To Solon, Arutha said, “You serve your god well.”
The High Priest added, “He is our good and faithful servant. He shall be elevated to replace Michael of Salador. Solon, we entrust to you the leadership of the Brothers of Ishap’s Hammer, and entrust to you the safekeeping of the Hammer of Luc d’Orbain.”
“I am honored, Father,” said the monk.
To the others in the room, the High Priest said, “Your bravery, and the strength of your spirit, have restored to us that which is the cornerstone of our faith. The Temple of Ishap owes you all its eternal gratitude.”
Arutha said, “As does the court of Krondor to you, Brother Solon.” Looking at William, he added, “You’ve acquitted yourself admirably, Lieutenant. You’re an honor to the Household Guard.”
William bowed.
“Guildsman Kendaric,” said Arutha.
The wrecker stepped forward and bowed. “Highness.”
“You’ve done the Crown a great service. We are in your debt. We understand that with the death of your master, the Guild is currently in disarray. As it is a patent guild, dependent upon the Crown’s favor, it is our desire that you assume the rank of Guild Master and restore your fellowship.”
“Your Highness,” said Kendaric. “I am honored, but the Guild is in ruin. Jorath’s embezzlement left us without a copper, the other journeymen who’ve left . . .”
“We shall attend to those details. The Crown is not ungenerous to those who serve us. We shall restore your treasury and ensure you recover.”
“Your Highness is most generous,” said the new Guild Master.
Then Arutha said, “Lady Jazhara. You have proven my choice of court magician a wise one.”
Jazhara inclined her head and said, “Highness.”
The Prince of Krondor rarely smiled, but this time his expression was almost expansive. With pride in his eyes, he said, “James, as always you are a good and faithful servant. You have my personal thanks.” He stood, and said, “You’ve all done well.”
James spoke on behalf of the others. “Our duty and our pleasure, sire.”
“I have asked that a celebration in your honor be readied for tonight,” Arutha said. “Retire to your quarters and return this evening as my guests.”
He departed the throne room, motioning for James to follow him.
Jazhara turned to Solon and said, “Will you join us?”
“Nay, lass,” said the large monk from Dorgin. “As head of my order I must ensure the safety of the Tear until we reach Rillanon. It will not leave my sight until then. Fare you well, all of you.” He motioned for two monks who had stood silently in the corner to approach. They turned and bowed respectfully to the High Priest. The two monks fell in behind the High Priest and Brother Solon and left the room with the Tear.
William asked Kendaric, “What now?”
Kendaric said, “I will go to Morraine and bring her with me tonight. As Guild Master I will earn enough to satisfy even her family. We shall be wed as soon as we can.”
Jazhara said, “I am happy to hear that.”
Kendaric nodded enthusiastically. “I must hurry off. I’ll see you both later.”
William said, “May I escort you back to your quarters, lady?”
“No need,” said Jazhara. “I have to learn to find my way around this place sooner or later. If I get lost I’ll just ask a page for directions.”
William knew she knew the way. He smiled. “Until tonight.”
As he started to leave, she said, “William?”
“Yes, Jazhara?”
She stepped forward and lightly kissed his cheek. “It is good to be here with you again.”
He looked into her dark brown eyes and for a moment he was speechless. Then he returned the kiss and said, “Yes, it is good.”
They parted and went their separate ways.
Arutha sat behind his desk. “You can give me a full report tomorrow,” he said to James. “You look like you could use some rest before this evening’s festivities.”
“Well, four days’ riding was hardly restful, but most of the bruises and cuts are healing.”
“The Tear is safe, which is the main thing. What else did you discover?”
James said, “Of the Crawler, nothing. I think the man was one of several agents of a man called Sidi.”
William had told James all he knew of Sidi, both at the time of the attack on the Duke of Olasko, and during this latest encounter. James recounted what William had said to him, finishing with, “He seems to be a trader of some sort, a renegade, dealing with the goblins and those north of the mountains as well as those in more legitimate commerce. At least that’s what he appears to be.”
“You suspect more?”
“Much more. He just knew too much and . . .” James paused. “I caught but a glimpse of him on the cliffs above the beach while William fought with the pirate, Bear. He makes my skin itch, Highness. I think he’s much more than a mere trader.”
“A magician or a priest?”