Free Rise of a Merchant Prince by Raymond E. Feist Page A

Prince of Krondor’s man now.” He pointed to the crest on his tunic. “I must be back there before the end of the month.”
    Rudolph relaxed. “Well then, it’s good to see you.” He looked Erik up and down. “I expect you’ve come to see Rosalyn?”
    â€œShe was a sister to me,” said Erik.
    Rudolph nodded. “In the back. Follow me.”
    Erik and Roo walked to the end of the counter, where Randolph lifted the hinged top, and stepped through. They followed Rudolph through the large bakery, past now-cooling ovens that would be heated again after nightfall, as the bakers plied their tasks all night long, so there would be hot bread for sale at first light. Large tables, now cleaned, waited for the bakers, and vats that would hold dough after supper were empty. Rows of clean baking pans waited to be filled, and in the corner two apprentice bakers sleptin anticipation of the night’s work ahead.
    Rudolph moved to another door and they exited the bakery and crossed a small alley, to a room in a residence that Roo knew belonged to Rudolph’s employer. Rudolph said, “Wait here,” and entered.
    A few moments later, Rosalyn appeared at the door, a child upon her left hip. She gripped the doorjamb tightly, while Rudolph stood behind her, offering her support. “Erik?” she half whispered. “Roo?”
    Erik smiled, and Rosalyn stepped forward and put her right arm around his neck, hugging him fiercely. He held her gently, trying to be aware of the squirming baby, and then he realized she was crying.
    â€œHere, now,” he said softly pushing her away. “None of that. I’m fine. I did the Prince of Krondor a service and was pardoned for my crime.”
    â€œWhy didn’t you send word?” she whispered harshly.
    Roo was surprised by the anger in her voice toward Erik, but Erik glanced at Rudolph, who nodded at the question.
    â€œWe couldn’t,” said Erik. He pointed to the crest on his tunic and said, “I’m the Prince’s man now, sworn to his service, and I was under oath not to speak of my freedom since”—he didn’t want to bring up the rape and the trial in Krondor—“I left. But now I’m here.”
    Rosalyn’s child started to squirm and complain and she turned to calm the child. “Shush, Gerd.”
    â€œGerd?” said Erik.
    â€œIt was my father’s name,” said Rudolph.
    Erik nodded as he looked at the little boy. Then his eyes widened and Roo saw his knees go weak. Roo grabbed Erik’s arm as he gripped the doorjamb.
    â€œWhat?” asked Roo, then he looked again at the little boy. Realization hit him. Rudolph was a stocky, short man, with reddish brown hair. There was nothing of him in this child’s face. But from the expression that showed there, and the size of the child, he knew instantly what had occurred while he and Erik had been gone.
    Softly Roo asked what Erik seemed unable to say: “Stefan’s?”
    Rosalyn nodded. Without taking her eyes from her foster brother’s face she said, “Gerd’s your nephew, Erik.”

3
Bargains
    The baby cried.
    Roo laughed as Erik quickly handed him back to Rosalyn. He had offered to hold the boy, but the squirming youngster had had Erik looking overwhelmed in less than a minute.
    The mood in the room was guarded, a mix of happiness and apprehension. While everyone was pleased to see Roo and Erik alive and well, those in the taproom of the Inn of the Pintail knew that word of Erik’s return would quickly reach his half brother. The Prince of Krondor might have pardoned Roo and Erik for their crime against Erik’s half brother Stefan, but the surviving brother, Manfred, might not. And Stefan’s mother certainly would not. There was a long leap between the letter of the law and its practice when vengeful nobles were involved, everyone knew.
    Milo and Nathan motioned Roo aside and