For some reason, he remembered the old rumors about the King’s mistresses who had died during childbirth due to the enormous size of their newborns. Only Queen Nymira was able to give birth to the King’s offspring. It was probably just a myth propagated to make people believe that Inglud was not an ordinary man but possibly a demigod. To be honest, it was not so hard to be fooled, considering all of the King’s sons and daughters were indeed huge. Queen Nymira’s procreative abilities were undoubtedly worthy of attention and praise.
Finally, the king emerged from the queen’s chambers, wiping his sweaty hands with a cloth handkerchief, and glanced at the shocked and timid crowd that had fallen silent. The king needed to speak first.
“The gods have blessed me with a son,” he proudly announced.
The corridor erupted with cheers and congratulations, but Darian remained silent and watched from the sidelines.
“And what name have you given the new heir?” someone asked.
“I am still considering options. For now, our queen needs rest,” he replied, scanning the crowd. When his gaze fell upon Darian, he spoke with a thunderous voice. “Leave me and Darian alone. All of you.”
The crowd quickly dispersed as the king ordered everyone to leave him and Darian alone. The last time Inglud had made such a request was almost a year ago when Karlas, Darian’s younger brother, died. A few tears had been shed for him, as it was told that Karlas had died in a battle like a worthy Incurian. Only Darian and Inglud knew that Karlas had actually fallen off his horse and broken his neck like a weak, unworthy man during a battle with barbarians.
“It should have been you… Not him,” the king had told Darian that night, his eyes full of silent fury at the gods and destiny.
Darian didn’t even try to guess what Inglud was going to say to him now.
“I haven’t heard from Nome in a long time,” Inglud finally started, as the torches and fire on the walls became their only company. He sounded tired and slightly desperate. “I’m afraid he will not return. The last time we received word from him was a month ago, and things were not going well for his army. Perhaps the barbarians are stronger than we thought.”
“He will return, my king. I promise.”
“No need for empty promises, boy. If he returns without a victory, it’s better not to return at all,” Inglud said, straightening up to his full height. “And yet, I still have you, the representative of my line. My family line must continue to exist at any cost. Am I right?”
“Yes, my king,” Darian nodded.
“Our queen gave birth to another child tonight, but I am getting old and my time will soon come to an end,” Inglud said. “Therefore, I have decided that someone else should carry on my Serpent-Slayer line.”
He carefully scrutinized Darian through bushy eyebrows.
“While the fate of Nome remains unknown to us, I want you to continue my bloodline. Find a woman worthy of you and breed.”
Darian tried to hide his confusion and managed a slight nod in response, still processing what he had just heard.
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