. We should reach it very soon.” He touched the area over his heart and opened his eyes. “We should stay here for the night and continue our journey on the morrow.”