Raymond Feist - Krondor - The Assassins

Arutha glanced to his right and saw two very fatigued young men sitting astride their horses. He permitted himself one of his infrequent smiles, a bare upturning of the sides of his mouth, which served to soften the often sombre expression on his still-youthful face. ‘Tired, gentlemen?’ he asked.

James, senior squire to the Prince, returned his ruler’s gaze from eyes surrounded by dark circles. James, and his companion Squire Locklear, had ridden a punishing ride, abetted by magic herbs which had kept them awake and alert for days in the saddle. The after-effects of the prolonged use of the draught was to unleash all the pent-up fatigue and body-ache on the young men at once. Both had slept through the night, upon cushions in Arutha’s tent, but had awakened tired and bone-weary. Summoning up his usual brazen wit, James said, ‘No, sire, we always look like this when we wake. Usually you don’t see us until after our morning coffee.’

Arutha laughed. ‘I see none of your charms have faded, squire.’

A short man with dark hair and beard walked over to where the Prince and his companions sat astride their horses.

‘Good morning, Highness,’ said Pug, as he bowed.

Arutha returned a polite nod and said, ‘Pug, do you return to Krondor with us?’

Pug’s expression revealed concern. ‘Not straight away, Highness. There are matters I must investigate at Stardock. The activities of the Tsurani Great Ones involved with this last attempt at Sethanon cause me great concern. I need to ensure that they were the only magicians involved, and that those who still reside at my Academy are free of any guilt.’

Arutha looked at the retreating wagons again as he said, ‘We do need to talk about the role played by the Tsurani in your Academy, Pug. But not here.’

Pug nodded agreement. Even though everyone within earshot was privy to the secret of the Lifestone which sat beneath the city of Sethanon, it was wise to talk only in private. And Pug also knew that Arutha had grave concerns about the betrayal by the Tsurani magician Makala which had led to this last battle between the Prince’s army and an invading army of moredhel warriors. He expected that Arutha would insist on far more stringent controls over who and what came through the rift – the magic gateway – between Midkemia and the Tsurani homeworld of Kelewan.

‘We will, Highness. First, I must see to the safety of Katala and Gamina.’

‘I understand your concerns,’ said the Prince. Pug’s daughter Gamina had been abducted and transported by magic to a distant world in order to lure him away from Midkemia while the Tsurani magician attempted to seize the Lifestone.

Pug said, ‘I must make sure that I am never again made vulnerable because of a family member.’ He looked knowingly at the Prince. ‘There’s nothing I can do about William, but I can ensure that Gamina and Katala are safe at Stardock.’

‘William is a soldier, so by the nature of his craft he is at risk.’ Then Arutha smiled at Pug. ‘But he’s as safe as a soldier can be, surrounded by six companies of the Royal Krondorian Household Guard. Anyone attempting to blackmail you through William will find him difficult to reach.’

Pug’s expression showed he didn’t approve. ‘He could have been so much more.’ His look silently implored Arutha to do something. ‘He still can. It’s not too late for him to return to Stardock with me.’

Arutha regarded the magician. He understood Pug’s frustration and his parental desire to see his son back with his family. But his tone left no confusion as to his willingness to intercede on Pug’s behalf. ‘I know you two have had your differences about his choice, Pug, but I’ll leave it for you to work out at your own leisure. As I told you when you first objected to William coming into my service, he’s a royal cousin by adoption and a free man of age, so there was no reason for me to refuse his request.’ Before Pug could voice another objection, he raised his hand. ‘Not even as a favour to you.’ His tone softened. ‘Besides, he’s got the makings of a better than average soldier. Quite a knack, actually, according to my swordmaster.’ Arutha changed the subject. ‘Did Owyn return home?’ Owyn Belefote, youngest son of the Baron of Timons, had proven a valuable ally to James and Locklear in the recent struggle.

‘At first light. He said he must mend fences with his father.’

Arutha motioned towards Locklear, though he kept his eyes on Pug. ‘I have something for you.’ When Locklear failed to respond to the gesture, Arutha shifted his gaze to Locklear. ‘ Squire , the document?’

Locklear had been on the verge of falling asleep in the saddle but he snapped to attention as the Prince’s voice penetrated his muzzy thoughts. He moved his horse to where Pug stood and handed a parchment down to him.

Arutha said, ‘Over my signature and seal, this names you the final authority over all issues of magic as they affect the Western Realm.’ He smiled slightly. ‘I should have no trouble convincing His Majesty to ratify this for the entire Kingdom. You’ve had our ear in this area for years, Pug, but this gives you authority if you ever find yourself having to deal with another noble or King’s officer without me at your shoulder. It names you official magician of the court of Krondor.’

‘My thanks, Highness,’ said Pug. He seemed about to speak, but hesitated.

Arutha cocked his head to one side. ‘There’s a but here, isn’t there?’

‘But I need remain at Stardock with my family. There’s much work to be done and my attention there precludes me from serving in Krondor, Arutha.’

Arutha sighed slightly. ‘Understood. But that still leaves me without a magician in court, if you’re unwilling to take residency in the palace.’

‘I could send Kulgan back to nag at you,’ said Pug with a smile.

‘No, my former teacher is too quick to forget rank and scold me in front of my court. It’s bad for morale.’

‘Whose?’ asked Jimmy under his breath.

Arutha didn’t look at the squire, but said, ‘Mine, of course.’ To Pug he said, ‘Seriously, the betrayal of Makala shows me the wisdom my father employed by having an advisor on matters of magic close to hand. Kulgan’s earned his retirement. So, if not you or young Owyn, who then?’

Pug thought for a moment and said, ‘I have one student who might be just the person to advise you in the future. There is one problem.’

‘What would that be?’ asked Arutha.

‘She’s Keshian.’

Arutha said, ‘That’s two problems.’

Pug smiled. ‘Knowing your sister and wife, I would have thought a woman’s advice wouldn’t be alien to His Highness.’

Arutha nodded. ‘It’s not. But many in my court would find it … difficult.’

Pug said, ‘I’ve never noticed you to be overly concerned with the opinions of others when your mind was set, Arutha.’

The Prince said, ‘Times change, Pug. And men get older.’ He was silent for a minute as he watched another contingent of his army break camp and start to move out. Then he turned to face Pug, one eyebrow raised in question. ‘But Keshian?’

‘No one will accuse her of allying herself with this or that faction in court,’ said Pug.

Arutha chuckled. ‘I hope you’re joking.’

‘No, I’m not. She’s unusually gifted despite her youth; she’s cultured and educated, reads and writes several languages, and has a remarkable grasp of magic, which is exactly what you need in an advisor. Most importantly, she’s the only one among my students who can understand the consequences of magic in a political context, as she’s had court training in Kesh. She’s from the Jal-Pur and understands how things stand in the west, as well.’