Flight of the Nighthawks by Raymond E. Feist Read Free Book Online Page B

Rosenvar. “There are a couple of rumormongers who have various highly placed officials of the Western Realm among their clients. If we start something vague enough to not cause an immediate response, but something familiar enough to Lord Erik that he’ll feel obliged to warn the Prince of Krondor…well, it’s a start.”
    Magnus said, “And if the Kingdom of the Isles takes the warning seriously, so will Great Kesh.”
    â€œAnd if Great Kesh and the Kingdom start to marshal their defenses, so shall every other kingdom in their vicinity,” added Miranda.
    â€œBut we can only hold them alert for so long; we must not rush this,” said Rosenvar.
    Pug said, “We need Erik around long enough to make this work.”
    Nakor said, “I’ll go to Krondor and visit the Duke. I’ll make him well for a while.”
    Pug nodded. Nakor had traveled with Erik and Calis on the journey to Novindus when they first encountered the Emerald Queen. The old Duke would trust Nakor.
    Pug said, “Rosenvar, I need you to coordinate what rumors to start, where, and when. We have some well-placed agents in nearlyevery capital of importance on Midkemia. But I want to ensure it’s a gradual discomfort and concern, not instant blind panic.”
    â€œUnderstood,” he replied, standing. “We’ll draw up a list of ideas to put the rulers of the world on edge.” He smiled. “ Slightly on edge.”
    To Uskavan, Pug said, “If you would, I’d like the names of your very best students. We may need to dispatch them to work in the field soon.”
    The alien magician nodded, rose, and departed with Rosenvar, leaving Pug, Miranda, Nakor, and Magnus alone in the cave. Pug looked at his older son and said, “Where’s your brother?”
    â€œDown in Stardock, I believe. He should be delivering some supplies, but no doubt he lingered for the festival.”
    Miranda said, “Lingered to spend time with that widow, you mean.”
    Pug shrugged. “Let him grab whatever joy he can, beloved. We don’t need him back here for anything special, and I expect he’s enjoying himself.”
    Magnus looked at his mother and asked, “Shall I find him, or return to Kelewan?”
    Miranda glanced at her husband. “Which?”
    â€œNeither. Go to Novindus and continue Nakor’s work on the Talnoy. The Great Ones of the Assembly of Tsuranuanni can muddle along without you for a while. When Nakor returns from Krondor, I’ll send him back to you and you can go back to Kelewan.”
    Nakor smiled. “Don’t break anything before I get there.”
    Magnus glanced with a wry smile at the little gambler, nodded, reached inside his robe, and pulled out a golden orb. He clicked a switch and suddenly vanished.
    Miranda came to stand behind her husband and put her arms around him. “You’re worried.”
    â€œI’m always worried,” said Pug.
    â€œNo, this is something more.” She studied her husband’s face. “You sense something?”
    Nakor said, “I think I know what you’re going to tell her. I will go to Krondor and see that Duke Erik stays alive long enough to helpus.” He glanced at Pug and Miranda and said, “You two really do need to talk to each other more often. Really,” he repeated, picking up his rucksack and staff, then vanishing from before their eyes.
    Pug closed his eyes a long moment, then answered his wife’s question. “Yes, I do sense something. And it’s growing. I don’t know what to call it, but it feels more…intense than mere foreboding.”
    â€œA premonition?”
    â€œThe dream troubles me, love. I think something is approaching, and when it emerges, the struggle will be more fearful than anything we could ever imagine.”
    â€œGiven what we have seen, husband, that’s quite a lot.”
    â€œOnce, during the time of the Great