Free Gary Gygax - Dangerous Journeys 1 - Anubis Murders by Gary Gygax

him. "Being thus," he continued, "I grant leave to dispense with due formalities. You may address me simply as 'Highness,' " the man told Setne without smiling. He nodded toward the three on his right. "That includes you as well, of course."
    "Yes, Your—Highness," the Behon murmured, and his associates bobbed their heads.
    The man must be the crown prince of Lyon-nesse, Inhetep surmised. He was too young to be
    King Glydel, second of that name to rule the isle, for the Egyptian knew the current monarch of Lyonnesse had held the throne for over twenty years now. The ruddy-cheeked aristocrat at the head of the table was only nearing thirty. King Glydel had ascended to the throne at that age. Here was Prince Llewyn, then. Despite his pomposity and seemingly autocratic bent, Setne thought him a very tough-minded fellow and knew from reputation that the prince was a warrior of considerable accomplishment. What Prince Llewyn had to say would be carefully worded—and would bear close attention. There were a half-dozen men serving them now, taking care to wait according to precedence. The prince, then the Behon, Setne, the Archdruid, with uncertainty taken care of by simultaneous placing of viands before Rachelle and Aldriss. The wizard-priest was no stranger to such situations, and because he had banqueted with Pharaoh, the emperor of Byzantium, and a number of lesser monarchs as well, Inhetep was able to display perfect etiquette even as he took the measure of the noble prince and listened carefully to what the man said.
    A half dozen serving men placed dishes before them. Prince Llewyn began eating immediately, and the others then followed suit. "Eat slowly, Sir Aldriss," the prince admonished. "I'll not finish so soon as to leave you ravenous."
    There was humor in his voice. So he wasn't quite as Inhetep first thought! "Highness . . ." the Egyptian began. Prince Llewyn tipped his head to indicate that his guest could speak. "I am most honored that you have come in person to breakfast with me. Am I to assume that you are afterwards going to enlighten me as to the . . . disturbing matter regarding jackals?"
    "The Behon has spoken well of your magickal repute, and other sources have told me of your assistance in matters involving spies and criminals. I have small interest in the hierarchy of those employing dweomers, Magister Inhetep. Yet I have a feeling that I am the one who should be flattered by your presence, not vice versa, especially considering your prowess of investigation as demonstrated on Pharaoh's behalf. Be that as it may," the nobleman said flatly, putting the royal mantle squarely back on his shoulders, "it pleases me to have you here and to see you so eager to take on the duty you have accepted." Llewyn ate a few more bites and then waved a hand. The servitors moved rapidly to clear away the almost untouched food. Rachelle looked a little startled, and the bard actually uttered a low groan.
    So much for royal promises, Inhetep thought.
    "Ah now, there you've gone and—"
    "Tut, poet! Don't presume on your high office to admonish a prince!" he scolded Aldriss, this time with a bite to his words. Then softening somewhat, he added, "Your silver tongue will get you far more than you missed here, that I know. Even my trusted butler opens the pantry and buttery's whiskey spigots for you, Aldriss."
    "That's so," the fellow admitted, flashing a smile at the prince and around the table. "And I find I am craving your pardon once again, Highness."
    "Granted. Behon, dismiss the servants."
    There was no commotion. The magus simply looked in their direction, confirming the orders of the crown prince of Lyonnesse. In truth, even that was quite unnecessary, for the men had heard clearly their lord's order and were moving quickly and quietly to obey. In a minute, the five men and Rachelle were alone in the salon. When the servitors had exited, Tallesian bolted both doors to the room. The prince gestured to his chief mage, and the