04 Serpentwar 4 - Shards of a Broken Crown by Feist Raymond E

Author:Feist, Raymond E. [Feist, Raymond E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2012-09-02T06:03:19+00:00

"Where, Highness?"

Raymond E. Feist

I'll need someone dependable to keep an eye on Duko. You seem toget along well enough with him, and I need someone down there who

will keep him in line."

Jimmy bowed his head. "Highness.')

I

i

I

SHARDS OF A BROKEN CROWN

"I've sent a message to MY father, Jimmy. Assume he II accept myrecommendation that you succeed your father as Earl of Vencar. It's alovely little estate and your father would want you to have it."Jimmy bowed his head in thanks. "Thank you, Your Highness." Vencarwas where they had been raised. Like many of the estates on theoriginal island Kingdom of Rillanon, it was tiny by mainland standards.A hundred acres of land, with a creek, meadows, and pastures. The tenantfarmers had ceased to work the land centuries before as Rillanon hadexpanded its reach onto the mainland. But for its modest size, it wasamong the most beautiful estates in the Kingdom. Their grandfather hadarranged for it to go to Arutha when the old Earl of Vencar had diedwithout heirs. Jimmy had been born in the palace, as had his sister, butthey had moved there when he was a baby. Dash had been born there. Itwas home.

''So unless my father writes back telling me I'm an idiot, from nowforward, you are Earl James."

Jimmy said, "I thank His Highness."

Patrick said, "I have a special job for you, Dash.""Highness."

"We have a problem here in Krondor. The army is in the North, andDuko's swords are down South. I've got the palace guard, and that's all.The city is returning to life and it's being overrun by thugs and ruffians,cutthroats and thieves. I need someone to bring, order. I think of all thoseI have around here, you have the most affinity for the city streets. I amappointing you Sheriff of Krondor. Until we can create a true City Watchand Office of Constables, you are the law in the city. Recruit who youcan, but keep this city under control until the wars are over.Dash said, "Sheriff?' v

Patrick said, "You object?"

"Ah ... no, Highness. I'm just a little surprised.""Life is full of surprises," said Patrick. He indicated some parchmentson his desk. "Reports from both fronts. The Keshians retreat before Dukoat Land's End, but are raiding along the eastern front near Shamata. Theywon't get too close, for fear of the magicians at Stardock, I think, butthey're harassing our patrols, which are thin to start with. In the North

Greylock has consolidated in Sarth and is pushing northward.l~ patrickgot a concerned look on his face. "Something is not right. The defense

along the coast is weak. We know that Fadawah offered up Duko becausehe was fearful of Duko's loyalty.

"Now it appears he gave up Nordan in the same way, but by allreports Nordan was his oldest and most trusted ally.""Perhaps his hold over his men is less secure than we thought," observedJimmy.

Brian of Silden said, "All the reports indicate a difficult winter for theinvaders, with many dying of injuries and starvation. But we also haveword from our agents that they're trading with Queg and the Free Cities,food is plentiful, and they're established in Ylith.

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