It also meant more dire intentions by those who did not care for a foreigner, especially a Cimmerian, as lord of the realm.
Determination coursed through Nermesa. He had sworn his life to his king; he would give it doubly to see that any child born would live to see the crown upon his own head in a land safe from strife.
The Lord Marshal went down on his knee. Head bowed to King Conan, he uttered, “I am your loyal servant, my liege. Command me in whatever task you need at this time, and I will fulfill my duties to the utmost.”
“There’s only one task I ask of you now, Lord Marshal.” The long pause that followed finally made Nermesa look up at his king. Conan was grinning. “That’s to deal with your marriage first. I think I can protect my wife and child until you’re ready to return.”
“Thank you, my liege,” responded the knight, now also smiling. “I’d like to do that.”
“Then get going, man! Get going!”
The Aquilonian leapt to his feet. He bowed once more to King Conan, then started to do the same for Pallantides. However, the general instead saluted him.
“Mitra watch over you and yours, Nermesa Klandes,” the soldier said. “I am honored to have served with you.”
Nermesa humbly nodded his thanks, then left the chamber to seek out Telaria. As he searched for her among the guests, his thoughts again went to the news. A possible heir to the throne. Yes, Nermesa was glad now that he had been promoted to his unique, new role. To protect the child would require abilities beyond what a Black Dragon had. Nermesa wanted to do everything humanly possible to make certain that the heir’s future—Aquilonia’s future—would indeed be ensured.
He located Telaria. She, in turn, saw him. Her face lit up.
And that brought to mind another reason why it had been wise for him to accept becoming Lord Marshal, to accept the task of guaranteeing the future.
It might be the future of his children as well.
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The Silent Enemy Page 29