Honor Found (The Spare Heir)

by Southwick, Michael

  “There is some unrest in some of the smaller holdings in the Northern mountain areas.” Again he looked over his shoulder. “The King and his council feel a small troop of soldiers led by an heir to the throne would quell the dissent. All you have to do is ride through the area and assure the people that the King has their best interest at heart. When a young tactician brought up the possibility of the enemy coming through the mountains, outlandish as the idea may be, the council decided to use the idea to justify sending a small contingent.”

  “You wouldn’t happen to know the name of the tactician, would you?” Jorem asked.

  “I believe it was Lord Andrew’s son. I don’t recall the boy’s name,” Radworth said peevishly.

  Jorem took a bite off his plate and chewed while he thought things through. Lord Andrew’s son would likely be Jeseph. Jeseph had helped Jorem when he was first training in sword work. He’d also introduced him to his sister Jen. If there was one thing Jorem was certain of it was Jeseph’s ability to read a situation and draw the right conclusions. The people in the northern mountains were a hard and resourceful group. From what he had heard and read, it would take more than a mere army to overcome them on their home ground. Not exactly the kind of people you’d want to make an enemy of.

  “And where would I find the troops I’d be leading?” Jorem asked.

  “The troops are already well on their way.” Radworth’s voice was smooth, perhaps too smooth. “They are camped several days’ ride to the northeast of here. I believe a Captain Jonas is leading them. My escort and I would be glad to ride with you to meet them.”

  Several thoughts ran through Jorem’s mind. A group of bandits lying wait in the hills to capture or eliminate someone important. A pompous official, someone high up in the ruling class, a member of the royal house perhaps, volunteering to travel through rugged wilderness An escort ensuring he traveled a route near the camp of the bandits. A young, supposedly defenseless boy faced with a dozen armed men. Was someone going to try to use him to put pressure on the king for some unknown gain?

  Jorem looked at the man squarely. “I don’t think that will be necessary. I already know the way.”

  “But Prince Jorem—.”

  “Consider well your allegiance,” Jorem said harshly, cutting off Radworth in mid-sentence. “The king cares little for me and will not risk anything important to keep me safe. Were I you I would return to the capital and report your errand accomplished.”

  Jorem stood up. His chair scraped noisily on the wood plank floor. Radworth sat gaping like a fresh-landed fish. His guards looked at the baron in confusion, unsure whether to intervene or not.

  “If you’ll excuse me, I have a trip to prepare for,” Jorem said to the baron. Looking at the guards, Jorem smiled and said, “See Baron Ver’ Seliss back to the capital.”