"What advice can you give me as king?" he asked.
The people are your children, the deep voice resonated softly. Treat them fairly, just as I treated you. Protect them just as I protected you. And never forget that your life is theirs and not your own.
Prince, another voice said, he stalks you. We cannot stop this one.
No, other voices chorused. She wouldn't like it.
It would make her angry.
Turn around! He's almost on you!
Use the sword!
Do what you think is right, his father said. Trust your feelings, my son. Even if they appear to be steering you wrong.
The cold edge of a dagger touched his throat. Bodb had not even known when the mage came up behind him. It was easy to get lost when taking your vigil with spirits.
"Greetings, my lord," a breathless voice said behind him. The sp
