“I wanted some time to think, Arutha. I have had little time alone and wanted to put things in order.” His voice was tired and troubled.
Arutha sat next to his brother “What sort of things?”
“This war, Father, you, I”—he thought of Martin— “other things . . . Arutha, I don’t know if I can be King.”
Arutha raised his eyebrows a little. “It is not as if you had a choice, Lyam. You will be King, so make the best of it.”
“I could refuse the crown in favor of my brother,” said Lyam slowly, “as Erland renounced it in favor of Rodric.”
“And what a fine kettle of soup that became. Should you want a civil war, that would be one way to get it. The Kingdom cannot afford a debate in the Congress of Lords. There are still too many wounds to be healed between East and West. And du Bas-Tyra is still at large.”
Lyam sighed. “You would make a better king, Arutha.”
Arutha laughed. “Me? I am little pleased at the prospect of being Prince of Krondor Look, Lyam, when we were boys, I envied you the affection you gained so quickly People always preferred you to me. As I grew older, I understood it wasn’t that I was disliked; it was simply there was something about you that brings out trust and love in people. That is a good quality for a king to possess. I never envied the fact you would follow Father as Duke, nor do I now envy your crown. I once thought I might take some time after the war to travel, but now that will not be possible, for I must rule Krondor. So do not wish this additional burden of the entire Kingdom upon me. I would not take it.”
“Still, you would make a better king.” Lyam caught Arutha’s gaze and held it.
Arutha paused, frowned, then fixed his brother with a skeptical look. “Perhaps, but you are to be King, and I expect you will remain King for quite some time.” He stretched as he rose. “I am for bed. It has been a long and hard day.” Nearing the entrance to the tent, he said, “Ease your doubts, Lyam. You will be a good ruler. With Caldric to advise you, and the others, Kulgan, Tully, and Pug, you will lead us through this time of rebuilding.”
Lyam said, “Arutha, before you go . . .” Arutha waited, as Lyam made a decision. “I wish you to go with Kulgan and Pug to Sorcerer’s Isle. You’ve been there once before, and I’d like your judgment on what is found there.” Arutha was displeased and started to object. Lyam cut him off. “I know you wish to go to Krondor, but it will take only a few days. There will be twelve days between the time we reach Rillanon and the coronation, ample time for you to join us.”
Arutha again began to object, then with a wry smile, acceded. “Trust in yourself, Lyam. If I won’t take the crown, you’re left with it.” As he departed the tent, he added with a laugh, “There’s no other brother to claim it.”
Lyam sat alone, absently sipping at his wine. With another long sigh he said to himself, “There is one other, Arutha, and may the gods help me decide what is right to do.”
THIRTY-THREE - Legacy
The ship dropped anchor.
The crew secured the sails aloft while the landing party made ready Meecham watched the preparation of the longboat. The magicians were anxious to reach the castle of Macros, for they had more questions than the others. Arutha was also curious, after resigning himself to the voyage. He found he also had little desire to take part in the long funeral procession that had left from Ylith the day they sailed. He had buried his grief for his father deep inside and would deal with it in his own time. Laurie had stayed with Kasumi to aid the assimilation of the Tsurani soldiers into the LaMutian garrison, and would meet them later in Rillanon.
Lyam and his nobles had shipped for Krondor, escorting the bodies of Borric and Rodric. They would be joined by Anita and Carline, then all would convey the dead in a procession of state to Rillanon, where they would be laid to rest in the tomb of their ancestors. After the traditional period of twelve days’ mourning, Lyam would be crowned King. By then all who would attend the coronation would have gathered in Rillanon. Pug and Kulgan’s business should be completed in ample time for them to reach the capital.
The boat was readied, and Arutha, Pug, and Kulgan joined Meecham. The longboat was lowered, and six guards bent their backs to the oars.
The sailors had been greatly relieved that they were not required to accompany the landing party, for in spite of the magicians’ reassurances, they had no desire to set foot upon Sorcerer’s Isle.
The boat was beached, and the passengers stepped out. Arutha looked about. “There seems to have been no change here since we last came.”