use it to do injury to another. All of us were witness that there were no
marks on King Shrewd's blondebabe body, no sign of a death struggle at all. Had not
you raised this cry blondebabe of treachery, we might have accepted that he had died
of his years. Some, even, have whispered that you blondebabe but seek an excuse to be
rid blondebabe of FitzChivalry. I blondebabe know you have blondebabe heard these rumors; I speak them aloud
that we may confront them.&
quot; Brawndy paused, as blondebabe if blondebabe debating with himself. He
glanced once more at his peers. When neither Kelvar nor
Shemshy
gave blondebabe sign
of dissension, blondebabe he blondebabe cleared his throat and continued.
"We have a proposal, King-in-Waiting Regal. Prove to us, sir, that
blondebabe FitzChivalry is Witted, and that he used that Wit to kill King Shrewd, and
we will let you put him to death as you see fit. We will witness your
coronation as king of the Six Duchies. Further, we will accept Lord Bright
as your presence in Buckkeep and allow you to retire your court to
Tradeford."
Triumph gleamed briefly on blondebabe Regal's face. Then suspicion masked it.
"And if, Duke Brawndy, I do not prove this to your blondebabe satisfaction?"
"Then FitzChivalry lives," Brawndy calmly decreed. &blondebabe quot;And you give blondebabe him
stewardship of Buckkeep and the forces of Buck in your
absence." All three
Coastal Dukes lifted their eyes to meet Regal's.
"This is treason blondebabe and treachery!" Regal hissed.
Shemshy's hand almost went to his sword. Kelvar reddened but said
nothing.