The High Priest looked defeated. “Only three, Highness. The majority of our warrior brothers were on Ishap’s Dawn, guarding the Tear of the Gods.”
James ventured, “Father, given how many were slaughtered here in Krondor, my best advice is to retrieve the Tear and get it safely on its way to Rillanon before Bear realizes it’s not still at the bottom of the sea.”
Arutha was silent for a moment, then said, “I will accede to James’s plan.” To James he said, “As for that ‘distraction’: order the Pathfinders out immediately, to find Bear’s trail. Have William muster a full patrol of Household Guards to follow swiftly after them. From what you report, William has ample motivation to press Bear and harry him through the wilderness. Bear may be resistant to magic, but I warrant he might be troubled enough by two dozen swords to keep moving. And tell William that should he overtake Bear, the death mark is on this man and he may deal with him as he sees fit. That should be ‘distraction’ enough.”
“And the Tear?” asked James.
“You and Jazhara go to the Wreckers’ Guild and secure enough members to raise a ship. Gather them quietly at some point outside the city, leaving the city in twos and threes, then meet at one of the villages on the way to Sarth. Then ride quickly to . . .”
“Widow’s Point,” supplied James.
“Widow’s Point,” repeated Arutha, “and get on with recovering the Tear.”
James bowed and said, “How many shall we take with us?”
“I want you, Jazhara, and whoever you get from the Guild, along with Brother Solon, to depart at first light tomorrow. I will send a patrol the next day, and have them go to . . .” He looked at Gardan. “What’s the nearest town to Widow’s Point?”
Without looking at a map, Duke Gardan said, “Haldon’s Head. It lies upon the bluffs overlooking the Point. It’s a refuge for scavengers who pick over the wrecks there, but for the most part is a sleepy village.”
‘Too close, sire,” said James. “If Bear has agents near the wreck, they will almost certainly be in Haldon’s Head. Our arrival alone will cause a stir, unless we depart within a day or so. It’s certain the appearance of an unscheduled patrol will alert Bear’s men.”
“What is the next village to the south?” asked Arutha.
“Miller’s Rest,” said the duke.
“Then station them there. As soon as you get the Tear, James, hurry south to Miller’s Rest and the patrol will escort you back to Krondor. If you encounter more than you can handle, send someone down to Miller’s Rest and the patrol will ride to your relief. Is that clear?”
“Yes, sire,” said James, bowing.
To the High Priest, Arutha said, “Father, go and make whatever arrangements you must and have your man meet James outside the gates two hours after first light, at the first crossroads.
“James, you take those men from the Wreckers’ Guild, and leave with half of them at first light. Jazhara and the others from the Guild will leave one hour after that. You should all blend in with the normal traffic leaving the city at dawn.” Looking at James, the Prince added, “Need I stress caution?”
With his almost insolent grin, James said, “Caution it is, Highness.”
Arutha pointed an accusing finger. “We have seen much together, James - more than most men in a dozen lifetimes - but this task is equal to any set before you. Acquit yourself well, for the fate of us all rests in your hands.”
James bowed. “I will, Highness.”
To Jazhara, Arutha said, “I trust you will remind our young adventurer of the gravity of this task.”
She bowed as well. “If need be, Highness.”
“Then go, all of you, and may the gods smile upon your efforts.”
Outside the throne room, James held Jazhara back until at last Duke Gardan emerged from the room. “Your Grace?” James said.
The duke turned, his dark features creased like old leather, but his eyes still bright and alert. “What is it, Squire?”
“Could I prevail upon you to send word to the Officer of Stores that we’ll be down to equip ourselves for this journey?”
“Some problem?” asked the duke.
James grinned sheepishly. “My credibility of late has suffered, as I have used the Prince’s name a little too often - “
“Without Arutha’s knowledge,” finished Gardan. He returned the smile. “Very well, I’ll send word at once.”
James said, “When do you finally retire? I thought your departure was agreed upon.”
“I was due to leave for Crydee in a month; now I do not know,” he answered with an almost theatrical sigh. “When you stop bringing crises to the Prince, I think.”
With an impish grin, James said, “I think if that’s the case, you’ll still be here in another ten years.”
“I hope not,” the duke said, “but I will most certainly be here when you return. No one is spared duty until this crisis is resolved. Now, go about your business.” To Jazhara he bowed, and said, “Milady.”
“Your Grace,” they said in unison.
After the old duke had departed, Jazhara said, “What now?”
James said, “To the Sea Gate and the Wreckers’ Guild.”