The bandit
leader took off his faded floppy hat and bowed deeply. "Forgive me for
not introducing myself. I am Huncek, leader of this small band of
fellows, and ruler over the woods you are about to enter." As Huncek
gave his little speech, several of his men stepped out of the shadows.
"What does the King say to you?" queried Korvos as Theguis and Racius
stepped out of the coach.
"I hear that King Oacan is dead," declared Huncek confidently.
"Long live the King," whispered the Princess to Korvos and Racius.
Korvos: "But you practiced your banditry while King Oacan lived?"
Huncek: "Of course. My men and I are shadows. The Korathian troops
could never catch The Great Huncek and his men of merry robbers!"
"Rob from the rich and keep it, do you?" asked Theguis to Huncek while
slowly drawing her rapier.
"What else would we do with it, my lady?" riposted Huncek, who looked
around to make sure his men were well-placed and ready for action.
Korvos: "And are you a King's Man, Huncek?"
Huncek: "I had no great love for the King."
Theguis: "Why is that?"
Huncek: "Does one of my class need an excuse?"
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"Well, sir, I
am the King returned!" dramatically interrupted Prince Korvos. "I am
the third son of Oacan, and I have returned to claim the throne."
"You are Korvos?" asked Huncek with mounting trepidation. A
particularly long burst of lightning illuminated the scene, and Huncek
saw the scar on Prince Korvos' left hand. Huncek's blood turned to ice
in his veins.
"Ah, it is true! It is Korvos returned!" yelled a terrified Huncek.
"Please do not kill us! A thousand apologies, my lord. We are but poor
peasants trying to make a living so we can feed our families." As
Huncek babbled, most of his men started fleeing into the woods, one by
one.
"Step forward," commanded Korvos. Huncek groveled towards Korvos. "You
will lead us to Castle Korath. And don't try any tricks."
"Thank you my lord!" expressed a relieved Huncek. "I shall lead you
safely to Castle Korath."
This momentary encounter now over, the trio stepped back into the coach
and soon the procession was on its way once again.
"So what do you think my ancestors did to cause such fear?" wondered
Korvos.
"Probably a bunch of bloodthirsty and cruel overlords," opined Racius.
"Good thing that they don't know you were raised in Alberoth and are
too civilized for such barbarities."
Korvos wondered if Racius was right.
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