Chapter 16 -- Return to Fellvale ; Part two

Dath opened his mouth to reply, but a quiet, tired voice from the doorway stopped him. "I'll go." Kedemar said. Nat whirled, then dashed to her haggard husband, and wrapped her arms around him supportingly. "You shouldn't be out of bed yet, love!" She admonished. "I have no time for rest when my king and country have need of me." He replied gently, stepping them further into the great hall. He looked at Dath. "Whatever you need me to do, Father, I'll do it. I just ask that you let me finish up the war here." Dath gazed at him, finally understanding Nat's coldness toward his wants. "Nat's right." The king said. "You shouldn't be out of bed. What happened?" "Menden-splat's fleet attacked." Kedemar replied tiredly. "We lost all but one ship and fifteen men." Dath when white as the news hit him. As it sank in, he actually staggered. Haeil stepped forward to catch him, but Dath waved him off. "We lost?" He whispered. Kedemar nodded. "Nearly everything." The lord replied.