The Wizard's Curse (Book 2) Read Online Free PDF

approached, he looked up and Tarkyn could see the strain on his face.
    “I’m really sorry, Tarkyn….” he began.
    Tarkyn waved a hand. “You have already apologised. Once is enough. I accept your apology.”
    Rainstorm let out a sigh of relief. “And are we still friends?”
    “Yes. We are still friends.” It looked as though he would say more but then changed his mind and said, “What needed to be said has been said. Let’s leave it behind us.”
    “But will you trust me to keep your confidence next time?”
    Tarkyn looked at him for a moment. “Probably. I don’t think you’ll pull a stunt like this again but you might blurt something out if you were angry. So, it would depend what it was.”
    Surprisingly, Rainstorm took this in good part. “Fair enough, Your Highness.”
    Tarkyn’s eyebrows twitched a little at Rainstorm’s use of his title. It suggested a certain distance in their relationship that had not been there before. But Tarkyn did not comment on it, deciding to give things time to repair. After all, he couldn’t berate Rainstorm one minute for being too familiar and then criticise him for being too formal the next.
    “Come on,” said Tarkyn, offering his hand. He pulled Rainstorm to his feet. “Let’s go back and plan our next moves.” He gave a little smile. “While we’re walking back, you can put their minds at rest about my wellbeing, if you like. You could also let them know my suggestions for future actions. That will give them time to think about it.”
    While Ancient Oak went out of focus to mindtalk with the others, Rainstorm frowned suspiciously at Tarkyn and asked, “What are you smiling at?”
    Tarkyn’s smile broadened. “Having all of you looking after me. It’s quite nice in its way.”
    “Haven’t you always had people looking after you?”
    Tarkyn considered for a moment before replying. “I suppose so. Certainly, in a practical or material sense. But most people looked after me as part of their role. Looking after my needs was the job that they were paid for.”
    “What?” Rainstorm looked profoundly shocked. “Did none of them genuinely care for you at all, Your Highness? I can’t believe that.”
    Tarkyn gave a rueful smile. “I’m sure some of them did but they would always have had the ulterior motive of making sure they kept their position in the Royal household.”
    “What about Danton? He seems to care about you.”
    Tarkyn put his head on one side. “You know, it has only been since he came to find me that I have really understood how much.” He shrugged, “The trouble with being a prince is that you just don’t know who would still be there if you didn’t have the power, money and influence.”
    “So why is it any different with us?” asked Ancient Oak, joining the conversation.
    Tarkyn was a little taken aback but made a recovery after a few moments’ thought.
    “I t feel s different. You two came to see if I was all right, not because I was in danger or because the oath required it. Waterstone spent hours, days, looking after me when I was recovering when there was no payment or requirement to.” He nodded at Rainstorm. “You came swimming with me in that freezing stream yesterday because you knew I’d been upset. You didn’t have to. You could have stood on the bank or not come down to the stream with me at all.”
    “Well, obviously we’re not interested in money but maybe we just want to share your power and influence,” suggested Ancient Oak, playing devil’s advocate.
    Now, a hint of uncertainty passed over Tarkyn’s face.
    “Stop it!” Rainstorm intervened firmly, “Tarkyn is only just learning to trust us, or anybody for that matter. Don’t confuse him.” He glanced up at the prince. “You were right the first time. We do care about you, above and beyond the oath. You know for a fact that I do, because I wasn’t even under the oath, to begin with. And I couldn’t give a toss for power and influence.”
    “I’m