Pendant of Fortune Read Online Free PDF

looking at him, but who looked back when he thought Volle had looked away. Just because Dereath wasn’t here didn’t mean they didn’t have to be careful, but he didn’t want to worry Streak. It was possible the rabbit was just curious and shy. And well-dressed. Volle tried to see if his clothing sported a crest, but he couldn’t make any out.
    “ This ale is pretty good. I guess everything I heard about Vellenland is true.”
    Volle nodded. “The meads are better, but I didn’t want to get too tipsy before going up to the mansion.”
    “ I never liked mead anyway.”
    “ You’ll have to try the apricot. It’s wonderful.”
    Streak grinned. “Maybe tonight.”
    Volle smiled back distractedly. The rabbit was getting up and about to leave, but Volle still couldn’t see any mark on his clothes. He committed as much of his appearance to memory as he could: small for a rabbit, about the height of the weasels, and wearing a plain linen shirt and leather trousers. There was a cloak folded over his arm that was plain dark blue, and if there was a mark on that, it was hidden by the folds.
    When the rabbit had left, Volle downed the rest of his ale. “We should get out of here.”
    Streak finished his ale in two more swallows, and nodded. He followed Volle out of the crowded pub and around back to the stables, where they found their driver talking to a short weasel wearing Ikling’s colors. When he saw them coming, the weasel smiled and saluted cheerfully. He was about three and a half feet tall, half a foot short of Helfer’s height (as Volle remembered) and a good two feet shorter than Volle himself. His leather trousers were dyed a rich forest green, as was the vest he wore over a ruffled white shirt. His ears were upright, matching the good humor of his smile.
    “ Lord Vinton?” Volle nodded. The weasel stuck out a paw. “I’m Huster, Governor Burren’s steward. Lord Ikling sent me down to wait for you.”
    “ Pleased to meet you. This is Streak.” He’d acquired the habit of introducing the wolf by the nickname Volle had given him, as Streak never offered his real name. He hadn’t even told Volle, who suspected that it had to do with the life he’d given up. He didn’t press. He was happy enough to have the wolf at his side, under whatever name he preferred.
    Huster shook his paw, then Streak’s, and motioned to the carriage. “May I ride back up with you?”
    “ Certainly. After you.”
    Huster insisted that Volle and Streak precede him, and after an exchange of courtesies they were all seated inside the carriage. As the driver maneuvered through the narrow streets, Huster settled back in the carriage seat and smiled at Volle, beside him, and then across at Streak.
    “ We have about half an hour, and Lord Ikling thought you might be interested in some of the history of the area. Do you have any questions I can answer?”
    Volle nodded. “I’m a bit surprised you were free. Aren’t you rather busy?”
    Huster chuckled and crossed his legs, clasping his paws behind his head. “Lord Alister was kind enough to take over most of the scheduling duties for the King’s visit. Some folk might be miffed that he’d taken it away, but not me. I can use the vacation. So I’m just responsible for the governor, as usual, and he’s mostly attending the royal functions anyway.”
    Volle grinned. “Are all the Ikling natives weasels?”
    “ Mustelids, yes.”
    “ And why are we staying at the old palace, and not the governor’s residence?”
    “ Ah.” Huster tapped his nose and grinned widely. “ You are not. Lord Ikling felt that you would be better accommodated by quarters close to his, away from the rest of the royal party. He did not disclose to me the reasons, and I didn’t ask.”
    “ All right. So why is the King staying in the old palace? Not enough room in the governor’s mansion?”
    Huster grinned even wider. “You might say that. It all ties in with the history of Vellenland, and of