Damien and Jen flew along in a bubble above the Great Green on their way back to the capital. They’d spent another night in the temple at the wise one’s insistence. The wise one had decided, for whatever reason, to spare Eleck and the others. Letting them run around loose seemed like a poor notion to Damien, but it wasn’t up to him. Damien had sliced Eleck’s arms clean off just below the shoulder. He felt pretty confident that he’d burned out all the corruption.

They’d spent an hour talking with the fallen druid, getting all the details—at least all the details Eleck had—about Connor’s plans. The truth was he didn’t know much beyond the fact that the warlock wanted him to create a conjunction of ley lines in that huge cavern so he could draw on the deep well of power. What Connor wanted all that power for Eleck had no idea, though Damien doubted it was for anything good.

Eleck had also provided them with rough directions to Connor’s base in the Crescent Mountains. Though he’d only been there once and wasn’t exactly sure how to get back to it. Even without exact directions, as long as they could get close, any competent sorcerer would sense Connor’s corruption. Damien was pretty sure the archmage would be pleased when he gave his report.

“What are you smiling about?” Jen asked.

“I was just thinking that all things considered our mission went pretty well. It would be great if Uncle Andy let us work together more often. We complement each other really well.”

“I’ve thought the same thing. Isn’t it strange how seldom sorcerers and warlords team up? Every time I’ve worked with a sorcerer, either you or Master Shen, my missions have ended in success, more or less.”

“I will admit that when we go after Connor I’m not sure I want you to come. He’s going to be even stronger than Mikhail and I’m not certain how you could fight him from the ground.”

“Yeah, some enemies are simply beyond a warlord, but if you tell Dad I said that I’ll deny it. Speaking of enemies, have you decided what you’re going to tell Karrie?”

Damien groaned. He’d done his level best to forget about the unreasonable princess, but now that they were finished with their mission he couldn’t put it off much longer. “I don’t know. What do you think? I could be king and you can be my champion.”

They both laughed at that. If there was something that needed fighting and Damien couldn’t handle it they would both be in trouble. His good mood vanished as quickly as it arrived. He really did need to tell her something.

Audra didn’t spend that much time in the throne room with Uncle Andy. If Karrie were willing to handle the politics and let him spend his time in the field it might not be so bad. She’d get what she wanted and he wouldn’t have to do anything he didn’t like. If that suited her he might just take her up on the offer. Since Lizzy didn’t seem to mind everyone would end up happy, or at least content.

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The capital appeared on the horizon a little after midday. From so far away the damage didn’t look quite as bad. Damien knew it was just an illusion. There’d be no shortage of work once they dealt with Connor.

He landed the bubble in the castle courtyard. Guards and workers were scrambling around on various errands. A Crimson Legionnaire waved at Damien from her place on the battlements. If you concentrated on the castle and ignored the rest of the city everything looked pretty normal.

“Want to try the throne room first?” Damien asked. “If my master is there we can make one report and have it over with.”

Jen shrugged. “Fine with me.”

They’d barely taken a step when the castle doors slammed open and Sig stormed out. What the hell was that idiot doing in the capital? Damien had enough to handle without that fool getting underfoot.

Sig stalked straight toward them, his power crackling around his body. Damien increased the power to his shield just to be safe. He doubted Sig would start something in the castle courtyard, but on the other hand the giant from the north wasn’t exactly known for his prudence.

Sig stopped three feet from Damien and Jen. Damien raised an eyebrow. “Sig. Something I can do for you?”

“Die slowly, gnawed by a thousand ice trolls.”

Damien winced. “I think I’ll pass on that, thanks. Who put the bug up your ass?”

Sig snarled. “She’s mine. Do you understand? Mine!”

Damien and Jen shared a look. “Could you run through that one more time, with clarity?” Damien asked.

“Princess Karrie. I know you’re engaged to be married. I won’t let you get away with it. I’m more worthy to be king than a runt like you. I’ll kill you and claim her for myself.”

Damien had only heard every other word after “engaged.” What made Sig think they were engaged? He’d never even answered her. Damien slowly clenched his fists. Whether he married her or not, loved her or not, he wouldn’t let anyone treat the princess like some side of meat for the dogs to fight over.

“I don’t see how it’s any of your business who Karrie marries. And she certainly doesn’t belong to you or me for that matter. She’s her own person free to choose as she wishes.”

Sig backhanded him hard enough to make Damien take a step back, more from shock than pain. “I challenge you to a sorcerers’ duel to the death!” Sig shouted. “The princess will have no choice but to acknowledge the survivor as the better mate. And that will be me.”

Damien stared at Sig for a moment. He couldn’t have heard right. “You’re challenging me to a duel?”

“Yes, damn you. Name the time and place of your death.”

Damien shook his head. This had to be a joke. He expected John and Karrie to run out any moment and yell “Surprise!”

When no one appeared after several seconds it became clear Sig wasn’t joking. It seemed an extravagant way to kill himself, but who was Damien to question it? “Noon tomorrow, halfway between the tree line and north gate.”

“Fine! Enjoy your last night breathing.” Sig leapt into the air and flew away.

“He’s insane,” Jen said. “Are you really going to fight him?”

“I don’t know. I’ll see what Uncle Andy, the duke, and my master have to say about it. Then I think I need to talk to Karrie.”