CHAPTER FOUR

		          	The King’s Justice

		The company was now in the residential district of the City. These were the 
	homes of merchants and artisans. The people they passed looked curiously at the strange 
	group, but no one spoke.
		Coming closer to the heart of the City, they encountered four of the Kings 
	guard. They approached these men with their hands in plain view.
		“I am Larn, son of Gil, King of Sunholm. I seek audience with King Jamy. We 
	have traveled far through Garth’s lands and have urgent information for the King.”
		One of the guards, clearly their leader, said, “Prince Larn, I recognize you 
	and have no doubt as to identity of three others. I will conduct you to the King as 
	fast as possible. Please tell me why these two are bound.”
		“We believe they are agents of Garth, but that is a matter for the King’s 
	justice to decide.”
		“So be it. Follow me.”
		Stopping a mounted guard, he said, “Ride quickly to the Palace and tell them 
	that Prince Larn and others from Sunholm approach. Say also that they bring two 
	prisoners.”
		As the company came closer to the Palace many curious people began to follow 
	them. When the growing group came around a corner in sight of the arched entrance to 
	the Palace, there was the sound of horns, announcing their arrival.
	This building was much larger than the Palace at Sunholm. It was shaped like an L 
	with tall towers at the six corners. Awaiting them on the steps were two men of 
	advanced years dressed in robes of officials of the Court of the Southern Kingdom.
		“Welcome to you, Prince Larn, son of Gil. We are honored by your presence
	here. The King is anxious to see you. Please follow me.”
		After passing through a set of large doors, they came into the Royal Hall. 
	Seated on a divan covered with the skins of Leopards was King Jamy. At his sides 
	stood several men and women dressed in rich clothing. Clearly they were officials of 
	the Court.
 
		Jamy’s family came from the far south of the Kingdom and he was dark with 
	long straight black hair. True to his jungle ancestry, he wore the skins of animals
	 with a golden belt about his waist. This was not attire that most King’s would 
	choose. Jamy was young and very proud of his Royal blood. In spite of his strangeness 
	and youth he was beloved by his people and was famous for a keen sense of justice.
		“Welcome to you, Prince Larn, son of Gil. Do you even remember my only visit 
	to your City? You were a small child at the time.”
		“Yes, Jamy, I well remember. You were pretty small yourself  then.”
	The King laughed and said, “It is sad, but I fear there is no time for reminiscing 
	now. There are many rumors from the north that concern me. I am hoping you bring good 
	tidings.”
		Larn had fond memories of Jamy from many years ago. He knew that there was no 
	need of honorific titles between them.
		“Jamy, I indeed bring tidings. Some are good and some are not. 
	First we are anxious for news of Carl and his men. We met them at one of Bernings 
	campsites some time back. They told us of their intentions in that dangerous country 
	and we long for news of them. That could answer many questions we all have wondered 
	about.” “As yet, there is no news of Carl. I too am anxious for a report from them. 
	But for now, I see you have brought two prisoners here. We will inquire into their 
	crimes later. This other man is clearly a citizen of this country. How is it that he 
	travels with you.”
		The Prince said, “That is one of the strangest parts of the story we must tell 
	you. May we have a more private audience with you and your advisors and we will relate 
	the whole tale.”
		“You have traveled far and must be tired and hungry. My servants will show you 
	to some comfortable rooms where you may be rid of the grime of travel. After that we 
	will talk.”
		As anxious as he was for news from the north, the King would not neglect 
	hospitality to his visitors. An old serving woman approached and asked the company to 
	follow her. They were shown to a large room, like a barracks with many beds and washing 
	facilities.
		The woman said, “No doubt all your clothing is soiled after so long a journey. 
	For now put on your best and while you are with the King, I will see to the rest.”
	Another servant appeared bearing a large tray of sandwiches. 
		In a short time, clad in the cleanest of their dirty clothes, the company 
	entered another smaller room where sat King Jamy, flanked by four elderly men in robes.
		“Gentlemen,” said the King, “This is Brant, Mark, Taisto and Cornelius. You 
	may know Cornelius, Larn. He is from your own country and offers his advice on matters 
	pertaining to the Blight of Garth. In your country the danger is more immediate than 
	it is here. He has been helpful to me thus far.”
		Larn thought, “Yes, I know Cornelius. He has always been one to speak of 
	waiting and appeasement when dealing with Garth. I do not trust him.”
	Keeping those thoughts to himself, he said, “The matters before us require all the 
	strength and wisdom of both countries. It is well that circumstances required us to 
	detour in our intentions and come into your presence.”
		With that he began to tell the story of how the four companions came to leave 
	Sunholm and all that had befallen them since. He only omitted the reasons that ended 
	with Ben joining the company.
		In telling of the meeting with Carl and his men, Larn stopped the narrative and 
	said, “We believe that the two men we found coming out of the north and took prisoner 
	are two of those who have sold themselves to Garth for his promises of riches and 
	power. Even Garth and his creatures must eat, so he will not extend the Blight to the 
	entire world. It is meant to cause great fear in people. Any who are left will become 
	slaves and these men who serve Garth will be their masters. That is the promise Garth 
	has made to convince them to serve him.”
		Jamy said, “If that is proven so, they are dead men, I promise you that. I am 
	happy to know you have already killed some of their number.”
		Cornelius spoke up and said, “Such charges demand strong proof.”
		The King said, “We will consider their case tomorrow. Please continue, Larn.”
	Larn continued the story. When he told of discovering Druce in the desolation and what 
	transpired there, the King started and looked hard at Druce, but said no word. Clearly 
	he trusted Larn that there was a reason for Druce being with the company, armed and 
	with a bearing of confidence, unlike that of a prisoner.
		When Larn told of how Druce had saved Jon’s life by attacking one of Garth’s 
	monsters with only a hunting knife, Jamy still said nothing, but looked at Druce with 
	an expression of great curiousity.
		At the conclusion of the story, Larn said, “Part of our reason for coming here 
	is to present Druces case to your justice. More importantly, we mean to continue our 
	search for the Shrine of Berning as quickly as possible. We had hoped for news of Carl, 
	but if that is not to be, we must prepare to leave soon.”
		“Until tomorrow you will be my guests. Go now and rest. Later we will dine 
	together and then you may have a much deserved nights sleep. Tomorrow will be the day 
	for decisions, not today.”

		So the companions returned to the room assigned them and found all their 
	clothing and equipment clean and neatly folded. Even their leather packs and other 
	leather items were cleaned and oiled.
		“Our gear is much cleaner than we are, isn’t it?” said Jon. With that be began 
	to inspect the washing facilities. “Where can we get hot water?”
		At that moment there was a knock at the door and several male servants entered 
	carrying buckets of steaming water, soap and towels that seemed to the company a shade 
	of pure white not seen in a long time.
		“And to think,” commented Jon, “That tonight I sleep in a real bed. The Creator 
	be praised. I have forgotten what that was like.”
		Ben chuckled and said, “Don’t get used to it, Jon. We won’t be here long.”
		“I know, but I will enjoy it while I may.”
		“Surely you deserve that, Jon,” said the Prince
		The company began to ready themselves for dinner with King Jamy.
		Gento said, “I had forgotten how it felt to be really clean. You know I have 
	always loved to travel the wild country, but there is much to be said for civilization.”
		Druce had remained silent since their arrival at the Palace. Now he said, with a 
	shrug. “I hope it’s a good dinner, since it may be my last.”
		Gento replied, “Druce, it is not well to judge matters ahead of their rightful 
	time. Have Faith that your fate is in the Creators hands and all will be well. Whatever 
	transpires, remember my promise that your Father will receive the medical help he needs. 
	Was that not your reason to go north in the first place?”
		“You are right, Gento. I am only a carpenter and have little knowledge of 
	spiritual matters. It is a fact that I have returned home a different man than when I 
	left, thanks to you men. If I die tomorrow I will die a better man than I was.”
		Jon said, “Cheer up, Druce. Do like me. Enjoy the moment and let the future 
	take care of itself. It is not here yet. We only have this moment to live.”
		“Wise words from one younger than I, but he is right.”
		In due time the company was escorted by the old serving woman to the Grand 
	Dinning Hall of the Palace. This room had no windows, but many large oil lamps hung 
	from the ceiling.
		The flickering flames caused random shadows around the room. There were many 
	statues there, all carved from wood. Beautiful tapestries hung on the walls. They 
	portrayed various animals, mostly from the jungle.
		In the center of the main table sat the King, dressed now in a sumptuous white 
	robe. To his right were three empty seats and two more to his left. The rest of the 
	large table held about ten of the officials of the court, including the advisors the 
	company had met before. The rest of the dinning hall was filled to capacity with 
	citizens of the Southern Kingdom. As the party approached the place, there was much 
	loud talk, but when they entered the room, a dead silence fell.
		“Come sit by me, esteemed guests,” said the King. Speaking loudly so all could 
	hear, he said, “Tonight we are honored by the presence of Prince Larn of Sunholm and 
	some of his friends. Please welcome Larn, Ben, Gento, Jon and Druce.” He pointed to 
	each in turn.
		As Larn sat down at the right of the King, Jamy said, “Here I follow the same 
	rule as your Father has laid down. Talk of serious matters must wait until the dinner 
	is over.”
		As the servants began to set food before the company, the King said, “Tonight 
	we have a special treat. A type of pheasant found only on the northern borders of this
	Kingdom.”
		Jon blurted, “But we have had this before. On the way here Larn brought down 
	just such a bird and Druce prepared a meal for us that I will never forget.” Now Jon’s 
	face turned red and he greatly regretted his impetuousness.
		The King only laughed and said, “I see that Druce is a man of many talents and 
	has resources within him that one would not expect from surface appearance.”
		It was a meal to be remembered. Jamy and Larn spent most of it talking about 
	childhood memories of the one time Jamy had visited Sunholm. Gento was in earnest 
	conversation with a gentleman across the table from him, who apparently was some type 
	of scientist.
		At first Druce was uncomfortable. He was not used to such a gathering of people 
	of wealth and power. He soon relaxed as he began to talk to the lady next to him. She 
	was the daughter of Mark, one of the King’s advisors.
		When pressed for more information about why the company was here, Druce quoted 
	the King’s edict about such matters not being discussed at table. At that she laughed 
	and said he was a true and loyal subject of the Kingdom. When finally the dinner was 
	over, she rushed to her Father and began speaking earnestly to him, glancing back at 
	Druce.
		Jamy arose now and said, “Now that we have enjoyed the fruits of this good 
	earth and filled all the empty places, I must request Larn and his company and my four 
	chief advisors that we adjourn to another room for consultation.”
		The company stood and followed the King into the Royal Hall. Now it was dark. 
	Many oil lamps were lit.
		Seating himself on his divan, Jamy said, “No final decisions have been make, 
	but I must tell you I have been making inquires. Those two men who claim to be 
	merchants of this City are unknown to any other merchant here. Their story grows 
	thinner all the time. Tomorrow they will be brought into this room, before you all 
	to testify. If I am convinced of their guilt, the will be executed in a humane manner 
	immediately.”
		“As for Druce, I am also inquiring of those here who know him. I can tell you 
	I consider him a much different case than those other two, but as of this moment, I am 
	unsure of what to do with him.”
		Mark said, “My daughter sat next to Druce at the dinner. She has already spoken 
	favorably to me about him.”
		Larn was watching Cornelius intently during this conversation. He saw a look 
	of pure hatred growing on his face. Suddenly seeing the Prince watching him, he 
	changed his whole countenance.
		Larn thought, “The servants of Garth are masters of deceit, but they have 
	weaknesses and hatred is one of them. I believe that Cornelius has made a fatal error.”
		Cornelius now spoke and said, “King Jamy, tomorrow I had planned to travel to 
	Arno and confer with the leaders of that community.”
		“Just postpone your trip for a day, Cornelius. I will need you here.”
		Now the King said, “Larn, we will meet in this room tomorrow two hours after 
	daylight. Until then I bid you a good night and may you rest well.”
		Larn bowed to the King and said, “Until tomorrow.”
		The company returned to their quarters, where beds had been prepared for them. 
	Sitting down on a bed, Jon said, “Druce, you certainly made an impression at dinner. 
	Mark is a man of influence. His comments will surely help your cause.”
		Druce blushed at that. “I have been a bachelor all my life, being too poor to 
	afford a wife. I can’t help it if I am attracted to a beautiful lady.”
		The company laughed and Gento said, “Perhaps the day will come when you are not 
	so poor. What then?”
		“I will worry about that if I survive the morning.”
		Ben said, “Jon, you have talked a lot about sleeping in a real bed. I suggest 
	you make your dream come true now. We will need no watch tonight and can all get the 
	rest we need. Until tomorrow, sleep well.” The company needed no further urging.
		Just before dawn they were awakened by a knock on the door. Springing to his 
	feet, Larn opened the door. A servant of the King stood there.
		“A rider from the north has come saying that two of Carl’s men are approaching 
	the City. The King has sent me to tell you that these men will be in the Palace in two 
	hours.”
		“Thank you!” said Larn. “Praise be to the Creator. This will be a momentous 
	day.”
		At the appointed time the friends were led once more by the old serving woman 
	to the Royal Hall. Present were the King’s four chief advisors and Lara, the daughter 
	of Mark. The company recognized two travel worn men from Carl’s company. One man had 
	his arm in a sling and bandages on his shoulder. Also present were many citizens of 
	Radiance who were unknown to the company.  No word was spoken until all were seated.
		Then the King arose and said, “Today we are gathered here to decide matters of 
	great importance to the Southern Kingdom and indeed to the whole world. First let us 
	hear the report of Carl’s men. There has much concern about their mission. Please tell 
	us all that has happened.”
		The two men stood up and one said, “As you know, our first concern was with the 
	meeting place of the servants of Garth who were sent to entice men to join his cause. 
	I am happy to report that all of the servants of Garth, three in number, were killed. 
	Also killed were three men. Before he died, one man said he was from the village of Arno.”
	“We were fortunate enough to surprise them, but the fighting was fierce. One of our 
	number named Gusso was killed. I myself was wounded in the shoulder. As he promised, 
	Carl and Rufus and three others now travel northeast in search of the Shrine of Berning. We were sent to report.”
		“Thank you,” said the King. “I know you are weary from your journey, but I 
	would ask you to stay until this meeting is over. There may be questions you can 
	answer.”
		Now Cornelius spoke. “Are you sure the man said he was from Arno. I know that 
	place. You may be mistaken.”
		“No chance of that. He was a dying man and spoke the truth as a dying man 
	will.”
		King Jamy said, “I am hearing a lot lately about the village of Arno. The two 
	men brought in by Prince Larn are now saying they are from Arno. Now is the time to 
	hear these men. Guards, bring them in.”
		Now Cornelius was squirming in his chair. He said, “King Jamy, I beg your 
	indulgence. I feel very unwell this morning and would  retire to my quarters.”
		“I am sorry, Cornelius, but since you are well acquainted with Arno, your 
	presence is necessary.”
		Just then the two  men entered the room and were led to stand before the King, 
	flanked by guards. “You men are accused of a hideous crime whose penalty is death. In 
	the presence of these witnesses, you may now make your defense.”
		The taller of the two men said, “King Jamy, we are only honest merchants from 
	the village of Arno. We have traveled far to the country of the Tanners on matters of 
	trade. As we were returning to our homes we were attacked by these men.” He pointed at 
	Larn. “We were stripped of our belongings and brought to your Capitol. We have been 
	imprisoned and treated badly. We demand redress of these injuries.”
		Now there came a voice from the rear of the room, saying, “Forgive me, 
	King Jamy, but I must speak on this matter.”
		“Come forward.”
		“I am Glen, also from Arno and I know these men. They are not merchants at all. 
	If you seek them in Arno you will find them in the Tavern. That is where they spend 
	their time.”
		Another man spoke. “I too, am from Arno. I know these men and what Glen says is 
	true.” Seeing that his cause was lost, the man whirled and pointed at Cornelius, 
	shouting. “Then that one is guilty too. It was he who convinced us to travel north 
	into Garth’s country.”
		Cornelius jumped up and ran from the room.
		Over the ensuing noise, Jamy raised his hand. “Let him go. He will not go far. 
	My guards are waiting for him. I have long suspected that Cornelius had dealings with
	the enemy. I only waited for certain proof. Please be seated and hear my judgment.”
		Waiting until the babble had died down, the King said, “My people, you know 
	that I am a merciful man. I would not condemn anyone without strong reasons. These 
	two men and Cornelius are betrayers of the very race that sired them and to every 
	citizen of this Kingdom. Such hideous crimes demand the most dire punishment. They 
	will be executed immediately. In this room are two men of the scientific community. 
	It will be their task to administer a poison that will kill them quickly and 
	painlessly.” “Let the news be spread throughout this land. There can be no compromise 
	with the evil of Garth. His ambition is the total destruction of all that we hold dear.
	Even though there are no armies marching, we are in a war to the death with Garth and 
	his creation. Prince Larn and his friends are now engaged in that war and will receive 
	all the help they need from this Kingdom.”
		The two men were taken out of the room by guards.
		Now the King said, “There is still one in Larn’s company that is in question. 
	Druce, stand forth!”
		Rising to his feet, slowly and with dignity, Druce stood before the King.

	“All here know how you came to be the men from Sunholm. Before I decide your fate, 
	I would hear the story from your own mouth.”
		Druce raised his eyes to heaven for a moment. Then he said, “King Jamy, as you 
	know, I am a citizen of this City. I am a carpenter by trade. For several years now 
	my Father has suffered from a wasting disease that causes him great pain. I have 
	labored long and hard to earn the money it takes to ease his pain. Then I heard of the 
	chance to make quick money in the north. Surely it was a foolish thing to do, but 
	because of my love for my Father, I decided to chance it. When I came to the meeting 
	place I had been told of, I learned the truth. I was asked to do things in the service 
	of Garth that I knew I could never do. I pretended to go along with them and when the 
	chance came I escaped. While I was in the wilderness, trying to get home, I encountered 
	these men from Sunholm. You know the rest from them.”
		“You have admitted to being with Garth’s servants, but you have said little in 
	your own defense, man. Is there anyone here who will speak for this man?”
		All the men from Sunholm jumped to their feet and all began to speak at once.
		Raising his hand for silence, with a smile, the King said, “I have heard the 
	story from you men. You have presented considerable evidence in his favor. Druce says 
	he is from this City. Is there anyone here who knows him?”
		One man stepped out and stood before the King. “Yes, I know this man well, 
	King Jamy. You know me. I am Jan. I have been a force in creating the very building we 
	stand it.”
		Nodding his head, the King said, “Proceed.”
		Turning to face Druce, Jan said, “This man has been in my employ many times in 
	the past. I know him to be an honest man and a hard worker. To hear that he has been 
	in the presence of Garth’s servants is a great surprise to me. I can only believe that 
	he is telling the truth. I know of his concern for his Father. In fact, I have 
	sometimes gone out of the way to give him work to do because of that. In my heart I do 
	not believe he is a traitor to his people.”
		There were many murmurs of agreement at that from the room.
		“Thank you, Jan. This is a difficult matter. It is clear now that the penalty 
	of death given those other three is not warranted in Druces case, but what to do with 
	him is another matter. I would ask Larn, Mark, Taisto and Brant to remain while the 
	rest of you leave. Come back in one hour and I will have a decision.”
		When leaving the Royal Hall, Ben said, “Rather than wait in our rooms, let’s 
	go out onto the porch. It will help pass the time.”
		On the porch were many people standing in groups and talking. Gento said, “It 
	seems we are not alone in our concern for Druces future.”
		One of the guards who had been in the Royal Hall approached and said, “In my 
	years of service to the Kingdom, I have heard King Jamy’s judgments pronounced many 
	times. He is strong in defense of the Kingdom, but he can be merciful when mercy is 
	warranted.”
		“Thank you for your encouragement,” said Gento. “When we first met Druce, 
	I would have preferred that he be killed outright. Since then I have learned more of 
	mercy myself. Quick judgments made only on appearances may be greatly in error.”
		Jon said, “To me the matter is simple. Druce saved my life. That I can never 
	forget.”
		Ben said, “Well, we can only wait and have faith in the King’s wisdom.”
	Druce had been silent since leaving the King’s presence, but he bore himself with 
	dignity.
		The lady Lara stood at the edge of the porch watching the men, but said nothing.
	At the appointed time the Hall filled to capacity with people of the Kingdom. Even the 
	hallway outside was filled with folk. When all were seated, Jamy arose and said, 
	“Druce, stand forth.”
		Druce stood before the King, looking directly in his eyes.
		“It is clear now that you are an honest man who has made a very grave mistake. 
	If only you had come to me with your concern for your Father. I would have helped.”
	Druce hung his head for a moment.
		“The most telling fact in your favor is that you have done what no other man 
	in this world has done. You attacked a creature of Garth alone, with only a hunting 
	knife as a weapon. This you did in defense of a friend. That fact and the testimony 
	of the men of Sunholm and the people of Radiance who know you is the basis of my 
	decision.”
		“You will have a chance to redeem yourself. You will accompany Larn and his 
	men on their quest for the Shrine of Berning. If you return alive, you will not only 
	be completely exonerated from your mistake, but you will surely be a hero to the 
	people of this Kingdom.”
		There was an audible sigh of relief all over the room and the whole atmosphere 
	of the place changed. The lady Lara was with her Father, Mark. When Jamy announced his 
	decision, her face lit up and she smiled at Druce.
		Jon could not contain himself. “Yea!” Then he glanced at the King with a 
	sheepish look on his face, but the King was smiling himself.
		Now Larn stood and said, “We have seen an example of the wisdom and justice of 
	the King. We had not thought of the possibility of Druce joining our company on a 
	permanent basis, but I have agreed, subject to the rest of the companies approval. 
	I am confident of Jon’s vote. What say you, Ben?”
		Ben nodded gravely and said, “He does not have skill with either weapons or 
	woods-wisdom , both of which are important to our mission.”
		Then a large smile appeared on his face and he said, “But he certainly is a 
	fine cook.”
		Gento now spoke. “You all remember my reaction when we first met Druce. I was 
	wrong. He is a man full of surprises. I am curious to see what he comes up with next.”
		“So be it,” said the King. “Larn, I know you are anxious to continue your 
	journey and must prepare. When would you like to leave?”
		“At dawn tomorrow. Now Jamy, I must ask a favor of you. Could you send a 
	messenger to Sunholm and inform my Father of all that has taken place. We four left 
	there secretly. By now I am sure that everyone knows why we left, but I would like my 
	Father to have all the facts correctly.”
		“Yes, I shall do so immediately. Now this meeting is over, gentlemen. Please 
	meet me at dinner tonight.”
		King Jamy turned and left the room, followed by his advisors.
		As the company stepped out into the hall, Gento said, “Druce, it is time to 
	visit your Father. Now I will keep my promise. I have already spoken to the medical 
	people and they will meet us there.”
		Larn said, “The rest of us will see to supplies and equipment. I have been 
	told by Jamy that we will be given horses and guides to carry us to the edge of the 
	Blight. Let us meet again in our room just before the King’s dinner.”
		Druce had been silent since hearing the King’s judgment. Now he said, “The 
	ways of the Creator are strange. Not that many days past I wandered alone in the 
	wilderness, nearly dead and thinking I was a criminal. Now I am restored to my family 
	and have found such friends as I have never known. Was there ever a man so fortunate?”
		Ben said, “It is because the Creator knows your heart better than  you do. We 
	can all learn from this. There was a time in  Sunholm when most believed there was no 
	good left in me, but in His own time and His own way, I too was given a chance to 
	redeem myself.”
		It was a jovial crowd at the King’s dinner that night. Again the company sat 
	on both sides of the King. Also present were the two men from Carl’s company, now 
	rested and cleaned up. Druce was seated again beside the daughter of Mark. This night 
	their conversation was intense, provoking smiles from the King and others.
		Sitting across the table from the King was Brant, one of the King’s advisors. 
	He said, “Could it be that Druces bachelor days will some day be over?”
		The King replied, “If so, he is a fortunate man. She is a remarkable lady with 
	keen insights that she has shared with me many times. I consider her one of my advisors, along with her Father. Now that Druces Father is properly cared for,  he has good reason to be happy.”
	When the dinner was finished, Jamy arose and said, “These are momentous days for the 
	Kingdom of the South. My peoples spirits are high and rightly so, but let us not forget
	 the peril we live under. The Blight of Garth continues to spread from the north and 
	east. Sunholm also is in great danger. The hopes and prayers of this Kingdom will be 
	with Larn and his men as they leave tomorrow on their perilous journey. These men 
	represent the hope of all the world. They will be given all possible help.”
		Now there was a voice from the people of the Kingdom. He carried a Lute in his 
	hands. “I have heard of the wonderful singing voice of Sir Gento, and hoping we could 
	hear that before he leaves. I have brought my Lute for that purpose. Gento, do you know 
	the song, “The Princes ordeal?”
		Gento replied, “Yes, that is one of my favorites. It tells the story of a 
	Prince who fell in love with a Princess in a far country. He had to make a dangerous 
	journey to that far land, in order to ask for her hand in marriage. Of course it has 
	a happy ending with the Prince returning home with his new bride.”
		The man strummed a couple introductory chords and the song began. The voice of 
	Gento was unusual. Not the voice of an old man at all, but a young man. The love of 
	the Prince and his determination to wed the Princess was expressed very well. All the 
	Company there were astounded at the performance. 
		At the end, Jamy said, “Many thanks to you Sir Gento, it is not often we hear 
	music like that in these halls.”
		Jon said, “In Sunholm we get to hear Gento sing quite often. It is always a 
	treat.”
		Now Larn stood up and said, “We are grateful to the King and his people for 
	the warm welcome we have received here. If we ever have the good fortune to return to 
	Sunholm, word of your kindness and generosity will be given to my Father, the King.  
	We place our faith in the genius of Berning, but even more so in the Creator. In His 
	wisdom, He surely has provided a way so that Garth and his evil scheme can be defeated. 
	That is our purpose and we will not stray from it until we succeed or we are dead.”
	Early the next morning the company met in the Courtyard prepared to leave the City. 
	King Jamy and his advisors were there along with the lady Lara to see them off. There 
	were eight horses there. Five for the company, two for the guides who would go part 
	way with them and one pack horse.
		When all was ready and the party mounted, the King said, “The Blight of Garth 
	begins some three days ride from here. My men will accompany you that far and will 
	return, bringing the horses. You know that you have my blessing and all my peoples. 
	Lara has told me that she has placed in your supplies some rare spices and condiments 
	for Druce to use in his cooking. May the Love and Blessing of the Creator be with you.”
		Larn said, “It is my fervent hope that we may all meet again when the world is 
	free of the evil of Garth.
	The company turned and rode from the Courtyard into great danger.