Chapter 16. A Broken Wolf

“Mother says you are an excellent king. You won the war many summers ago and sent the king of Foth on his heels.”

He nodded, “Yes, and you will be an even better king, mighty and strong, and above all this, you will be good.”

Xavier’s eyes narrowed. “Will I have to be like you when I become king?”

He smiled, “No, do not be like me, Xavier. Be yourself, just be good.”

[End of flashback]

***

The next morning, Edward and Xavier declared the day to be a day of mourning for their father and they would be no eating for the men on the ship until evening.

Edward led the bidding sermon for an hour in the early morning and after they finished, the men on the ship returned to their various posts and Xavier and Edward were left alone.

Edward sat on the front deck of the ship, staring afar off in silence.

“I am sorry for your loss, Edward.” Xavier began, “I feel this is my fault for bringing you along with me. If you had remained in Wahala, y