Fable: Edge of the World by Christie Golden Read Free Book Online Page B

escort young Shan back to Mistpeak when the boy was ready to leave. Shan had agreed to stay on, to give the king as much information as he could about his homeland. He kept to himself at first, but eventually became a fixture in the castle. The servants felt very protective of him; everyone knew what he had undergone. Shan moved at the king’s side at meetings, and even went with him to help recruit more soldiers. Laylah especially had taken him under her wing. With her kindness, the king’s appreciation, and the quiet acceptance of his presence, Shan had begun to come out of his shell.
    And six weeks after Shan had stood trembling before the King of Albion warning of the darkness that had infiltrated Samarkand, the fleet was ready to sail.
    The mood was somber at the last meal before the dawn departure of the fleet. The king had invited his friends to dine with him at the royal table. The food was delicious, but as he chewed and swallowed, washing the bite of roast pheasant down with wine, the king realized he wasn’t really tasting it. Which was quite a shame; the rations they would be forced to eat at sea and likely upon their arrival in Samarkand wouldn’t be nearly so tasty.
    There was idle conversation, about weather, popular theater, and fashion; and finally the king put down his knife and fork.
    “We’re all dancing around the fact that the fleet departs on the morrow. This is our last chance to be together. If anyone hasany doubts, or comments, or ideas, or incredibly brilliant last-minute plans on how to whip the darkness good and proper and be home before spring, now’s the time, ladies and gentlemen.”
    “My men are ready,” said Timmins. “I daresay a few of them will be nursing headaches tomorrow, but they’ll be there. We’ve got plenty of equipment, ammunition, and stout hearts.”
    The king glanced at Ben and realized from Finn’s expression that he, too, was thinking of the terrifying shadows they had fought. “I’d say when it comes right down to it, the last one’s the most important,” the king said.
    “I would agree,” said Ben. “I’ve been drilling them daily. They know what they’re doing. And they know why they’re doing it.”
    “Page?”
    “I stand ready to help Her Majesty manage the kingdom in your absence,” said Page. “And I have eyes and ears in many places. We’ll hear quickly if there’s any disturbance in Albion while you’re gone.”
    He nodded and squeezed his wife’s hand. She was, not unexpectedly, taking this harder than any of them. But he was proud of how well she was bearing up. To his surprise, she cleared her throat.
    “I will be coordinating with Jasper, Page, and Captain Timmins, and getting regular updates from them,” she said. “Page and Captain Timmins have also offered to help train me to defend myself, should the need arise. Our allies such as Sabine and others in distant places are to send me reports once every two weeks. I intend to continue to make myself visible to the public, to keep up morale. And if there are any hints of threats to Albion, I will act on them swiftly.”
    He smiled at her. “Well,” he said, “it sounds like my kingdom won’t even notice I’m gone.”
    “
I
will,” she said for his ears only, and he kissed her hand.
    “The ships stand ready,” said Kalin. “The Auroran people are eager to repay Albion for its aid. You will have many who know this enemy and are more than willing to die to see it brought down.”
    “There will be loss of life,” said the king. “But I pray it will be kept to a minimum.”
    “Sire? May I speak?” The king turned to Shan, surprised.
    “Of course, please, go right ahead.”
    The young man swallowed hard. “I lost my family to the Shadows and the darkness. I have no wish for my whole country to fall—or yours. If you truly believe my presence can make a difference … I will come with you.”
    The king was deeply moved. “Shan—you are the only one among us who