“I told myself this when I was sent to the Wastelands,” Darrick mused. “In the beginning, I believed it. Then reality proved my hope false.” He watched him from across the table. “I don’t say that to scare you, Brandyn. I hope your mother does come back, for you’re still a boy, and you deserve to be that until you cannot anymore. But you should lead these men as if her time is done. Until you have reason not to.”
“How? Lord Warwick has all but taken over. And now... and now... you're here. And who am I now, but the youngest child of Asherley Blackwood?”
Darrick grinned. “You are so much more than a child, Brandyn. But no matter what Lord Warwick may believe about what is best for your Reach, it is still your Reach. This war hasn't spread to the kingdom yet, which means it isn't mine to l
