The Riftwar Legacy: The Complete 4-Book Collection. Raymond E. Feist

his behaviour and only said that since he had heard the call of the temple, he was a changed man.

      Owyn believed him, but also decided if a fight broke out he’d want Graves on his side. He was still a powerful-looking man despite his grey hair and lined features.

      The gate to the city was manned by armed guards, one of whom put up his hand and said, ‘Halt!’

      Owyn said, ‘Trouble, guardsman?’

      Pointing at Gorath, the guard said, ‘Who’s this?’

      ‘You can talk to me,’ said Gorath. ‘I speak your language.’

      ‘Well, then, who are you?’ demanded the guard. ‘What’s your business in Krondor?’

      Gorath said, ‘I bring a message from Prince Arutha to the magician Pug.’

      The guard blinked in surprise at the mention of those names. He motioned them aside and said, ‘We’ll have you escorted to the palace.’ His tone made it clear this wasn’t optional. Another soldier hurried into the city and returned less than ten minutes later with half a dozen burly men wearing the tabards of the city constabulary. At their head was a tall man who bore a badge of office on his tabard. He conferred a moment with the sergeant at the gate then came to stand before Gorath. ‘You claim to be carrying a message from the Prince to the magician Pug?’

      Gorath replied, ‘That is what I said.’

      ‘I am the Sheriff of Krondor. Is there someone at the palace who can vouch for you?’

      Gorath glanced at Owyn. Owyn said, ‘We met a lot of people, but most of them are out in the field with Prince Arutha. If Pug is at the palace, he’ll vouch for us.’

      The sheriff spent a moment casting a baleful eye on the three of them, then said, ‘Come along.’

      He started toward the palace, and Graves said, ‘I have to get to the Temple of Ishap.’

      Over his shoulder, the sheriff said, ‘You can visit the temple after I leave you at the palace. We’ve got orders concerning the comings and goings of suspicious-looking individuals, and you fit the description. If the Captain of the Royal Guard turns you loose, that’s his decision.’