The Duke was finishing the mornings business: a request from one of the shipwrights for guards to accompany a lumber expedition to the great forest. Borric was dressed, as usual in black, but his sons and daughter wore their finest court regalia. Lyam was listening closely to the business before his father. Roland stood behind him, as was the custom. Arutha was in rare good humor, laughing behind an upraised hand at some quip Father Tully had just made. Carline sat quietly, her face set in a warm smile, looking directly at Pug, which was adding to his discomfort and Rolands irritation.
The Duke gave his permission for a company of guards to accompany the craftsmen into the forest. The Craftmaster gave thanks and bowed, then returned to the crowd, leaving Pug alone before the Duke. The boy stepped forward as Kulgan had told him to do and bowed properly, albeit a little stiffly, before the Lord of Crydee. Borric smiled at the boy and motioned to Father Tully. The priest removed a document from the sleeve of his voluminous robe and handed it to a herald. The herald stepped forward and unrolled the scroll.
In a loud voice he read: To all within our demesne: Whereas the youth Pug, of the castle of Crydee, has shown exemplary courage in the act of risking life and limb in defense of the royal person of the Princess Carline, and; Whereas the youth, Pug of Crydee, is considered to hold us forever in his debt; It is my wish that he be known to all in the realm as our beloved and loyal servant, and it is furthermore wished that he be given a place in the court of Crydee, with the rank of Squire, with all rights and privileges pertaining thereunto. Furthermore let it be known that the title for the estate of Forest Deep is conferred upon him and his progeny as long as they shall live, to have and to hold, with servants and properties thereupon. Title to this estate shall be held by the crown until the day of his majority. Set this day by my hand and seal Borric conDoin, third Duke of Crydee; Prince of the Kingdom; Lord of Crydee, Carse, and Tulan; Warden of the West; Knight-General of the Kings Armies; heir presumptive to the throne of Rillanon.
Pug felt his knees go slack but caught himself before he fell. The room erupted in cheers. People were pressing around him, offering their congratulations and slapping him on the back. He was a Squire and a landholder with franklins, a house, and stock. He was rich. Or at least he would be in three years when he reached his majority. While he was considered a man of the Kingdom at fourteen, grants of land and titles couldnt be conferred until he reached eighteen. The crowd backed away as the Duke approached, his family and Roland behind. Both Princes smiled at Pug, and the Princess seemed positively aglow. Roland gave Pug a rueful smile, as if in disbelief.
Im honored, Your Grace, Pug stammered. I dont know what to say.
Then say nothing, Pug. It makes you seem wise when everyone is babbling. Come, and well have a talk. The Duke motioned for a chair to be placed near his own, as he put an arm around the boys shoulders and walked him through the crowd. Sitting down, he said, You may all leave us now. I would speak with the Squire. The crowd pressing around muttered in disappointment, but began to drift out of the hall. Except you two, the Duke added, pointing toward Kulgan and Tully.
Carline stood by her fathers chair, a hesitant Roland at her side. You as well, my child, said the Duke.
Carline began to protest, but was cut off by her fathers stern admonition: You may pester him later, Carline. The two Princes stood at the door, obviously amused at her outrage; Roland tried to offer his arm to the Princess, but she pulled away and swept by her grinning brothers. Lyam clapped Roland on the shoulder as the embarrassed Squire joined them. Roland glared at Pug, who felt the anger like a blow.
When the doors clanged closed and the hall was empty, the Duke said, Pay no heed to Roland, Pug. My daughter has him firmly under her spell; he counts himself in love with her and wishes someday to petition for her hand. With a lingering look at the closed door, he added almost absently, But hell have to show me hes more than the rakehell hes growing into now if he ever hopes for my consent.
The Duke dismissed the topic with a wave of his hand. Now, to other matters. Pug, I have an additional gift for you, but first I want to explain something to you.
My family is among the oldest in the Kingdom. I myself am descended from a King, for my grandfather, the first Duke of Crydee, was third son to the King. Being of royal blood, we are much concerned with matters of duty and honor. You are now both a member of my court and apprentice of Kulgan. In matters of duty you are responsible to him. In matters of honor you are responsible to me. This room is hung with the trophies and banners of our triumphs. Whether we have been resisting the Dark Brotherhood in their ceaseless effort to destroy us, or fighting off pirates, we have ever fought bravely. Ours is a proud heritage that has never known the stain of dishonor. No member of our court has ever brought shame to this hall, and I will expect the same of you.
Pug nodded, tales of glory and honor remembered from his youth spinning in his mind. The Duke smiled. Now to the business of your other gift. Father Tully has a document that I asked him to draw up last night. I am going to ask him to keep it, until such time as he deems fit to give it to you. I will say no more on the subject, except that when he gives it to you, I hope you will remember this day and consider long what it says.
I will, Your Grace. Pug was sure the Duke was saying something very important, but with all the events of the last half hour, it did not register very well.
I will expect you for supper, Pug. As a member of the court, you will not be eating meals in the kitchen anymore. The Duke smiled at him. Well make a young gentleman out of you, boy. And someday when you travel to the Kings city of Rillanon, no one will fault the manners of those who come from the court of Crydee.
CHAPTER FIVE
Shipwreck
THE BREEZE WAS COOL.
The last days of summer had passed, and soon the rains of autumn would come. A few weeks later the first snows of winter would follow. Pug sat in his room, studying a book of ancient exercises designed to ready the mind for spell casting. He had fallen back into his old routine once the excitement of his elevation to the Dukes court had worn off.
His marvelous feat with the trolls continued to be the object of speculation by Kulgan and Father Tully. Pug found he still couldnt do many of the things expected of an apprentice, but other feats were beginning to come to him. Certain scrolls were easier to use now, and once, in secret, he had tried to duplicate his feat.
He had memorized a spell from a book, one designed to levitate objects. He had felt the familiar blocks in his mind when he tried to incant it from memory. He had failed to move the object, a candleholder, but it trembled for a few seconds and he felt a brief sensation, as if he had touched the holder with a part of his mind. Satisfied that some sort of progress was being made, he lost much of his former gloom and renewed his studies with vigor.
Kulgan still let him find his own pace. They had had many long discussions on the nature of magic, but mostly Pug worked in solitude.
Shouting came from the courtyard below. Pug walked to his window. Seeing a familiar figure, he leaned out and cried, Ho! Tomas! What is afoot? Tomas looked up.
Shouting came from the courtyard below. Pug walked to his window. Seeing a familiar figure, he leaned out and cried, Ho! Tomas! What is afoot? Tomas looked up.
Ho! Pug! A ship has foundered in the night. The wreck has beached beneath Sailors Grief. Come and see.
Ill be right down.
Pug ran to the door, pulling on a cloak, for while the day was clear, it would be cold near the water. Racing down the stairs, he cut through the kitchen, nearly knocking over Alfan, the pastry cook. As he bolted out the door, he heard the stout baker yell, Squire or not, Ill box your ears if you dont watch where youre going, boy! The kitchen staff had not changed their attitude toward the boy, whom they considered one of their own, beyond feeling proud of his achievement.
Pug shouted back with laughter in his voice, My apologies, Mastercook!
Alfan gave him a good-natured wave as Pug vanished through the outside door and around the corner to where Tomas was waiting. Tomas turned toward the gate as soon as he saw his friend.
Pug grabbed his arm. Wait. Has anyone from the court been told?
I dont know. Word just came from the fishing village a moment ago, Tomas said impatiently. Come on, or the villagers will pick the wreck clean. It was commonly held that salvage could be legally carried away before any of the Dukes court arrived. As a result, the villagers and townsfolk were less than timely in informing the authorities of such occurrences. There was also a risk of bloodshed, should the beached ship still be manned by sailors determined to keep their masters cargo intact so that they would get their fair sailing bonus. Violent confrontation, and even death, had been the result of such dispute. Only the presence of men-at-arms could guarantee no commoner would come to harm from lingering mariners.
Oh, no, said Pug. If there is any trouble down there and the Duke finds out I didnt tell someone else, Ill be in for it.
Look, Pug. Do you think with all these people rushing about, the Duke will be long in hearing of it? Tomas ran his hand through his hair. Someone is probably in the great hall right now, telling him the news. Master Fannon is away on patrol, and Kulgan wont be back awhile yet. Kulgan was due back later that day from his cottage in the forest, where he and Meecham had spent the last week. It may be our only chance to see a shipwreck. A look of sudden inspiration came over his face. Pug, I have it! Youre a member of the court now. Come along, and when we get there, you declare for the Duke. A calculating expression crossed his face. And if we find a rich bauble or two, whos to know?
I would know. Pug thought a moment. I cant properly declare for the Duke, then take something for myself . . . He fixed Tomas with a disapproving expression. . . . or let one of his men-at-arms take something either. As Tomass face showed his embarrassment, Pug said, But we can still see the wreck! Come on!
Pug was suddenly taken with the idea of using his new office, and if he could get there before too much was carried away or someone was hurt, the Duke would be pleased with him. All right, he said, Ill saddle a horse and we can ride down there before everything is stolen. Pug turned and ran for the stable. Tomas caught up with him as he opened the large wooden doors. But, Pug, I have never been on a horse in my life. I dont know how.
Its simple, Pug said, taking a bridle and saddle from the tack room. He spied the large grey he had ridden the day he and the Princess had their adventure. Ill ride and you sit behind me. Just keep your arms around my waist, and you wont fall off.
Tomas looked doubtful. Im to depend on you? He shook his head. After all, who has looked after you all these years?
Pug threw him a wicked smile. Your mother. Now fetch a sword from the armory in case theres trouble. You may get to play soldier yet.
Tomas looked pleased at the prospect and ran out the door. A few minutes later the large grey with the two boys mounted on her back lumbered out the main gate, heading down the road toward Sailors Grief.
The surf was pounding as the boys came in sight of the wreckage. Only a few villagers were approaching the site, and they scattered as soon as a horse and rider appeared, for it could only be a noble from the court to declare the wrecks salvage for the Duke. By the time Pug reined in, no one was about.
Pug said, Come on. Weve got a few minutes to look around before anyone else gets here.
Dismounting, the boys left the mare to graze in a little stand of grass only fifty yards from the rocks. Running through the sand, the boys laughed, with Tomas raising the sword aloft, trying to sound fierce as he yelled old war cries learned from the sagas. Not that he had any delusions about his ability to use it, but it might make someone think twice about attacking them at least long enough for castle guards to arrive.
As they neared the wreck, Tomas whistled a low note. This ship didnt just run on the rocks, Pug. It looks like it was driven by a storm.
Pug said, There certainly isnt much left, is there?
Tomas scratched behind his right ear. No, just a section of the bow. I dont understand. There wasnt any storm last night, just a strong wind. How could the ship be broken up so badly?
I dont know. Suddenly something registered on Pug. Look at the bow. See how its painted.
The bow rested on the rocks, held there until the tide rose. From the deck line down, the hull was painted a bright green, and it shone with reflected sunlight, as if it had been glazed over. Instead of a figurehead, intricate designs were painted in bright yellow, down to the waterline, which was a dull black. A large blue-and-white eye had been painted several feet behind the prow, and all the above-deck railing that they could see was painted white.
Pug grabbed Tomass arm. Look! He pointed to the water behind the prow, and Tomas could see a shattered white mast extending a few feet above the surging foam.
Tomas took a step closer. Its no Kingdom ship, for certain. He turned to Pug. Maybe they were from Queg?
No, answered Pug. Youve seen as many Quegan ships as I have. This is nothing from Queg or the Free Cities. I dont think a ship like this has ever passed these waters before. Lets look around.
Tomas seemed suddenly timid. Careful, Pug. There is something strange here, and I have an ill feeling. Someone may still be about.
Both boys looked around for a minute, before Pug concluded, I think not; whatever snapped that mast and drove the ship ashore with enough force to wreck it this badly must have killed any who tried to ride her in.
Venturing closer, the boys found small articles lying about, tossed among the rocks by the waves. They saw broken crockery and boards, pieces of torn red sailcloth, and lengths of rope. Pug stopped and picked up a strange-looking dagger fashioned from some unfamiliar material. It was a dull grey and was lighter than steel, but still quite sharp.
Tomas tried to pull himself to the railing, but couldnt find a proper footing on the slippery rocks. Pug moved along the hull until he found himself in danger of having his boots washed by the tide; they could board the hulk if they waded into the sea, but Pug was unwilling to ruin his good clothing. He walked back to where Tomas stood studying the wreck.
Tomas pointed behind Pug. If we climb up to that ledge, we could lower ourselves down to the deck.