Description
The Lost Son – Katherine Cook
Secrets of Socendor 2
Kalen Ysindroc has risen far from his humble beginnings as a blacksmith’s adopted son. Now the head of King Andrion’s army, he is tasked with investigating reports of Koleri sighted along the kingdom’s borders.
An attempt on Kalen’s life, however, makes it clear there’s more afoot than random breaks in the land’s defenses. Plagued by dreams no human should endure, Kalen discovers a past he never expected — and a future he can’t escape.
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EXCERPT:
“I promoted you to general for a reason. This is your chance to prove you deserve that title. Find out where the Koleri are amassing and deal with them.”
Kalen Ysindroc bowed. “Thank you, Your Highness.”
The king’s advisor and court seer, Micheil Thierauf, bent to whisper something to the king. Kalen kept his expression neutral with a good deal of effort. Everywhere he turned, the damned elf managed to be there. Thierauf was a relatively recent addition to Andrion’s court, and Andrion held him in high esteem. What business did an elf have advising a human king?
“An excellent suggestion,” Andrion announced, dragging Kalen’s attention back to the matter at hand. “Master Thierauf will accompany you on this mission, General.”
Kalen bit his tongue before he could say something he’d regret. He’d worked hard for his position. His father was too frail to continue working as the town’s blacksmith, despite having an apprentice. Kalen had sworn he would provide for them in their old age, and he had every intention of keeping his promise.
“As you wish, Your Highness.”
“You leave at dawn,” Andrion said. “You are dismissed.”
Kalen bowed once more and glanced at Thierauf. “Be ready.”
The elf said nothing as Kalen left the throne room, but Kalen felt the sharp gaze follow him out the door. The king’s advisor may have been good at his job, but it didn’t make up for his elven arrogance. Thierauf’s mother, Vala, had been no better. The moment her son stepped into the role after her untimely death, Kalen tried to avoid him.
“You don’t look happy.”
“I’ve no issues going to see what the Koleri are up to, believe me,” Kalen grumbled as his friend Andreas fell into step beside him. “I do, however, despise that charlatan your father puts his faith in so much.”
“Micheil does have my father’s ear more than anyone else, I’ll admit. Give him a chance, though. He isn’t that bad—just a bit annoying.”
“His mother was annoying. He is insufferable.”
Andreas laughed and clapped a hand on Kalen’s shoulder. “His magic should prove useful, at the very least.”
“I don’t trust him or his magic.”
“Good thing humans can’t use it then,” Andreas said.
They entered the barracks and joined a group of soldiers seated at a battered wooden table. The men had adopted Andreas as their standard even though he’d asked them not to. Kalen couldn’t blame them. Andreas’ twin Philip was the politician the king had always wanted, so it left Andreas to hone his swordsmanship and establish tight bonds with Akuron’s army. Their sister Sherie, however, was the apple of Andrion’s eye.
Josiah Petiet, Kalen’s friend and second-in-command, nodded in acknowledgement when Kalen and the prince sat down. “What are our orders, General?”
“We leave at dawn with a small contingent to find the bulk of the Koleri and drive them out. The king believes it’s a small group, but we can’t let them gain any strength.” Kalen took the apple Andreas offered. “Unfortunately, the king’s advisor will be joining us.”
The collective groans gave Kalen a bit of vindication. No one particularly liked Micheil Thierauf. Elves weren’t unknown in Akuron, but they weren’t trusted, either. Everyone either remembered the mad sorcerer Breasal Vondrasek, or they knew the tales. Because of him, most humans looked on magic and those who practiced it with unbridled distrust.
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