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ordered to accompany the lord-governor to Landemere. He could have tried to feign some
sickness or other, but he came to the conclusion that would be too suspicious.
It was during the long hours of guard duty that the idea had struck him. Every castle had
its weak point. So, it was just a question of finding which was Lorseth Castle's. Moreover, the
weak point was usually situated near the strongest parts of the building. That was where, in
times of danger, the most important people, the lord and his family, sought refuge. In most
cases an emergency exit was provided, and a way out could also be used as a way in.
The prince was leaving the duchy tomorrow with that part of the cavalry that hadn't taken
up a commission in the Landemere Contingent. He had a good idea where the emergency
exit of Lorseth Castle could be. He would soon be able to start investigating his theory. Come
what may, he would get Ehandar out of the claws of that little tyrant. The self seeking little
bastard could maybe fool all those around him, but not Gorth.
 I still have more than half of the money Ehandar gave me and together with my little nest
egg, that should be sufficient for the both of us to live on for a few months. If we're careful.
We'll sleep in barns whenever possible, maybe hunt our own food. Ehandar is a fine horse-
man. So what if he has no name? He can just make one up. Every recruiting officer who sees
him riding a horse, will be all too glad to give him a commission. And we won't be alone in a
foreign country. We'll have each other's back. Yes, it will all work out just fine.
On his way back to Lorseth, the first night, Anaxantis lodged again at the castle of
Ramaldah. He was in a very good mood as he had accomplished all he had wanted on this
trip. Organizing the recruitment and starting the investigation into the records of the duchy
had taken somewhat longer than he had thought, and as a result it was almost mid December
before he could leave. He had left Lethoras in charge of the formation of what was to be offi-
cially known as the Landemere Contingent, and Tomar had stayed behind until a colleague
could come over from Lorseth to supervise the extended audit.
Once on the road, Iftang had voiced a concern.
 Aren't you just adding to the army? The very same army Tarngord will take away from
you?
Anaxantis had smiled at him.
 It would seem that way, however we'll cross that particular bridge when we come to it. For
the moment we have more pressing business to attend to. The new year is almost upon us.
Time is running out. What would you think of another visit to the fair city of Dermolhea?
 Are you planning to take the city like you took the castle? Because, taking a whole city is
another kettle of fish 
 No, no, Iftang, Anaxantis had laughed out loud.  I doubt if I could mount a surprise like
that a second time. No, I'm anxious to meet lord mayor Fraleck and see if I can awaken some
of that old Dermolhean pride.
 You do realize that the cavalry isn't up to par, with all those resignations?
 I'll only need an escort of about fifty. Meanwhile you better start recruiting to fill the gaps
in your ranks.
 I already send orders to that effect to my second in command, Iftang had grinned.  Never
fear, by the end of January we should be at full strength again.
The lord of Ramaldah had given orders to prepare the same room for the prince. He in-
sisted on escorting Anaxantis personally to his sleeping quarters. He was accompanied by his
son who looked extra surly for the occasion.
 Your princeliness, he said tentatively,  if it is not too much trouble, I would like to ask you
a question.
 Of course, my lord, Anaxantis replied, trying to be civil, although he felt dead tired and
had a slight headache.
 You see, news travels fast in these parts. We heard a rumor that the young duke of
Landemere has entered your service as a page.
They had reached the room and the three of them entered.
 Yes, that is correct, Anaxantis said neutrally.
 Well, I was thinking... I was hoping... You see, my boy here hasn't seen much of the real
world yet. In fact, he knows not much more than Ramaldah, its peasants, its live stock and its
vegetables. I know we're not exactly high nobility, but I thought it would be a good thing for
him if he could...
Anaxantis sighed.
 I am trying to prepare for war, and he thinks I run a school for wayward sons of nobles,
he thought.
On the other hand, he liked the unassuming lord of Ramaldah.
 Well, I suppose, If you insist 
 Oh, father, let it rest already, the subject of the conversation intervened.  Don't you see
he doesn't want to. He's a prince and his pages are dukes and counts, no doubt. We are
nothing in his eyes.
The young man glared from under his entangled, straw colored hair at Anaxantis.
 Hey, the beleaguered prince protested,  I never said that. Turning to Sir Eckfred he ad-
ded  It seems to me that it is your son who is not happy with the whole idea.
 Now, now, Obyann, Sir Eckfred said in a tone that was almost, but not quite admonish-
ing,  you know how important this is for us. Not only would you get an opportunity to see more
of the world than I ever have, but it'll give you a chance to become friends with young
Landemere. It could save us a lot of trouble, if you just play nice with him.
 Ha, Anaxantis thought.  That's the real reason. Very shrewd, Sir Eckfred.
 Play nice, play nice, Obyann grumbled,  what am I? Six? Besides, he's probably an in-
sufferable twat who will be trying to lord it over me all the time.
 You don't know that, Obyann, he could very well be a pleasant, well mannered young
man. Unlike you at the moment, I might add. And in the presence of his royalty too.
 Yes, Anaxantis said doubtfully,  he has a bit of an attitude problem, hasn't he?
Obyann crossed his arms and snorted loudly.
 It's not his fault, you know, your mightiness, Sir Eckfred tried to put out some flames.  It's
not easy for him, with all the peasants and their sons laughing behind his back, and calling
him a bastard, and him being the Firstborn of Ramaldah too. I know, the title is stupid. Has [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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