A Crown Imperilled cs-2

by Raymond E. Feist

  Jim smiled. ‘Not you, nor your brothers if the early reports of Martin’s actions against the Keshians is accurate. He and Brendan did your name proud.’

  ‘He lost Crydee.’

  ‘Delong the Great would have lost Crydee given what he had to work with and what he faced,’ answered Jim. ‘He saved lives and he’s held Ylith for now. The Kingdom will negotiate from a stronger position because of his actions.’

  ‘Negotiate,’ echoed Hal.

  ‘Leave that for the King and his ministers. I came to speak with you before the festivities begin tonight.’ He sat on Hal’s bed.

  ‘What do you wish to know?’ asked Hal.

  ‘Right now emissaries from the Isles and Kesh are probably arguing about which monarch enters first and who bows to who first. King Carol has an advantage: this is his island, so he gets to sit on his throne. My best guess is both Emperor Sezioti and King Gregory will enter together, bow to King Carol, who will bow back, then the two will bow to each other at the same time. Now, this will probably take an hour or two to decide, so we have time for a chat, because after that they’ll argue about who gets to sit to Carol’s right and who sits to his left. So, why don’t you just start by telling me what happened on your little adventure and don’t leave out anything, even if you think it’s unimportant. A seemingly insignificant detail might provide some information useful to our king.’

  Hal said, ‘You’re not just some minor noble who happens to be the Duke of Rillanon’s grandson, are you?’

  ‘Let’s say I occasionally run special errands for my grandfather, and this is one of them.’

  Hal smiled. ‘Very well,’ he said, and he began to narrate his story.

  Nearly an hour later, Jim had heard the full tale. He sat back taking it in, then said, ‘I don’t want you to feel your time with the Princess was an unnecessary risk or waste of your time. I know you endured some uncomfortable days out there along the coast, and killing men, even pirates, is never easy, even if they deserve it. But I think had Stephane remained in Roldem, things today might be different.’

  ‘What do you mean?’ asked Hal.

  Jim waved away the question. ‘I can only speculate at this point, but the rumours about Lord John’s son and the Princess were sudden and persistent. I note that even though the Princess is returned for this festival of peace orchestrated by Lord John, her three brothers are still absent.’

  Hal fixed Jim with a narrow gaze. ‘Lady Franciezka’s doing, no doubt.’

  Jim laughed. ‘You’re not quite the rustic you seem, are you Hal?’

  ‘I had the pleasure of the lady’s company on a few occasions while we were in hiding. She’s very adroit at being a step ahead of Lord John. Which leads me to believe she occupies much the same role here in Roldem as you do in Rillanon. Only she’s running the occasional errand for the King of Roldem.’

  Jim merely spread his hands and said nothing.

  Hal reflected for a moment on how deep and profound his feelings for Stephane had become and said, ‘Nothing involving the Princess’s safety is a waste of my time, Jim.’

  Jim studied the young noble, then changed topics. ‘What do you think of our friend Tyrone?’

  Hal laughed. ‘He’s a fine fellow. I’m happy to call him a friend.’

  ‘Good,’ said Jim. ‘It’s just the last time I looked you two were strutting like competing peacocks before Stephane, and I just wanted to make sure there was no rivalry. You may need friends and find few about.’

  ‘I think he’s turned his attention more towards the Lady Gabriella.’

  ‘Ha!’ laughed Jim. ‘That may prove … awkward.’

  ‘Why? Is she betrothed to another man?’

  Jim chuckled. ‘Leave it that her interests lie elsewhere.’

  ‘Oh?’ said Hal. This his eyes opened wide. ‘Oh!’ He couldn’t help but chuckle. ‘Poor Ty.’

  ‘Given our young friend’s reputation in Olasko and here in Roldem, there’s nothing poor about him when it comes to the ladies. Though he may make a fool of himself over Gabriella if he thinks she’s merely playing hard to get. You know how some men can be, wanting what they can’t have.’

  ‘All too well,’ said Hal, feeling his mood fall.

  Jim stood up. ‘Should anyone ask, I shared quarters with you and Ty coming over from Rillanon, but was fighting a fever for most of the journey and stayed in my cabin. Understand?’

  ‘Yes, Jim,’ said the young duke. ‘What now?’

  ‘We enjoy the festivities and see how much bloodshed we can avoid, eat the King’s food, drink his wine, perhaps chase a maid or two, who knows? But above all else, listen and observe. There are men and women here who desire nothing more than to plunge this world into chaos.’

  ‘But why?’ asked Hal.

  ‘If I knew that,’ answered Jim. ‘I might have some idea who they were.’

  Jim stood to Hal’s right, keeping Ty between himself and Sir William Alcorn. If the two twin nobles, Lord John and Sir William, had any issue with people recognizing their resemblance, they masked it well. Granted the fashions and hair styles were different enough it made more of a difference than had they dressed alike, and the Prince Harfum was deep enough in the Emperor’s entourage that between that and his Keshian court dress — a linen kilt, sandals, and a great deal of golden jewellery — no one noticed his resemblance to the other two.

  Hal had told Ty what Jim had discussed with him, and the young noble from Olasko whispered, ‘I might have gone the entire night and not noticed, but you’re right. The three of them are as alike as three brothers.’

  ‘And that has me worried,’ said Jim.

  ‘Why?’ asked Hal.

  ‘Because either they’re getting careless — which I doubt — or they don’t care, which means they are at a point where they think there’s no risk of their plot being thwarted.’

  As Jim had predicted the protocol of the event had been tedious, and the two monarchs entered simultaneously. Kesh’s Imperial Master of Ceremonies, bedecked in a traditional leopardskin head dress, struck the floor with a massive iron-shod staff topped by a golden hawk, and intoned the thousand titles, ranks, and heroic deeds a ruler of Kesh earned, accompanied by a steady tattoo of drums and clash of cymbals, almost deafening everyone in the hall. Jim had seen the imperial hall in the City of Kesh and it was at least three times the size of Roldem’s grand hall. He whispered to Hal and Ty, ‘Leave it to the Keshians to have no idea of scale.’

  Emperor Sezioti, in his sixties but still a vigorous-looking man, endured it with good grace, displaying a quiet dignity that was in contrast to the pomp and ceremony.

  King Gregory suffered it all with restraint, but the three could tell it was a struggle for him and his wife, who half-supported him as they slowly walked from the entrance to the throne. Every ten or so paces, the Kingdom of the Isles’ Master of Ceremonies felt obliged to have his trumpeters blow ruffles and flourishes in counter point to the Keshians, the effect of which was musical chaos and seemed to be putting the Roldemish Master of Ceremonies at risk of a stroke. He at least had the good sense to wave off any attempt by the Roldem heralds to blow their trumpets or play their drums. If Jim hadn’t been so worried about what was coming next, he would have been highly amused.

  What wasn’t amusing was the number of armed men in the room. The traditional Royal Guard of Roldem stood eight men deep on either side of the royal dais, but the other two monarchs were conceded their own honour guards. The King of the Isles was accompanied by sixteen white-clad King’s Own, wearing the royal red tabard of the Isles. The Emperor had sixteen black-garbed warriors in his personal bodyguard, hand-picked from the best of the Inner Legion.

  Hal noticed Jim eyeing the various soldiers bearing arms and said, ‘You’re worried.’ It wasn’t a question.

  ‘All it takes is one idiot and there’ll be a lot of blood shed in here.’ He looked at Hal and Ty, ‘How fast could you get up on that dais and protect the three rulers?’

>   Ty raised an eyebrow. They might arguably be the two best swordsmen in the room, but given the pedigree of those selected for the monarchs’ honour guards, probably not by much. Moreover, as Jim well knew, a brawl was a completely different matter.

  But Hal was almost instantaneous in his answer, as he looked up at Stephane standing to the left of her father’s throne. ‘As long as it takes me to draw my sword, Jim.’

  Jim clapped him on the shoulder and said, ‘Son, I know you’d die for her, but if anything happens try to stay alive for as long as you can. It would be a happier outcome; besides, you’re no use to her dead.’

  Ty smiled. ‘So war is difficult, but peace is more dangerous?’

  ‘Sometimes, my young friend, sometimes,’

  Abruptly King Carol stood up and descended the seven steps of his dais and met the other two monarchs on the floor. He came between the two and embraced them both, one in each arm, and said loudly, ‘We welcome our brother rulers with love and gratitude for their attendance.’ He then allowed both of them to kiss him simultaneously on the cheeks, showing neither the Isles or Kesh favouritism.

  ‘This is well rehearsed,’ said Jim.

  As if practised countless times, burly servants picked up the King’s throne and carried it down to the floor behind him. Two other identical thrones appeared from two side doors of the room and after they had been placed behind each monarch, Carol spoke loudly. ‘No one shall sit above another, for we are all brothers in love and harmony. We seek only peace and understanding, an end to enmity and a future of prosperity for all nations.’ He gestured to the others to sit and took the throne placed behind him.

  The theatrics were superb; Jim was among the first to begin applause and soon the entire throne room joined in. To Ty and Hal he said, ‘Keep an eye on Alcorn, Worthington, and Harfum.’ They did, but the three influential nobles seemed content with the arrangements.

  Servants appeared with refreshments and started with the monarchs, then moved through the room. All the guards retreated to positions close enough to their monarchs to be on hand should the need arise.

  As the nobles from the three nations began to mingle, Jim said to Hal and Ty, ‘Be alert but if no one goes berserk and starts carving up the guests, have a little fun.’ He paused. ‘I fear no matter what we see tonight, fun will be in short supply in the days ahead.’

  Hal immediately looked to locate Stephane and saw her looking in his direction while a sallow-faced young man was speaking to her. After a moment, she cut him off with a remark and moved straight towards Hal.

  Ty chucked and said, ‘I think you are about to become the most hated young noble in three kingdoms.’ He glanced around, ‘Now, where is that tall wench?’ He spied Lady Gabriella and said, ‘Ah, there she is. Excuse me, gentlemen.’

  As he left, Hal said, ‘You didn’t tell him?’

  Jim said, ‘No, some things are best left to learn the hard way. In your case, just remember the fate of three nations is being determined, so don’t do anything stupid.’ He stepped away, nodding to the Princess as she approached, and left the two youngsters alone.

  Stephane ignored Hal’s poor attempt at a bow and swept in to grab his arm. She pulled him close and Hal saw that already others in the room were taking note. ‘You look so handsome in those clothes!’ she said, almost breathless.

  Hal felt colour rising in his cheeks. ‘I … thank you, Highness. You look … nice yourself.’ He winced to hear such words coming out of his mouth. She was bedecked in an indigo gown with seed pears sewn into the bodice and an ornate silver brocade strip at the hem. The gown was strapless and she looked far more voluptuous than she had in hunting togs. Hal stared at her and said, ‘I’m sorry, but you look more than “nice”. You look amazing.’

  Her hair had been done up in a fancy gathering of curls behind her head, with ringlets falling behind. A tiara of diamonds and pearls set in white gold was on her head and her hair had been dusted with some sort of powder, rendering it almost white. The effect was stunning.

  ‘Thank you, sir,’ she said playfully. She looked around. ‘Do you think this will end the war?’

  ‘One can only hope.’ He stared about the room.

  She reached up and grabbed him by the chin, forcing him to look at her. ‘Here. I’m here.’

  Hal felt his cheeks turn crimson. ‘Are you trying to get me killed?’

  ‘No,’ she said with a laugh as she let go of his chin. ‘But you seem very distracted.’

  He ushered her towards the side of the room lined by Roldem guards. ‘If your father doesn’t have me hanged, or beheaded, or drawn and quartered, or whatever it is you do to criminals in Roldem-’

  ‘We hang them,’ she interjected.

  ‘-then most of the unmarried nobles in this room are likely to challenge me to a duel, a few of the married ones, too, no doubt.’

  ‘I’m not worried.’

  ‘Why?’

  ‘Because you are second only to the Champion of the Masters’ Court and no man here can best you with a sword, save Ty, and he would never challenge you; he knows it would be too close.’

  ‘Thank you for your faith in me, but that still doesn’t deal with the consequences of my killing a dozen or so nobles. I suspect my king would be less than pleased with me.’ He couldn’t resist returning her infectious smile. ‘You’re not taking me seriously, are you?’

  ‘I take you very seriously, Hal. I just don’t take your concerns that seriously. My father wants to meet you as soon as this event is over.’

  His expression darkened. ‘He’s …?’

  ‘He wants to thank you personally for saving my life, stupid.’ She looked up into his eyes. ‘You’re not afraid to meet him, are you?’

  Hal wondered if he looked as uncomfortable as he felt. ‘Stephane, I did what was asked and for that I need no thanks. It was my honour to protect you. But Gabriella and Ty also did a fair share of the protecting, you know?’

  ‘I mentioned that to Father, but mostly I told him how brave you were.’

  ‘Are you trying to get me killed?’

  ‘No,’ she whispered, her face darkening. ‘I’m trying to get you married.’

  Suddenly she turned and walked away, still holding his hand and half-led, half-dragged him across the floor. Several chatting nobles took note of the display, and by the time Hal took a large step to catch up and tried to disengage his hand from hers, she had arrived at her destination.

  Queen Gertrude smiled at the couple. ‘Welcome, Your Grace.’

  Hal couldn’t seem to get his fingers untwined from Stephane’s no matter how he tried, short of yanking his hand free in a very ungraceful gesture, so he tried as hard as possible to move to a position where it wasn’t obvious.

  The Queen looked genuinely amused and said, ‘Stephane, let go of the poor lad’s hand before you cause him to die of embarrassment.’

  She looked at her mother, then Hal and said, ‘Sorry,’ Her tone showed she was anything but.

  The Queen said, ‘Now, run along and mingle. I have a few things to speak about with the Duke.’

  Stephane face showed she was not happy with the decision, but she obeyed her mother and moved away. Hal glanced around hoping for a goblin raid, a sudden hurricane, or some other calamity to remove him from the Queen’s scrutiny.

  ‘Majesty, I’m sorry-’ he began, but the Queen raised her hand to cut him off.

  Standing, she said, ‘Why don’t we take a little walk, Your Grace?’

  Not knowing what to say, Hal offered his hand as she stepped down from the throne. She indicated with a slight tilt of her head that two guards should accompany them and led Hal down a short corridor to a large, open door leading to a lovely garden.

  The sun was setting and the evening breeze off the ocean was refreshing after the close air in the throne room. The two guards stationed themselves outside the door and Queen Gertrude led Hal to the far side. ‘Now we can speak in private.’

  ‘Majesty,’ said Hal
in as noncommittal a tone as he could manage.

  ‘My daughter can’t stop singing your praises, Lord Henry.’

  Not being entirely certain what he was supposed to say, he offered, ‘Please, Majesty, I’m called Hal. My father was Lord Henry and I’m not entirely used to being addressed that way.’

  She smiled warmly. ‘Very well, Hal. You’ve made a remarkable impression.’

  ‘We were together in dire circumstances. Many men would have does as I did. Certainly Tyrone Hawkins and the Lady Gabriella also deserve thanks for your daughter’s well-being.’

  ‘That’s as may be, but she only speaks of you.’ Her eyes focused sharply on him. ‘Did you manage to put my daughter under some sort of spell, Hal?’

  He couldn’t be certain if she were joking or not, so he said, ‘‘Majesty, I assure you I only attempted to care for Her Highness, and my attentions were respectful and mindful of the differences in our rank.’

  The Queen laughed. ‘You Isles folks can be so stuffy, and you westerners are the worst of the lot. Half the nobles in Roldem in your circumstances would have dragged her off to the closest temple for a hasty marriage and arrived here as our son-in-law, a fait accompli.

  ‘Hal, if the King or I thought there had been one moment of impropriety we would be having this conversation in the dungeon, your rank notwithstanding.’ She took his hand and patted it. ‘And I would be the one holding the red-hot pincers.’

  Managing a careful smile, he said, ‘I thank Your Majesty for her wisdom.’

  Still holding his hand, she asked, ‘Hal, are you in love with my daughter?’

  Caught completely unawares, he hesitated then said, ‘Desperately.’

  The Queen said, ‘Oh, dear.’ She looked out over the city where as night fell lanterns were being lit in windows and on lamp-poles. Finally she said, ‘Come. Sit. This is my favourite time of day, though I’m rarely able to enjoy it. I’m usually busy getting ready for some state function or another.’ She smiled at him. ‘Now, let me tell you a story.’

  She paused, gathering her thoughts, then said, ‘When I was my daughter’s age, I was Grand Duchess of Maladon. My brother was Grand Duke and unmarried. He met a young woman of property from Simrick and with sufficient standing that there would be no raised eyebrows when it was obvious he had married her to bolster our meagre treasury. Maladon and Simrick are merged states, two duchies wed ages ago out of battle.