Camber the Heretic Read Online Free PDF Page A

progress of the royal princes’ studies, as you did request, but if the time is inconvenient, I can come back another time. My Lord Chancellor.”
    As he straightened from Cinhil’s hand, he gave Camber the curtest of nods, and Camber inclined his head graciously in return, knowing that his politeness would gall Murdoch far more than any incivility on his part. Murdoch’s mouth took on the appearance of a man who had been eating lemons, but he hid that from Cinhil as he turned away briefly to draw up a stool, having been bidden by Cinhil’s gesture to take a seat.
    â€œNay, you need not come back later, my lord,” Cinhil said. “I did ask after my sons, and you have done right to come and tell me. Are you and their other governors satisfied with their progress?”
    Murdoch settled on his stool with a flourish, watching Cinhil toy with one of the captured pieces. He masked his annoyance well, but Camber could tell that he was less than pleased to have only Cinhil’s divided attention. His voice was nasal and irritating. Camber wondered, not for the first time, what Cinhil saw in him besides his ancient human lineage. He had met Murdoch’s sons, and counted them no particular enhancement to any family line.
    â€œPrince Alroy progresses well, Sire. His Highness has a flair for languages, and Bishop Hubert is very pleased with his studies of the scriptures. He is also growing stronger daily. He will make a worthy king to succeed Your Grace—though of course we all pray that will be far in the future.”
    â€œYes, yes, go on.”
    â€œOf course, Sire. Prince Rhys Michael is yet young, of course, but both Earl Ewan and Lord Rhun agree that he shows great promise as a strategist and tactician, as well as skill with weapons. If he should one day become king, you need not fear for the welfare of this land.”
    â€œOh, come now, the boy’s only ten! What about Javan?” Cinhil asked impatiently.
    Camber tried to keep his face impassive as Cinhil turned his full attention on Murdoch. Beyond the king, he could see Joram perched gingerly on the edge of his seat in the window embrasure, felt Joram extending his senses so that he might overhear all through Camber’s mind. At one time or another, Joram had been tutor to all three of Cinhil’s children, and Camber knew that the crippled middle prince held a special place in his son’s heart.
    He turned his attention back to Cinhil, feeling for the king as well as Joram as the royal lips drew back in a tight-lipped grimace.
    â€œWhy do you hesitate about Javan?” Cinhil asked quietly. “Is he a problem for you?”
    With an embarrassed shrug, Murdoch began a minute inspection of a gold thumb ring on his left hand. “Well, his swordsmanship is the best he can manage, under the circumstances, I suppose,” he said depreciatingly. “And Earl Tammaron says he rides rather better than anyone ever expected he could—better than the other two boys, if the truth be known,” he admitted grudgingly. “But—the devil take it, Sire, he’s not fit to wear the Crown after his brother, and you know it! The people won’t tolerate a cripple on the throne. Not only that, I don’t like the ideas that young Lord Tavis is putting into his head. Bishop Hubert and I did warn you about a Deryni tutor, Your Grace!”
    â€œYes, you did warn me,” Cinhil replied neutrally, glancing aside uncomfortably at the most decidedly Deryni Bishop of Grecotha and at Joram. “However, Tavis O’Neill is a highly qualified teacher, and a fine Healer, as well. With Javan’s—handicap—it seemed an ideal pairing.”
    â€œWhat ails Prince Javan cannot be helped by a Healer, Your Grace,” Murdoch retorted coldly. “Forgive my bluntness, but you know that is true. And meanwhile, that Deryni poisons the boy’s mind against those who are entrusted with his care and