Read Online Krondor the Assassins by Raymond E. Feist - Free Book Online Page A

since I enjoyed the comfort of a warm bed and a good night’s sleep, sir,’’ James replied. ‘‘Last night included.’’
    ‘‘Well, was it worth it?’’
    James said, ‘‘In one way, very much. In another, no.’’
    Glancing at his wife and children, Arutha looked at James and softly said, ‘‘Do we need to speak in private?’’
    James said, ‘‘I judge it inappropriate table conversation, if that’s the answer you seek, Highness.’’
    Arutha said, ‘‘Retire to my private office and wait. I will join you in a few minutes.’’
    James did as he was told and walked the short distance to Arutha’s private office. Inside he found it as it always was, ordered and clean. He eased his fatigued body into a chair near the Prince’s writing desk and sat back.
    James lurched awake as Arutha entered a short while later.
    ‘‘Sleeping?’’ asked the Prince with amusement as James came to his feet.
    ‘‘It was a very long and tiring ride home, Highness, followed by another night without sleep.’’
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    R A Y M O N D E . F E I S T
    Arutha waved James back into his chair and said, ‘‘Relax a bit while you talk, but don’t nod off again.’’
    ‘‘Sire,’’ said James as he sat. ‘‘Three of my informants have gone missing.’’
    Arutha nodded. ‘‘From what the good sheriff tells me, we have a rash of killings here in Krondor again, and this time it looks as if there’s no pattern. But the disappearance of your informants tells us someone knows more about us than we do about him, and doesn’t want us improving our knowledge.’’
    James said, ‘‘I don’t see any pattern either.’’
    ‘‘Not yet,’’ said the Prince. There was a knock at the door, and Arutha called out, ‘‘A moment.’’ To James he said, ‘‘That would be Gardan with his retirement documents.’’
    ‘‘He is leaving, then?’’ asked James.
    Arutha nodded. ‘‘I’m sorry to see him go, but he’s earned his rest. He’ll go home to Crydee and spend his last years with his grandchildren, and I can’t think of a better fate for any man. And I suspect he’s correct in his accusation that I don’t leave him much to do, really. He suggests I appoint someone with administrative talents to the post rather than a military man as long as I insist on personally supervising the army. And this conversation stays in this room.’’
    James nodded silently.
    Pointing to the door, Arutha said, ‘‘Let Gardan in on your way out. Then go to your room and get some sleep. You’re excused from court duty this morning. You have a busy evening ahead of you.’’
    ‘‘More scouting the city?’’ asked James.
    Arutha said, ‘‘No, my wife’s arranged a homecoming ball, and you must attend.’’
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    K R O N D O R : T H E A S S A S S I N S
    James rolled his eyes heavenward. ‘‘Couldn’t I go crawl around in the sewers some more?’’
    Arutha laughed. ‘‘No. You’ll stand and look interested as rich merchants impress you with tales of their fiscal heroics, and their vapid daughters try to entice you with their marginal charms. That’s a royal command.’’ He fingered a document upon his desk. ‘‘And we have word of an eastern noble headed our way for an unexpected visit. So we must be ready to entertain as well. And murder in the streets does so take the joy out of things, don’t you agree?’’ he added dryly.
    ‘‘Yes, Highness.’’
    James opened the door and admitted Gardan, who nodded a greeting. After Gardan entered the room, James left, closing the door behind him.
    The court was nearly empty. In a few moments, de Lacy and Jerome would admit nobles, merchants, and other petitioners to the great hall. With a nod of courtesy to the two men, James hurried out of another side door and started back toward his quarters. He might not look forward to another of Princess Anita’s galas, but he did hear his bed singing a siren call to him right now. The last few weeks in the north,