King of Foxes Read Online Free PDF Page B

and providing food.
    Tal found himself next to a local court baron and his _______________
    KING OF FOXES
    31
    wife, whom Kaspar engaged in conversation for a while.
    The Baron at last turned to Tal, and introductions were exchanged. Then the Baron launched into an enthusiastic retelling of Tal’s victories as if Tal hadn’t been there. On Tal’s left sat a pretty woman of middle years and her husband, rich commoners who seemed content simply to be at the King’s table and demonstrated no need to speak to anyone else. They lowered their heads slightly and spoke in whispers as they glanced around the room, apparently trying to espy people who might know them and be impressed by their place at the head table.
    Throughout the dinner the Duke ignored Tal’s presence, save for one slight nod and smile as the first course was being served. During the course of the dinner, entertainers provided distraction in several locations around the great hall. Deft jugglers, acrobats, and sleight-of-hand magicians. A particularly gifted poet spun verse to order, flattering the ladies and gently mocking the men. His wit was dry and his rhyming clever. On the other side of the room a jongleur from Bas-Tyra sang love songs and bal-lads of heroic sacrifice. Tal could hear enough of his song to know he was excellent.
    As was the meal and every other aspect of the gala.
    And why not? Tal thought. Roldem was considered to be the seat of all things cultural and refined in the world, or at least this part of it. Fashion, literature, music all flowed from the court of Roldem. Given his travels, Tal reflected that much of that influence was lost as you moved away from the island nation; those in the west of the Kingdom seemed completely indifferent to matters of fashion, while only in Salador and Rillanon was there some of the same concern that one saw here.
    But gazing around the room, he realized that whatever others might think—that it was vainglorious and _______________
    32
    RAYMOND E. FEIST
    pointless—it was also sumptuous and regal. The women were beautiful in their finery, and the men cut handsome figures, or at least as handsome as nature permitted.
    When the meal ended, the court turned its attention to the center of the royal table. No one was permitted to leave until the King and his family left the table. Those who had finished their meal early sat sipping wine or ale, watching those around them or engaging in idle conversation with their neighbors.
    Suddenly Tal heard Kaspar say, “So, Squire, you’re back with us again?”
    Tal turned in as relaxed a manner as he could and, trying to show deference to the Baron on his right, spoke past him to the Duke. “For a time, m’lord.”
    Kaspar took a sip from a wine cup, and asked, “Have you completed that ‘family business’ you spoke of when last we met?”
    “Indeed, Your Grace. It took longer than I had anticipated, but it is now a matter in the past.”
    “So, you are now free to seek your fortune?” The Duke’s eyes were narrow and appraising even as he kept his tone light.
    Tal feigned a laugh. “Given my luck at cards lately, I am in need of a fortune, m’lord.”
    The King rose, and a half second later, Kaspar did as well. As he turned to follow his cousin, Kaspar looked over his shoulder and said, “I am hunting at first light.
    Join me at the southern gate. I’ll have a horse ready. Do you have a bow?”
    “Yes, m’lord,” said Tal, to Kaspar’s retreating back.
    The Court Baron turned. “Quite the coup, young Hawkins.”
    “Sir?”
    “The Dukes of Olasko have been hunters for genera-

    _______________
    KING OF FOXES
    33
    tions. They say this Duke’s grandfather once hunted dragons in the west of the Kingdom of the Isles. To be invited to hunt with him is a mark of distinction.”
    Tal smiled and nodded, attempting to look suitably flattered. The Baron and his wife departed.
    Tal felt it necessary to make one circuit of the hall, then determined to stay