Riftwar Legacy by Raymond E. Feist

Author:Raymond E. Feist [Feist, Raymond E.]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Publisher: HarperCollins e-books
Published: 2014-08-12T00:00:00+00:00

he horses whinnied.

William glanced around. He was already tense from having the responsibility of his first command, even though he was accompanied by a well-seasoned sergeant and twenty veteran soldiers. Captain Treggar, even though a bully in the young officers’ mess, had taken William aside and said, “If you want to look stupid in front of the men, give orders. If you want to look like you know what you’re doing, just tell Sergeant Matthews what you want.”

Despite his dislike for the man, William had taken the advice to heart and so far had looked like he knew what he was doing. The sun was near the mid-heaven, so William said, “Sergeant!”

“Sir!” came the prompt reply.

“Find us a likely place to take the midday meal.”

They were traveling along a road that was wending its way up into the forested foothills north of Krondor. William was alert, but not overly worried, as this area was considered relatively pacified. An occasional gang of robbers might harass travelers, but no group of sufficient size to attack a score of mounted soldiers had been reported in the region for months. There were areas farther up the coast that were difficult to keep under control, but this area had been selected as much for the safety of the Prince’s guests as for the abundance of game.

The sergeant, a weatherbeaten old veteran named Matthews with surprisingly vivid blue eyes and nearly white hair, said, “There’s an inn around that bend, sir. I wouldn’t suggest nobility spend the night in such a place, but for a midday meal, it should do.”

“Send word ahead we’re coming,” said William.

“Aye, sir.”

A soldier spurred his horse on Matthews’ command and by the time the procession reached the inn, all was ready for them. It was a modest two-story building with a chimney producing a healthy amount of smoke. The sign over the door showed a large tree under which slept a man with a travel bag. Matthews turned to William and said, “It’s called The Tree and Traveler, sir.”

The innkeeper was waiting for them. The soldier had obviously told the man that visitors of rank were approaching, for without knowing who they were, the man was bowing and scraping to everyone as they stopped before his door.

The Duke of Olasko dismounted from his horse and a servant quickly had his hand out to help Princess Paulina dismount from her horse. She had insisted on wearing breeches and riding astride, and she ignored the helping hand, jumping nimbly to the ground. “I’m starving!” she announced to everyone. To the innkeeper she said, “What is today’s fare?”

The man bowed, “Milady, we have a side of venison on the spit, cooked to a turn. I have game hens roasting and they will be finished within the half-hour. I have a hard cheese and fresh bread, apples and other fresh fruits, as well as dried. I have freshly-caught fish in the kitchen, but it is not yet cooked. If you wish, I can have it—”

The duke interrupted.

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