James could feel his colour rising while Jazhara and William worked hard to contain their amusement. James was not shy about voicing his opinions on how the business of the Western Realm was conducted, most of which was far outside his area of responsibility or expertise. Yet Arutha indulged him more often than not, and both knew to some degree it was due to the affection in which he held his squire, as well as the fact that James had proved his value well and often. His life had hung in the balance more than once, and he had been an effective agent for the Kingdom since coming to Krondor. Moreover, James possessed a uniquely keen intelligence. Arutha was grooming him for greater responsibility in the future.
The prince was silent for a moment, framing his next remark. James was used to these silences: Arutha was always precise in what he chose to say. Finally the prince said, James, Im releasing you from your office. Find another lad to do those things you leave for other lads to do, anyway. Im giving up on the notion that youre anyones idea of a squire. Youll have a new letter of marque tomorrow. Youre a knight of the court as of this morning.
He turned to William. Ive already told Gardan Im going to need you away from the garrison, so youll be holding your rank of lieutenant in the royal household guard, but reporting directly to me only. Is that understood?
Unable to hide his surprise, William replied, Yes, Highness.
You three work well together, and I think Im going to need your full combined attention on this Crawler business. So, beginning tomorrow, your task is to discover this miscreants identity and bring him to justice. Everything else is secondary. Understood?
All three of them nodded. Good, said Arutha. James, go get some sleep.
James hesitated, then realizing he was dismissed, stood and said, Thank you, Highness.
Dont thank me yet, Jimmy, said Arutha. With greater rank comes greater responsibility. As James turned, Arutha added, And more chances to get yourself killed.
James hesitated for a bare moment, then continued out of the door.
Arutha looked from Jazhara to William and back. I dont know what went on between you at Stardock and I prefer to keep it that way. I dont intrude into the lives of my court officers unless their behaviour reflects poorly on my court, or hampers their service. I expect you both to deal with whatever difficulties may lie between you. He sat back, steepling his fingers. James is a young man of prodigious talent, and he has ambition. If I dont keep him on a short leash hell get himself killed, but too short a leash makes him ineffective; so you two will be my leash when youre gone from the city.
Gone, Highness? asked William.
It is almost certain, given what we already know, that you three will soon be on your way to Kesh.
Jazhara nodded. Since the night of my arrival, much of what I have seen involving criminal activity in Krondor has involved Keshians.
Not all your countrymen in my city can be your great uncles agents, Jazhara. Then Arutha revealed one of his rare smiles. Though on occasion Im inclined to think they all may be. Abdur may be the cleverest man Ive ever encountered. He stood up, and they rose a moment after. I must return to my other duties. You two keep a close watch on James. He may end up running this nation some day, and I suspect hell do a masterful job, so dont let him get killed before that. Understood?
Then without another word, he turned and left them standing in his office.
They exchanged glances and then, silently, departed.
Jazhara waited until they were halfway between the princes private rooms and the great hall before she said, What is it he has heard?
William shrugged. Gossip, no doubt. His Highness keeps a close watch on everything. Rarely is anything undertaken in Krondor or the principality without his being aware of it. Your arrival was anticipated by many, for you are a novelty. He studied her face, one he knew in every detail from their short-lived romance.
Being a few years older than William, Jazhara had still been young enough not to understand the difference between their feelings for one another until it was too late. She loved him after a fashion, and had enjoyed the intimacy while it had lasted, but he had been completely overtaken by a deep and abiding love. Their break-up had been bitter and he, being young, had not handled it well.
That had been one of the many reasons why William had decided to leave Stardock and take service with Arutha. The other reasons involved disputes with his father over his role in the Academy. William had what could only be described as a magical gift: the ability to hear what animals were thinking. His father had assumed that meant William would take up magic as his calling, but other than the one odd ability, he felt no calling for, nor displayed much talent in, other areas of magic. He wished to be a soldier, a dream of his since childhood, and on several occasions after his fourteenth birthday his mother had had to end a heated exchange between William and Pug.
William stopped and Jazhara turned a half-step later and said, What is it?
William paused, framing his thoughts. It doesnt have to be difficult. Weve already weathered one adventure, he said with a pained grin, and no doubt well face other challenges for the prince. It seems Arutha is putting us in Squire Jamessexcuse me, Sir Jamesscharge, and we both know that means a lot more danger and a lot less comfort.
Jazhara nodded. James does attract trouble.
Attract? No, hes rather keen to ferret it out, corrected William. Thats why Arutha treasures him so much. He glanced around. James expects to be running this castle some day, and I expect he probably will. But what I mean is, we dont have to make this any more difficult than it already is. Thats what I think the prince was hinting at.
His Highness doesnt strike me as the type of man to hint, William.
Mostly youre right, said William. He walked on. But sometimes he lets the other person puzzle things out for himself he inclined his head, or herself, because it makes the message much more personal, I guess.
So what youre saying is, youre willing to put the past behind us?
William stopped in mid-stride as if to think about the question, then started walking again. Im never going to forget anything, Jazhara, he said quietly. Im just not going to let it get in my way, is all.
I can accept that, she said, studying his face.
What? he asked after a moment.
Nothing, she said with a half-smile. Its just youve grown up since Stardock.
Being around James ages you rapidly.
She laughed and they let silence overtake them.
The next morning James, William, and Jazhara were summoned to Prince Aruthas private apartment as he was finishing his morning meal with his wife and children. The twins jumped down from the table and ran over, shouting, Uncle Jimmy! Cousin Willy! and hugged both in turn. They were polite in greeting Jazhara, as she was relatively new to the court and hadnt achieved auntie status just yet. Baby Elena grinned and laughed at the sight of the two uncles, then shrieked delightedly.
Princess Anita took a moment to greet both young men, who bowed; and Jazhara, who curtseyed despite wearing trousers instead of a skirt. Its good to see you again, boys, and you as well, Jazhara. She squeezed the young womans hands. You must find time to visit us so that we can get to know each other better.