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Duke Carfilhiot performed a bow of conventional courtesy, as did his company.
"Welcome!" spoke King Casmir. "Welcome to Haidion!"
"I am honored by your hospitality." Carfilhiot spoke in a voice firm, rich and
well-modulated but lacking timbre.
"I introduce to you my seneschal, Sir Mungo. He will show you to your rooms. A
collation is being laid and when you are refreshed we will take an informal
repast on the terrace."
An hour later Carfilhiot stepped out on the terrace. He had changed to a robe
of gray and black striped silk, with black trousers and black shoes: an
unusual garment which enhanced his already dramatic presence.
King Casmir awaited him by the balustrade. Carfilhiot approached and bowed.
"King Casmir, already I am finding pleasure in my visit. The palace Haidion is
the most splendid of the Elder Isles.
Its prospect over city and sea is without parallel."
King Casmir spoke with stately affability. "I hope that your visit will often
be repeated. We are, after all, the closest of neighbors."
"Precisely so!" said Carfilhiot. "Unluckily I am vexed with problems which
keep me preoccupied at home; problems happily unknown to Lyonesse."
King Casmir raised his eyebrows. "Problems? We are by no means
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- - - - Vance uses many footnotes in this volume immune! I count as many
problems as there are Troice in
Troicinet!"
Carfilhiot laughed politely. "In due course we must exchange commiserations."
"I would as lief exchange problems."
"My robbers, footpads and renegade barons for your blockade of warships? It
would seem a bad bargain for both of us."
"As an inducement you might wish to include a thousand of your
Ska."
"Gladly, were they my Ska. For some odd reason they avoid South
Ulfland, though they rampage across the North blithely enough."
A pair of heralds blew a shrill sweet fanfare, to signal the appearance of
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Queen Sollace and a train of her ladies.
King Casmir and Carfilhiot turned to meet her. King Casmir presented his
guest. Queen Sollace acknowledged Carfilhiot's compliments with a bland stare,
which Carfilhiot graciously ignored.
Time passed. King Casmir became restive. He glanced over his shoulder toward
the palace ever more frequently. Finally he muttered a few words to a footman,
and another five minutes passed.
The heralds raised their clarions and blew another fanfare. Out upon the
terrace came Suldrun at a lurching run, as if she had been pushed; in the
shadows behind her the contorted face of Lady
Desdea showed for an instant.
With a grave face Suldrun approached the table. Her gown, of a soft pink
stuff, clung close to her figure; from beneath a round white cap soft golden
curls hung to her shoulders.
Slowly Suldrun came forward, followed by Lia and Tuissany. She
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- - - - Vance uses many footnotes in this volume paused, looked across the
terrace, brushing Carfilhiot with her gaze. A steward approached with a tray;
Suldrun and her maids took goblets of wine, then went modestly apart, where
they stood murmuring together.
King Casmir watched under lowering brows and at last turned to Sir
Mungo, his seneschal. "Inform the princess that we wait upon her attendance."
Sir Mungo delivered the message. Suldrun listened with a drooping mouth. She
seemed to sigh, then crossed the terrace, halted in front of her father, and
performed a somber curtsy.
In his richest tones Sir Mungo declared: "Princess Suldrun, I am honored to
introduce to you Duke Faude Carfilhiot of Vale
Evander!"
Suldrun inclined her head; Carfilhiot smilingly bowed and kissed her hand.
Then raising his head and looking into her face he said:
"Rumors of Princess Suldrun's grace and beauty have crossed the mountains to
Tintzin Fyral. I see that they were not exaggerated."
Suldrun responded in a colorless voice. "I hope you have not heeded these
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