Wizard's Funeral by Kim Hunter Read Free Book Online Page A

than Bhantan. A thousand times, yelled Guido in excitement. Were going to have such a time there. A horseman had left the city gates, his mount kicking dust as he approached. Soldier saw that it was the hunter, the man who had been but a youth when Soldier had first woken on that hillside south of the Ancient Forest, by the Petrified Pools of Yan. Since that time the hunter had remained slim and lithe, had not filled out in the way that most men do on reaching maturity. Soldier accepted this fault without question. He owed the hunter his life, several times over. The hunter had no hawk with him. There was urgency in the horses stride. Clearly something was wrong.
    Chapter Four
    As always, the hunters face was muffled by the indigo cottons in which he was invariably swathed. His voice which Soldier had not heard for some years now sounded strange. It was almost as if the speaker were trying to disguise the tone. Go, said the hunter, breathlessly. Turn back. Run away from here. Word of your failure has flown ahead of you and reached the ears of the queen. She is very displeased. I cant help that, said Soldier, more irritated than afraid. Anyway, who brought word? We have been travelling as fast as possible. Who could have seen the action and beaten us back? I dont know, said the hunter, his restless piebald pawing the sand with its hooves, but I strongly urge you to flee. Soldier drew himself up with a sigh. I cant do that, Im sorry. I have to face the consequences of my actions. I have failed, its true. But Im not going to run away from that failure. He paused for a moment, before adding, Besides, I want to see my wife. The hunter clucked. Once more Soldier was irritated. You find that funny? That I miss my wife? I would have thought you would be pleased to find respite from that madwoman. Soldier took a furious step forward, then realised there were more important things to do than brawl. Never, he said, in choked voice, speak of the Princess Layana in that manner again, or Ill have to take you to task. The hunters eyes seemed to soften on hearing this threat, which again surprised Soldier. I mean it! he said. No matter what I owe you. With that, Soldier turned away from the hunter and continued towards the city. The twins stayed for a moment, looking curiously at the hunter. Who are you? said the hunter. We are the rulers of the Kingdom of Bhantan, Guido said. Were, Sando reminded his brother. Why are you with him? Sando glanced after Soldier. He looked after us, he said. He is our friend. Soldier was now approaching the gates. The twins rushed to join him. The three were met by a squad of Imperial Guardsmen, led by Captain Kaff. You will accompany us, said Kaff, a live rat locked onto his wrist stump with a silver amulet. Follow me. There seemed to be little malice in Kaffs manner, nor really any triumph. More a simple satisfaction that at last the world had shown him to be right. This outlander who called himself Soldier was a useless human being, not to be trusted with important missions. Now everyone could see that such fools should be tossed into the sewers the moment they arrived in Zamerkand. Chancellor Humbold gave Soldier a sickly smile as he entered the court and prostrated himself before the queen. Queen Vanda was crimson with anger. Soldier, I am so disappointed. Disappointed? Humbold and Kaff exchanged glances of disbelief. They had expected something stronger to come from the queens mouth. They expected her to be so enraged she would be close to losing her reason. They would have preferred to hear words like utter stupidity followed by others such as dungeon or immediate execution. I most humbly beg Your Highnesss forgiveness for my failure. We were attacked at the exit to a pass by Hannacks. There was a company of Bhantan cavalry with me, but they were slaughtered to a man. I alone survived the massacre. The King Magus designate was taken from me, along with his mother, and they are now captives of the