As the sonata
started crescending to its apex, a band of hunters entered the
courtyard, led by Princess Theguis of Alberoth. With her was her best
friend and confidant, Sir Racius, while behind them came the rest of
the band, carrying various small animals and one adult stag. The
noisome entrance failed to break Korvos' rhythm, as he kept playing
intently. With a sign from her hand, Thegui silenced her party and
waited patiently for the recital to finish.
The resounding climax brought a shattering applause from the onlookers.
"Well done Korvos!" exclaimed Theguis. "I couldn't have played the
taymarim better myself, even if I did know how to play it." She
finished with a nudge at Racius, who gave a short chortle.
As Korvos silently accepted the accolades, he spied a messenger
surrepti- tiously approach the King with a note. King Marwand read the
message, then read it again more slowly. With a grim look on his face,
he spoke: "Please, everyone. Let's not embarrass Korvos too much. If I
may steal him for a moment, I need to speak with the Prince of Korath.
Theguis, Racius, you should also hear this."
After the crowd had left. King Marwand broke the bad news: "I have
grievous news from Korath. Your father and two brothers were killed in
a rockfall. As next in line for the Kingship, it is your duty to assume
the throne of that beleaguered kingdom."
"You don't have to go," interjected Theguis before Korvos answered.
"The curse on your line will claim you just as surely as it has claimed
your ancestors, and your father. Stay here where it's safe."
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"Curse! Ha!"
derided Racius. "There is no such thing as The Korathian Curse. Merely
the superstitions of the ignorant peasantry."
King Marwand glared at Racius, who apologized: "Forgive me, Princess
Theguis, I meant no disrespect."
"You have no need to apologize to me, Race," demurred Theguis as she
looked into his deep brown eyes.
After an awkward moment Korvos finally spoke: "Although I first came
here as a hostage twenty years ago, indeed I have come to love you all
as my real family. But my duty is to Korath, so I must return there and
assume the mantle of leadership."
"Prince Korvos is right," added Marwand. "Korath is a poor land, whose
nobles constantly advocate for war so that they can enrich their
holdings. Without Korvos to rule them, one of those greedy men will
surely rule and bring war once again to this land. Mayhaps, since
Korvos has lived here almost all of his life, the curse will not affect
him. Mayhaps he may even be able to lift the curse."
"If he goes, then I shall accompany him," declared Theguis defiantly.
"As shall I," quickly added Racius while giving Theguis a silent look
of dismay, which she failed to notice.
"Sigh, very well," consented King Marwand. "I know that I can't change
your mind. But you will take ten Royal Guardsmen for protection."
"Whoah, this is going to get crowded," commented Racius to himself.
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