"05.The King's Buccaneer" - читать интересную книгу автора (Feist Raymond E)

"I don't know," came the surprising answer. "I know he hasn't a mean or petty bone in him, but one can err on die side of caution as well as rashness, and Nicholas is always cautious. He's going to be important to us."

"Another marriage?"

Arutha nodded. "This goes no further than here, Amos. The Emperor Diiagai has let it be known that closer ties to the i,.Kingdom are now a possibility. Borric's marriage to the Princess Yasmine was a step in that direction, but the desert people

22 Raymond E. Feist

are a tributary race in Kesh. Diiagai thinks it time for a marriage to a Princess of the true blood."

Amos shook his head. "State marriages are nasty business.' Arutha said, "Kesh has always been the biggest threat to the Kingdom—except for the Riftwar—and we need to treat with her gently. If the Emperor of Kesh has a niece or cousin of the true blood he wishes to marry to the brother of the future King of the Isles, we had better be very secure in our borders before

we say no."

"Nicky's not the only candidate, is he?"

"No, there's Carline's two sons, but Nicholas might be the best—if I thought he was able."

Amos was silent awhile. "He's still young."

Arutha nodded. "Younger than his years. I blame myself—"

"You always do," interrupted Amos, with a barking laugh.

"—for being too protective. The deformed foot ... his gentle nature . . ."

• Amos nodded and again fell silent. Then he said, "So season him."

Arutha said, "How? Send him to the Border Lords as \ did his brothers?"

"That's a little too much seasoning, I think," said" Amos, stroking his beard. "No, I was thinking you might do well to send him to Martin's court for a while."

Arutha said nothing, but from his expression Amos could tell the idea had struck home. "Crydee," said Arutha softly. "That would be a different sort of home for him."

"You and Lyam turned out well enough, and Martin'11 see the boy stay safe without coddling him. Around here no one dares raise a hand or even their voice to the 'crippled son of the Prince.' " Arutha's eyes flashed at that term, but he said nothing. "Send Martin instructions, and he won't let Nicky use his bad foot as an excuse for anything. Prince Marcus is about his and Harry's age, so if you send that troublemaker along, there'll be two companions of noble rank who are a little rougher than Nicky's been used to. He might be able to command them, but he won't cow them. The Far Coast is nothing like Highcastle or Ironpass, but it's not so civilized that Nicky can't be hardened a bit."

Arutha said, "I'll have to convince Anita."

THE KING 's BUCCANZE R

23

"She'll understand, Arutha," said Amos with a chuckle. "I don't think you'll have to do much. As much as she wants to protect the boy, she'll see the need."

"Boy. Do you realize I was only three years older than Nicholas when I took command of my father's garrison?"

"I was there. I remember." Putting his hand upon Arutha's shoulder, he said, "But you were never young, Arutha."

Arutha was forced to laugh at that. "You're right. I was a serious sort."