Free Erak's Ransom by John Flanagan Page A

struck him. He realised that the other man was right. But still ...

'Arald, you don't understand. You don't have children. She's my daughter and this will be a dangerous journey ...

Cassandra snorted derisively but Arald glanced quickly at her to silence her, then spread his hands in understanding. 'Granted, your majesty. Just as it was dangerous when you led the army against Morgarath. Just as it was dangerous when Rodney and I fought the Kalkara. This is the price we pay for our privileged rank. We enjoy the privileges because, when the time comes, we have to face the danger. And your daughter is no exception. She knew that when she and Will destroyed Morgarath's bridge, and allowed themselves to be captured.'

The King was a relatively young man but at the mention of that terrible time, his face seemed to grow haggard and old. That had been the worst time of his life, he thought. He sat down slowly. Arald softened his tone a little.

'Your majesty, you're right, I have no children so I can't fully understand how you feel. But your daughter is also right. She will be Queen one day and she wants to rule in the fashion you've set. There is a risk in all of this. But Cassandra is willing to take it and so must you be.'

King Duncan looked up and swept his gaze slowly round the room. Cassandra, he saw, was defiant as ever. Arald's face was set and determined. Halt and Crowley's faces were inscrutable in the shadows of their cowls. The two younger men were both a little wide-eyed — obviously uncomfortable at the emotions that had been bared in the room. There was still a hint of admiration in Will's eyes, however, as he continued to stare at the Baron. Rodney was nodding in agreement with Arald's statements, while Gilan made a show of studying his nails. Anthony's face was apologetic but determined. Alyss was obviously trying to mask her feelings, but it was clear that she shared the boys' discomfort.

Pauline alone was composed and calm. There was no sign of agreement in her expression. He sensed a possible ally. 'Gentlemen, Cassandra, Alyss, I wonder would you mind giving me a few moments alone with Lady Pauline,' he said.

There was muttered acknowledgement of his request and the ten other people filed out of the room, leaving the King and the Courier alone. As the door closed behind Will, the last to leave, Duncan turned to the tall woman sitting opposite.

'What am I to do, Pauline? How can I talk sense into them? You have to help me with this.' He did his best to maintain a reasonable, non-argumentative tone.

'Your majesty,' Pauline replied evenly, 'if this is why you asked me to remain, you might as well send me away with the others. I agree with Arald. You are wrong on this.'

'But she's just a girl ... ' he began.

'So is Alyss. Yet I've already sent her on several quite dangerous missions. Is your daughter any more valuable than my assistant?'

'She's the Crown Princess!' he said angrily and Pauline raised an eyebrow.

'And as such, she has a greater duty to the country than a mere orphan like Alyss. The Baron is right. Those of us who enjoy great privilege have the greater duty. And Cassandra's privilege is second only to yours.'

Duncan stood and began to pace around the room. Pauline remained sitting, but she followed him with her eyes.

'When you appointed me to a high position in the Diplomatic Service, did you hesitate because of my gender?'

'Of course not,' he replied. 'You were the best person for the job.'

She nodded acknowledgement of the compliment. 'You are the first ruler to accept women in positions of responsibility, without regard to the fact that they are women. And without worrying that your decisions might place them in danger from time to time.'

'I value ability above all else,' he said. 'Man or woman.'

She spread her hands in a small 'there you have it' gesture.

'Then value it in your daughter. She is an exceptional young woman. And she's not one to sit simpering by the fire while the