{"id":3936,"date":"2026-01-03T23:57:39","date_gmt":"2026-01-03T23:57:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/riftwar-cycle-15-krondor-the-assassins-feist-raymond-e\/"},"modified":"2026-01-03T23:57:39","modified_gmt":"2026-01-03T23:57:39","slug":"riftwar-cycle-15-krondor-the-assassins-feist-raymond-e","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/riftwar-cycle-15-krondor-the-assassins-feist-raymond-e\/","title":{"rendered":"Riftwar Cycle 15 – Krondor: The Assassins – Feist, Raymond E"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Book Preview<\/h3>\n
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\nPrologue – Departures<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nLines of soldiers marched along the ridge.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe baggage train had been broken into two segments, the first of which was now departing with the wounded and the dead who would be cremated with honors back in Krondor. Clouds of dust rose from the trail as wheels rolled and boots tramped toward home, the fine powder mixing with the acrid smoke from campfires as they were extinguished. The rising sun streamed through the haze, orange and pale gold, lances of color in an otherwise gray morning. In the distance birds sang, ignoring the aftermath of battle.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nArutha, Prince of Krondor and ruler of the Western Realm of the Kingdom of the Isles, sat on his horse, taking a moment to enjoy the majesty of the sunrise and the serenade of the birds as he watched his men heading home. The fighting had been blessedly short but bloody, and while casualties were lighter than anticipated, he still hated to lose even one solider under his command. He let the beauty of the vista before him soothe his frustration and regret for a few moments.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nArutha still resembled the youthful man who had come to the throne of Krondor ten years before, though lines around his eyes and a small scattering of gray through his otherwise black hair revealed the toll rulership had taken on him. For those who knew him well, he was still much the same man, a competent administrator, military genius, and fiercely duty-bound man who would surrender his own life without question to save the lowest soldier under his command.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nHis gaze went from wagon to wagon, as if somehow willing himself to see the wounded men inside, as if he could communicate to them his sense of gratitude for a job well done. Those closest to Arutha knew he paid a silent price, pain kept within, for each injury done a man who served Krondor and the Kingdom.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nArutha pushed aside his regrets and considered the victory. The enemy had been in full retreat for two days, a relatively small force of dark elves. A much larger force had been prevented from reaching the Dimwood when a rift machine had been destroyed by Arutha\u2019s two squires, James and Locklear. It had cost the life of a magician named Patrus, but his sacrifice had allowed the invaders to fall prey to their own internal conflicts. Delekhan, the would-be conqueror, had died beside Gorath, a moredhel chieftain who had proven as honorable and worthy a being as Arutha had ever met, while they struggled to seize control of the Lifestone. Arutha cursed the existence of that mysterious and ancient artifact under the abandoned city of Sethanon, and wondered if its mystery would ever be understood, its danger removed, in his lifetime.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nDelekhan\u2019s son Moraeulf had died from a dagger thrust home by Narab, once an ally of Delekhan. As agreed to by Narab, the retreating moredhel weren\u2019t being harassed by Kingdom forces as long as they were heading straight north. Orders had been dispatched to allow the moredhel safe passage home as long as they kept moving.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Kingdom forces in the Dimwood were now dispersing to their various garrisons, the majority returning to the west, and some heading back north to the border baronies. They would start moving later in the morning. The previously secret garrison north of Sethanon would be moved to another location and reprovisioned.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nSunlight began to bathe Arutha as the morning mist burned off, leaving only the smoke and dust to cloud the air. The day was already growing hot, and the cold of the previous winter was fading from memory. Arutha kept his distress deep inside as he considered the latest assault upon the tranquillity of his Kingdom.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nArutha had taken the Tsurani magicians at face value after the end of the Riftwar. For nearly ten years they had been free to come and go between worlds, via several magic rifts. And now he felt a profound sense of betrayal. He fully understood the rationale that had driven Makala, a Tsurani Great One, to attempt to seize the Lifestone at Sethanon, the belief that the Kingdom possessed a great weapon of destruction, some engine of power that would give predominance in war to whoever held it. Had he been in Makala\u2019s place, with the same suspicions, he might have acted in the same way. But even so, he could not trust the Tsurani to be loose in the Kingdom, and that meant an end to almost a decade of trade and exchange. Arutha pushed aside worry as to how he would effect the changes he must make, but he knew that eventually he would have to sit down with his advisors and fashion a plan that would ensure future security for the Kingdom. And he knew almost no one would be pleased at the changes he would make.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nArutha glanced to his right and saw two very fatigued young men sitting astride their horses. He permitted himself one of his infrequent smiles, a bare upturning of the sides of his mouth, which served to soften the often somber expression on his still-youthful face. \u201cTired, gentlemen?\u201d he asked.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nJames, senior squire to the Prince, returned his ruler\u2019s gaze from eyes surrounded by dark circles. James, and his companion Squire Locklear, had ridden a punishing ride, abetted by magic herbs which had kept them awake and alert for days in the saddle. The after-effects of the prolonged use of the draught was to unleash all the pent-up fatigue and body-ache on the young men at once. Both had slept through the night, upon cushions in Arutha\u2019s tent, but had awakened tired and bone-weary. Summoning up his usual brazen wit, James said, \u201cNo, sire, we always look like this when we wake. Usually you don\u2019t see us until after our morning coffee.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nArutha laughed. \u201cI see none of your charms have faded, squire.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nA short man with dark hair and beard walked over to where the Prince and his companions sat astride their horses.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201cGood morning, Highness,\u201d said Pug, as he bowed.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nArutha returned a polite nod and said, \u201cPug, do you return to Krondor with us?\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPug\u2019s expression revealed concern. \u201cNot straight away, Highness. There are matters I must investigate at Stardock. The activities of the Tsurani Great Ones involved with this last attempt at Sethanon cause me great concern. I need to ensure that they were the only magicians involved, and that those who still reside at my Academy are free of any guilt.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nArutha looked at the retreating wagons again as he said, \u201cWe do need to talk about the role played by the Tsurani in your Academy, Pug. But not here.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPug nodded agreement. Even though everyone within earshot was privy to the secret of the Lifestone which sat beneath the city of Sethanon, it was wise to talk only in private. And Pug also knew that Arutha had grave concerns about the betrayal by the Tsurani magician Makala which had led to this last battle between the Prince\u2019s army and an invading army of moredhel warriors. He expected that Arutha would insist on far more stringent controls over who and what came through the rift – the magic gateway – between Midkemia and the Tsurani homeworld of Kelewan.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201cWe will, Highness. First, I must see to the safety of Katala and Gamina.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201cI understand your concerns,\u201d said the Prince. Pug\u2019s daughter Gamina had been abducted and transported by magic to a distant world in order to lure him away from Midkemia while the Tsurani magician attempted to seize the Lifestone.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPug said, \u201cI must make sure that I am never again made vulnerable because of a family member.\u201d He looked knowingly at the Prince. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing I can do about William, but I can ensure that Gamina and Katala are safe at Stardock.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201cWilliam is a soldier, so by the nature of his craft he is at risk.\u201d Then Arutha smiled at Pug. \u201cBut he\u2019s as safe as a soldier can be, surrounded by six companies of the Royal Krondorian Household Guard. Anyone attempting to blackmail you through William will find him difficult to reach.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPug\u2019s expression showed he didn\u2019t approve. \u201cHe could have been so much more.\u201d His look silently implored Arutha to do something. \u201cHe still can. It\u2019s not too late for him to return to Stardock with me.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nArutha regarded the magician. He understood Pug\u2019s frustration and his parental desire to see his son back with his family.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nBut his tone left no confusion as to his willingness to intercede on Pug\u2019s behalf. \u201cI know you two have had your differences about his choice, Pug, but I\u2019ll leave it for you to work out at your own leisure. As I told you when you first objected to William coming into my service, he\u2019s a royal cousin by adoption and a free man of age, so there was no reason for me to refuse his request.\u201d Before Pug could voice another objection, he raised his hand. \u201cNot even as a favor to you.\u201d His tone softened. \u201cBesides, he\u2019s got the makings of a better than average soldier. Quite a knack, actually, according to my swordmaster.\u201d Arutha changed the subject. \u201cDid Owyn return home?\u201d Owyn Belefote, youngest son of the Baron of Timons, had proven a valuable ally to James and Locklear in the recent struggle.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201cAt first light. He said he must mend fences with his father.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nArutha motioned toward Locklear, though he kept his eyes on Pug. \u201cI have something for you.\u201d When Locklear failed to respond to the gesture, Arutha shifted his gaze to Locklear. \u201c<\/span>
\n
\nSquire<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n, the document?\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nLocklear had been on the verge of falling asleep in the saddle but he snapped to attention as the Prince\u2019s voice penetrated his muzzy thoughts. He moved his horse to where Pug stood and handed a parchment down to him.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nArutha said, \u201cOver my signature and seal, this names you the final authority over all issues of magic as they affect the Western Realm.\u201d He smiled slightly. \u201cI should have no trouble convincing His Majesty to ratify this for the entire Kingdom. You\u2019ve had our ear in this area for years, Pug, but this gives you authority if you ever find yourself having to deal with another noble or King\u2019s officer without me at your shoulder. It names you official magician of the court of Krondor.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201cMy thanks, Highness,\u201d said Pug. He seemed about to speak, but hesitated.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nArutha cocked his head to one side. \u201cThere\u2019s a but here, isn\u2019t there?\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201cBut I need remain at Stardock with my family. There\u2019s much work to be done and my attention there precludes me from serving in Krondor, Arutha.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nArutha sighed slightly. \u201cUnderstood. But that still leaves me without a magician in court, if you\u2019re unwilling to take residency in the palace.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201cI could send Kulgan back to nag at you,\u201d said Pug with a smile.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201cNo, my former teacher is too quick to forget rank and scold me in front of my court. It\u2019s bad for morale.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201cWhose?\u201d asked Jimmy under his breath.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nArutha didn\u2019t look at the squire, but said, \u201cMine, of course.\u201d To Pug he said, \u201cSeriously, the betrayal of Makala shows me the wisdom my father employed by having an advisor on matters of magic close to hand. Kulgan\u2019s earned his retirement. So, if not you or young Owyn, who then?\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPug thought for a moment and said, \u201cI have one student who might be just the person to advise you in the future. There is one problem.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201cWhat would that be?\u201d asked Arutha.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201cShe\u2019s Keshian.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nArutha said, \u201cThat\u2019s two problems.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPug smiled. \u201cKnowing your sister and wife, I would have thought a woman\u2019s advice wouldn\u2019t be alien to His Highness.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nArutha nodded. \u201cIt\u2019s not. But many in my court would find it. . . difficult.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPug said, \u201cI\u2019ve never noticed you to be overly concerned with the opinions of others when your mind was set, Arutha.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Prince said, \u201cTimes change, Pug. And men get older.\u201d He was silent for a minute as he watched another contingent of his army break camp and start to move out. Then he turned to face Pug, one eyebrow raised in question. \u201cBut Keshian?\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201cNo one will accuse her of allying herself with this or that faction in court,\u201d said Pug.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nArutha chuckled. \u201cI hope you\u2019re joking.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201cNo, I\u2019m not. She\u2019s unusually gifted despite her youth; she\u2019s cultured and educated, reads and writes several languages, and has a remarkable grasp of magic, which is exactly what you need in an advisor. Most importantly, she\u2019s the only one among my students who can understand the consequences of magic in a political context, as she\u2019s had court training in Kesh. She\u2019s from the Jal-Pur and understands how things stand in the west, as well.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nArutha seemed to consider this for a long moment, then said, \u201cCome to Krondor when you can and tell me more. I\u2019m not saying I will not finally agree to your choice, but I need more convincing before I do.\u201d Arutha smiled his half-smile and turned his horse around. \u201cStill, the expression on the faces of the nobles in court when a woman from Kesh walks in might be worth whatever risk she brings.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201cI will vouch for her; I give my word on it,\u201d said Pug.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nArutha looked back over his shoulder. \u201cYou\u2019re very serious about this, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201cVery. Jazhara is someone I would entrust my family\u2019s lives to. She is only a few years older than William and has been with us at Stardock for almost seven years, so I\u2019ve known her a third of her life. She can be trusted.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nArutha said, \u201cThat counts for much. A great deal actually. So, come to Krondor when you will, and we will discuss this at length.\u201d He bade Pug good-bye, then turned to James and Locklear. \u201cGentlemen, we have a long ride ahead.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nLocklear could barely conceal his pain at the thought of more time in the saddle, albeit at a less furious pace than a few days earlier.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201cA moment, if Your Highness permits. I would speak to Duke Pug,\u201d said James.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nArutha waved his permission as he and Locklear rode forward.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhen the Prince was out of earshot, Pug said, \u201cWhat is it, Jimmy?\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201cWhen are you going to tell him?\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201cWhat?\u201d asked Pug.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nDespite his crushing fatigue, James managed one of his familiar grins. \u201cThat the girl you\u2019re sending is the great-niece of Lord Hazara-Khan of the Jal-Pur.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPug suppressed a chuckle. \u201cI thought I\u2019d save that for a more propitious moment.\u201d Then his expression changed to one of curiosity. \u201cHow did you know that?\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201cI have my own sources. Arutha suspects that Lord Hazara-Khan is involved with Keshian intelligence in the west – which he almost certainly is, from what I can find out. Anyway, Arutha is considering how to counter Keshian intelligence with an organization of his own – but you didn\u2019t hear that from me.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPug nodded. \u201cUnderstood.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201cAnd as I have ambitions, I count it a wise thing to keep current on these matters.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201cSo you were snooping?\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201cSomething like that,\u201d said James with a shrug. \u201cAnd there just can\u2019t be that many noble-born Keshian women from the Jal-Pur named Jazhara.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nPug laughed. \u201cYou will go far, Jimmy, if someone doesn\u2019t hang you first.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nJames seemed to shed his fatigue as he returned the laugh. \u201cYou\u2019re not the first to say that, Pug.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201cI will get around to mentioning the relationship, in the future.\u201d Waving to Arutha and Locklear, Pug said, \u201cYou\u2019d better catch up.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nNodding as he turned his horse, James said, \u201cYou\u2019re right. Good day, my lord duke.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201cGood day, squire.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nJames put heels to his horse\u2019s sides and the animal cantered after Arutha and Locklear. He overtook Locklear as Arutha moved to confer with Knight-Marshal Gardan about the ongoing dispersal of the army.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nAs James rode up next to him, Locklear asked, \u201cWhat was that about?\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201cJust a question for Duke Pug.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nLocklear yawned and said, \u201cI could sleep for a week.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nArutha overhead the remark as he rejoined them and said, \u201cYou can rest for a full night in Krondor when we get back, squire. Then you leave for the north.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201cNorth, sire?\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201cYou came back from Tyr-Sog without leave, although I grant your reasons were good ones. Now the risk has subsided, you must return to Baron Moyiet\u2019s court and fulfill the terms of your service there.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nLocklear closed his eyes as if in pain. Then he opened them and said, \u201cI thought. . .\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201c. . . you\u2019d wormed your way out of that banishment,\u201d supplied James under his breath.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nArutha, taking pity on the exhausted youth, said, \u201cServe Moyiet well, and I may order you back to Krondor early. If you stay out of trouble.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nLocklear nodded without comment, as Arutha put heels to his horse and rode ahead.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nJames said, \u201cWell, you can sleep in a warm bed in the palace for a night before you leave.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\n\u201cWhat about you?\u201d asked Locklear. \u201cDon\u2019t you have some unfinished business in Krondor?\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nJames closed his eyes for a moment as if thinking made him tired, then said, \u201cYes, there\u2019s a bit of trouble with the Guild of Thieves. But nothing for you to be bothered with. Nothing I can\u2019t handle by myself.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nLocklear snorted and said nothing. He was too tired to think of a jibe.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nJames said, \u201cYes, after this nasty business with the Tsurani and moredhel, my business with the thieves in Krondor will seem dull by comparison.\u201d<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nLocklear looked at his friend and saw that James\u2019s mind was already turning to whatever problems were caused by the Mockers – the Guild of Thieves. And with a chilling certainty, Locklear knew that his friend was making light of something serious, for James had the death mark on him for leaving the Guild to serve the Prince.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd, he sensed, there was something more. Then Locklear realized, with James, there was always something more.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n


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Book Preview Prologue – Departures Lines of soldiers marched along the ridge. The baggage train had been broken into two segments, the first of which was now departing with the wounded and the dead who would be cremated with honors back in Krondor. Clouds of dust rose from the trail as wheels rolled and boots … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3935,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[229],"class_list":["post-3936","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-raymond-e-feist"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3936","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3936"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3936\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3935"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3936"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3936"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/epub-book.com\/download\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3936"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}