The Riftwar Legacy by Raymond E. Feist

Author:Raymond E. Feist [Raymond E. Feist]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780007531356
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 1998-09-04T04:00:00+00:00

• ELEVEN •

Stealth

THE RAINBOW PARROT WAS EMPTY.

At this hour of the morning, no one was drinking. James yelled out, “Lucas!”

William glanced around and was rewarded a moment later when Talia entered from the kitchen. “William!” she said with obvious pleasure. “James,” she added, her smile fading only slightly. “Father is hauling refuse down to the river for dumping. He’ll be back any moment if you’d like to wait.”

William smiled and said, “Thank you.”

James grabbed William’s elbow and stopped him from sitting. “If I don’t miss my guess, Talia needs to shop in the market this morning, don’t you, Talia?”

Her smile brightened as she said, “Why, yes, as a matter of fact. I was going to leave as soon as Father returns.”

“Why don’t you escort her to the market, William, as I have some private matters to discuss with her father?”

William almost fell over a chair getting around James to offer his arm to Talia. “If you have no objection?” he asked.

She slipped her arm through his gracefully and said, “No, I’m pleased to have the company.” Looking at James, she said, “You don’t mind being left alone, squire?”

James said, “No, a few minutes of peace will be welcome.” Her expression turned quizzical and he added quickly, “Things at the palace have been very frantic of late, what with visiting nobles and all.”

Her smile broadened. “Oh, yes. I heard an eastern noble was staying at the palace.” Turning her back on James as she gazed up at William, she said, “You must tell me all about it.”

From behind Talia, James shook his head slightly, indicating that William most certainly should not tell her all about it. He said, “I’m sure William can remember what the ladies of the eastern courts were wearing, Talia.”

William allowed himself to be led outside, and James sat down to wait for Lucas. He didn’t wait long, for as good as Talia’s promise, Lucas appeared a few minutes later, entering the inn from the rear door. “Talia!” he shouted; then he saw James sitting alone.

“Where’s my girl?”

“She’s gone to market with William. I told her I’d watch the place until you returned.”

Lucas fixed James with a baleful look, and said, “You’re up to something, Jimmy. I’ve known you too many years not to know that. What is it?”

James rose and came to lean on the bar beside Lucas. “Something awkward, Lucas. I wish to ask you a question, but I can’t until I’ve sworn you to secrecy.”

Lucas was silent for a moment, rubbing his chin as he considered his answer. “Can’t rightly do that, until I know what’s what. I’ve got obligations, as I’m sure you well know.”

James knew well indeed. Lucas was one of few successful innkeepers in Krondor who didn’t have the patronage of a powerful noble, a guild, or the Mockers. Over the years he had managed to make several useful alliances, including friendships with several highly-placed nobles in the Kingdom. James he knew from his dealings with the Mockers, yet Lucas had somehow resisted becoming their tool, or coming under their domination.

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