Miranda said, ‘You make it all sound so pointless!’
‘If you look at it that way, yes,’ said Nakor. ‘But I like to think the point is we’re teaching God to do the correct thing - we’re correcting a baby - and that good is worth struggling for, that kindness is better than hatred, that creation is better than destruction, and many other things as well.’
‘Anyway,’ said Pug, ‘it’s far more of an academic question to the people living in the Kingdom.’
Calis said, ‘Nakor’s right.’
All eyes returned to Calis. ‘He has just made it possible for me to understand what it is that is being done and why I’m here.’
Miranda asked, ‘Why?’
Calis smiled. ‘I need to unlock the Lifestone.’
Erik drank deeply. The wine was a chilled white, a variety common to this part of the duchy. ‘Thank you,’ he said as he put down the flagon.
Prince Patrick, Owen Greylock, and Manfred von Darkmoor sat at a table with Erik. Around the room stood a half-dozen other nobles, some dressed like court dandies and others as dirty and blood-soaked as Erik.
Patrick said, ‘You’ve done well considering the rapidity with which Krondor fell.’
‘Thank you. Highness,’ said Erik.
Greylock said, ‘I just wish we had more time to prepare.’
Patrick said, ‘There is never enough time. We must trust that we have done enough so that we can hold them here, at Darkmoor.’
A messenger hurried in, saluted, and handed a message to Greylock. He opened it and said, ‘Ill news. The southern reserves are overrun.’
‘Overrun,’ said Patrick, slamming the table in frustration. ‘They were supposed to be cleverly hidden away, ready to strike at the enemy and bleed them from behind. What happened?’
Owen handed the scroll to the Prince, but he said for the benefit of the others in the room, ‘Kesh. She’s moved her army just south of Dorgin. The enemy’s southern wing was being pinched too tightly, and when they ran into the Keshians on one flank, and the dwarves ahead, they turned north and overran our fortification.’
‘Kesh has taken a hand?’ asked a tired-looking old noble whom Erik didn’t recognize.
‘It was to be expected,’ said Patrick. ‘If we survive this war, we’ll worry about Kesh after.’
‘What of Lord Sutherland?’ asked the noble.
‘The Duke of the Southern Marches is dead. Gregory as well as the Earl of Landreth died in the fighting. My lords, if this report is accurate, for all intents and purposes the southern reserves no longer exist,’ said Greylock.
One of the fancily dressed nobles said, ‘Perhaps we should consider falling back to Malac’s Cross, Highness?’
The Prince threw the man a withering look, but refused to dignify the suggestion with a comment. Looking at Erik, he said, ‘Those of you just in, please follow the squires outside to your quarters. You’ll find fresh clothing and a bath waiting. I’ll be pleased to dine with you in an hour’s time.’ He rose, and the others followed suit. ‘We’ll continue this discussion at dawn tomorrow. We will have more intelligence by then.’ He turned and left the room.
After the Prince had departed, Manfred motioned to Erik and Owen to move away from the door. ‘Well, we have an awkward situation, it seems, gentlemen.’
Erik nodded. ‘I understood what I was in for the moment I crossed the drawbridge.’
Owen said, ‘We are the Prince’s men, may I remind your lordship.’
Manfred waved away the comment. ‘Tell that to my mother.’ Then he gave a rueful smile. ‘Better yet, don’t.’
Erik said, ‘We can’t conduct the business of war while attempting to avoid your mother, Manfred.’
‘Erik has that right,’ said Owen.
Manfred sighed. ‘Very well. Owen, I’ve instructed our current Swordmaster to turn your old quarters back over to you; I thought you might be more comfortable there, and truth to tell, it’s getting a little bit crowded around here.’
Owen smiled. ‘I bet Percy is not happy.’
‘Your former assistant was never a happy man; he was born with a long face.’ Turning to Erik, Manfred said, ‘You’ll stay in a room near mine. The closer you are to me, the less likely Mother is to send someone after you.’
Erik looked dubious. ‘Duke James tried to reason with her.’
‘No one “reasons” with Mother. I suspect you’ll find that out before this night is through. Now, let me show you to your quarters.’ Turning to Greylock, he said, ‘Owen, I’ll see you at supper.’
‘My lord,’ said Owen. The three left the conference hall, and while Owen went one way, Manfred took Erik another.
‘This castle is quite large,’ said Manfred. ‘It’s easy to get lost. If you do, ask any servant where to go.’