Royal Assassin

“I begin to feel that way myself,” he agreed. We were talking in the dark. He was still in bed and I was sitting on the floor beside it, whispering. I would not suffer Burrich to build up his fire, or even light a candle, for I did not desire anyone to wonder about a sudden departure from his routine. “For us to accomplish all he is asking in two days means that every task must be done perfectly the first time. I have come to you first. Can you do it?”

He was silent and in the darkness I could not see his face. “Three sturdy horses, a mule, a litter, and supplies for three. All without anyone noticing it.” Another silence. “I can’t very well just load up the King and Queen and ride out through the gates of Buckkeep, either.”

“You know that copse of alder where the big dog fox used to den? Have the horses waiting there. The King and Kettricken will meet you there.” Reluctantly I added, “The wolf will guide them to you.”

“Must they know, as well as I, what you do?” He was aghast at the thought.

“I use what tools I have. And I do not perceive it as you do.”

“How long can you share minds with one who scratches and licks himself, who will roll in carrion, who goes mad when a female is in season, who thinks no further than his next meal, before you accept his values as your own? Then what will you be?”

“A guardsman?” I hazarded.

Despite himself, Burrich gave a snort of laughter. “I was serious,” he said after a moment.

“So am I, about the King and Queen. We must put our minds to how we will accomplish this. I no longer care what I sacrifice to accomplish it.”

He was quiet a moment. “So somehow I’m to get four animals and a litter out of Buckkeep without exciting any interest?”

I nodded in the dark, then “Can it be done?”

Grudgingly he said, “There’s a stable hand or two left that I trust. It’s not a favor I like to ask of anyone. I don’t want a lad swinging over something I asked him to do. But I suppose it could be made to look as if they were part of a coffle being taken upriver. But my lads are not stupid; I won’t have a stupid hand in the stable. Once the news is out that the King is missing, they’ll figure it out quickly.”

“Choose one who loves the King.”

Burrich sighed. “Food supplies. It won’t be sumptuous rations. More like marching fare. Am I to supply winter clothing as well?”

“No. Only for yourself. Kettricken can wear and carry what she’ll need. And Chade can see to the King’s needs.”

“Chade. The name is almost familiar, as if I heard it before, long ago.”

“He is supposed to have died, long ago. Before that, he was seen about the Keep.”

“To live all these years as a shadow.” He marveled.

“And he plans to go on living as a shadow.”

“You need not fear I’ll betray him.” Burrich sounded hurt.

“I know. I am just so—”

“I know. Go on, then. You’ve told me enough for me to do my part. I’ll be there with the horses and supplies. What time?”

“Sometime in the night, when the feasting is still lively. I don’t know. I’ll get word to you somehow.”

He shrugged. “As soon as it gets dark, I’ll go out there and wait.”

“Burrich. Thank you.”

“He is my King. She is my Queen. I need no thanks from you to do my duty.”

I left Burrich to creep down his staircase. I kept to the shadows and extended every sense I had to try to be sure no one was spying on me. Once I was clear of the stables, I flitted from warehouse to sty to pen, from shadow to shadow until I came to the old hut. Nighteyes came panting to meet me. What is it? Why am I called back from my hunting?

Tomorrow night, when it gets dark. I may need you. Will you stay here, within the Keep, to come quickly if I send for you?

Of course. But why summon me here for this? You need not be this close to me to ask such a simple favor.

I crouched down in the snow and he came to me, to rest his throat on my shoulder. I hugged him hard.

Foolishness, he told me gruffly. Go on, now. I will be here in case you need me.

My thanks.

My brother.

Stealth and haste battled as I made my way back to the Keep and up to my room. I fastened my door shut and lay down on my bed. Excitement thundered through me. I would know no real rest until all had been accomplished.