Arutha was silent for a while, then said, “Thank you, Brother Anthony. I had prayed to end my search here, but at least you’ve not dashed all hope.”
The old monk said, “There is always hope, Arutha conDoin. I suspect that, in all the confusion, the Abbot never got around to telling you the main reason for our gathering all this.” His hand waved about him indicating the masses of books everywhere. “The reason we gather all these works in this mount is hope. Of prophecy and portents there are many, but one speaks of the end of all we know. It states that when all else has succumbed to the forces of darkness, all that will be left will be “that which was Sarth.” Should that prophecy come true, we hope to save the seeds of knowledge that can again serve man. We work against that day, and pray it will never come.”
Arutha said, “You’ve been kind, Brother Anthony.”
“A man helps when he may.”
“Thank you.” Arutha left the chamber and climbed the stairs, his mind playing over what he knew. He considered his options until he reached the courtyard. Laurie had joined Jimmy and Martin, as had Dominic, who seemed to have recovered from his ordeal, though he was still pale.
Laurie greeted the Prince and said, “Gardan should be well enough tomorrow.”
“Good, for we leave Sarth at first light.”
“What do you propose?” said Martin.
“I’m going to put Gardan on the first ship bound from Sarth for Krondor, and we’ll continue on.”
“Continue on where?” asked Laurie.
“Elvandar.”
Martin smiled. “It will be good to visit there again.”
Jimmy sighed; Arutha said, “What is it?”
“I was just thinking of your palace cooks and bony horsebacks.”
Arutha said, “Well, don’t think of them too long; you’re returning to Krondor with Gardan.”
“And miss all the fun?”
Laurie said to Martin, “This lad has a definitely warped sense of fun.”
Jimmy started to speak, but Dominic said, “Highness, if I may travel with your captain, I wish to journey to Krondor.”
“Of course, but what of your duties?”
“Another will take my office. I will not be fit for that sort of duty for some time, and we cannot wait. There is no shame or dishonor; it is simply necessary.”
“Then I am sure Jimmy and Gardan will welcome your company.”
“Wait—” began Jimmy.
Ignoring the boy, Arutha asked the monk, “What sends you to Krondor?”
“Simply that it lies on my route to Stardock. Father John thinks it vital we should inform Pug and the other magicians of what we know to be occurring. They practice mighty arts unavailable to us.”
“That is well taken. We have need of all the allies we can muster. I should have considered that myself. I will give you some additional intelligence to take to them, if you don’t mind. And I’ll have Gardan escort you down to Stardock.”
“That would be kind.”
Jimmy had been trying to be heard as he protested being sent back to Krondor. Ignoring his protests, Arutha said to Laurie, “Take our aspiring young duke here and go down to town and find a ship. We’ll follow tomorrow. Also see about some fresher mounts, and don’t get into trouble.”
Arutha walked away toward the barracks with Dominic and Martin, leaving Laurie and Jimmy in the courtyard. Jimmy was still trying to make himself heard, and was saying, “. . . but . . .”
Laurie clapped Jimmy on the shoulder and said, “Come along, “Your Grace.” Let’s get down the road. If we can finish our business early, we’ll see if we can find a game at the inn.”
An evil light seemed to come into Jimmy’s eyes at that. “Game?” he said.
“You know, something like pashawa, or over-under-man-in-between. Knucklebones or stones. Gambling.”
“Oh,” said the boy. “You’ll have to show me how.”
As he turned for the stable, Laurie fetched him a kick in the rump, propelling him along. “Show you how, indeed. I’m not some rube in from the farmlands here. I heard that the first time I lost my poke.”
Running forward, Jimmy laughed. “It was worth a try!”
Arutha entered the darkened room. Looking down at the figure on the cot, he said, “You sent for me?”
Micah raised himself up and leaned back against the wall. “Yes. I hear you’re leaving this hour. Thank you for coming.” He indicated Arutha should sit upon the bed. “I need a little sleep, but I’ll be fit enough in a week or so.
“Arutha, your father and I were friends as youngsters. Caldric was just establishing the practice of bringing squires to court that’s now taken for granted. We were quite a bunch. Brucal of Yabon was our senior Squire, and he ran us ragged. In those days we were a fiery crew, your father, myself, and Guy du Bas-Tyra.” At mention of Guy’s name, Arutha stiffened but said nothing. “I like to think we were the backbone of the Kingdom in our day. Now you are. Borric did well with you and Lyam, and Martin brings no shame. I am now serving Ishap, but I still love this Kingdom, son. I just wanted you to know my prayers are with you.”