Erik made a face. "I mean, why aren't they letting you leave the Palace? Why don't you go look for your secretary yourself?"
Now it was Naitachal's turn to look surprised. "I wasn't aware this was the case. They must really I'm important. Or perhaps they do think someone has kidnapped Alaire, and they fear for my safety if I ven- ture into town."
Erik glanced at the door again, then stood, and "I'll be by later to clean the room. Are those Alaire's things over there, in the corner?"
Alaire was a tidy traveler, and was careful to keep his clothing and assorted belongings in one place, so as not to get mixed up or get in the way of his Master's possessions. "Indeed. Why do you ask?"
Erik was visibly nervous. "I wanted to make sur I wouldn't disturb them."
And he was gone.
Puzzling, the Dark Elf thought. He is a rich source of information. Erik would make an excellent spy, if he isn't one already. After all, who would suspect a child?
Except an evil Dark Elf, who would suspect his own mother in this plac Still, the boy seemed innocent enough. But his tongue certainly does wag a lot if he's working fo King in that capacity. And if I'm a captive in this p I must be the last one to know.
He finished breakfast, and was about to ignor King's request that he stay in his room when someone knocked on the door again.
He had his sword out this time; the knock was harder, and was higher on the door. An adult.
Captain Lyam let himself in without invitation. He glanced at the sword indifferently, not particularly sur- prised or offended. Naitachal returned it to its sheath.
"We have news about the Prince," Lyam said soberly. "This morning he returned. He's in the King's chambers right now."
Naitachal did not bother to hide his elation. At least he knew that the boys were still among the living!
"And Alaire?"
Lyam's face was grim. "He, unfortunately, has not returned. Went off on his own in the tavern district, according to Kai. The Prince is probably protecting him, but so far the story holds water. King Archeno- men urgently requests your presence, at once."
"So how else was I supposed to get onto the palace grounds unrecognized?" Kai was shouting shrilly when Naitachal entered the King's chambers, Captain Lyam at his side. "You have half the kingdom out looking for me. You've accused me of a crime I didn't commit, you've offered a reward for my head, and you ask me why I look like a pauper? Of c I'm dressed like a peasant. Maybe you should be ask- ing that stupid guard why it was so easy for me to get in, Father!"
The King looked as if he had a splitting headache, one which was getting worse with each passing sec- ond. Captain Lyam looked away, visibly trying not to look embarrassed. He was, after all, in charge of the guard in question. Sir Jehan was standing to the Kings right, evidently enjoying the show while attempting to look concerned. Beside him stood Soren, the rotund wizard, dressed in an even more gaudy robe of bur- gundy silk, decorated with silver moons, stars and symbols of unknown meaning. The wizard seemed intimidated by Kai's brazen insolence, while trying, without success, to exude authority as the Kings head magician. Behind these men, against the rear wall of the Kings chambers, stood ten heavily armed guards, some holding shackles and chains at their sides, open and ready to use.
Prince Kai sat in a heavy wooden chair in the center of the room, his feet dangling above the floor, glaring at everybody present.
"Ah. You must be the Ambassador of Althea," Kai said as his eyes settled on Naitachal. "Alaire has told me much about you. I'm glad you're here. I was saving the best for when you arrived."
Naitachal bowed graciously. "Pleased to make your acquaintance."
Kai continued, with a certain amount of glee in his voice. "Last night someone sent two assassins to kill me and Alaire. And they almost succeeded."
"Assassins?" Lyam spoke up. "Are you sure?"
Despite the surprise the large man was feigning, Nai- tachal knew the man had expected this. Why else would he be training the boy so hard with the sword?
Captain Lyam has anticipated this for months.
"Oh, don't be silly," the King said, petulantly.