Krondor the Betrayal by Raymond E. Feist Read Free Book Online Page B

it’s about, but the more I think on this mystery, the more it bothers me that I don’t know what’s behind all this.
    ‘‘But we’re going to find out or die trying.’’
    Owyn didn’t look happy at the second choice, but said nothing. Gorath just looked out over the town as they rode down toward the small guard post that sat aside the trail.
    A town constable of advancing years and considerable girth held up his hand, and said, ‘‘Halt!’’
    The three reined in, and Locklear inquired, ‘‘What is it?’’
    ‘‘We’ve had a rash of renegades around here, lately, m’lad, so state your business.’’
    ‘‘We’re traveling south and stopping for provisions,’’ said Locklear.
    ‘‘And who might you be, to be riding down out of the mountains?’’
    Locklear produced the paper given him by Captain Belford, and said, ‘‘This should explain as much as you need to know, constable.’’
    The man took the document and squinted at it. Locklear realized he couldn’t read, but he made a show of studying it.
    Finally, convinced by the large embossment at the bottom, the constable handed back the paper, and said, ‘‘You may pass, sir. Just be wary if you’re out after dark.’’
    ‘‘Why?’’ asked Locklear.
    ‘‘As I said, sir, lots of ruffians and bandits passing by lately, and not too few of those murderous Brothers of the Dark Path.
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    Raymond E. Feist
    Look a bit like your elf friend there, but with long black nails and red eyes which shine in the night.’’
    Locklear could barely hold back his amusement as he said,
    ‘‘We’ll be wary, constable.’’
    They rode past, and Gorath said, ‘‘That one has never seen one of my people in his life.’’
    ‘‘So I gathered,’’ observed Locklear, ‘‘though I must pay more attention to your eyes at night. I may have missed the red glow.’’
    Owyn chuckled, and they found themselves an inn. It was dirty, crowded, and dark, which suited Locklear fine as he was low on funds. He had thought about asking Captain Belford for a loan, but decided the Captain’s only response would have been, ‘‘wait for Earl Kasumi,’’ and while Locklear didn’t mind taking a circuitous route to get to Krondor to avoid ambushes, he was anxious to put the mystery of what was occurring in the Northlands before Arutha.
    There were no rooms available, a situation that surprised Locklear, but the innkeeper gave them leave to sleep in the commons. Owyn grumbled at the need, but Gorath kept his thoughts to himself.
    So far no one had objected to the moredhel’s presence along the way, either because they didn’t recognize him for what he was, mistaking him for an elf, or because a moredhel with renegade humans in these mountains was not all that unusual a sight. Whatever the cause, Locklear was grateful he didn’t need to deal with curious onlookers.
    They ate at a crowded table, and after the meal listened to an indifferent troubadour. There were some games of chance and Locklear itched to try his hand at some cards, either pa-shawa or pokir. He resisted the impulse, as he could ill afford to lose, and one lesson taught him by his father and older brothers was don’t gamble what you can’t afford to lose.
    As the inn settled down and those sleeping in the commons began to claim corners and places under tables, Locklear approached the barkeep, a heavyset man with a black beard.
    ‘‘Sir?’’ he asked, as Locklear moved between two other men to stand before him.
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    KRONDOR THE BETRAYAL
    ‘‘Tell me, friend,’’ began Locklear. ‘‘Is there a merchant in this town who deals in gems?’’
    The barkeep nodded. ‘‘Three doors down on the right.
    Name’s Alescook.’’
    ‘‘Good,’’ said Locklear. ‘‘I need to purchase a gift for a lady.’’
    The barkeep grinned. ‘‘I understand, sir. Now, one word: caution.’’
    ‘‘I don’t understand,’’ said Locklear.
    ‘‘I’m not saying Kiefer Alescook can’t be trusted,