Island Shifters: Book 02 - An Oath of the Mage by Valerie Zambito

encircled the room and the stone walls polished to a high sheen. The ceiling, easily two hundred spans high or more, was supported by square sandstone pillars mottled with veins of color creating a natural swirling motif. A crystallized marble floor sparkled richly in the light of several braziers placed strategically throughout the hall. Even in the blackest of night, muted colors from the stained glass windows reflected off the marble and provided a warm and inviting glow.
    At this moment, he did not see any of it. It had been quite a long time since he had lost his temper, but he was getting very close now. An army was headed to Nysa, and his mild-mannered King refused to send military aid to King Maximus. Many people he called friends could potentially die if he did not find a way to convince Erik to change his mind.
    He took a deep breath and tried again.
    “You were very young during the Demon War, my King, but have you forgotten so soon what isolation did to this island? The Kings vowed at the end of that war to unify the lands and now is our chance to fulfill that oath. King Maximus is in need of our assistance.”
    The young monarch shook his head. “This is not an invasion of outside forces, cousin. This is a civil war, and one for which the Dwarves have no interest or business taking part in.”
    “My King! You must listen to reason!”
    “Kal Rogan…,” growled General Klay Arsten in warning. The leader of the Iron Fists was planted directly behind his King and would tolerate no disrespect. His brown beard, parted into two plaits was decorated with a large array of gems. A glistening shirt of chainmail covered his chest and hung to his knees.
    “But, Beck Atlan is now missing!”
    “Are you somehow convinced the two events are related?” King Erik inquired.
    Rogan nodded. “Sure as I am standing here, and so does his wife, the Princess of Iserlohn.”
    As if on cue, Kiernan and Airron entered the great hall. Sympathy for Kiernan washed over him. He would never say it to her directly, but she looked ill from the dark circles under her eyes and the way she hunched over her belly as if in pain when she walked. Airron held her arm at the elbow and steered her toward them.
    “Any news?” he quickly asked her.
    She shook her head. “No.” She reached out to hug him. “I am worried, Rogan.”
    He held her tight and whispered in her ear. “You have my word, Kiernan, we will find Beck. I promise you that.”
    King Erik immediately rose from his seat and approached. “Princess, let me assure you that everything that can be done is being done. All available soldiers and the Iron Fists are actively searching for your husband.”
    She nodded. “I know. Thank you, Erik.”
    Rogan put a protective arm around her waist. “I was just discussing with my King the need for action from Deepstone.”
    Arsten once again growled, but did not say anything intelligible.
    “Kal Rogan speaks truthfully, Princess. We have discussed this matter, and I very much regret to tell you that my hands are tied here. I cannot commit military support to the civil disputes of other lands.”
    Rogan grunted and threw his hands up in the air in frustration. Surprisingly, Kiernan put a hand out to restrain him. “King Erik is right, Rogan. I have been involved in the politics of Massa far longer than you, and I understand and support his decision. This is Iserlohn’s problem and for Iserlohn to handle.”
    “Princess!” The shout drew their eyes to the doors of the great hall. Roman Traynor, his eagle eyes furious, stomped toward them ahead of two of his Scarlet Sabers, a third being dragged between them.
    “Roman?” Kiernan asked.
    “This is Saber Lino Brega, Your Grace. He saw Prince Beck last night before he disappeared.”
    The Saber hung his head in regret and sported a bloodied gash on his cheek.
    “Go on,” ordered Roman. “Tell the Princess what you told us.”
    The Saber fell to one knee. “I…I saw Prince Beck last