Read Online Rise of a Merchant Prince by Raymond E. Feist - Free Book Online Page B

floor.
    â€œDamn me,” said Nathan. “It’s you. It really is.”
    Erik hurried around the table and took his mother’s hand. “Get some water,” he instructed Roo.
    Roo got a pitcher and filled it from the pump at the sink and brought a clean kitchen rag, which he wet and placed upon Erik’ s mother’s brow.
    Erik looked across his mother’s still form at the man with whom she had been eating and saw thesmith regarding him with amazement in his eyes, which were brimming with tears. “You’re alive,” he said. “We didn’t know.”
    Erik swore. “I’m an idiot.”
    Roo took off his travel cloak and sat down, motioning to Duncan to do the same. “Rosalyn!” he shouted. “We need wine!”
    Nathan shook his head. “Rosalyn’s not here. I’ll get us a bottle.” As he stood, he said, “There’s a lot to be talked of, it seems.”
    A moment later he returned, with Milo the innkeeper a step behind. The innkeeper said, “My Gods! Erik! Roo! You’re alive!”
    Erik and Roo both exchanged a glance, then Roo said, “Well, it was a secret, wasn’t it?”
    Nathan said, “Are you hunted?”
    Roo burst out laughing. “No, Master Smith. We are free men, by the King’s own hand. And prosperous ones, as well.” He jingled his purse significantly.
    Nathan pulled the cork of the wine bottle he carried and poured a round of drinks while Freida regained consciousness. She blinked and said, “Erik?”
    â€œHere, Mother.”
    She threw her arms around his neck and started to cry. “We were told you were tried and convicted.”
    â€œWe were,” said Erik softly. “But we gained our pardon and were set free.”
    â€œWhy did you not send word?” she asked, a slight note of reproach in her voice. She touched his face as if uncertain of his substance.
    â€œWe couldn’t,” said Erik. “We were in the Prince’s service and”—he glanced around the room—“we were not permitted to let anyone know. But that’s allin the past.”
    She shook her head slightly in amazement. She touched his cheek, then kissed it. Resting her head on his shoulder she said, “My prayers are answered.”
    Nathan said, “She prayed, lad.” He wiped away a tear. “We all prayed for you.”
    Roo saw that Erik’s own emotions were starting to rise, but Erik forced them down, never having been one to show his feelings openly. Roo took a deep breath, suddenly feeling self-conscious over the moisture gathering in his own eyes.
    Erik asked, “What of you? How are you?”
    Freida sat back and took Nathan’s hand. “There have been changes.”
    Erik glanced from his mother to the smith. “You two?”
    Nathan smiled, “We wed last summer.” Then his expression darkened. “You’ve no objections, I take it?”
    Erik let out a whoop and leaned across the table and seized his stepfather in a bear hug, nearly knocking the wine over; only Roo’s quick reflexes saved it. “Objections! You’re the best man I know, Nathan, and if I could have named my father, it would have been you.” Sitting back he looked at his mother with an unashamed tear rolling down his cheek, then he took her in another bear hug and said, “I am so happy for you, Mother.”
    Freida blushed like a bride. “He came to me and was so sweet when you fled. He saw to my hurt every day, Erik.” She touched Nathan’s cheek with more tenderness than Erik could ever remembering her showing anyone, including himself. “He made me care again.”
    Slapping his hand on the table, Erik said, “We celebrate!” To Milo he said, “I want your best bottle and a meal tonight to embarrass the Empress of Kesh!”
    â€œDone!” said Milo, his own eyes glistening with emotion. “And