Wizard of the Grove Read Online Free PDF

the bed and slung it artfully around the prince’s hips. “And because, milord,” he continued, firmly removing Rael’s hands when he tried to hitch the belt higher, “it is good policy for you to get to know the dukes.”
    â€œI know the dukes.” Rael held out a foot so Ivan could force it into a tight red leather boot. “Aliston will pay attention only to his food and perhaps grunt once or twice if Father addresses him directly. Cei will worry out loud and continuously. And Belkar . . .” A violent shove almost tore the second boot from Ivan’s hands. “I haven’t anything to say to Belkar.” Belkar’s daughter had been left at home.
    â€œThen the dukes must get to know you, milord.”
    â€œThey know me, Ivan.” His voice was suddenly bleak and his eyes flared. “And only Belkar looks at me.”
    The older man met the brilliance of the prince’s gaze without fear. “Someday they will see you, milord. And when they do, they will stop looking away.”
    Rael let the green burn brighter. “And what will they see,” he asked softly.
    Ivan smiled. “All that you are. All that you can be. All that you are not.”
    The unearthly fires were abruptly banked.
    â€œYou’re talking in riddles again, Ivan.” Grumbling, Rael went to have his dinner with the dukes.
    He had new people to know.
    â€œWhat I don’t understand,” he asked as Rutgar unbuckled his practice breastplate, “is why it’s such an honor to be an armsman.” The armor came free and he took a deep breath; the morning’s maneuvers had been particularly strenuous as the Elite honed itself for the battles to come. “I mean, you were moving up in the Palace Guard and now,” he shrugged himself free of the padded undertunic, “now, you’re just a well-armed servant.” He winced. “Uh, no offense, Rutgar.”
    â€œNone taken, Commander.” The armsman bent so Rael could reach his buckles in turn. “Perhaps you haven’t noticed, but all the officers of the Elite were armsmen once. It is, after all, the best position to observe and learn in. Only the best are chosen to be armsmen.”
    Rael’s jaw dropped and the corners of Rutgar’s mouth twitched.
    â€œIf you’ll sit down, Commander, I’ll get those greaves.”
    And still the day to day governing of the land must go on.
    â€œYour Highness, please inform your father that unless something is done soon, the water situation in the camps will become desperate.”
    â€œPrince Rael, I must have more men if I am to make all the arrows ordered by the king.”
    â€œYoung sir, a moment of your time. The men of the camps have been tearing the town apart and I can’t get near the king.”
    â€œRael! Haven’t you got something to do?”
    â€œYes, Father, but . . .”
    â€œThen do it, lad!”
    â€œYes, sir.”
    There could be no letting up of the pressure, no thought of taking more time to prepare. Not only was there an invasion to meet, but so many men in so little space would become a serious problem if the army lingered too long.
    Although it seemed as if he’d done enough work for two years, only two short weeks later Rael heard his father tell the dukes and the captains that they would march with the dawn.
    â€œAnd tonight, milord?” inquired a captain, one of Aliston’s by his badge.
    â€œTonight,” replied the king, hitching up his broad leather belt to get at an elusive itch, “I will ride amongst the men.”
    â€œThey’ll be glad to see you, Sire.”
    â€œI certainly hope so. Would you like to ride with me, son?” he asked, turning to Rael.
    â€œMe, sir?” Rael felt as if he hadn’t been out of the palace in months.
    â€œYes, you. If I have another son in this room I haven’t been told.”
    One of the captains snickered