Raccciman’s World

“Though the King's territories are large, he shares them equally with the other inhabitants of the Valley. His greatest power lies in his ability to keep the peace between the different races living there.” Bectus ran a hand through his close cropped hair, and stared pensively down at the letter. “He is an able diplomat, but aging, and his bard Alondil has passed beyond at a most inauspicious time. As the nearest bard to his realm, he has begged for my assistance.”

Assistance? “We're going to Ilam to help him?” Allma asked. “But your apprentice has been looking forward to the High-day Festival at Atisva.”

“Absolutely out of the question. The king's need is urgent. I have already informed Lord Varr that I must quit his house for a time, and I will be leaving tomorrow at first light.”

Allma hung his head and looked sorrowful. What was the point of having behaved himself all this time if he wasn't going to get to go to the Festival after all? “Perhaps this one should go pack then.”

Bectus cleared his throat. “Actually, I have been considering leaving you behind, Allma. The boat trip will be long and offer you too many possibilities for mischief.”

“This one regrets that you feel it necessary to leave him behind.” Allma tried to look contrite. “He swears that he will behave properly at the Festival when he attends as your representative.”

“When I said I might leave you behind, I meant that you would stay here,” Bectus snapped. His eyebrows lowered to meet over his beak nose. “Not that you could go gallivanting off to Atisva.”

Allma gulped. He was supposed to remain at Lord Varr's, all by himself, with nothing to do? “This one traveled to Atisva before, and did well,” Allma protested. Not that it mattered, he suddenly realized. If Bectus was really going to leave him here by himself then he could run off to anywhere he wanted.

Bectus was shaking his head. “You had me there keeping my eye on you then. I shudder to think what trouble you would get into on your own.” As if he had just realized what he was saying Bectus stopped, and stared suspiciously at Allma.

“Gracious master?” Allma put on his most innocent look.