The sailor looked at him in surprise that he might know that. Ravin always found it amusing that small people would think that he wouldnt know more than them.

Your parents were killed as my army moved to put down rebels. They were not traitors, but they were there, and violent men strike as they wish. Ravin watched the mans eyes, saw the shock there, and the anger rising underneath it. That is why, a year ago, you contacted certain people within my capital city. You believe them to be rebels. In fact, they are the puppets of a certain nobleman who even now resides in my dungeons.

The sailor started to move away, taking a hesitant step back.

It is why you have a knife in the small of your back, ready to reach for, the king said. He looked levelly at the sailor. Well, what are you waiting for, Togan Marr? I thought you said that you were prepared to die to rid the world of me?

The sailor hesitated again, and King Ravin was bored with him now, so he nodded to two of the soldiers there. They grabbed the sailor, exactly as Ravin had ordered them to an hour ago. They lifted him, and with a lack of ceremony, flung him over the side of the ship, to be consumed by the waters below.

Ravin stood at the prow, now, waiting as the fleet grew close to the Isle of Leveros. It was beautiful in its way, the monastery spreading out over it rich with weathering and the patina of age. The fleet came close, not stopping, but slowing a little so that the boats that had taken the island for him could come out with supplies, reports, news. Flickers of light came, reflected from mirrors, in codes Ravin had devised himself for the purpose. Even so, he waited for a servant to approach, bowing low before he gave the king the news.

The island is secure, my king, the man said.

I know that, King Ravin said. And with the island taken, the way is clear. What else?

News from the mainland, the man said. Our people brought messages across. The enemys forces have taken the bait and headed south.

Ravin waited in silence for the man to tell him something else, something useful.

Prince Rodry is dead, the man said. As is King Godwin.

Youre certain?

The prince crossed the bridge and succeeded in rescuing his sister, but was slain. King Godwin fell in battle at the bridge.

King Ravin allowed himself a smile. All was going as planned.

He continued to stand there, watching as the fleet around him progressed toward the Northern Kingdom. He stood there watching, planning, working out every one of the steps to follow as clearly as he might have done when crouched over a gaming board.