Dreamwielder Read Online Free

had seemingly shrunk since he’d last seen him. Five years before, the King of Pyrthinia had been a robust man, exuding energy and confidence. Now, Casstian Delios was old beyond his years. His arms and chest were still thick but lacked the hardened, muscular definition he was once known for. His face, too, was thin and ashen, and his once glorious mane of golden hair now hung limply above his shoulders, thin and mottled with gray.
    â€œDo you mean to send Taera to Col Sargoth?” Caile finally asked.
    â€œWhat choice do I have?”
    â€œSend me. That’s why you had me return from Valaróz, isn’t it?”
    King Casstian snorted. “The imperial mandate states I must send my eldest child as a ward to Col Sargoth.”
    â€œThere are exceptions. Tell Guderian that Taera is too ill to travel, that I’m coming to Col Sargoth in her stead. All he cares is that he has his hostage.”
    â€œBut she’s not ill. Would you have me forge false documents? I don’t take lying as lightly as you, especially when it means treason.”
    Caile could feel his face flush with anger. His father clearly was not one to let the past go. “If you ask me, it’s better to lie to an evil man than to sign your daughter’s death sentence.”
    â€œWhat’s that supposed to mean?” Casstian demanded, sitting up in his seat, his face taking on some color and life.
    â€œDon’t pretend like you don’t know, Father. She’s a sorceress.”
    Casstian slumped back as if the wind had been knocked out of him.
    â€œShe’s a seer,” Caile continued. “She’s the one who warned us to the presence of the firewielder today. She saw it in her visions. You can’t send her into Guderian’s grasp. That monster of his will sniff her out in an instant and they’ll kill her just like they’ve killed every other sorcerer. I’ve met him, Father—I’ve met Wulfram. In Sol Valaróz. He’s not human. He can see inside of you. He’ll know. Sending Taera to him would be sending her to certain death.”
    Casstian was silent for a long moment. “And you think you will somehow fare better than Cargan or Taera?”
    Caile sat up straight. “I have no magical ability to put me in danger. I’ve lived these last five years as ward to that usurper Don Bricio, and I stayed alive, bit my tongue while vile lies poured from his mouth. I met Wulfram and avoided his scrutiny. I know how to stay alive in a den of lions.”
    Casstian laughed without humor. “King Bricio and his court in Valaróz are a pack of kittens compared to what you’ll find in Col Sargoth, boy.”
    Caile shrugged. “So be it. I’m not afraid.”
    â€œYou should be.”
    â€œIt makes no difference. I want to go and you can’t send Taera. You love her more than me, I know. We’re the same in that regard. She means more to me than you ever will.”
    King Casstian Delios looked into the flames of the fireplace and said nothing.
    â€œWell?” Caile asked.
    â€œGo then. Tell my porter to send for the physician, and I will compose the letter to Guderian.”
    â€œThank you,” Caile said, standing.
    Casstian nodded and watched his son leave. It pained him that Caile could see through him so easily. He bore Caile no ill will, but it was true he loved Taera and Cargan more. He simply couldn’t help it. Casstian’s wife, Hedia, had died shortly after birthing Caile, and as much as the King tried to tell himself he could not blame his son, the resentment had faded little over time, especially with Caile being so stubborn and overly-confident as a boy. That boy is the heir to my throne now by Sargothian law , Casstian mused, but that only reminded him of Cargan and fresh tears came to his eyes. He pushed the thoughts aside and wiped his face clean. He was King of Pyrthinia and could not be seen crying, not by the