Free Too Many Princes by Deby Fredericks Page A

him dead?
    Unaware of Therula's scrutiny, Brastigan brushed past Lottres and approached the line of horses. Most of them were bay with white faces or stockings. The pair of white chargers near the head of the line stood out with their shining liveries. As Therula watched, Brastigan's lips twitched in self-mockery. Therula couldn't help smiling, too.
    “ What is it? ” Pikarus asked.
    “ Why did you choose a white horse for Brastigan? ” Therula asked. The virtuous color certainly did contrast with her half-brother's rough ways.
    “ They were the only two that matched, ” Pikarus replied with a trace of humor. “ Prince Lottres deserves it, at least. ”
    “ I suppose you're right, ” she said.
    Lottres had spotted who he was looking for. He trotted over, calling, “ Pikarus! ”
    “ Good morning, your highness, ” Pikarus answered.
    “ Good morning, brother, ” Therula echoed.
    “ Oh, good morning. ” Lottres kissed Therula's cheek, then unconsciously shouldered her aside so he could unroll his map in front of Pikarus. “ Sergeant, do we have enough pack beasts? We're going all the way to Glawern, aren't we? ”
    “ There's no need for concern, your highness, ” Pikarus patiently reassured him. “ We won't be away from shelter for more than one night at a time until we reach Carthell. We will acquire additional pack mules there. ”
    There was something symbolic, Therula thought, in the way Lottres came between her and Pikarus. She tried not to hold it against him. Over Lottres's shoulder, she caught sight of Brastigan. He looked at Pikarus and then at her. One eyebrow twitched, and he smiled knowingly. Therula returned his gaze coolly. Still grinning, Brastigan sauntered toward them.
    “ You've studied the map? ” Lottres fretted.
    “ Yes, your highness, ” If Pikarus was annoyed, he didn't show it. “ Princes Eskalon and Sebbelon added their observations, as well. They recommend we ride over Daraine, and thence into Carthell. From Carthell Keep, we will turn north into the mountains. Would that be acceptable? ”
    “ Yes, ” Lottres said, but he continued to scan his map as if it were telling him something else.
    Brastigan gave his brother a casual clout on the shoulder as he joined them. “ We'll be fine. I'm sure it's all been planned out for us. ” He turned to Therula with a ribald smirk. “ Come to see us off, dear sister? ”
    “ Of course, dear brother. We don't often have such valiant deeds to tell of. ” Therula spoke smoothly, sweetly. She offered her hand, and when he took it, she pinched him. Brastigan's grin broadened.
    “ Indeed! ” trumpeted another voice.
    A hush fell over the crowded staging area. There was a flurry of salutes from the armsmen, and the women sank in deep curtseys. Therula did, too, hoping it would hide her surprise.
    She couldn't think why Oskar had come here. He never did anything without some gain to himself. Perhaps he wanted to show everyone he was still the most royal of the princes. Oskar was sensitive about that, Therula knew. He certainly spoke loudly enough to draw all eyes.
    While Therula and Lottres made their obeisances, Brastigan stood tall and nodded pleasantly to Oskar.
    “ You go with the gratitude of our nation! ” Oskar proclaimed. He stopped and made a broad gesture which took in the soldiers and horses. “ My heart is full of pride at this gallant sight, and that you, my good brothers, have sworn your service to our kingdom. ”
    Therula tried not to wince as Brastigan proclaimed right back at Oskar: “ If only you knew what that means to me, my brother! ”
    Oskar's eyes narrowed, but he held his smile. He had definitely come dressed to be looked at, Therula thought, in a short tunic quartered with Crutham's black and bright yellow. The two legs of his hose were of opposite colors to the tunic, and the shoes were of opposite colors to the hose. Even his hat and its feathers were parti-colored.
    Behind Oskar stood Captain Tarther, the