„No, My Lord. I don't trust the wizard."
„Perhaps not. They're a slimy, slippery breed. Neverthe less, we seem to have adequate resources for the project. We have but to convert the woman and send her on her way."
„I see."
„I really do get the feeling that you don't approve." „I'm sorry, My Lord. I don't mean to appear negative." „Then you'll take the mission? You'll go to Kavelin on our behalf? You'll be away for years." „I am yours to command, My Lord." And how he wished he were not. But one had to pay one's dues. „Good. Good. Make yourself free of the castle. I'll keep you posted on developments." The Colonel rose, bowed slightly, left the room smartly. A soldier doesn't ask, he told himself. A soldier obeys. And I, sadly, am a soldier in the Duke's employ.
1
Year 1016 AFE; Rulers
Bragi groaned. Inger shook him again. „Come on, Your Kingship. Get up."
He cracked a lid. One glassless window stared back with a cold eye. „It's still dark out."
„It just looks like it."
He grumbled as his feet hit the chilly floor. It was one of those ice-bottom days, going to turn hellfire come after noon. He gathered the bearskin round him and told himself there had to be a point to rising.
It was springtime in Kavelin. The days were hot and the nights were cold. The weather was foul more often than not.
Bragi yawned, tried to rub the sleep from his eyes. „It raining? My head feels like it's packed with wool."
„I wouldn't argue with that. Yes. One of your steady Kaveliner drizzles."
He said what everybody always said. „Be good for the farmers."