Merek's Ascendance Read online

  “The two best archers in the land, shooting down more birds than necessary? Why doesn’t this surprise me?” Thorald said as he stood up.

  “Well, we’d better get to our busy day. Speaking of fathers, is Harold still in prison?”

  “Oh yes,” Merek replied, keeping pace with the seemingly random segue. “Still working back a truly impressive amount of gambling debt. And Malkyn is in the nunnery.”

  Thorald chuckled as he put on his cloak. He still wore his father’s crown, slightly dented from the many times Thorald had dropped it. Though not quite the king his father was, Thorald certainly did the best he could.

  Merek was hopeful for the future.

  Several hours later, they gathered at the shrine built to honor Tyrigg. This marked two years to the day since his death, and the whole of the kingdom had come out to pay their respects. Merek had never figured out how Roman had gotten in, and he didn’t really care. There would always be those who tried to kill the King. They would find ways in.

  And Merek would always shut them down.

  “I hope I’m making him proud,” Thorald said. No tears emerged from his eyes, or from Merek’s. They had made peace with his death.

  Thorald put an arm on Merek’s shoulder. “You’ve managed to avoid war, quelled invaders and maintained a healthy economy. You are taking responsibility for your own actions. I’d say you are making him very proud.”

  High King Thorald smiled at him.

  Chief Advisor Merek, Knight of Wentana.