Wizard of the Grove Read Free Page A

against the wall. His father had not retired for the night. Wide awake himself, Rael turned toward the royal bedchamber, hoping the king would not be too busy to speak with him.
    The guards saluted as he approached and moved aside to give him access to the door.
    â€œIs he alone?” asked the prince.
    â€œAye, sir, he is,” replied the senior of the two.
    Rael nodded his thanks and pushed the door open.
    â€œFather?”
    The king sat at his desk studying a large map, one hand holding down a curling edge, the other buried in his beard.
    Rael was thinner than his father, his eyes an unworldly green, but aside from that the resemblance was astounding. Both were handsome men, although neither believed it. They shared the same high forehead over black slashes of brow, the same angular cheeks and proud arch of nose, even the determined set to their jaws and slightly mocking smiles matched. Those who had known the king as a young man said to look at the prince was to look at a piece of the past. The people of Ardhan might wonder at the identity of his mother, and they did, but none could doubt that Rael was the king’s son.
    Raen looked up as the door opened and his face brightened when he saw who it was.
    â€œCome in, lad,” he called. “And shut the damn door before it blows out my lamp.”
    Rael did as he was bid and approached the desk, collapsing with a boneless, adolescent grace into the sturdy chair across from his father.
    â€œThe Western Border?”
    The king nodded. “And you’d best get familiar with it yourself. We march as soon as the armies are assembled.”
    Rael leaned forward to study the map. “You’re surely not assemblingall six provinces here?” He wondered where they’d put everyone. The six dukes and their households jammed the palace to the rafters during seventh year festivals. The six dukes and their armies . . . !
    â€œNo, only Cei and Aliston will come here to Belkar. We’ll join with Hale on the march.” He traced their route with a callused finger. “Lorn and Riven meet us on the battlefield.” His mouth twisted. “And it’s to be hoped those two hotheads will concentrate on fighting the enemy instead of each other. I’m thankful you’ve no rival for your lady’s hand.”
    Rael felt his ears redden.
    â€œYou can keep no secrets in this rabbit warren, lad. It’s a good match; her father and I both approve. You’re lucky I’ve no need to join you to some foreign princess to tie a treaty.”
    â€œJoin?” Rael repeated weakly. He’d barely gotten beyond worshiping from a distance and his father spoke of joinings?
    The older man laughed. “You’re right,” he mocked, but kindly, “it’s bad luck to talk of joining on the eve of war.” He turned again to the map. “And on the eve of war we are; I want the armies on the road in two weeks.”
    â€œIn two weeks? Father, it can’t be done.” The Elite, the Palace Guard and the Ducal Guards that made up the standing army, yes, and, he supposed, most City Guards could adapt fast enough, but when Rael thought of the chaos involved in turning farmers and craftsmen into soldiers his head ached.
    â€œIt’s going to have to be done,” the king said shortly. “We have no choice. Melac’s moving very fast; he wants those iron mines in Riven badly and has had plans to invade us for years. Though he’s a fool if he thinks he’s in charge, not that madman he has for a counselor.” He looked down at the map and shook his head. “Still, madman or not, he’s a brilliant leader. I’ve never heard of anyone getting an army into the field so quickly.” Teeth gleamed for an instant in the lamplight. “If I didn’t know all the wizards were dead. . . .”
    The wizards had destroyed themselves before there was an Ardhan or a king to rule