Free Krondor the Assassins by Raymond E. Feist Page A

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    catches us somewhat unprepared. We thought you would arrive later in the week.’’
    The duke bowed. ‘‘Apologies, Your Highness,’’ he said in a deep voice, his speech only slightly accented. ‘‘We caught favorable winds from Opardum and arrived in Salador a week before we were scheduled. Rather than linger, we pressed on.
    I trust we have caused Your Highnesses no undue inconvenience?’’
    Arutha shook his head. ‘‘Not at all. We just lack a fitting welcome, that is all.’’
    The duke smiled and James felt no warmth from that expression. The man was polished and his education was obvious, but at heart there was that brawler James had recognized at once. ‘‘I’m sorry, Highness, I assumed the gala tonight was to welcome us.’’
    Anita’s face froze for a moment, then the duke turned to her and said, ‘‘Highness, I jest. The matter is one of scant importance.
    We call only out of courtesy to your office and your husband’s.
    We are bound for the Keshian port of Durbin. From there we will venture into the Trollhome Mountains, where we understand the hunting is both plentiful and exotic. Any small gesture of hospitality on your part is a boon beyond our expectation.’’
    James saw Jerome go slightly rigid. The fussy ex-squire was a stickler for protocol and the duke had managed to brush aside an apology from Arutha and return an insult, without making it obvious. This man obviously felt no timorousness being in the presence of a Prince.
    Anita had been court bred and knew the intricacies of court manners. She knew that anything she said in response to the slight would only worsen her situation socially. She merely inclined her head and said, ‘‘I suspect the subtleties of the east are lost upon us here in the west. Would you present your companions?’’
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    K R O N D O R : T H E A S S A S S I N S
    The duke bowed and turned to the younger of the two men. ‘‘Your Highness, may I present my nephew, His Highness, Vladic, son of my brother the Archduke, heir to the throne and Crown Prince of Olasko, Prince of the House of Roldem by blood.’’ On cue the young man stepped forward and bowed in greeting to the Prince and Princess of Krondor. Then the duke said, ‘‘And this is Kazamir, my son and heir to my house, also Prince of the House of Roldem by blood.’’ The other son bowed effortlessly, with exactly the proper deference for one of his rank before Prince Arutha. Smoothly, the duke turned and said, ‘‘And this is my daughter, Paulina, Princess of the House of Roldem by blood.’’
    Arutha nodded greeting. ‘‘You are all welcome in Krondor.’’
    He made a small gesture to Jerome, who hurried off to ready guest apartments for the duke and his entourage. James was again forced to concede that Jerome was good at what he did.
    He had no doubt the rooms would be aired, with wine and other refreshments on hand, and a squad of pages ready to do the duke’s bidding.
    Arutha said, ‘‘We are celebrating a safe return from troubles to the north. You are most welcome to remain for the gala.’’
    The duke smiled. ‘‘My thanks. From the reports and gossip we heard along the way from Salador to Krondor, I suspect the troubles were not trivial. A gala is most appropriate to celebrate a Prince’s safe return.
    ‘‘I am tired from the journey, however, and will beg your forgiveness and retire. The children, perhaps, might enjoy some music and revelry after our long journey.’’
    James realized this was not an option, but an instruction.
    The two youngsters turned to their father and bowed, while the Crown Prince merely looked on for a moment, then inclined his 69

    R A Y M O N D E . F E I S T
    head. Radswil bowed to the Prince and withdrew before Arutha had time to do more than wave agreement. Master de Lacy intercepted the duke and his retainers at the door and escorted them to the guest quarters.
    Arutha turned to James and said, ‘‘Squire James, would you please see that