The Terror of Thorn: Child of War: Book 2 by Alonna Lissett Page A

only legitimate heir from Erik’s bloodline. My mother was his sister and my father, though not a noble, is one of the most power men in Thorn.”
                  “What do you mean by legitimate” Xander asked Samantha.
                  “I mean no offense, but your birth was the product of our Emperor and a Rangelian witch from what I know. You were raised by her and not on this soil.”
                  Xander’s face changed as he interrupted her “What do you know of my mother?”
                  “I do not mean any offense Xander.” Samantha said as she saw the conversation was taking a turn for the worse.
                  “Well offense was taken” Xander began while trying to calm himself down. “You know nothing of my mother; keep her name out of your mouth. I do not need you around, if you are such a ruler then rule without me.”
                  “Enchanter, she was only speaking the truth” Patrick said as he stepped in-between them. “If her words offended you, does make them any less true?”
                  “Well here are some true words for the both of you; I do not need her or you. Why don’t you and your future Queen run off and get yourself out of this situation? I am sure Duke Best would be excited to meet the both off you.”
                  “Enchanter you forget your place” Patrick said as he shoved Xander to the ground.
                  “No Patrick you forget yours” Xander said as he got to his feet. “You don’t scare me, not even a little bit. Our time together has ended. Let’s see how far you and your little woman get without me.”
                  “Xander we don’t stand a chance separated” Samantha said as she grabbed Patrick’s arm. “Can we call a truce until we get back to the main part of the army?”
                  “You mean you don’t stand a chance,” Xander said before sarcastically adding, “My Queen”.
                  “If you’re really the son of Erik, I have something that belongs to your Da” the other woman began “iff’n you can prove you are who you say.”
                  “Then lead the way, I need better company” Xander said as he followed the woman out of the area with Patrick and Samantha close behind.
     
    CHAPTER 18
     
                  Xander followed the woman about 1 mile until the forest gave way to a path which led up to a stone building. Xander looked around at his surroundings and wondered how anyone would ever know to look for a home way out here but quickly figured the Duke must know his land. As Xander walked to the house he could see all vegetation had been cleared within a ten foot radius of the house, probably to prevent fire if they were in fact, blacksmiths. The house wasn’t anything spectacular Xander surmised but to be honest he had been living in a palace. There was what Xander could guess was a blacksmith’s forge in a separate building close to the main house and another small building which could only be the shop she talked about. The blacksmith must have been of some renown for him to make any kind of living as Xander guessed his clients would have to seek him out and not the other way around. The woman led him into the forge where Xander could see a giant anvil sat.
                  The woman grabbed a rag and started wiping the anvil down where Xander saw etchings in olde elvin writing, which could only have been the work of his father. Xander walked towards the anvil as the woman stepped back. Xander placed his hand on the etching and poured his ether into it. Xander could fell the heavy anvil start to vibrate a little and instinctively pushed it. The anvil slid as if it was on ice, revealing a trap door with similar writing carved into it. Xander poured more of his ether into it as he heard a click, then the door popped