Read Online Beyond the Burning Lands by John Christopher - Free Book Online

I would arrange this.” The eyes watched me, showing nothing. “But there will be no campaign this summer because my brother mourns his Lady.”
    The eyes shivered briefly with disappointment; then he was impassive. He said:
    â€œI understand, Captain.”
    His voice was low and harsh but sure. I liked it, and the look of him altogether. It was some time since I had seen him bringing his father’s dinner to the forge, the pot wrapped round with towels to keep in the heat. I had paid him no more attention than any other dwarf boy; but I remembered him now and felt he had improved greatly. I had come here with my mind undecided, chiefly inclined to give him this word and go. But I said:
    â€œThere will be no campaign. But I myself will ride north, with the troop that is to go across the Burning Lands to the city from which the peddler came. I am not in command but as a Captain I may take a groom with me. I make no promises—we may not get through the pass—but if you wish I will take you.”
    He did not reply immediately and I thought: I have been mistaken, the notion scares him. Then he quickly crossed the room and dropped on one knee before me. Eyes staring up, he said:
    â€œI thank you for this honor, Captain. I promise I will serve you faithfully in every way, for as long as I live and you have need of me.”
    It was the ritual speech required from polymufs when they came into adult servitude but said, unlike theirs, with passion and also pride. I took his hand and raised him. Over his shoulder I said to Rudi:
    â€œDoes this content you?”
    He smiled. “It contents me, Captain.”
    I said: “He is to be my groom and we go into unknown lands with many hazards. It would be well for him to take a sword.”
    Hans stared at me, his chin thrust forward, a small incredulous smile on his lips. Rudi said:
    â€œI will make it for him.”
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    There had been no banquets since Ann’s death but the Captains were called to the palace the night before the embassy was to leave. There was meat in plenty and much ale was drunk but the jests were few and there would plainly be no singing. When my brother stood up, they watched in silence.
    He gave a toast to the expedition’s success. Then he said, dry-voiced:
    â€œI have another thing to say. I will not speak of my loss but you know that it was double. The last time you were assembled here you drank to my son, the Prince to be. There are Spirits, it is said, that watch for pride in men, to punish it, and maybe they sought me out.”
    He stood wordless for so long that the Captains grew restless. I wondered if he had forgotten what he meant to say and if I should pluck his sleeve to remind him to sit down. But he spoke at last.
    â€œI will take no other wife and therefore will have no son. So my brother is my heir. It is I this time who name him Prince in Waiting, not the Spirits. I bid you drink to that.”
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    When we were alone I said: “There was no need of it.”
    â€œNeed enough. It is wise to say these things plainly.”
    â€œAnd too early to talk of having no second wife. Your mind is still unsettled by grief.”
    â€œI think not. Luke, your time may come sooner than you guess.”
    I looked at him. He was thinner but otherwise well enough. And I could not believe he would seek to take his life: the time when it might have happened was surely past. He said:
    â€œIf I should become a Christian I must give up the sword, and no Prince can rule without it.”
    â€œYou would not do that!”
    â€œI do not know.” He shook his head. “Maybe it would please her spirit.”
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    Martin came to me in the palace that night. To bid good-by, I thought, but there was more to it: he brought a message from Ezzard. I listened and said:
    â€œThe answer is the same as before. I am