Laurie looked more shaken than before. “Come along, love,” said Carline, taking him by the hand. “You’ll survive.”
Arutha and Martin laughed, and Martin said, “Have you noticed the peerage has been going to hell lately?”
Arutha turned to Roald. “You were in this for gold, but my thanks go beyond mere gold. A bonus you shall have. Volney, this man is to have a bag of a hundred gold sovereigns, our agreed-upon price. Then he is to have ten times that as bonus. And then another thousand for thanks.”
Roald grinned. “You are generous, Highness.”
“And if you’ll accept, you’re welcome to be my guest here as long as you wish. You might even find it in your heart to consider joining my guard. I’ve a captaincy about to open.”
Roald saluted. “Thanks, but no, Your Highness. I’ve thought of late it was time to settle down, especially after this last business, but I have no ambitions to enlist.”
“Then feel free to guest with us as long as you desire. I’ll instruct the Royal Steward to prepare a suite for your use.”
With a grin, Roald said, “My thanks, Highness.”
Gardan said, “Does that remark about a new captaincy mean I’m finally done with this duty and can return to Crydee with His Grace?”
Arutha shook his head. “Sorry, Gardan. Sergeant Valdis will become captain of my guard, but no retirement for you yet. From those reports of Pug’s you brought from Stardock, I’m going to need you around. Lyam is about to name you Knight-Marshal of Krondor.”
Kasumi clapped Gardan upon the back. “Congratulations, Marshal.”
Gardan said, “But . . .”
Jimmy cleared his throat in expectation. Arutha turned and said, “Yes, Squire?”
“Well, I thought . . .”
“You had something to ask?”
Jimmy looked from Arutha’s face to Martin’s. “Well, I just thought as long as you were passing out rewards . . .”
“Oh yes, of course.” Turning, Arutha spotted one of the squires and shouted, “Locklear!”
The young squire came running to bow before his Prince. “Highness?”
“Escort Squire Jimmy back to Master deLacy and inform the Master of Ceremonies that Jimmy is now Senior Squire.”
Jimmy grinned as he and Locklear walked away. He seemed about to say something, then thought better of it and followed Locklear.
Martin put his hand on Arutha’s shoulder. “Keep an eye on that boy. He seriously means to be Duke of Krondor someday. “
Arutha said, “Damn me if he just might not do it.”
EPILOGUE - Retreat
The moredhel silently raged.
To the three chieftains before him he betrayed no hint of his anger. They were leaders of the most important lowland confederations. As they approached, he knew what they would say before it was spoken. He listened patiently, the light from the large bonfire before his throne casting a flicker across his chest, giving the illusion of movement to the birthmark dragon there.
“Master,” said the centermost chieftain, “my warriors grow restless. They chafe and they complain. When shall we invade the southlands?”