Free A Realm of Shadows by Morgan Rice

day you will
take over my command.”
    Aidan’s eyes lit
up at his father’s words. It was the first time his father had ever talked to
him this way, with this tone, looked at him with such respect. They were words
he’d always longed to hear from his father, words that made everything in the
world right, that made everything he had suffered worth it.
    “There was
nothing else I could even think of doing,” Aidan replied. “I love you, Father. There
has never been anything else I’ve wanted to do but help your cause.”
    Duncan nodded back,
and this time his eyes welled with tears.
    “I know that,
son.”
    Aidan felt his
heart pounding as he summoned the courage to make a request.
    “I wish to accompany
Aidan on his trip to Leptus.”
    Duncan stared back, eyes
widening in surprise.
    “I wish to be of
service, real service,” Aidan continued in a rush, “and I long to take
the journey. I will be of little service here, with all your warriors,
attacking the canyon. But I can be of great service in helping Anvin make his
way across the countryside, reach Leptus, and persuade them to join our cause. Please,
Father. It would be a noble mission.”
    Duncan stroked his
beard, seemingly lost in thought. But then, to Aidan’s disappointment, he finally
shook his head.
    “The journey to
Leptus is a long and treacherous one,” he said, his voice heavy. “One even
Anvin may not survive. Aside from the hostile landscape, dragons still circle
and packs of Pandesian soldiers roam. You may even face a hostile reception in
Leptus—they are separatists, don’t forget.”
    Aidan did not
hesitate.
    “I know all this,
Father. And none of that deters me.”
    His father
slowly shook his head, as he fell silent, a stubborn look that Aidan knew meant
No. Aidan summoned more resolve.
    “Did you not
just say I have proven myself?” Aidan pressed. “I have crossed Escalon alone
for you. Let me cross the wasteland. Let me show you your faith in me is not
misplaced. I need this, Father. I need my own mission. I need to feel
like I, too, am a man. And I shall never be a man hiding here under your wings.”
    Duncan stared back for
a long time, and Aidan could see the thoughts turning in his head, as his heart
pounded, awaiting the response.
    Finally, his
father sighed, reached out and squeezed his shoulder.
    “You are an even
braver warrior than I thought,” he said, “and a more loyal son. You are right—I
have underestimated you. And it is not for a father to hold back a son hoping
to become a man.”
    He grinned and
nodded.
    “Go with Anvin. Serve
our cause and serve it well.”
    Aidan beamed as
his heart filled with pride and gratitude.
    A group of
soldiers appeared and interrupted, leading Duncan away on other business, while
at the same time, Motley came over to Aidan’s side, along with Cassandra and
White.
    Aidan saw Motley
looking down at him with concern.
    “Do you really
think that wise?” Motley asked.
    Aidan looked at
him with surprise.
    “Were you eavesdropping?”
Aidan asked.
    Motley grinned.
    “I’m an actor. Eavesdropping
is my trade. Keep no secrets from me, boy. Not after what we’ve been through.”
    Aidan sighed,
realizing Motley was who he was.
    “Yes,” he admitted.
“I am going. And yes, it was wise.”
    White barked at
his feet and jumped up and licked his palm, and Aidan laughed.
    “I guess you want
to come, too.”
    White wagged his
tail wildly, clearly answering him, and Aidan liked the idea of having the
companionship.
    “A foolish
errand, boy,” Motley scoffed. “You may not survive it. What is it with you and
valor? Have you not yet learned your lesson?”
    Aidan smiled,
undeterred.
    “I have not even begun to learn my lesson,” he replied. “And why should it concern you?”
    “Why should it
concern me?” Motley asked, offended. “I risked my hide a dozen times to keep you
alive. Does that mean nothing? Do you think I wish to see you dead? I care for
you, boy. God knows why—I