“Nay, sire,” Lord Omas said. “Let—”
“ ‘Tis my responsibility,” Dain broke in, closing his fingers tightly around the Ring. Inside, he was awash with a tangle of emotions. Why had Alexeika kept it from him all this time? Why?
But there was not time to ask her reasons. He had one last chance to save his kingdom, to save them all. He knew he must take it.
“Chesil,” he said, trying to make his voice sound stronger. “Tell your father . . . tell Romsalkin . . . they must hold off Muncel’s men as . . . as long as they can.”