The Saga of the Jester and the Assassin. Book 1. The Jester's Mission

In the kingdom of Six Duchies, peace and tranquility reign. The wars of the Red Ships are a thing of the past. King Verity is no more. The realm, until Prince Dutiful comes of age, is ruled by the dowager Queen Kettricken. Fitz Chivalry, the former royal assassin, has long retired from his duties and has been living for many years in a cabin near the abandoned town of Forge. But one day, his old teacher Chade visits Fitz and calls his former student to Buckkeep Castle — to teach the young prince the ancient magic of the lineage of the Seeing. Fitz is also visited by an old friend who once was the jester in Buckkeep Castle. He also insists that it is time to return to the larger world. Fitz remains unmoved by their pleas. But then comes the terrible news — the heir to the throne has vanished without a trace, and if he is not found, the prince's betrothal will be called off, and the alliance that the queen had great hopes for will not be realized…