Chapter 57

They stayed up long into the night, making a plan of attack that didn't rely on Grayson’s magic. There were discussions about calling Aryk, but he had been staying in the village with Thomas and Celina, and his talents were needed there.

A messenger came as they were finally getting ready to go to bed. "Your Highnesses," the man bowed. "I bring bad news from the border."

"Speak," the king said.

"A border village was attacked in the night, your grace," the man said sadly. "There is nothing, and no one left." He hung his head as Catherine gasped. "The trolls numbered in the hundreds - really far too large a force for such a small town. But..."

"Go on, soldier," Grayson commanded. It was rare that he was authoritative, and it gave Abigail chills. Had they been in a more appropriate environment, she would have kissed him.

"They had ghouls with them as well," the soldier replied.

Grayson put his arm around Abigail without thinking, the memory of her near death always fresh in