Destiny by Pedro Urvi Read Free Book Online Page B

my heart has chosen. Come with me, and rule beside me.”
    “You offer me too much, Gerart: your heart, the Kingdom… so much that I feel overwhelmed… I don’t know what to say…”
    “Don’t say anything then…” and Gerart bent over Aliana and kissed her, so passionately he left the girl breathless.
    At that moment, while Gerart was kissing Aliana, two figures appeared behind them climbing the stairs towards the Castle. Hartz saw the scene in surprise and immediately glanced aside at his friend. Komir had stopped and was staring at Aliana, his emerald eyes shining with the intensity of a summer sun in the middle of the night. Hartz was about to say something, but Komir motioned him to stay quiet. He felt as if a dagger of frozen steel had been plunged into his back, He felt the blood of the treacherous blow trickling down his spine, and in each drop he saw Aliana’s face reflected. The one his heart loved and who had betrayed him that night. Without letting Aliana see his pain, he motioned to Hartz and went into the castle, leaving behind dreams and hopes which would never come to fruition.
    Aliana tensed and moved away from Gerart.
    “I need time… it’s not the right moment…”
    Gerart nodded his assent.
    “If you need time, Aliana, you can have it,” he said, and turning on his heels he went inside the palace.
    Aliana closed her fists and cursed inwardly. Three paths, three loves, three destinies: Komir, Gerart, the Order. Her heart was divided, her soul squeezed dry by the decision she must make. She raised her face to the moon and pleaded:
    “Help me to choose the path I must follow.”
    But the moon remained silent.
     
     
    The three days the King had given Haradin were up, and they were all summoned to his Majesty’s presence. In the throne hall, King Solin and Queen Eleuna once again received the diverse group of adventurers. Prince Gerart and Royal Counselor Urien were chatting animatedly with Haradin at the foot of the throne, when Aliana walked in with Asti. She had not seen the others the day before. For some reason Komir had been evading her and instead, with Hartz and Kayti, had been going through the city purchasing equipment and supplies. The redhead had been sending messages to her distant eastern land, according to Kendas, who had been assigned to Prince Gerart’s service.
    The Prince, very courteously, and worried for her wellbeing, had come to see her several times. Aliana had been left deeply impressed by the Court and by several families of the nobility Gerart had introduced her to. The Royal Palace of Rilentor was impressively magnificent, and the nobles and royalty had impressed the Healer. She was not used to dealing with people of such high rank. On the other hand, Asti seemed absolutely indifferent to them, as if she did not even notice their presence. Aliana looked at Komir, but he did not seem to see her or try to greet her.
    “Thank you all for coming,” the King greeted them. “The first thing I wish to do is congratulate the Healer Aliana for once again working a miracle.”
    “There’s no need, your Majesty…” Aliana began.
    “There certainly is,” the Queen interrupted. “You’ve saved Mirkos’ life, and we are all indebted to you. The Kingdom is indebted to you.”
    “Thank you, your Majesty.”
    “Fantastic news,” Urien said. “We’re going to need him and all his power to fight against the Nocean Sorcerers and the Norghanian Ice Mages.”
    “My old friend is making good progress, I’ve just seen him,” said Haradin with a smile.
    “And after such good news, let’s turn our attention to the problems at hand,” the King said gravely. “What course of action do you advise me to take, Haradin? The situation is extremely critical…”
    “Thank you for placing your trust in me, your Majesty. You honor me. From what I’ve gathered about the events, and based on my own studies about the Ilenians, I believe we must find the other two medallions