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“It’s interesting you mention those as some of the artwork from Airiok’s time showed him using such weapons.”
“Do you still have any of those defenses?”
Gurlok shook his head. “They deteriorated due to age and lack of use. They were never rebuilt.”
“It might be time to re-arm your country,” her grim prognosis.
“Agreed. I’ll have to see if we still have the plans.”
Despite hearing nothing, her head turned to see Kormac entering the room, and her heart fluttered. Even with his scowl,the freshly groomed warlord looked handsome in his dark leathers. Unlike some other cultures, the men in Srayth kept their hair long and even allowed their facial hair to grow. It proved more becoming than expected.
“Don’t tell me Mother’s roaming here instead of at home terrorizing her servants,” Kormac stated as he stopped by their table.
“We chose to spend the night given the later hour but will be leaving mid-morning,” Gurlok stated, grabbing some toast.
“She was out of line with her machinations at the feast,” Kormac growled.
“She’s your mother. She just wants what’s best for you.”
“What she thinks is best and what I want are two different things. She needs to stop trying to pair me with insipid maidens.”
“And here I thought you didn’t want someone strong-willed like your mother,” his father teased, leading to Kormac making a face.
“Perish the thought.”
“She’s not so bad,” Gurlok murmured. “She is fierce about caring for those she loves.”
“Caring is fine. Forcing me to dine with two women who haven’t a thought in their heads beyond marriage is not.” Kormac glanced at Fionna. “The market will be opening shortly. When would you like to visit it?”
“I’m ready anytime. We can go after you eat.”
As Kormac filled a plate, waving off the servant who would have done it for him, Gurlok leaned close to murmur, “Good luck, envoy.”
“It’s not me who will need it when your wife finds out we had breakfast together.”
The man chuckled. “It shall be a loud ride home.”
He left and Kormac took his place.
“Your father is nice,” she stated.
“Maybe to you, but don’t let that fool you. He can be tough, very tough.”
“He’d have to be as warlord.”
“And a father training a future warlord.” Kormac took a bite before adding, “His lessons were rigid but always useful, especially now. Sometimes when I’m dealing with a situation, I hear his voice, remember his advice.”
“It must be nice to have parents. I barely recall mine.”
“How did they die?”
“Unpleasantly.” A short but accurate answer.
It didn’t take Kormac long to eat and soon they were heading out to the courtyard where two mounts awaited.
“Aren’t we walking?” she asked as he headed for the larger of the pair, a big stallion who huffed and stamped his hooves.
As Kormac swung himself into the saddle, he exclaimed, “Why walk when we can ride?”
