Free The Black Sword Trilogy: The Four Nations by Jeffery VanMeter Page B

boat?” He asked Kenner.
                  “As a matter of fact, it was and still is.” Kenner answered him.
                  “That’s incredible.  I thought they were all extinct.”
                  “I’m happy to say that there are two more in my village and a third wandering out there somewhere.”
                  “Excellent news.”
                  “Yes,” someone further down the table said.  “That is excellent news; just as excellent as our visit from the future King.”
    At that, the entire table went silent.  Kenner braced at the statement.  He didn’t like the inference and felt it an insult to his host.
                  “There’s only one Lady of the Woods here.” He answered politely.  “I could neither replace nor succeed her.”
                  “But surely that is your purpose.” A man with blonde hair and a short beard said in a rude voice.  Kayla glared at him in a harsh expression Kenner would have not before thought her capable of.
                  “Are you not the one who bares the Black Sword?  Is it not your ‘destiny’ to become King of all the nations?”
    There was sarcasm in the way he’d said “destiny” that made Kenner wince. 
                  “That is not my intention.” Kenner said as politely as he could.  However, he felt uncomfortable with the way this conversation was going.
                  “Of course, it isn’t.” The rude man continued.  “Just as it wasn’t Faraday’s intention five hundred years ago when he took over this realm.”
    “That’s enough Bordol.” Kayla said in a slightly raised voice.  “I will not have my guests disrespected.”
    “With all due respect, my Lady,” Bordol continued.  “But this man’s very presence is disrespect to this sacred place.”
    “Bordol…” She warned.
    “He brings death and destruction here.  War follows his footsteps and he means to bring it to the very doors of the Sanctuary.”
    “I said that’s enough!” Kayla said standing. 
    Everyone at the table cowered.
                  “I asked Terri to bring Kenner here to visit if she could.  That means he is here at my invitation.  If you are ill at ease sitting at the same table with him, you and anyone else who feels the same may leave.”
    Bordol didn’t move or meet Kayla’s angry gaze.  After Kayla returned to her seat, the table was silent for a few moments.
                  “Master Kenner,” Another at the table finally said.  “I mean no disrespect in asking this.” As she said this, she gave a fearful glance at Kayla.  “However, I feel I must ask.  What are your intentions?”
    She must have seen Kayla’s anger grow again as she spoke more quickly.

              “After all, you have found and wield the Black Sword.  Surely that means that you will fight in the war.  Prophecies have said for five hundred years, that a war that is supposed to end all wars will be fought when the Black Sword has been found and the Blackwood Bow has returned as well.  That must mean that this war is coming.”
    All eyes then turned to Kenner.  Even Kayla looked at him for some kind of answer.  He thought carefully before answering.
                  “Yes, I have the Black Sword.” He finally said.  “And I know what these prophecies say.  I’ve been hearing about them for the last two years.  But I’m not here to fight a war.  I left my village and came with Terri because she’s looking for a very good friend of ours.  My ‘intention’ “He said looking straight at Bordol “is to help her find him and help him if he’s in danger.  That’s all.”
                  “But surely it is your destiny…” Bordol began.
                  “Destiny is a choice.” Kenner interrupted him.  “We all have command over our own