Sorcerer of the North Read Online Free PDF

the knowledgeable and experienced Bartell, Norris could foresee a slightly easier time with this new, freshly commissioned Ranger. Will felt a slight pang of disappointment at the thought. Halt and Crowley, the Corps Commandant, had warned him that some fiefs saw their relationship with Rangers as antagonistic.
    Too many of them see it as an "us and them" situation, Crowley had said when he briefed Will for the posting. After all, it is part of our task to keep tabs on them, to assess their battle readiness and their level of skill and training. Some Barons and Battlemasters don't like that. They like to believe they're running their own race and they don't care to have Rangers watching over their shoulders.
    That had never been the way at Castle Redmont, Will knew. But then Halt and Arald had an excellent relationship and a deep level of mutual respect. He filed the thought away as he made polite small talk in reply to Norris's and Ergell's questions as to his trip.
    Ergell, he realized, was inviting him to dine with them in the castle. Will smiled politely as he offered his apologies. "Perhaps later in the week, my lord. It's not fair for me to disrupt your household. After all, you had no way of knowing that I would arrive today and I'm sure you had already finalized plans for the evening."
    "Of course, of course. Later in the week, when you're settled in," the Baron agreed. He was a likeable enough person, Will felt, in spite of his attempt to subtly undercut Will's authority. His smile was warm and welcoming. "Perhaps we can send something from our kitchens for you later on?"
    "No need for that, my lord. The woman Edwina has already left me a very creditable beef stew. From the aroma of it, I'll be more than satisfied for the evening."
    Ergell smiled in reply. "She's a fine cook, that's the truth," he said. "I've tried to tempt her to work for us here in the castle but to no avail, I'm afraid."
    Norris took a seat on one of the long benches that flanked the desk. "You've moved into Bartell's cottage then?"
    Will nodded. "Yes, Battlemaster. It seems comfortable enough."
    Ergell gave a short bark of laughter. "With Edwina's cooking laid on, I should think so," he agreed. But Norris was shaking his head.
    "Far more efficient for you to move in here at the castle," he said. "The Baron can let you have your own suite of rooms—a lot more comfortable than a rickety cabin in the woods. And you'd be closer at hand if we needed you."
    Will smiled, recognizing the ploy behind the innocent suggestion. By moving into the castle, he would be taking the first step toward a subtle shift in control. It mightn't happen immediately, but relinquishing his independence would be the thin end of the wedge. Also, the statement that he would be closer to hand if they needed him held an unspoken implication that he was at the castle's beck and call. He was aware that Ergell was watching him closely, waiting for his response.
    "The cabin is fine, thank you, Battlemaster," he said. "And it is traditional for Rangers to have their quarters apart from the castle."
    "Well, yes, traditional," said Norris dismissively. "Sometimes I think we give too much importance to things that are 'traditional.' "
    Ergell laughed again, breaking the slightly awkward silence that followed Norris's words. "Come now, Norris, we all know how the Rangers value tradition. Just remember," he added to Will, "the offer stands. If that cabin grows too cold and drafty in the dead of winter, you'll always have a suite of rooms available here in the keep."
    His quick glance told the Battlemaster that the subject was not to be pursued further. To his credit, Norris shrugged and complied. Will couldn't really blame them for trying to influence him. He could imagine how galling it might be to have someone quietly standing by, day in, day out, watching over your shoulder as you went about your work, submitting reports to the King on your abilities and activities. Particularly when