The Sword and the Flame Read Free Page B

sideways in the saddle and hung on, trying desperately to stop the horse. But he could not; his grip failed, and he fell to the ground with a thud. The brown pony jogged on riderless.
    â€œOoof!” The prince rolled heels over head on the soft turf.
    Toli rushed to him. “Are you hurt?” He picked up the boy and brushed him off. There was mud on his chin and elbows.
    â€œNo—it is not the first time I have fallen. That, at least, I seem to have the knack of.”
    â€œI am sorry it will not be the last time, either,” laughed Toli. “But I must keep you in one piece, or your father will have my head!”
    The prince looked up at his instructor, frowning, his smooth brow knitting in consternation. “Will I ever get it right?”
    â€œOf course, in time—”
    â€œBut the hunt is less than a fortnight away!”
    â€œDo not worry, young master. You are making good progress. You shall ride with the hunt, I promise. And your father will have his sur-prise. All in good time. But first you must learn not to hesitate when you approach a jump. It confuses your mount, and he will jump badly.”
    â€œMay I try it again?”
    â€œWe should be getting back. I’ve duties to attend to.”
    â€œPlease, Toli. Just once more. I would not like to end the day’s practice with a fall.”
    â€œWell said. One more jump, and then we race for home.”
    The prince dashed to his mount, Tarky, who had stopped to nibble the grass at the end of the path. Toli went back to Riv and remounted. “Think about what you are doing, young sir!” called Toli. “Concentrate!”
    The boy climbed into his saddle, a look of dire determination on his face. He eyed the obstacle ahead, gauging the distance, then snapped the reins and spurred the horse ahead.
    Away they galloped down the path. In a twinkling they were hurtling toward the log. Prince Gerin leaned low in the saddle, lifted his hands, and the horse flew up and over the log, as graceful and light as a deer. The prince pulled the reins and with a whoop of triumph wheeled the pony around and broke for the far trees across the meadow.
    â€œWell done, Prince Gerin!” shouted Toli. “Well done!” Then he, too, spurred his mount for the trees and beyond them to the road leading back to Askelon.
    The two reached the road side by side and raced, laughing all the way to the castle. The sun was high in the clear blue sky, and both felt the joy of life running strong in them.

    Durwin’s worktable was stacked high with dusty scrolls and hide-bound volumes. He sat hunched over the table on a high stool, chin in hand, mumbling to himself as he read. His hair was long and almost completely white now, but his eyes were quick as ever and his limbs sound. He appeared a man half his natural age.
    Abruptly he raised his head and sniffed the air. “Ah!” he cried, jumping up. He dashed at once to a small brazier where a black iron pot was bubbling away on the hot coals. It had boiled over, and black smoke rolled toward the rafters. He picked up a long wooden spoon nearby and was stirring the pot when a voice called out from the doorway.
    â€œPhew! Good hermit, what is that prodigious stench? It is most foul!”
    Durwin glanced up to see the queen dowager standing in his wide doorway watching him, her nose crinkled in frank disgust.
    â€œAlinea! What! You do not care for my poultice? ’Tis a powerful curative for aches of the joints.”
    â€œIt is to be wondered whether the aches would not be more enjoyable.”
    â€œMy patients, I assure you, do not mind its aromatic qualities.”
    â€œYour patients?”
    â€œI call them patients, my lady. This is for Toli.”
    â€œCertainly Toli has no need of this.”
    â€œHis horses, madam. I am making it for his horses, although it would not hurt the rider in any case, if need were great.”
    â€œAnd nose were strong!” she