smaller as an army of servants took pieces of it away. A big man, still wearing a dusty traveling cloak, directed the palace servants and his own people.
Jonathan gave a glad cry. “Roger!” He ran to hug the newcomer while Alanna and Gary halted nearby.
So this is Jon’s cousin, Alanna thought, looking the newcomer over. Duke Roger of Conté was over six feet in height, with brown-black hair and a beard neatly trimmed to frame his handsome face. His eyes were a bright, riveting blue. He had a straight, perfectly carved nose; his mouth was red and full. His white, flashing smile was filled with charm and confidence. He was broad-shouldered and muscular, with strong-looking hands. Very attractive, Alanna decided. So why am I not attracted to him? If anything, I think I dislike him!
“So he’s arrived at last,” she murmured to Gary. She’d have to figure out why she didn’t like Jonathan’s cousin later.
“I—er—‘happened to overhear’—”
“You eavesdropped again,” Alanna said sternly.
“As I was saying, I happened to overhear that he’s to teach you Gifted ones sorcery,” Gary went on. “Also, the King wants him to find out who sent us the Sweating Sickness—not that they’ll try something like that again, not with Duke Roger here. Every sorcerer in the Eastern Lands would think twice before taking him on.”
“He’s that good?” Alanna asked thoughtfully.
“He’s that good.”
Duke Roger was coming toward them, one arm around Jonathan’s shoulders. “So you’re going to train your Gift? I’ll enjoy teaching you, Cousin!” He held a hand out to Gary. “Young Gareth of Naxen, isn’t it? You’ve grown since I saw you last.”
Gary shook the older man’s hand heartily. “Everyone says that, sir. Even my father says it, and he sees me nearly every day.”
Roger chuckled at this. “I don’t doubt your father’s right” His voice was a light tenor, the most musical voice Alanna had ever heard in her life. She was staring at the Duke without shame when he turned to her. “And this young one? I’d remember eyes—and hair—like yours, I’m sure.”
“Duke Roger of Conté, may I present Alan of Trebond?” Jonathan said formally.
“Trebond?” the Duke smiled as Alanna bowed. “I’ve heard of your father. He’s a noted scholar, is he not?’
Alanna was quivering all over—like a nervous horse, she chided herself. She linked her hands behind her back before answering, “I believe so, your Grace.”
“Oh, please!” he protested. “Just ‘Lord Roger’ is fine, and I’d do away with that, if I didn’t think it would shock Duke Gareth. ‘Your Grace’ makes me feel old.”
Jonathan expected one of Alan’s pert answers and looked expectantly at his friend. To his surprise Alan looked thoughtful rather than charmed.
“How long are you here, Cousin?” Jonathan asked, drawing attention away from Alan’s odd silence.
“My uncle says he wants me to stay here for a while,” Roger replied, looking down at the Prince. “’Make your home with us’ was the phrase he used.” The Duke shrugged his wide shoulders. “I think my wandering days are over.”
Jonathan grinned. “I can’t see why you’ve been avoiding us, anyway.”
“Not avoiding you,” Roger corrected him. “Educating myself. The difference is considerable. Now, would you be so kind as to take me to their Majesties? I think it’s time I greeted them.”
Alanna watched the Prince and his cousin go, frowning. She shook herself, trying to shed a cloak of uneasiness.
Gary looked at her. “Are you falling sick with something, youngster?”
Alanna hunched her shoulders impatiently. “I’ve never been sick in my life.”
“Then what’s wrong? He was being friendly, and if you were a dog your hackles would’ve been up.”
“I’m not a dog,” she said crossly. “Why should he be friendly with me? I’ve never seen him before.”
“But he’ll have heard of you. You helped heal Jon—now what?” There was a strange look in Alan’s eyes. If Gary hadn’t known his friend better, he’d have sworn that look was one of fear.
“I don’t like grownups taking an interest in me,” Alanna replied. She was afraid. “I don’t like people nosing in my affairs, especially sorcerers. Come on—we’ll be late for dinner.”
Gary followed, more confused than ever by Alan’s response. Was he hiding something? It was a question for him to ponder on a rainy day.
Shortly after Roger’s arrival, each page or squire was summoned to an interview with the King’s nephew: he tested them all for the Gift. Gossip said he would find it even if a boy tried to hide it.
Alanna was one of the last to be called. Clenching sweaty hands, she