Read Online Greyrawk (Book 2) by Jim Greenfield - Free Book Online Page A

and we must not call to it. I wish you had come to me, Greyrawk, to be welcomed properly. Your family was very important in this land. Feel free to come and go as you will, but stay alert Greyrawk, death follows your family. It may find you."
    "I will be wary."
    "Good! Please stay and enjoy the feast. I have to admit you gave me a start. You resemble your grandfather."
    "Except that I'm not old and feeble."
    "Lord Belderag! Let me deal with this fool," shouted a man at the end of Belderag's table.
    Belderag shook his head and sighed.
    "No, Dyson. That will not be necessary at this time. Besides, I don't think the outcome would in your favor. This man is a Greyrawk and no doubt is skilled with his blade.
    "Ian Greyrawk, hear me clearly. Do not believe everything my detractors tell you. Aryar Greyrawk was a bull of a man, size and temperament, even at his death. The battle was neither glorious nor unequal. It was blood and sweat and I prevailed, nothing more. A most inelegant encounter, not a tale the bards would sing. Nay, they would rewrite it to a great splendor and they have."
    "Like your tapestry?"
    "Let us not trade barbs in this place. Perhaps later there will be an opportunity for such things." He turned to the noble next to him and began a conversation.
    Greyrawk bowed and returned to his seat. Arenna winked at him.
    "We'll stay another quarter hour. Good work, Ian. He's hooked."
    Greyrawk managed a weak grin and reached for his goblet. A young boy ran to him and refilled the shaking goblet with red wine. Greyrawk thanked the boy who grinned and skipped away. The boy noticed Arenna watching him but did not acknowledge her. The excited voices took a while to quiet and Belderag made no more public statements. From time to time Belderag glanced at Greyrawk, but showed no emotion. Greyrawk felt warm and needed to walk, but he tried to remain seated.
    Finally, Arenna rose to her feet and as one her retainers rose too. Brandalay grabbed the back of Greyrawk's cape and pulled him along. Belderag watched the exodus and spoke to the hooded man.
    Greyrawk noticed Brandalay wore a false hair color and his cheeks were paler than normal.
    "Are you disguised?" Greyrawk whispered.
    "Yes. You are not the only one Belderag would like to get his hooks into."
    "Ah, good. I was afraid you were to leave me for a romantic tryst."
    Brandalay looked sharply at Greyrawk.
    "Sometimes I wonder how much you really know about this land. It is because of a tryst last year that I am now in disguise. No, do not ask. I will not tell you more."
    "I am glad you are more than a hired sword, my friend. I am already weary of this place and wish to go home."
    "Anavar?"
    "No, to Greyrawk Mountain. I want to go back and breathe the air there once more. I feel I belong there."
    "Good. I feel you do too. But have a care with your words. Those of us who follow Arenna have some misfortune in our past. Your quick ascent to 'Lord' Greyrawk may not endear you to those who have lost their titles or lands. You will find some who say they support you have to work through jealousy towards you. Resentment may hinder your efforts, even among Arenna's men."
    "Resentment from you too?" asked Greyrawk.
    "Honestly? Yes, there is some. But I still see the greater benefit to me if your presence hastens Belderag's demise. For the moment at least."
    "I am reassured."
    The journey back to Arenna's compound was uneventful. Greyrawk watched the others disappear into various buildings. He stood in the courtyard with Brandalay and Arenna. Guards were positioned around the compound. Arenna was no fool.
    "Tomorrow you must go back to Greyrawk Mountain," said Arenna. "My father will try to capture you himself."
    "Are you sure of this? Why wouldn't he just send soldiers to capture me?"
    "For him, this is Aryar Greyrawk again. His ego is that great and it would prove to his followers that he is still to be feared. He will lead a squad of soldiers and follow you all the way to the mountain.