242 The King and the Lads Make Some Investigations

When the king's carriage pulled up at the Stuttin family home, the inhabitants feared the worst. Maybe their boys had been killed and Gavadiol had come himself to deliver the bad news. But when they saw Kelley and Cheski jumping down behind him, both looking tired and Kelley battered but otherwise in good health, spirits were lifted again and moves were made to make the king as comfortable as possible but he waved it all at once. “I am not here to be comfortable,” he said briskly. “I have questions. Where's the oldest man in this clan?” They all looked at each other in confusion. What could be wrong? Their sons who were standing with the king were looking anywhere but at the faces of their family members. All the old men in the Stuttin family were brought to stand before the king. When they were all complete, Gavadiol began. “Now, everything I am about to say now is to remain within the walls of this house. On no account should this information go past this house. Anyone who bla