Royal Assassin

The King took the wine the Fool proffered. He sipped, and seemed to draw strength with it. “Kerf. Give it to Kerf, then.” A shade of the confidence came back. I bit my tongue against saying that what horse we had left was not worth sending. Doubtless the folk of Neatbay would welcome whoever came to reinforce them.

King Shrewd considered. “What is the word from South Cove? Have they sent out warriors and ships?”

“Your Majesty, there is no word from there as yet.” This was not a lie.

“What goes on here?” The shouting began before he even reached the bedchamber. It was Regal, puffy with drink and fury. “Wallace!” He pointed an accusing finger at me. “Get him out of here. Get help to do it if you need it. You needn’t be gentle!”

Wallace had not far to look. Two of Regal’s brawny inland guardsmen had followed him up from the feasting. I was lifted off my feet; Regal had chosen burly men for this duty. I looked about for the Fool, for any ally, but the Fool had vanished. I caught a glimpse of a pale hand vanishing under the bed and resolutely looked away. I did not blame him. There was nothing he could do for me by staying except be thrown out with me.

“My father, has he disturbed your rest with his wild tales? And you so ill?” Regal bent solicitously over the bed.

They had me almost to the door when the King spoke. His voice was not loud, but command was in it. “Stand where you are,” King Shrewd ordered the guards. He still was prone in his bed, but he turned his eyes to Regal. “Neatbay is besieged,” King Shrewd said firmly. “We must send aid.”

Regal shook his head sadly. “It is just another of the Bastard’s ploys, to upset you and steal rest from you. There has been no call for help, no message of any kind.”

One of the guards was very professional in his grip. The other seemed intent on dislocating my shoulder even if I refused to struggle against him. I carefully memorized his face while trying not to show the pain.

“You need not have troubled yourself, Regal. I will discover the truth or the lie here.” Queen Kettricken had paused to dress. Short white fur jacket, purple trousers and boots. Her long Mountain sword was at her side and Burrich stood in the door, holding a heavy-hooded riding cloak and gloves. She spoke as one would to a spoiled child. “Go back to your guests. I will ride to Neatbay.”

“I forbid it!” Regal’s voice rang out strangely shrill. Stillness suddenly flooded the room.

Queen Kettricken pointed out quietly what everyone in the room already knew. “A Prince does not forbid the Queen-in-Waiting. I ride tonight.”

Regal’s face purpled. “This is a hoax, a plot of the Bastard’s to throw Buckkeep into an uproar, and instill fear in the folk. There has been no word of an attack on Neatbay.”

“Silence!” The King spat out the word. Everyone in the room froze. “FitzChivalry? Damn it, release that man. FitzChivalry, stand before me. Report. Whence came your news?”

I tugged my jerkin square again and smoothed my hair back. As I went to stand before my King I was painfully aware of my bare feet and tousled hair. I took a breath and threw it all away. “In my sleep I had a vision, sire. Of the Pocked Man, scrying in a pool of water. He showed me the Red-Ships at Neatbay.”

I dared emphasize no word. I stood firm before them. One of the guardsmen snorted in disbelief. Burrich’s jaw dropped open and his eyes widened. Kettricken merely looked confused. On the bed, King Shrewd closed his eyes and breathed out slowly.

“He’s drunk,” Regal declared. “Get him out of here.” I had never heard so much satisfaction in Regal’s voice. His guards reacted swiftly to seize me again.

“As . . .” — the King drew a deep breath in, obviously fighting pain — “I commanded.” He found a bit of strength. “As I commanded. Go now. NOW!”

I jerked my arms free from the astonished guards. “Yes, Your Majesty,” I said into the silence. I spoke clearly for the benefit of all. “That is, all warships dispatched to Neatbay, and as many of the fishing fleet as can be rallied. And all available horse to be sent overland, under Kerf’s command.”

“Yes.” The King sighed the word. He swallowed, took a breath, opened his eyes. “Yes, I order it so. Now go.”

“Some wine, my liege?” The Fool had materialized on the other side of the bed. I was the only one who startled. The Fool smiled a secret smile over that. Then he bent over the King, helping him to raise his head and sip at the wine. I bowed deeply, deeply, to my King. I straightened and turned to leave the room.

“You may ride with my guard, if you wish,” Queen Kettricken told me.

Regal’s face was scarlet. “The King did not tell you to go!” he sputtered at her.

“Nor did he ‘forbid’ it.” The Queen looked at him flatly.

“My Queen!” One of her guard announced herself at the door. “We are ready to ride.” I looked at her in astonishment. Kettricken merely nodded.

She glanced at me. “You’d best make haste, Fitz. Unless you plan to ride like that.”