Arutha fought back a choking sensation. His face was a grim mask as he moved back to Anita, Amos, and Martin. Word had spread that the Princess of Krondor was upon the wharf. The soldiers who had ridden with Fannon and Gardan formed a quiet ring around her, keeping the townsfolk at a respectful distance, while Arutha shared the sad news with Amos and Martin.
Soon the horses arrived and they were in the saddle, riding toward the castle. Arutha spurred his horse on and was dismounted before the others had entered the courtyard. Most of the household staff awaited him, and with little ceremony he shouted to Housecarl Samuel, “The Princess of Krondor is guesting with us. See rooms are made ready. Escort her to the great hall and tell her I will join her shortly.”
He hurried through the entrance of the keep, past guards who snapped to attention as their Prince strode by. He reached Carline’s suite and knocked upon the door.
“Who is it?” came the soft voice from within.
“Arutha.”
The door flew open, and Carline rushed into her brother’s arms, holding him tightly. “Oh, I’m so glad you are back. You don’t know how glad.” She stepped back and looked at him. “I’m sorry. I was going to ride down to meet you, but I just couldn’t seem to gather myself together.”
“Fannon just told me. I’m so very sorry.”
She regarded him calmly, her face set in an expression of acceptance. She took him by the hand and led him to her chambers. Sitting upon a divan, she said, “I always knew it might happen. It was the silliest thing, you know. Baron Tolburt wrote a very long letter, the poor man. He saw so little of his son and was stricken.” Tears began to come, and she swallowed hard, looking away from Arutha. “Roland died . . .”
“You don’t have to tell me.”
She shook her head. “It’s all right. It hurts . . .” Again tears came, but she spoke through them. “Oh, it hurts, but I’ll get over the pain. Roland taught me that, Arutha. He knew there were going to be risks, and should he die, I’d have to keep living my own life. He taught me well I think because I finally learned how much I loved him, and told him so, I gained the strength to cope with this loss.
“Roland died trying to save some farmer’s cows.” Through the tears, she smiled. “Isn’t that like him? He spent the entire winter building up the fort, and then the first time there’s trouble, it’s some hungry Tsurani trying to steal some skinny cows Roland went riding out with his men to chase them away, but got shot by an arrow. He was the only one hurt, and he died before they could get him back to the fort.” She sighed long. “He was such a jester at times, I almost think he did it on purpose.”
She began to weep, and Arutha watched in silence. Quickly she regained control over herself and said, “No good comes from this, you know.” She rose and looked out a window and said, quietly, “Damn this stupid war.”
Arutha came over to her, holding her tightly for a moment. “Damn all wars,” he said.
For a few more minutes they were quiet, then she said, “Now tell me, what news from Krondor?”
Arutha gave her a brief account of his experiences in Krondor, half his attention on her. She seemed much more accepting of Roland’s loss than she had when grieving for Pug. Arutha shared her pain, but also felt certain she would be all right. He was pleased to discover just how much Carline had matured over the last few years. When he finished telling of Anita’s rescue, Carline interrupted “Anita, the Princess of Krondor, is here?”
Arutha nodded, and Carline said, “I must look a fright, and you bring the Princess of Krondor here. Arutha, you are a monster.” She rushed to a polished metal mirror and fussed with her face, daubing at it with a damp cloth.
Arutha smiled. Under the mantle of mourning, his sister still showed a spark of her natural spirit.
Combing her hair out, Carline turned to face her brother. “Is she pretty, Arutha?”
Arutha’s wry smile was replaced by a grin. “Yes, I’d say she is pretty.” Carline studied Arutha’s face. “I can see I’ll have to get to know her well.” She put down her comb and straightened her gown. Extending her hand to him, she said, “Come, we can’t keep your young lady waiting.”
Hand in hand they left the room and walked down the stairs to the main hallway, to welcome Anita to Crydee.
TWENTY-SIX - Great One
An abandoned house overlooked the city.