“As Erland’s Knight-Marshal, Dulanic has control of vassal garrisons to Krondor. Upon his signature alone he could call up the garrisons at Durrony’s Vale and Malac’s Cross. If he ordered them to march to Sarth, they could join the garrison there and take ship for Crydee. It would be a hard march, but we could still bring them to Crydee by spring.”
“And no hardship to your father, either. I was going to tell you: I have heard Guy has sent soldiers from the Krondonan garrison to your father.”
Arutha said, “That seems strange. I can’t imagine Guy wishing to aid Father.”
Amos shook his head. “Not so strange. To your father it will seem as if Guy has been sent by the King only to aid Erland, for I suspect the rumors of Erland’s being a prisoner in his own palace are not as yet widespread. Also, it is a fine pretext to rid the city of officers and men loyal to the Prince.
“Still, it is no small boon to your father. From all accounts nearly four thousand men have left or are leaving for the north. That might be enough to deal with the Tsurani should they come against the Duke.”
Martin said, “But should they come against Crydee?”
“For that we must seek aid. We must get inside the palace and find Dulanic.”
“How?” Amos asked.
“It was my hope you might have a suggestion.”
Amos looked down, then said, “Is there anyone in the palace you know to be trustworthy?”
“Before, I could have named a dozen, but this business makes me doubt everyone. Who stands with the Viceroy and who with the Prince I can’t begin to guess.”
“Then we’ll have to nose about some more. And we’ll have to listen for news of likely ships for transport. Once we’ve hired a few, we’ll slip them out of Krondor one or two at a time, every few days. We’ll need at least a score to carry the men of three garrisons. Assuming you get Dulanic’s support, which brings us back to gaining entrance to the palace.” Amos swore softly. “Are you sure you wouldn’t care to chuck this business and become a privateer?” Arutha’s expression clearly showed he was unamused. Amos sighed. “I thought not.”
Arutha said, “You seem to know the underside of the city well, Amos. Use your experience to find us a way into the palace, even if through the sewer. I’ll keep my eyes open for any of Erland’s men who might wander through the great square. Martin, you’ll have to simply keep your ears open.”
With a long sigh of resignation, Amos said, “Getting into the palace is a risky plan, and I don’t mind telling you I don’t care for the odds.” He hiked his thumb at a nearby temple. “I may even bounce into Ruthia’s temple and ask the Lady of Luck to smile upon us.”
Arutha dug a gold coin from his purse and tossed it to Amos. “Say a prayer to the Lady for me as well I’ll see you back at the tavern later.”
Arutha strode off into the gloom, and Amos inclined his head toward the temple of the Goddess of Luck. “Care to make a votive offering, Martin?”
The night’s silence was ruptured by trumpets calling men to arms Arutha was the first to the window, thrusting aside the wooden shutters and peering through. With most of the city asleep, there were few lights to mask the glow in the east. Amos reached Arutha’s side, Martin a step behind.
Martin said, “Campfires, hundreds of them.” The Huntmaster glanced heavenward, marking the stars’ positions in the clear sky, and said, “Two hours to dawn.”
“Guy’s readying his army for the march,” said Arutha quietly.
Amos leaned far out the window. By craning his neck, he could catch a glimpse of the harbor. In the distance men were calling aboard ships “Sounds like they’re readying ships as well.”
Arutha leaned with both hands upon the table by the window. “Guy will send his foot soldiers by ship down the coast, into the Sea of Dreams, to Shamata, while his cavalry rides to the south. His foot will reach the city fresh enough to help bolster the defense, and when his horses arrive, they aren’t sick from traveling by ship. And they’ll arrive within days of one another.”