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very well, as often as not. Jordan breathed deeply and carefully, bringing himself under control.
Showtime. Nothing to worry about. Viktor was just another character. He ran quickly through what he'd
been told about Viktor and Lewis. They disliked each other, but they both hated Dominic. Dominic is
insane, and Lewis is vile . . . Jordan smiled easily as Lewis came to a halt before him. Lewis bowed
formally. Ironheart and the Monk stayed back a way, politely out of earshot but within easy call. They
didn't bow to Jordan, so he ostentatiously ignored them. He nodded briefly to Lewis.
'Well, Viktor, it's good to see you up and about again,' said Lewis. His voice was warm and hearty. The
smile was fairly convincing, but it didn't even touch the cold eyes. 'I had heard you were quite ill.'
'I was,' said Jordan. 'I got over it.' He would have liked to leave it there rather than risk his
characterisation at such an early stage, but he could see Lewis was waiting for more. Going by its sudden
silence, so was the Court. Jordan cleared his throat, and then wished he hadn't. It made him sound
nervous and insecure. 'It was just a chill, Lewis; nothing more. I probably caught it on my travels.'
'Nasty things, chills,' said Lewis. 'They can get serious. People have been known to die of them, if they
don't take care.'
Oh subtle, Lewis, thought Jordan. Really subtle.
'That's true,' he said calmly. 'All kinds of people. You never know who's going to catch one next, do
you?'
'I take precautions,' said Lewis.
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'So do I,' said Jordan. 'Lots of them.'
'You certainly sound better. But appearances can be so misleading.'
'Don't bet on it, Lewis. I feel strong enough to take on the whole damned world.'
Lewis looked at him thoughtfully, and Jordan suddenly won-dered if he'd walked into a trap. Lewis was
the duellist in the family, after all. Jordan thought quickly back on what he'd said, but there didn't seem to
be anything Lewis could take as an insult. Had he appeared too confident, perhaps? Viktor had looked
to be rather a weak sort, but Gawaine had said he never backed down to anyone. Jordan shrugged
mentally. What the hell, everyone knew Viktor had been away for four years. Exile can change a man.
'I'm glad to hear you've got your strength back,' said Lewis finally. 'You're going to need it. I imagine
things are going to be rather hectic round here for a while.'
'Looks that way,' said Jordan. 'Do you know why the Regent wants to see us?'
'Haven't a clue, but I doubt it's anything good. Have you seen Dominic?'
'Not recently.'
'I understand he and Elizabeth have gone into politics. They're doing rather well, I believe. But then, they
always were a splendid team.'
'Yes,' said Jordan. 'I always knew Elizabeth would go far, one way or another.'
Lewis looked at him. 'You've mellowed, Viktor. Your time in exile must have agreed with you.'
Jordan smiled. 'I learned a great many things while I was away from Court, Lewis. You'd be surprised.'
He glanced at the Monk and Ironheart, still keeping a respectful distance. 'I see your taste in friends
hasn't improved.'
'They have their uses. And they are very loyal.'
'Oh, I'm sure they are, Lewis. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself why? All loyalty has its price.
You should know that.'
Lewis started to say something, and then stopped. He looked at Jordan thoughtfully, and then nodded
politely and moved away. Ironheart and the Monk went with him. Jordan watched them go, and felt a
little of the tension drain out of him. He was only too aware that the encounter could have ended nastily,
in any number of unpleasant ways. He looked at the dozen armed guards surrounding Lewis, and felt an
immediate desire to start checking for exits he could get to in a hurry. He took" a deep breath to calm
himself, and let it out slowly.
'Well, Gawaine,' he said quietly, 'how am I doing?'
'Very well, your highness,' murmured the knight. 'I'm impressed. If you'll pardon a little advice, you are
coming on a bit strong, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. No one's been quite sure how to react to
you after your long absence, and a little show of strength now might help to keep the flies off.'
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'That crack Lewis made about Dominic and Elizabeth - should I have been more upset? I mean, I know
how important Elizabeth was to me, but I've got Heather now. Though come to think of it, where is
Heather? Shouldn't she be here with me?'
'She'll be joining us shortly, Sire, I've no doubt. As for Elizabeth and Dominic, you've waited four years
for a chance to make them pay. I think you can wait a little longer, to be sure of getting them. You've had
a lot of time to learn patience.'
The main doors swung open again, and the Court fell silent as the herald announced the arrival of Prince
Dominic and the Lady Elizabeth. Jordan studied them both interestedly as they stood a moment in the [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]