Rise of a Merchant Prince. Raymond E. Feist

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      ‘Just about finished,’ answered Roo with a grin. ‘A couple of things more and I’ll be ready to go.’ He made a face. ‘Besides, there are soldiers wandering around town looking for you.’

      The sound of riders entering the inn’s courtyard cut short Erik’s reply. They left the forge and rounded the barn, entering the courtyard just as the Baron’s five guardsmen were getting ready to dismount.

      Erik recognized the leader, the corporal they had encountered two days before. ‘You,’ he said, pointing to Roo and Erik. ‘The Baron wants a word with you two.’

      Roo rolled his eyes heavenward, patting his tunic pocket to ensure he still carried his royal pardon. ‘Can’t this wait?’

      ‘No! But I’ll give you a choice: ride your own horse or I’ll be happy to drag you behind him.’

      Roo said, ‘I’ll get my horse.’

      A few minutes later, Roo and Erik were mounted and rode past the squad. The corporal said, ‘Wait a minute! Where do you think you’re going?’

      They slowed to let the corporal overtake them, then Erik said, ‘You came cantering in, yet your horses are barely winded and none of them are sweating. So you rode less than a mile to fetch us. Manfred’s camped in the old sheep meadow at the edge of town.’

      The corporal looked astonished, but before he could speak, Erik put heels to his horse’s barrel and was off at a canter, Roo a second behind. The squad followed suit, and soon the seven of them were hurrying through the town.

      A few minutes later they passed through the buildings at the east edge of town, and as Erik had predicted, they found Manfred’s field tent erected in the old sheep meadow where the King’s Highway intersected the road south.

      Erik dismounted and tossed the reins to a guardian standing near the entrance of the tent. As the five riders came up alongside, Erik regarded the corporal. ‘What’s your name?’ asked Erik.

      ‘Alfred,’ said the corporal. ‘Why?’

      Erik smiled. ‘I just wanted to know. Watch the horse.’ Roo and Erik moved to the tent and one of the soldiers there drew aside the flap.

      Sitting inside was Erik’s half brother Manfred. ‘I must confess, I never thought I’d see you two again,’ said the Baron, indicating they should sit, ‘considering the circumstances of our last meeting.’

      ‘At the time, I thought the same,’ answered Erik.

      Roo studied the half brothers. Manfred looked nothing like Erik. Erik was the mocking likeness of their father, the very fact of which had driven Manfred’s mother to demand Erik’s death over the murder of Stefan, her elder son. Manfred was his mother’s son. He was dark, intense, and handsome in a nervous way. He wore a neatly trimmed beard, a new affectation, and Roo thought it a little silly, though he kept that opinion to himself.

      ‘My lord the Duke of Salador, who as you may know is the King’s cousin, has ordered me to send a squad of men to Krondor, for special duty. No details of why or for how long are forthcoming. Do you know something about this?’

      Erik nodded. ‘Something.’

      ‘Will you tell me?’

      ‘I cannot.’

      ‘Cannot or will not?’

      ‘Both,’ said Erik. ‘I am the Prince’s man and obey his injunctions against speaking before I’m bidden.’

      ‘Well, if you have no objections, I’d like them to return to Krondor with you and your friend.’

      Erik sat back. ‘An escort?’

      Manfred smiled, and in that one expression there was a hint of the man who sired them both. ‘In a manner of speaking. As you are the Prince’s man in this, I’ll place them under your command. Being the dutiful soldier you are, I have no doubt you’ll hurry to bring them safely to our most noble Prince as quickly as possible.’

      Erik leaned forward. ‘If I could tell you, Manfred, I would. You will never know how much it meant to me for you to come see me in jail as you did; it was very kind of you. It made a difference. But when you finally do know why the Prince is commanding this levy, you’ll understand why I may not speak it now, and that it is of the utmost importance.’

      Manfred sighed. ‘Well, very good. I trust you’ll not be lingering in Ravensburg, either of you?’

      Erik raised an eyebrow. ‘I’m bound to be back at Krondor within the month, but Roo is a free man and may choose to stay.’

      Manfred smiled. ‘He may choose what he wishes, but if your friend is wise, he’ll quickly leave.’ He looked at Roo. ‘My mother has not forgiven either of you, and while I will not seek to do either of you injury, I cannot protect you from her agents. If you wish to live to an old age, you better do it elsewhere.’ He leaned over toward Erik, lowering his voice, and lost his smile. ‘You gain a significant protection by wearing that new tunic, Erik. Even here in sleepy Dark-moor we know of the Eagle of Krondor; you’re the Prince’s Man’s man. But your friend Rupert has no patronage and few friends. It’s better for everyone if you take him with you.’

      ‘I’m getting a cargo together and will be leaving in a couple of days with my cousin,’ said Roo.

      Manfred rose. ‘See that you do. It would be well for you both not to be in town when my mother learns you are alive and back within her reach.’ Glancing at the two men, he said, ‘Even in Krondor, watch your backs.’

      ‘What about the child?’ asked Erik.

      Manfred said, ‘Mother still doesn’t know of his existence, and I would like to see it kept that way for as long as possible.’ He looked troubled. ‘It’s a bit of a different story here than it was with you, Erik. The boy is Stefan’s baby, not her philandering husband’s; it’s her own grandson. But he’s a bastard, and as I have yet to wed …’

      ‘Understood.’

      ‘Your presence in Ravensburg might push her to side against the child: have you considered that?’

      Erik shrugged. ‘Not in that fashion. Truth to tell, Manfred, I’ve not been much of a thinker the last two years. Too much to do. Not enough time to ponder.’

      Manfred shook his head and said, ‘You’ve changed. You were the town lad when we met, and now … you’re a harder man, Erik.’

      Erik studied his brother’s face. ‘I think we both are.’

      Manfred rose and said, ‘I’m “out hunting,” so I’d better have something to show Mother when I return this evening to the castle. Be about your business and expect the levy to appear tomorrow at that inn you called home.’

      Erik followed the Baron outside. ‘One of these days I hope we can meet under more favorable circumstances.’

      Manfred laughed and again the resemblance showed itself. ‘I doubt it. Our fortunes and fates are very different, brother. As long as you live and I have no children, Mother sees you as a threat to her line. It’s that simple.’

      Dryly СКАЧАТЬ