Page 2 of Wolfsbane (Deadly Duet #2)
TWO
MOREL
“Orion,” I called, hearing the familiar sound of his footsteps growing behind me, knowing it was him without needing to look. I had been lugging firewood, helping an elder woman unable to gather the wood herself. “What news do you bring?” I asked as she flashed me a warm smile, thanking me for my help.
“It amazes me how in tune you are with your surroundings,” Orion sighed, both annoyed and impressed.
Wiping my hands and forehead, I chuckled, turning to face him. “When you grow up with an abusive father and a brother who enjoys tormenting you, you learn to adapt rather quickly.”
Orion simply made a face. “I bring news from Hellbore.”
“Hellbore?” My head tilted in surprise. The kingdom of Hellbore was the only one for miles willing to trade and treat with me and my people. King Regalis and Queen Castanea offered my people a kindness no other kingdom would, creating trades with Grisset which allowed the economy and infrastructure of my kingdom to grow and expand with its people. I had only met them once, greeted with nothing but open arms and minds. Recently, all trade and communications with Hellbore had come to a screeching halt, resulting in some of Grisset’s spies slithering into the kingdom.
“It seems the reason the kingdom has cut us off is because it has been overcome by a rogue prince.” Orion retrieved a shredded flag from his cloak, handing it to me. As I unraveled the material, I recognized the faded yellow symbol sewn into the tattered black tapestry.
Boletus.
“According to our intel, this prince was once an ally to both Hellbore and Dryade until he ambushed them, attacking without reason or cause.”
“He had cause,” I growled. “Follow me.”
Orion shadowed me the best he could as my pace quickened, leading us toward the lively market. People were buzzing about, music playing from a traveling show as animals roamed freely, children playing and zagging through the packed shops. The smell of spices and herbs filled the cold air as voices and laughter mixed with them. He tried to keep up, questioning me as we ducked into a small store.
“My king,” the old shopkeeper greeted me with a welcoming bow. “How may I serve you today?” My eyes scanned the walls lined with tapestries and flags of nearby kingdoms and regions. I lifted the tattered material.
“This symbol.” I tapped the golden scorpion stitched in the black fabric. “Which kingdom does this belong to?”
“Why, the southern kingdom, Scorpius, my king.” My nostrils flared with anger as I stormed from the shop.
“Morel?” Orion chased after me, weaving the lively market. “My king!” I chucked the tapestry into a nearby fire, watching as the flames consumed the material. “Morel,” he huffed, catching his breath. “Care to explain what just happened?”
“It seems fate has a sick and twisted sense of humor.” My eyes glared at ashes floating alongside the swirling smoke of the fire as the cold wind blew them away. “Boletus is Agaric’s childhood friend, the elder son of Scorpius, a vile and vicious kingdom south of here. My brother is but a rat compared to that beast. His mind is sick. He seeks pleasure in tormenting the innocent and yearns to inflict pain. Boletus didn’t attack Hellbore without cause. No, he attacked it for game, simply because he could.”
“What would you have me do, my king?” I gripped the crystal fastened around my neck as I inhaled the night air.
“Hellbore was the only kingdom to aid us in our time of need. It’s time we repaid the favor. Prepare a small party. We leave for Hellbore at first light.” Orion nodded, bowing before rushing to prepare.
It seems fate has altered the path before me, dear brother. Enjoy this time, but know that one day, I will return home. I will come for you, even if it means waiting a lifetime. Our time will come.