“What is the meaning of this?” the king demanded.

“Do not pretend to be innocent,” I said. “They know the truth.”

The king’s eyes narrowed slightly. “And what do any of you think you can do?”



“We were your servants, your strength. And now none of us are afraid to stand against you,” Zeroun said.

The king could see hesitation in a few of the men, but not fear, and that chilled his bones.

He shrank back slightly. His eyes darted to each one of his knights and lords. Finally, those powerless eyes came to rest upon me.

“W—what do you intend to do to me?” his voice trembled.

“Your partner, Rypan is now making his home in the dungeon,” I said. “But your men have decided a different fate for you. This is the beginning of your exile. You will be taken to the border of this kingdom immediately. You are banished from Tarlea.”

The king attempted to protest, but he said nothing.

“Eustathios, Varlius, take our former king into custody,” Sir Zeroun said.

The defeated man was breathless as the knights approached.