Lord Darcy Investigates by Randall Garrett

Author:Randall Garrett [Garrett, Randall]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-625670-23-6
Publisher: Jabberwocky Literary Agency, Inc.
Published: 2013-02-25T16:00:00+00:00

The Napoli Express

1

His Royal Highness, Prince Richard, Duke of Normandy, seated on the edge of his bed in the Ducal Palace at Rouen, had taken off one boot and started on the other when a discreet rap came at the door.

“Yes? What is it?” There was the sound of both weariness and irritation in his voice.

“Sir Leonard, Highness. I’m afraid it’s important.”

Sir Leonard was the Duke’s private secretary and general factotum. If he said something was important, it was. Nevertheless—

“Come in, then, but damn it, man, it’s five o’clock in the morning! I’ve had a hard day and no sleep.”

Sir Leonard knew all that, so he ignored it. He came through the door and stopped. “There is a Commander Dhuglas downstairs, Highness, with a letter from His Majesty. It is marked Most Urgent.”

“Oh. Well, let’s see it.”

“The Commander was instructed to deliver it into your hands only, Highness.”

“Bother,” said His Highness without rancor, and put his boot back on.

By the time he got downstairs to the room where Commander Dhuglas was waiting, Prince Richard no longer looked either tired or disheveled. He was every inch a tall, blond, handsome Plantagenet, member of a proud family that had ruled the Anglo-French Empire for over eight centuries.

Commander Dhuglas, a spare man with graying hair, bowed when the Duke entered. “Your Highness.”

“Good morning, Commander. I understand you have a letter from His Majesty.”

“I do, Your Highness.” The Naval officer handed over a large ornately-sealed envelope. “I am to wait for an answer, Your Highness.”

His Highness took the letter and waved toward a nearby chair. “Sit down, Commander, while I see what this is all about.”

He himself took another chair, broke the seal of the envelope and took out the letter.

At the top was the embossed seal of the Royal Arms, and, below that:

My dear Richard,

There has been a slight change in plans. Due to unforeseen events at this end, the package you have prepared for export must go by sea instead of overland. The bearer of this letter, Commander Edwy Dhuglas, will take it and your courier to their destination aboard the vessel he commands, the White Dolphin. She’s the fastest ship in the Navy, and will make the trip in plenty of time.

All my best,

Your loving brother,

John

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