Dash smiled. “If I know Roo, he’ll find a way to amass another fortune before that.”
Arutha put his hand on Dash’s shoulder and said, “If you wish to be released from service to the crown, I can manage that. But please wait until after we get Fadawah out of Ylith. We have few enough competent men to serve.”
“I’ll agree to that.” Lowering his voice, Dash asked, “What comes next?”
“Publicly, a very large engagement party next week. During which Patrick secretly goes to Ravensburg, where he’ll meet Duko, who will kneel before him and swear fealty. Then the newly appointed Duke of the Southern Marches will return to the city and a hopefully quiet movement of soldiers will be underway. Those mercenaries who’ve been kept outside the walls will be allowed in. Many will be hired to man the garrison as others leave to find work along the Keshian border. By the time Patrick’s wedding is over and he returns to Krondor, the city will be firmly in our hands, without having alerted Fadawah too far in advance that he’s lost his southern command.”
Dash’s expression turned suspicious. “Where in all of this is the Duke of Krondor? Why aren’t you leading Patrick into his palace in triumph?”
“I’m needed elsewhere a while longer. There are things to be done only I can see through to the end.”
Dash said, “Forgive me if I say that sounds decidedly odd.”
“Odd or not, it’s true. Now go find your brother and see if he really is in distress. If so, go get him drunk and find a tavern wench to take his mind off of Francine.”
Dash said, “I’ll try,” and went off in search of his brother.
Arutha watched his younger son depart and stood lost in thought for a moment, then he turned and headed back to the banquet hall. There was still much that had to be arranged before any of the plans he had set in motion could continue on to fruition.
Erik von Darkmoor and Rupert Avery sat at a table in the Charging Boar, one of Darkmoor’s better taverns, when Jimmy and Dash entered. Jimmy looked drunk already, and Erik stood and signaled across die crowded common room. “Over here!”
Dash saw him and led a somewhat off-balance Jimmy over to the table. “Join us!” said Roo cheerfully.
A plump barmaid came by, and Erik indicated a round of ale for the four of them. Dash said, “No, thanks. He’s had enough.”
Erik looked surprised, but said nothing as he waved away the barmaid.
“What brings you out of the palace, young nobles?” asked Roo.
“We needed a change of air,” said Jimmy, his voice edged in bitterness.
Roo glanced at Erik, and Erik said, “Something sounds amiss.”
Dash leaned over, and in conspiratorial tones said, “A woman.”
Erik laughed, and when Jimmy’s expression darkened, put up his hands in supplication. “I make no jest, young Jimmy. It’s just. . . unexpected.”
Roo nodded. “We would have wagered neither of you would ever be seeking solace in an ale jack because of a woman.”
Jimmy said, “It’s not that simple.”
“It never is,” agreed Roo.
Both brothers knew of Roo’s involvement with Sylvia Esterbrook, the daughter of a Keshian agent who had played Roo like a flute, causing him to cheat on his wife, compromise his own business, and the welfare of the Kingdom. He had been, by all reports, a model husband since then, but they understood his lessons had been hard-learned.
“So who’s the girl?” asked Erik.
“The Duke of Silden’s daughter,” replied Dash.
“Ah,” said Erik, as if he understood. “She’s not interested, or . . . otherwise engaged?”
Dash looked around the room, “The latter, but it’s not widely known.”
Erik apparently understood the context of the remark. He stood up. “I’ve got to return to the castle.” He turned toward Roo and said, “Give my best to Karli. And the children.”
“And my affections to Kitty,” returned Roo.
After he had left, Roo said, “I should be getting along, too. I’ve got a lot to do in the morning. I’ve got a shipment of wagons bringing grain for Nakor’s temple due in at first light.”
Jimmy said, “I haven’t seen Nakor since Pug stormed out of Patrick’s court. Where is he?”
“He’s smart enough to know when to get out of sight,” answered Roo. “He’s been down at his temple the last couple of days.”
Roo nodded. “I have on more than one occasion felt like sleeping anywhere but at home. I understand. If you need, come by the house. We have room if you don’t mind sleeping under a wagon.” He laughed. “Well, young lords, good night.”
The barmaid came by again and said, “Would you like something before we close for the night, young sirs?”
Dash said, “Thank you, but no. We’ll be on our way.”
Jimmy said, “I’m not going back to the palace.”
“Fine,” said Dash. “But at least let’s walk some, so you can pass out in a more agreeable place.”