The Sword and the Flame Read Online Free PDF

supplied.
    â€œWhen do you return?” Quentin asked. “Surely you will stay for the hunt.”
    â€œI have heard of the King’s Hunt!” exclaimed Wilkins. “In truth, I was hoping to be invited. Many of the villages we passed through on our way here told us of the hunt. Most described it as a most exceptional event.”
    â€œIt is more festival than hunt,” explained Toli. “There will be games of skill, minstrels, and a circus. Three days of celebration are given to it. People come from across all Mensandor to take part, or just to watch.”
    â€œWhat is the occasion of this festival?” asked Wilkins.
    â€œI do not know,” laughed the king. “The reason lies buried in the past. Tradition has it that the hunt was begun in Celbercor’s time. He used it as a means of helping recruit knights into his service. Legend tells that if a man could kill three boars in one day without dismounting or changing horses, he was made a knight before the sun set!”
    â€œThe hunt was not held in later years—while Eskevar was away at war. But we revived the custom,” said Toli.
    â€œYes, it was all Toli’s doing!” said Quentin. “He wanted to display his horses! What better way than a hunt?”
    Wilkins nodded knowingly. “These horses of yours, Master—I have heard of them also. Even in faraway Elsendor the Dragon King’s horses are highly regarded.”
    Just then there was a motion in the doorway, and Quentin looked up to see Queen Bria and Lady Esme step into the hall. Both were wearing light summer gowns of sendal: Bria’s was rose and Esme’s russet. He smiled broadly and went up to them. “Good evening, my love.” He kissed his wife. “Esme, I am so glad you have come. It is happiness itself to see you.” He pulled her to him in a glad embrace and kissed her cheek. “Welcome. I hope you have come prepared to remain with us a long time.”
    â€œThank you, Quentin. You are looking as fit as ever. Bria tells me the work on the temple continues apace.” Her eyes darted away from his momentarily.
    â€œYes,” replied Quentin. “The work goes on. But we can talk of that later. I imagine you would like to greet—” He turned, casting a quick glance behind him. “Where has he disappeared to all of a sudden? He was here but a moment ago.”
    â€œWho, my lord?”
    â€œToli. He was . . .” He gestured to the spot. Both Toli and Wilkins had gone. “Well, he is still as shy as the deer he grew up with. I am certain he will want to greet you in private, later.”
    From the other end of the hall, kitchen servants entered, carrying huge platters of food: venison and pork, roast fowl and game, freshly picked vegetables, and round loaves of brown bread, hot from the oven.
    â€œLet us be seated,” said Bria. Already the benches on either side of the long lower table were being filled. Esme’s traveling company had found friends among the courtiers of the king’s household. A wandering bard had been invited to attend the meal and was now moving among the guests at tables, singing nonsense rhymes and taking requests for stories he would tell after dinner. Laughter followed him as he moved along the tables.
    The great room was bright and the spirit cheerful. “See what your coming has done?” cried Quentin, leading them to the high table. “I have not seen such good humor in . . . well, in many a season.”
    â€œYou are kind, Quentin. But it is well known that the Dragon King’s table is ever gracious and that merriment abounds.” Esme glanced around her, and her face took on a lighter aspect. “It is just as I remembered it . . . just as I hoped it would be.”
    Bria pressed her hand and drew her to a chair. Durwin entered and approached them, making many apologies for being late, and then greeted Lady Esme with a warm hug. As they