Brendans face flushed as tears welled up. Father? he said quietly as if expecting an answer.
After a moment, the other soldiers gathered around. The boy wept openly and at last First Sergeant Magwin put his hand on his shoulder. Sir, youre in command. We must move on.
Brendan blinked away his tears and took a deep breath. Youre right, he said, his voice nearly breaking.
What are your orders, sir? asked the sergeant.
Brendan stood and turned his back on his father for a long moment, remembering every lesson of warcraft taught by the man lying behind him. Softly he said, Bury the dead, detail two men to accompany the wounded as they follow, and we ride on. His voice rose as he turned. Mark this spot well, for we will return one day and retrieve our dead and bury them with honour. He looked at the soldiers watching him expectantly. With a deep breath he pushed aside his pain and said calmly. We will relieve my brother at Crydee.
His father was now being gently lifted by two soldiers. Farewell, Father, he said softly, then mounted up again thinking, Hal is Duke now, and he doesnt even know it. He gestured to his troops. To Crydee!
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Mystery
HAL THREW A KNIFE ACROSS THE ROOM.
Ty watched with amusement as the blade struck the wall and fell to the floor. If you want it to stick, use a meat knife. The bread knives have dull tips.
Hal pushed himself away from the midday meal he had been served. Im sorry, he said as he crossed the private dining room upstairs at the River House in Roldem. He picked up the knife and carried it to the table then wiped it with a serving cloth. Im grateful for your fathers hospitality and your company. The food is wonderful. He sighed as he sat down. I can barely fasten my trousers from eating. And the wine! Ive never had its like in Crydee. But Im growing mad with boredom.
The university had all but closed down as students from Kesh, the Kingdom of the Isles and the Eastern Kingdoms had all hurried home on the first available ships when word of Keshs fleet sailing north had arrived. Following Swordmaster Phillips and Lord Jamess advice, Hal had entrusted himself to the care of Ty Hawkins and his father Talwin.
Hal pointed his knife at Ty. You know, I wager Ive read more books here than I would have had I remained at the university. And its a bit of a relief not to have to listen to every droning lecture, though a few of them were interesting. But I need to get outside. I need to hunt, ride a horse, chase down a stag or bear. Go fishing! Take a walk! Anything!
We could practise if youd like, offered Ty.
Half-laughing, Hal shouted, No! Im tired of almost beating you.
You are getting better, grinned Ty. By the next Masters Court you will probably be able to beat me. You are a bit faster.
No, said Hal, falling back into his chair chuckling. Im sorry, Ty. Im just going mad here.
Until we receive word from Lord James or your ambassador that its safe for you to travel. . . He shrugged. Like it or not you are related to the King of the Isles. That makes you important.
Barely related, said Hal, sipping at a light white wine that had been served with the mid-day meal: a lightly-basted roast chicken with steamed vegetables. Before coming to live for the last month at the River House, Hal could not believe such simple fare could be made so delicious by the mere addition of a little savoury oil and some herbs. Letting out another aggravated sound, Hal said, If I ever find a way to steal your cook from you, I will.
Youd get fat, said Ty with a laugh. He put his feet up on the table and drank his wine. Francisco is Luciens best student Luciens fathers chef in Olasko. I dont think hed leave Roldem for a rustic destination like Crydee he held up his hand as Hal began to protest, as charming as it may be in its own way. Francisco enjoys the abundance of high living in Roldem, which I believe you will concede is the most civilized city in the world.
Hal nodded. He was not a world traveller by any measure, having never been east of Yabon until his father decided to place him at the university here. He had stopped for a polite visit with Prince Edward in Krondor where they had spent a tedious dinner during which when one spoke the other nodded, because they had nothing in common. The Prince of Krondor had been eager to spread gossip about matters at court in the East, about people of whom Hal had never even heard, and Hals topics of hunting, warcraft against goblins and trolls and managing estates all seemed lost on the Prince.
After that it had been an overnight stay in Malacs Cross, then on to Salador where he had endured two nights of being hosted by a very distant cousin, Duke Louis, then a mandatory visit to the King to pay his fealty in Rillanon.
He had been impressed with both Rillanon and the Kings court. King Gregory had been welcoming and seemed a bright enough man. It was hard to tell, given the amount of deference shown the man at every turn. Even the Prince of Krondors court was less formal and Hals fathers court was casual by comparison. Everyone bowed when the King entered or left the room. One could not sit in his presence unless he sat first, and one could not speak to His Majesty unless spoken to. The sense of impending doom over a social miscue reduced Hal to reticence bordering on constant silence while he was there.
By the time he reached Roldem he had no idea what to expect, but he quickly embraced the rough and tumble of student life. The one reception with the King and two of his sons, Constantine and Albér, had proven surprisingly relaxed. The King was a happy, welcoming man, and it was obvious he had been blessed with a family he adored, a family who adored him in return.
Then Hal had been thrown in with the other students, from Roldem, the Isles, Kesh, and a few from the Eastern Kingdoms, to study language, arts, music, history, sciences, and a little about magic. Mainly they learned how to be enlightened rulers, or at least that was the opinion of three of his teachers.
The brothers who ran the university were pious men of the Order of La-Timsa the White, the Pursuer of the One Path. Knowledge was power and with power came duty, they taught.
Hal also discovered that as an abstemious and celibate Order they didnt have patience for what passed as fun with the majority of the students. Discipline was harsh and swift, even for minor infractions of the rules, and the favourite instrument of that discipline was the caning wand. Hal had suffered less than most, for he tended to be less fractious than the other boys: a rugged frontier life had made him grow up a little faster than the other lads his age.
He enjoyed the nights out with the other students, but while most were getting drunk and regaling one another with improbable stories designed to impress the jaded tavern girls, he would sit quietly making one ale last half the night. He had never been punished for not returning on time or for being ill from overindulging in drink or drugs the night before.
He rarely gambled and then cautiously, so he never won or lost significant amounts, and he always gave the common girls a wide path. A particularly difficult experience with a town girl one Midsummers festival taught him to be cautious, though the other boys seemed to lose all sense when a pretty girl happened by.
What are you thinking about? asked Ty. Youve been lost in thought for the last minute.
Just thinking about the first time I came here. Hal sighed and stood up. I must get out of here. Even if just for an hours walk.
Ty was on his feet. With a smile he put his hand on Hals chest and said, Wait a minute, my friend
Hal grinned, took a step and then spun around and was past him. With a laughing whoop he half-jumped, half-ran down the stairs, barely making the complete turn at the landing half-way between floors as he scampered to stay one step ahead of Ty.
It was just after the midday meal but there had been few patrons, so no one was in the dining room on the main floor to notice when the dark-haired young man raced down the stairs and out of the door with the sandy-haired youth only seconds behind him.
Since Swordmaster Phillips and Lord Jamess departure the day after the Kings reception, rumours of war had erupted into news one day that Kesh had moved against the Isles and as a result the streets were unusually quiet for this time of day.
Ty caught up with Hal at last. Wait! If you insist on ignoring your swordmaster and my father and Lord James, at least show the good sense to go armed. He tossed a sword he had grabbed up on the way and the young Lord of Crydee grabbed it.
Thank you. Hal belted on the weapon and took a deep breath. Sea air! Its different here in Roldem from Crydee. More spices or flowers or something, but its good. Ive lived near the ocean since I was born and cant imagine what it must be like to live in the mountains or the desert.
Ty fell into step beside him. Ive lived in the mountains a while, but like you lived in a harbour city most of my life.
Crydee is hardly a city. A large town at best. But its the capital of the duchy. I suspect every duke before my father considered moving the capital down to Carse thats the trading centre but He shrugged. Ill probably think about it, too. Then he grinned. For a few minutes, anyway. He glanced around, drinking in the sounds and noises after being locked away in a bedroom above a restaurant for almost a month.
It was very quiet.
A massive Keshian fleet had sailed up from the south and was striking at Kingdom cities and towns up and down the coast. Although neutral, Roldem was historically close to the Isles and their navy was a possible threat. While sending reassuring messages to King Carol, the Emperors chancellor had also dispatched a squadron of ships which had taken up station just outside the harbour mouth in Roldem, to discourage the Roldem fleet from sailing out. It was a strategic move, as the Roldem fleet could easily crush the Keshians, but it would be an act of war and right now Roldem was working hard to remain neutral. The King wished to serve as an honest broker between the two warring nations so he ordered his navy to stand down while he sent diplomatic messages to the two capitals.
As a result, people were staying close to home, out of fear of a Keshian assault on the city. Most judged it unlikely that war would come, but fear cared not for likelihood.
Every shop they passed was closed or empty of customers, and every step past a street vendor brought pleas to inspect goods or hungry stares from pedlars too long without sales.
Is war coming? asked Ty.
Its already come, said Hal. At least to my nation. I dont know if the first arrow has been shot or the first sword blow struck, but if blood hasnt been spilled it will be soon.
How can you be certain? Isnt it possible this is some sort of ploy, a means to gain concessions from the King of the Isles?
Hal said, One day I will be a duke and while I may not be the brightest student the university has seen, I do know how to listen, read, and try to utilise the lessons of wiser men than me. He was attempting to be light in tone, but Ty could tell he was serious. Fleets as big as those Kesh has unleashed are not sent into hostile waters as a feint or to spur diplomacy. They are sent out to force concessions or to conquer.
He stopped, looking around. From their vantage point along the river docks, they could see down into the harbour. You see that clutter of ships? he said, pointing.
Yes?
Every one of those is owned by a man losing gold. Every hour a ship sits there is an hour that owner is not making profit. Wood rots, rope frays, metal rusts, and men must be paid even if they sit and do nothing; or they must be discharged and leave the owners without crew once business returns, but ships only make money if they are hauling cargo and passengers.
There are syndicates across the Sea of Kingdoms and in the Bitter Sea where underwriters of cargo are already losing fortunes, because goods contracted and paid for are not being delivered. Men sitting in Barretts Coffee House in Krondor, Rufinos Tavern in Salador, and Hansons Inn in Rillanon, men who were wealthy a month ago, now stand on the edge of poverty. Lives are being ruined. Shop owners will run out of goods to sell and people will go hungry. He turned and looked at Ty. At least so far Kesh hasnt sent any assassins to kill me.
That we know of, said Ty. Weve kept you out of sight until now! He laughed.
But now we are just two young men spending a pleasant afternoon out and about, walking, taking in the sights, talking about life, and getting out of your fathers lovely establishment which is currently my gaol!
Ty laughed. Was there ever so fine a gaol?
True. But I am getting fat, Hal said patting his stomach. I could use a hunt, a few days on the trail, some camp cooking, and Id be able to get back into these trousers.
Or you could eat less?
Of Franciscos cooking? asked Hal, looking as if what Ty had said was sheer madness.
Well, he is very good. Ty looked around and his eyes narrowed.
What? Hals gaze followed Tys.
Those men over there. I think theyre watching us. Dont stare.
Hal turned his back on them as if he were in conversation about something private with Ty and said, Tall man, black cloak, short fellow, green vest over dirty grey shirt?
Those are the two, said Ty glancing off in another direction as if listening to something he didnt want to hear.
Saw them watching us before we came around the corner. I thought they might be following us.
You didnt think to mention it to me?
I didnt want to cause needless alarm. Hal kept his back to them. What are they doing now?
Not watching us, and working hard at it.
Do you know a disreputable ale house not too far from here?
Ty grinned. Just the place, around this next corner.
Back door?
On a nice alley. I have had to employ it occasionally.
Fights?
Women.
As they moved down the street, glancing out of the corner of their eyes at the two men, Ty continued, When we first arrived here, I was new to many things, including the charms of the ladies.
You dont have ladies in Olasko?
I had a mother in Olasko.
Hal laughed. I understand.
They turned the corner. My mother thinks I need to settle down. Shes His voice dropped. My mother went through a great deal well, let us leave it that she would be happier if I found some nice young woman and started a family.