Search for Audric Read Online Free PDF Page A

quietly, but King Eugeon was not seen. It was rumored that he had attended a private funeral service for his wife and sister, but he did not make an appearance at the public ceremony. After the proclaimed mourning period had ended, the dignitaries began to take their leave of the Royal Palace in Tarent for the trip home.
    "Shall we ride together?" asked King Hector of Salacia as he approached the Arin king.
    "It will give us time to discuss what has happened here," nodded King Caedmon.
    "What is there to discuss?" shrugged King Hector. "I would prefer to talk about brighter things than the death of royals. The affairs of the living are always preferable over the affairs of the dead."
    "Preferable, yes," nodded King Caedmon, "but in this case the affairs of the dead are more important to our future."
    "What are you talking about?" frowned the Salacian king.
    "The Land of the Nine Kingdoms has benefited from an unusual period of peace and prosperity," answered King Caedmon. "That is all about to change."
    "Change?" balked King Hector. "Because of the death of a woman?"
    "Two women," corrected King Caedmon. "I am not sure exactly what transpired in Tarent this week, but I am certain that we shall not enjoy the repercussions of it."
    "I think you are making too much of it," shrugged King Hector. "While it is a sad occasion for any family to have to bury loved ones, it is nothing that is going to change the relationships of our countries."
    "Isn't it?" retorted King Caedmon. "While the queen's death may have been unfortunate, there are indications that the death of the princess was a deliberate act. The murder of a royal has not occurred since the time of peace began. You too quickly forget the fear and suspicions that used to guide our forefathers in their time of leadership."
    "Surely, you do not think that King Eugeon suspects a foreign agent of murdering his sister?" gasped King Hector. "Why would any of us desire to do such a thing?"
    "I don't think it was foreign in origin," stated the Arin king, "but who knows what King Eugeon believes. The fact that none of us saw him after his wife's death disturbs me greatly. There are certain protocols that any royal family must adhere to, and King Eugeon has abandoned them."
    "You are blaming him for not interrupting his mourning to say goodbye to us?" scowled King Hector. "That is incredible. The man has suffered his worst fear, Caedmon. Let him grieve in peace and shove the niceties of office aside. I am surprised by your words."
    "I mean no disrespect to the Borundan king," clarified King Caedmon. "In fact, I grieve for him. His loss has been severe by any measure, but ask yourself this question, given the same circumstances, would you have hidden yourself for three days while all the kings of the Land of the Nine Kingdoms awaited you?"
    The Salacian king gave serious thought to the question as they walked down the stairs and towards the exit from the palace.
    "No," King Hector finally answered. "A ruler's kingdom comes before himself. The death of the queen was not just a loss to Eugeon, but also a loss to the citizens of Borunda, indeed a loss to all of the Land of the Nine Kingdoms. As much as it pained me, I would force myself to observe the public role that was my right and duty. It is an obligation that cannot be forsaken."
    "Now you understand," King Caedmon nodded in satisfaction. "King Eugeon has lost the will to lead his country. That will create a power vacuum in Borunda, and the type of people that step into such a void are not the type of people that will want to support peace among the kingdoms. There are harsh times ahead for all of us."
    "Surely, the king's advisor can support Eugeon until he is strong enough to resume his duties," suggested King Hector.
    "That is another thing that is bothering me," admitted King Caedmon. "I have known Lavitor for a long time. He has always been the epitome of protocol, yet he also appears to be in a fog. He reacted well the night of