Magician by Raymond Feist

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Carline completely. Soon the ladies of the court were gathered around
the Princess, overwhelming her with questions. Before the din
subsided, Lady Marna turned and fell on Pug like the sow bear she
resembled. “How dare you allow the Princess to come to such a
state! Limping in, dress all torn and dirty. I’ll see you
whipped from one end of the keep to the other. Before I have done
with you, you’ll wish you’d never seen the light of day.”
Backing away before the onslaught, Pug was overwhelmed by confusion,
unable to get a word in. Sensing that somehow Pug was responsible for
the Princess’s condition, one of the guards stepped up and
seized him by the arm.
    “Leave him alone!”
    Silence descended as Carline forced her
way between the governess and Pug. Small fists struck at the guard as
he let go of Pug and fell back with a look of astonishment on his
face. “He saved my life! He almost got killed saving me.”
Tears were running down her face. “He’s done nothing
wrong. And I won’t have any of you bullying him.” The
crowd closed in around them, regarding Pug with newfound respect.
Hushed voices sounded from all sides, and one of the guards ran to
carry the news to the castle. The Princess placed her arm around
Pug’s shoulder once more and started toward the gate. The crowd
parted, and the two weary travelers could see the torches and
lanterns being lit on the wall.
    By the time they had reached the
courtyard gate, the Princess had consented to let two of her ladies
help her, much to Pug’s relief. He could not have believed that
such a slight girl could become such a burden. The Duke hurried out
to her, having been told of Carline’s return. He embraced his
daughter, then started to speak with her. Pug lost sight of them as
curious, questioning onlookers surrounded him. He tried to push his
way toward the magician’s tower, but the press of people held
him back.
    “Is there no work to be done?”
a voice roared.
    Heads turned to see Swordmaster Fannon,
followed closely by Tomas. All the keep folk quickly retired, leaving
Pug standing before Fannon, Tomas, and those of the Duke’s
court with rank enough to ignore Fannon’s remark. Pug could see
the Princess talking to her father, Lyam, Arutha, and Squire Roland.
Fannon said, “What happened, boy?”
    Pug tried to speak, but stopped when he
saw the Duke and his sons approaching. Kulgan came hurrying behind
the Duke, having been alerted by the general commotion in the
courtyard. All bowed to the Duke when he approached, and Pug saw
Carline break free of Roland’s solicitations and follow her
father, to stand at Pug’s side. Lady Marna threw a besieged
look heavenward, and Roland followed the girl, an open expression of
surprise upon his face. When the Princess took Pug’s hand in
her own, Roland’s expression changed to one of black-humored
jealousy.
    The Duke said, “My daughter has
said some very remarkable things about you, boy. I would like to hear
your account.” Pug felt suddenly self-conscious and gently
disengaged his hand from Carline’s. He recounted the events of
the day, with Carline enthusiastically adding embellishments. Between
the two of them, the Duke gained a nearly accurate account of things.
When Pug finished, Lord Borric asked, “How is it the trolls
drowned in the stream, Pug?”
    Pug looked uncomfortable. “I cast
a spell upon them, and they were unable to reach the shore,” he
said softly. He was still confused by this accomplishment and had not
given much thought to it, as the Princess had pushed all other
thoughts aside. He could see surprise registered on Kulgan’s
face. Pug began to say something, but was interrupted by the Duke’s
next remark.
    “Pug, I can’t begin to
repay the service you’ve done my family. But I shall find a
suitable reward for your courage.” In a burst of enthusiasm
Carline threw her arms around Pug’s neck, hugging him fiercely.
Pug stood in embarrassment, looking