Sitting inside was Erik’s half brother Manfred. “I must confess, I never thought I’d see you two again,” said the Baron, indicating they should sit, “considering the circumstances of our last meeting.”
“At the time, I thought the same,” answered Erik. Roo studied the half brothers. Manfred looked nothing like Erik. Erik was the mocking likeness of their father, the very fact of which had driven Manfred’s mother to demand Erik’s death over the murder of Stefan, her elder son. Manfred was his mother’s son. He was dark, intense, and handsome in a nervous way. He wore a neatly trimmed beard, a new affectation, and Roo thought it a little silly, though he kept that opinion to himself.
“My lord the Duke of Salador, who as you may know is the King’s cousin, has ordered me to send a squad of men to Krondor, for special duty. No details of why or for how long are forthcoming. Do you know something about this?”
Erik nodded. “Something.”
“Will you tell me?”
“I cannot.”
“Cannot or will not?”
“Both,” said Erik. “I am the Prince’s man and obey his injunctions against speaking before I’m bidden.”
“Well, if you have no objections, I’d like them to return to Krondor with you and your friend.”
Erik sat back. “An escort?”
Manfred smiled, and in that one expression there was a hint of the man who sired them both. “In a manner of speaking. As you are the Prince’s man in this, I’ll place them under your command. Being the dutiful soldier you are, I have no doubt you’ll hurry to bring them safely to our most noble Prince as quickly as possible.”
Erik leaned forward. “If I could tell you, Manfred, I would. You will never know how much it meant to me for you to come see me in jail as you did; it was very kind of you. It made a difference. But when you finally do know why the Prince is commanding this levy, you’ll understand why I may not speak it now, and that it is of the utmost importance.”
Manfred sighed. “Well, very good. I trust you’ll not be lingering in Ravensburg, either of you?”
Erik raised an eyebrow. “I’m bound to be back at Krondor within the month, but Roo is a free man and may choose to stay.”
Manfred smiled. “He may choose what he wishes, but if your friend is wise, he’ll quickly leave.” He looked at Roo. “My mother has not forgiven either of you, and while I will not seek to do either of you injury, I cannot protect you from her agents. If you wish to live to an old age, you better do it elsewhere.” He leaned over toward Erik, lowering his voice, and lost his smile. “You gain a significant protection by wearing that new tunic, Erik. Even here in sleepy Darkmoor we know of the Eagle of Krondor; you’re the Prince’s Man’s man. But your friend Rupert has no patronage and few friends. It’s better for everyone if you take him with you.”
“I’m getting a cargo together and will be leaving in a couple of days with my cousin,” said Roo.
Manfred rose. “See that you do. It would be well for you both not to be in town when my mother learns you are alive and back within her reach.” Glancing at the two men, he said, “Even in Krondor, watch your backs.”
“What about the child?” asked Erik.
Manfred said, “Mother still doesn’t know of his existence, and I would like to see it kept that way for as long as possible.” He looked troubled. “It’s a bit of a different story here than it was with you, Erik. The boy is Stefan’s baby, not her philandering husband’s; it’s her own grandson. But he’s a bastard, and as I have yet to wed . . .”
“Understood.”
“Your presence in Ravensburg might push her to side against the child: have you considered that?”
Erik shrugged. “Not in that fashion. Truth to tell, Manfred, I’ve not been much of a thinker the last two years. Too much to do. Not enough time to ponder.”
Manfred shook his head and said, “You’ve changed. You were the town lad when we met, and now . . . you’re a harder man, Erik.”
Erik studied his brother’s face. “I think we both are.” Manfred rose and said, “I’m ‘out hunting,’ so I’d better have something to show Mother when I return this evening to the castle. Be about your business and expect the levy to appear tomorrow at that inn you called home.”
Erik followed the Baron outside. “One of these days I hope we can meet under more favorable circumstances.”
Manfred laughed and again the resemblance showed itself. “I doubt it. Our fortunes and fates are very different, brother. As long as you live and I have no children, Mother sees you as a threat to her line. It’s that simple.”
Dryly Roo said, “Then get married and have some.” Manfred said, “Would that it were that simple. I serve at the King’s pleasure and my Duke of Salador’s whim. They have yet to indicate to me which noble daughter would prove suitable wife material.” He sighed slightly, but Erik noticed. “And, truth to tell, I haven’t pressed them to decide. I find the company of women . . . difficult.”