Age of Druids by India Drummond Read Free Book Online

Otherworld.”
     
    “Are you serious?” Munro stared, and Eilidh returned the look with anger so fierce, her eyes narrowed. “Koen was guilty of treason. He tried to sell you out to Konstanze. He even threatened Maiya. I can’t say I’m sorry he’s gone.”
     
    Eilidh stood, her hands shaking. “This is a closed meeting,” she said and pointed to the door at the rear of the chamber.
     
    Munro wanted to tell her she wasn’t being reasonable but thought better of it. If she was this angry over hearing the truth about Koen, whom she never liked and took as a mate on purely political grounds, then calling her moody wouldn’t help. He’d been married long enough to grasp that much. He’d reason with her once he got her alone. With a tilt of his head, he turned to go. Before leaving, he said, “I need to speak to the azuri elders on the conclave.” He nodded to Oron. “Perhaps after you’ve finished?”
     
    “Of course,” Oron said.
     
    “About what?” Eilidh snapped.
     
    Munro gave her a level look. He thought about telling her it was druid business. See how she liked being kept in the dark. But once again, he tempered his reaction. “I discovered an ancient monument in The Bleak unlike any I’ve ever seen. Even drawing on the spirit power of Lady Joy and the astral talent of my azuri Mistwatcher, I wasn’t able to make much of the runes. I’d like their counsel.”
     
    A light shimmered in Oron’s eyes. “Fascinating,” he said. “Of course we’ll help.” The others nodded in eager agreement. With a bare glance to the queen, the elder said, “We were just about to wrap up here. I think we all agree we should take no action on the matter of Prince Griogair just yet. We acknowledge that although we abhor the idea the queen’s mate was killed, we must examine the facts with cool reason.” Munro doubted very much that Eilidh, at least, had made any such agreement, but even she couldn’t argue against patience and deliberation.
     
    She looked pointedly at Munro. “I will see you in my private chambers. Now.” With that, she stood and marched out, her long skirt rustling as she walked. Out in the corridor, Munro heard the Watchers fall in step behind her as she strode away.
     
    Munro glanced at Elder Oron. “I should go,” he said.
     
    Oron shook his head. “Be patient with her, my lord druid. She feels betrayed by one she has grown to love deeply. Queen Eilidh has always done what is right by our kingdom. In this, let us allow her to grieve that loss and trust she will continue to serve her people justly.”
     
    “Are you certain Griogair is responsible for Koen’s death?” Munro still couldn’t believe it.
     
    “The Watchers each give the same testimony.”
     
    “Does Griogair deny the charge?”
     
    Setir, the eldest of the earth contingent of the joint conclave, replied, “He has said little.”
     
    Munro sighed and muttered, “I don’t have time for this shit.”
     
    A weary smile stretched across Oron’s face. “Nor do we, my lord druid. Yet, this is the way of tragedy. It never waits for a convenient moment to strike.”
     
    Of all people, Munro understood that truth. “Do me one favour, if you would. Ask around about the Watchers who spoke out against Griogair. I find it difficult to believe he would defy Eilidh directly.” He paused, almost stopping himself from voicing the thought in his head, but he trusted Oron and knew his sentiments were shared by the conclave. “Koen really was a worthless sack of shit. I can’t say I’m sorry he’s dead.”
     
    Oron nodded. “I will order questions to be asked, but please discourage your mate from taking rash actions. Make a decree if you must. We cannot let Prince Griogair come to harm if he was under some influence we haven’t discovered. Perhaps he has a reason for his behaviour he hasn’t yet divulged.”
     
    Munro blinked. He wasn’t prepared to order Eilidh around in her own kingdom. No good would come