King of Foxes Read Online Free PDF Page A

Roldem or Kesh, and keeping the Kingdom occupied along a long, empty border would work to Kaspar’s advantage.
    “I’m no military expert, but it seems to me if he sends a force into the Kingdom of the Isles, they will respond in strength. If Kaspar sends in small companies, each can occupy a much larger force if they scatter across the plains.
    From the foothills at the border to the Blackwood north of Dolth, you’ve got almost a thousand miles of grasslands. King Ryan of the Isles would be forced to tie up a _______________
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    huge number of men hunting down a relatively small army.
    “So, the question is, if Kaspar wants that army up in the grasslands, where does he plan on striking?”
    Magnus said, “I will convey your theory to Father.”
    He put a broad-brimmed felt hat on his head and removed a device from within his dark grey robe, an orb that glowed with copper highlights in the candlelight. He depressed the surface with his thumb, and suddenly he wasn’t there, the only sign of his departure being a small inrush of air.
    Pasko said, “But why?”
    “Why?” echoed Tal. “Why what?”
    “Why all the plotting? Kaspar is as powerful in his own way as the King of Roldem. He effectively rules Aranor; the Prince does his bidding. He either controls or in-timidates every nation surrounding Olasko, and he has the King of Roldem’s ear. Why does he want this war with the Isles?”
    Tal sat back. “I thought it obvious. By destabilizing the region, opportunity arises for Kaspar to gain what he wants most of all.” Tal laced his fingers together and stared at the candle over balled fists. He tapped his chin lightly with his hands as he muttered, “Men of power seek only one thing: more power.”

    _______________
    TWO
    RECEPTION
    Tal smiled.
    This was his first time in the palace since his victory in the Masters’ Court two years earlier. The King had sent an invitation for Talwin Hawkins to attend the welcoming gala to celebrate the arrival of the Duke of Olasko.
    Tal had waited patiently in line for his turn to be presented, behind all the nobility of Roldem, most of those from other nations, and just ahead of the wealthiest commoners. A squire from the Kingdom of the Isles stood barely above a ribbon-maker with a great deal of gold in the eyes of the Roldemish court.
    Even so, Tal stood resplendent in a pair of new wide-legged trousers—the current fashion—with his boots covered to the buckles, and a broad black leather belt, but he chose to wear a currently out-of-fashion tunic—a yellow _______________
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    doublet sewn with seed pearls. While other nobles were wearing the off-the-shoulder military singlet that was all the rage, Talon had chosen to wear the jacket that had been given to him as a gift by the King two years ago.
    When last he had met the King, Tal had been the center of attention, the winner of the Tournament of Master’s, the recipient of the golden sword, emblematic of his being the world’s greatest swordsman.
    Now Kaspar of Olasko was the focus of the gala, and Tal but a minor participant. When he at last heard his name called, Tal moved forward briskly and approached the throne. He took in the tableau before him as he reached the point where he was expected to bow before the Crown. King Carol sat on his throne, his wife Queen Gertrude to his right. On his left hand sat Crown Prince Constantine, heir to the throne. Tal remembered the Prince as a quiet boy with curious eyes, one given to slight smiles as he listened closely to the banter of the adults around him. Tal suspected he was an intelligent child.
    The younger members of the royal family were absent, the other two princes and the Princess no doubt being made ready for bed by their servants and nannies.
    To Constantine’s left stood a man dressed in a burgundy-colored tunic of velvet, fastened with loops and frogs made from diamonds. He wore black leggings rather than this season’s