All That Is Evil Is Not Dark/Chapter 24

Theldar laughed nervously. "Oh yes, I meant Tralin. Jano is at wit's end. The people do not know about Draynor yet, you know..."

"Yes, Tralin mentioned Jano's reluctance to tell them. Given their apparent mood, I can relate to the decision."

"Tralin is well loved among the people."

"Yes, but he is Drakel and the Drakel are a sore point now... With him actually here, they might adjust, but if he were absent and did not respond..."

"I can see what you mean."

"Listen, send a knight to get the Regent and the First Knight," Darin requested. "Tralin needs to see them before he returns to the palace."

"Aye, sir," Theldar replied, and made to comply.

"That will be unnecessary, Theldar," Cerin said, rounding the corner. Darin noted dimly that he wore the aquamarine robes of a communicant of the Water Lord. This contrasted overtly with Delnar's sword hanging at his side.

"Cerin," Darin said, unsure if it was a question or a greeting.

"Darin," Cerin replied, then turned and looked down the corridor. "Come, Lord Regent, the way ahead remains clear."

Jano moved quickly around the corner and, seeing Darin, hugged him swiftly.

"Darin!" he enthused. "It is great to see you; you were greatly missed."

"You are only so excited to see me because my return means you can leave the throne," Darin laughed.

"I confess that's a relief, but really I was at my wit's end. Everyone I knew well was gone and I was left trusting advisors I did not know. While I know their value, as Draynor trusted them all.. I felt useless..."

"Well, your time as Regent draws to a close. We need only get the First Knight and yourself to Tralin for his coronation and all shall be well.."

Jano noted the unusual hesitation in Darin's statement and was going to comment on it when Cerin spoke.

"I'm sorry," Cerin replied, "but I cannot coronate Tralin as King of Deren."