Free The Sons of Hull by Lindsey Scholl Page B

to go with them.”
    Telenar shook as head as they continued walking. “No good. I can’t leave before the fortnight is up. I’ll go alone.”
    “I think the king sees it differently, my friend.”
    Telenar hissed under his breath and pleaded with Kynell for patience. The king was obsessed with these pointless Marcher wars. To go before the appointed time was ludicrous. What if the boy appeared while he was on his way to the borderlands? No, this order he would fight. The schedule must be kept. Consistency was the only way Telenar operated.
    They soon reached the East Wall. More than merely a wall, the imposing edifice housed a number of residences, administrative offices, and even one grand kitchen. The king could often be found climbing the many steps of its grand central turret to gaze over his beloved city. Below him, his subjects danced and sang merrily, conscious of but not cowed by his presence. They knew he loved them, and had always treated them with the greatest kindness, so they sang his praises in everything from plays to tapestries to bed-time stories. He was past his prime, of course, but faithful Quinia had provided him with three strong sons and one marriageable daughter to follow in his footsteps. The House of Anisllyr would continue for another generation.
    Relgaré wondered where his wife was at the moment: warning the young serving girls against vice in the lower chambers, perhaps, or strolling through the water garden north of the palace with their beautiful daughter. A smile crept over his weathered face as he pictured both headstrong women discussing anything from his latest politics to what an early hiverra could do to the redcup blossoms. His sons were probably out hunting or waiting to torment the same young serving girls. They were energetic, certainly, but not a rambunctious lot. Relgaren, his eldest, would soon reach his twenty-first cycle and was already well accomplished in the art of kingship. Farlone, his middle boy, would be a fine warrior and was anxious to depart with this next batch of troops. It had taken all of the king’s persuasive powers to convince him to stay for one more round of training. Then there was Lors, his youngest. Relgaré frowned and ran a hand through his thick but graying red hair. Barely fourteen cycles and he was already going his own way. Still, the king thought he would make a fine Patroniusand intended to broach the topic with him that evening. His bright mood returned at this, and his mind soon wandered back to the image of his wife.
    It was these straying thoughts that the arrival of Telenar and Chiyo interrupted.
    “Your Majesty.” Telenar bowed low.
    “Ah, Telenar! Chiyo was timely with his errand.” The king nodded at his general. Without another glance at his friend, Chiyo gave a sharp salute and departed.
    “Well, Telenar,” the king began, sweeping an arm over the magnificent view of the city. “What a marvelous day! It began with good news and I hope it will end with the same.”
    Telenar took note of the hint, but chose to delay the topic for the moment. “What good news met you this morning, Sire?”
    “Do you remember young Huran from the Ulanese kingdom?”
    “Of course. A very likable young man from a noble realm. He was here last Lighting, I believe.”
    Relgaré stroked his beard. “Has it been almost a cycle already? I guess it has. Well, this Huran is his father’s son: a strong ally, as well as a good leader. You know I have favored him for Dorylen?”
    “I have heard so from the Supras. Does she favor him in return?”
    The king could not contain his pleasure. “That’s just it, Telenar! Dorylen confided in Quinia last night. She has been secretly communicating letters of affection to Huran for the past two seasons!”
    “She has been communicating with another without your permission?”
    “You know this is different, Telenar. I would much rather have it this way than have the girl protest. She is already intelligent for