TWO HEADS TWO SPIKES (The Pearl of Wisdom Saga) Read Online Free PDF Page B

told you why. You know that Anders has come to Mattingly many times. I have to return the favor, it is practical business. He is our biggest trading partner, helps keep our people happy and is a genuine friend. That is a rare feat in these crazy times,” Jon told his wife .
    I don’t trust Anders for a moment , Riceros thought as the conversation continued.
    “What about me?” “And me?” Ryno and Ruxin asked respectively.
    Jon gazed over at his sons, “I bid that both of you sit in on the council meetings and help make decisions for your future region. Mattingly is going to be under your control someday.”
    The two boys confidently nodded in silence. Ryno was sixteen and Ruxin fifteen but they had been trained for this their entire lives .
    I could run those meeting better than my two brothers put together if I could just talk , Riceros thought again.
    “As for you, young lady, I bid that you help your mother in her state,” Jon told Mariah.
    “Aaww, that’s all I get to do. The boys get to rule, and I get to brush hair,” she said with a snotty look.
    “If the person who brought you into this world is not important enough...?” Jon Colbert let the question linger.
    Mariah finally replied, “That’s not what I meant and you know it father. Of course I can help my mother. I would just like to help with other family responsibilities too.”
    “Alright Mariah, talk with your mother about these boring council meetings while I am gone. She has sat in on enough of them to tell you all you want to know. When I return from Gama Traka, if you still desire to attend meetings, then we shall find a seat for you at the table,” Jon responded.
    That is why they call him the Deal Maker .
    Riceros’ brothers had told him about the many nicknames Jon Colbert possessed but people widely knew him as the Deal Maker because of his sharp negotiation acumen. Mariah concurred, of course; Jon always struck beneficial deals for both sides. Most men of the day were wholly unreasonable and trust was a dying breed in this world.
    “And for you, little man, I have a task for you too,” Jon said as he looked at Riceros. “I bid that you help Count Sproul run the local arbitration meetings. What be your thoughts? Can you do it?”
    Riceros smiled with a look of assurance.
    Sweet, sugary rhubarb scented air teased Riceros’ nose. Excitement circled around the family table as the delectable pastries were placed before them. The entire family mightily enjoyed the rhubarb pie. He would need someone to go to the kitchens with him later to read his thankful words to the cooks. They loved him for what a humble highborn lad he was. Riceros acknowledged those who deserved credit, regardless of birthright. But because they couldn’t read and Riceros didn’t speak, he required an interpreter. He was already ever gracious at eleven because of his upbringing, even though it could be difficult to communicate. He bit into the pastry and instantly dragons crashed into the imagination of Riceros Colbert as they often did, but they weren’t angry dragons. The warm rhubarb filling ran down the side of his mouth as Riceros daydreamed about riding a golden dragon.

THE COUNCIL MEETING
 
ALI-STER
    Ali-Ster Wamhoff sat to the right of the King, across from Ali-Varis. Prince Ali-Varis, his forty-seven year old brother, stood in line as heir to the throne. He occupied the seat of the King’s Falconer, working as the top advisor to the King. The Falconer needed to be strong, questioning the King’s unwise decisions but Ali-Varis barely even paid attention during the meetings. His mental fires burned dim and the successor to the King spent most of the meetings daydreaming while staring out the window.
    In comparison, the eighteen year old Ali-Ster stood a solid six feet tall with the fire red hair of a true Wamhoff. Ali-Ster had brown eyes and a chiseled body. He scratched his long, lightly freckled face. The young man known as Crimson-Thunder reveled in