Regal’s eyes went owly. I don’t know if he could not believe in the notion of Elderlings, or if he could not believe the quantity of good fortune he had suddenly been dealt. He licked his lips.
“I, of course, have forbidden it.” Shrewd watched Regal as he said it.
“But why?” Regal demanded. “Surely all courses must be considered ….”
“The expense is prohibitive. Did not you report to me, just a short time ago, that the building of the warships and the manning and provisioning of them have all but drained our reserves?”
Regal’s eyes flickered as swiftly as a snake’s tongue. “But I have had the rest of the harvest reports since then, Father. I had not known they would be so good. Funds could be found. Provided he was willing to travel simply.”
Verity breathed out through his nose. “I thank you for your consideration, Regal. I had not realized such decisions were your province.”
“I but advise the King, just as you do,” Regal pointed out hastily.
“You do not think sending an emissary would be the more sensible thing to do?” Shrewd probed. “What would the people think of their king-in-waiting leaving Buckkeep at such a time, and on such an errand?”
“An emissary?” Regal appeared to consider it. “I think not. Not for all we must ask. Do not the legends say that King Wisdom went himself? What do we know of these Elderlings? Do we dare take a chance of sending an underling to offend them? In this, no, I believe the son of the King at least is called for. As for his leaving Buckkeep … well, you are the King, and you are still here. As would his wife be.”