Free Search for Audric by Richard S. Tuttle Page B

do not desire for anyone to know that I am here. Come to my quarters later and I will explain, but you must not give us away."
    "Us?" chuckled Prince Umal. "So this must be Prince Derri. I did not recognize him. I should be severely punished for that."
    "We will punish you ourselves if you let our identities be known," laughed the Salacian prince."
    "This is serious, Umal," pleaded Prince Antion. "I would love very much to visit with you and have fun, but I must keep my eye on my father at all times."
    "Then you are expecting trouble," the Odessian prince surmised. "Say no more. Go in peace and do your duty. I will also keep a close watch on both of your fathers. I will let no one harm them."
    "Thank you," Prince Antion said softly as he moved past his Odessian friend to return to the library. "Come to our rooms tonight. I do want to see you."
    * * *
    "Why were bodyguards allowed into the palace?" demanded Naveena. "I thought I had given strict instructions to the contrary."
    "I had no choice," answered General Ortega. "King Caedmon and King Hector were adamant about it. To refuse them a single guard each would have been a serious diplomatic blunder. We have just had an assassination in this palace, Regent. They refused to enter without a guard. Should I have turned them away?"
    "The general is correct," interrupted Prince Zinan. "You wanted our defenses up to test the reactions of our visitors. You have accomplished that, but to push the issue further would have created two very powerful enemies. The general acted properly."
    "I do not recall asking for your opinion, Zinan," scowled Naveena.
    "You had me trained by the master of protocol," retorted Prince Zinan. "With Lavitor dead, I am now the master of protocol. It is my place to advise the Crown when their actions are dangerous."
    "Are you assuming to take Lavitor's place?" snapped Naveena.
    "Not in all respects," smiled Prince Zinan, "but I will be the king's advisor to King Garrick when he is crowned. You would be well advised to utilize my knowledge in the meantime. Don't you agree, General Ortega?"
    "Very much so," the general sighed with relief. The general was pleased that he was no longer the object of the regent's scorn, and that the young prince had backed him up.
    "Very well," the regent huffed after a moment's pause, "but your role is limited to advice. Do not forget who is in charge of this country. Your time may come, Prince Zinan, but it is not your time right now."
    Naveena turned and marched away leaving Prince Zinan standing with the general.
    "I never knew that she had a temper," the general said softly. "Thank you for standing up for me."
    "No thanks are necessary," replied the prince. "Your position was correct and well executed. Tell me why those two kings chose to act as they did."
    "I am not sure," frowned the general, "but I believe it was because of the defensive measure at the gates. A single guard each is hardly sufficient to safeguard them from danger, so I think it was more of a statement on their part. I believe they were trying to say that they would not be bullied or made fearful."
    "An excellent analysis, General," nodded Prince Zinan. "Then you surmise that they saw our defenses as a test for them?"
    "I can't say that for sure," shrugged the general. "King Caedmon is known for having an uncanny sense of danger, and I did instruct my men to be alert for the slightest misstep of the arriving guests. One can only suppose that the Arinites and the Salacians were watched very closely as they proceeded through the city. I suspect that King Caedmon reacted to that."
    "Good," nodded Prince Zinan, "then we have accomplished what we set out to do. I think you can have your men stand down now."
    "I cannot do that," frowned General Ortega. "The regent would have my head if I did such a thing."
    "Perhaps," shrugged the prince, "but I doubt that she will even notice. The choice is yours."
    Prince Zinan strode away without further words. He made his way