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his advanced years. His haunted look remained the same, however.
Muller wanted to hate this man. Yet the king loved him, perhaps more than the father he recalled so little
of now. It bewildered Muller. He would never forget Jarid s father. Prince Aron had been distant to most
people, but never with his kin, including his young cousin. Muller had looked up to him, admiring his
strength and steady nature.
Aron had died when Muller was fourteen. It happened so suddenly. It had been that way with everyone
Muller loved: his grandfather a few months ago, his father when Muller had been seven, and his mother
when he had been ten. Better to love no one than to weep so often. But Muller couldn t stop loving. He
had never been able to wall away his emotions. He doubted his anger at Unbent would ever ease, but it
was impossible to hate a man who had been such a devoted father to Jarid.
After awhile, he went to stand with the craggy farmer.  My greeting, Master Unbent.
Unbent didn t seem surprised by his appearance.  My greeting, Your Highness. His accent resembled
Iris s, but with a rougher tone, lacking her melodic quality. Although their home provinces weren t far
apart, he lived much higher in the mountains, in one of the most remote areas of Aronsdale. Unbent
looked at him.  No one ever gave me a title before.  The king calls you father. Muller couldn t keep
the tightness out of his voice.
 Aye. I don t deserve it.
Muller wanted to say, No, you don t. But only Jarid could decide whom he considered a father.
 King Jarid went into the forest earlier, Muller said.  No one has seen him since.
 He has always done so.
Always? Muller couldn t imagine letting a deaf and blind man wander alone in those desolate mountains
where Unbent had lived with his foster son.  And you let him?
 Yes. He needed to feel he could rely on himself.
 What if something happened to him?
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 He didn t go far. Unbent shook his head.  This power of his, I don t claim to understand it. I only
know that Dani needs  He stopped.  I mean, King Jarid. It flustered Muller to hear Unbent use a
nickname for the king.  Needs what?  Places outside. Trees, mountains, life. It renews him. But always,
no matter where he went, I felt his power. I knew if he needed help. Then I would go get him.
Muller made himself ask for the help he resented needing from this man who had taken Jarid out of his
life for so long.  Will you go with me to look for him? Unbent s brow furrowed.  Why? He is fine.
 How do you know?
 We have a bond. I can feel his power.
Muller had thought only mages were sensitive to other mages. When he was near the king, he felt as if he
were bathed in radiance, but they had to be in reasonably close proximity. Right now he felt nothing at all.
 Can you make spells? Muller asked him.
 Nay. I m no mage. Unbent hesitated.  I don t know how Jarid made that bond with me. But it became
stronger over the years, until now I can always tell if he needs help.
 And you think he is all right?  He sleeps.
Muller wasn t sure what he expected, but that wasn t it.  You are sure?
 Aye. His mind is quiet.
 Why would he go sleep in a forest? It seemed truly strange to Muller.
 Maybe he didn t intend to. Concern shaded Unbent s voice.  He is exhausted.
 I should find him. He may not be safe.
Unbent hesitated.
 What is it? Muller asked.
 And you would take me with you?
 If you will come.
 A man you must surely distrust.
Yes, Muller thought. But he forced out the truth.  My cousin trusts you. He is what matters here.
 What will you do if you find him?
 Ask him to come back to the castle.
 And if he says no?
Muller held back his frustration. He knew Unbent wanted to protect Jarid. That his ward had turned out
to be a king may have daunted him, but apparently nothing would stop him from treating Jarid like a son.
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 I won t make him return, Muller said.  But I must at least try to convince him. I gave my word.
Unbent nodded, apparently willing to accept that answer.  Very well. I will go with you.
By the time Muller and Unbent had gone several miles, Muller was worn out. They hiked over hills and
through woods scattered across the rolling countryside. Muller had considered himself fit, indeed, in
good shape, but he needed all his energy to keep Unbent s pace. It gave him a new respect for the rigors
of the life Unbent had lived.
Finally Muller slowed to a stop and bent over, bracing his hands against his knees as he gulped in air.
When Unbent came back to him, Muller straightened up, still breathing hard.  Why are you in such a
hurry? Unbent looked confused.  Hurry?
 Never mind. Muller stretched one of his aching legs, then the other.  You are sure we re going to
where Jarid sleeps?
 Can t you feel him now?
Muller almost said, No, of course not. But when he concentrated without the distraction of trying to
keep up with Unbent, he did sense power around them. It seemed undefined, as if well, as if it
slumbered.
 Yes. I do. It daunted him to think Jarid claimed a mage potential so great, it encompassed the
countryside.  How much farther?  Maybe a few miles.
Muller nodded tiredly and resumed walking, setting a slower pace. They went down a hill, through
grasses waving at knee height. Wild flowers bloomed everywhere, sun-orbs and swaying fire-lilies. The
terrain remained the same for the next half-hour, low hills with few trees. Eventually they approached
another forest, this one more extensive than others they had passed through. For the first time, Unbent
hesitated.  He dreams. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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