Severed Empire: Wizard's War by Phillip Tomasso Page B

justified. There were countless times I wanted to tell you about your mother, about your father, only I knew doing so could prove dangerous. Dangerous for them, dangerous for you and your grandfather. It doesn’t take an educated curer to notice the pain you lived with growing up. It hurt me knowing I had answers that might eliminate some, if not all of your agony, and yet I couldn’t say a word,” Blodwyn said. “I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me. Know this, if I had all of this to do over again, I would do it the exact same way.”
    “And not tell me about my parents?” Mykal knew the pain in his voice apparent.
    He nodded. “And not tell you. It was still the right choice. I can’t apologize for that. But I can apologize for allowing your suffering to continue for so many years.”
    “You don’t need to apologize, Wyn. And you don’t need my forgiveness. I’m not mad. I mean, I was, but I don’t think I was really mad at you. Either way, there’s nothing to forgive except my behavior. I hope you don’t look at me like some dumb kid who just threw a stupid temper tantrum in there.” Mykal hooked his thumb over his shoulder and pointed toward the mess hall.
    Blodwyn clapped a hand onto Mykal’s knee. “You are no dumb kid, friend.”
    Mykal smiled. “So we’re good?”
    “That we are!” Blodwyn smiled, in return. “How did things go with your father?”
    Mykal recounted the details of the brief visit. “I told him we were leaving in the morning, but he made no indication one way or the other. He’s not what I expected. I thought he’d be leading some rescue party on horseback, searching the lands for my mother, and excited to see me.”
    “It started that way,” Blodwyn said. “When he first set out, but years, and years later…”
    “He didn’t seem happy to see me, though. Not even a little.”
    “I know your father. He was happy to see you but so filled with guilt and embarrassment; it probably hurt him more having you track him down.”
    Mykal remembered what Eadric had said. “Because he thinks he failed me?”
    “Failed you and failed your mother.”
    “Did he ever ask you where my mother might be?” Mykal said.
    “Ask me? No. Not once. He enlisted my help.”
    “Do you help him?”
    “I told him that I would instead stay and watch over his father and son until he returned,” Blodwyn said.
    Mykal and Blodwyn sat for several moments. The silence was far different than what he experienced with his father. There was nothing awkward about it now. Although they were not talking, it was anything but quiet. Forest animals, and birds, made noises. Their songs and calls made everything below them seem so alive.
    “I think we should look for my uncle. I want to figure out what we’re going to do next. I want things planned, with little room for surprise.” Mykal knew things never worked out that way. It still seemed better to have an idea of what they would do; an outline to follow, rather than depending on winging it.
    “Well. I think you know what’s next,” Blodwyn said.
    “We need to warn King Nabal about the upcoming attack,” Mykal said. “And then you’re going to tell me where my mother has been hiding.”
     
    ***
     
    King Hermon Cordillera strode through his castle with purpose. His footfalls pounded on the stone floor. The queen and his darling princesses were in another part of the castle, up in their rooms getting ready for bed. He took the stairs to the tower two at a time, anxious to see how Ida was coming along. He no longer locked her door. The enchantment was removed. She could come and go as she pleased. He felt like they were finally working together, working toward similar goals. He hadn’t been sure at first, but was slowly beginning to realize his sorcerer could prove a resourceful ally.
    Inside her room, Ida sat at a work bench. Displayed on the tabletop in front of her were the hand-mirror, dagger, and chalice.
    Cordillera stood in the