Chapter 26: To Defy His Orders
WHOOSH
The arrow soared through the air swiftly—and struck its target dead center.
CROOOWW!!!!
The hawk shrieked as it plummeted straight down. With a smooth, practiced motion, Zavren rose to his feet and raised his hand. The hawk landed squarely in his palm. He glanced at it once before tossing it aside like an afterthought.
Raven stood nearby. His Majesty’s mood was clearly sour, though he managed to keep his composure.
Then Zavren spoke. "Report."
Raven nodded quickly, his voice low as he began. "There isn’t much to report. The Grand Council of Elders will be arriving for the meeting you accepted. They promised it would be brief." He paused as Zavren took the arrow, observing it slowly.
Raven scratched the back of his neck before continuing.
"The other report... King Marcus and Princess Sophia had breakfast in the dining hall."
Zavren moved nonchalantly. In one swift motion, he flicked his wrist. The arrow shot forward, striking a fruit hanging from a tree. It dropped with a loud thud, splitting cleanly into two smooth halves as it hit the ground.
Raven swallowed hard, knowing that alone was little message to him, he continued quickly "Lady Ariana didn’t join for breakfast."