Whilst dwelling on these concerns he had stopped moving and now found himself leaning against another wall. He couldnt even judge how far he had come. Between his loss of focus and the fog, he wasnt even entirely sure where exactly he was in the Merchants Quarter. He squinted at a sign above a doorway depicting a bolt of cloth and an oversized needle and finally recognized it as William & Sons Tailors.
He pushed himself away from the wall and took a few steps to the corner. Moving caused him an unexpected moment of clarity. As he rounded a corner giving onto a broad boulevard that would take him straight to the palace, he appreciated the fact that one unintended consequence of this situation had been his ability to return to his old hauntsthe sewers and rooftops of the cityalmost untroubled. Even though the death mark had been lifted, he had been cautioned to keep clear of the Mockers and their dens, or else there would be no guarantee for his safety. But James, being Jimmy, had ignored that and dared to travel the rooftops or sewers at need, but it had proven cumbersome and at times difficult, for he had often had to lie low while Mockers conducted business between where he found himself and his destination.
During the recent confrontations with the Nighthawks and the quest for the return of the Tear of the Gods, he had done enough damage to the Crawlers men to have earned back some grudging respect from the Upright Man. James was among the most likely to achieve the Upright Mans goalridding Krondor of the Crawlerand therefore he was now a valuable ally to the Thieves Guild, so the Mockers had started to look the other way when he went poking around.
James reached a point roughly halfway between his ambush and the palace and stopped for a moment to catch his breath. He clutched his side and felt more blood drenching his shirt beneath the leather tunic he wore. This wound was not going to heal on its own. As loath as he ever was to admit he was wrong, he realized he had underestimated the damage he had sustained.
He heard footfalls, boot heels striking the cobbles coming from somewhere up ahead. The lamps were placed far enough apart that small dark areas lingered between the pools of light, and into one of these he quickly ducked. He had no trust in the Goddess of Luck. Experience had taught him that self-reliance was always his best bet. If there were a god of self-reliance, hed have been praying to him fervently. He found the irony of that contradiction amusing, or as much as he could be amused, given his current situation.
The footsteps got louder and James struggled to stay focused: there might be a furious minute or so coming up that would decide his fate. He reached across his body and slowly wrapped his right hand around his sword hilt, flexing his fingers and tensing as three figures hove into view.
He was teetering on the brink of collapse when they came walking into a pool of lamplight.
Catching sight of the figure in the shadows drawing a sword, the men slowed and fanned out, each of them also drawing a weapon. Rather than rushing into an attack, they approached slowly. A few yards away from James, the two men on the flanks stopped while the one in the middle said, Who passes this night?
James blinked in confusion for a moment, then pushed himself away from the wall. Jonathan?
The acting sheriff, Jonathan Means, looked incredulous. James?
I could use a bit of help, said James.
And then he fell forward, losing consciousness so swiftly that he did not even feel strong arms grab him to stop him striking the cobbles.
CHAPTER TWO
Mysteries
JAMES OPENED HIS EYES.
An oval shape hovered above him, and slowly it resolved itself into a face. Dark eyes looked down on him with concern, but there was an amused set to the lips. A womans voice asked, Are you all right?
Jamess first impulse was to say something clever, but he couldnt think of anything clever.
The face above him repeated the question.
James smiled and blinked and he finally replied, Youre so pretty.
A light laugh was echoed by a deeper masculine one, and someone out of Jamess sight said, Ill send for the prince.
Its the drugs, said another male voice behind James.
He tried to turn and felt agony rip up his left side. A soft hand pushed gently on his shoulder, firmly forcing him back down. A fog seemed to lift from his mind and at last he recognized the face above him. Jazhara?
The Prince of Krondors magic-advisor smiled. Welcome back. We were worried.
She was a woman of medium height and solid build, though her figure tended to curves and her legs were elegantly tapered. By any measure she was attractive, and she had a no-nonsense attitude that discouraged Jamess usual tendency to try to disarm ladies with practised flirtation.
The voice behind James said, If Sheriff Means hadnt fetched you here quickly, Squire, I think you might finally have left us.
The disapproving tone brought recognition even though the speaker was still out of Jamess line of sight. Ah, Master Reynolds, again I am in your debt.
The face of an older man moved into view, hovering over Jazharas shoulder. It was William, lieutenant of the princes household guard and son of the magician Pug.
Help me sit up, begged James, and Jazhara piled some pillows up behind him so that he could look around the room. As the last effects of the sleeping draught the chirurgeon had given him before sewing him up wore off, pain returned. He winced as he settled into the pillows.
Ive sent for the prince, said William, walking into view. The young soldier had matured greatly since entering the princes service and had become Jamess unofficial partner in crime. Jamess best friend, Squire Locklear, had been banished to the northern frontier of Yabon as punishment for a transgression involving the wife of an influential man at court. James had thought more than once that women would be the death of Locklear.
William was a different sort, something of a romantic idealist. Taller by half a head than his father Pug, he looked like the icon of the loyal princes soldier: broad shoulders, resolute expression, brown eyes that gazed unflinchingly upon danger. James often tried to get his goat with a barbed remark, but William would have none of it. He was as stalwart a man as James had ever met, and the former thief actually enjoyed that fact about William.
James sighed as he shifted position, glancing from Jazhara to William. William had obviously been in love with Jazhara before arriving in Krondor, from when they had been students together at Stardock. His attempt to get over her had led to a romance with a local innkeepers daughter, who had come to grief. He had suffered greatly over Talias death. In Jamess judgment Cousin Willy, as he was known to Aruthas family, had succumbed to Talias charms more because she was crazily in love with him rather than he with her. She had been beautiful, vivacious and a flirt, but once she met Willy, all other boys and men had been forgotten. For most men it would have been difficult to resist. But once Jazhara appeared in the city
James understood the story. He hid it well, but William still cared deeply for Jazhara, or James knew nothing at all.
For his part, James avoided romance. He didnt trust women. More to the point, he didnt trust men. He trusted individuals, and after Chirurgeon Reynolds had departed, it occurred to him that the two remaining in the room were second only to Prince Arutha in earning his trust. Jazhara was new to the court and a Keshian by ancestry, but she had been a staunch ally who had faced deadly danger without flinching. Without her participation in the affair with the pirate Bear and the recovery of the Tear of the Gods, James and William might now both be dead and the hidden enemies behind that artefacts theft might even now be planning to unleash chaos upon every man, woman, and child in the Kingdom.
James understood the story. He hid it well, but William still cared deeply for Jazhara, or James knew nothing at all.
For his part, James avoided romance. He didnt trust women. More to the point, he didnt trust men. He trusted individuals, and after Chirurgeon Reynolds had departed, it occurred to him that the two remaining in the room were second only to Prince Arutha in earning his trust. Jazhara was new to the court and a Keshian by ancestry, but she had been a staunch ally who had faced deadly danger without flinching. Without her participation in the affair with the pirate Bear and the recovery of the Tear of the Gods, James and William might now both be dead and the hidden enemies behind that artefacts theft might even now be planning to unleash chaos upon every man, woman, and child in the Kingdom.
For a moment the wry thought passed through Jamess mind that despite their efforts to remain platonic, William and Jazhara were not done with each other. He just hoped, with some apprehension, that things didnt get too awkward or interfere with more pressing concerns.
Now Prince Arutha arrived. He too bore that expression James had come to know so well: the one that was set halfway between concern and wry amusement. Almost got yourself killed, again, I see.
He had changed since James had first met him as a boy, back when he had foiled the Nighthawks first of many attempts on the princes life. The youthful whipcord body had broadened a little, and palace life had put a few more pounds on Arutha, but he was still a man of slender frame and as fast an opponent with a sword as James had ever encountered.
Occupational hazard, James said, sitting up a little straighter. I do recall, Highness, more than one occasion when you were less than prudent when it came to staying out of harms way.
With a grimace, Arutha echoed Jamess last statement. Occupational hazard, indeed. However, he added, I find myself bleeding considerably less frequently than you do, James.
Jamess grin expanded. Well, in fairness, you dont get out as much as you used to. A few days of bed rest and I should be good as new, Highness.
We cant afford the time, Im afraid. Im sending to the Temple of Sung to fetch in a healing priest. You get one day to sleep off whatever horrible concoction youre forced to drink, then youre back out there the next day. His expression darkened as he said, I do read the reports coming in from Jonathan Means and Captain Garruth, Jimmy. Along with what youve told me, it looks as if we may have something far more sinister going on here in Krondor than a simple struggle for supremacy between rival criminal gangs.
He turned to leave, then paused. You three did wellvery well, actuallywith that situation up the coast, so Im inclined to grant you latitude if you think you need it. Pointing his finger at James, he added, As long as you dont get yourself killed.
James noticed he avoided mentioning the Tear of the Gods directly.
Arutha continued, I think its time to put the three of you back together. Willy, Ill inform Duke Gardan youre on detached duties for a while, so youd best go do whatever you need to do until James is well enough to wreak havoc in your life. Jazhara, do your best to keep the boys out of trouble, please?
She couldnt hide her smile as the prince departed for his private apartment.
Great, said James, lying back on the pile of pillows. A magic healing draught.
Jazhara smiled. I know little about clerical magic: the temples are very guarded about their craft.
James shifted a little, trying not to groan or wince as he sought a slightly more comfortable position. They have their secrets, its true. Some of the temples are downright hostile if you intrude into what they see as their territory, but Ive come across a few clerics who are decent company on a long ride. I think the prince is trying to make a point, as if suffering these injuries isnt enough of a reminder of the danger of some of my choices his voice rose a little in annoyance, . . . so I need to choke down a foul concoction to drive the point home.
The point being? asked Jazhara.
To be more bloody careful in the future, said James with a wince. He sighed a little dramatically. Its not like the prince cant afford the magic. He just wants me to suffer.
William couldnt help himself from bursting out laughing, which brought a black look from James. Some of the temples have magic that will heal you up and leave no scar, even yank you back from the verge of death. He lowered his voice. Some are rumoured to be able to yank you back from the other side of the verge, if the gold is right. There are stories of wealthy men who have made generous contributions to the temple of Sung the Pure, and they have mysteriously returned to health and vigour after a terrible illness or otherwise mortal wounds in battle.
William smiled, knowing that James was embellishing his tale for dramatic effect. Then why, he asked, feigning ignorance, didnt His Highness simply ask a priest to pop over in the first place and wave away your wounds, rather than putting good Chirurgeon Reynolds through such toil?
To save gold, said James with a straight face. Our master is a thrifty man, Willy. And he has an evil sense of humour. The healing draught is the most foul-smelling concoction known to man, and this from a fellow who grew up living in the sewers!
Jazhara put her hand over her mouth and tried not to laugh, but failed. I thought you said he was making a point.
Well, that too, replied James.
Really? Youre serious? To save gold?
Really, said James. Now, you two go off and let me sleep until the good father arrives. Even with the draught Ill be useless unless I get a good nights sleep.
William and Jazhara glanced at one another and then made to leave. At the door William turned. If you need anything
James was already fast asleep.
How do you feel this morning?
I might be a fair match for a three-day-old kitten, Willy, said James, his eyes surrounded by dark circles.
Jazhara made a face and William said, What?
Only James here and the prince call you Willy.
Its the boys, said James. Borric and Erland grew up calling him Cousin Willy, and Squire Locklear and I picked it up.
No one else, said William. He shrugged as if it was of no importance.
I find it less than respectful. Willy sounds like a kitchen knaves name! She shook her head slightly. You will never hear me call you that.
James laughed, then winced. He moved his arm on his injured side as if trying to stretch out the muscle.
Did the healing draught not work as intended? asked Jazhara.
James stifled a yawn. My side is fair, if a bit tender to the touch, but otherwise as good as new. No, its the other effect of the draught suffice to say I was back and forth to the garderobe many times last night. Sleep came in bits less than an hour long. Finally the yawn escaped. Sorry, he said, covering his mouth with his hand. A good nights sleep and Ill be fine.
Then youll get one tonight, said a voice from behind. The three turned to see Prince Arutha entering the office from the door that led to the royal familys apartment. He waved them to sit down as he pulled out the chair from behind his own desk. I have been reconsidering reports from various sources around the Western Realm, and I think we may have discovered a thing or two He raised his eyes to James and added, . . . despite your incapacity. We do manage to muddle along without you.