Read Online lastkingsamazon by Chris Northern - Free Book Online Page B

briefly and they had spoken to me even more briefly. They had shown no indication that they were the least interested in me, and there was little reason why they should be, unless they were worried that I might do a sloppy job of protecting them if I didn't like them. It didn't wash. I reviewed the four in my mind, Tall and Fat and Old and their student, Thin. I didn't even know their names. I wondered if they knew mine. It was one more thing to mull over and leave semi-resolved. I'd prefer to have an answer that I could promptly forget about, but life is rarely that simple. Some things that happen you never understand.
    I was still mulling it over while I gobbled down a bowl of porridge and supped a mug of tea. By the time I was done the camp was roused and we were off for another day of riding at walking pace and trotting when the soldiers were ordered to double-time. Anyone who wasn't fit now would be fit by the time we arrived. My body had not stopped protesting at the harsh treatment but I had tried to stop paying attention to it. I would toughen up soon enough - and Meran had appeared with ointment to rub into my legs, butt and back each night. Some nobles would have their slaves do it, some slaves would offer, and doubtless there were those who would make play of it. Meran had just tossed the jar onto my bed and left. Can't say I blame him. I tried to imagine how he would have responded if I'd ordered him to do the job for me and his imagined response made me laugh aloud. Kerral gave me a funny look which I affected not to notice. Still, the sudden laugh had unsettled even me. I didn't think I was under that much pressure but I had a nagging feeling that there were too many things going on that I didn't get. Sapphire's regular features and sharp blue eyes came unbidden to mind. The evening before he had brought my father's loans to my tent, guided by Meran who made it clear with his facial expression and shrug that Sapphire had insisted on delivering them in person. It was late. I had eaten and returned to my tent to find them there, waiting. They had followed me inside and Sapphire had placed the armor and weapons on my camp desk which was just up to taking the weight. I was put out by the lateness of the hour. It would have been more polite to visit earlier.
    “ Do you know the contents of the letter you delivered?”
    He had turned his head and stared pointedly at Meran who had in turn looked to me for instruction, leaving my tent with clear reluctance as soon as I dismissed him.
    “ Well?”
    “ I was there when he wrote it.”
    He was a freedman. He didn't have to be more than courteous. There were a few customs about these things. It would be normal for him to use the phrase “young master” as I was my fathers son and it acknowledged the fact that I had some authority over him in my father's name, that I was due a share of the deference and loyalty he owed my father. The fact that he didn't use it, even once, told me something.
    “ Did he have any verbal message for me?”
    “ Not that he entrusted to me.”
    “ Why are you traveling with the army?”
    He held my gaze, neither arrogant nor defendant. “My Patron so instructed me.”
    I didn't let my annoyance show. “What is your mission?”
    “ I am under instructions to discuss my mission with no one.”
    “ Then I have no need to speak with you further.”
    “ It was my understanding that your father intended that I travel with you,” he looked around the tent as though deciding where to sleep.
    “ That was not asked of me.”
    He didn't respond.
    “ You are not going to tell me anything, are you?”
    “ Your father instructed me not to discuss my purpose with anyone.”
    “ Then get out.”
    He had given a slight bow, and then, making his disapproval of my decision obvious, he had left.
    I had called Meran in and told him to watch Sapphire and report anything unusual. Only then had I unpacked the weapons and armor and inspected them. They