A Darkness at Sethanon Read Online Free PDF Page B

wife
instructing the nurse to return the twins to their nursery. “Well,
you must have done something to warrant deLacy’s displeasure.
Still, we can’t have you missing all the fun. I understand
there’s supposed to be a particularly good barrel-ball game
later this afternoon.”
    Jimmy feigned
surprise, while Locklear’s face lit up. “I think so,”
said Jimmy noncommittally.
    Motioning the
boys to follow as the Prince’s party began to head inside,
Arutha said, “Well then, we’ll have to drop in and see
how it goes, won’t we?”
    Jimmy winked at
Locklear. Then Arutha said, “Besides, if you boys lose that
bet, your skins won’t be worth a tanner’s trouble by the
time the other squires get through with you.”
    Jimmy said
nothing while they moved toward the great hall and the reception for
the nobles before the commoners were admitted to the feast in the
courtyard. Then he whispered to Locklear, “That man has an
irritating habit of always knowing what’s going on around
here.”

    The celebration
was in full swing, nobles mingling with those commoners granted
admission to the palace courtyard. Long tables stood heavily laden
with food and drink, and for many in attendance this was the finest
meal they would eat this year. While formality was forgotten, the
commoners were still deferential to Arutha and his party, bowing
slightly and using formal address. Jimmy and Locklear hovered nearby,
in case they were needed.
    Carline and
Laurie walked arm in arm behind Arutha and Anita. Since their own
wedding, the new Duke and Duchess of Salador had settled down
somewhat, in contrast to their well-reported and stormy romance at
the King’s court. Anita turned toward her sister-in-law and
said, “I’m pleased you could stay this long. It’s
so much a man’s palace here in Krondor. And now with two boys .
. .”
    “It’s
going to get worse,” finished Carline. “Being raised by a
father and two brothers, I know what you mean.”
    Arutha glanced
over his shoulder at Laurie and said, “It means she was spoiled
shamelessly.”
    Laurie laughed,
but thought better of comment as his wife’s blue eyes narrowed.
Anita said, “Next time, a daughter.”
    “Then she
can be shamelessly spoiled,” said Laurie.
    “When are
you going to have children?” asked Anita.
    Arutha turned
from the table with a pitcher of ale, filling both his own and
Laurie’s mugs. A servant hastened to present wine cups to the
ladies. Carline answered Anita by saying, “We’ll have
them when we have them. Believe me, it isn’t for lack of
trying.”
    Anita stifled a
laugh behind her hand, while Arutha and Laurie exchanged glances.
Carline looked from face to face and said, “Don’t tell me
you two are blushing?” To Anita she said, “Men.”
    “Lyam’s
last missive said Queen Magda might be with child. I expect we’ll
know for certain when he sends his next bundle of dispatches.”
    Carline said,
“Poor Lyam, always such a one for the ladies, having to marry
for reasons of state. Still, she’s a decent sort, if a little
dull, and he seems happy enough.”
    Arutha said,
“The Queen isn’t dull. Compared to you a fleet of Quegan
raiders is dull.” Laurie said nothing, but his blue eyes echoed
Arutha’s comment. “I just hope they have a son.”
    Anita smiled.
“Arutha’s anxious for another to become Prince of
Krondor.”
    Carline looked
at her brother knowingly. “Still, you’ll not be done with
matters of state. With Caldiic dead, Lyam will rely more upon you and
Martin than before.” Lord Caldric of Rillanon had died shortly
after the King’s marriage to Princess Magda of Roldem, leaving
the office of Duke of Rillanon, Royal Chancellor - First Adviser to
the King - vacant.
    Arutha shrugged
as he sampled food from his plate. “I think he’ll find no
end of applicants for Caldric’s office.”
    Laurie said,
“That’s exactly the problem. Too many nobles are seeking
advantage over their neighbours. We’ve had