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.Hemotioned for the cartographer to take the other chair.Keles bowed abortively, then sat, uncertain ofhimself. Please, Keles, be at ease.I ve not asked you here to discipline you.I consider you a friend, and I havebeen concerned about you.My physician has kept me informed of your progress.He does not like Virukmagic, but he has grudgingly testified to its efficacy. The Prince seated himself, going so far as to extendhis legs and cross his booted ankles. You honor me by coming here with your family tonight.I evenunderstand that you will head up the river as your brother sails down in the Stormwolf. Yes, Highness. Keles frowned and eased himself back in the chair. Highness, I am honored youconsider me a friend, but this puzzles me.You know my brother far better, and I would have expectedhe would be here instead of me. And he has been, but not tonight.This is your night. Cyron opened his arms to take in his dressingroom.Rich golden wood predominated, save where strips of dark wood divided the doors and wallswith a geometric pattern.Mobile panels blocked off doors, screens hid corners, and well-fitted doorsconcealed closet space.Aside from the chairs and table, the room contained very few furnishings, andmost of that practical, such as armatures for the hanging of robes and a small cabinet for storing wine anddrinking vessels. I invited you here to know I really do appreciate the great lengths to which you have gone for Nalenyr,and to which you will go.May I speak frankly? Keles blinked, his light eyes wide. You need not ask my permission for that, Highness. But no word of this meeting must ever pass your lips. The cartographer clasped his hands over his heart and likely would have sunk to his knees save for thelingering effects of his wounding. Never, Highness. Good. The Prince sat forward, leaning on the left arm of his chair. I was appalled when yourgrandfather sent you on this mission to Ixyll.It is true that he and I had discussed the necessity forsending someone there.That used to be the area through which trade was carried on with the Far West.For us not to know the state of things would be foolish.If that way were open, the Stormwolfexpedition and the knowledge it recovers could be redundant.Still, given what few reports do comefrom there, we were fairly certain the way would remain sealed for another ninety years or so.Thatwould give us the time needed to profit from trade and find another way to put the Empire backtogether. His choosing you, and invoking my name in doing so, put me in a difficult position.As you know, yourgrandfather can be.contrary at times. Keles laughed and his manner relaxed. You are very diplomatic, Highness. I try to be, but with you I can be very open.Your grandfather defies me from time to time, withincreasing frequency, and were he not so vital to Nalenyr, I d have him publicly flogged.Now, isn t thatsomething you d like to see? See? There are times I would like to help. Well, I doubt you will get the chance, but you can help in other ways. Cyron s voice dropped involume, forcing the younger man to lean forward. The mission you are undertaking is of vital importance,and you will hear rumors about it.Rumors I have started.The rumors will indicate that you are toovaluable to be left to go out into the Wastes, and that is true.People will be led to believe that you will besecretly recalled to court. I m not certain I understand, sire. It is for your safety.A show shall be made of your departure.I have already obtained someone toimpersonate you.I have assembled an entourage to travel upriver, both to draw attention to your double,and to keep others from getting too close.The company will make slow progress and attract muchattention.Our enemies will watch that group.And you, disguised and on the same boat, will passunnoticed. Forgive me, Highness, but would it not be more prudent to send me out on another boat? No.Our enemies will be working so hard to learn what they can from the actor, they will have little attention to spend studying much else.Moreover, their focus on your double will allow others to identifythem. I see, Highness. Keles lowered his hands and tightened his arms around his stomach. You think therewill be danger on the trip? I mean, beyond the dangers out there? Cyron laughed aloud. You are an Anturasi.You will be seen as being the key to your grandfather.Youare also invaluable in and of yourself.I know Prince Pyrust spoke to you about undertaking a task forhim. I refused, Highness, instantly and without equivocation. Calm yourself, Keles, I know that.I know you love your family and nation, and I know I can trust you. Cyron s voice grew softer again. I can trust you, can I not? Keles winced, but dropped to a knee and bowed his head so low he almost hit it on the table. Inanything, Highness. As I expected.And thank you.I knew my trust was well placed.Now you need to understandsomething from me. The Prince drew back, his eyes sharpening. I will see to your safety.You musttrust me on that, regardless of what appearances seem.I will keep you safe and you will gather theinformation your grandfather wants.There may be another service or two I require, and if the opportunityarises, I will communicate my needs to you. Cyron flicked his right hand up and Keles rose, seating himself on the edge of his chair.The Prince laidhis hand on the wooden box on the table. You know the legend about my great-grandfather, thatbecause he had played war games with toy soldiers as a child, he was able to take the throne andestablish this dynasty? While others drilled and learned swordplay, a sickly child marched armies throughbattles and learned the skills to make those swordsmen most effective in combat. Yes, Highness.My brother and I used to fight many battles with soldiers when we were young.Myfather, and sometimes our grandfather, would show us the Festival figures, though we were neverallowed to play with them. Cyron smiled. I don t think anyone ever played with them, which is a pity. He opened the box to revealnine figures on a bed of velvet within. You know, then, that the Prince gives a set to each family invitedto this final celebration.Aside from the sculptors, painters, and myself, you are the first to see this year sfigures.We made only the number of sets required for this evening, and all that are unclaimed will bedestroyed. They are beautiful, Highness. I think so, too. Cyron smiled slowly. Each year I determine who will be cast. It is a great honor to receive a set, Highness. Keles slowly shook his head without taking his eyes fromthe figures. To be cast as one is unimaginable. Allow yourself to imagine, Keles Anturasi. The Prince lifted out the figure of Qiro Anturasi. Yourgrandfather, as invaluable as he is to us, was cast this year in honor of his eighty-first birthday.You andyour brother will be cast upon returning from your missions.So much greater will your contribution toNalenyr be that such an honor is easily within your grasp. Keles expression of awe slowly dissolved as he met the Prince s gaze. If my grandfather were to guessthat were possible, he might do the unthinkable. True, so we shall not let him know. Cyron replaced Qiro in the box and closed it again
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