“How do you know me?” asked Arutha.
“I saw you on your way to the peace conference with the Tsurani at the end of the war. There is little about those days any of my clan will forget.” He looked off into the night. “When our King called to us, we came to fight the Tsurani, and for nine years and more we did so. They were strong foemen, willing to die for honor, men who understood their place on the Wheel. It was a worthy struggle.
“Then, in the spring of the last year of the war, the Tsurani came in great number. For three days and nights we fought, surrendering ground at great cost to the Tsurani. On the third day we who came from the Iron Hills were surrounded. Every fighting man of the Iron Hills Clan was numbered among those who stood at bay. To a man we should have died, save that Lord Borric saw us imperiled. Had not your father sortied to save us, our names would be but whispers upon yesterday’s wind “
Arutha recalled that Lyam’s letter about his father’s death had mentioned Hadati. “What has my father’s death to do with me?”
Baru shrugged. “I don’t know. I was seeking knowledge at the gate. Many pass there, and I was asking questions to aid my quest. Then I saw you pass. I thought it would be interesting to discover why the Prince of Krondor would enter one of his own cities as a common fighter. It would help pass the time while I sought information. Then the assassin came, and I couldn’t stand idly by and watch him slaughter you. Your father saved the manhood of my people, I saved your life. Perhaps that pays a debt in part. Who can know how the Wheel turns?”
Arutha said. “At the inn you said there were others?”
“The man who tried to kill you followed you into the inn, watched you for a moment, then returned outside. There he spoke to a street boy, giving him money, and the boy ran off. He saw the three who fought with you and stopped them before they could pass. I heard nothing that was said, but he pointed to the inn and the three entered.
Arutha said, “Then the fight was staged.”
Jimmy, who had finished with the horses, said, “More likely he knew Longly’s temper and made sure he knew some strangers were at his usual table, in case they were heading somewhere else and might miss us.
Laurie said, “He might have wanted to keep us busy until others arrived, then saw what he thought was too good a chance to miss.”
Arutha said, “Had you not been there, Baru, it would have been too good a chance to miss.”
The Hadati took this as thanks and said, “There is no debt. As I said, it may be I who am paying off a debt.”
Roald said, “Well then, I guess you’ve sorted everything out . . . I’ll be off for Ylith.”
Arutha exchanged glances with Laurie. The minstrel said, “Roald, old friend, I think you should change your plans.”
“What?”
“Well, should you have been noticed with the Prince, which seems likely, as there were thirty or forty people in the inn when the brawl broke out, those who are looking for him may decide to ask you where we’re bound.”
With false bravado Roald said, “Just let them try.”
Martin said, “We’d rather not. They can be determined. I’ve had dealings with moredhel before, and they lack tenderness.”
Roald’s eyes widened. “The Brotherhood of the Dark Path?”
Martin nodded and Laurie said, “Besides, you’re presently at liberty. “
“Which is how I plan to stay.”
Arutha tried a sterner stand. “You’d say no to your Prince?”
“No disrespect intended, Highness, but I’m a free man not in your service and I’ve broken no laws. You have no authority over me. “
“Look,” said Laurie, “there’s a likelihood these assassins are going to look hard for anyone seen with us. And even though you re as tough a boot as I’ve known, I’ve seen what they can do and I’d not risk being taken alone by them.” Roald’s resolve seemed unshaken.
Martin said, “We could certainly find some reward for service. “
Roald, visibly brightening, said, “How much?”
Arutha replied, “Stay until we complete our quest and I’ll pay you . . . a hundred golden sovereigns.”
Without hesitation Roald said, “Done!” It was easily four months’ wages for even a seasoned caravan guard.
Arutha then looked at Baru. “You spoke of needing information. Can we aid your Bloodquest?”
“Perhaps. I seek to find one of those you know as the Brotherhood of the Dark Path.”
Martin raised an eyebrow at Arutha. “What have you to do with the moredhel?”
“I seek a large moredhel of the Yabon hills, who wears a topknot, so”—he pantomined a horsetail of hair—”and three scars upon each cheek. I have been told he has come to the south on some black mission. I had hoped to hear of him from travelers, for one like that will stand out among the moredhel of the south.”