“What father isn’t?”
Tal remembered his own father. His people had been so different in their outlook on life. For a moment he felt a distressing stab of nostalgia, then forced it down. Dwelling on the past brought only pain. His father was ambitious in the way of the Orosini; he wanted Talon to be a good father, husband, and man of the village.
Finally, Tal said, “I think you’re right. My father wished me to succeed.”
“And you have,” said Burgess. “You’re Champion of the Masters’ Court and in service to Duke Kaspar of Olasko. You have a bright future ahead of you.” Seeing no one nearby, Burgess leaned closer. “And I can help make it bright for you, Tal.”
Lowering his voice, Tal said, “I’m listening.”
“Without knowing what you’re privy to, let’s say there are those here in Rillanon who would welcome a friend in Kaspar’s court.”
Tal sat back as if digesting the statement. “You want me to spy?”
Burgess shook his head and said, “Nothing of the sort, Tal. I have a desire to be presented to the Duke should I come to Olasko, and if you hear of this or that, something that might gain me and my associates a trading advantage, well, let’s say the rewards might prove generous.”
Tal again paused, then said, “How generous?”
“That depends,” said Burgess. “If you can get my trading consortium an audience with Duke Kaspar, you’ll be well rewarded. If we can arrange for trade concessions, you’ll be wealthy.”
Tal remained silent, as if pondering the offer. “As long as I don’t find myself violating my oath to the Duke.”
Burgess spread his hands. “We would never consider asking you to do something like that.”
“Well, I might be willing to see what I can do.”
“Wonderful. My offices are well-known; they are down by the dockside, not too far from the royal docks. Anyone there can direct you to me. Should you decide to cooperate, either come visit or send word. If I am back home with my wife when she returns, one of my associates will be there.” He stood up. “Now, Squire, I best be to bed. This has been a pleasant, if costly, night.” They shook hands, and Burgess departed.
Tal waited a few moments, then rose and crossed the room to where Amafi sat. “Wait, then follow. See if anyone comes behind me,” he said as he walked past.
Amafi nodded slightly as Tal departed.
Tal stepped out into the night air, aware that the city had fallen quiet. There were still plenty of signs of life, but none of the din that accompanied the business of the day. He walked along the cobbled road, heading toward the palace. He was going to be walking alone for at least half an hour, so he set his mind to thinking about what he needed to do next.
Either Burgess was an agent of the Isles’ Crown or he was as he said, an ambitious trader, but either way his first concern wasn’t serving the Duke or Tal’s enrichment. He would have to be carefully dealt with.
Halfway to the palace, Tal realized he was being followed. He kept alert for attack, but none came by the time he reached the palace gates. He identified himself to the guard on duty and informed him that his manservant would be along shortly, and that he didn’t speak a word of the King’s Tongue. The guard captain said they would send him along, and Tal reached his quarters without incident.
Less than a quarter of an hour later, Amafi entered the rooms. “Magnificence, it was as you thought. You were followed.”
“An agent of the King of the Isles, no doubt,” said Tal as he removed his boots.
“No, Magnificence. I recognized the man who followed.”
“Who was it?”
“Captain Prohaska. The Duke had you followed.”
“Ah,” said Tal. “That changes things.”
“What will you do, Magnificence?”
Tal motioned for Amafi to take away his dirty clothing. “Why, that’s obvious. Tomorrow I will go to the Duke and confess everything. Now, blow out the candle and go to sleep.”
Tal waited as the Duke considered a parchment message that had been delivered by messenger from Opardum. When he put it down, he said, “You wished to see me, Squire?”
Tal said, “Your Grace, last night I was approached by someone I believe to be an agent of the King of the Isles.”