Reunion by Kara Dalkey Read Free Book Online Page A

behind the barrels just as he heard voices coming near the door.
    â€œI must say, this isn’t promising,” one man was saying. “This looks more like a giant ox-dropping than a house.”
    â€œJust what Father’s sorcerers suggested we look for. I swear to you, Faustus, his superstitious nature will be the death of him someday. When I’m king, I will see all those sorcerers strangled and hanged by the threads of their pointy caps.”
    Corwin crouched down lower as he recognized the voices. It was none other than Prince Vortimer and his friend Lord Faustus, both of whom, of course, would recognize Corwin right away.
    The door opened and the two young nobles stepped in, without even knocking. “Now you must admit,” said Faustus, “that something strange is going on with the tower. Just yesterday the third tier of stones fell again, nearly killing one of the workmen.”
    â€œSabotage, probably,” said Vortimer. “Father isn’t exactly popular with the local people. Or it could be the cisterns and viaducts below the castle that bring water in from the river. You should come explore them with me someday, Faustus, they’re huge. But I don’t care what they say about Roman architecture—it’s not miraculous. You can’t build a castle over man-made caverns and lakes that size and not expect some shifting and collapse. I’ve tried to tell Father this, but does he listen? What is that foul smell?”
    â€œI believe it’s whatever’s in the kettle on the hearth,” said Faustus. “Helloooo, is there anyone here?”
    Henwyneb shuffled out of the darkness. “Gentlemen, welcome to my humble home,” he said, bowing from the waist.
    â€œGentlemen?” said Prince Vortimer with a sneer. “I will have you know, peasant, that I am a prince of the realm, none other than the firstborn son of King Vortigern himself. On your knees, sirrah, and give me the honors due a prince.”
    Nasty brute , Corwin thought, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. He’s worse than his father, the king.
    â€œF-forgive me, Highness,” Henwyneb stammered as he slowly lowered himself. “I am blind and could not see who you were.”
    â€œFaster, man,” Faustus snapped, and he pushed on Henwyneb’s shoulders until the button-maker fell to his knees.
    Henwyneb cried out in pain. “Have mercy, Highness,” he begged. “It is my old joints that prevented me from making haste to do you honors. Forgive me.”
    Corwin’s temple throbbed and he nearly jumped out from his hiding place. How dare they do this? Just because they’re noblemen. They’re just big bullies. I wish I could show them. But Corwin stayed hidden, afraid of being captured. He hated himself for his cowardice.
    â€œMercy, eh?” Vortimer mocked. “Very well, I shall not have you beheaded. But I will require a tax, a tithe, a fine for your failures. Let me see . . .” The prince glanced around the room. To Corwin’s dismay, the prince’s gaze fixed upon the shiny shell Corwin had brought. “Ah. This looks interesting. Might have fetched you a penny or three. I’ll take this.”
    There was a tiny wail of fear from the mind within Corwin’s mind as Prince Vortimer snatched the shell from the shelf.
    â€œIf that is the large, round, spiral shell with a sheen of silver,” said Henwyneb, “then it is not mine to give, Highness. It belongs to another.”
    â€œYou dare to tell me what I can and cannot take?” Vortimer asked, his voice cold.
    â€œIt seems this rude lackey would like a beating,” suggested Faustus, who, from the cocky grin on his face, was enjoying the prospect.
    â€œNo!” Corwin cried, unable to hide any longer. He jumped out of the pile of sticks and antlers, shouting, “Leave him alone!”
    The two noblemen stared at him as though he were a