"Bard's Tale 06 - Escape from Roksamur - Mark Shepherd UC" - читать интересную книгу автора (Bard's Tale)

"Yes," Derek replied. "It bears his seal. But who
would want to see our ambassador dead?" The hand
holding the message dropped limply to one side, and
Derek stared forward at nothing Alaire could see.
"May I read it?" Alaire ventured, and Derek ab-
sently handed the parchment over to him. The note
had been composed by a scribe, complete with all
the fancy calligraphy and seals mandated by a royal
message. The information was brief, and to the point.
Your Majesty, King Derek of Althea,
We so very much regret to inform you that your
Ambassador to Suinomen, Sir Erikson of Gnarwald,
was found stabbed to death in his chambers at mid
morning. We cannot express the grief we feel to-
day, and we fear this message will not convey suf-
ficient apology. I can say with absolute certainty
that none in the Suinomen government is respon-
sible for this ghastly deed, and we will spare no
expense or resource to get to the bottom of this
crime. As King of Suinomen, I respectfully request
that you send two most capable emissaries, Bard
Alaire and Master Bard Naitachal. I am acquainted
with them both and would be honored by their
presence, even under these less than favorable cir-
cumstances.
Youre Sincerely, and most regretfully,
King Kainemonen
Ruler of Suinomen
Alaire's gaze wavered from the message to the man
who brought it. Not much older than the messenger who
brought the other news to Naitachal and myself, six
years ago. And he looks worse off than I do.
"Come with me," Alaire said, and led the young
messenger to the gallery where the servant was wait-
ing with obvious anxiety.
"Give him the best guest room in the palace," Alaire
said o^ickly. "And a bath and a meal."
"Yes, sir," he replied quickly. "Yes, indeed." He bowed
and excused himself, leading the messenger quickly down
the hallway.
Alaire returned to his brothers chambers and col-
lected the tankard he'd dropped to the floor, and
poured himself more water. The King hadn't moved from
the throne and continued to stare vacantly.
"I believe," Alaire said slowly, "that the King of
Suinomen is telling us the truth." The Bard pulled
a chair up near the throne, to better speak with his
brother, who did not look very well at the moment. He
also didn't look as though he was hearing anything Alaire
said, but the Bard knew better. He's listening, and think-