Jimmy did not hesitate. He dashed back to where Arutha had been only a few minutes before and, not finding him, headed for the great hall. The number of people before the palace made it difficult to move quickly. Seeing hundreds of strange faces in the corridors suddenly filled Jimmy with alarm. In the months since Arutha and he had returned from Moraelin with Silverthorn to cure the stricken Anita, they had become lulled by the commonplace, everyday quality of palace life. Suddenly the boy saw an assassin’s dagger in every hand, poison in every wine cup, and a bowman in every shadow. Struggling past celebrants, he hurried on.
Jimmy darted through the press of nobles and other less distinguished guests in the great hall. Near the dais a clot of people were deep in conversation. Laurie and Carline were speaking with the Keshian Ambassador, while Arutha mounted the steps toward his throne. A band of acrobats was hard at work in the centre of the hall, forcing Jimmy to skirt the clearing made for them, while dozens of citizens looked on in appreciation. As he moved through the press, Jimmy glanced up at the windows of the hall, the deep shadows within each cupola haunting him with memories. He felt anger at himself as much as anyone. He above all others should remember what a menace could lurk in such places.
Jimmy darted past Laurie and reached Arutha’s side as the Prince sat on his throne. Anita was nowhere in sight. Jimmy glanced at her empty throne and inclined his head. Arutha said, “She’s gone to look in on the babies. Why?”
Jimmy leaned near Arutha. “My former master sends a message. Nighthawks have returned to Krondor.”
Arutha’s expression turned sombre. “Is this speculation, or a certainty?”
“First, the Upright Man would not send whom he sent unless he counted the matter critical, needing quick resolution. He exposed one high in the Mockers to public scrutiny. Second, there is - was - a young gambler by name Tyburn Reems who was often seen about in the city. He had some special dispensations from the Mockers. He was permitted things few men not of our guild are permitted. Now I know why. He was a personal agent of my former master. Reems is now dead. My guess is the Upright Man was alerted to the possibility of the Nighthawks’ return and Reems was sent to discover their whereabouts. They are once again hidden somewhere in the city. Where, the Upright Man does not know, but he suspects somewhere near the old smugglers’ warren.”
Jimmy had been speaking to the Prince while glancing about the hall. Now he turned to look at Arutha and words failed him. Arutha’s face was a hard mask of controlled anger, almost to the point of a grimace. Several nearby had turned to stare at him. In a harsh whisper he said to Jimmy, “So it’s to begin again?”
Jimmy said, “So it would seem.”
Arutha stood. “I’ll not become a prisoner in my own palace, with guards at every window.”
Jimmy’s eyes roamed the hall, past where the Duchess Carline stood charming the Keshian Ambassador. “Well and good, but this one day your house is overrun with strangers. Common sense dictates you retire to your suite early, for if ever there was a golden chance to get close to you, it is now.” His eyes kept passing from face to face, seeking some sign that something was amiss. “If the Nighthawks are again in Krondor, then they are in this hall or en route as night approaches. You may find them waiting between here and your own quarters.”
Suddenly Arutha’s eyes widened. “My quarters! Anita and the babies!”
The Prince was off, ignoring the startled faces about him, Jimmy at his heels. Carline and Laurie saw something was wrong and followed.
Within moments a dozen people trailed behind the Prince as he hurried down the corridor. Gardan had seen the hasty exit and had fallen in beside Jimmy. “What is it?”
Jimmy said, “Nighthawks.”
The Knight-Marshal of Krondor needed no further warning. He grabbed at the sleeve of the first guard he met in the hall, motioning for another to follow. To the first he said, “Send for Captain Valdis and have him join me.”
The soldier said, “Where will you be, sir?”
Gardan sent the man off with a shove. “Tell him to find us.”
As they hurried along, Gardan gathered nearly a dozen soldiers to him. When Arutha reached the door to his quarters, he hesitated a moment, as if fearful to open the door.
Pushing open the door, he discovered Anita sitting next to the cribs wherein their sons slept. She looked up and at once an expression of alarm crossed her features. Coming to her husband, she said, “What is it?”
Arutha closed the door behind him, motioning for Carline and the others to wait without. “Nothing, yet.” He paused a moment. “I want you to take the babies and visit your mother.”
Anita said, “She would welcome that,” but her tone left no doubt she understood there was more here than she was being told. “Her illness is past, though she still doesn’t feel up to travel. It will be a treat for her.” Then she fixed Arutha with a questioning look. “And we shall be more easily protected in her small estate than here.”
Arutha knew better than to attempt to hide anything from Anita. “Yes. We again have Nighthawks to worry about.”
Anita came to her husband and rested her head against his chest. The last assassination attempt had nearly cost her life. “I have no fear for myself, but the babies . . .”
“You leave tomorrow.”