Pug said, “With all those rewards being passed out, Kulgan, I’m surprised there was no mention of you. You’ve given faithful service to the King’s family as long as anyone save Tully and Fannon.”
Kulgan snorted. “Tully, Fannon, and I all met with Lyam yesterday, before we knew he was going to acknowledge Martin and throw the court into turmoil. He began to mumble something or another about offices and rewards and such, but we all begged off. When he began to protest, I told him I didn’t care what he did for Tully and Fannon, but if he tried to haul me up before all those people, I’d straightway turn him into a toad.”
Anita, overhearing the exchange, laughed. “So it is true!”
Pug, remembering the conversation he had with Anita in Krondor, so many years ago, joined in the merriment. He looked back on all that had occurred to him in the years since he had first chanced to come to Kulgan’s cottage in the forests, and reflected for a moment. After much risk and many conflicts he was safe with family and friends, with a great adventure, the building of the academy, yet to come. He wished that a few others—Hochopepa, Shimone, Kamatsu, Hokanu, as well as Almorella and Netoha—could share in his happiness. And he wished Ichindar and the Lords of the High Council could know the true reason for the betrayal on the day of peace. And most of all, he wished Tomas could have joined them.
“So thoughtful, husband?”
Pug snapped out of his mood and smiled “Beloved, I was thinking that in all things I am a most fortunate man.”
His wife placed her hand upon his and returned his smile. Tully leaned across the table and inclined his head toward the other end, where Laurie sat enraptured by Carline, who was laughing at some witticism he had made. It was obvious she found him as charming as Pug had promised; in fact, she looked captivated. Pug said, “I think I recognize that expression on Carline’s face. I think Laurie may be in for some trouble.”
Kasumi said, “Knowing friend Laurie, it is a trouble he will welcome.”
Tully looked thoughtful. “There is a duchy at Bas-Tyra now in need of a duke, and he does seem a competent enough young man Hmmm.”
Kulgan barked, “Enough! Haven’t you had your fill of pomp? Must you go marrying the poor lad off to the King’s sister so you can officiate in the palace again? Gods! They just met today!”
Tully and Kulgan seemed about to launch into another of their famous debates when Martin cut them both off “Let us change the subject. My head is awhirl, and we don’t need your bickering.”
Tully and Kulgan exchanged startled looks, then both smiled. As one they said, “Yes, my lord.”
Martin groaned while those close by joined in the laughter. Martin shook his head. “This seems so strange, after so much fear and worry such a short time back. Why, I nearly chose to go with Amos—” He looked up. “Where is Amos?”
Upon hearing the seaman’s name, Arutha also looked up from his conversation with Anita. “Where is that pirate?”
Martin answered. “He said something about arranging for a ship. I thought he was only making light, but I haven’t seen him since the coronation.”
Arutha said, “Arranging for a ship! The gods weep!” He stood and said, “With Your Majesty’s permission.”
Lyam said, “Go and fetch him back. From all you have told me, he warrants some reward.”
Martin stood and said, “I’ll ride with you.”
Arutha smiled. “Gladly.”
The two brothers hurried from the hall, making quick time to the courtyard. Porters and pages held horses for guests departing early. Arutha and Martin grabbed the first two in line, unceremoniously leaving two minor nobles without mounts. The two noblemen stood with mouths open, caught halfway between anger and amazement. “Your pardon, my lords,” shouted Arutha as he galloped his horse toward the gate.
As they rode through the gates of the palace, across the arched bridge over the river Rillanon, Martin said, “He said he would sail at sundown!”
“That gives us scant time!” shouted Arutha. Down winding streets they flew to the harbor.
The city was thick with celebrants, and several times they had to slow to avoid harming those who crowded the streets. They reached the harborside and pulled up their mounts.
A single guard sat as if sleeping before the entrance to the royal docks. Arutha jumped down from his horse and jostled the man. The guard’s helm fell from his head as he toppled over, slumping to the ground. Arutha checked him and said, “He’s alive, but he’ll have a head on him tomorrow.”
Arutha remounted and they hurried along Rillanon’s long dockside to the last wharf. Shouts from men in the rigging of a ship greeted them as they turned their horses toward the end of a long pier.
A beautiful vessel was slowly moving away from the docks, and as they pulled up, Martin and Arutha could see Amos Trask standing upon the quarterdeck. He waved high above his head, still close enough so they could see his grinning face. “Ha! It seems all ends well!”