"Feist, Raymond E - The Riftwar Legacy 02 - Krondor- The Assassins" - читать интересную книгу автора (Feist Raymond E)

to how he would effect the changes he must make, but he knew that
eventually he would have to sit down with his advisors and fashion a
plan that would ensure future security for the Kingdom. And he knew
almost no one would be pleased at the changes he would make.

Arutha glanced to his right and saw two very fatigued young men sitting
astride their horses. He permitted himself one of

3 his infrequent smiles, a bare upturning of the sides of his mouth,
which served to soften the often somber expression on his still-youthful
face. "Tired, gentlemen? " he asked.

James, senior squire to the Prince, returned his ruler s gaze from eyes
surrounded by dark circles. James, and his companion Squire Locklear,
had ridden a punishing ride, abetted by magic herbs which had kept them
awake and alert for days in the saddle. The after-effects of the
prolonged use of the draught was to unleash all the pent-up fatigue and
body-ache on the young men at once. Both had slept through the night,
upon cushions in Arutha s tent, but had awakened tired and bone-weary.
Summoning up his usual brazen wit, James said, "No, sire, we always look
like this when we wake. Usually you don t see us until after our morning
coffee. " Arutha laughed. "I see none of your charms have faded, squire.
" A short man with dark hair and beard walked over to where the Prince
and his companions sat astride their horses.

"Good morning, Highness, " said Pug, as he bowed.

Arutha returned a polite nod and said, "Pug, do you return to Krondor
with us? " Pug s expression revealed concern. "Not straight away,
Highness. There are matters I must investigate at Stardock. The
activities of the Tsurani Great Ones involved with this last attempt at
Sethanon cause me great concern. I need to ensure that they were the
only magicians involved, and that those who still reside at my Academy
are free of any guilt. " Arutha looked at the retreating wagons again as
he said, "We do need to talk about the role played by the Tsurani in
your Academy, Pug. But not here. "

4 Pug nodded agreement. Even though everyone within earshot was privy to
the secret of the Lifestone which sat beneath the city of Sethanon, it
was wise to talk only in private. And Pug also knew that Arutha had
grave concerns about the betrayal by the Tsurani magician Makala which
had led to this last battle between the Prince s army and an invading
army of moredhel warriors. He expected that Arutha would insist on far
more stringent controls over who and what came through the rift the
magic gateway between Midkemia and the Tsurani homeworld of Kelewan.

"We will, Highness. First, I must see to the safety of Katala and
Gamina. "

"I understand your concerns, " said the Prince. Pug s daughter Gamina