Read Online Dragons' Onyx by Richard S. Tuttle - Free Book Online

him.
    “Where did you find that rabbit?” King Arik asked. “I did not see any in the food lockers.”
    “From the woods outside the city,” replied the elf prince. “Where else would you find a rabbit?”
    “You left the palace,” frowned King Arik as he dished out five helpings and placed them on the table.  “I am surprised that I was not told about it.”
    “Actually,” grinned Prince Garong, “I did not leave the palace grounds. The rabbit was a gift from a couple of old friends who just arrived in the city.”
    The Red Swords devoured their meal while King Arik stared at the elf prince. “A couple of friends?” he echoed. “Why do I not get a good feeling about this? I suppose they were elf friends?”
    “Who else would I know?” chuckled Prince Garong. “You said that I could bring two archers with us if I managed to get them to Tagaret before we left. Eltar and Pioti arrived this morning and had a spare rabbit. I thought I would eat it.”
    “Eltar and Pioti?” King Arik shook his head. “How did you manage to get them here so quickly? And where are they?”
    “They are waiting at the docks,” grinned the elf prince. “I was not sure if they would be allowed into the Royal Palace without someone waking you, so I met them at the gates. We will need two horses for them when we leave. They were not able to bring any with them.”
    “You still didn’t say how they managed to get here so quickly,” King Arik pointed out.
    “You are correct,” smiled Prince Garong. “Elves will go to great measures to ensure that Valon remains safe. Believe me when I say that you truly do not want to know how they arrived.”
    “And I thought I would sneak into the kitchen early,” blustered Prince Darok as he lumbered into the kitchen and saw everyone eating. “What are we eating?”
    “I am afraid that there is no fish left,” shrugged King Arik. “I just made enough for the people here.”
    “I will share my rabbit with you,” offered the elf prince.
    “Rabbit is real food,” nodded the dwarf prince. “I’ll shed no tears over the fish being all gone. Prince Oscar was looking for you, Arik. He seemed surprised that your guards were gone.”
    One of the Red Swords bolted from his chair and raced out of the room. Prince Darok looked at the table and saw that the man’s plate was clean.
    “At least he finished the meal,” chuckled the dwarf. “I felt mean saying that.”
    “It is my fault,” shrugged King Arik. “I do not think that I can get used to being waited on. I am afraid that I will run these men ragged before I am done. They will be glad to see me leave the city today.”
    “Not at all, Your Highness,” offered one of the Red Swords. “One of us should have told someone where we went though. Our task is to keep you safe, and we are doing that. I will say that we would prefer to go with you on your adventures rather than stay behind.”
    “That I can understand,” nodded the king. “You probably don’t enjoy the palace any more than I do. Not this trip though. I have been trying to keep the group small,” he added as he shot a glace at Prince Garong.
    “We will take good care of him,” Prince Garong vowed to the Red Swords. “How was the fish?”
    “Best I’ve had in a long time,” offered one of the bodyguards. “If your weren’t the king, Your Highness, I would speak to someone about getting you a job here.”
    “No thanks,” laughed King Arik. “It is hard enough to stomach the palace as king. I wouldn’t dream of trying it as a cook.”
    “I am glad to see you in good spirits this morning,” declared Prince Oscar as he entered the room. “I have arranged a ship for you. It will be ready to leave within the hour.”
    “Is it marked as an Alcea vessel?” questioned King Arik.
    “It is unmarked,” Prince Oscar said as he sat down. “I would not advertise who you are. That would be unwise at this time.”
    “Good,” nodded Arik. “Will the captain be