Free Blood Of Kings: The Shadow Mage by Paul Freeman Page A

years.”
    “Rolfgot is not a slave. I do not own him.”
    “But he fights in the arena!” Lorian’s incredulous eyes opened wide. “How did you convince him to that insanity?”
    “It was not I who convinced him, but the other way round.” Aknell grinned.
    “He volunteered?”
    “Not volunteered, demanded.”
    “Why would he do such a thing?” Lorian’s head shook in incomprehension.
    “Because he likes to kill.”
    Lorian shivered involuntarily under the scrutiny of his friend. “Where did you find him?” he filled the nerve-wracking silence.
    “He was literally washed up. He was found on the beach close to my villa by some of my field workers. When I first laid my eyes on him he was close to death. He had been in the water for some time, and had been stabbed several times in the chest and back. It was quite miraculous he still lived. I was curious to find out how he had landed there, so I bade my physician do what he could. He still has not told me what happened to him. I suspect he was part of a Nortman pirate crew and fell out with them for some reason and was tossed overboard. Who knows? A rumour has begun circulating among my workers that he is the son of Possodon, and that the sea god evicted him from his watery domain.”
    “Ha, the son of a god in your employ. I can see how that would appeal to you.” Lorian chuckled. Aknell smiled in return.
    “To be truthful I think he has no memory of the incident, or if he does, he is guarding it well. But, he has served me well, and I can’t say I’ve been out of pocket with him in my employ.” A smile crept across Aknell’s face.
    “Hmmm,” Lorian grumbled. A single drop of red wine dribbled down his chin as he drank from a silver goblet. He wiped the trailing drip with a swipe, staining the sleeve of his white robe.
    “So, my friend, tell me what news from the palace. I do so look forward to the titbits of gossip you are ever a font of.”
    “Are you buttering me up with flattery? Now that you have stolen my money and scared me half to death with your pet Nortman?”
    “Oh come, Lorian,” Aknell said. “The jewel I have gifted you is worth a hundred times our wager. If you are that sore I shall return the gold.”
    “No, it is a lesson well learned.” Lorian grinned. His eyes narrowed then over the rim of his goblet. “The emperor has sent a ship laden with gold to his new son-in-law,” he blurted out then, giddy with excitement.
    “Really?” Aknell stood up and refilled Lorian’s cup. Wine spilled over the rim and both men laughed. “A dowry to be spent on gowns and jewels for Rosinnio perhaps?”
    Lorian leaned in, his voiced dropping to a whisper, “To buy a crown. The king of Nortland is dying. He has no direct heir, only a collection of nephews and lords who all claim to be next in line. The strongest claim is Crawulf’s, Rosinnio’s new husband. There is one other whose is stronger, Crawulf’s elder brother, but he was lost at sea…” Lorian suddenly stopped and glanced over at the big Nortman standing like a statue against the far wall. Aknell followed his gaze.
    “Do not trouble yourself.” Aknell laughed. “Rolfgot is no heir to a throne. He is too young to be the elder brother of this Crawulf, for a start.”
    Lorian examined the lean, muscular figure of the tall Nortman. He nodded in satisfaction, before his eyes darted back to Aknell. “Yes. Perhaps though, it would be wise to learn a little more about your new pet.” When he glanced back at the Nortman he was met by a pair of unnaturally black eyes boring into him, undisguised contempt written there. He did not let his stare linger.
    Aknell saw the exchange and turned to Rolfgot. “Perhaps you should wait outside. My carriage is in need of a guard.” The Nortman nodded and slowly departed the room. “Please, continue. So, this Crawulf is next in line for the throne. What need does he have of the emperor’s gold?”
    “His is the strongest claim, but that does