He often wished he saw things more clearly, but not this time. It was a mixed blessing to have the stars supply Baphen with so many riddles and so few answers. High King Eldred ran a hand over his chin. Maybe it would be better if she dropped him, Baphen thought unkindly. Perhaps Princess Elowyn had a hand in it. “I wonder who has influenced your interpretation of the signs. For the first time, she drew the child protectively closer. “He will be the destruction of the crown and the ruination of the throne.” “Prince Cardan will be your last born child,” the Royal Astrologer said. But this time what he’d seen in the stars had been entirely different. The stars had spoken of each little prince’s and princess’s fated accomplishments in poetry and song, in politics, in virtue, and even in vice. Eldred had been favored with five children before Prince Cardan, shocking fecundity among the Folk, with their thin blood and few births. In the empty hall, the High King’s words echoed.īaphen hesitated, but he could do nothing save answer. Only a few Folk were gathered to witness the presentation of the new prince-the mortal Val Moren, who was both Court Poet and Seneschal, and two members of the Living Council: Randalin, the Minister of Keys, and Baphen. “Tell us of his future,” the High King prompted. Indeed, she held him as though she hoped someone might take the burden from her very soon. Lady Asha seemed unsure how to cradle him. He lashed his little whiplike tail with such force that his swaddle threatened to come apart. The baby was thin and wizened, silent, staring at Eldred with black eyes. The previous five heirs had been seen immediately, still squalling in ruddy newness, but Lady Asha had barred the High King from visiting before she felt herself suitably restored from childbed. The Royal Astrologer, Baphen, squinted at the star chart and tried not to flinch when it seemed sure the youngest prince of Elfhame was about to be dropped on his royal head.Ī week after Prince Cardan’s birth and he was finally being presented to the High King.

The folk of the air book 3