Kurtz, Katherine - Deryni Chronology 08 - Childe Morgan by Kurtz Katherine

Author:Kurtz, Katherine [Kurtz, Katherine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: sf_fantasy
ISBN: 1-4295-5776-1
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

The remainder of Kenneth’s summer was likewise well occupied with important work. In the several months after Prince Brion’s coming of age, the Earl of Lendour undertook several embassies for the king, traveling to Joux, Vezaire, and twice to the Hort of Orsal’s summer residence at Horthánthy, across the straits from Coroth, where he also met with Corwyn’s fellow regents. Interspersed amid trade negotiations with the nearest of the Forcinn states, he had hoped he might learn more about the death of Prince Nimur of Torenth and, more important, gain some indication of the sort of man Brion eventually would have to face in Prince Károly, the new Torenthi heir; but even the Orsal’s agents could tell him little regarding the change of succession, or Károly the man.

In all, it could be counted as a successful season’s work, though he had managed only two short side trips to Culdi to visit his family. Toward the end of September, therefore, having reported to the king on his latest mission, he requested and obtained leave to make a more extended visit, for the end of the month would see Alaric’s fourth birthday.

«Did you bring me a present, Papa?» the boy asked, tugging at his father’s boot as Kenneth dismounted.

«Oh, I think I might have a present for you», Kenneth replied. He swept the boy into a hug, returning the enthusiastic kiss that Alaric planted on his cheek, then set him down to take Alyce into his arms.

«Mmmm», he said, when he had kissed her soundly. «And here is my dearest wife, and our daughter as well», he added with a smile, splaying the fingers of one hand over her rounded belly and then bending to kiss the bulge. «Are both of you well, darling?»

«We are well, indeed, now that you are here», she replied. «Are you permitted to stay for a while?»

«Not as long as I would like», he said, bending to scoop up Alaric again and brace him on his hip, «but longer than before. But I could hardly miss being here to celebrate the natal day of our little man». He gently tousled Alaric’s white-blond head. «Has he been behaving in my absence?»

«He has, indeed», Alyce replied, «though he and Duncan together do lead poor Llion a merry chase, and sometimes they lure Kevin into trouble as well».

«They shall be leaders among men!» Kenneth declared, giving his son another hug. «And Llion is pleased with his progress?»

She glanced back to where the young knight was bantering with Trevor Udaut, who had accompanied Kenneth and was holding their two horses, one with a large wicker pannier strapped to its saddle’s cantle.

«I believe you can go ahead with your plans», she said, smiling.

«Excellent».

* * *

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