Glaring at his mentor, Farrell stifled a scathing retort. “I’m aware of the danger if this knowledge were to get out, but the consequence will matter very little if Meglar wins. I have no intention of telling them how to do it. I will simply set it up for them.”
Looking only slightly less angry, Erstad merely nodded. Rather than pursue the issue, Farrell reached out to Nerti. “Did you detect any deception or ulterior motives?”
“Despite the reputation of merchants, this man seems honest. Keeping Belsport safe is his true purpose for coming.”
Waving a finger, Farrell prevented his voice from carrying beyond the room. Without fear of being overheard, he shared Nerti’s observation with the others. The four quietly discussed what to do next until Wilhelm and Darius appeared in the doorway.
“What you suggest is of great interest to Belsport, and we would like to discuss further a mutually beneficial alliance,” Wilhelm said. “Since I forced you to cut your celebratory trip short, what would you say to finishing your vacation as my guests?”
Chapter Twenty-One
“MASTER JARVIS.” Wilhelm’s voice startled the innkeeper and caused the two constables to jump in surprise. “The wizard and his partner will be guests at the Citadel while I sort this out. Send over their horses and any personal items found in the room.”
“Yes, my lord.” The man bowed deeply. “What of the balance on their account? They paid for two more nights.”
“They won’t be needing it.” Wilhelm’s brusque tone supported the charade they’d all agreed to maintain. “You may keep it for the trouble they’ve caused you.”
“My lord, they saved my life—” Jarvis snapped his mouth shut when the prince glared at him.
“If you don’t want the money, I’m certain the royal treasurer will be happy to collect a special levy from the Blue Marlin and its keeper.” Wilhelm kept his gaze locked on the man until Jarvis nodded.
“That won’t be necessary, my lord.” Jarvis dared a glance at Farrell, seeming to offer an apology for what had just happened.
Before anyone could speak again, Darius opened a Door to the Citadel. All pretense of being prisoners disappeared once the wizard closed the portal.
“Lord Farrell.” Wilhelm spun on his heel. “I fear, given the abrupt nature of your visit, that I cannot observe the proper protocols Belsport would normally afford one of your rank. I would, however, be honored if you two would join me and my family for dinner tonight. Darius will see you to your rooms. They will not be as opulent as the Prince’s Suite at the Blue Marlin, but I trust you’ll find them acceptable.”
Grinning at his guests, Wilhelm nodded once in dismissal and walked off.
As Darius led them to their rooms, he explained how centuries ago, Wilhelm’s ancestors founded Belsport with the construction of the Citadel. From its highest spires, lookouts could see miles in every direction, including out to sea, providing ample opportunities to marshal their defenses. Prince Wilhelm’s family had spent the better part of the last thirty-plus centuries expanding and fortifying the city.
“We occupied the westernmost point on the continent,” Darius explained. “Belsport is the first place for merchants to stop after crossing the Great Western Sea. Coupled with our well-protected harbor and ideal location with respect to the other free cities, merchants make Belsport the port of choice to base their overseas businesses.”
“Which creates great sums of wealth for the city and its ruling family,” Miceral quipped.
“And a fair bit of envy, I’d imagine,” Farrell added.
“Correct on both accounts.” Darius smiled, gesturing for them to head to the right. “Which is why Belsport built and maintains a formidable navy. I’m sure you’re familiar with how important that is to a trading city’s livelihood.”
Farrell noted something in the older wizard’s voice that made him uneasy. “Any ruler who engages in trade would be aware of the importance of a strong naval presence.”
“Indeed.” Darius nodded but didn’t continue the discussion.
As they walked down a long hallway, two teenage boys with dark hair, dressed in the livery of Belsport, approached and took Miceral’s and Farrell’s saddlebags. The pages led them up a long spiral staircase before stopping on a landing three-fourths of the way up. A few paces from the stairwell brought them to the only entrance visible in the hallway. The thick, dark-stained oak door was heavily carved and inlaid with gold leaf.
“These rooms are used only for visiting heads of state,” Darius said with a smile. “My favorites for their oversized balconies. I’m sure you’ll enjoy your time here.”
The pages put the bags down and asked if Miceral and Farrell needed anything else. Miceral shook his head and reached in his pouch for some coins.
“Lord Miceral,” Darius said. “These lads are sons of our nobility or wealthy merchants. Unlike those who toil at the inn, they do not require nor is it appropriate to tip them.” Looking at the pair, Darius added, “Run along, lads. That’s all we require.”
Despite slightly disappointed looks, they exited, showing the proper respect due high-ranking guests.
“My apologies, Darius.” Miceral looked slightly embarrassed. “After our stay at the Blue Marlin, it has become second nature to tip those who are assisting us. I forgot we are in the prince’s palace.”
Darius’s expression changed in an instant. “Tell me, Farrell, what kingdom are you the prince of? Heminaltose was my friend for a great number of years, and I had been to Haven before you became lord and master. There never was a Prince of Haven until you came around. Which begs the question: Are you really a prince, and if so of what nation?”
Farrell paused for a moment to consider what answer he would give. Most people just assumed his family had been the rulers of Haven before they arrived. Before he could answer, Darius continued, “As I said, Heminaltose and I were friends, good friends in fact. The story about him killing the son of Meglar and Zenora is also known to me, but has no merit. I know my old friend. Heminaltose would sooner kill himself than kill a small child, even Meglar’s.”
The two wizards silently regarded each other for a long moment. “I met Prince Halloran when he was just about one year old. Zenora was visiting Heminaltose at Haven and so was I. You bear a resemblance to your father, though you do have much of Zenora in you as well. Looking at her picture in your sitting room helped me figure out who you reminded me of. Using the name Halloran at the Blue Marlin confirmed my suspicions. It would have been too great a coincidence.”
“Even Heminaltose marveled at your deductive skill, Darius. He used several of your textbooks in my education. I didn’t realize that they were your books until you mentioned visiting my old master. That too would have been too much of a coincidence.”
Miceral had been holding his breath since the exchange began but let it out slowly.
“As you can imagine, Darius, it is not well known that I’m the rightful Prince of Yar-del. My mother, grandfather, and Heminaltose felt it best that Meglar not know his son survived. They felt he would either attempt to abduct me or kill me had he known I lived. It was also believed that it could be beneficial to reveal my true heritage to him when we finally meet. It may give me an advantage. All of that is a long way of asking you to not reveal what you have deduced, not even to your prince. The fewer who know, the better kept the secret will remain.”
Darius nodded his assent. “From the moment I met your father, I disliked him. Arrogant and self-absorbed, he showed no respect for other wizards, not even Grand Masters Heminaltose or Sanduval. He felt he was superior to every other wizard alive, and I suppose in some measure he set about proving it. I’m told he was quite charming when he was courting your mother, but after they were joined, he was a most unlikable person, to say the least.”
“Less likable the more you get to know him.” Miceral’s remark drew a grin from Farrell.
“If you think you don’t like him now, wait until you meet him.” They
all laughed.
“Fear not, Prince Farrell, your secret shall be kept safe. Not even Wilhelm will be told. Meglar’s threat is too great for us to squander any advantage we might have. If nothing else has come of this day, you have a new ally in your quest to stop your father. Wilhelm is a practical man and a wise ruler. He understands who his real enemy is and the danger Belsport faces long-term. We will, however, move slowly and tread carefully. Even if Meglar will not come at us directly, there are more than a few free cities that would gladly ignore the risk of an alliance with Meglar to conquer this city. Wilhelm understands this and must walk a narrow path to ensure our survival.
“But if by chance you can teach me how to bind all free energy to keep it from Meglar’s wizards, I think we would be better able to resist any threat from our neighbors or Meglar.”
“We can indeed discuss that along with other precautions you may employ. I have an idea for where you can store the extra power you collect. At Northhelm, I tried a new type of shielding for the first time. It proved quite effective at stopping Meglar in the short time it was used. If we tie the collection spells to the shield, it should be very effective at deterring Meglar.” Farrell would have continued, but Darius held up a hand to stop him.
“This is something the prince should hear, and since you have dinner plans with Prince Wilhelm, we can discuss it then.” He bowed politely and left the two alone.
As Darius promised, their room had several balconies that overlooked the city. Miceral marveled that he’d finally found a bed larger than Farrell’s. In addition, the suite had a sitting room, library, dining area complete with table and chairs for eight, a sunroom that had huge glass windows almost from floor to ceiling, two other bedrooms, each with a wash area and tub, and a monstrous bath chamber connected to the main bedroom.
Farrell poked his head out their main door to see if guards had been posted yet. Two stood at the entrance to the stairs. When they saw Farrell, they snapped to attention immediately. Farrell stepped out and walked toward them.
“Good day.” His smile did nothing to make them relax. “Can you find out what time Prince Wilhelm is expecting us for dinner? I would prefer not to keep him waiting if possible.”
“At once, Your Majesty,” the one closest to him said. “I’ll get back to you as soon as I have an answer.”
A bit taken aback at being addressed as Your Majesty, Farrell recovered to thank the solider before heading back to the room. Miceral had unpacked a few things suitable for a state dinner and had already started to fill the tub. After staring at the ocean from the balcony for a few minutes, Farrell removed his tunic, intending to use the other bathtub. As he sat on the bed to remove his boots, he heard a knock.
Expecting the officer with an answer, he opened the door to be greeted by a well-dressed young woman. He blushed furiously as she eyed him up and down. “My apologies, I was expecting the guard and not . . . well, not you.” He tried to cover his embarrassment with a small laugh. “How may I help you?” He paused, hoping she would provide her name.
“My apologies. Prince Farrell?” When he nodded, she smiled. “I didn’t mean to disturb you. My father sent me to convey his regrets that he cannot meet for dinner. While he was in Haven, certain matters arose that demand his attention. Darius is with him now, and they expect to be working through the night. He requested that I fill in and entertain you both tonight.”
Farrell realized he was keeping her standing in the doorway like a servant. “Princess, forgive me. In my embarrassment, I forgot my manners. Please come in.” He stepped back to allow her to enter.
“Ral, make sure you’re dressed before you come out. Prince Wilhelm sent his daughter to give us his regrets.”
“Thanks for the warning.”
“Oh, and would you please remind me to stop answering the door with no shirt on? I’m rather tired of being embarrassed all the time.”
“But I like you shirtless.”
Farrell began to blush again.
“You’re making it worse.”
“My apologies, Princess. I never did get your name, I’m afraid.”
“I’m sorry. Seeing you shirtless made me forget my manners as well,” she said with a smile. “Alicia.”
Rather than continue his embarrassing breach of etiquette, he bowed quickly and started toward his room. “Forgive my rudeness, Princess. I’ll go find a shirt immediately.” He ignored her comment telling him not to do so on her account. When he returned, he was still blushing, though not as badly as when he had left.
“Again, please accept my apologies. I was about to wash up, and I thought you were the guard coming to tell me when your father expected us for dinner.”
“Prince Farrell, it is I who should apologize to you. My comment was inappropriate. I know better than to say such things to a visiting prince, especially one celebrating his union ceremony. But if you don’t mind my saying, it was a very pleasant surprise you gave me. And please don’t blush again. I mean it as a compliment only. Not all princes who come here believe in staying fit and trim. Thankfully, I have never had to endure seeing them shirtless.”
Despite his best efforts, he blushed again, but he managed to retain his composure. “My thanks for the compliment, Princess. I appreciate you taking the time to come up here to see us and relay your father’s message. Let me say, although we would welcome the company, we don’t need to be entertained if you have somewhere you would rather be.”
“Prince Farrell, are you trying to get rid of me?” she asked in a light tone.
“If you persist in calling me Prince or Prince Farrell, I surely will. Farrell is quite sufficient, if you please.”
“Agreed, but only so long as you call me Alicia.”
“Deal.” He grinned at her.
“However, it’s no bother for me to show you around. In fact, it would be a delight. Usually, whenever I’m asked to handle entertaining a foreign dignitary, I’m left to worry about my virtue, especially from the older ones. It appears that the older, fatter, and more unattractive they are, the more they flirt and fawn over me.” They both laughed at this. “I hope this doesn’t sound rude, but knowing you both prefer men to women makes this quite a refreshing twist. I can be myself tonight and not worry either of you will take anything I say as a union proposal.” She smiled happily at her host. Miceral stepped into the room at this point, and she gave him the once-over. Unlike Farrell, Miceral did not embarrass easily.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say I was just ogled by a most beautiful woman. But since I’m sure you know I’m not available or inclined toward women, I must have been mistaken.”
If Miceral expected her to back down, she disappointed him. “Oh no, you were correct. I was eyeing you like a fine stallion. I was telling your partner it’s nice to know I can say what I really think and not expect my father will receive wedding proposals by morning.”
Miceral roared in delight. “Farrell, I like this one. She’s going to be good company.”
Farrell was less sure than his partner. He had visions of being the butt of more than a few lurid comments during the course of the evening. And to drive home this point, Alicia said, “I have to say, I don’t know which of you is luckier. Your joining is a double loss to the women of the world.”
Miceral bowed at the compliment; Farrell blushed. He excused himself to get ready. Alicia and Miceral were chatting and laughing when Farrell found them on the balcony. “Hopefully my antics are not the reason you are both laughing.”
“Of course not,” she replied. “We were discussing other people whose antics were worthy of laughing at. You are far too sweet for us to make fun of.”
He felt his ears get red.
“Does he always blush so easily?” she asked.
“I’m afraid so. He’s very sensitive about it, however. He’s not terribly worldly and has a rather chivalrous view of things that is both refreshing and adorable.” Miceral’s “help” only made the situation worse.
“Fine, talk about me like I’m not here.”
“Farrell.” She reached over and touched his cheek gently. “I tease you in part because I’m jealous. You and Miceral are lucky men. It is rare that people of our station find true love and are allowed to act on it. Some of us have obligations we must adhere to. Although my brother, Peter, will inherit the throne, I expect I’ll be married off for political reasons.”
“I hope you are not subjected to such a fate, dear girl. It would be a shame for you to lose your spunk.” A wink and a smile punctuated Miceral’s comment.
“So far, my father is content to let me find someone I want to spend my life with. He’s in no hurry for me to join, as there is no one available who would benefit Belsport to the degree he would require. Thankfully, I command a rather high price in his eyes.”
“You are indeed a treasure that he should be willing to part with only for great compensation. I wish you well in your quest.”
“Enough. Let’s be off.” For a moment her smile looked forced, but it perked up. “I have the feeling we three are going to be great friends.”
They had dinner together in a small room off the main kitchen. The staff made themselves scarce when the trio ate or talked, but otherwise tended to their needs. Every course consisted of seafood, as befit a seafaring people. Farrell and Miceral gorged themselves on the excellent meal set before them, and neither accepted dessert. Farrell, however, quickly accepted the offer of coffee.
When dinner ended, Alicia led the pair out a side exit and down a path that led to the prince’s private beachfront. Her light and happy mood appeared more tempered as they walked along the water.
“What ails thee, pretty lady?” Miceral asked. “I hope it wasn’t something we said or did that makes you unhappy.”
“No, of course not. This was one of the most enjoyable nights I can remember. At the risk of offending you both, it was wonderful spending time with two very handsome and attractive men who were not secretly hoping to find a way to get me into their bed. I feel safe when I’m with you, on many levels. Being free to be myself is a tremendous feeling.”
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