Chapter 84: Breaking Point
Tyfin closed his eyes for a moment and reached his decision.
"Inform Talan. He needs to know that I live as my personal guard, and I trust he can retain that information. Tell him to keep his claim active for the time being."
Stahl nodded as she confirmed her father understood. She spoke once more as the older wolf began discussing other matters.
"From what my daughter has told me so far, you are somewhere along the border of the Crimson Sands, are you not? If I may make a suggestion, my King, travel to my wife’s estate. If we depart soon, we should both arrive at nearly the same time... It will be a long journey for both of us, but I can at least guarantee some degree of your safety there. If nothing else, it can be a place to lay low until the time for the Endeavor is here. If you decide to lay claim to your crown, wait until you have made it there first."
Stahl felt the connection strain, and her father sent one final statement to the young she-wolf before the older knight faded from her reach.
Byron told his daughter to keep this next part between them, shocking Stahl even more. Her father wasn’t one to keep secrets from the crown he served
`Stahl.... When you come to the other end of the Thorned Thicket, you will see mountains to the north... You need to split from your group then and take the trail through the pass. Keep Rust by your side at all times, but also bring Aster with you...
’There is something there he needs to see... Something that may not exist at all anymore, but still something I am not certain that the other beasts should know about... Something that is not my secret to tell.
’When you come through the other end of the mountains, you can reach your mother’s estate within four days, so it won’t greatly hinder your arrival. The road will likely be quite hard to follow from lack of use in this age, but you are a skilled enough hunteress and tracker to find your way around... And by the gods, Stahl... Please, make it back to us...’
Byron paused for a second, pondering on this last bit, but not wanting to leave anything unsaid considering their uncertain circumstances.