Pug laughed. “I guess you’re right. And in some ways you are also unchanged, or at least you still have the knack of rattling men if friend Laurie’s reaction is any measure.”
She smiled at him, her face radiant, and Pug knew a faint tugging, an echo of what he had felt when he was a boy. But now there was no discomfort, for he knew he would always love Carline, though not in the way he had imagined as a boy. More than any tumultuous passion, or the deep bond he had with Katala, he knew what he felt was affection and friendship.
She pursued his last comment. “That beautiful blond man who was with you a few minutes ago? Who is he?”
Pug smiled knowingly. “Your most devoted subject, from all appearances. He is Laurie, a troubadour from Tyr-Sog, and a rascal of limitless wit and charm. He has a loving heart and a brave spirit, and is a true friend. I’ll tell you sometime of how he saved my life at peril of his own.”
Carline again cocked her head to one side. “He sounds a most intriguing fellow.” Pug could see that while she was older and more self-possessed and had known sorrow, much about her remained unchanged.
“I once, in jest, promised him an introduction to you. Now I am sure he would be most delighted to make Your Highness’s acquaintance.”
“Then we must arrange it.” She rose. “I fear I must go make ready for the coronation. Any time now the bells will sound and the priests will arrive. We shall speak again, Pug.”
Pug came to his feet as well. “I shall enjoy it, Carline.”
He presented his arm. A voice from behind said, “Squire Pug, may I speak with you.”
They turned around and found Martin Longbow standing some distance away, farther back in the garden. He bowed to the Princess. Carline said, “Master Longbow! There you are I’ve not seen you since yesterday.”
Martin smiled slightly. “I’ve had a need to be alone. In Crydee when such a mood strikes, I return to the forest. Here”—he indicated the large terraced garden—“this was the best I could manage.”
She looked quizzically at him, but shrugged off the remark. “Well, I expect you will manage to attend the coronation. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must be off.” She accepted their polite good-byes and left.
Looking at Pug, Martin said, “It is good to see you once again, Pug.”
“And you, Martin. Of all my old friends here, you are the last to greet me. Except for those still in Crydee I’ve yet to see, you’ve made my homecoming complete.” Pug could see Martin was troubled. “Is something wrong?”
Martin looked out over the garden, toward the city and sea beyond. “Lyam told me, Pug. He told me you know as well.”
Pug understood at once. “I was there when your father died, Martin,” he said, his voice remaining calm.
In silence Martin began to walk, and when he came to the low stone wall around the garden he gripped it hard. “My father,” he said, bitterly. “How many years I waited for him to say, ‘Martin, I am your father.’ ” He swallowed hard. “I never cared for inheritance and such things I was content to remain Huntmaster of Crydee. If only he had told me himself.”
Pug thought over his next words. “Martin, many men do things they regret later. Only a few are granted the opportunity to make amends. Had a Tsurani arrow taken him quickly, had a hundred other things come to pass, he might not have had the chance to do what little he did.”
“I know, but still that is cold comfort.”
“Did Lyam tell you his last words? He said, ‘Martin is your brother. I have wronged him, Lyam. He is a good man, and well do I love him.’ ”
Martin’s knuckles turned white gripping the stone wall. Quietly he replied, “No, he did not.”
“Lord Borric was not a simple man, Martin, and I was only a boy when I knew him, but whatever else may be said of him, there was no meanness of spirit in the man. I don’t pretend to understand why he acted as he did, but that he loved you is certain.”
“It was all such folly. I knew he was my father, and he never knew I had been told by Mother. What difference in our lives had I gone to him and proclaimed myself?”
“Only the gods might know.” He reached out and touched Martin’s arm. “What matters now is what you will do. That Lyam told you means he will make public your birthright. If he’s already told others, the court will be in an uproar. You are the eldest and have the right of first claim. Do you know what you will do?”