30

Captain Dorin's Intent

DORIN

Dorin knew but would not be the one to report it to the king.

Giving a brief nod at the king’s commands he backed from the Receiving Room and strode smoothly across the bailey. Sweat still touched his hairline from his illness the night passed. A sweet maid named Marie had helped soothe his ills but he could still feel his pallor lingering today. A bite in the wind helped add life to his cheeks, as did the thought of finally killing Zierno.

The boy had never been anything but trouble. He’d charmed the king young and proceeded to climb into his favor every day after that.

Dorin had hungered for the throne his whole life. He’d made a pretty name for himself amongst the kingdoms as a respected commander, an ingenious warlord.

Despite his illness he intended to take the throne before his illness gripped him fully. For years he’d struggled against the rasping cough and growing fatigue but today there was a spring in his step and a greedy glitter to his eye.

Wit