Pug said, “I think you are right. Perhaps it’s one of the students.” Pug remained silent a moment, then said, “Someone will find this shrine.”
Nakor glanced up as Pug popped into view. A soldier carrying a bundle of wood dropped it when suddenly there was a black-robed man standing where there had only been empty air the moment before.
“Hello!” Nakor called happily.
Captain Subai was close by, talking to a young officer wearing the black tabard of Krondor’s Crimson Eagles. A few Pathfinders could be seen around camp, but their numbers were few. Pug knew that the majority of them were high in the mountains to the west, scouting the enemy and ready to return with reports on any movement of Fadawah’s forces.
Their reputation for tracking, scouting, and stealth in the woodlands was legendary, rivaling that of Kesh’s Imperial Guides and the Rangers of the Free Cities of Natal. Only the elves were said to be better.
Subai said, “Lieutenant Gunderson will lead the patrol accompanying you.”
Pug saw that the Captain was providing an escort of a dozen men. One, a trailbreaker Pug judged, was a Pathfinder, and he started riding ahead, while the others waited for Nakor and Pug to mount their horses.
Subai pointed at Nakor. “I’m pleased to see that one go. I don’t know what’s more irritating: his con-
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stant preaching on the subject of ‘good,’ or his luck at cards.”
Pug laughed. “I have a hunch which was more irritating.”
Subai said, “We’ve packed provisions for two weeks.”
“I’ll find them in less time than that,” said Pug as he hiked up his black robe and climbed into the saddle.
“Just make sure you find them before they find you. By all reports they come out of the grasslands like a wind and are over you before you even hear them coming.”
Nakor said, “I’ve seen them. You can hear them coming.”
Subai smiled, and Pug said, “Any other advice?”
“Don’t get killed,” said the Captain without a smile.
Pug nodded. “I have other plans.” He nodded to the Lieutenant and the order was given to ride off.
Nakor said, “I was talking to the Captain about some trails over the mountain. As soon as we get back from this nonsense, we have to get back to Darkmoor and find Greylock and Erik. I think I have a plan that could shorten the war.”
Pug turned and said, “Tell me about it.”
Nakor outlined what he had thought of as they rode down a small trail leading into the woodlands below.
For five days they rode, and except for one sighting of a band of riders who veered off at the patrol’s approach, the journey was uneventful. They had left the foothills the day before and were riding across grasslands, heading to ward the southern entrance to 52893_~1.QXD 8/30/2002 10:02 AM Page 193
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the Thunderhell Steppes, a broad break in two ranges of hills, less than five miles across.
They reached a point near signs of a large old campsite, and the Lieutenant ordered a halt. “This was our reserve camp. There were wooden walls, a dirt outer barrier, a drop gate. They overran it and killed everyone.” He motioned with his hand. “They staked the heads in an arch starting here.”
Pug said, “Then this is where we will part company, Lieutenant.”
The young officer said, “I thought we were to accompany you until we found the Saaur.”
“A reasonable assumption but incorrect,” said Pug.
Nakor said, “Honestly, Lieutenant, we can take care of ourselves and having you along might cause us some extra trouble, trying to keep you all alive.”
The Lieutenant said, “Then may I ask why we’re here at all, sir?”
“Because I didn’t feel like arguing with your Captain, if you must know,” said Pug.
“Do you mind if we wait, sir?”
“Don’t bother,” said Pug. “If I don’t get killed, I’ll be traveling back to Darkmoor a lot faster than you can get there.”
The magician’s reputation was widely spread throughout the army, and he was also a Duke, so whatever reservations the young officer might have felt were kept inside. He merely saluted and said,
“Very well, m’lord. Have a safe journey.”
“You, as well,” replied Pug.
Nakor said, “Well, then, let’s get there.”
Pug nodded and urged his horse forward.
They had traveled less than a mile when Nakor 52893_~1.QXD 8/30/2002 10:02 AM Page 194
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said, “Do you hear it?”
Pug said, “Yes.”
In the distance, like the sound of distant drums, the thunder of the hooves pounding across the plains carried to them. Pug knew and Nakor had seen those horses, twice the size of the sturdy cavalry mounts they rode. Astride each would be a Saaur, twelve feet tall, reptilian warriors.
Soon dust could be seen in the distance.
Pug turned to make sure the Kingdom patrol was retreating and was pleased to see it was almost out of sight.
“Let’s wait here,” said Nakor.
Pug nodded. “They’ll be here soon enough.”
They waited, and in the distance they could see riders on the horizon. The Saaur were coming.
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Nine
Negotiations
JIMMY WAVED.
Dash returned his brother’s wave as he rode into the courtyard of Castle Darkmoor. After spending the night in Erik’s company, he had taken a horse and ridden to the Prince’s court. He had exchanged mounts like a relay rider, anxious to get to court.
Dash dismounted and turned the reins of his horse over to a groom and embraced his brother. “I was concerned I might not see you again for a while,” he said.
Jimmy smiled. “I feared the same, too. Yet again, though, the Brothers Jameson survive.”
“Barely,” said Dash. “I got away from a work gang, only to be trapped by the Mockers.”
“Come along, tell me all about it while you bathe.
Father’s in court with the Prince and will be anxious to see you when you’re presentable. It appears we won’t need any details on defenses, as we seem to be reaching an accommodation with General Duko.”
“So Erik von Darkmoor tells me.” He glanced around. “Where are the troops ready to march, the brave banners and loud trumpets?”
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“Ah,” said Jimmy, a dark cloud crossing over his face. “The departure is delayed.”
“Delayed?” Dash looked confused. “I would have thought Patrick would have hurt himself to get into Krondor as quickly as possible. The earlier the city is secured, the faster we can turn north toward Sarth and start retaking the Bitter Sea coast and Yabon.”
“There are other issues.” Jimmy pulled on his brother’s arm. “Come along. Get a bath and we’ll talk.”
Dash sighed. He trudged along after his brother.
Dash sputtered as Jimmy poured another bucket of hot water over him. “So then he turned you loose?”
“Yes,” said Dash, “but I don’t think there was a lot of family devotion in there. What I saw looked like a pretty pathetic bunch, and I suspect he knew that killing me would protect very little, while turning me loose might actually gain him something.”
“Well, if Duko doesn’t turn out to be the grandfather of liars, we won’t need the Mockers’ help getting into the city.”
“I’m for that,” said Dash. “I’ve seen enough bloodshed to last me the rest of my life.”
Jimmy put down the bucket and handed Dash a towel as he climbed out of the bathtub. A servant had laid out clothing on the bed and left the brothers alone. Dash toweled dry, and sa
id, “Does it bother you?”
“The killing?” asked Jimmy.
Dash nodded.
Jimmy sat back on the windowseat. “Sometimes.
When Grandfather used to talk about the things he 52893_~1.QXD 8/30/2002 10:02 AM Page 197
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and Prince Arutha did, killing was . . . something you did to the enemy. The stink of the dead wasn’t part of Grandfather’s stories.”
“Except that one about the living dead in the brothel,” said Dash with a laugh. “To this day I don’t know whether to believe it or not. Having to burn the building down to the ground to get rid of them.”
Jimmy shared the humor. Then his smile faded.
“Given what we’ve seen in the last two years, I’m disinclined to put false to anything Grandfather told us.”
Dash nodded. “Do you ever ask yourself why we do these things?”
“Almost every day,” said Jimmy.
Dash pulled on his shirt. “Good, what’s the answer?”
“Because we go where duty calls us.”
Dash stepped into his trousers. “Duty?” He reached for his boots and sat on the bed to pull them on. “These aren’t as good as the ones I lost in Krondor.”
“They were the second best pair you brought with you from Rillanon; I checked your wardrobe.”
Dash nodded. “Anyway, Grandfather always talked of duty, but I saw where he grew up, firsthand, and I have no idea why he felt that way.”
“What way?” asked Jimmy. “I’m not sure I’m understanding you.”
“I mean he felt so deeply his duty to the Kingdom. Those Mockers I talked to looked at it as you or I might look at taking vows to serve Sung.”
“Celibacy was never high on my list of virtues,”
admitted Jimmy.
“That’s what I mean. Grandfather had Father as 52893_~1.QXD 8/30/2002 10:02 AM Page 198
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deep into the idea of King and Nation before we were born as if he was teaching a religion. I’m just at a loss to wonder how Grandfather got that way.”
Jimmy looked at his brother as he finished dressing. “Interesting question. Perhaps Father can give you an insight. I suspect that if all those stories we heard were true, and if life with the Mockers was as unappealing as I suspect it was, Grandfather might have been moved by a very deep sense of gratitude.”
Dash glanced in a looking-glass and judged his appearance acceptable for an interview with the Prince. “I don’t think it’s that. It’s more than gratitude.” He looked at Jimmy. “Is there anything you can imagine that would get you to break your vows to the crown?”
Jimmy stopped almost in midstride; the concept was too alien to imagine. “Turn traitor?” He stopped and said, “I can’t imagine what it could be. Perhaps some sort of perfect love . . .” He shook his head.
“No, because I can’t imagine any woman who loved me turning against something I hold that dear.”
“Speaking of women, did I see a page hurry by wearing the livery of Silden?”
“Yes, you did,” said Jimmy with a grin.
“Is Francie here with her father?”
Jimmy nodded. “Yes.”
“And does she still have that crush on you?”
Jimmy’s grin widened. “I hope so.” He laughed.
“We had lunch the other day. She’s turned out just as you might expect.”
Dash opened the door and said, “If memory serves she was obnoxious and beat you up with some regularity.”
“No,” said Jimmy, stepping through the door. “It 52893_~1.QXD 8/30/2002 10:02 AM Page 199
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was you she beat up. I was too big. Beside, she fancied herself in love with me.”
“Well, then, back to the point, is there something there?”
Jimmy walked down the hall with his brother.
“Seriously, I don’t know. I suspect, however, I may have nothing to say in the matter, nor will Francie.”
“Patrick?”
“That’s the delay I spoke of. Suddenly Dukes are winging their way like birds in migration toward Darkmoor.”
“All with eligible daughters?”
Rounding a corner, moving past guards standing at their posts, Jimmy said, “I think the King worries that with war coming, another heir might prove valuable.”
They climbed the steps in the main hall that led to the Baronial great hall, where Patrick currently held court. “The curse of twins.”
“Erland would never do anything against his brother, we know that, but there’s more than one noble who might link his fate to one of Erland’s sons should a rival claim be possible. If Patrick doesn’t wed and beget a son . . .” He let the thought go unfinished as they reached the audience hall.
Nobles had been trickling into Darkmoor since the thaw, and now the modest Baronial hall was packed to the point of overcrowding. Dash said,
“We’d better take Krondor back just so we can get into a hall big enough to hold this lot.”
Jimmy said, “Shhh.” He pointed to where their father stood next to the Prince. It was the most formal-looking court they had witnessed so far in Darkmoor, for Patrick wore his purple mantle, his 52893_~1.QXD 8/30/2002 10:02 AM Page 200
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ermine stole, and his circlet of gold. Arutha was likewise attired formally in a black tunic with golden trim, scarlet leggings, and his chain of office, with his Ducal seal hanging from it. At his side he wore the sword once borne by his namesake, carried by Erik von Darkmoor to Arutha.
The brothers waited at the rear of the hall as the Prince disposed of the day’s business. Then a young page announced, “This day’s court is at an end, my lords and ladies.”
Patrick stood and everyone in the room bowed.
As the Prince departed, Arutha saw his sons and motioned for them to join him.
They crossed the still-crowded court, and when they reached the dais upon which the throne was placed, Arutha hugged his younger son. “I can’t tell you how pleased I am to see you.”
“Of course you can,” quipped Dash.
Arutha said, “Come, you must fill in the Prince on what you learned in Krondor.”
Dash followed his father and brother into the Prince’s private office.
Nakor said, “Do you think they’ll get tired of this?”
Pug said, “Eventually, or they’ll run out of arrows.”
Pug had erected a mystical barrier around the two when the Saaur had first closed on Nakor and him, as it was clear they weren’t coming to talk, but rather were charging with lances down. These appeared to be young Saaur warriors, eager to shed blood.
Several of them had been seriously injured when their lances struck Pug’s invisible barrier and shat-
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tered, throwing them from their saddles. For almost a half day since, the Saaur had been content to take up position a dozen yards from the two men and fire arrows at them.
The chaos which followed seem to amuse Nakor, though Pug was disturbed by the attempt to kill them without conversation. They appeared two relatively helpless men, unarmed and alone. Their own horses had panicked at the onslaught of the Saaur riders, the massive horses bearing down like a rolling tide.
Pug had allowed his and Nakor’s mounts to flee before putting up his barrier, and now he regretted the decision. They were without the food and water in the saddlebags, with nothing for sustenance except for Nakor’s seemingly inexhaustible supply of oranges.
He produced one, split the skin, and began to devour it. “Want one?”
“No, thank you; maybe later,” said Pug. “This shield spell is more than adequate to keep them out, but I do have to spend a little energy keeping it intact.”
“It’s a good thing they
don’t have any spellcasters along, isn’t it?”
“Things could get a little difficult,” agreed Pug.
Nakor squinted and said, “Then things might get difficult soon.” He pointed to the distant horizon beyond the milling, angry riders who were still firing arrows at them.
In the distance another band of riders was approaching at speed, and from the banners being carried by heralds at the front, Pug assumed someone of importance was coming to investigate this problem. He said, “Well, if I tell you to run, don’t 52893_~1.QXD 8/30/2002 10:02 AM Page 202
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hesitate.”
Nakor said, “I run very well when I need to.”
As the new band of riders pulled up, those already surrounding the protective sphere moved back, allowing a group of a dozen riders to come close and inspect the two humans. Pug recognized the leader, Jatuk, the Sha-shahan of all the remaining Saaur.
The young warriors fell silent as their leader reined in his mount. The leader jumped down from his horse and walked to stand just inches the other side of the energy barrier. “Why have you humans come to trouble the Saaur?” he demanded.
Pug glanced at Nakor, who shrugged.
Pug looked at Jatuk and said, “Why do you war upon us, Sha-shahan of all the Saaur?”
“I make no war upon your kind, Black Robe.”
“There are three hundred dead soldiers of my King back there who would argue that,” Pug replied.
“If they could still argue,” Nakor added.
“They refused to depart,” said Jatuk. “They were told we claim these grasslands.”
Pug said, “If I lower this barrier, may we talk?”
Jatuk waved his hand in agreement. “We camp here!” he shouted, and instantly the fifty or so riders surrounding the two humans dismounted and started to organize a camp. Several led horses away and drove stakes for pickets while others began building fire pits. Still others rode off toward a nearby river, to carry water back.
Pug let the barrier lapse, and Jatuk said, “I remember you, Black Robe. It was you who brought me Hanam’s dying words, of our betrayal at the hands of the Pantathians. I will speak with you in 52893_~1.QXD 8/30/2002 10:02 AM Page 203