Well, then, said the sergeant. So far youre telling the truth. Now, about this need to speak with someone of higher rank
Hal stripped off his left gauntlet and moved to the other side of the sergeants horse, which blocked him from the sight of the others. He pulled off his signet ring and handed it to the sergeant. The seagull crest of Crydee with the cadency mark of three points over the gull, indicating the eldest son, was clearly carved into the fine gold alloy.
Where did you get this? asked the soldier.
Quietly Hal said, My father gave it to me.
And where did he get it from? asked the sergeant, his tone softening.
From his father, who got it from his before he became Duke of Crydee.
For a moment the old soldiers expression showed that truth or lie, this was a problem for someone of superior rank, so he turned and shouted, Tanner, Williams, your horses!
Two soldiers dismounted and came over. To Hal he said, For the ladies, so they may can ride if they are able. You lads can walk with my boys. Ive got a patrol to continue. To the two soldiers he said, Take them to the captain, and without another word, raised his hand, signalling that the patrol was to continue.
Hal looked to Stephane who said, I can ride, before he could ask, and he smiled at her. She returned one, though weak and exhausted.
Gabriella helped Stephane mount and then climbed into the saddle of the other horse and the four fugitives and their two escorts turned west.
Hal asked, How far to Ran?
One of the soldiers said, At a walk? Well be there in two, three hours.
Hal and Ty looked at one another and both managed a beleaguered smile.
Despite days in the wild, the trek along the highway was the most tedious portion of the journey. The road to Ran led down from a series of escarpments above the shore and so the city came into view miles away. As they trudged along it appeared to be getting no closer, but at last they were suddenly outside the citys eastern gate.
The guards at the gate raised a hand and one said, What this then?
Captain? was all the soldier said and the sentry nodded, waving him through.
They moved past a crowded area, part caravanserai, part customs inspection point, ringed by make-shift booths and stalls where hawkers sold a variety of goods. The smells of cooking food caused all four of the travellers to realize they were weak from hunger and Princess Stephane said, Oh, whatever that is, Ill eat it here in the saddle.
Well get you fed soon enough, said Hal, his own stomach reminding him how long it was since he had had a handful of berries.
They reached the office of the city patrol and the soldier who escorted them in saluted before a bored-looking young captain sitting behind a small desk, and said, Sergeant says you should talk to these people, sir.
The captain waved him away and looked at the four of them. Seeing the young women he perked up a little, for despite their road-dirt and fatigue, they were still attractive women. He stood up and motioned for Hal to fetch over another chair. Ladies, please, you look exhausted.
The captain waved him away and looked at the four of them. Seeing the young women he perked up a little, for despite their road-dirt and fatigue, they were still attractive women. He stood up and motioned for Hal to fetch over another chair. Ladies, please, you look exhausted.
Sitting on the desk, he looked first at Ty, then Hal. So the sergeant says Im supposed to talk to you. About what?
Hal said, Forgive me a question, Captain, before I answer you. Who is in command of the city?
The captain looked at Hal as if he was joking. The Duke of Ran, of course.
I mean is he in the city or in the field?
Here, in Ran. The army of Ran has been recalled and even as we speak is disembarking from ships in the harbour. The war is over, if youve not heard.
Over? asked Ty.
What about Roldem? asked Stephane.
Weve no news from Roldem, lady, so I assume all is well there.
I must speak to the Duke, said Hal.
First youll speak with me, said the captain, not happy at Hals tone.
Sorry, but I must speak to the Duke.
And who might you be to tell me you must speak to the Duke?
Hal took off his gauntlet again and held out his ring. Im Henry, son of Henry, Duke of Crydee, and you have the honour to address Her Royal Highness, Princess Stephane of Roldem.
Stephane gave a wan smile.
The young captain was completely flummoxed for a moment, then looked again at Hals ring. If it was a forgery or ruse of some sort, let the Dukes personal household guard captain sort it out. He was just a garrison captain ordered to patrol the Kings Highway and arrest smugglers. Decision made, he shouted, Williams!
A soldier stuck his head inside the small office. Captain?
Get a carriage and take these people to the palace.
Where am I going to get a carriage at this time of day? he asked, showing a casual disregard for the formalities of rank.
I dont care if you steal it! Get a carriage now!
The soldier vanished, his expression showing shock at the young captains tone. My name is Greyson, said the captain. Can I get you something, anything while you wait?
Water, said Gabriella.
And something to eat, said Stephane.
Hal and Ty looked at one another and in unison said, Ale!
Still fatigued but now fed, Ty and Hal stood before Duke Chadwick of Ran. A stern-looking man in his late fifties, he still had the look of a brawler about him. He was thick-shouldered, and deeply tanned from years of soldiering, but his once-red hair was now white, as was the small moustache and pointed beard he sported. The young women were being seen to by the Duchess and her women and were enjoying baths and fresh clothing. The Duke had felt the young mens stories were important enough to demand a hearing straight away, so here they were, still dirty and tattered.
Ty and Hal had been somewhat circumspect in naming particular players in the political game in Roldem, but in the end the Duke had said, Odd that the King and Queen should feel the need to smuggle their daughter out of Roldem rather than simply call this Worthington fellow to account. He was silent then said, A coup?
Ty said, After a fashion, I suspect, Your Grace. The rumour prevalent in the capital is that Lord John is ambitious to have his son wed to the Princess.
Who wouldnt be? asked the Duke with a laugh. Had I a boy of the right age, Id be sending him to Roldem. But my sons from my first wife are all grown, and those from my second still toddlers. He grew thoughtful. Still, as the Kings Chancellor, Lord John has more power then any man non-royal in Roldem, so whats to be gained from forcing the girl to a marriage no one but Lord John wishes?
Shes fourth in line for the Crown, answered Hal.
Roldem, of all places. The Duke shook his head. I just cant see it. He glanced around to see if they were overheard. Here, the Isles? Thats another kettle of fish. Youre a royal, young Hal, albeit a minor one, so there are people out there who wish you had never been born. If the King doesnt get on with it and father another son one of these days, we could have a serious mess on our hand in a few years.
Few years? asked Hal.
Well, Gregorys not a well man by all reports. Oh, he added quickly holding up his hand, not that hes at deaths door or any such, just that hes not robust and has had bouts of ague over the last few winters. Certainly, there are healing priests and chirurgeons hovering when hes taken ill. If he passes any time soon, itll be because Lims-Kragma wants him now! He barked out a laugh, to show he was making light of the matter. Youve got a dozen cousins who would happily dance on your corpse rather than see you standing before the Congress of Lords claiming the crown, young Henry. Itll stay that way until the King names his heir.
If you remember, Lord Chadwick, my ancestor, Martin, King Lyams brother, renounced the throne for our line.
The Duke waved it away. Western honour. I forgot. Its very quaint and charming. He leaned forward. Just be ready. If anything happens to the King, your father will have a dozen knives seeking his throat at first chance, and youll be next. Any other brothers?
Two.
Well, they would be on that list after you. Leaning back, Chadwick said, Youre a conDoin, boy. Since we left that damned island to conquer half the north of Triagia, a conDoin has sat the throne in Rillanon. Some better than others, granted, but always that bloodline. There are some who would see it end with Gregory.
Thats treason, said Ty.
Not if the King doesnt name an heir. Then its up to the Congress of Lords and that means it goes to the highest bidder. He paused. Or the man with the biggest army. Bah! He dismissed the conversation as meaningless. This is the Isles. Were always looking for a way to gain advantage over our neighbours. My familys been at odds with Rodez for over two centuries, and for the life of me I cant tell you why. He grinned. Still, we pester one another when we can. But Roldem He shook his head. Lore says we of the Isles and Roldem were once a single people. Heaven knows the languages are enough alike that it takes little effort for one to learn the other. I know that our noble families have intermarried so often we might as well just call ourselves cousins. But were the difficult cousins, and theyre the refined ones. We build armies; they build universities. He pointed to his own back. Had the cane myself a few times as a student there. You? he asked Hal.
Hal nodded.
He looked at Ty, who shook his head. You missed a lot then, lad. You dont appreciate learning until youre away from it for a while. That school there, its a wonderful place. My two elder boys went there and my little ones will go when theyre old enough. He leaned back and again rubbed his chin. Roldem, he said softly.
What should we do, Your Grace? asked Hal. The King and Queen sent their daughter to safety. We are supposed to see her to Rillanon.
Then see her there you shall, said the Duke. He picked up a little bell and rang it. When no one answered he rang it again, harder. After a moment, he bellowed, Makepeace!
An old servant appeared and said, Your grace?