Sebastian Darke: Prince of Fools Read Online Free Page A

and there are plenty of creatures stalking the night that would think nothing of putting us on the menu.'
     
'Yes, we were just discussing lupers when you arrived,' said Sebastian.
     
'I'm not talking about them, although they can be bad enough.' He sat himself cross-legged beside the fire and held out his hands to warm them. 'No, I speak of the grundersnat.'
     
'The . . . what?'
     
'The grundersnat. Oh, a fearsome beast by all accounts. A huge leathery-winged creature with row upon row of razor-sharp teeth and vicious claws that can tear their way through just about anything.'
     
Max looked terrified. 'You . . . haven't seen one, have you?'
     
'No, but I've heard it in the night. A hellish bellowing sound that could turn the blood in your veins to ice. They say if the grundersnat sets eyes on you, it will not give up until it has you in its belly'
     
Max's eyes got very big and round. 'Oh, that's marvellous!' he said. 'And to think we were nice and safe back there in our old homestead. But no, the young master said we were to go to Keladon and that was that. Nobody mentioned lupers and cannibals and flesh-eating monsters with razor-sharp teeth!'
     
Sebastian occupied himself with getting the javralat onto the spit. Within a few moments he had the creature impaled and was turning it around over the crackling flames. Almost instantly, an appetizing aroma began to fill the air. 'Smells good,' he observed brightly.
     
'It certainly does,' agreed Max. 'And as a lifelong vegetarian, I can hardly believe I'm saying that! But . . . supposing the grundersnat smells it and comes looking for some supper?'
     
'We'll just have to take our chances,' said Cornelius; and he gave Sebastian a sly wink.
     
Sebastian resumed his seat by the fire, opposite Cornelius. 'You'll take a cup of elvish coffee?' he suggested.
     
'By Shadlog's beard, I will! My tongue is near cleaved to my mouth with thirst. They told me that I'd encounter streams out here but I haven't found one in three days of walking.'
     
'Is that so?' murmured Max. 'Well, well – no water, eh?'
     
Sebastian ignored him. 'We are without milk, I'm afraid. But I can offer you a little bee's gold to sweeten the cup.'
     
'You are most kind, sir. I am in your debt.' Cornelius clasped the proffered mug in his big hands and took a sip. He smacked his lips in appreciation.
     
'Well, this is a most welcome meeting,' he said. 'There was I, thinking that I would cross this plain without encountering a single person. Now here I sit, sipping coffee and enjoying good conversation. And I have no doubt that I am in for an evening of fine jest and merriment.'
     
Sebastian stared at him blankly. 'I'm sorry?'
     
'You are a jester, are you not? So I can surely anticipate some hilarity.'
     
'He's obviously never heard your jokes,' murmured Max.
     
'Or is it perhaps a double act I've found?' ventured Cornelius.
     
'Oh, Max never misses an opportunity to have his say,' agreed Sebastian. 'But no, I work alone.' He attempted to steer the conversation in another direction. 'So, Captain, where are you headed?'
     
'My destination is the city of Keladon.'
     
'Ours too! I go to offer my services as jester to King Septimus.'
     
Cornelius nodded approvingly. 'And I go to enlist in his army! Well, well, we have much in common. Perhaps we would do well to travel together. My sword would come in handy should Brigands attack. And I would pay my way by keeping the larder well stocked. Nobody is better than I at catching javralats.'
     
'That sounds like a great idea,' enthused Sebastian.
     
'Easy for you to say,' snorted Max. 'You won't be the one pulling the extra weight!'
     
'Max!' Sebastian smiled apologetically at Cornelius. 'He doesn't mean that – he's just feeling a bit cranky. Where have you travelled from? You mentioned a Queen Annisett, I believe?'
     
1 did, sir. The proud and beautiful Queen Annisett of the kingdom of Golmira, jewelled city of the North. Have you ever had the