On occasion while riding, when no one spoke for a time and silence took hold, his mind would touch on his father’s death. He would be back in the royal bedchamber seeing his father’s pale face and that tiny tear of dried blood near the corner of his lips. Alric expected to feel something. He expected to cry but that never happened. He felt nothing and wondered what that meant.
Back at the castle, everyone would be wearing black and the halls would be filled with the sounds of weeping—just like when his mother had died. No music, no laughter, and it had seemed like more than a month without the sun shining. He was relieved, almost happy, when the period of mourning ended. Part of him felt guilty for that, and yet it was as if a terrible weight had been lifted. That was how it would be if he were at the castle—solemn faces, weeping, and the priests passing a candle for him to walk around the casket with while they chanted. He had done that as a child and hated it. Alric was glad he was not there, trapped and drowning in that well of sorrow that he could not tap. He would deal with it all the next day, but for today he was grateful to be on a distant road with no one of importance for company.
Royce drew his horse to a stop. They were alone, since the others had a tendency to lag behind, as their horse carried two.
“Why are we stopping?” Alric asked.
“It’s leveling off, so we’re probably close. Have you forgotten that this might be a trap?”
“No,” the prince said. “I’m quite aware of that fact.”
“Good, then in that case, farewell, Your Majesty,” Royce told him.
Alric was stunned. “You’re not coming?”
“Your sister only asked us to bring you here. If you want to get yourself killed, that’s your affair. Our obligation is complete.”
Instantly Alric felt foolish for his earlier misguided satisfaction in being alone with strangers. He could not afford to lose his only guides or he would never find his way back. After only a moment’s thought, he said, “Then I suppose this is a perfect time to tell you I’m officially bestowing the title of royal protectors on you and Hadrian, now that I’m certain you aren’t trying to kill me. You’ll be responsible for defending the life of your king.”
“Really? How thoughtful of you, Your Highness.” Royce grinned. “I suppose this is a good time to tell you I don’t serve kings—unless they pay me.”
“No?” Alric smiled wryly. “All right then, consider it this way. If I live to return to Essendon Castle, I’ll happily rescind your execution orders and forgive your unlawful entry of my castle. However, if I die out here or am taken captive and locked away in this prison, you’ll never be able to return to Medford. My uncle has already labeled you murderers of the highest order. I’m sure there are already men searching. Uncle Percy might seem like a courtly old gentleman, but believe me, I’ve seen his ugly side and he can be quite scary. He’s the best swordsman in Melengar. Did you know that? So if sovereign loyalty isn’t good enough for you, you might consider the practical benefits of keeping me alive.”
“The ability to convince others that your life is worth more than theirs must be a prerequisite for being king.”
“Not a prerequisite but it certainly helps,” Alric replied with a grin.
“It will still cost you,” Royce said, and the prince’s grin faded. “Let’s say one hundred gold tenents.”
“One hundred?” Alric protested.
“Do you think your life is worth less? Besides, it’s what DeWitt promised, so that seems fair. But there’s one other thing. If we’re going to be your protectors, you’ll have to do as I say. I can’t safeguard you if you don’t and since we aren’t just risking your silly little life, but my future as well, I’ll have to insist.”
Alric huffed. He did not like the way they treated him. They should feel honored to do his bidding. Besides, he was granting them absolution of serious crimes, and instead of showing gratitude, the man demanded payment. This type of behavior was just what he expected from thieves. Still, he needed them. “Like all good rulers, it’s understood there are times when we must listen to skilled advisors. Just remember who I am and who I’ll be when we get back to Medford.”
As Hadrian and Myron caught up, Royce said, “Hadrian, we’ve just been promoted to royal protectors.”
“Does it pay more?”
“Actually, it does. It also weighs less. Give the prince back his sword.”
Hadrian handed the huge sword of Amrath to Alric, who slipped the broad leather baldric over one shoulder and strapped on the weapon. The sword was too big for him and he felt a bit foolish, but at least he thought it looked better now that he was dressed and mounted.
“The captain of the guard took this off my father and handed it to me—was it only two nights past? It was Tolin Essendon’s sword, handed down from king to prince for seven hundred years. We are one of the oldest unbroken families in Avryn.”
Royce dismounted and handed the reins of his horse to Hadrian. “I’m going to scout up ahead and make sure there are no surprises waiting.” He left with surprising swiftness in a hunched run. He entered the shadows of the ravine and vanished.
“How does he do that?” Alric asked.