The stranger carried with him an authoritative presence. He wore white leather breeches and a matching coat that accentuated his stocky build. His black hair hung to his shoulders. It seemed to glisten in the noon sunlight shining through the large, plate-glass windows.
His skin was pale, making it obvious that he spent a lot of time working indoors. He wore just a shadow of beard across his face. Perhaps the most arresting feature on the man was his eyes. They had a predatory look, like a hawk searching for its prey.
“Excuse me Son, is King Forsythia available? I have an appointment to meet with him today.”
Yadin wasn’t sure what to make of this man. Either he was the city’s most witless citizen or he was being cute. Yadin gave him the benefit of the doubt and assumed he was uninformed.
“I’m the King. What’s this about an appointment?”
The stranger looked shocked at the comment. “You’re the King? How can this be? I…”
“My father has been assassinated. As his only heir, I’m King of Avendis now. I see by the look on your face that you didn’t know this. How is that?”
The pale-skinned stranger answered thoughtfully. “If you’d permit me, Your Highness, my name is Merik Ladien. This is the first time I’ve ever been to your city. I’m originally from the district of Dyson.”
Yadin knew the town well. Dyson was known for its hospitality and friendliness. Its’ citizens lived a simple, unhurried life. Helping others in need was a way of life there. Were he not of royal blood, he’d enjoy living in Dyson. Though Merik seemed cordial enough, there was something different about the man that he couldn’t put his finger on.
Still skeptical, Yadin asked, “You claim to have had an appointment with my father, yet you’ve never been to Avendis. How was this appointment set up?”
“I met him yesterday morning,” Merik began, “while he and his caravan were passing through my city. Dyson doesn’t often see royalty passing through its streets. I introduced myself and mentioned my skill in herb healing and in the benevolent use of the Source. He mentioned the possibility of a job opening and here I am.”
Yadin sighed. “Please forgive my aggressive questioning, Sir Ladien. It has been an especially difficult day for me. My peaceful morning has been crushed by the news of my father’s death. The crown has been all but shoved down my throat. Now you show up offering your services to a dead King. Dragon’s dung! I haven’t even the time to mourn my father properly.”
Merik spoke softly, his words spilling out like enchanted tokens of comfort. “Prince… Excuse me – King Forsythia, if you’re even half the man your father was, then my offer of service extends to you as well.”
Yadin clasped his hands to his head. “My emotions are overwhelming me. Now isn’t the time for me to make decisions of this nature. See me again in a week. We can talk then.”
Merik nodded and gave a slight bow. “As you wish, my Lord. With your permission, I’ll just…”
“Yadin, have you forgotten our luncheon?” Both Merik and Yadin turned at the musical words of Libeth. “Oh, I’m sorry,” she apologized, I didn’t realize you had another meeting scheduled this afternoon.”
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