Martin watched Arutha, waiting for an answer. The Prince’s manner was truculent to all outward appearances, but that was only what the others in the room saw. Martin knew that his brother was wrestling with the unanticipated shock of the moment and the desire that nothing interfere with his mission to find and kill Murmandamus. Martin glanced around the room and could see that Amos and Armand both seemed concerned at the lack of a quick response from Arutha.
When no answer was forthcoming, Guy slammed his hand down on the table. “Play not with my patience, Arutha.” He pointed his finger. “You are not a prince in this city. In Armengar only one voice commands, and that voice is mine!” He sat back, his face flushed behind the black eye patch. Softening his voice, he said, “I . . . mean no rudeness. I have my mind on other things.” He lapsed into thoughtful silence while he stared at them for a long time. At last he said, “I have no idea what you are doing here, Arutha, but something of the oddest nature is dictating your choices, or you didn’t learn a damn thing from your father. The Prince of Krondor and two of the most powerful dukes in the Kingdom, Salador and Crydee, riding into the Northlands with a mercenary, a Hadati hillman, and two boys? Either you’re totally without wit or you’re clever far beyond my understanding.”
Arutha remained silent, but Martin said, “There have been changes since you were last in the Kingdom, Guy.”
Guy again lapsed into silence. “I think there is a story here I need to know. I cannot promise you aid, but I think our purposes may prove compatible.” He said to Amos, “Find them better quarters and feed them,” and to Arutha, “I’ll give you until the morning. But when we speak next, do not again tempt my patience. I must know what brought you here. It is vital. You may seek me out before tomorrow if you decide to speak.” His voice again became heavy with some emotion. “I should be here most of the night.”
With a wave he indicated that Amos was to lead them away. Arutha and Martin followed the seaman out of the hall, and Amos halted once the door was closed. He looked at Arutha and Martin for a long moment. “For a couple of bright lads, you both did right well in showing how to be stupid.”
Amos wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. He belched and then stuffed another slice of bread and cheese into his mouth. “Then what?”
“Then,” answered Martin, “when we got back, Anita had Arutha’s pledge within an hour and Carline and Laurie were betrothed not long after.”
“Ha! Remember that first night out of Krondor aboard the Sea Swift? You told me your brother was a hooked fish - never stood a chance.”
Arutha smiled at the remark. They were all sitting around a large basket of food and a hogshead of ale, in a spacious room in a suite given over to their use. There were no servants - food had been brought by soldiers -and they served themselves. Baru scratched absently at Blutark’s ear while the dog chewed on a joint of beef. No one had seemed concerned about the Beasthound’s staying with the Hadati. Then Arutha said, “Amos, we’ve been chatting for a half hour. Will you tell us what’s going on? How in the world did you get here?”
Amos looked about. “What’s going on is you’re prisoners, of sorts, and so you’ll stay until One-eye changes things. Now, I’ve seen my share of cells, and this is the nicest I’ve ever seen.” With a sweep of his hand he indicated the large and spacious room. “No, if you’ve a mind to be in prison, this here’s a good one.” His eyes narrowed. “But don’t lose sight it is a prison, laddie. Look, Arutha. I spent enough years with you and Martin here to know something about you. I don’t remember you being such a suspicious lot, so I expect some things over the last two years have caused you to trim sails that way. But here you’ve got to live, breathe, and eat trust, or you’re dead. Do you understand me?”
“No,” answered the Prince. “Just what do you mean?”
Amos thought a long moment, then said, “This is a city of people surrounded by nothing but enemies. Trust of your neighbour is a way of life if you want to keep breathing.” He paused and considered. “Look, I’ll tell you how we came here and then maybe you’ll understand.”
Amos settled back, poured himself another mug of ale and began his story. “Well, the last I saw you two was as I was sailing out of the harbour aboard your brother’s ship.” Martin and Arutha both smiled in remembrance. “Now, if you’ll recall, you had everyone in the city out looking for Guy. You didn’t find him, because he was hiding somewhere no one thought to look.”
Martin’s eyes opened in wonder, one of the few unguarded reactions any of those in the room had ever seen in him. “On the King’s ship!”