"04.Prince of the Blood" - читать интересную книгу автора (Feist Raymond E)

this morning." He indicated his tender side was not
further injured.

Arutha frowned and shook his head slightly. "I asked
Jimmy not to tell me what he had in mind." He smiled a
crooked smile. "I just requested he somehow impress

26 Prince of the Blood

upon you that there are serious consequences to not
doing what is required of you."

Eriand nodded. Borric said, "Well, it is not entirely
unexpected. You did order us directly home and we did
stop to play a bit before coming to the palace."

"Play . . ." Arutha said, his eyes searching his eldest
son's face. ". . . I'm afraid there will be little' time for
play in the future."

He motioned for the boys to approach and they came
to him. He turned back into his study and they followed
as he moved past his large writing table. Behind it was a
special alcove, hidden by a clever locked stone, which
he opened. He withdrew a parchment bearing the royal
family crest and handed it to Borric. "Read the third
paragraph."

Borric read and his eyes widened. "This is sad news,
indeed."

Eriand said, "What is it?"

"A message from Lyam," Arutha said.

Borric handed it to his brother. "The royal chirur-
geons and priests are certain the Queen will have no
more children. There will not be a Royal Heir in Rilla-
non."

Arutha moved to a door at the back of the royal cham-
bers and said, "Come with me."

He opened the door and moved up a flight of stairs.
His sons followed quickly after, and soon all three stood
on the top of an old tower, near the center of the royal
palace, overlooking the city of Krondor. Arutha spoke
without looking to see if his sons had followed.

"When I was about your age, I used to stand upon the