Imager - DropPDF1.droppdf.com/files/CUmGR/imager-l-e-modesitt.pdf · The Corean Chronicles Legacies...
Transcript of Imager - DropPDF1.droppdf.com/files/CUmGR/imager-l-e-modesitt.pdf · The Corean Chronicles Legacies...
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Imager
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TorBooksbyL.E.Modesitt,Jr.
TheImagerPortfolio
Imager
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Imager’sChallenge(forthcoming)
TheCoreanChronicles
Legacies
Darknesses
Scepters
Alector’sChoice
Cadmian’sChoice
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Soarer’sChoice
TheLordProtector’sDaughter
TheSagaofRecluce
TheMagicofRecluce
TheTowersoftheSunset
TheMagicEngineer
TheOrderWar
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TheDeathofChaos
ScionofCyador
FallofAngels
TheChaosBalance
TheWhiteOrder
ColorsofChaos
Magi’iofCyador
WellspringofChaos
Ordermaster
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NaturalOrdermage
Mage-GuardofHamor
TheSpellsongCycle
TheSopranoSorceress
TheSpellsongWar
DarksongRising
TheShadowSorceress
Shadowsinger
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TheEcolitanMatter
Empire&Ecolitan(comprisingTheEcolitanOperationandTheEcologieSecession)
EcolitanPrime(comprisingTheEcologicEnvoyandTheEcolitanEnigma)
TheForeverHero(comprisingDawnfora
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DistantEarth,TheSilentWarrior,andInEndlessTwilight)
Timegod’sWorld(comprisingTimediver’sDawnandTheTimegod)
TheGhostBooks
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OfTangibleGhosts
TheGhostoftheRevelator
GhostoftheWhiteNights
GhostofColumbia(comprisingOfTangibleGhostsandTheGhostoftheRevelator)
TheHammerofDarkness
TheGreenProgression
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TheParafaithWar
Adiamante
GravityDreams
OctagonalRaven
Archform:Beauty
TheEthosEffect
Flash
TheEternityArtifact
TheElysiumCommission
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ViewpointsCritical
Haze(forthcoming)
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TheFirstBookofthe
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ImagerPortfolio
L.E.MODESITT,JR.
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ATOMDOHERTYASSOCIATESBOOK
NEWYORK
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Thisisaworkoffiction.Allofthecharacters,organizations,and
eventsportrayedinthisnovelareeitherproductsoftheauthor’s
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imaginationorareusedfictitiously.
IMAGER:THEFIRSTBOOKOFTHEIMAGERPORTFOLIO
Copyright©2009byL.E.Modesitt,Jr.
Allrightsreserved.
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ATorBook
PublishedbyTomDohertyAssociates,LLC
175FifthAvenue
NewYork,NY10010
www.tor-forge.com
Tor®isaregisteredtrademarkofTom
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DohertyAssociates,LLC.
LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationData
Modesitt,L.E.
Imager:thefirstbookoftheimagerportfolio/L.E.Modesitt,Jr..—1sted.
p.cm.—(Imagerportfolio;1)
“ATomDohertyAssociatesbook.”
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ISBN-13:978-0-7653-2034-6
ISBN-10:0-7653-2034-7
I.Title
PS3563.O264I432009
813'.54—dc22
2008046496
FirstEdition:March2009
PrintedintheUnitedStatesofAmerica
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0987654321
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ForSteveandMarge
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Bennion,
inrecognitionofquietcourage
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TableofContentsAcknowledments
Apprentice&Journeyman
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
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Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
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Chapter14
CollegiumImago
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Chapter18
Chapter19
Chapter20
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Chapter21
Chapter22
Chapter23
Chapter24
Chapter25
Chapter26
Chapter27
Chapter28
Chapter29
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Chapter30
Tertius
Chapter31
Chapter32
Chapter33
Chapter34
Chapter35
Chapter36
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Chapter37
Chapter38
Chapter39
Chapter40
Chapter41
Chapter42
Chapter43
Chapter44
Chapter45
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Chapter46
Messenger/Guard
Chapter47
Chapter48
Chapter49
Chapter50
Chapter51
Chapter52
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Chapter53
Chapter54
Chapter55
Chapter56
Chapter57
Chapter58
Chapter59
Chapter60
Chapter61
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Chapter62
Chapter63
Chapter64
Chapter65
Chapter66
Chapter67
Chapter68
Chapter69
Chapter70
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Chapter71
Chapter72
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
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AfterworkingwithDavidHartwellandTomDohertyformorethantwenty-fiveyears,duringwhichtimeTorhaspublishedallofmybooks,nowtotalingmorethanfifty,it’slongpasttimetoacknowledgeinprintthedebtIowetothembothfor
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believinginwhatIwriteandinsupportingitbypublishingthebookswithcareandconsideration.
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Apprentice&Journeyman
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743A.L.
Commerceweighsvalue,yetsuchweightisbutanimage,and,as
such,isanillusion.
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Thebellannouncingdinnerrangtwice,justtwice,andnomore,foritneverdid.Rouselleaptupfromhistabledeskinthesittingroomthatadjoinedourbedchambers,disarrayingthestackofpapersthatrepresentedacompositiondoubtlessdueinthemorning.“I’mstarved.”
“You’renot.You’remerelyhungry,”Ipointedout,carefullyplacinga
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paperweightovertheworkonmytabledesk.“‘Starved’meansgreatphysicaldeprivationandlackofnourishment.Wedon’tsuffereither.”
“Ifeelstarved.Stopbeingsuchapedant,Rhenn.”Theheelsofhisshoesclatteredonthebackstairsleadingdowntothepantryoffthediningchamber.
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Twoweeksago,Rouselcouldn’tevenhavepronounced“pedant,”buthe’dheardMasterSesiphususeit,andnowheappliedittomeasoftenashecould.Youngerbrotherswereworsethanvermin,becauseonecouldsquashverminandthenbathe,somethingonecouldnotdowithyoungerbrothers.Withsomefortune,sinceFatherwouldreallyhave
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preferredthatIfollowhimasafactorbuthadacknowledgedthatIhadlittleinterest,I’dbeoutofthehousebeforeCulthynwasoldenoughtoleavethenurseryandeatwithus.AsforKhethila,shewasalmostoldenough,butshewasquietandthoughtful.ShelikeditwhenIreadtoher,eventhingslikemyhistoryassignmentsaboutpeoplelikeRexRegisorRex
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Defou.Rouselhadneverlikedmyreadingtohim,butthen,he’dnevermuchcaredforanythingIdid.
BythetimeIreachedthediningchamber,Fatherwaswalkingthroughthearchwayfromtheparlorwherehealwayshadasinglegobletofredwine—usuallyDhuensa—beforedinner.Motherwasstandingbehindthechairattheotherendoftheoval
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table.Islippedbehindmychair,onFather’sright.Rouselgrinnedatme,thenclearedhisface.
“Promptness!That’swhatIlike.Atimeandaplaceforeverything,andeverythinginitstimeandplace.”Fatherclearedhisthroat,thensethisnear-emptygobletonthetableandplacedhishandsonthebackofthearmedchairthatwashis.
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“Forthegraceandwarmthfromabove,forthebountyoftheearthbelow,forallthegraceoftheworldandbeyond,foryourjustice,andforyourmanifoldandgreatmercies,weofferourthanksandgratitude,bothnowandevermore,inthespiritofthatwhichcannotbenamedorimaged.”
“Inpeaceandharmony,”weallchorused,althoughI
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hadmydoubtsaboutthepresenceandviabilityofeither,eveninL’Excelsis,crowncityandcapitalofSolidar.
Fathersettledintohischairattheendofthetablewithacontentedsigh,andaglanceatMother.“Thankyou,dear.Roastlamb,oneofmyfavorites,andyouhadRieselafixitjustthewayIpreferit.”
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IfMotherhadtoldthecooktofixlambanyotherway,weallwouldhavebeentreatedtoalonglectureonthegloriesofcrispedroastlambandtheinadequaciesofotherpreparations.
AfterpouringaheavierredwineintohisgobletandthenintoMother’s,Fatherplacedthecarafebeforeme.Itookaboutathirdofagoblet,becausethatwaswhathe’d
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declaredasappropriateforme,andpouredaquarterforRousel.
WhenFatherfinishedcarvingandserving,Motherpassedthericecasseroleandthepickledbeets.ItookaslittleasIcouldofthebeets.
“Howwasyourday,dear?”askedMother.
“Oh...thesameasanyother,Isuppose.The
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Phlanyshwoolissofterthanlastyear,andthatmeansthatWuryswillcomplain.Lastyearhesaiditwastoostringyandtough,andthathe’dhavetointerweavewiththeNorinygan...andthefinishedExtelangrayistoolight...Butthenhe’shalfPharsi,andtheyquibbleabouteverything.”
Mothernodded.“They’redifferent.Theyworkhard.
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Youcan’tcomplainaboutthat,butthey’renotourtype.”
“No,they’renot,buthedoespayingold,andthatmeansIhavetolisten.”
ImanagedtochokedownthebeetswhileFatherofferedanotherdiscourseonwoolandthepatternedweavinglooms,andtheshortcomingsofthosefromaPharsi
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background.Iwasn’tabouttomentionthattheprettiestandbrightestgirlatthegrammairewasRemaya,andshewasPharsi.
Abruptly,helookedatme.“Youdon’tseemterriblyinterestedinwhatfeedsyou,Rhennthyl.”
“Sir...Iwaslisteningclosely.Youwerepointingoutthat,whilethepattern
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blocksusedbythenewweavingmachineryproducedatighterthreadweave,thewomenloomtendershavegottenmorecarelessandthatmeansthatspoilageisup,whichincreasescosts—”
“Enough.Iknowyoulisten,butIhavegreatdoubtsthatyoucare,orevenappreciatewhatbringsinthegoldsforthishousehold.Attimes,Iwonderifyoudon’t
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listentothesecretwhispersoftheNamer.”
“Chenkyr...”cautionedMother.
Fathersighedasonlyhecouldsigh.“Enoughofthat.Whatdidyoulearnofinterestatgrammairetoday?”
Itwasn’tsomuchwhatI’dlearnedaswhatI’dbeenthinkingabout.“Father...leadisheavierthancopperor
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silver.It’sevenheavierthangold,butit’scheaper.Ithoughtyousaidthatweusedcopper,silver,andgoldforcoinsbecausetheywereheavierandharderforevilimagerstocounterfeit.”
“That’swhatImean,Rhennthyl.”Hesighedevenmoreloudly.“Youaskaquestionlikethat,butwhenIaskyoutohelpinthecountinghouse,youcan’tbe
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botheredtoworkoutthecostofanextratariffofacopper...orworkoutthecostsforguardsonasummerconsignmentofboltsofAcomanprimewooltoNacliano.Itisn’tasthoughyouhadnoheadforfigures,butyoudonotcaretobeaccurateifsomethingdoesn’tinterestyou.WhatmetalstheCouncilusesforcoinsmatterslittleifonehasno
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coinstocount.Nomatterhowmuchamanlikeshiswork,therewillbepartsofitthatarelesspleasing—orevendispleasing.Youseemtothinkthateverythingshouldbepleasingorinteresting.Lifedoesn’tobligeusinthatfashion.”
“Don’tbethathardontheboy,Chenkyr.”Mother’svoicewaspatient.“Noteveryoneismeanttobea
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factor.”
“Hiswillfulnessmakesanoblookflexible,Maelyna.”
“Eventheobdurateshavetheirplace.”
Icouldn’thelpthinkingI’dratherbeanobduratethanamal.Mostpeopleweremalleablesofonesortoranother,changingtheirviewsoropinionswheneversomeoneroaredatthem,like
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Father.
“Exactly!”exclaimedFather.“Asservantstoimagersandlittleelse.Idon’twantoneofmysonsalackeybecausehewon’tthinkaboutanythingexceptwhatinterestsorpleaseshim.Theworldisn’takindplaceforinflexiblestubbornnessandunthinkingquestioning.”
“Howcanaquestionbe
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unthinking?”Iwantedtoknow.“Youhavetothinkeventoaskone.”
Myfather’ssighwasmorelikearoar.Thenheglaredatme.“Whenyouaskaquestiontowhichyouwouldalreadyknowtheanswerifyoustoppedtothink,orwhenyouaskaquestiontowhichnooneknowstheanswer.Inbothcases,you’rewastingyourtimeandsomeone
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else’s.”
“ButhowdoIknowwhennooneknowstheanswerifIdon’taskthequestion?”
“Rhennthyl!Thereyougoagain.Doyouwanttoeatcoldriceinthekitchen?”
“No,sir.”
“Rousel,”saidFather,pointedlyavoidinglookinginmydirection,“howareyou
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comingwithyourcalculationsandfigures?”
“MasterSesiphussaysthatIhaveagoodheadforfigures.Mylasttwoexaminationshavebeenperfect.”
Ofcoursetheyhadbeen.Whatwassohardaboutaddingupcolumnsofnumbersthatneverchanged?Ordividingthem,or
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multiplyingthem?Rouselwasmorethanalittlecarelessaboutnumbersandanythingelsewhennoonewaslookingorcheckingonhim.
Icutseveralmorethinmorselsofthelamb.Itwasgood,especiallytheedgeofthemeatwherethefatandseasoningswereallcrispedtogether.Thewinewasn’tbad,either,butitwashardtositthereandlistentoFather
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drawoutRousel.
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745A.L.
Authorityalwaystrumpsreason,unlessreasonisthe
authority.
TheCouncilofSolidar
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openedtheChateauoftheCounciltothepublicexactlytwiceayear,atthelastdayofsummer,thethirty-fifthofJuyn,andatthedepthofwinter,thethirty-fifthofIanus.FatherinsistedthatIcomewithhimbecauseI’djustturnedfourteenandfinishedthegrammaire.InanothermonthI’dbeginmyapprenticeshipwithMasterCaliostrus,oneofthemore
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successfulportraituristsinL’Excelsis.
“Sinceyoucannotandwillnotbeafactor,Rhenn,youneedtoseewhatgreatartreallyis.”MyfathermusthavesaidthatatleastthreetimeswhilewerodeinthecarriagealongtheBoulevardD’EsteandacrossPontD’NordandthenanothermillealongtheBoulevardD’Ouest.Oncewereached
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thebaseofCouncilHill,wehadtoleavethecarriageandwaitinalongqueueunderawhitesunthatblistereddownthroughthepalebluesummersky.Thegatehouseaheadofuswasbuiltofalabaster,aswastheChateauabove,butthesurfaceofthestonesofbothhadbeenstrengthenedbyimagerscenturiesandcenturiesbefore,supposedlybythoseofRexRegisafter
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hehadtakenL’ExcelsisfromtheBovariansandmadeitthecapitalofthelandhehadunifiedandrenamedSolidar.Thewallsshimmeredwhiteandinviolate,aspristineasthedaytheywerelaid,sortoflikeaneternalvirgin,Ithought,tryingnottosniggeratthethought.
“Rhenn,youarenottoexhibitamusementatthemisfortunesofothers.”
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Father’seyesdartedtowardacrafterwhowaslookingdownataspreadingdarkbrownstainacrosshistrousers.Hestillheldthehandleoftheclayjugthathehadswunguptodrink.Fragmentsofpotteryandadarksplotchonthewallsuggestedhe’dbeenlessthancarefulinliftinghisjug.
“Sir,IwasthinkingofaterriblejokethatJacquyltold
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yesterday.Seeingthegatehouseremindedmeofit.”
“Likelystory.”Thegood-naturedgruffnessofhisresponsesuggestedthathebelievedme,oratleastthatheknewIwasnotlaughingatthepoorcrafter,amason’sapprenticeorjuniorjourneyman,Iwouldhavejudgedbythestonedustonhissleeves.
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Agoodglasspassedbeforewereachedtheheadofthequeueshortoftheburnishedbronzegatesandthegatehouse.TheCouncilguardtherestoodintheshadowofthetinyportico,butsweathaddampenedthepalebluelinenofhisuniformtunicintoadarkershade.
“Thenexttenofyou,”theguardannounced.
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Fatherstrodeahead.Healwayswalkedquickly,asifhemightmisssomethingifheweren’tthefirstone.Thepavedwalkswerewhitegranite,flankedbyboxwoodhedgesinstonebeds.“Seethosehedges,Rhenn.That’swhatahedgeshouldlooklike,notwithtwigsandleavesstickingouthaphazardly.”
“Yes,sir.”Rouselwas
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supposedtohavetrimmedthelittlebranchesonourhedge,afterIcutthelargerones,buthe’dgoneofftoplay.There’dbeenlittlepointinsayingso,becauseFatherwouldjusthavesaidthatitwasmyresponsibility.ButifI’ddraggedRouselback,hewouldhavecomplained,andthenFatherwouldhavepunishedmeforbeingtoostrict.
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Afterwewalkedupthewidewhitestonesteps,Fatherclearedhisthroat.“Therearethreearches—amainarchflankedbytwosmallerarches.AllthreeleadintotheGrandFoyer.”
Ididn’tsayanything.We’dstudiedtheChateauingrammaire,andIknewthat.
Fathertookthecenterarchwayandhurriedinside,
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outoftheblazingsun.Itwasn’tthatmuchcooler,butbeingoutofthesunwasarelief.Iglancedupatthefauxdomeofthefoyer.
Fatherfollowedmyeyesandgesturedupward.“Youseethestoneworkthere?”
“Itlookswelldone.”Itwasn’tstoneworkatall,butflatpaintingdesignedtotricktheeyeintobelievingitwas
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stonework.
“Youthinkyoucoulddobetter?”
“No,sir.”Fatherwasalwaysdoingthat—comparingmetoanexperiencedartisanorfactororcrafter.OfcourseIwasn’tthatgood.Thatdidn’tmeanIcouldn’tbeintime.
Justinfrontofuswasanolderandalltoobulbousman
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inathreadbareandonce-whitelinenovershirt.Hehadplantedhimselfbeforethefirstportraitonthewallontheright-handouterwallofthefoyer,cockinghisheadonewayandthenanother.Istartedtomovearoundhim,butFatherreachedoutandgraspedmyarm.
“Takeyourtime.Studyeachonecarefully,especiallytheportraits.You’retheone
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who’sgoingtobeaportraiturist.Youwon’thaveanotherchancetoseetheseforatime.”
Aftertheoldermanfinallymoved,Fatherpointedtotheimageofatrimblack-hairedmanwithsweepingmustachesinablackdressuniformwithsilver-bandedcuffs.“That’saportraitofSeleandyr.HewastheonewholedtheCouncilinthe
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tradewaragainstCaenenandStakanar...”
I’dseenFactorCouncilorSeleandyrbefore,ifonlyfromthebalconywhenFatherhadhostedtheclothfactors’fallreception,andhe’dneverbeenthatslender.Hsmustacheshaddrooped,ashadhisbelly,andhisthinhairhadkeptfallingdownoveralowforehead.
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“...managedtokeepmattersfromgettingoutofhandandmadesurethatthetaxestosupportthewarwereonlytemporary.HisdeathlastFevierwasagreatloss...”
I’dheardtherumorsthathisdeathhadn’tbeenfromage,butfromsweetmeatstransformedintopitricine,afterhe’deatenthem,byanimagerwhoseniecehe’dprocuredforhisson.Seleus
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hadswornitwastrue.
Thenextartisticobjectwasabust,andagainwehadtowaitforthegyrationsofthebulbousfellowbeforeFatherledmeforward.“Charyn.HewasthelastrexofSolidar,andtheonewhofoundedthefirstCouncil...”
Iknewalltoowellthosedetailsofhistory,butallIcoulddowaslisten.
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Wemadehalfacircuitofthefoyerandreachedthepointwhereitopened,throughthreearchesthatmirroredthoseoftheouterentry,ontothelandingatthebaseofthegrandalabasterstaircaseleadinguptotheCouncilchambers.Fathermarchedrightuptowheretheguardswereposted.Onthepedestalsthatformedthebaseoftherosemarblebalustrade
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ofeachsidewereapairofsculptedstatues—awingedmanandawingedwoman.
“Angelias—they’retheworkofthegreatPierryl,PierryltheYounger,thatis.Whatdoyouthinkofthem?”Fatherturnedtome.
“Theworkmanshipisexcellent,sir.”
“They’regreatart,Rhenn,”murmuredmyfather.“Can’t
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youseethat?”
“Father...thecarvingisoutstanding,butthey’reridiculous.Thosetinywingswouldn’tliftabuzzard,letaloneachild,andcertainlynotamanorwoman.”Ididn’tmentionthateachwingfeatherhadbeensculptedtoalengthofninedigits,notquitethetenofafullfoot,andthatwingsthatsmallwouldnothavehadindividualfeathers
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thatlarge.
Fatherbegantogetredintheface.“Wewillhaveatalklater,youngman.”
“Aseaeaglehaswingsalmostthatbroad,andthelargestweighbuthalfastone.”
“Anangeliaisnotaneagle,”snappedmyfather.
“No,sir.They’remuch
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larger,andtheywouldneedfarlargerwingstosupportthemselvesiftheyweretrulytofly.”
“Rhenn!Enough.”
I’dsaidtoomuch,butFather’sopinionsonartwerelimitedbyhisownshortcomingsandlackofunderstanding.Imanagedtoplacatehimwithpleasantinanitiesandagreementsfor
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therestofourvisit,consolingmyselfthat,bythenexttimetheChateauwasopentothepeopleofL’Excelsis,IwouldbeapprenticedandstudyingunderMasterCaliostrus.
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750A.L.
Inartandinlife,whatisnotportrayedcanbeasavitalaswhatis.
AtbreakfastthatfirstMardi
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inJuynIsatneartheendofthelongtable—asusual,becausetheonlyonejuniortomewasStanus,who’djustbecomeanapprentice.Hesatontheothersideandoneplacefarthertowardtheend.Shiennawastomyright,andMarcylwasacrossfromme,withOlavyatohisleftandOstriusonhisfather’sright.
“I’llneedsomegoldsfromthestrongboxafter
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breakfast,”CaliostrussaidtohiswifeAlmaya,seatedtohisleft.“Icangetsomeimagers’greenfromRhenius.”
“I’mcertainit’slessdearthanfromApalant.”Hervoicecutlikeaknife.
“You’retheonewhoinsistsonthestrongboxandkeepingallthegoldshere.”
“AfterwhathappenedtomyfatherwhentheBanque
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D’Rivagesfailed,andthePharsilenderscametocollect...”
“Iknow.Iknow.”Caliostruslookeddownthelongtable.“Tomorrow,CraftmasterWeidynwillbehereattheeighthglassofthemorning.Hewillbeherefortwoglasses.”
WhatCaliostruswasalsosayingwasthathedidn’t
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wantthesittingdisturbed,butwhywouldheaskthatforacraftmaster,ratherthanaHighHolderorafactorius?I’dheardWeidyn’snameatmyparents’table,butcouldn’trecallhisguild.
“Whyisheacraftmaster,Father?”Marcyl’sbigblackeyesfixedonCaliostrus.
“Becausehe’soneofthebestcabinetmakersinallof
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L’Excelsis.That’swhy.”
“Itmightbenicetohavesomethingofhis,”suggestedAlmaya.
“Itwouldindeed,butit’slessthanlikely,”repliedMasterCaliostrus.“Asinglesideboardofhis,andthat’dbeoneoftheplainerones,wouldfetchatleastahundredgolds.That’sifitevercameupforsale,buthiswork
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neverdoes.Peoplecommissionhimayearinadvance.”
“Theycommissionyouinadvance,dear,”offeredAlmaya.
Despiteherwords,MasterCaliostruswasfortunate,Iknew,ifapatroncommissionedaportraitaseasoninadvance—andpaiduponcompletionanddelivery
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oftheframedwork.ThatwasonereasonwhyIwastheonlyjourneymaninthehousehold,besidesOstrius,whowouldsoondoubtlessbecomeajuniormaster,andwhowouldintimeinherithisfather’sstudio.
“Butnotsofarinadvance.Peoplefeelthatcabinetsandsideboardslastlongerthanportraits.Theydonot.Oneonlyhastolookatthe
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artworkintheChateauoftheCounciltoseethat.ThechestsandsideboardscommissionedwhenRiodeuxpaintedRexCharynhavelongsincebeenturnedtokindlingandburned,butpeoplestillmarvelattheportrait.”
“Andthebust,”Iadded.
“ThebustisbyPierryltheElderandisfarinferiortothe
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portrait,”declaredCaliostrus.“Pierrylandhisson—PierryltheYounger—werediligenthackscomparedtoRiodeux.Sculptorshavebuttoremovestonefromstone.Itistedious,butitismoreacraftthananart.”
I’dheardMasterCaliostrusdeclaimonthatbefore.Tocreatetheimpressionoflifeandlightontheflatsurfaceofacanvasdidtakenotonly
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craftsmanshipbutanartisticsense.Nooneeverexpectedabustorastatuetolookalive,butmerelytopresentanaccuraterepresentation,buteveryoneexpectedthebestportraitstobegoodenoughthatthesubjectlookedasthoughhecouldstepoutofthecanvasandresumewhathehadbeendoing.
“Whydotheygetmoregoldsthanyou,Father?”
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Marcylpersisted.
“Becausewhatpeoplewillpayforoftenhasnorelationtoitstruevalue.”Caliostrusliftedalargemugoftea,slurpingslightlyashedrank,notthathedidn’tslurpwheneverhedrank.Thenheturnedtome.“Asforyou,Rhennthyl,youalsohaveacommission,farmoremodest,butonemustbeginsomewhere.”
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“Sir?”Iinclinedmyhead,asmuchtoconcealmysurpriseasanything.Atlast,afterallthestudies,allthecriticismfromMasterCaliostrus,andalltheglassesspentgrindingandstirringandwatchingsimmeringpotsofoilsandwaxesandsolventsandpigments,IwouldhaveachancetoshowwhatIhadlearnedandcoulddoonacanvasforareal
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patron.IthoughtOstriusmightalsohavebeensurprised,sincemostjuniorcommissionswenttohim.
“CraftmasterWeidyn’syoungestdaughterhasneverhadaportrait.She’sbuteight,andIsuggestedyoucoulddocrediblework.”
“WhenwillIstart,sir?”
“Tomorrowaswell.”Caliostrussmiled.“Youwill
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havetoworkinherfavoritedollandhercat.”
Thedollcertainlywouldn’tbeaproblem,but,forsomereason,fewcatscaredforme,andthatcouldposeaproblem.“Thecat...?”
“Isuggestedthatthecatbeaddedlater,afteryouhaddesignedthecomposition,butIwantedyoutoknowthatyouwouldhavetoworkin
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thecreature.”
“Yes,sir.”
“Iwantseveralpossibleroughdesignsreadyformebytheendoftheday.Oh...sheisaredhead,I’mtold.”
Thatmadeeverythingworse.Aredhead?Theircolorandcomplexionweredifficulttocaptureoncanvaswithoutmakingthemappearwanandpale.Oncemore,
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Caliostrushadpresentedmewithsomethinginalightthatseemedfarmorecharitablethanitwasinfact.Aredhead—thatwasjustthesortofportraitwhereanexcellenteffortwouldlookmerelyadequate,andagoodeffortwouldcomeacrossaspoor.ThatwasanotherreasonwhyI’dgottenthecommission,insteadofOstrius.“Iwillmostcertainlyhavemywork
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cutoutforme,sir.”
“Nonsense,Rhennthyl.Aportraitisaportrait,andeachcommissionisanopportunity.”
“Yes,sir.”IwouldjusthavetodealwithanotheroneofMasterCaliostrus’snear-insurmountableopportunities,thatandOstrius’sconcealedsmirkfromacrossthetable.Stanusjustlooked
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bewildered.
Evenasarecentapprentice,Stanusshouldhaveknowntheproblemsofportrayingredheads.I’dheardthatthosewereevenlessthanthedifficultiesinvolvedinlivingwiththem,butI’dbeenunfortunateenoughindealingwithyoungwomenthatIhadnoexperiencebywhichtojudgesuchastatement.
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“Thedesignsbeforedinner,Rhennthyl,remember!”
“Yes,sir.”HowcouldIpossiblyforget?
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750A.L.
Themostcriticalarenotthesuccessful,northecomplete
failures,but
thosewhomighthaveachievedsomethingofworth,
saveforsmallbut
crucialfaultswithinthemselves,fortheycan
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seldombearthethought
ofhowclosetheycametogreatness.
MistressAeylanaD’Weidyntwitched,thenshiftedherweightinthehigh-backedchair.AfterAeylana’sfirst
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sitting,I’daccompaniedAeylanaandherauntbacktotheirhome—ifasmallchateauthreetimesthesizeofmyparents’dwellingandgroundscouldbetermed“home.”WhileattheChateauWeidyn,Ihadnotonlymadeasketchoftheactualchairthatwouldbeintheportrait,butalsomadetheacquaintanceofCharbon—aratheroversizedfelinewith
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sleepyyelloweyesandadeepblackcoat—anddoneseveralquicksketchesofhimaswell,onewithAeylanaholdinghim.
AeylanaWeidynwasanythingbutanidealsubject.Evenatageeight,shewaslanky,withbigbonesandhands,frecklesandafairskin,andfineorange-redhairthat,despitethedarkgreenhairband,hadatendencyto
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flyinalldirections.Hereyeswereawarmbrownthatsomehowclashedwitheverything,andhereyebrowsweresolightandfinethatshelookedtohavenoneatall.
“Ifyouwouldpleaselookinthedirectionoftheeasel,MistressAeylana?”
“Oh,I’msorry.IwasthinkingaboutCharbon.Hewillbeintheportrait,willhe
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not?”
“Yes,hewill.”Infact,IactuallyhadpaintedmuchofCharbon,asifhehadbeensittingerectandregalupontheedgeoftheseatofthechairbesideAeylana.“Heismosthandsome.”
“He’smycat.”
Ihadsomedoubtsaboutanycatbeingapossession,butdidnothavetimetosay
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anythingbecause,atthatverymoment,Ostriusopenedthestudiodoorandmarchedovertomyeasel.
HedidnotevenlookinthedirectionofAeylanaWeidyn—orheraunt,whowasaccompanyinghertothesittings.“Rhenn...didyoufinishcompoundingthedeepbrown?”
“No.Therewasn’ttime
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beforethesitting.”
“Whenwillyoulearntofinishthings?”hesnapped.
“Iworkedonitallmorning,”Isaidquietly.
“Youdidn’tfinish,andwedon’thaveenoughofthedeepbrown.”
Hedidn’t.Thatwaswhathemeant.“Yourfatherexpectsmetodoasitting
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whenthepatronishere.I’llgetbacktoitoncesheleaves.”
“You’dbetter.”Withoutanotherword,hestalkedoff.
Theauntsaidnothing,buthereyesexpressedmorethananywordsshemighthavespokenasshewatchedOstriusclosethestudiodoorwithafirmnessjustshortofslammingit.
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“Idon’t—”beganAeylana.
“Thatwillbeall,Aeylana,”theauntsaidfirmly.
“Ifyouwouldpleaselookattheeasel,mistress,”Irepeated.
“Icandothat.”
Shecould.Shejustcouldn’tkeepdoingitforlong.
Ilookedattheleftsideof
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herhead,justforwardandabovetheear.Herhairhadbeenaproblem,becauseitwastoobrighttobecapturedfairlybyanyoftheearthenreds,andthemadderredwouldfade,whilevermilionwoulddarkenattheedgeswhereittouchedtheskintones.Calizarinreddidn’tblendwellwiththenaranjeorange,unlessmixedwithatleastalittleofoneofthe
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ochres,butI’dworkedinatinymixtureofyellowanddullredochreasabinderbetweenthecalizarinandthenaranje.EvenMasterCaliostrushadnoddedapprovalatthat.
HadOstriusbeenangrynotjustbecauseIdidn’thavethedeepbrownformulatedwhenhewantedit,butbecauseherealizedIcoulddosomethingwiththepigmentsthathe
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couldn’t?
Ipushedthatthoughtaway.IfIdidn’tdowellontheoneportraitassignmentIhad,Iwouldn’tgetanotheranytimesoon.IconcentratedonseeingAeylanaasshewas,andonworkingonthehairlinearoundherrightear.
Bythetimetheglasschimedoutfromthenearestanomentower,IthoughtI
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hadthatsectionright,andIsmiled,bothatAeylanaandherchaperone.“Twomoresittingsatmost.”
“Good.It’shardtositstillthatlong.”
“Aeylana...”
“Iapologize,sir.”
“IcanrememberwhenIwasyourage,”Isaidwithasmile.
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Thatgotmeagiggleinreturn.
Inmoments,thetwohadgatheredthemselvestogetheranddepartedforthecarriagewaitingbelow.Inscarcelylongerthanthat,MasterCaliostrushadenteredthestudio,hisbrowknitinafrown.
“Ostriussaidthatyouhadnotfinishedthedeepbrown
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formulationandthatyouwerelessthandeferential...”
“Sir,Iwasmostdeferential.Istarteddirectlyafterbreakfast,MasterCaliostrus,andItooknobreaks,untiljustbeforeMistressAeylanaD’Weidynwasduetoarrive.Youtoldmenevertobelateindealingwithapatron,andIcouldnothavebegunthecompounding
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yesterday,sir,becausetherawearthdidnotarriveuntiljustbeforedinnerlastnight.”
“Ah...yes...”Caliostruspaused.“Youwillgettoitrightaway?”
“AssoonasIcleanupbrushesandtrays,sir.”
“Good.”Almostasanafterthought,heglancedatthepartialportrait,hiseyesgoingtowhatIhadpaintedof
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thecat.“Youdefinitelyhaveatalentforthecat.Intime,ifyouworkonthat,alongwithotherskills,itmightprove...remunerative.SomeofthewealthierolderwomeninL’Excelsisdodoteon...suchcompanions.”
Hestoppedatthedoorandlookedback.“Don’tbetoolong.Ostriusdoesneedthebrown.”
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“Yes,sir.”
IfOstriusneededthebrownsomuch,whywasn’thedownintheshedworkingontheformulation?Or,ifhedidn’twanttogetdirty,hecouldhavetaughtStanushowtodoit.Butthen,thatwasstilldirtyworkandrequiredpatience,bothofwhichOstriusavoidedwheneverpossible.
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753A.L.
Mistakinganameforitssubstanceisoneoftherootsofevil;holdingtosubstanceovernamesisasourceof
joy.
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Ineverunderstoodwhysomanypeoplemadeafussaboutweddings.IcertainlywonderedthatonceagainasIstoodthereinthegardencourtyardofRemaya’sparents’dwellingbesideRouselaswewaitedforRemayatoappear.
Weddingsaremerelyanaffirmationofwhathas
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alreadyhappened.They’renecessaryformostpeople,asaretheringsthatsymbolizethem,becausepublicaffirmationsstrengthenprivatecommitments,butbythetimeoftheceremonythey’reusuallyforegoneconclusions.Ifthey’renot,thereshouldn’tbeaceremony.Aftereightyearsofcourtingandunblemishedaffection,forRouseland
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Remayaboththeceremonyandtheringsweremoreforeveryoneelsethanforthem,butthatiscertainlythecaseforalltoomanyceremonies.
Ceremoniescanalsoprovideadifferentkindofclosure.Ihopedthisonewould,becauseIhadbeentheonetofindRemaya,andfrommeshehadfoundRousel.Likewise,afteralltheyearsofdistrustofthoseofaPharsi
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background,myparentshadbeenforcedtoacceptRemaya.Howcouldtheyhavenot?ShewasbeautifulandintelligentandlovedRousel,andherparents,whileonlytradespeople,werefarfromimpoverished.Itdidn’thurtthatRouselwasfollowinginFather’sfootstepsasawoolfactor,either.
“Youhavethering?”Like
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allbridegrooms,Rouselworeaformalgreenwaistcoat,trimmedindeepbrown,withamatchinggreenneckscarf.
“Righthere.”Ikeptmyvoicelow.
Westoodinfrontoftheleftsideofthearchedcanopyofflowers.Behindit,wearinggreenvestments,wasChoristerOsyrahm.Behindusstoodourfamily,Father
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andMotherontheright,thenCulthynandKhethila.Evenwiththem,buttotheright,wereRemaya’sparents,andheroldersisterandtwoyoungerbrothers.
Apairofviolsbegantoplay,indicatingthatRemayahadleftthehouseandwasapproaching,butneitherRouselnorIlookedbackbecausewewerenotsupposedtoseeheruntilshe
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stoodbesidehim.Ididhearafewwhisperedcommentsfromthesmallgroupoffamilyandfriendsbehindus,andallwereabouthowbeautifulshelooked,butIknewthatwithoutlooking.I’dknownitfarlongerthanRousel,andwithfarlesseffect.
Beforelong,RemayasteppedupbesideRousel,andtheyexchangedglancesand
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smiles.Sheworeawhitegown,alongwiththebride’ssleevelessgreenvest,alsotrimmedinthesamerichbrownasRousel’s.
ChoristerOsyrahmsmiledbeatificallyatbothofthem,thenbegantospeak.“Wearegatheredheretodayincelebrationofthedecisionofamanandawomantojointheirlivesasone.Thenameofaunionbetweenamanand
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awomanisnotimportant,norshouldanyoneclaimsuch,forthenameshouldneverovershadowtheunionitself.RouselandRemayahavechoseneachotheraspartnersinlifeandinlove,andweareheretowitnesstheaffirmationofthatchoice.”
Henoddedforthemtostepforwardunderthecanopy,thenwaiteduntiltheystoodunderthearchofflowers.
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“Insomuchastheonlytrueandmeaningfulcommitmentsinlifearemadewithoutdeceptionandwithoutreservation,andwithoutarelianceonemptynamesandforms,doyou,Rousel,affirminfullhonestythatyoucommityourbody,yourspirit,andyourfreewilltothiswoman,andthatyouwillputnootherbeforeher,solongasyoubothshall
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live?”
“Ido.”
ChoristerOsyrahmthenturnedtoRemayaandrepeatedthesamechargeandvows.
“Ido.”Hervoicewaswarmandhusky.
“Therings,ifyouwill.”
IhandedtheringtoRousel.
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Aftertakingthesimplegoldbands,onefromRouselandonefromRemaya,Osyrahmheldthemupsothatallcouldseethembeforeloweringthemandaddressingthecouple.“Theseringsareasymboloflove,forgoldcannotbechanged,norimagedintowhatitisnot.Inexchangingandacceptingtheserings,youhavepledgedthatyourlovewillbeas
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unchangingasthegoldofwhichtheyaremade,thatnotyrannyofnamessubstitutingforsubstanceshallevercleaveyouapart,andthatyourloveforeachotherwillendureintimesgoodandevil,throughsicknessandhealth,andindarknessandinlight,solongasyourspiritsendure.”Thenhereturnedtheringstothem.
Remaya,inthePharsi
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tradition,wasthefirsttoplaceherring,easingitontoRousel’sfinger.Thenheslippedhisringuponhers.
“Fromtwohavecomeone,andyetthatunityshallenableeachofyoutolivemorejoyfully,morefully,andmoreinharmonywiththatwhichwas,is,andevershallbe.”
Thechoristersteppedback,
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andRouselandRemayakissedunderthecanopyoflate-springflowers.
Thentheyturnedandfacedfamilyandfriends.Remaya’ssisterSemahlasteppedforwardandhandedthesmallgreenwickerbasketofflowerpetalstoRousel.Hehelditwhileshescoopedoutahandfulandcastthemforwardandskyward.Thenshetookthebasket,andhe
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scatteredhishandful.
Afterthat,theywalkedbacktowardtheroofedsectionofthecourtyard,andSemahlaandIfollowed.
WehadbarelysteppedintotheshadowswhenRemayaturnedbacktome.
“Thankyousomuch,Rhenn.”Remaya’ssmilewasdazzling,butitalwayshadbeen,evenwhenI’dfirstseen
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heratthegirls’grammairewhenshe’dbeentwelve.“Withoutyou,IwouldneverhavemetRousel,andneverknownthishappiness,foretoldasitwas.”
Foretold.She’dsaidthatwhenshehadfirstlaideyesonRousel.ThosewiththePharsibloodhavealwaysbeensaidtobeabletoseewhatwillbebeforeitcomestotheireyes.“I’msoglad
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everythingworkedoutforyoutwo.”WhatelsecouldIsay?ImanagedawidegrinasIlookedatRousel.“Youheardthat,brother.”
Hegrinnedback.“HowcouldIforget?”
Iloosenedmyownneckscarf,becausethelate-springafternoonwaswarm,evenintheshade,especiallyintheformalwaistcoatand
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matchingtrousers.TheywerethefinestI’deverowned,andagiftfromRousel.
He’dbeenkind,andverymatter-of-factaboutit.Whenhe’dgivenittome,made-to-measure,he’dsaid,“I’mtheonewhowantsyoubesideme.You’reanartist,andIcan’taskyoutopurchaseaweddingsuit.Besides,youcankeepitforgoodoccasions.”
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I’djustleaveitstoredwithmyparents.Icertainlywouldn’tneedanythingthatfineforanythinginvolvingMasterCaliostrus.
Atthatmoment,everyonesurgedaroundRouselandRemaya,andSemahlaandIsteppedback.I’donlymetSemahlaahandfuloftimes,andshewascertainlybrightandpleasant,ifmoreangularthanheryoungersister.
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“Thepastfewdaysmusthavebeencrowded,”Iobserved.
Shelaughed.“Hectic,butfun.EveryonelikesRemaya.She’salwaysbeenthekindone.”
“I’msureyouare,aswell.”
“Itcomesnaturallytoher.Ihavetotry.”
IsupposedIcouldhave
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saidthesameaboutRousel,exceptitwouldhavebeenaboutcharm.Hecouldcharmanyone,justbylookingatthem.
Servinggirlsappeared,carryingtrayswithgobletsofsparklinggrisio.IpickedtwogobletsoffatrayandofferedonetoSemahla.
“Thankyou.”Sheinclinedherhead,thentookasip.
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SodidI.Thecoolnesshelpedadrythroat.
“Rouselsaidyouareafineartist.”
“Iamanartist.SomedaysIthinkImightsomedaybecomeamasterwithastudio.”
“TheportraityoudidofRemayaislovely.Everyonesaysso.MotherlooksatitandwishesthatRemaya
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wouldleaveitwithher.”
“Thankyou.”I’ddonethebestIcould.Ithadbeenmyweddinggifttothem.WhatelsecouldIhavegiven?
“Oh...Remayaneedsme.”Withthat,Semahlaslippedaway.
Thatwasforthebest.I’daboutrunoutofpleasantries,notthatRemaya’sfamilyweren’tgoodpeople.Her
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fatherwasaspicebroker,whichplacedhimbetweenafactorandashopkeeper,butmeanthewasstillatradespersonofsorts.Still,fromthehouse,theycertainlyweren’tpoor.
Rouseleasedovertome.“Howareyoudoing?”
“Fine.Howaboutyou?”
Hegrinnedsheepishly.“Ijustwishthedinnerandthe
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toastswereallover.”
Icouldunderstandthat.“Youonlyhavetodothisonce.”
“Twice.Onceforme,andonceforyou.Maybethreetimes.Culthynmightwantus.”
“You’reanoptimist.”
“Nowthatyou’vemadejourneyman,youneedtolook
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aroundforsomeone,”Rouselsaid.
“I’mnotreadyforthat.Ionlygetmyowncommissionsnowandagain.”Ididn’tpointoutthatIwasn’tasuccessfulfactor’sassistant,becausebothFatherandRouselwouldhavenotedthatithadbeenmychoicenottogointotrade.Butthen,Iwouldhavemadeabotchoftrade.“Besides,itwillbe
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almostanotherfiveyearsbeforeIcanevenbeconsideredasamasterportraiturist.Itmightbeyearsbeyondthat.Themastersdon’teasilyapproveothermasters.”
“Youcanstilllook.”
Ihadlooked,andshe’dmarriedRousel.Ijustsmiled.“We’llsee.”
“Rousel!”Thatwas
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Remaya.
“Youbettergo.”
“Don’tbetoohardonmewhenyougiveyourtoast.”
“Iwon’t.”AndIwouldn’t.Wedon’tchoosewhereourheartsleadus.
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754A.L.
Anartistmustappealtoperception,notaccuracy.
Contrarytopoetryandpopulisms,Avrylisfarfrom
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thecruelestmonthoftheten.RatherFeuillytis,foritisinthemonthafterharvestwheneveryonecomestounderstandthatthebountyofnatureandmancouldhavebeenfargreaterthanitwas,nomatterhowmuchbetterthegatheringofgrainandgoldshappenedtobethaninpreviousyears.SoitwasnosurprisetomewhenMasterCaliostrusappearedonthe
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twentiethofthatFeuillyt,tostandbehindmyshoulderandpeerattheuncompletedlikenessuponmyeasel.ThetwentiethofeverymonthisaVendrei,ofcourse,whethertheyearis754,asitwas,oranyotheryear.
“That’snotanacceptableportrait,Rhennthyl.”
WithoutFactorMasgaylbeingpresent,I’dbeen
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workingonthedetailingofhiscrimsonandgoldbrocadevest,avestthat,forallitsrichness,hadseenbetterdays,notthattheportraitwouldshowthat.“Sir?”
“Youcan’tdothatwiththeeyes.”
“Butthat’sthewaythefactoriuslooks,exactlythewayheappears.”Incautiousasthatstatementwas,coming
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asitdidfromajourneymanportraitureartisttohismaster,webothknewthattheportraitwasfarmoreflatteringthantherealityofMasgaylFactorius,oneofthemorejunior,yetleastself-effacing,factorsinthecity.
“Itisnotthewayhelooks,”repliedMasterCaliostrus,“nottohimselfandnottothosewhopatronizehisestablishment,
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andnottohisfamily.”
Theproblemwasnotwithmyeyes,butwiththoseofMasterCaliostrus,forhishadbecomeaslavetohisdesiresforinfluentialpatrons,ratherthanlensesofartisticimpartiality.
“Youdonotpaintamanwithdeep-setbeadyeyes,evenifhiseyesareashardandastinyasthoseofa
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shrewt,”Caliostruswenton.“Thatis,ifyouwishtoremainaportraitureartistinL’Excelsis.Withoutsatisfiedpatrons,evenifyoubecomeamaster,youwillnotremainlonganartist.Youwillnotbecomeamaster,becauseIcertainlycannotsupportorlendmynametoaportraituristwhoisinsensibletotheself-imagesofhispotentialpatrons.”
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“Then,MasterCaliostrus,”Ireplied,gentlysettingmybrushontheedgeoftheoilstray,“howamItocomplywiththedictatesoftheguild?Whatofthegoalofartisticprecision?”
“Artisticprecision,mydearRennthyl,isthegoalofobtainingthepreciseimagethatwillpleasethepatron.YoumostcertainlydidsoinpleasingCraftmasterWeidyn
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andyoungMistressWeidyn.Sofar,youalsoseemtobepleasingMistressThelyaD’Scheorzylandherparents.”
IhadbeenabletopleaseMasterWeidynbecausethetruevisageofhisdaughterhadbeenpleasantenoughandbecausehecouldnothavecaredlesshowtruetheportraithadbeensolongashiswifeanddaughterwere
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content.ThesamelookedpossiblewithThelya,althoughIhadbarelybegunthatportrait.IcertainlyhadnoproblemwithCaliostrus’slogic,norwithhisdesirestoincreasethegirthofhiswallet.Mydifficultylayelsewhere.“Asartists,dowenothaveaduty,insomefashion,topresentanaccurateandpreciseviewofwhatliesbeforeus?”
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Caliostruslaughed,asIknewhewould.“TheonlypeopleinallofSolidarwhoreckontheneedforaprecisionthatgratesuponallsensibilitiesaretheImagersofL’Excelsis.Infact,theymightbetheonlyonesinallofTerahnar.Thatisbecausepowerallowsimpartiality.”
“Soyou’resaying,master,thatifIwanttobeimpartial,Ishouldnotbeaportraiturist,
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butanimager?”
“Youdon’tevenwanttotrytobeanimager,Rhennthyl.Renegadeimagers,iftheydomorethanminorimaging,risktheirlives,eveniftheimagersdonotcatchthem.Intheoutlyingdistricts,imagersareconsidereddisciplesoftheNamer,andpeoplebelievetheycreatehiddennamesofruinanddespairwitheach
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imagethattheymakereal.Mostofthosewhotrytobecometrueimagersdieyoung,enteringImagislebytheBridgeofHopesanddepartinginacartovertheBridgeofStones.Mostwhodosurvivespendtherestoftheirlivesslavingfortheirmasters,tryingtocreateimagesanddevicesthatneverwereandnevercouldbe—ordyingslowlyastheyfabricate
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partsofmachinesforthearmagersoftheCouncil.”
HowwasthatsodifferentfromwhatIdid,handlingtheportraitsforthoseoflesseraffluenceforMasterCaliostrus,mixingpigments,andcombiningoils,powderingcharcoal,andathousandothermundaneandmind-numbingtasks?
“Allyouyoungartiststhink
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thatyou,too,couldbegreat....”Caliostruslethiswordsdieawayintosilencebeforepunctuatingthesilencewithasnort.“Greatnessisn’twhatyouthinkitis,Rhennthyl.Becontenttobeaportraiturist.Andfixthoseeyes.”Heturnedawaywithoutanotherutterance.
Mycornerofthelargestudiowastheoneinthesouthwest—wherethelight
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washarshestandbrightestandwashedouteverything.Butitdidhaveasinglewindow,onethatwasopenbecausethefallairwascool,butnotcold,and,whileI’dalwayslovedtheuseofoilstocreate,I’dnevermuchcaredfortheodorsofthepaint.Mostartistsdidn’tseemtomind,Isupposed,becausetheyonlycreatedavisualimage,notonethat
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embodiedtouchandtasteandscent,althoughtheverybestpaintingscouldevokeasenseofthat.
Fromthefarcorner,Ostriussaid,“He’sright,youknow,Rhenn.Intheend,allthatmattersisreputationandgolds.”Standingbyhiseasel,heheldapaletteknifehehadjustwipedclean.“Thetestofareputationiswhethertheartist’sgoldslastaslongas
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helives.”
Thatwaseasyenoughforhimtosay,since,ashisfather’seldest,he’dinheritthestudioandthereputation,notthatthestockyOstriuswasnotacapableportraiturist,forhewas,andhe’djustmademaster,iftacitlyundertheunderstandingthathewouldremainwithinhisfather’sstudioforthenearfuture.He
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wasalsoanythingbutartisticallyadventurous.
“Thatobservationisdiscouraging,trueasitmaybe,”Ipointedout.
“Itdoesn’tmakeitlessaccurate.”
ThinkingaboutwhatMasterCaliostrusandhissonhadsaid,beforeIliftedthebrushtogetbacktodetailingthevestofMasgaylFactorius,
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Iglancedoutthesecond-levelwindow.Aswithmostartists,MasterCaliostrushadplacedhisworkroomsandstudiosonthesecondlevel,withthegalleryandstoreroomsbelow,andthefamilyquartersabove.FromtheheightsofMartradon,onecouldseeImagisleagoodthreemillestothewest,agraniteshippointedupstreamintheRiverAluse,itsmasts
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thetwintowersoftheCollegiumImago.Fromthatdistancethethreebridgeslookedasslenderashawsersmooringthatshiptothecitythatsurroundedit.
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754A.L.
Theworldanditspartsareastheyare;accuracyisatermmanappliestohissmall
creations.
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AtpreciselyoneglassbeforenoononLundi,MasgaylFactoriusarrivedatthesecond-floordoortoMasterCaliostrus’sstudio.Ihadbarelygottentheremyself,afterwashingup,becauseI’dbeenworkingongrindingpigmentstockintheshedintherearcourtyard,andtheBelishanpurplehadbeenmorethandifficulttogetoffmyfingersandfromunder
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mynails.Ihadtogrindandmixthepigments—orthoserequiringgreatercare—notonlyformyselfandMasterCaliostrus,butalsoforOstrius,whocertainlycouldn’tbebotheredwithsuch,andStanus,whoseemedunwillingtolearnanythingofanygreatdifficulty.
Myfingerswerenumb,ofcourse,becauseMaster
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Caliostrusdidn’tbelieveinspendingcoppersoncoalforheatingwashwaterforapprenticesorjourneymen,atleastnotuntiltheturnofwinter.Yetathoroughwashingwasnecessary,becausethepurplecouldpervadeanythingelseItouched,andIdidn’twanttospoiltheportraitoroneofthesmallerstudiesIwasworkingontoenterintheannual
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journeyman’sfestivalinIanus,barelymorethanamonthaway.
“Goodmorning,honoredfactorius.”Iheldthestudiodoorforhimasheeasedhisbulkpastme.
“Goodday,suchasitis.”Heforcedasmile.“Beforewestart,letmeseewhatyouhavethere,youngRhenn.”
Iclosedtheheavyoakdoor
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andfollowedtheheavysetfactoriustotheeaselinmycornerofthestudio.Hestoodbeforetheeasel,thenbrushedbackhisthickandoilygrayhairandnodded.Ihadwidenedtheeyespacingjustatouch,aswellaslightenedtheskinbeneaththeeyesashadeorso.Thatwouldreducetheirapparentbeadiness.
“Notsoflatteringasone
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mightwish,butaccurate,andadequate.Youdohaveanexcellenttouchonthevest,aswellasthefabricofthechair—evenifIdidbringyouasample.”Heturnedandmovedtowardthefarplainerchairinwhichhesatforme,takingoffhissilver-trimmedtravelingcloaktorevealthevestandjacketmatchingthoseintheportrait.“ButmydaughterinsistedthatIbe
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depictedinachairidentifiableasmine.Daughtersareaman’sjoyandtrouble.Sonsaremerelytrouble.”
“Wedoourbesttobemorethanadequate,sir.”
Masgayllaughed,asoundcomprisedofacertainemptinessaswellasamusementandrue.“You’remorethanadequate,young
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Rhenn,andadequateismorethansufficient.NowthatIamafactorius,itwillnotdothatmyfoyeriswithoutaportrait,butonebyaproclaimedmasterwouldonlydeclaremyarrogance.No...modestysuitsmefarbetter,andIwillgetagoodworkfromyouatalowercostthanfromyourmaster,andyouwillgaininreputationasothersseeyourwork.”He
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settledintothechair.
Iadjustedtheeasel.“Youdonotfearthattheywillsayyouhavenointerestingreatart,sir?”
“Whattheysayandhowtheywillactarenotthesame.Theywillactonthepricesofmygoods,notuponmyappreciationofart.Besides,artisnomorethanacraft,onethattakestalent,thereis
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littlepointindenyingthat,butacraftnonetheless...”
AsIworkedtogetthesquintinhiseyesbetter,andcatchthelittlecreasethatranabovethemainonethanextendedfromhislefteyeupwardforjustafractionofaspan,Ifoundmyselfthinkingaboutthefactorius’spointthatartwasbutacraft.Couldeverythingbereducedtolittlemorethanacraft,asetof
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skillsthatthosewithtalentanddeterminationcouldmaster?Mybrushalmostwavered,andIpushedawaythethoughts.Forthemoment,theportraitcamefirst.
IhadbutworkedlessthanhalfaglasswhenthestudiodooropenedandMasterCaliostrusentered,carefullycarryingacanvas.Achillbreezesweptintothestudio,andwiththewindcame
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Stanus,luggingthemaster’stravelingcasewithitspaints,oils,solvents,andbrushes.CaliostrusletStanuspass,thensetthecanvasonthenearestemptyeaselbeforeclosingthedoor.Heturnedandinclinedhisheadtotheropefactor.“Greetings,factorius.Ihadheardthatyounowhaveanewdevicefortwistingandbraidingcablefordeep-seavessels.”
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“I’vehaditfortwoyears.ThedemandissogreatIhavejustcompletedinstallingasecond.”
“ThatmusthavebeenwhatIheard.Peoplearetalking.”
Masgaylsnorted.“Theyalwaystalk.Onlyimagersnevertalk.Theydon’tneedto.Andartistsandportraituristsshouldn’tsaymuch,butlettheirwork
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speakforthem.”
“Wedotry,honoredfactorius.Whenyouarefinishedwithtoday’ssitting,wouldyouliketoseetheworkIamdoingforthedaughterofImagerHeisbyl?”
“Iamcertainitshowsanexcellentlyattractivewoman.Whetherornotitresemblestheladymightwellbeanotherquestion.”
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Ialmostmissedabrushstrokeatthosewords.
“AllmyworkresemblesthosewhomIportray,mosthonoredMasgayl.”
“Oh...I’mquiteassuredthatitdoes,perhapsontheirbestdaysinthebestpossiblelight.”Thefactoriusofferedanironiclaugh.“Yourjourneymandoesyoucredit,Caliostrus.”
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AfterwhatMasgaylhadjustsaid,Iwasn’tcertainthatIwantedthatcredit,butIsaidnothingandswitchedmyconcentrationtothedrapeandtheplayofthelightontherightlowersleeveofthefactor’sbastognan-brownjacket.Therewassomethingthere.Icouldseeit...
Then,itwasthereonthecanvas,justasIhadvisualizedit,butIwasn’t
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awarethatI’dactuallypaintedit.Still,thebrushstrokeswerethere,ifatouchmoreprecisethanusual,morethewayIwishedtheywerethantheysometimeswere.
“Hehastalentandpromise,honoredfactorius,and,ifhecontinuestolisten,”Caliostrusaddedwithatouchofasperity,“hemightevenhavemorecommissionssuch
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asyours.”
Thatwasanot-so-veiledreferencetoMasgayl’sbeadyeyes,andIattemptedtoworkonthesmallerleftsectionofthesleeve,tryingtogetthefallofthelightandthecreasesjustright.
“Hemightindeed,”agreedthefactoriuspolitely.“Isthattheportraityoumentioned,theoneyouputontheeasel?”
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“Itisindeed.Itisasofthemomentmostincomplete,”CaliostrussaidbeforeliftingthecanvasandcarryingtowhereMasgaylcouldseeit.
“Ah,yes,”noddedtheropefactor,“amostflatteringimage,butonecertainlyrecognizableastheyoungerMistressHeisbyl.”
“I’mgladthatyoufinditso.”Caliostrus’swordswere
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strained.
“Don’tmindme,masterportraiturist.I’mcynicalaboutfartoomuchinlife.I’drathermakecablesforships,butIalsoprovideropeforthegaolersinatthePoignardPrison.Weallhaveaspectsofwhatwedothatwecoulddowithout.”
MasterCaliostrusretreatedwiththeportrait.Oncehehad
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placeditonhisworkingeasel,hemotionedforStanustoleaveandthenfollowed,inclininghisheadtothefactorjustbeforeheopenedthestudiodoor.“Untillater,honoredfactorius.”
“Untillater.”
Oncethedoorclosed,Iwentbacktoworkingontheareaaroundthefactor’seyes.Caliostrushadbeenright
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aboutonething—theeyeswerecentraltoshowingatruelikeness.
WhenMasgaylfinallyroseattheendoftheglass,hestretched,thenbegantodonhiscloak,whichevenhemightneedagainstawindthatwasmoreindicativeofthewintergustsofIanusthanreminiscentofthepleasantharvestbreezesofErntyn.
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“YoungRhenn,youaremostunusualforaportraiturist,evenforajourneyman.”Masgaylsmiledcourteously,butforthefirsttime,Icouldsenseaferocitybehindthesmile.“Theadvantageofcommerceisthatonecanbeaccurateandprosper.Doingsoisfarmore...difficult...whenone’scraftdependsonpleasingtheperceptionsofthosewhopay.
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Beforelong,youwilldoubtlesshavetochoosebetweenaccuracyandperception...ifyouhavenotalreadydoneso.”
“Sir.”Ijustinclinedmyheadpolitely.TherewaslittleIcouldorshouldhavesaid,notgivenmyposition.
Hesmiledagain,asifhehadmadeajest,thenturnedandleftthestudio.Fora
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moment,Ijuststoodwiththechillwindofthecomingwintergustingpastme.
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755A.L.
Thosewhowouldjudgeaworkofartrevealmoreofthemselvesthanoftheartistundertheirscrutinyorofhis
work.
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Forsomereason,SamedimorningsinIanusseemedcolderthanotherwintermornings.Theceramicstoveinthecenterofthestudiodidradiatewarmth,butthewindowpanessuckedthatheatoutoftheroom.Thecornerwindowsandthoseattheotherendofthestudiowerecoveredwiththick
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hangings,butnottheothers,becauseIneededasmuchlightasIcouldgetinordertopaintthegirlseatedonthechair.
“MistressThelya...ifyouwouldpleasekeeplookingtowardthevaseonthattable...that’sit.”
Hergovernessrefrainedfromutteringaword.
“Yes,MasterRhennthyl.”
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Ididn’tcorrectherthistime.Therewasn’tanypointtoit.MistressThelyaD’Scheorzylwasallofnineyearsold.Shewassweetandhadthemannersofamucholdergirl,thankfully,andtheattentionspanofagnat,not-so-thankfully.Shestrokedthecatinherarmsgently.Thecathadyellow-greeneyesandalongsilkywhitecoatwithtortoiseshellaccents.
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GiventhatThelya’smotherhadinsistedthatherdaughterbepaintedinasilver-graydress,I’dhadtofindablue-gray-shadedpillowonwhichthecatcouldrestinordertogetenoughcontrastbetweenthecat’scoat,Thelya’spalecomplexion,andthedress.Evenso,I’dhadtochangetheshadeofthepillowintheportraittogetthosecolorsandcontrastssothatthey
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enhancedherprettinessratherthanclashedwithit.Istillworriedabouttheeyes...therewassomethingthereIdidn’thavequitethewayitshouldbe.
“You’llmakeRemsilookgood,won’tyou?”
“YouandRemsiwilllookgoodtogether,”Ireplied,workingonThelya’sjawline.
Insomeways,depicting
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hercat,theratherlanguorousRemsi,wastheeasiestpartofthecommission,becauseRemsiwasalmosttotallywhitewiththeexceptionoftortoiseshellpaws,tail,andears.
Thejawlinestillwasn’tquitethewayIwantedit.IlookedtoThelya,fixingthesideofherfaceinmymind,thenatthecanvas,andthebrushstrokes.Theoilsonthe
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canvasshimmered,thenshifted,eversoslightly.Thebrushstrokeswerestillmine,butthejawlinewascleaner—andright.I’donlybeenabletodothatrecently,butIknewwhatIwasdoingborderedonimaging.Yetitwasonlywithoils,anditwascleanerandfasterthanscrapingandrepaintingandcertainlybetterthanoverpainting.Forallthat,Iwasn’tabouttotryit
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often,onlywhenIhadaveryclearimageinmymind—anddefinitelynotwhenMasterCaliostruswasaround.
Iworkedtogettherestoftheleftsideofherfacefinishedbeforethetenbellsofnoonchimed—andmanagedtodosoaswellasfinishthecat’sfaceaswell,settingdownthebrushjustasthefirstbellrang.
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“CanIsee?”askedThelya,scamperingoffthechair,butstillholdingthecat.
“Westillneedtwomoresittings,”Isaidtothegoverness.
“Then...nextMardiafternoon,atthethirdglassoftheafternoon,andnextSamedi,attheninthglassofmorning.”Shenoddedbrusquely.
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Thelyascurriedpastmetolookatthecanvas.“That’sRemsi!Itlooksjustlikeher.”
Iforboretomentionthatwasthepointofaportraitandjustsmiled.
OnceIsawthemoff,Iputinanotherglassofworkondetailsfortheportraitthatdidnotrequiretheirpresence.IusedwhatlittleoftheoilsIhadleftonasmallwork,a
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stilllife,whichIcouldnotdoforhireorsale,butonlyforopenexhibitattheannualfestival—theonlyvenuewhereanartistcouldexhibitorselloutofhisdiscipline—althoughitwouldbenextyear’sfestival,sincethefinaljudgingonthisyear’ssubmissionswouldbelaterintheevening.
Notmorethanaquarterofaglasshadpassed,justafter
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I’dfinishedcleaningthefine-tippedbrushthatwasmyown,whenMasterCaliostrusenteredthestudio.“Don’tforgettobankthestovebeforeyouleave.I’llnotbeusingthestudiothisafternoon.NorwillOstrius.”
Ofcourse,themosthonoredheirandjuniormasterwouldn’tbeworkingonaSamediafternoon.“I’lltakecareofit,sir.”
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“WhenwillyoufinishtheMistressScheorzylportrait,Rhennthyl?”
“Twomoresittingsandthenafewdaysoffineworkafterthat,MasterCaliostrus.She’llbehereonMardiandnextSamedi.”
“Isupposethedelaycan’tbehelped.”
“Herparentshavelimitedthesittingstoonceaweek,
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andnomorethanaglassatime.”
Heextendedathinclothbag.“FactorMasgaylfinallypaidfortheportrait,andhere’syourshare,Rhennthyl.Gooutandcelebrate.”
Ieasedthecoinsfromthebag—eightsilvers.IjustlookedatCaliostrus.
“Halfofthefeegoestothemasteroutright.Youknow
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that.Thentherearethecostsfortheframingandcanvas,nottomentionthepigmentsandoils.Therewasthatonebrushyouforgottoclean,andreplacingitwastwosilvers.”
“Yes,sir.Thankyou,sir.”AllIcoulddowasnodandagree.MasgaylFactoriushadpaidfivegoldsfortheportraitI’ddone,andoutofthatI’dgotteneightsilvers.Notonlythat,butIknewhe’dpaid
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CaliostrusonLundi,andCaliostrushadwaitedalmostaweektopayme.Chargingmeforthebrushwasmostlyfair.Mostly.I’dmislaiditwhenCaliostrushaddraggedmeawayfromcleaningforsomechorehe’dthoughtimportantandIcouldn’tevenrecall.Andithadbeenanoldbrush.Itseemedtomethatafterpaintingportraitsforclosetothreeyears,while
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stilldoingalmostallthechoresforthestudio,Ioughttobereceivingmorethanonepartinfiveofthecommission,especiallysinceIreceivednothingelseexceptroom,board,andtraining.
BothFactorMasgaylandFactorScheorzylhadcomeseekingmywork,notthatofMasterCaliostrus.Yet...eventhoughIdidmybesttosavemycoins,Icertainlydid
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nothaveenoughtoopenmyownstudio—andthatdidnotincludethetengoldsnecessaryforthebondtobepostedwiththeArtists’Guild,nottomentionMasterCaliostrus’srecommendationandtheconcurrenceofthePortraitureGuild.
“Don’tforgetthestove,Rhennthyl,”Caliostrusaddedbeforeheleft,climbingthestepsuptothefamily
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quarters.
Afterfinishingmycleanupandwashingup,lateronSamediafternoonImademywaydowntowardtheFestivalHall,walkingoutBrayerLanetoNorthMiddleandthensouthwestontheMidroad.
IstoppedatLapinina.Ididdeserveabitofatreat.Itwaslittlemorethanatinybistro,
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tuckedbetweenacoppersmith’sononesideandacooper’sontheother,onthesoutheastsideofGuildSquare,betweenMidroadandSudroad,justalittleplacewiththreewindowsandahalfscoreoftinytables.Buttheyknewme.
Atraceofrimeiceclungtotheouterdoorframe,butwhenIopenedthedoorandsteppedinside,carefulto
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closeitquickly,thewarmthandsmellsofcooking—garlic,bakedbread,roastedfowl—enfoldedme.Allthetablesweretaken.Theyusuallywere.
“Rhenn!Overhere!”Atthesmallestofthetables,squeezedinbesidethebrickcasementseparatingtwowindows,satRogaris.Nooneelsehadsuchanelegantblackspadebeard,especiallynot
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anotherjourneymanartist,butIsupposedthatcamefromworkinginthestudioofJacquerl,oneofthemostesteemedofportraituristsinL’Excelsis.
ThetablewhereRogarissatwassosmallthatonthesideacrossfromhimwasonlyastool.Itwasempty,andIeasedontoit.“Thankyou.”
“You’vedonethesamefor
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memorethanafewtimes.”Hegrinned,thenraisedhismug.Icouldseethefaintsteamofthehotspicedwine.
“Whatwillyouhave,Rhenn?”askedStaela,thewifeofRuscol,whoownedLapinina.
“Thespecialfriedhamcroissantandthebetterspicedhotwine.”
“That’llbehalfasilver.”
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Iextractedthefivecoppersfrommywalletandhandedthemover—andshewasgone.
“Whatareyoudoinghere?”Iasked.
“Gettingwarm.Iwasoverattheexhibit.Isawyourstudy.Youdidn’tenteraportrait?”
Ishookmyhead.“Iwantedtotrysomethingelse.”Isaw
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nopointinpaintingaportraitforwhichIwouldlikelynotgetpaid.Itwasbettertotrysomethingelseandstretchmyabilities.
Staelareappearedandsetthehotwineonthetableinpassing.Icuppedmyhandsaroundthemug,lettingtheheatwarmchillfingers,beforeItookafirstsip.ThenIhelditatchinlevelandletthewarmthcomingfromthe
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mugcaressmyface.
“Coldoutthere,evenformid-Ianus,”observedRogaris.
“Coldenough,”Iadmitted.“AreyougoingbackovertotheFestivalHall?”
Rogarisshookhishead.“MasterJacquerlsaidtherewasn’tmuchpointinmyenteringanystudiesthisyear.”Hesmiled.“Besides,
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Aemalyehasthenightoff,andthegoverness’squarterstoherself.”Hestoodalastswallowfromhismug,thensetitonthetable.
“Thatsoundspromising.”
“Mostpromising.We’resavingforthebondtoopenmyownstudio,andwe’llwedonceImakemaster,ayearfromthiscomingAgostos.”Rogarisstood.
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“Untillater,Rhenn,andbestoffortunethisevening.”
“Thankyou.”Islippedaroundthetableandtookthenarrowchair,justbeforeStaelareturnedwiththechippedbrowncrockeryplatteronwhichwasmycroissant,alongwiththreefatrice-friesdrizzledwithbalsamicvinegar.
“Eathearty,”offeredStaela
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asshehurriedaway.
Itookasmallbite.Iwasn’tinanyhurry.Thejudgingresultswouldn’tbeannounceduntilthesixthglass,andthebellsofthefifthglasshadn’tyetrung.Icouldn’thelpbutthinkaboutRogaris.HewaslessthanthreeyearsolderthanIwas.Icouldn’tconceiveofbeingmarriedsoon,notaftergrowingupwithRousel,and
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thenKhethilaandCulthyn.
Isavoredthegolden-brownfriedhamcroissant,alternatingwithbitesfromthecrunchyfriedstickyrice.ThenIsatatthetinytableandsippedthewarmwinterwine,enjoyingthemeldedtasteofwineandspices—cinnamon,cloves,andshaeric.
Eventually,Ifinally
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finishedthelastofthewinterwine,asmuchbecauseStaelakeptglaringatmeasbecauseIwasinanyhaste,androse,leavingacopperforherandmakingmywaybackoutintothecoldandacrossthetightlysetpavingstonesoftheavenuetothesquareitself.FestivalHalldominatedtheGuildSquare.Properlyspeaking,theyweretheArtisans’FestivalHalland
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theArtisans’GuildSquare.Eachofthefourmainartisans’guildshadawingofthebuilding,andinthecenterwastheFestivalHallproper.Thenorthwingwastheprovinceofthemasons’,stonemasons’,andsculptors’guilds;thewestwingwasthatofthecabinetmakers’andwoodcrafters’guilds;thesouthwingbelongedtothevariousrepresentativeartists’
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guilds,includingtheportraiturists’guild;andtheeastwingwasthatoftheglassblowers’andvariousmetalcrafters’guilds.
Theguildwingswereclosedandlocked,andIenteredthehallthroughthedoorbetweentheeastandthesouthwing,noddingattheguardingrayjustinside.Thefourhugeceramicstoves—oneforeachwing,soto
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speak—keptmybreathfromsteaming,butthecavernousspacewascoldenoughthatIwasn’tabouttoloosenmyjacket.
Thedisplayworkswerehungbyguild,andIwalkedtowhereminehadbeenplaced,onthefarleftendofthosesubmitted,oneofthree—outofnineteen—thatdidn’thaveaportraitcomponent.Mypainting—a
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study,really—depictedachessboardseenfromanangle.Inadditiontothepiecesstillinplay,onecouldseetwogobletsofwine,oneoneachendoftheboard.Thegobletattheendwiththefewestpiecestakenofftheboardwasmorethanhalffullandheldadarkredwine,aclaretalmostasblackasthepiecesbesideit.Onthewhiteendoftheboard,thegoblet
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heldbutatraceofwhitewine,agrisio,inmymind.Thewhiteimagerhadbeenlaidonitsside,signifyingresignation,becauseinthreemoves,blackwouldhavewonbycheckmate.
AsIsteppedback,someonecoughed,politely,andIturned.
Atallfigure,wearingasoliddarkgreenwoolencoat
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andscuffedbutsturdybrownboots,lookedatme.Hisfacewasthin,accentuatedbyawispywhitegoateeandhighcheekbones.Hiseyeslookedtobewaterygrayinthefadinglightthatsiftedthroughthehighclerestorywindows.Onlyhalfthebrasswalllanternshadbeenlit,butthelamplighterwasmakinghiswayaroundtheouterwallsofthehall.“Ah...
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you’dbeRhennthyl,youngCaliostrus’sjourneyman.”
“I’mRhenn.”YoungCaliostrus?Hewasolderthanmyownfather,ifnotbymuch.
“Goodworkthere.Itwon’twin,though.”
“Whydoyousaythat?”Ihadmyownideas,butIwantedtohearwhattheoldartisanmightoffer—ifhewas
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anartisanatall.
“It’sunderstated.Symbolic,too,andthesymbolistheonethatnoonewantstoface.”
“Defeat?Asetback?ThefavoroftheNamer?”Likeitornot,weallfacedsetbacks,soonerorlater.
“No...beingforcedtoresigninthefaceofsuperiorability.Don’tyouknowthat’s
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thegreatestfearofanyartist?It’snotthefearofdeath,butthefearofbeingforcedtoadmitsomeoneelseisbetter.ThemarkoftheNamerisnothingcomparedtothat.”Theoldartisanlaughed.“You’llsee,youngfellow.Thatyouwill.”Thenheturnedandwalkedaway.
Icouldn’tsaythatIdisagreedwithhiswords,butwhyhadheevenbotheredto
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speaktome?Andwhowashe?
Arotundmanwalkedtowardme,andittookamomenttorecognizeMasterEstafen.I’dbeenintroducedtohimoncebefore,andI’dseenhimfromadistanceuponseveraloccasions.Ididn’tknowanyofhisjourneymenorapprentices,buthehadseveralofeach,andperhapsthemost
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successfulportraitstudioinL’Excelsis,withthepossibleexceptionofJacquerl.Althoughthejudgeswereneverrevealed,Iwonderedifhemightbeoneofthem.
Iinclinedmyheadinrespect.“MasterEstafen.”
“JourneymanRhennthyl.IsawoldGrisariustalkingtoyou.”
“Wasthatwhoitwas?”
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“Oh...Grisariusisjustthenameeveryonecallshim.Once,hewasEmanusD’Arte,andconsideredoneofthebestportraituristsinL’Excelsis.ButhedidaseascapeofabeachnearErlescue.Nothingwrongwiththat,solongashedidn’tsellit.Henotonlysoldit,buthesoldittooneofthemasterimagers,aMaitreD’Esprit,noless,andthentold
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everyone.”MasterEstafenshrugged.“Afterthat,theguildhadnochoice.Hewasexpelled.Hehadenoughputby,Iguess,tokeepsomeroomsofftheBoulevardD’Imagers.Hecomeseveryyeartolookattheworksenteredbythejourneymen.”
“Ithoughthemightbeanartisanofsomesort,but...”
“Hewasoneofthe
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greatest,but,likemanywhoaregreatorclosetogreatness,hethoughthewasabovetherulesthatgovernaguild.Oracity.”Hepaused,thenadded,“Oraland.”
“Rulesarenecessary,”Iadmitted.
“Isawyourwork,Rhennthyl.Itisgood.Youcouldbeanoutstandingportraiturist.Donotmakelife
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harderforyourselfthanithastobe.Agoodartisthasenoughdifficultybecomingbothgreatandsecureinhisposition.”
“Yes,sir.”Inoddedmostpolitely.
Withawarmsmilewhosedepthwasmorethanalittlesuspecttome,MasterEstafennoddedandmovedaway.
Inturn,Inoddedtosome
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oftheotherjourneymenwalkingaround.Be-liuswasalandscapeartist,buthisstudiesweretoogray.Morgadhadapiecethatwasn’tbad,butitwasaportraitofanoldermanthatsuggestedbothcorpulenceandgreed,andaccurateasitwas,Idoubteditwouldbeconsideredforanaward.Aurelean,asalways,struttedaroundandavoidedmingling
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withanyonewhotoiledforoneofthe“lesser”masters,suchasCaliostrus,eventhoughhismaster,Kocteault,wasn’talwaysconsideredamongthe“greater.”
Ontheotherhand,Elphens,whowasbyfarthebest-dressedandmoststylishofallthejourneymen,smiledbroadlyandinsincerelyandevenspoke.“It’sgoodtoseeyou,Rhenn.Ienjoyedyour
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studypiece.Itwasmostthought-provoking.”
“Thankyou.Yourgardensweremostintriguing.”ThatwasthebestIcoulddo.
Beforelong,Arasmes,thescrivenerforthePortraitureGuild,steppedupbeforethemiddleofthedisplayedworks.Hedidn’tshoutoryell.Hejustwaiteduntilthehandfulofjourneymen
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standingaroundstoppedtalkingandlookedinhisdirection.Iremainedwellintheback,intheshadows,doubtingmyworkwouldbeconsidered,buthopingnonetheless.
“Thejudgeshavedecidedontheprizesforthisyear’sjourneymancompetition.”Arasmestookalongpause,thenannounced,“Secondrecognition—andtheprizeof
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twogolds—goestoAureleanD’KocteaultforhisportraitofMistressKarlanaD’Kocteault.Thejudgeswouldnotethatthisstudyisafineexampleofatraditionalportrait.”
Ihadtoagree.Itwasindeedanexampleoftradition.Therewasn’tasingleitemoforiginalityortrueartistryanywhere,andIhadn’tseenanoriginal
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brushstrokeintheentirepainting.Itdidn’thurtthatMasterKocteaultwasthepreviousguildmasterofthePortraitureGuildandthattheportraithadbeenaflatteringimageofKocteault’selderdaughter,whodidnotlookanywherenearsofairasAureleanhaddepictedher.
“FirstrecognitiongoestoElphensD’Rhenius,alongwiththeprizeoffivegolds.
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ThejudgeswouldliketocommendjourneymanElphensforhiscreativeuseoflightinhisstudyofthelowergardensonCouncilHill.”
Imanagednottosnort.Creativeuseoflightwasappropriate—sincetheindirectlighthe’ddepictedinhisviewofthegardensthroughafallmistwouldhaverequiredthesuntobein
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threeplaces—orthattherebethreesunsinthesky.ButElphenswasthejourneymanforMasterRheniusD’Arte,consideredbysomeasanequalofEstafenorJacquerl.
ForallthatIhadexpectedsomethinglikethat,thewalkbacktoMasterCaliostrus’sinthechillandthedarkwaslessthanpleasant.Thewindhadpickedup,andtinyflakesoficepeltedmyexposedface,
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head,andneck.Manyofthelanternsoutsidedoorshadblownout,andwiththestormabove,theraysofneithermoonpenetratedthecloudstoofferlight.
WhenIfinallyreachedmysmallroom,myfeetwereclosetonumb,andIcouldnotfeelthetipofmynose.Evenasajourneyman,myquarterswereonthestreetlevel,betweenthestorerooms
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andthegallery,wherethenoises,theodors,andthecoldwerealwaysthegreatest.Ittookmetwotriestoslidethedoorboltintoplace.MyfingersweresocoldthatIhadtofumblewiththestrikerforseveralmomentsbeforeIfinallylitthesmalllamponthechest.
Ipulledoffshoesthatwerebothcoldanddamp,undresseddowntomy
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drawersquickly,hungmyshirtandtrousersonthepegsbesidethetallandnarrowchest,thenwickeddownthelampandblewoutthelastflickerofflamebeforeclamberingintobed.Fortunately,whenI’dlefthometoapprenticetoMasterCaliostrus,Fatherhadsentmeoffwithheavyblanketsandevenanoldbutserviceablecomforter.
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Occasionally,whenIvisited,Motherslippedmesilvers,remindingmethattheycamefromFather,butthathewastooproudtohandthemtomepersonally.Ihadthefeelingshewastellingthetruthaboutthat.
AsIlaythereinthecoldinmynarrowbed,slowlywarmingup,Itriednottothinktoohardaboutthepatentunfairnessofthe
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FestivalHalljudging.I’dknownitwouldn’tbeanydifferentfromwhathadhappened,becauseithadbeenthatwayforthepreviousyears,eversinceI’dfirstbeenanapprentice.Eveninthechillofmychamber,beforelongIwasmorethanwarmenough,eveninthedepthsofacoldIanus,andeventually,Idriftedofftosleep.
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Iwokesomewhereinthedarkness,soblackthatIcouldseenothing.Hadthefreezingflakesofthenightbeforepiledupsohighthattheyhadcoveredandblockedalllightfrommysinglenarrowwindow?Ifeltaround,butmyblanketsandcomforterweregone,notthatIfeltcold,andIsatup,onlytodiscoverthatI’dbeenlyingonabenchofsomesort.
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Howcouldthathavebeen?WherewasI?Whywasitsodark?IknewI’dgonetosleepinmyownbed.Ineededlight.Ineededalamp,onethatwaslit!
Suddenly,therewaslight,andIwasbackundermyblankets,peeringatthebrightglowofthelamponthechestacrossfromthebed.Ijustlookedatitforalongmoment,thentothedoor,but
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theboltwasstillinplace.Thewindowhangingswerealsoshut.
IknewI’dblownoutthelamp.I’devencheckedit,andI’dneverturnedthewickupthathighbecauseitburnedoiltooquickly.WasIdreaming?
Gingerly,Ieasedoutfromunderthenow-warmblanketsandcomforter.Thechill,especiallyfromtheancient
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coldtilesonmybarefeet,assuredmethatIwasawakeasIcrossedtheshortdistancetothechest.Thetopmostpartofthelampmantlewasnotthatwarm,butthelamphadbeenwickedup.
HadIlititinmysleep?
Thechillofthefloortilescertainlywouldhaveawakenedme.I’dbeendreamingaboutneedinglight,
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needingalamp,butjustdreamingaboutlightdidn’tlightlamps.ImadesureIwickeddownthelampbeforeblowingitoutandhurryingbackundermyblankets.ThenIwatchedthelamp,butitdidnotlightitself.
Again,Islept.
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755A.L.
Realityisanillusionbasedontheunderstandingofthe
perceiver.
Thewalktomyparents’
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dwellingfeltevenfartherthantotheGuildSquare,althoughthedistancewasaboutthesame,exceptIhadtowalkeast,ratherthansouth,butthatmighthavebeenbecauseSolayiwasevencolderthanSamedihadbeen,withawindthathowledandsuckedeverybitofheatoutthepavingstonesandbuildingsalongtheMidroad.Theangledpalewhitelightof
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thesun,eveninmidafternoon,seemedtoradiatechillratherthanwarmth.Ifinallythumpedthebronzeknockeronthedoor,andNellica,thenewservant,openedthedoor.AsIhandedhermycoatandscarf,Iwasmorethanhappytobeoutofthecold.
Motherscurriedintothefoyer.“You’relookingwell,Rhenn,ifabitchilled.”She
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wrappedherarmsaroundmeforamoment.“Comeinandwarmyourselfbytheparlorstove.”
Ididn’tneedasecondinvitationandfollowedherthroughtheleftarchwayandintothefamilyparlor,nottheformalparlor.
Khethilawascurleduponthecornerofthesetteeclosesttothelargeceramicstove,a
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thinbookinherhand.Shelookedupandsmiled.“Rhenn!”
“Khethila.”Ieasedaroundtoputmybacktothestove.“Whatareyoureading?”
“MadameD’Shendael’sPoeticDiscourse.”
I’dheardofher.ShehadgatheredagroupofHighHolders’wivesandevensomeassistantstotheCouncil
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tohereveningsalon,whereallmanneroftopicswerediscussed,manyofwhichreputedlysuggestedacertainlackofprudenceindealingwiththeCouncil.“She’srathercontroversial,isn’tshe?”
“Shedoesaskquestions.Lotsofthem.”
“Suchas?”
Khethilaboundedtoher
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feet,thebookstillinhand.“Listentothis.”Sheclearedherthroatandbegantoreadinahuskyvoicethatremindedmethatshewasnolongerachild.
“Athearth,inbed,withfeetnearbare,
agreewith
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smiledemureandfair,
ourposition’shome;isthatwhere
ourspirits,ourrole,andplacedeclare?”
Justatthatpoint,Father
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steppedintotheparlorthroughthedoorwayfromthelowerstudy.“You’renotreadingthattrashagain,areyou,Khethila?”Hiseyesflashed,andIcouldsensehewasevenmoreangrythanhe’dbeenwhenI’dtoldhimI’dneverbeafactor.
“She’sonlytellingRhennwhat’sinthebook,dear.”MothershotawarningglancetoKhethila,beforestepping
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forwardandtakingFather’shands.“Besides,wedon’tgetRhennherethatoftenanymore,andwe’dalllikeapleasantdinner.”
FatherglaredatKhethila,andsheloweredhereyes,butherjawwasfirm.
“LetmehaveNellicabringyouyourwine,”Mothercontinued.“WouldyoulikesomeoftheDhuensa,Rhenn?
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Orhotspicedwinterwine?”
“Thespiced,please.Itwasacoldwalkhere.”
“RouselalwayshiresacarriagewhenheandRemayavisit.”ThatwasfromCulthyn,whohadslippeddownthefrontmainstaircasefromtheupstairssittingroom.
“He’safactor,”Ipointedout.“I’manartist.”
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“MasterCaliostrushasacarriage,”Culthynpointedout.“Whydon’tyou?”
CulthynclearlytookafterRousel,butIonlysaid,“BecauseI’mnotamasteryet,anddon’thavemyownstudio.Ittakeslongerwhenyou’reanartist.”
“Fathercouldhelpwiththestudio.”
“Hecan’t,”Ipointedout.
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“Youcan’topenastudiounlessyou’reajuniormasterartist,andthattakesatleastfiveyearsasajourneyman,andyouhavetobeapprovedbyyourmasterandbytheguildboard.”Thatapprovalrequiredeithergreattalent,oracertainamountofquiet“gifting,”butthefive-yearrequirementwasabsolute.
“That’sawfulwhenyou’reasgoodasyouare,”Culthyn
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declared.
“That’sthewayitis,andIcan’tchangeit.”
Nellicareappearedwithatrayholdingagobletandtwomugs,offeringthetraytoFatherfirst.Hetookthegoblet.Itooktheoneofthemugs,andMothertheother.
“We’rehavingstuffedandsaucedfowl,”shesaid.“Withallthewindandchill,it
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seemedagoodheartymeal.”
“Itsoundswonderful.”EspeciallysincemyboardatMasterCaliostrus’sdidn’tincludedinneroneitherSamediorSolayinights,althoughIcouldhavebreadandcheesefromthekitchen.Itookasipofthespicedwine,farbetterthanthatatLapinina,notsurprisingly,sinceFatheralwayshadagoodcellarandMothercould
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makethebestuseofit.
“Ievenhaveahotwinterpuddingfordesert,”Motheradded.
“WhichallofushavehadtokeepCulthynoutof,”saidKhethila.
“Therewasmorethanenough,”mutteredmyyoungestbrother.
“Therewouldn’thave
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been,”notedKhethila.
Beforelongwehadgatheredinthediningchamber,whereFatherdidallowmethegraceofsittingathisrightandmotioningmetooffertheblessing.
“Forthegraceandwarmthfromabove,forthebountyoftheearthbelow,forallbeautyandartistryintheworld,foryourjustice,andforyour
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manifoldandgreatmercies,weofferourthanksandgratitude,bothnowandevermore,inthespiritofthatwhichcannotbenamedorimaged...”
“Inpeaceandharmony.”
“That’stheartists’blessing,isn’tit?”saidKhethila.“Ilikeit.”
“Ablessing’sablessing,”Fathersaiddryly,gesturing
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foreveryonetositdown.“SolongaswerespecttheNameless,thewordscanchangeabit.”
Personally,Ipreferredtheartists’version,butthen,Ihadn’theardthecrafters’version,orthatoftheimagers,assumingthattheyhadaversion.
Aftercarvingandservingthefowl,thensettlingintohis
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chair,Fatherpolitelyaskedme,“Howistheportraiturebusinesscoming?”Healwaysreferredtoportraitureas“business.”
“I’vehadthreecommissionsinthelastmonthorso,thatis,commissionswherethepatronaskedformetodothework.TheoneIjustfinishedwasofMasgaylFactorius.”
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“Ah,yes,theropefactor.Doescablesandhawsersaswell.Turnsashinysilverortwoontheheavycabling.”
“Youandheseemanythingsinthesameway.”Thatwasfairenough,althoughIhadthesensethatMasgaylFactoriuswasfarmoreruthlessthanFather.
“Didhepaywell?”
“Aftercosts,mysharewas
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agold.”Ididn’thavetomentionthechargefortheruinedbrush.“MasterCaliostrusgetshalfthefee,beforecosts.”
“You’d...”HestoppedattheglancefromMother.“Doyouhaveothercommissions?”
“I’mdoingaportraitofMistressThelyaD’Scheorzyl.Thatonewillbedonein
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abouttwoweeks,becauseshecanonlysitforoneglass,onceaweek.”
“Scheorzyl...Scheorzyl...Oh...he’stheprincipaladvocate-advisortotheCouncil.”
Ihadn’tknownthat,onlythatyoungThelya’sparentswerewellconnectedandwelloff,sinceshehadagovernessandaspecialfeline.
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“Hermotherwasabeauty,”addedMother.“Isupposeshestillis,butsheusuallystaysattheirestateinTiens.SomethingabouttheairinL’Excelsis.Whataboutthedaughter?”
“She’sbutnine,andverypolite.She’sprettyenoughnowandlookstobethekindwhowillturnheadsinafewyears.Shemightbetoosweet,though.”
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“That’salwaysaproblem,”suggestedKhethila.
“Andexactlywhymightthatbeadifficulty,daughter?”askedFather.
Khethilaignoredtheglareandsmiledpolitely.“Youwouldn’tbehalfsowellofforhalfsohappy,Father,ifMotherdidn’toccasionallysuggestthatmattersmightbebetterhandledinanother
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fashion.Girlswhoaretoosweetoftenmerelyagree.”
“Idoubtthatwilleverbeadifficultyforyou.”Fatherdidmanagearuefulsmilebeforeturningtome.“WhatdoyouthinkaboutthethreatsthattheCaenenanenvoymadelastweek?”
“Ihadn’theardaboutthem,”Ihadtoadmitafterswallowingamouthfulofthe
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juicyfowl.“Whatdidhesay?”
“Youhadn’theard?”askedCulthyn.“Howcouldyounothaveheard?”
“Iwasworking,unlikesomeyoungpeople,”Ireplied.
“HeutteredsomenonsenseaboutourbeliefintheNamelessbeingblasphemyandthenwentontosaythat,
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ifanyofourpeopleinCaenentriedtoblasphemeagainsttheirDuodeusgod/goddess,they’dbeburnedalive.”
“WhatdidtheCouncildo?”Inspiteofmyself,Iwasabitinterested.
“Asusual,theydithered.Weshiphundredsoftonnesofthefinewoodsfromthere—mahogany,ebony,
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rosewood,nottomentioncottonand...”
“Andelveweed,”addedKhethila.
“That’snotasubjectfordinner,”Fathersaidfirmly.
“Whynot?”shedemanded.“Whenthecarriagetakesmetogrammaire,Icanseesomeofthesansespoirssmokingorchewingit.Someofthemjustliethere—”
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“Where?”askedMother.
“OnthestoopsofthetaudisbelowSouthMiddle.Thewall’slowenoughtoseeoverit.”
“I’llhaveCharlsyntakeyoualongerwayfromnowon,”Motherannouncedinahardtonethatbrookednoargument.
“They’llstillbesmokingit,anditcomesfromCaenen.
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Thecivicpatrollersdon’tdoanything,either.Theyjustignoreit.”
“Khethila...IcannotdoanythingaboutthedegeneratesofL’Excelsis,butIcandosomethingaboutwhatyousee.Youarenotbeingraisedlikeataudischild...ora...”
“APharsi?”Khethilasuggested.
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Fatherclearedhisthroat,loudly.
“WhydoestheCouncilletthemsellelveweedhere?”askedCulthyn,abruptly.
“Theydon’t,”repliedFather.“It’sprohibited.”
“Thenwhydothesansespoirshaveittosmoke?”
“That’sbecausesailorsand
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smugglerssneakitin.Theycangetgoldsforsmallamounts,”Ipointedout.
“Haveyoueversmokedany,Rhenn?”askedCulthyn.
“No.Iwouldn’twantto.”Whyspendgoldsonpleasurethatwasgonebeforeyouevenknewit?Besides,I’dseenwhattheaddictslookedlike,andIneverwantedtoenduplikethat.
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“Don’tsomeartists?”
“Someoftheabstractionistsdo,butthey’renotpartoftheguilds,andnoonebuystheirworks.”Noonerespectable,anyway.
“Ithinkwe’vediscussedthis...filthy...subjectenough,”Motherinterjected.
Afteramomentofsilence,IturnedtoFather.“Howisthewoolbusiness?”
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“We’redoingwell.YouknowRouselisdoingwellwiththebranchfactorageinKherseilles.ThatmakesiteasiertoshiptheheavierwoolenstothenorthofJariolaandtotheAbiertoIsles.He’salreadyincreasedourshipmentsbyathird.”
ThatsoundedlikeRousel.Hecouldtalkanyoneintoanything—anyonebutme,atleast.“He’sdoingwell,then.”
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“Enoughthatourprofitsareupbyaquarter.”
“AndheandRemayaareexpecting,”Motherinterjected,“inearlyJuyn,theythink.”
“I’mhappyforthem,”Ireplied,“andit’sgoodthatRouselisdoingsowell.”Fornow,Ithought,hopingthatRouselwasnotsprintingtheedgeoftheprecipice.Iwas
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sparedhavingtosaymorebecauseNellicaclearedawaythedinnerplatters,andthenreturnedtosetthewinterpuddinganddessertplatesbeforeMother.
Thepuddingwasasgoodasshehadpromised,andIdidtakeseconds,butthen,sodidCulthyn.Afterhefinishedhissecondhelping,hestaredattheremainingpudding.
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“Secondsareacceptableattimes,Culthyn,”Motherstated.“Thirdsaremerelygreed.Don’tactlikeaPharsi.”
Culthyncounterfeitedadisconsolateexpression,thensaid.“Remaya’snotgreedy.”
Khethilahidasmile.
“She’sdifferent,”Mothersaid,turningtome.“DidyouknowthatArmynd
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D’SholdchildhasofferedaproposaltoKhethila?Forwhenshe’solder,ofcourse.”Shesmiledbroadly.
“Mother!”exclaimedKhethila.
“Armyndhas?”We’dbeenatthegrammairetogether,buthe’dgoneontotheuniversity.Hisfatherheldthousandsofhectaresofgrainlandsandvineyardsout
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inthewestlands.“He’sevenolderthanIam.”
“Anolderhusbandisalwaysbetter.He’smoreestablished.Andyou’renotgettinganyyounger,Rhenn.Itwouldn’thurtforyoutokeepaneyeoutforalikelywife.”
“Asanartist?”murmuredFather.
“Wealthywomenhave
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beenknowntopreferartists,dear.LookatMadameD’Shendael.She’saHighHolderinherownright.”
“Butshehadtomarryanothertokeepherrights,”Khethilainterjected.
“DoIhavetohearhernameallthetime?”askedFather.
“Youasked.”
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“Herhusbandisalandscapearchitect,notanartist,andhedesignsgrandgardens.”
“He’sstillanartist,”Motheraffirmed,“andRhennisgoingtobeagreatartist.”
“He’dbetterhurry,then,”Fatherrepliedwithalaugh,pushingbackhischair.
AsFatherrose,Motherlookedtome.“Willyougoto
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serviceswithus?”Hervoicewasnotquitepleading.
SolayinightwaswhenmostfamiliesinL’Excelsiswenttoservices,thosewhorespectedtheNameless,thatis.IsupposedIdid,inmyownway.Ihadnothingbettertodo,andMotherhadneveraskedthatmuchunreasonableofme,unlikeFather.“Yes,butI’llhavetoleaverightafterward.MasterCaliostrus.
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..”Ishruggedwithoutcompletingtheexplanation.
“Weunderstand.”Motherbeamed.
Onceeveryonewasbundledintotheircoats,westeppedoutthesidedoorwhereCharlsynhadpulledup,andIsqueezedintothecoachontherear-facingseatwithKhethilaandCulthyn.Atleast,oncetheservicewas
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over,anditwasneverthatlong,I’dbemuchclosertoMasterCaliostrus’sdwelling.
“Isn’tthisalmostlikeoldtimes?Now,ifRouselwerejusthere,”Mothersaid.
“IfRouselwerehere,noneofuswouldbeabletomove,”Culthynobserved.
EvenFathersmiledatCulthyn’swrytone.
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Wearrivedattheanomenearlyenough,agoodquarterbeforethesixthglass,sothatwedidn’thavetohurry,butthatalsomeantwehadtostandinthecolduntiltheservicebeganwiththesmallchoirsingingthechoralinvocation—“PaeantotheNameless,”Ithought.
ChoristerAknotynhadbeenattheAnomenD’EstesinceIcouldremember.His
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hightenorpiercedthegloomasitalwayshadinthewordlessululatinginvocation.Thenhespoke.
“WearegatheredheretogetherthiseveninginthespiritoftheNamelessandinaffirmationofthequestforgoodnessandmercyinallthatwedo.”
Theopeninghymnwas“PrideLeadethtoaFall.”I
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merelymouthedthewords,mainlybecauseIwasinfactproudandunwillingtohaveothershearjusthowbadlyIdidsing.
AfterthatwastheConfession.
“WedonotnameYou,fornamingisapresumption,andwewouldnotpresumeuponthecreatorofallthatwas,is,andwillbe.Wedonotpray
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toYou,noraskfavorsorrecognitionfromYou,forrequestingsuchasksYoutofavorusoverotherswhoarealsoYourcreations.Ratherweconfessthatwealwaysriskthesinsofprideandpresumptionandthattheverynameswebearsymbolizethosesins,forwetoooftenstrivetoarrogateournamesandourselvesaboveothers,toinsistthatourpettyplansand
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aridachievementshavemeaningbeyondthosewhomweloveoroverwhomwehaveinfluenceandpower.LetusneverforgetthatwearelessthannothingagainstYournamelessmagnificenceandthatallthatweareisagifttobecherishedandtreasured,andthatwemustalsorespectandcherishthegiftsofothers,incelebrationofYouwhocannotbenamed
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orknown,onlyrespectedandworshipped.”
“Inpeaceandharmony,”weallchorused.
Thencametheoffertorybaskets,followedbyChoristerAknotyn’sascensiontothepulpitforthehomily.“Goodevening.”
“Goodevening,”camethereply.
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“Anditisagoodevening,forundertheNamelessalleveningsaregood,eventhosethatseemlessthanmarvelous...andweallknowthattherearemanyofthose...”
Aknotyn’sdryasidebroughtlowmurmursoflaughtertothecongregation.
“TheotherdayayoungsteraskedmewhywedonotnametheNameless,andI
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almostrepeatedtheConfessiontohim,butIrealizedthathewasaskingwhatreallywasbehindtheConfession.Whileourmeetingplace,theanomen,meansplaceofnoname,infactwenameeverything,andsooftenwhenwenameit,weassumethatweknowit.Thenamebecomestheidentity,anditisalwaysalimitedidentity.Lookatitinthis
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fashion.Youhaveafriend.Let’scallhimFieryn,andwe’llsaythathehasredhairandacertainlackofpatience.EachtimethatyouencounterFierynortalktohimorwatchhim,youbuildamorecompletepictureinyourmind,andwhenFierynisnotaround,ineffect,toyou,thatpictureisFieryn.ButisthepicturereallyFieryn?Doesitincludethetimehespends
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withhiscrippledcousin,whomyoudonotknow?Doesitincludetheglasseshehasspenttellingstoriestohisfailingauntwhocannotleaveherbed?Orthetimehedranktoomuchandkickedapoorsimpleton?Yet,bycallinguphisname,wethinkweknowFieryn.Butdowe?
“Usingnamestoexcessandthinkingthatthenameistheindividualisoftencalled
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themarkoftheNamer,becauseoneofthegreatsinsinlifeistoacceptthatanameisallthatthereisofreality...
“Now,ifthereissomuchwedonotknowaboutthosewecallfamilyorfriends,howmuchmoreisthereabouttheNameless,whocreatedallthatthereis,thatwecannotknowandwillneverknow?...”
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ChoristerAknotynwentontodescribethemagnificenceoftheNamelessandtheunmitigatedpresumptionofmeremortalstoofferanameandthinkthattheymightknowevenafractionofwhattheNamelessmightknoworunderstand.I’dheardsimilarhomiliesbefore,andIcouldn’tsaythatIdisagreed.TheonlythingImighthaveadded,ifonlyinmymind,
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wasthequestionofwhethertheNameless,withallthatmagnificence,wouldevenhavecaredwhatIthoughtordid.
WhilethewalkfromtheAnomenD’EstetoBrayerLaneandMasterCaliostrus’sestablishment,evenbythewindingBakers’Lane,wasonlyhalfthedistanceI’dwalkedtogettoFather’s,Ididn’tevenhavetodothat.
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MotherhadCharlsyngothatway—andsheslippedmetwosilversaswell,whenFatherwasn’tlooking,justbeforeIgotoutofthecoach.SoIwasn’tallthatchilledbythetimeIreachedmyroom.
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755A.L.
Agoodportraitrevealswhatisseen;agreatonealsorevealswhatisnot.
Iwashalfwayintothelast
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sittingwithThelyaonafarwarmerandmorepleasantSamedimorning—andthesecondoneinFevier—whenIfoundmyselflookingathereyesagain.I’dbeenworriedaboutthem—nottheshapeortheshadows,butthecoloroftheirises—forthelastseveralsittings.Theproblemwassimple.Hereyesweregreen,butIwaslimitedtozincblue-greenandverdigris,andthe
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zincgreenwasn’tintenseenough,andtheverdigriswasfartoofugitivetobeusedforThelya’seyes,evenifIusedatouchofaclearvarnish-glaze.
WhatIreallyneededwasimagers’green,butonlyMasterCaliostrushadthat,alongwiththelapisblue,andtheyweresocostlythatI’dneverseethem,notasajourneyman,andcertainlynot
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solongasIworkedinhisstudio.ThemostI’deverseenweretinydollopshereandthere.Still...Iwouldn’tneedallthatmuch.Iglancedtowardtheconvertedancientarmoirethatheldhispigments,thenshookmyhead.
IfIcouldjusthaveusedthetiniestbitofthatbrilliantgreen,andthenshadedtheeyesfromyellow-flecked
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zincgreentothebrighterimagers’greenonthesidesofthepupils—rightthere...
Iswallowed.I’ddoneitagain.WhatI’dvisualized,seensoclearlyinmymind,hadappearedonthecanvasbeforeme.Thatwasaformofimaging.Therewasnodoubtaboutit,butexactlywhatusewasimagingthatcouldonlymakesmallchangesinoilpaintsona
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canvas?
Icouldn’thelpsmilingasIstudiedthefaceonthecanvas.Thatlittlechangehadmadeallthedifference,bringinghereyesalive,andcreatingasubtlebutclearlinkagebetweenalltheelementsoftheportrait.
Ifinishedjustbeforenoon,afterrefiningjustthehintofanerrantcurlaboveherleft
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ear.ThenIsetdownthefine-tippedbrushandsteppedawayfromtheeasel.
“Thankyou,Thelya.We’refinishedfornow,andtodaywasthelastsitting.Theportraitshouldbereadyinafewdays.”
“Itisn’tdonenow?”Shebouncedoffthechair,holdingRemsisotightlythatthecatgaveameowofprotest.
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Thegovernessraisedaneyebrow.Sheneverspokewhenagesturewoulddo.
“Someofthebackgroundisn’tfinished,butIdon’tneedyoutositforthat.”
“CanIsee?”
“Youcan...ifyoureallywantto.”
Shestoppedwellshortoftheeasel.“You’resayingthat
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Ishouldn’t.”
Thatstoppedme.Forapamperednine-year-oldtocatchthatsuggestedmoreperceptionthanI’dthoughtshehad.Afteramoment,Isaid,“Youcertainlycan,MistressThelya,butI’dratherthatyoubesurprisedwhenyouseethefullycompletedportrait.”
“LikepresentsatYear-
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Turn?”
“Somethinglikethat.”
Shenodded.“Icanwait.”Herwordsweremoreaboutherthanabouttheportrait,and,forsomereason,IthoughtaboutChoristerAknotyn’shomilytheweekbefore,aboutthinkingweunderstoodpeoplebecauseweknewtheirnamesandhadseenthemoftenenoughto
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believethatwhatwehadseenwasallthattheywere.
“I’msureyoucan.”Ismiled.“Itwon’tbelong.Thankyouforbeingsogoodatthesittings.”Iturnedtothegoverness.“Thankyou.”
“Thequietwasmostrestful.”Herlipsdidnotquitesmile.
OnceThelya,hergoverness,andRemsileft,I
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spentabitmoretimejustlookingatthecanvas.Ihadafewthingstofinishalongtheedges,butitwasafineportrait,probablythebestIhaddone.
Atthatmoment,Ostriussteppedintothestudio,bringingwithhimagustofcoldairthatsuggestedthepastseveraldaysofcomparativelymildweatherwereabouttoend.Almostas
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iftosaythathedidn’thavetofollowhisfather’srulesaboutkeepingthedoorclosedinwinter,hestoodjustinsidethestudio,holdingthedooropen.“Weneedalittlefresherairinhere.”
“Suityourself,”Ireplied.“Mysitting’sover.”
Heclosedthedoorandwalkedtowardmyeasel,wherehestoppedandglanced
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attheportrait.Afteramoment,hesaid,“Notbad.Youalmostgottheskinperfect.”
Muchthatheknew.IhadgottenThelya’spaleskinperfect.Hewouldhaveaddedthefaintesttouchofearthbrownandyellowtoflatterher,butthatwouldhaveleftanyonewithanydiscriminationwhosawtheportraitvaguelyunsatisfied
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withoutknowingwhy.“That’sthewayIsawit.”
“Youneedtoseethemthewaytheyseethemselves,Rhenn.That’swhatmakesaportraituristamaster.”
AfteralltheyearswithMasterCaliostrus,IwasgettingtohatethewayOstriustriedtosoundlikehisfather.MasterCaliostrusmightbedemandingorpicky,
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butmostofthetimehewaslookingtoimprovewhatIdid—oratleastmakeitmoreattractivetoapatron.Ostriuswasjustusinghisfather’smannerismstoasserthimself,andthattraithadworsenedsincehe’dbeenconfirmedasamaster,ifajuniormaster.“It’scertainlywhatbringsmanyofthemgolds.”
“Goldslast,Rhenn,ifyouhaveenoughofthem.
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Reputationisfickle,andskillsvanishwithage.”
Hewasdoubtlessright,butthewayhesaidthewordswasannoying.Iforcedalaugh.“You’resuggestingthatweneedtouseourskillstoamassgoldsbeforethoseskillsfade.”
“Whatelse?”Hewalkedtohispigmentchest,unlockingitandputtingseveralnew
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brushesinside.Thenhelockedthechestagain.“Don’tforgettobankthecoalsinthestove.”
“I’lltakecareofit.”
“I’msureyouwill.”Ostriusflashedaninsinceresmileasheleftthestudio.
Itwasn’tthatlongbeforeMasterCaliostrusappeared,whileIwasfinishingthelasttouchesontherust-brown
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hangingsattheleftedgeoftheportrait.
“Wheredidyougetthatgreen?”MasterCaliostruspointedtoThelya’seyes.
IknewIshouldn’thavelefttheeyesthatway,buttheywereperfect.“Sir?”
“That’simagers’green.Wereyouinmypaints,Rhennthyl?”
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“No,sir.Ithoughtaboutit,butthatwouldhavebeenwrong.”Igavehimanembarrassedsmile.WhatelsecouldIsay?“WhenIwascleaningthestudiolastMeredi...therewasalittledollopofitontheedgeofthesidetable,anditwashard,butIworkedatitwithoilsoverthepastfewdays,andImanagedtoworkinjustalittlebit...Ithought...
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well,forhereyes,itseemedperfect.”
“Hmmmph.”Caliostruswalkedtotheoldconvertedarmoirethatheldhispigments.
Thatdidn’tbotherme—ifhewerehonest—becauseIhadn’ttouchedhispigments.Iwouldn’thavedared.Icouldhearhimmumbling.“Nothere...there...
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hmmmm.”
Afteratime,hereturnedandscannedtheportraitofThelyaD’Scheorzylminutely,thennodded.“Itisquitegood.Iwouldhavesoftenedherskinatouch,butyouchosetorenderwhatyousaw.Thatmightbebestforachild.”Hesmiled.“Thatway,ifyoudoonelater,youcansoftenit.”Hepaused.“You’llpardonmyconcernaboutthe
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eyes,butimagers’greenisalmostasvaluableasliquidsilver.Youmusthaveworkedveryhardtostretchthatsmalldollop.”
“Idid,sir.ItwouldhavebeenbetterifIcouldhaveusedatouchinthecornerofthecat’spupils,but...”Ishruggedhelplessly.“Iwouldn’thavetriedsohard,butIkeptlookingathereyes,andtheyneededtobemore
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intense,andthezincgreen,evenwithaglaze...”
“Youdidwhatyoucould,Rhennthyl,andI’mcertainMadameScheorzylwillbepleasedwiththeportrait.”Caliostruspaused.“I’mgladthatyoudidn’ttrytouseverdigris.Theeffectwouldhavefadedinafewyears,evenwithaglaze.”
“I’dthoughtso,sir.”
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“Evenwithoutthatlittlebitofimagers’green,youcouldhaveheightenedtheeffectwithalittleyellowochrethere...andthere.”Hisstubbyforefingerpointed.
“Istillcould...andshould,then,sir.”
Henodded.
“Thankyou.”
“Istillhaveafewskills
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youhaven’tpickedupyet,Rhennthyl.”
“Morethanafew,sir.”
“You’llbefinishedbyMeredi,readyforframing?”
“Yes,sir.”
Hiseyesdidlingerontheportraitforatimebeforeheturned.“You’llbankthecoals?”
“OnceI’mdone,yes,sir.”
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“Good.”
Ididtakehissuggestionsabouttheochreyellow,andittookalmostaglasstogetitright.BythenIwasreadytoleave.IdidhaveenoughcopperstogotoLapinina,andwhoknew,theremightevenbeaprettyfacethere.
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755A.L.
Happinesscannotbepursuedthroughart,norartthroughhappiness.
Theyoungerunmarried
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craftersandartisansgottogetherintheGuildHallthenexttothelastSamediofeverymonth,thetwenty-eighthofthemonth.Itwasn’tanythingorganizedbytheguilds,exactly,buttheydidletususeacornerofthehallwithoutacharge,evenforthetwoguards.Thereweremusicians,andwe’dpassahatforthem,andeveryoneusuallyhadagoodtime—or
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atleastatimeawayfromtheworriesoftheweek.
ThatFevierSamedi,Iwasstandingbytheouterwallofthehall,talkingwithRogarisandDolemis,whilewesharedabottleofFystian,awhitevintageperhapsahalfstepaboveplonk.Rogarisheldthebottle,asalways,nomatterwhohadboughtit—me,inthiscase.
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“...youthinkthisCaenenanthingwillleadtowar?”DolemiskeptlookingpastusatYvette,assheswirledpastinthearmsofsomeoneIdidn’tknow.Yvettehadbeenhisgirlforyears—untilshe’dsuggestedformalizingthearrangement.
“WhatCaenenanthing?”askedRogaris,takingaswigoftheFystian.
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“TheCaenenanenvoythreatenedthatthey’dkillanyofourpeoplewhoblasphemedtheirgodorgoddessordualityorwhatever,”Isaid.“Thatwasweeksago.”
“No...theydid,”Dolemisexplained.“Itwasinthenewsheetsthisafternoon.SomeclerkintheembassyinCaenaburstoutlaughingatoneoftheirreligious
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processions,andtheirarmitesloppedoffhisheadonthespot.TheCouncilisdebatingthematter.”
“Cutoffhisheadforlaughing?”askedRogaris.“Youcan’tbeserious.”
“Whatdoyouexpectfrompeoplewhoarearrogantenoughtonametheirgod?”Ihadmorethanalittlescornforpeoplewhothoughtagod
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caredwhethertheyatecertainfoodsoncertaindaysorwhobelievedthatpeoplewouldbeblessedorcursedorliveforeverorbetorturedforeternityiftheydidn’tfollowasetofruleslaiddownbysomedeadprophetoranother.Iftherehappenedtobeanall-powerfulandalmightydeity—andIhadmydoubts—heorsheoritorwhateverwasn’tabouttocare
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aboutwhofollowedwhatdogma.
“Everyone’snotlikeus,”Rogarissaid.“Mostofthemarestupider,andthat’snotgivingusSolidaransmuchcredit.”
“YouthinktheCouncilwillsendimagers?”askedDolemis.
HowwouldIknowthat?Ididn’tevenknowwhatan
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imagercouldreallydoinawar,exceptIknewnoonemuchwantedastrongoneagainstthem—buttherehadn’teverbeenthatmanywarimagers,notfromwhatI’dreadinthehistories,notsinceRexRegis,whenhisunknownimagerhaddonestrangethingswithwalls.IhadnoideaiftherewereanyattheCollegiumImagonow.Isupposedthatwasn’t
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somethinganyonewouldwanttoreveal.
“Rhenn!Comedancewithme!”calledSeliora.Shehadjet-blackhairandeyestomatch,andsheworeablackjacketwithcrimsontrimaboveacrimsonskirtandblackdancingboots.I’dheardthatsheworkedasanupholstererandembroidererforoneofthefurniturecraftersintheartisans’area
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offNordroadnorthoftheBoulevardD’Este,butshe’dneversaid,andIhadn’tasked.“You’vetalkedlongenough.”
“Ifyouwouldexcuseme,”Isaid,“I’mbeingsummonedbyaprettywoman,andthatdoesn’thappenthatoften.”
“Itwouldifyou’dletit,”quippedRogaris.
“Youneversaidwhatyou
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thoughtwouldhappeninCaenen,”protestedDolemis.
“We’llsendshipsandtroops,andpeoplewillfightanddie,andthey’llstilllopoffheads,andthenwe’lleitherkillenoughofthemthatthey’llstopdoingit,ortheywon’t,andthenwe’lllosemoretroopsuntilwequitanddeclarevictory.”IcalledthelastwordsovermyshoulderasIhurriedtoward
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Seliora.
“Declarevictoryaboutwhat?”SelioraaskedasIslippedmyarmaroundherwaistandbegantodancewithher,ignoringthefactthatthewaltzseemedabitfasttome.
“TheCaenenans...politics,again.”Ireallydidn’twanttotalkaboutit.IsupposedIcouldbeconscriptediftheCouncil
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declaredwar,buttheyusuallydidn’tconscriptjourneymenartisansorcrafters.Apprenticeswereoftenconscripted,aswerejourneymenwithoutmasters.
“Dolemisalwaystalkspolitics.Yvettesaidheevenmumbledabouttheminhissleep.”
“Sheactuallylistened?”
“Ithinkthatwasthe
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trouble.”
“Well,hecan’tdoanythingaboutit,notunlessheworksandbecomesacraftmaster,becausetheCounciliselectedfromtheguilds,thefactors’associations,andtheHighHolders,andyouhavetobeacraftmastertobeeligible,andheneverwillbebecausehespendstoomuchtimetalkingaboutpoliticsratherthancraftingcabinetsforSasol,”I
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addedwithalaugh.
Foratime,Ididnotspeak,justenjoyeddancingandholdingSeliora.Shewasn’tslender,butcertainlynotheavy,rathermuscular.Ienjoyedseeinghersmile.Overthepastyear,wehadtalkedanddancedoccasionally,andIknewshewasinterestedinme...atleastalittlebit.
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Whenthemusiciansstopped,sodidwe,butshedidn’tmoveaway,andneitherdidI.
Shelookedupatme.“Everyonesaysyouthinkyou’retoogoodtohaveagirlwhomighthaveactuallylivedwithinafewstreetsofthetaudisorthePharsis.”
Ihadtolaugh.“ThefirstgirlthatIfellinlovewith
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wasaPharsi.”
“Howoldwereyou?Five?”Selioraquippedback.
“Morelikethirteen.”
“AndIsupposeyouthrewheroverforsomefactor’stwit?”
“No.Shethrewmeoverforsomefactor’stwit,ratherquickly.Shemarriedmyyoungerbrotheralmosttwo
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yearsago.Shesaidthatwhenshesawhim,ithadtobe.”
Selioralookedhardatme.“Isthatajoke?”
“No.They’reexpectingtheirfirstchildthissummer.TheyliveinKherseillesnow.”
Themusiciansbeganagain,thistimeafastvariana,andSelioratookmyhand.“Anotherdance.”Herwords
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weren’tarequest,butIwashappytocomply,andshesaidnothingmoreaswemovedtothebeatofthemusic.
Whenthemusiciansstopped,Iwasbreathingalittlefasterthanusual.
“Youshouldn’tletthatspoilthings,”shesaid.“You’regood-looking.Rogarissaysyourworkis
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goodenoughthatbeforeallthatlongyou’llbeamasterartistwithyourownstudio.”
“Atleastthreemoreyears,andhe’sbeingkind.”
“Rogaris?”Selioralaughed.
Shehadapoint,butIshookmyhead.“It’snotjustthat.I’mjustbeginningtogetcommissions,andthey’restillnotallthatfrequent.How
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couldIsupportawifeorafamily?”
“Somewomendomakemorethanafewcoinsinhonestwork.”Shesmiledwarmly.
“I’mmostcertainyoudo.”
“Andbeingmarrieddoesn’tmeanyouhavetohaveafamilyrightaway.”
“That’strue.”Igrinnedat
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her.“Areyouaskingmetoproposetoyou?”
Selioraactuallyloweredhereyes,ifonlyforamoment.“IampartPharsi,ifthathelps.Mygrandmotherwasone.ShecametoL’Excelsisasaservant.”
“Ifyoutakeafterher,Idoubtshestayedoneverylong.”
“No,shedidn’t.Shewas
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theonewhostartedthebusiness.”
“You...yourfamily...?”Ihadn’trealizedthat.
“PapaandAuntAeginaarethemastercrafters.Theymakethechairsandthesettees.MamaandIchoosethefabricsanddotheadditionalembroiderydesigns.”
Ihadwonderedaboutthe
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factthatSeliorawasusuallybetterdressedthantheotheryoungwomen,butI’dlearnedthatsomewomenspenteverylastcopperonclothes.
Iinclinedmyhead.“I’m—”
“Pleasedon’ttellanyone,especiallyDolemis.He’saterriblegossip.”
Themusicresumed,anotherwaltz,aslowerone,
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andIturnedtoher.“Istillwouldhaveaskedforanotherdance.”
Shesmiled.“Iknow.IdoforetellmorethanIsay.”
Wespentmostoftheeveningdancing,andIdidwalkherandtwoofherfriendshome,evenifitmeantanevenlongerandcolderwalkbackouttheBoulevardD’EstetoMasterCaliostrus’s
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establishment.Theentireway,Iwonderedwhatshehadforetoldthatshehadn’tsaid.
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755A.L.
Flatteryisalmostalwaysperceivedaseitheraccurate
orjustified.
OnJeudiafternoon,Iwasin
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theworkshedpowderingredochre,usingtheancientmortarandpestlethatlookedasthoughtheyhadbeeninMasterCaliostrus’sfamilyforgenerations.Despitethesunlightoutside,achillbreezeseepedthroughthebareplankwalls.Powderinghardredochrewassweatywork.Thechillmadeitevenlesspleasant,especiallyifIcrusheditandtwistedthe
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pestletoohard,becausethensomeofthepowderseepedintotheairandthenstucktomysweat.Later,itgotcoldanditchy,andscratchingjustmadeitworse.
IconsoledmyselfthatthesituationwasonlytemporarybecauseStanushadfinallyrunoff,afterthrowingabucketofhotivory-blackscrapsatOstrius.ThescrapshadburnedholesinOstrius’s
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shirtandgivenhimseveralweltsonhisneck,butitwouldhavebeenworsehadnotOstriusbeenwearingaleatherworkingvest.IfthecivicpatrollerscaughtpoorStanus,he’dspendatleastayearinthemines,but,intheinterim,assumingthatMasterCaliostruscouldfindandacceptanotherapprentice,everyoneexpectedmetodoalltheapprenticechoresas
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wellasmyown,nottomentionpaintingwhatevercommissionsmightcomemyway,notthatIhadanyatthemoment.
Still...theScheorzylportraithadturnedoutwell,andI’devengottenahalf-goldbonus.IhadtowonderhowmuchextratheScheorzylshadpaidCaliostrus.Butmynamewasgettingaround—atleastto
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familieswithdaughterswholikedcats.
Everyoneinthehouseholdwasedgythatmorning.AsI’dleftthetableafterbreakfast,MadameCaliostrushadmurmuredsomethingtoherhusbandthathadsoundedlike“yourworthlessbrotherskulkingaroundhereagain.”I’dknownCaliostrushadabrother,andI’devenseenhimafewtimesoverthe
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years—andsmelledhim,reekingofplonksocheapthatnoteventhepoorestapprenticewouldhavedrunkit.Thatmorning,Caliostrushadsnappedback,butIhadn’theardwhathe’dsaid.I’djustwantedtogetawaybeforeOstriusmadeanothercommentaboutmylackofforesight,especiallysinceitwasreallyhisshortsightedness,notthat
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he’deveradmitit.
Icheckedthepowder.Stilltoocoarse,butgettingclosertowhatwasnecessarytomixwiththeoilandwaxthatweremeltingoverthesmallironmixingstoveinthecorner.Iwentbacktogrinding,wishingthatStanuswerestillaround,orthatCaliostruswouldgetanotherapprenticesothatIdidn’thavetodoeverything.
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Thesheddooropened,andagustofwindswirledochrepowderuparoundme,andIbegantosneeze.
Ostriusstoodthere,gloweringatme.“Howlongwillitbebeforeyoucanmixupthepigment?”
AfterIcouldstopsneezing,Ijustlookedathim,noticingthathe’dreplacedthedressingcoveringtheburnon
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hisneck.
“Answerme.Whenwillwehaveredochrepigment?”
“Notuntiltomorrow.Iwon’thaveenoughpowderuntillatertoday,andthenitwillhavetobeblendedandcooled...”
“Youshouldhavegottentothisearlier.”Heglaredatme.“We’rebothwaitingforthepigment.”
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“Noonetoldmeuntilthismorning.”Ididn’tpointoutthattalkingtohimslowedmedown—orthathe’dbeentheonetousealltheredochrepigmentforhisportraitofHighChoristerThalytandthathehadn’tbotheredtotellanyonethattherehadn’tbeenmorethanapaletteknife’sworthofitremaining.
“Youshouldhaveknown.”
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WhatcouldIsaythatwouldn’tmakehimevenangrier?EspeciallysinceOstriushadneverbeenthetypetolistentoreasonorconsiderhimselfthecauseofanything.He’dbeenthecauseoftheproblemwithhisattitudeandhismistreatmentofStanus,notthathe’deverbeenpleasanttome,either,butIhadtheadvantageofhavingparentswhohadsome
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position,unlikepoorStanus,whosefatherwasdeadandwhosemotherwasaseamstress.
Withalastglareatme,hestalkedoff,leavingtheworksheddooropen.Ofcourse,thewindgustedagainandblewsomeofthefinerpowderI’djustgroundrightoutofthepestleanduparoundme.Ibegantosneezemore,andbythetimeIgot
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thedoorclosed,I’dprobablylosthalfacup’sworthofgroundochrepowder.Atthatmoment,IwouldhavelikedtostrapOstriustoaworktableandthenslowlypourfineochrepowderdownhisthroatandnostrilsuntilhechokedtodeath.
Irecoveredsomeofthepowderfromthebenchtopbesidethemortar,andthenwentbacktowork.ButIkept
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havingtostopandsneeze.Therewasnohelpforit.Ineededtobrushthefinegritandpowderoffmeandwashmyhandsandface,orI’dnevergetmuchdone.
Aftercarefullyandquicklyopeningandclosingthesheddoorbehindme,Iwalkedtowardtheservicepumphouseinthecorner,pastthelowwallthatseparatedthegardenfromthemore
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mundaneandlessattractiveworkingareasofMasterCaliostrus’sestablishment.
Despitethechillandthewind,Shiennawaspruningthebare-branchedgrapevines—eventheleaveswereused,mainlyforthedolmadeshermothermadeandwhichoneenjoyedthefirstseveraltimestheywereserved,butwhichbecamelessthanentrancingbytheonsetofspring.Some
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ofthelessperfectleaveswereusedwithcopperplatesformakingverdigris,butthatgreenpigmentwasusedonlyforquicktreatments,becauseitwassofugitiveifexposedforlongtobrightlight.
Shiennawasasweetgirl,unlikeherelderbrother,buttosaythatshewasplainwouldhavebeenanexaggerationthatnotevenanimagercouldhave
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transformedintotruth.
Still,shewassweet,andIdidsmile.“MistressShienna,howlovelyyourcheekstoday,likethepalenessofafreshwhitepeach...”
“They’rewind-chappedandred,butyou’realwayssodear,Rhenn.Idon’tbelieveaword,butthekindnessisappreciated.”
“Andyourhairshimmers
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withalustrebeyondthatofthegreatermooninthefullnessofharvest.”Ihaveneverheldmyselftobeboundbythedictatesoffoolishconsistency,particularlywhendealingwithyoungwomen—except,strangely,forSeliora—sincemostsooftenprofessedwhattheyesteemedinaman,andthenbeddedhisexactopposite,whilerefusingthe
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manwhoembodiedwhattheysaidtheyprofessed.
InconsistencyIdidnotcondemn,norevenfoolishness,butthehypocrisyofprofessinganideal,whateveritmightbe,anddefendingitverballyandvociferously,whilesecretlybetrayingitbybehavior,Igenerallyfounddisgusting.Unlesssuchbetrayalwasaccomplishedwithsuchwit
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andgracethatitmightbetermedadmirable,andthenitwaswhatonemightcallpolishedevil.
“Rhenn!”Ostriuscalledfromoneofthestudiowindowsoverlookingtherearcourtyard.“Youarenotgrindingorpowderingwhenyouarejawing!”
Ilookedupandsmiledpolitely.“Ican’tpowder
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whenI’msneezingbecausesomeoneopenedthedoorandblewpowderalloverme.”
Caliostrusappearedinthewindowbesidehisson.“Noexcuses,now,Rennthyl!”
“Yes,sir.”Imanagednottogrimaceorgritmyteeth,butIwouldhavelikedtosubmergebothoftheminpoweredochre.
“Don’tmindFather,”
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Shiennamurmured.“Helikestoshoutbecauseitproveshecan.”
“Heisthemasterportraiturist,”Ireplied.
“Well,justdon’tstandthere!”Caliostrusshouteddown.
Ikeptmylipstogetherandresumedmyprogresstowardtheservicepumphouse,imaginingbothCaliostrusand
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hisworthlesseldersonbeingconsumedbyanexplosionofparaffinfromacontainerheatedtoohotonthestudiostovebecauseOstriuswastoolazytocheckit...flamingwaxeverywhere,andfirewashingoverthem...
Whhoosshh!
IturnedtoseeflamesexplodingthroughtheopenwindowwhereCaliostrushad
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beenamomentbefore.
Foramoment,Ijuststoodthere,frozen.
Crumpp!Somesortofexplosion,asmallone,shooktheupperlevel.Asfragmentsofglassandsometilefragmentspatteredonthepavement,mymouthdroppedopen.Theentiresecondfloorofthebuilding—thestudiolevel—hadbecomeamassof
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flame,andtheflameswererisinghigher.
“Mother!Marcyl!”screamedShienna.
Irantowardtheoutsidestepsandsprintedupthem,tryingtoignoretheheatradiatingpastmeasIscrambledupwardpastthesecondleveluptothefamilyquarters.
Olavyastumbledoutofthe
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upperdoorway.“Father!”
“Where’syourmother?”Idemanded.
“Inside...Marcyl’ssick.”
IonlytooktwostepsintothekitchenareabeforeIalmostranintoAlmaya,whowashalf-pulling,half-draggingMarcyl.Ijustgrabbedhimfromherandstaggeredbackoutsideanddownthesteps.Icouldfeel
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andsmellmyhairbeingcrispedasIhurrieddownpastthesecondlevel.Icouldalsosmellanothersickeninglysweetsmell,andIcouldbarelykeepfromretchingasIcarriedMarcylintothefarcornerofthecourtyard,whereIsethimdown.
SomewhereinthedistanceIcouldhearthefirebellsringing.Iknewthatnothingwouldstoptheconflagration
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alreadyragingthroughthebuilding.Then...Ididretch.
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755A.L.
Imagescreatetheirownmemories.
Thefirebrigadearrived,butallthattheyandwecoulddo
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wastopumpwaterovertherestofthecourtyardtokeepthefirefromspreading.Thefireconsumedeverythingsoquicklythat,wellbeforesunset,onlytheblackenedstonewallsstood,thebareremnantsofwhathadoncebeenMasterCaliostrus’sstudio,dwelling,gallery,andapprenticeandjourneymanquarters.MadameCaliostrushadlostherhusbandand
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eldestson,allthepaintings,andpossiblyallthecoinsinthestrongbox.Comparedtothem,I’dlostnearlynothing—myclothing,whatbrushesandpaintsweremine,andclosetotwogoldsincoin.
I’dthoughtaboutparaffinexplodingalloverOstriusandconsuminghiminfire...but...howcouldIhaveimagedthat?AllI’deverdoneinthewayofimaging
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weretinythingslikechangingthepositionofafewbrushstrokesofoilonacanvas.Itdidn’tseempossiblethatI’ddonethat.HowcouldIhavedoneit?Paraffinandwaxcouldexplodeintofireifnotwatchedclosely—andOstriuswasseldomascarefulasheshouldhavebeen.Yet...therehadbeenthelampI’dfoundburningonthedressing
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chest.Butwhataboutthatsecondexplosion?Whathadbeenupinthestudiothatcouldhaveexplodedsoquickly?
Inthetwilight,colderthanusualforearlyMaris,thewateronthecourtyardstoneswasbeginningtofreezeincornersthathadbeenshaded,andIhadtostepcarefullyasIapproachedMadameCaliostrus.Herfacewasmore
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linedthanIrecalled,andhereyeswerefocusedsomewhereelse.
“I’msosorry.”
Sheshookherself.“Youdidwhatyoucould.Idon’tknowifIcouldhavegottenMarcyloutwithoutyourhelp.”Shepaused.“Whatwillyoudo?There’snothing...nothinghere.”
“Icanlivewithmyparents
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foralittlewhile.PerhapsIcanfindanotherportraituremaster.Or...”Ididn’tknowwhatelseImightdo,becauseI’dhavetostartoverasajourneymanwithsomeoneelse—ifthey’devenhaveme.ButIdidn’treallywanttogointothewooltrade.I’dendupworkingforRousel,becausehewasbetteratit.Thatjustwouldhavebeentoomuch.“Whataboutyou?”I
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hadtoask.
“Mysister...shecanhelp.Theyhavespace.”Tearsbegantowellinthecornersofhereyes.“Caliostrus...Ostrius...howcouldithavehappened?Caliostruswassocareful.”
Ididn’twanttopointoutthatOstriuswasn’t,notbecausehersonhadbeencareful,becauseheseldom
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was,butbecause...haditreallybeenhisdoing?Ihadahardtimebelievingthatawishful,ifhateful,mentalimageofminehadcreatedafireandthenanexplosion,butIalsohadanequallydifficulttimethinkingparaffincouldexplodesoviolentlyandquicklywithoutMasterCaliostrusnoticingsomethingbeforeithappened.
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“Idon’tknow.Iwasdownintheshedgrindingochre,andIhadbeenalmostallday.”
Intheend,Isaidgood-byeandslippedaway,walkingthroughthecoldtwilight,shiveringasIdid,becausemywarmcoathadalsogoneupinsmoke.Spotsonthebackofmyneckofferedhotandpainfultwinges.
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MyearsandfingersandnosewerenumbbythetimeIusedtheknockeratmyparents’house.Eventheburnsonmyneckwerenumb.
Nellicaopenedthedoor.“Youngsir.”Shelookedaskanceatme.“Ah...wereyou...thereisadinner.”
“JusttellmyparentsthatI’mherebecauseof
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unexpectedcircumstances...veryunexpected.”Ididn’tasktocomein.Iwastoocoldtoask.Ijuststeppedintothefrontfoyer.
“Yes,sir.”Sheeasedbacktowardthediningchamber,whereIcouldhearlaughter.
Almostimmediately,Fatherbustledout,andIcouldsensehisglareevenbeforeIcouldseeit.Mother
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trailedhim,herbrowsknitinworry.
“Rhennthyl!Whatareyoudoinghere?”demandedFather.“DidMasterCaliostrusthrowyouout?Itoldyou—”
“Chenkyr...lethimspeak.He’sshivering,andhe’snotevenwearingajacket.Andhisclothesarecoveredinsoot.”
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Ihadn’tevenreallynoticedthat.“Therewasafire.Iwasinthecourtyardgrindingandpowderingpigments.Therewasanexplosionandtheentiresecondlevel—thatwasthestudiolevel—explodedinflames.MasterCaliostrusandOstriusdiedinthefireortheexplosion.Thewholebuildingwasdestroyed,thestudio,thequarters,thefamilyspaces.Ihelpedthe
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familyescapetheflames,andtriedtoassistthefirebrigade.”Ishrugged.“Ihavewhatyousee.”
Father,foronce,wastakenabackenoughthathewassilentforamoment.“Isee.”
“Ifyouwouldnotmindmysleepingsomewherehere...”
“Culthynhasyouroldroom.Youknewthat,”Mothersaidquickly,“butthe
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chamberswhereRouselandRemayastayedareavailable.They’reabitmusty...becauseweweren’texpectingthemuntilthefirstweekinAvryl.Rouseldoesn’twanttoleaveheralonewhilesheisexpecting,andhehastocomebacktoworkouttherestoftheyear’sshipments.”
“Mustyisfine,”Isaid.Anythingwasfineatthemoment.
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SheturnedtoFather.“Youtakecareoftheguests.I’llbewithyoushortly.”
“Ah...yes.”Henoddedtome.“I’mgladtoseeyou’reallright.We’lltalklater.”
Motherwaitedamoment,untilFatherhadclosedthedooroffthehallwayintothediningchamber.“Areyouallright?”Shelookedintentlyatme.
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“AsrightasIcanbe.”ConsideringthatImighthaveimagedtheexplosionthatkilledmymasterandhisson,consideringI’dlosteverythingIhadpersonally—exceptfortheclothesonmybackandaweddingsuit—andconsideringthatIhadnoideawhetherIcouldfindaplacewithanothermasterartist...orwhatImightdo,giventhefactthat,ifIhad
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imagedtheexplosion,whatIhaddonewaseffectivelymurder,aswellasanoffenseagainsttheCollegiumImago.
“You’refreezing.I’llhaveNellicagetyouaplateandsomehotfood,andsomespicedwine.Youcaneatinthefamilyparlor,rightinfrontofthestove.It’sstillwarm,andI’llhaveherfindyousomedryandwarmclothes.We’llseeyouafter
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ourguestsleave.They’remostimportantforyourfather.He’sinterestedinalargecontractfortheNavy.”
“You’dbetterseetothem.”
“AfterImakesureyougetfedandwarm.”
BeforelongIwaswrappedinaheavywoolrobeinfrontoftheparlorstovewithaplatterofchickennaranjeandbasamaticricewithorange
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sauce.Iateslowly,tryingtothinkmattersthrough.
EvenifIhadimagedthefireintobeing,IhadnotreallymeanttokillMasterCaliostrus,butIcouldnotsaythatofOstrius.Yetintendedornot,thedeedhadbeendone,andIneededtodiscoverwhatelseImightimage,forIwasnotabouttotraveltheBridgeofHopesandmakemycasetothe
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imagersthatIshouldbeconsideredfortheirCollegiumonthebasisofanimagethathadkilledtwomen.
“Hereissomemoreofthehotspicedwine,sir...”offeredNellica,pouringsomeintothemugonthesidetable.
“Oh...thankyou.”
“Wasitaterriblefire,sir?”
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“I’mafraiditwas,Nellica.MasterCaliostrusandhissonOstriusdied.Iwasworkingdowninthegrindingshedwhenithappened,orImighthavebeenburnedorinjured.”
“Sir...there’saburnortwo,littleones,itlookslike,onthebackofyourneck.AfterIservethedessert,Icangetsomeointment...andsomewarmwater.”
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“Thankyou.Thatwouldbegood.”
Whensheleft,Itookanothersipofthehotspicedwine.
Myparentswouldhousemeforafewweeks,butcertainlynotlonger,notunlessIhadsomethingfirminmind,andnotwithoutmorethanafewquestions,andmorethanalittlepressure
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toreturntothefold,sotospeak.
Itriedtowaitforthem,buttheirdinnerwentonandon.SoIdecidedgobacktothemain-floorguestchamber.Nellicahadsetoutwaterandtowels,andthewaterwasstillwarm.Iwashedupandthensatdownintheonearmchair.IthoughtImighttrytoseeifIcouldimagesomething,butIwassotiredthatmyeyes
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keptclosing,andIfinallyjuststumbledovertothebedandclimbedunderthecoversandwenttosleep.
BeforeIknewit,NellicawasknockingonthechamberdooronVendreimorning.
“Yourparentswouldliketoknowifyouwouldcaretojointhemforbreakfast.”
Thatwasasclosetoasummonsaspossible,andI
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struggledawake,finallymumbling,“Ifyou’dtellthemthatI’llbethereinjustafewmoments.”
“ThatIwill,sir.”
Ijustpulledontheheavyrobeandsomeslippersthathadbeenleftandpaddeddownthebackhallway.Theywerebothinthebreakfastroom.
Mothersetdownhertea.
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“Areyoufeelingbetterthismorning,dear?”
“I’mstilltiredandsleepy,”Iadmitted,settlingintothechairatthesideoftheovaltable.
Nellicaimmediatelysetalargemugofsteamingteainfrontofme,toohoteventosip.
“Icancertainlyunderstand,dear,seeingafirelikethat
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andhelpingfightit,andthenwalkingallthewayhereinthecold.”Mothersniffed,butsympathetically.
Fatherfinishedchewingamouthfulofwhatlookedsuspiciouslyliketroutandeggsoufflé,tookaswallowoftea,andclearedhisthroat.
Iputmyhands,stillcold,aroundthemugofteaandwaitedfortheonslaught.
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“It’scleartheportraiturebusinesswasn’tforyou,”Fathersaidbriskly.“Thesesortsofthings,tragicastheymaybe,aren’ttobeignoredasportents.Ialsoheardyouhadthebestpaintinginthejourneyman’scompetition,butthatitwasn’tpickedbecauseitwastoo...unconventional.”
Thereferencetomypaintingofthechessboard
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surprisedme.Ihadn’tmentionedittohimortoMotherorRousel.“Whotoldyouthat?”
“Idohavemysources,Rhenn.Merelybeinggoodatfiguresandtradeisn’tsufficienttosucceed,especiallynotinL’Excelsis.”
“Itakeitthatyourdinnerwassuccessfullastnight?”
“That’slikely,butonly
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timewilltell.”Hefixedbothofhisslightlybulbouseyesonme.“Letusnotchangethesubject.Whatdoyouplantodo?”
“IcouldsaythatIhadn’tthoughtaboutit,”Iadmitted,“butthatwouldn’tbetrue.Ihavethoughtaboutit,butIhaven’tcometoadecision.”
“What’stodecide?”Hesnorted.“Youdon’thavetwo
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silverstorubtogether,letalonethefivegoldsnecessarytopayforanotherjourneyman’spositionwithamaster,andthat’sifyoucouldfindonewillingtotakeyouon.”
“I’magoodportraiturist,”Ipointedout.
“No,son...you’rebetterthangood.IsawtheoneyoudidofMasgaylFactorius.He
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boastedofwhatagreatportraititwasandhowlittleitcosthim.Yourabilityisyourproblem.You’rebetterthanmanywhoaremasters.Whywouldtheywanttoraiseupsomeonewhocouldcompeteagainstthemforpatronsassoonasyoubecameamaster?You’regoodenoughthattheguildcouldn’tpossiblyturnyoudown,evennow.Thatmeans
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thatnoonewilltakeyouasajourneyman.Thosewhomightwillfearretaliationfromtheothers,andIcouldn’taffordthegiftsrequiredtogetyouaccepted.Itwascostlyenoughwhenyouwerejustatalentedstudentcomingoutofgrammaire.Now...”Heshookhishead.
“Iwasn’tasking.”
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“Iknowyouweren’t.Thatwasn’tmypoint.WhatIwastryingtogetacrosswasthatifIcan’taffordthat...youcouldn’t,either.”Hetookadeepbreath.“Butyou’lllikelynotlistentome,notyet.I’dsuggestthatyoumaketheroundsofsomeoftheothermastersandseewhatreactionyouget.Then,we’lltalk.”Hepushedbackhischair.“Takeyourtime.
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You’llneedtobesure,andIneedyoutounderstandhowmattersstand.”Thenhestoodandsmiled,anditwasn’tacruelsmile,butonethatwasalmostsad.
Howmattersstood?Evenwithhissources,hehadn’thalftheideaofwherematterstrulystood.Yet...whatifhewerewrong?Iwasagoodartist.Whatifsomeonewouldtakemeon?HowwouldI
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knowifIdidn’tatleastask?
“Allofus,allofus,Rhenn,wedowhatwecan.You’llfindthat’strueforyouaswell.”
Ijustwatchedasheturnedandleft.
“He’sjusttryingtobehelpful,Rhenn.”
“Iknow.”AndIdid,butIwasn’tfindinghisattitudeas
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helpfulashethoughtitwas.WhatwasIsupposedtodo?ComecrawlingbacktothefactoringbusinessandworkformyyoungerbrotheratsomethingforwhichIhadlittletalentandevenlessinclination?OrthrowmyselfonthemercyoftheimagersofImagisle?Whoknewiftheyevenhadmercy?
Afterfinishingbreakfast,silently,Iwashedup,and
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changedintosomeolderclothesthathadbeensomeone’s,possiblymyfather’sormylateuncle’s.I’dhavetogetanotherrazor,andmorethanafewotheritems,assumingIcouldbegorborrowthecoinsfrommyparents.
ThenIsatdowninthechairandtriedtoimageasmallbox.Nothinghappened.
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Iwalkedovertothedressingtableandpickedupapolishedbonehaircomb—probablyoneofapairofRemaya’sthatshe’dleftononeoftheirvisitsbecauseshe’dbrokenorlostthemate.Isetitdownandstudiedit,thenconcentrated,tryingtoimageitsmate,lyingonthepolishedwoodofthedressingtablebesidethefirst.Ididn’tseeanythinghappen,but
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then,asifithadbeenthereallalong,apairofcombsrestedonthewood.
I’dleavethem,ofcourse,ifonlytoconfoundRouselandRemaya,exceptthatthey’dprobablyjustassumethatsomeonehadfoundorrepairedthebrokencomb.
ThatprovedtomethatIcouldimagesomethingbeyondoilsoncanvas.Italso
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reinforcedthelikelihoodthatI’dbeenguiltyofkillingtwomen,evenifithadbeenunintentional.
IfIwantedtokeeppainting,Istillneededtotalktosomeoftheotherportraituristmasters.
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755A.L.
Intruthliesfalsity,infalsitytruth.
Chasys’sstudiowastheclosestofanyofthe
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portraituristmasters’studiostomyparents,butitwasstillalongwalktoDaravinWay,Thankfully,themorningwassunny,andtheblusterywindofthedaybeforehaddieddown.Evenso,myfeetwerecoldbythetimeIstoppedoutsidethesmalltwo-storydwellingthatheldquartersandstudio.
Iusedthebronzeknockerontheoutsidestudiodoor,
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expectingSagaryntobetheonetogreetme,butChasyshimselfappeared.Hewasathinfigure,slightlytallerthanIwas,butnoonewouldhavethoughtso,becausehewasalwaysstoopedover.Hisgrayingbrownhairwasfrizzyallover,buttrimmedshort.Heworealeatherapron.
“Rhennthyl,isit?”Hesteppedbackandheldthedooropen.“Mightaswell
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comeinandgetwarmedup.”
“Thankyou.”
Chasysclosedthedoor.Beyondhimwasthestudio,aspacelessthanaquarterthesizeIhadworkedinwithMasterCaliostrus.Ontheeaselwasaportrait,scarcelybegun,butIcouldtellthatitwasofayoungmatron,notthatIwouldhaverecognizedmanywiththegoldsto
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commissionsuchawork.
“AfterIheardwhathappenedtooldCaliostrus...”Heshookhishead.“Alwaysknewhewasspoilingthatboy...man,Iguesshewas.”Thenhelookedsquarelyatme.“Sagarynthoughtyoumightbeaskingaround.Ilikedthatstudyyouenteredinthecompetition,thatIdid.”
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IhadthefeelingIknewwhatwascoming,butIjustsaid,“Thankyou,MasterChasys.”
“It’snotthatIcouldn’tuseanotherjourneyman,especiallyonewithyourskills,but...we’vebarelygotenoughworkthesedaysforSagarynandme.Ihaven’tseensolittleworkinmaybeten-twelveyears,andit’snotjustme.JacquerlandTeibyn
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weresayingthesame.”
Thatdidn’tsurpriseme,becauseSagarynhadmentionedthattimesweresometimestight,butIhadtostartsomewhere.“Isthereamasteryoumightsuggest?”
Chasyscockedhishead,thenfrowned.“Idon’tknowaboutEstafenorKocteault.”
“I’veseenKocteault’splace,butnotMaster
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Estafen’s...”
“Estafen...youwalkedwithinfiftyyardsofhisplacecominghere.He’sonBeidalt—theshortplacejustbeyondtheendofBakers’Lane.”
SinceEstafenwasnearer,thatwaswhereIwentnext,afarshorterwalk.
Anapprenticeopenedthesidedoortothestudio,paintedwhiteandtrimmed
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withthethinnestlineofgreen—zincgreen,butgreen,nonetheless.MostdoorsinL’Excelsiswereeitherstainedandoiledorpaintedonecolor.“MightIsaywho’sseekingthemaster?”
“Rhennthyl,fromMasterCaliostrus.”
“Ifyouwouldwaitinthefoyer...sir.”
“Thankyou.”Istepped
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insideandlookedaroundwhiletheapprenticescurriedthroughanotherdoor.Estafen’sstudiohadafoyer,bare,exceptforasingleportraithungthereonthewallfacingthedoor.Itwasamostflatteringimageofaredheadedyoungwoman,asubtlebutdirectindicationthathecouldindeedportrayredheadswithskill.Still,Ididn’tthinkitwasthatmuch
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betterthantheonesI’ddone.
“Yes,Rhennthyl,youdoportrayredheadswell.It’soneofyourmanytalents.”MasterEstafenhadslippedintothefoyersosilentlythatIhadnotevennoticedhim,farmorequietlythanIwouldhaveexpectedfromsucharotundfigure.
“IfImightask,sir,howdidyouknow?”
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“IwasprivilegedtoseetheoneyoudidlastyearofMistressD’Whaelyn.HighFactorWhelatyn,thebrotherofthegirl’sfather,askedmyopinion.Itoldhimthathecouldnothavedonebetter,exceptifhehadcommissionedonefromamaster.”
Ismiledpolitely.Theportraithadbeenbetterthansomeofthemasters’works
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withredheads,althoughIhadtoadmitthattheoneEstafenhadhungwasquitegood.“Thankyou,sir.IimagineyouknowwhyI’mhere.”
“Icouldpretendtobedenseandquitesolicitous...butIwon’t.”Estafen’ssmilewaspleasantandcool.“IunderstandMasterCaliostrusperishedinafire.Whynoonesuspectsyouofanypartinitis,first,youwere
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nowherenearwherethefirestartedforhalfadayand,second,youhavesomuchtolose,andnothingtogain.You,ofcourse,couldbemygain,but,alas,Ialreadyhavetwojourneymenandtwoapprentices.Noneofthemarequitesogoodasyou,butthey’remostcompetent,andevenIdonothaveenoughworkforthem...andyouaswell.”Hissmileturned
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apologetic.“Timesaredifficult,andwithapossiblewarloomingandtradeandcommerceprofitsbeingthreatened,fewerofthosewithcoinsarelikelytospendthemonportraits.”Heshrugged.“IwishIcouldofferyoumoreencouragement,Rhennthyl,butthatishowitmustbe.Itrustyouunderstand.”
“Iunderstandyour
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situation,sir,andIrespectandappreciateyourkinddirectness.YoumustunderstandthatImustattempttofindaposition.Doyouhaveanysuggestions,sir?”
“WouldthatIcouldsuggestamaster,Rhennthyl,butIcannot,andIfearthatwhatyouseekmayprovemostdifficult.Becauseofyourtalentandaspirations,I
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wouldhopeotherwise.”
“AswouldI,sir.”Iinclinedmyhead.“Ithankyouforyourtime,sir.”
“Thebestoffortunetoyou,andIwouldbethefirsttohopethatyoufindthepropermasterforyourabilities.”
Ibowedagainandtookmyleave.
AsIwalkedbackalongthe
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BoulevardD’Este,towardJacquerl’sstudio,IthoughtoverMasterEstafen’swords.Theyboreanominoussimilaritytowhatmyfatherhadsaid.Estafenhadasmuchassaidthathewasn’tabouttohavesomeoneasgoodasIwasasajourneyman.
Itwasearlyafternoon,andmyfeetweregettingsore,whenIreachedJacquerl’sestablishmentonSloedyr
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Way.IwishedI’dhadthecoinsforahack,orthewealthformyowncarriage,butifI’dhadthat,Iwouldn’thavebeentrudgingfrommasterportraituristtomasterportraiturist.
Rogarismetmeoutside,evenbeforeIcouldknockatthedoor.“Youcantalktohimifyouwantto...”Heraisedhiseyebrows.
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“Buthe’llsayno.”
Rogarisnodded.
“I’lltalktohim.I’dliketohearhowheturnsmedown.”
“Ithoughtso.”Rogarisshookhishead,thenopenedthedoor—paintedadarkbrown—andsteppedinside,waitingformeandclosingitbehindme.Thewoodenfloorscouldhavegracedthefoyerofmanydwellings,far
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finertheywerethanmoststudiosinwhichIhadbeen.
Jacquerlsteppedawayfromtheeasel,settingdownabrush,andwalkedtowardme.Hewasshortanddapper,andevenhisleatherapronwasalmostspotless.“Rhennthyl.”Hesmiledpolitely.“Rogarissaidyouwouldwishtospeaktome.IwassosorrytohearaboutpoorCaliostrus.Hewasagoodman,andwe’llall
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misshim.”Hepaused.“Iassumeyouareheretoseeifthereisanypossibilityofbecomingoneofmyjourneymen.”
“Thatwasmythought,sir.”
“Directlysaid,asmightyourfatherhaveputit,adirectman,asfactorsmustoftenbe.”
“Hecanbeverydirect,sir,moresothanI.”
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“Thatwellmaybe,Rhennthyl,butyouneverdidstrikemeasayoungmanamenabletothesubtle.ThatcanbebothastrengthandaweaknessinSolidar.That’sparticularlytruehereinL’Excelsis,where,attimes,onemustbesubtleandperceptiveenoughtoseewhatisandwhynoonewillmentionit,andyetstrongenoughtopursuewhatis
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necessarywithoutseemingtodoso.”Jacquerlpaused.“Then,thereareothertimes,suchasthese.MuchasIwouldliketosupportanartistofyourability,Icannot.Thecommissionswouldnotbethere,andwewouldallsuffer.Youwillpardonme,Itrust,ifafteralltheyearsIhavebeenamaster,Iwouldprefernottosuffer.”
“Icanappreciatethat,sir.”
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Thedapperportraituristsmiled,ifsadly.“Iwishitwereotherwise,butweartistsdonotmakethetimes.Weonlyliveinthemandportrayotherswhodo.”Afterapause,headded,“Mybesttoyou.”
Rogarisfollowedmeoutontothefrontstoop.“Itoldyou...”
“Whotoldthemnottotake
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meon?”
“What?”
“I’mnotstupid,Rogaris.Imaynotbesubtle,andI’mcertainlynotverygoodatbeingindirect,butyourmasterasmuchassaidhewastoldhe’dnevergetanothercommission,ornotmany,ifhetookmeonasajourneyman.”
Rogarisshrugged.“Idon’t
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know.Hedidn’tevensayasmuchtomeashejustsaidtoyou.Ithinkit’sameasureofrespecttoyouthathesaidasmuchashedid.”
ThatkindofrespectIcoulddowithout,especiallyifitkeptmefrombeingaportraiturist.“Iknowyoudidn’thaveanythingtodowithit.”
“You’restillgoingtotry
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others?”
“Therearen’tthatmanymoreleft,butIwill.”
Rogarisnodded.“Ithoughtyoumight.Bestoffortune.”
HewatchedasIwalkedoffdowntowardthecornerandthewindinglanethatwouldtakemebackouttotheboulevard.Ithoughtaboutstoppingattheconfectioner’sonthecorner,untilIrealized
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Ihadbutasinglesilverandthreecoppersinmywallet—andnowaytogetmore,exceptthroughthecharityofmyparents.Thatgratedonmysensibilities,andIcouldfeelmorethanalittleangerchurninginsideme.CoulditbethatIwasgoingtobeforcedtochoosebetweenbeinganineffectivewoolfactororchancingtheunknownworldofImagisle?
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Ahalfglasslater,IsteppeduptoMasterKocteault’sstudiodoor.
Aureleanopenedit.“Ah...dearRhennthyl.AfterIheardthenewsaboutMasterCaliostrus,I’dthoughtyoumightmakeanappearanceatMasterKocteault’sstudiodoor.Alas,hesimplyhasnopositionforajourneymanandisunlikelytohaveoneforatleasttwoyears.”
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“Oh?Twoyears?That’sratherprecise,isn’tit,Aurelean?”
“Hisverywordswerethatonejourneymanwasmorethanenoughdifficultyandobligation,andsinceyou—hewasreferringtome,ofcourse—havetwoyearsbeforeI’llrecommendyouformaster,there’snopointintalkingtothepoorfellow.”
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“Ishein?”
“Alas,heisnot.HeisdoingasittingatHighFactorZatoryn’s—hiswife.Sheisstriking,quitebeautiful,youknow?”
“Whenwillhebeback?”
“Icouldn’tsay,dearRhennthyl,andIdoubtthathewouldbeabletotellyouanymorethanIhave.Hemightsayitmore
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diplomatically,butthemessagewouldbethesame.”Hissmilewasoily,supercilious,andsimpering.“Weallwishyoutheverybest.”
HeclosedthedoorasIstoodthere.
TherewerestillsomeofthelessermastersIcouldtalkto,butIwasgettingaverystrongfeelingthatmyfather
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hadbeenalltooaccurateinhisassessmentofmyprospects.
Still...therewasnopointinleavinganystoneunturned.
ItookadeepbreathandbegantowalkthethreeblockstotheBoulevardD’Este.IhadseveralmillestogoalongtheNordroadandthentheSudroadtowardtheAvenueofArtisansinorder
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toreachtheotherclusterofmasterportraiturists.
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CollegiumImago
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Thelongestjourneysarethe
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oneswhereonefearsthedestination.
BynoononSamedi,IhadvisitedeveryportraituristmasterinL’Excelsis,andnotasingleonehadanopeningforajourneyman,oratleastnotforme.ThenIdidsome
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inquiriesaboutthepossibilitiesintheRepresentationalists’Guild,andtheindicationstherewereevenlessencouraging,becausetheguildrulesrequiredafullapprenticeshipunderoneoftheirmasters.
OnSolayi,Ikeptmostlytomyself,exceptforashorttimewhenKhethilaslippedintotheguestchamber.Shewasconcerned,butIhadthe
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feelingherconcernswerenottotallyaboutme,andIwonderedifshewerehavingsecondthoughtsabouttheproposalfromArmynd,butshedidn’tsay,and,thewayIfelt,Ididn’task.
Aftersheleft,Itriedimagingmoresmallthings,suchasthecomb,andencounteredmorethanafewdifficulties.Anythingmetalwasdifficult,ifsmall,and
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impossible,forme,iflarge.Familiaritemsweretheeasiest,butonlythosenottoofamiliar,perhapsbecausereallyfamiliarobjectsIhadtakentoomuchforgrantedandnotreallystudied.IdidconvincemyselfthatIhadsomesmallimagingtalent,butIstillwasn’tcertainhowIcouldhaveimagedafireandexplosionwhenIhadsuchtroubleinimagingsmall
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householdobjects.
Butthen...whetherIhadornotwasn’tthequestion.ThequestionwaswhatIwoulddo.
OnLundimorning,wellbeforebreakfast,IgatheredtogetherthefewbelongingsIhadandslippedoutthesidedoorofthehousewhennoonewaslooking.Icouldn’tpretendthatIwantedtobea
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woolfactor,oranyotherkindoffactor,andattwenty-four,IwasalreadytoooldtoentertheMilitaryInstituteorMarineAcademy,evenifIhadwantedtobeanArmyorNavyofficer—whichImostcertainlydidn’t.ThecraftatwhichIwasbestwaspainting,andthatdidn’tseemtooffermuchfuture,atleastinL’Excelsis.WhileImightbeabletofindapositionin
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anothercity,Ididn’thavethecoinstotravelanywhere,andIdoubtedIcouldgetthereferencesIneeded,notafterwhathadjusthappened.EvenifIcould,Iwaslookingatanotherfiveyearsasajourneyman,assumingIcouldfindsomeonewillingtotakemeonincitiesIdidn’tevenknow,andmostothercitiescouldn’tsupportnearlysomanyportraituristsfrom
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whatI’dheard.Ontopofthat,I’ddoubtlessneedFather’ssupport,again,andIdidn’twanttoaskmore.Ialsodoubtedthathe’dgiveit,notthewayhe’dbeentalkingovertheendoftheweek.
Yet...didIreallywanttogotoImagisle?DidIhaveachoice,really?
Theairwaschill,butthesunroseandwarmedmy
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backbeforeI’dgonemorethanhalfamille.Thankfully,theairwassostillthatitfeltwarmerthanitreallywas.ThestretchfromthehousetothePlazaD’Estewasn’tbad,norwasthewalkdowntheMidroadtotheGuildHall,butmyfeetandlegsweregettingsorebythetimeIwasontheBoulevardD’ImagersheadingtowardtheBridgeofHopes,andIsatdownona
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stonebenchahalfmilleshortofthebridgeandlookedatthegraygranitetowersoftheCollegiumImagorisingabovethebarelimbsoftheoaksthatlinedtheriversideparkontheeastsideoftheRiverAluse.Inanothermonth,theymightbeshowingtracesofgreen.
I’dalwayswonderedwhytheCollegiumhadusedgraygraniteforbuildings,while
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thebuildingsontheCouncilHillwerehardenedwhitealabaster.Theimagershadbeenresponsibleforbuildingboth.AsIsatattheedgeoftheparkwaythatborderedtheboulevard,thewindbegantorise,andthemarginalwarmthprovidedbythewhitelightofthewintersundisappeared.
Istood,stretched,andresumedmyprogresstowardtheBridgeofHopesalongthe
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widestonewalkwayparallelingtheBoulevardD’Imagers.Justbeforetheboulevardreachedtheriverandthebridge,itintersectedEastRiverRoad,andallthewagonsandcarriagesandthehandfulofriderstookEastRiverRoadnorthorsouth.
IdartedacrosstheroadandstoodonthecausewayapproachingtheBridgeofHopes,agranitespanover
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theeasternchanneloftheRiverAluseonlyslightlywiderthannecessarytoaccommodatealargewagonorastatelycarriage.Therewerenostonemarkersannouncingitsname,noranyguardhouses.Theroadbed,pavedwithsmoothgranitestones,archedslightlyupward,sothatthemiddleofthebridge,somefifteenyardsout,wasaboutayardhigher
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thanthecausewayateachend.Ateachsideofthespanwasawallagoodyardhigh.Therewerenosidewalks,andtheroadbedranflatfromwalltowall.
NoonecrossedanyofthethreenarrowbridgestoImagisleunlesstheywantedtogototheCollegium,andnotthatmanydid.BoththeNordBridgeandtheSudBridge,socalledbecauseone
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wasnorthofImagisleandonesouth,werethemaincitythoroughfaresforthosewhowishedtocrosstheAluse.
Istoppedoncemore,justshortofthebridgeproper.DidIreallywanttotrytobecomeanimager?Iswallowed,forcingmyselftothinkabouthowlittleIwantedtohearaboutwhatgreatworkRouselwasdoinginKherseilles.
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Itookadeepbreathandbegantowalkslowlyandsteadilyacrossthebridge.OnceIhadcrossed,Iwasfacedwithachoice.Thecausewaydebouchedintothreestonelanes.Onewentnorth,onesouth,andonedirectlytowardasingle-storiedgranitebuildingwithagrayslatetileroof.Ifollowedthelanetothebuilding.
OutsidethebuildingI
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pausedbeforeastonearchwayofthestylecalledGlacian,supposedlybecauseitwassospareandcold,justliketheMontsD’GlacethatseparatedthefertileandprosperoussouthlandsofSolidarfromthenorthernwastelands.Underthearchwasasingledoorofgray-stainedoakboundinshimmeringbrass.Itookadeepbreathandstepped
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forward,pressingthedoorleverdown,thenopeningthedoor.
Insidewasafoyer,squareandfiveyardsbyfive.Thewallsweresmoothsheetsofbaregraygranite,withoutaseaminthestone.Thefloorwasofthesameseamlessgranite,andtherewasnosignofajoinorofanymortaringofanysortwherethefloorandwallsmet.Theceiling
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wasoffeaturelesswhiteplaster.Twosquarearchesledfromthefoyerintoshorthallways—onetotherightandonetotheleft.Directlyoppositetheentrywasatable,alsoentirelyofgranite,exceptthetopsurfacewaspolishedsosmooththatitshimmered.Behindthetablesatayoungman,wearingalightgraycollaredshirt,withawaistcoatofadarkergray
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thatseemedtomatchhistrousers,fromwhatIcouldsee.Hisbootswereblack.Hisbrownhairwascutshort,likethatofasoldierorsailor.Iwalkedtothetableandstopped.
“MightIhelpyou?”heasked.
“IthinkIneedtoseeifI’msuitedtobeanimager.”
“Whatmakesyouthink
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youmightbeanimager?You’re...ratherolder...thanmostwhocomeacrossthebridge.”HelookedyoungerthanIdid.
Imanagedashrug.“BecauseIcanimagesmallthings.”
“Oh?Wouldyoumindshowingme?”
Ithoughtforamoment,thendecidedthatareplicaof
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thecombIhaddonethefirsttimewouldn’tbetoodifficult.Iconcentrated,creatingthementalimageofRemaya’scomb.Itappearedontheflatsurface,justshortofhishand.
Forsomereason,heseemedsurprised,especiallyafterhepickeditup.“That’sarathergoodcomb.”Hepaused.“Ifyouwouldn’tmindwaitinghereforjustamoment,IthinkGherard
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Secondusmightwishtospeakwithyou.”
Takingthecomb,hestoodandslippedawayfromthetable,walkingquicklyacrossthefoyerandthroughthearchwaytomyleft.Afterashorttime,hereturned.“Ifyouwouldcomethisway...”
Ifollowedhimlessthantenyardsalongthecorridor—
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walledandflooredinthesameseamlessgranite—beforewecametoanopendoor.Hestoodbackandgesturedformetoenter.
Idid.
GherardSecondusstoodbesidetheendofalongconferencetableinachamberthatheldnothingbesidesthetableandthetenchairsthatflankedit,fouroneachside
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andoneateachend.Hestoodbesidethechairatoneend,andhewasattiredinthesamegraygarbasthefirstimager,insofarasIcouldtell,buthedidlooksomewhatolder,perhapsalmostasoldasIwas,andhisshort-cuthairwaslimpandblond.
Hegesturedtothechairclosesttotheonebehindwhichhestood.“Ifyouwouldliketositdown...”
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Iwasmorethanhappytoseatmyself.Myfeetweresore.
“Petrynshowedmethecombyouimaged.It’sfinework.Whathaveyoubeendoing?”
“Doing,sir?”
“You’retoooldtostillbeinthegrammaire,andyoudon’tlooklikeanInstituteoruniversitystudent.”
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“Oh...I’vebeenajourneymanportraiturist,withMasterCaliostrus.”
Hestiffened,justslightly.“RhennthylD’Caliostrus?Isthatyou?”
“Notanymore.I’mjustRhennthyl.”IcertainlywastoooldtoclaimmyselfasRhennthylD’Chenkyr.“MasterCaliostrusdiedinafirelastJeudi.”
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Henodded.“Actually,youneedtoseeMasterDichartyn.I’llberightback.”Heroseandleftmesittingthere.
Acoldshiverwentdownmyspine.Gherardhadn’tknownme,buthehadknownmyname,andhehadbeengivensomeinstructions.Yet...Ihadn’ttoldanyoneofmyintentionstoseekouttheimagers.
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Gherarddidnotreturn.Insteadanothermancame.Hewas,notunsurprisingly,attiredinexactlythesamefashionastheothertwoimagers.Unlikethem,however,hewasolder,graying,andradiatedacertainsenseofpower.Healsodidnotsitdown.“I’mMasterDichartyn.You’reRhennthyl,formerlyRhennthylD’Caliostrus?”
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“Yes,sir.”Istoodquickly.
“Gherardsaidthatyouimagedacomb.I’dappreciateitifyouwouldattempttoimagethis.”Hesetasmalltoplessboxontheflattable,almostsmallenoughtorestonmypalm.
“MightIexamineit,sir?”
“Pleasedo.”
Ipickeditup.Itwascastor
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formedfromsomesortofmetal,butnonethatIknew,foralthoughitwassilveryincolor,itwasfarlighterthaneitherironorsilveroreventin,Ithought.AllIcoulddowasholdit,trytofeelit,beforesettingitonthetableandthenconcentratingonitsshapeandsizeandthefeelingoflightness.Visualizingtheboxwassomehowbotheasy...anddifficult.Evenso,
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anotherboxappearedonthetablebesidethefirst.Tome,theylookedthesame,butIwassolight-headedthatIhadtoputoutahandtothebackofthenearestchairandsteadymyself.I’dneverfeltweakbeforewhenI’dimagedthings.
MasterDichartynlookedatbothboxes,thenpickeduptheoneIhadimaged,thentheother,weighingtheminhis
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hands.Afteramoment,heshookhishead.
IwonderedwhatI’ddonewrong.
“You’reanimager,andyoucouldbeaverygoodone.Givenyourbackground,Rhennthyl,Ican’tsaythatyou’lllikeit,butyoudon’thavemuchchoice.”
Ialreadyknewthat.
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Acceptingwhatisnotisthe
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hardestaspectofimaging,
indeed,ofanyprofessionrequiringgreatskill.
Forthenextfewglasses,IfeltlikeallIdidwaswalkfromonegraybuildingtoanother,orfromonepartofabuilding
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toanother,guidedbyGherard,ratherthanPetrynorMasterDichartyn.Intheprocess,Igatheredthreesetsofgraygarments,fivesetsofpalergrayundergarments,blackboots,imagedtofitmyfeetbyagrayingimager,aswellasastackoffiveboundbooks.Ialsogotaheavygraywoolcloakforcoldweatherandapairofgloves.OnesetofgarmentsIdonned
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immediately,andtheothersetsandthebooksweredepositedinthenarrowarmoireinthestarkgrayroomonthesecondfloorofthebuildingthathousedimagersoftheprimusandseconduslevels.
“Fornow,”Gherardtoldme,asheguidedmebacktowardthefirstbuilding,whichI’dlearnedwastheadministrativebuilding,
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“you’reaprimus,butonceyouknowthebasicsabouttheCollegium,they’llprobablymakeyouasecondus.”
“Youdon’thavetoserveamandatoryapprenticeship?”
Heshookhishead.“It’sallbyability.Therearesomeimagersprimuswhoareoversixty.It’sallthey’lleverbe.”Hefrowned.“Therearesomemastersintheirlatetwenties,
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butnoone’severattainedarankaboveMaitreD’Structurebeforearoundforty,andthereareonlytwoMaitresD’Esprit.”
Imusthavelookedblank.
“Therearethreelevelsofregularimagers—primus,secondus,andtertius—andfourmasterlevels:MaitreD’Aspect,MaitreD’Structure,MaitreD’Esprit,
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andMaitreD’Image.MostimagersintheCollegiumareeitherimagerssecondusortertius.Rightnow,IthinkthereareperhapsfifteenMaitresD’Aspect,buttheremightbemore.”
Thenumberdidn’tsurpriseme.TherewereonlyaboutthatmanymasterportraituristsinL’Excelsis.Butwithsofew,Ihadtowonderwhyhedidn’tknow
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theexactnumber.
“Ihopeyoureadwellandquickly,becauseyou’restartinglate,andyouhavealottolearn.You’llhavetolearnbasicchemistry,somethingaboutmetals,andhowlivingthings—treesandpeople,mostly—work,andallsortsofthingsaboutcombustion,butthat’smostlyforself-protection.MasterDichartynwillexplain
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everythinginmoredetail,includingyourduties.”
Hedidn’tsaymuchmoreafterthat,butjustescortedmebacktothesameroomwhereI’dbegunandleftmethere,whereIsatforatimebeforeMasterDicharytnappeared.
Iimmediatelyrose.“Sir.”
HewavedmebacktotheseatIhadtaken.“Youhave
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garments,quarters,andbooksnow,Itakeit?”
“Yes,sir.”
“Doyouhaveanythingpersonalthatyouwouldliketobring?Youcanhavepersonalitemslikequilts,pillows,bedclothing,paintingsorwallhangings,smallrugs.Noclothing,exceptnightwear,andnopersonaljewelry.”
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“No,sir.Mostofmypersonalthingsweredestroyed.”AndIcertainlywasn’tabouttoaskmyparentsforanything.
MasterDichartynnodded.“Now...letmegooversomeverybasicrules.First,untilyouaretoldotherwise,andonlybyamaster,youarenottoleaveImagisle.Usually,thisrestrictionlastsanywherefromonetothree
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months,dependingonhowfastyoulearnanumberofthings.Second,afterwefinishtoday,youaretotakethemapIwillgiveyou,andyouwillspendtherestofthedaylearningwhereeverychamberandbuildingontheisleis.Donotenteranyroomwherethedoorisclosed....
“Thedininghallservesbreakfastfromthesixthglassofthemorning,amidday
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mealbetweennoonandthefirstglassoftheafternoon,anddinneratthesixthglassoftheafternoon.Seatingisroughlybyposition.Thereisatableforimagersprimus,oneforimagerssecondusandtertius,andathirdformaitres...”
IlistenedasintentlyasIcouldwhileheoutlinedtheregimenofImagisle.Itcertainlydidn’tseemany
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worsethanbeinganapprentice.
“Asforyourduties...they’reverysimple.Fornow,you’retodowhatItellyoutodo.I’vegivenyouyourinstructionsfortoday.Tomorrow,attheseventhglassofthemorningyouaretoappearandwaitoutsidemystudy—it’stwodoorsdownontheleft—untilIsummonyou.Isuggestyoubringthe
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volumeonthestructureoftheCollegiumandtheresponsibilitiesofanimagerandreadit,incaseyouhavetowait.Forthenextseveralweeks,yourdutieswillcenteronlearningeverythinginthebooksyouweregiven.”MasterDichartynsmiledwryly.“Idohaveasimplequestionforyou.Didyoutellanyoneyouwerecominghere?”
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“Why,sir?”Thequestionmademewary.
“Becauseabouthalfofthewould-beimagersdon’ttellanyone,andthenthecivicpatrollerscontactustoseeifyou’rehere.It’smuchsimplerifyoujustwriteanoteortwotothosewhomightworry,onewayoranother.Inyourcase,I’dpresume,toyourparents,sinceyounolongerservea
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masterportraiturist.Thereshouldbesomeblankstationeryinthearmoireinyourchamber,aswellasapenandink.Ifyou’llbringthenotesbacktomethisafternoon,I’llhavethemdispatchedimmediately,andyourparentswon’thavetoworrytoolong.Oh...andyoudogetastipend.It’snotmuch,onlyasilveraweek,butwedofeedandclothe
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you.OnceyoulearnthebasicsoftheCollegiumandpassaproficiencytest,ortheequivalent,mostofwhichyou’vealreadydemonstratedtheabilitytodo,you’llbecomeabeginningimagersecondus,andthat’sworthtwosilversaweek.Stipendsgoupinaccordancewithyourpositionandhowlongyou’vebeenwiththeCollegium.Sodoesthe
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amountofspaceallocatedtoyou.”
Asilveraweekwasn’tgrand,butitwasn’tabsolutepoverty,either,andthepositionalreadysoundedbetterthanattemptingtobeawoolfactorundermyfatherandRousel.
“Thereareseveralotherbasics.First,weexpectdailybathingandfrequent
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launderingofyourgarments.Thisisforbothsafetyandsanitaryreasons,therationaleforwhichwillbecomeclearbeforelong,Itrust.Thebathingisyourresponsibility;thelaunderingwehavearranged,solongasyouplaceyourdirtygarmentsintheproperplace.Therearetwobarbersinthebuildingwiththedininghall,andweexpectshorthair,asyoumay
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havenoticed...”
Whenhefinallyfinishedwhatseemedathoroughoverviewofwhatwasexpectedofme,hestopped.Thesmilevanished.
Iwaited,worriedaboutwhatmightcomenext.
“Awordofcaution,Rhennthyl.Imaginggoesfarbeyondmerelycreatingobjects,anditcanbe
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dangerous,”MasterDichartynsaid.“ThatiswhyImustaskyounottoattemptanymoreimagingexceptundersupervisionofamasterorathisorherdirection.Mostpeoplehavenoconceptofwhatwedo,andwetrynottoletthemknow.ThatisonereasonwhysomeimagersprimusleavebytheBridgeofStones.”
Allguildshadsecrets,orat
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leasttheirpractitionersdid.MasterCaliostrushadwaysofcombiningwaxes,oils,andpigmentsthathehadswornothersdidnotknow,andrevealingsuchsecretscouldcostanapprenticeorajourneymanhisposition,nottomentionastiffflogging.But...death?Itriednottoswallow.Ifailed.
MasterDichartynofferedacrookedsmile.“One
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advantageofdealingwithsomeoneolderisthatyouunderstandfullytheimplicationsofwhatI’mtellingyou.Letmeexplain.Wearenotcruel,andcontrarytowhatpeoplemaysay,wedonotarbitrarilyorotherwisekillyoungimagers.Veryfewimagersfacedisciplinaryhearings.MostwholeavebytheBridgeofStonesdosobecausethey
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madeamistakeinimaging.Youhavebeenajourneymanportraiturist.Whatwillhappenifyoumixparaffin,oils,andwaxesoveraveryhotflame—withoutcare?”
“You’llgetafire.”Iwasn’tabouttomentionpossibleexplosions.
“Orworse.”Henodded.“Now...whatwouldhappenifanimagerattemptedto
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imageallthreerightonastoveorinafire?”
Iwinced.
“Exactly.”Hepaused.“Now,that’sreallynotagoodexample,butitshouldgiveyouanideaofwhatcanhappen.Therearemanysubstancesthatshouldnotbecombinedinimaging,andthatiswhyyouneedtostudythebooksyoureceivedand
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followinstructionsmostcarefully—especiallyasyoubecomemoreexperienced.”
Icouldn’thelpbutfrowninpuzzlementathislastwords.
“Inimaging,”heexplained,“themoreyoulearntodo,thecloseryouaretogreatdanger,frommanysources.Youmaynotunderstandthisnow,butforyourownsafety,pleasebelievemeuntilyou
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understandwhyitisso.”
Therewasnomistakingtheearnestnessorthedirectconcerninhiswords,butIdidwishthathehadnotusedtheparaffinexample,becauseitsuggestedthathehadatleastasuspicionthatmyimaginghadledtoMasterCaliostrus’sdeath.Yet...ifhebelievedthat,whywouldtheyacceptmeevenasabeginningimager?
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Abruptly,hestood.“Thatisallfornow.”Heextendedafoldedpaper,themap,Ipresumed.“Beforeyouexplore,pleasewritethosenotesandbringthemback.Knockonmydoor,once,thenwait.”
“Yes,sir.”
Henodded,thenturnedandleftmeholdingthemap.
Iwalkedslowlybacktomy
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newquarters,andImanageditwithoutlookingatthemap.ThereIsettleddownatthetabledesk.
Writingthelettertomyparentswashard,butbetterthanhavingtotelltheminpersonwhatIplannedbeforeIknewwhethertheCollegiumwouldacceptme.IfI’dbeenrejected,whatcouldIhavesaid?Besides,thenFatherwouldhavecome
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upwithanotherofhissermonsonwhatwasforeordainedandhowitwasclearIwasnotmeanttobeapainteroranimagerandhowIshouldn’thavetriedtoescapemycallingasawoolfactor.StillIspentsomuchtimetryingtogetthewordsjustrightthattherewaslessthanahalfglassleftbeforenoonbythetimeIhandedthelettertoMasterDichartyn.
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“Youspentsometimeonit.Good.I’llhaveitdeliveredthisafternoon.Oh...youalsohavealetterboxintherearcorridoroutsidethedininghall,nexttotheboxesthatholdthenewsheets.Youdon’thavetopayforthem,butyouareexpectedtoreadthem—regularly.Bythisevening,yourletterboxshouldhaveyourinitialsonit—IP-RH.That’syour
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positionfollowedbythefirsttwoinitialsofyourname.Ifsomeoneelsehasthoseinitials,youmighthavethreeorfourlettersfollowingyourposition.”
“Thankyou,sir.”
MasterDichartynjustnodded.“Tomorrowmorning.Here.”Thenheturnedandclosedthedoortohisstudy.
Withthemapinhand,I
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begantonavigatemywaytothedininghall.IhadgottenupearlyandeatennothingexceptsomebreadI’dpilferedfromthekitchenonthewayout.ThedininghallwaswithinalargerbuildingatthewestsideofthequadranglebehindtheadministrationbuildingwhereI’dfirstenteredtheCollegium.ItwasnotnearlysolargeasIhadimagined,
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anditheldbutthreetables,asmalltablesetcrosswiseacrossthehall,andtwolongertablesparalleltoeachotherandperpendiculartothesmallertable.TherewasnooneattheshorttablewhenIenteredthehalljustbeforethebellsstrucknoon,butanumberofyoungerimagersstoodaroundthetableontheright.
Ieasedtowardaredheaded
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youngman.“Isthisthetablefortheimagersprimus?”
“Foruslowlyprimes,itis.You’renew,aren’tyou?”
“Aboutasnewasonecanbe,”Iadmitted.“Icrossedthebridgethismorning.”
“I’mEtyen.”
“Rhenn,orformally,Rhennthyl.”AsIstoodthere,Irealizedthatseveralofthe
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figureswereyoungwomen.Ialsosawtwoolderwomencomingthroughthearcheddoorway,oneofthemgray-haired,andwalkingtowardtheadjoiningtable,andathird,alsogray,movingtowardthemasters’tablewithawhite-hairedman.ImusthavestaredbecauseEtyenspokeagain.
“Therearen’tthatmanywomenimagers,butMaitre
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DyanaisaMaitreD’Structure.She’sold,though.”
“Howold?”
“Shemustbeforty-some...orevenolder.”
Somehow,Ididn’tthinkofsomeonemymother’sageasold,butEtyencouldn’thavebeenmuchmorethatfifteen,andhemusthavecometoImagislerightoutofa
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grammaire.
“Wheredidyoucomefrom?”Iasked.
“FromAsseroiles.”
Asseroileswasmorethanthreehundredmillestothenorthwest.“ArealltheimagersinSolidarhereattheCollegium?”
“Oh,no,butmostofthemare.Therearethreeother
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Collegia.There’sMontD’Imagetothenorth...well,it’sactuallynorthwestofAsseroiles,somewhereofftheNordPassthroughtheGlaces,andWestisleoutsidetheharborofLiantiago,andEstislenearNacliano.”
Thatdidnotseemlikemanyimagers,notforalandthesizeofSolidar,stretchingclosetothreethousandmillesfromcoasttocoast.Howhad
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theCouncilkeptitalltogetherbeforethesteamenginesoftheironwayhadmadelandtransportationfasterthanhorseandwagons?
“Rhennhereisnew,”Etyenannounced.
Severaloftheprimeslookedatme.Mostdidn’t,andpeoplesatdownastheycameinwithoutanyblessing.Ithoughtthatodd.
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“Whatroomareyouin?”askedEtyen.
“Fourteen,secondlevel,southwing.”
Someonenodded.
“...Corsarius’sroom...”
Severalprimeslookedhardatthefresh-facedyouthwhohadmurmuredthewords.
“Whathappenedtohim?”Iasked.
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“BridgeofStones,”repliedEtyeninalowvoice,addingevenmorequietly,“Wedon’ttalkaboutit.”
Nottalkaboutit?Whensomeonedied?
“Youdidn’tcomeherestraightfromthegrammaire?”askedtheprimeacrossthetablefromme.“Oh,I’mLieryns.”
“No.I’vebeenan
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apprenticeandajourneymanportraiturist.Ididn’trealizeIcouldimageuntilalittlewhileago.”
“Sometimes,it’slikethat.”Etyennodded.“ButIalwaysknew.”
“Youalwaysknoweverything,”murmuredsomeone.
Therewerelowlaughsfrommorethanafewprimes,
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andasIlookeddownthetable,IwasrelievedtoseethattherewereafewwholookedasoldasIwas,ifnotolder.
“Youwereajourneyman.Youactuallypaintedrealportraits,then,”observedLieryns.
“Some,”Ireplied,lookingatthelargebowlofricebeingpasseddownthetable.
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Behinditfollowedsomesortofdishinsauce.“Mostlyofgirlsandcats.”
“Cats?”
“MymastersaidIhadatalentforpaintingcats,andIdon’tthinkhelikeddealingwithgirlsandcats.Ididdooneportraitofafactorius.”
Atthatpoint,thericearrived,andIservedmyselfasolidhelping,aswellasof
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thetomato-saucedfowlchunksthatfollowed.Ifthelunchfarewasanyindication,IwasgoingtobebetterfedthanIhadbeenbyMadameCaliostrus.
Sometimelater,afterseveralmouthfulsoffood,andsomeswallowsofafairredplonk,Itookanotherlookaroundthetablebeforespeaking.“Ihaven’thadachancetoreadanything.
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Whatdowedo,besidesstudy?”
“Whateverwecan,”repliedLieryns.“I’mhelpingMasterSchorzatinthechemistrylaboratory,butmostlyIimagelittlethingsoutofglassforhisexperiments.”
“Ithoughttherewasacounselor-advocatetotheCouncilnamedsomethinglikethat.”
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“That’shisbrother,”someonesaid.“Scheorzyl.MasterSchorzatsaidhisfatherwantedeveryonetoknowthetwowerebrothers.”
MyeyeswenttoEtyen.“Andyou?”
“I’mstillworkingonmakingshapeswithmetals.They’reharder.”
Icouldn’tsaythatIlearnedallthatmuchatlunch,but
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everyonewascertainlyfriendly.Afterward,Ileftthedininghalland,maponcemoreinhand,begantoexploreandtrytomemorizewhereeverythingwas.NooneseemedintheslightestinterestedasIwanderedalloverImagisleandthebuildingsoftheCollegiumthatLundiafternoon.Istillworriedaboutwhynoonetalkedaboutitwhensomeone
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died.
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Imagingisbasedonwhatis,
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but,withoutgreatcare,
whatanimagerfeelscanchangewhatis.
AsMasterDichartynhadintimated,IhadtowaittoseehimonMardimorning.Isatonabenchoutsidehisstudy
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readingthethinvolumeontheCollegium.I’dmadeitthroughfifteenboringpageswhenheopenedthestudydoorandanolderimagerwalkedout,somewhatstiffly.
“Youmaycomein,Rhenn.”
Hisstudywassmall,notmorethanthreeyardsbyfour,withalongnarrowwindow,openjustslightly.
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Thespaceheldtwoenormousbookcases,asmallwritingdesk,twofilingboxesstackedontopofeachother,andtwochairs,onewithacushionandarmsandonestraight-backedandnottoocomfortable.Isatinthestraight-backedchair.
“Beforewestart,I’dlikeyoutoknowthatoneofourmessengersdeliveredyourlettertoyourparents
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yesterday,lateintheafternoon.Theywererelievedtoknowthatyouweresafe.”
“Thankyou,sir.”Motherwasrelievedatmysafety;FatherwasmorelikelyrelievedIhadn’tembarrassedhimorgottenintosomedifficultythatmighthavecosthiminsomefashion.
“Now...whenwasthefirsttimeyourealizedyou
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mighthaveimagingabilities?”
“Notuntilaroundthefirstoftheyear.”Itwasactuallyjustabitearlier,butnotmuch.“Iwasworkingonaportrait,andIcouldn’tgettheareaaroundtheeyesright.Icouldalmostseehowitshouldbe—andthenitwasright,evenwithmybrushstrokes,asifI’dpainteditjustasI’dvisualizedit.I
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stillwasn’tsurethatitwasimaging.IthoughtmaybeI’dpainteditandthenimaginedthatI’dimagedit.”
“And...?”
“Maybeamonthlater,Iwasworkingonanotherportrait,andithappenedagain.”
“Andyoudidn’tcometousthen?”
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“No,sir.I’dheardabouthowimagershadturnedthealabasterwallsoftheCouncilChateauintostoneharderthangranite,andhowtheycouldimagepartsofmachinesintobeing.AllIcoulddowasimagejusttheslightestbitofoilpaint.”
“All?”Dichartynlaughed.“Therearesomesecondsthatcan’tdothatandneverwill.”
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“Ididn’tknowthat,sir.Itseemedveryinsignificanttome,andIwasbeginningtogetcommissions—thekindwherepatronsaskedformepersonally.”
Henodded.“Whatdidyourmastersay?”
“Inevertoldhimabouttheimaging.Whenhetalkedabouttheimagers,hewasquiteclearthatIshouldnever
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wanttobeone,thatmostdiedyoung,andmostoftherestneveramountedtoanything.”
“Hesaidthat?”
“Yes,sir.”
“Icanseewherethatmightgiveyoupause,Rhenn.”Heleanedbackinhischairandfingeredhisclean-shavenchin.
Alltheimagerswereclean-
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shaven,Irealized,unlikeartists,mostofwhomhadbeardsormustaches,ifnotboth.Inthatway,atleast,Ididfitin.I’dneverlikedbeards.
“Sowhydidyoufinallyseekusout?”
“MasterCaliostrusdiedinthefire.Nooneelsewouldtakemeon.Myfatherwantedmetobecomeawoolfactor.I
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thoughtthatmysmalltalentsforimagingmightgainmeaplacehere.”
“Atleastyouhavenograndiosedelusionsaboutyourability.”MasterDichartynlaughedagain,nottotallyunkindly,Ithought.“It’sverygoodthatyoudid.Beforelong,youwouldfindyourselfimaginginwaysthatcouldbemostdestructive.Perhapsyoualreadyhaveand
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donotevenknowit.Soonerorlater,thatimagingwouldhavebeennoticedbyothers.”
“Notknowit,sir?”Ihadanideaofwhathemeant,butIwasn’tabouttosayso.
Hesmiled,knowingly.“Youknowmorethanyoureveal,Rhenn,butIwillexplain,becauseyoudon’tknowasmuchasyouthink.”
Iacceptedtherebuke
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silently.
“Allpeoplehavedaydreams,ordreamsornightmares,orwishes.Wewishthatthingswouldappearordisappear,butwhathappensifthepersonwhowishesthatisanimager?”
Thelitlamp!Iswallowed.
“Didthatrecallsomething,Rhenn?”
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“Ah,yes,sir.SometimeafterthefirsttimeIimagedtheoils,Ihadadream,andIdreamedthatitwassodarkthatIcouldseenothing,andIwantedlight.Thelamponthechestwokeme,becauseitwaslit,andIthoughtI’dwickeditoff.IneverbelievedthatI’dimagedthelight.I’djustthoughtI’dbeensotired...”
“Youareveryfortunate
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youcameherebeforeanyoftheimagingyoudidcametolight.”MasterDichartyn’svoicewasstern.“Youhavequarterstoyourself.Doyouknowwhy?”
“No,sir.”
“EverysetofquartersintheCollegiumisnotonlystone-walledbuthasalayerofverythinleadplatebetweenthetwocoursesof
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stoneandunderthefloortiles.Thewindowsareallglazedwithleadedglass,andthosewindowswhichopenaredesignedwithlouverssothatthereisnodirectpassageofair—orthought—inandout.DoyouthinkthattheCollegiumwenttothatexpensemerelyforyourcomfort?”
“No,sir.”Ihadaveryuncomfortablefeelingabout
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wherehiswordswereleading.
“Noimagereversleepswithanotherperson,evenhiswife,andImeansleep,notlovemaking.TheCollegiumisherenotonlytoeducateandimproveimagers,buttoprotectothersfromthoseverysameimagers.Yes,wehaveprivileges,andthosewhobecomemasterscanlivequitecomfortably,andthosewho
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domarrycanliveinpleasantdwellingsonthenorthendoftheisle,butneverthinkthatwedonotpayahighpriceforthoseabilitiesandservicesthatweprovide.Imagerswhomusttravelareaccompaniedbyobdurates,and,iftheycannotsleepwithinironorlead,musttakestrongdrugsofthetypethatdonotpermitdreamingwhentheysleep.ThosewhoserveintheNavy
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havelead-linedcabins,verysmallcabins,becauseleadisheavy,andweightiscriticalonmanyvessels.Thosewhomarryandliveherehavespecialseparatesleepingchambersintheirdwellings,andmustindeedlivehereunlesstheyhavethewealthtobuildsimilarquarterselsewhereinL’Excelsis.Youcanneverspendanentirenightwithawomanyoulove,
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oranylover,forthatmatter,notunlessyouremaintotallyawake,andwhenyouaretired,eventhatcouldpresentadangertoher,especiallyifshehasmalleabletendencies.”
MasterDichartynpaused,lettingmetakeinhiswords.
“OneofthereasonsfortheinitialrestrictiontoImagisleissothatyoucometo
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understandwhatdamageeventheleastableofimagerscaninflictuponothers.Asecondreasonisthatyouneedtounderstandthatwearesofewthatwecouldbewipedouttothelastperson.Yes,someofusdohavetheabilitytokillorchangeothers,andyouareoneofthosewhoalreadypossessthatability,whetheryouknowitornot.Butwhileweareindividuallypowerful,
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forthemostpart,nooneofuscouldfaceevenamoderatelylargegroupofarmedmenandsurvive.WethereforedoourbesttoshowtheCouncilourgoodwill,ourself-discipline,andourindispensabilitytoSolidar.Noimagercanbeallowedtojeopardizetheothers.Isthatclear?”
“Yes,sir.”Itwasmorethanclear;itwasfrightening.Iwantedtoaskaboutthe
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imagerwhohadlivedinmyquartersbeforeme,butdecideditwouldbebesttowaitonthat.
“Good.”Thesmilereturned.“I’mgoingovertothelaboratoriesthismorning.I’dlikeyoutoaccompanyme.Then,thisafternoon,Iwillgiveyouashorttalkontheintroductoryaspectsofchemistry,andyouwillbegintoreadthatvolume.Tonight,
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afterdinner,youaretoreadthefirstsectionofthebookonthegovernmentandhistoryofSolidar.Youwillfinditisnotlikeanyhistorybookyouhavereadbefore,andIwillbeaskingyouquestionsaboutwhatyouhavereadinbothvolumeswhenwemeettomorrowmorning.”Heboundedoutofhischair.“Now...letusgotothelaboratories....”
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Already,IwasbeginningtowonderaboutthetwosidestoMasterDichartyn’sbeing—thesternandthecheerful.Heseemedtoswitchfromonetotheotherbothquicklyandcomfortably,butthechangewasmorethanalittledisconcertingtome.
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Learningrequires
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unlearning.
OnMeredimorning,rightafterbreakfast,Ipickedupanewsheetandcheckedmyletterbox,notexpectingtoseeanything,andfoundanenvelopethere.Irecognizedmymother’shandwriting.I
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openeditquicklyandbegantoread.
DearRhennthyl,
YourfatherandIweremostrelievedtoknowthatyouaresafeatImagisle.Whileyourfatherhadhopedthatyouwouldseeyourwaytofollowinghisexampleinthewooltrade,heacceptsthe
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factthatyoumustfollowyourowndestiny.Webothwishyouthebestinbecominganaccomplishedimager.InthenotethatMasterDichartynsentaccompanyingyourletter,hesaidthatyouhadgreatpromise.HealsosaiditcouldbeseveralmonthsbeforeyourinitialtrainingwouldallowyoutoleaveImagisle,butthat,beginninginAvryl,youcouldhave
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visitorsonSolayi.Ilookforwardtothat.
IswallowedasIfinishedthenote.ThewayIreadit,Motherwasrelievedforme,and,sinceIwouldn’tbeawoolfactor,Fatherwasgladtogetmeoutofhishair.
AtthethoughtthatMasterDichartynhadsenthisown
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note,Igatheredthethreebooks—NaturalScience,HistoryandPoliticsofSolidar,andImagers’Manual—undermyarmandhurrieddownthewalkofthequadrangletowardMasterDichartyn’sstudythroughablusterywind,barelyarrivingbeforetheseventhglassbegantoringoutfromthetoweroftheAnomenD’Imagisle,locatedatthe
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southendofImagisle.
AsonMardimorning,Ihadtowait,butIimmediatelybegantoreadmoreintheManual,thepartdealingwiththeresponsibilitiesofanindividualimager.I’donlyreadanotherpagewhenMasterDichartynopenedthedoorandmotionedmeintohisstudyandintothechairacrossfromhiswritingdesk.Heremainedstanding.
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“You’vereadthesecondsectionoftheManual,haven’tyou?”
“Ihaven’tquitefinishedit,sir.”
Thatgotaslightnod,butwhetheritwasofacknowledgmentordisapprovalIcouldn’ttell.“Whatisthefirstresponsibilityofanimager?”
“TofollowtheImagers’
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Codeunderallcircumstances.”
“Whatdoesitmeanby‘all,’Rhennthyl?”
Themanualhadn’tgottenintodefinitions.“Atalltimesandplaces,sir?”
“Whatifyoucan’t?”
“It’saresponsibility,sir.”
“Youaren’tansweringthequestion.”Hisvoice
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remainedpatient.
“I’monlyguessing,sir,becausetheManualdoesn’tsay,butIwouldthinkthatitmeanswheneverandwhereveritisphysicallyandmentallypossible.”
“Adefinitionsuchasyoursstandsattheedgeofaverydeepprecipice.”
“Yes,sir.Peopleliketosaythattheycan’tdosomething
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becausethey’retootiredorthattheycan’tthinkclearly.Idon’tthinktheCodeacceptsthosekindsofexcuses.Iwasthinkingmoreaboutbrokenbonesormortalinjuries.”
“Youthinkcorrectlyonthat.TheCodeisnotforconvenience.ItisdesignedforthesurvivalofboththeindividualimagerandtheCollegium.Whatismeantbytheprohibitiononcreating
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anyformofduressonanyindividualwhoisnotanimager?”
Thathadseemedobvioustome,especiallyafterwhathe’dsaidthedaybefore.“Onedoesn’tthreatenanyone,orsayanythingtogivethemcauseforfear,andonedoesn’ttakeactionswhichcreatefearofeithertheimagerortheCollegium.”
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“Verygood.Why?”HisquestionsfromtheManualwentonforagoodhalfglass.Then,abruptly,heswitchedsubjects.“ThatboxIgaveyoutoimage?Doyouknowwhatitwasmadeof?”
“No,sir.Itwasmetal,butnotametalI’veeverseen.”
“Youdidn’tthinktolookinyoursciencebookandseewhatitmightbe?”
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“No,sir.”Iknewwhatwascomingnext.
“Tomorrow,Iwantyoutotellmewhatitis,andwhyweuseitforimagingtests.Now...”Heextendedtwoobjectsandplacedthemontheedgeofhiswritingdesk.Onewasasimplecarvedhollowcylinder,nomorethanathumb’slengthindiameterandaboutthesameinlength.Thesecondwasalsoa
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cylinder,butsolidandlessthanaquarterthesizeofthefirst.Bothlookedtobemadeoutofboneorivory,andneitherhadanymarkingsonthem.“Ihaveanexerciseforyou.”Heturnedthelargercylindersideways,thenplacedarulerononesideandabookontheothersothatitwouldn’troll.Hehandedmethesmallercylinder.“Trytoimageacylinderjustlikethis
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exactlyinthemiddleofthelargercylinder.”
“Won’titfall?”
“Itshould,unlessyouknowawaytostopgravity.”Hesmiled.“That’snotthepoint.You’vealreadyshownthatyoucanimagesmallthingsonaflatsurface.Oneofthenextstepsistoimagesomethingintoaplacethat’snotsoeasy.”
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Itookthecylinderandheldit,lettingmyfingersrunoverit.ThenIconcentratedonimagingonejustlikeitintheairinthemiddleofthelargercylinder.Nothinghappened.
MasterDichartyndidn’tseemsurprised.“Takebothcylinderswithyouandkeeptrying.Itmaytakeawhile,butyoushouldbeabletofigureitout.”
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Islippedbothintothelargerinsidepocketofmygraywaistcoat.
“Thismorning,youcanaccompanymeononeofthesmallriverboats.Someoftheprimesaregoingtotryimagingontheriver.Youmightaswellseeifyoucandoit.”
“Yes,sir.”Ididn’taskwhyimagingwasharderonaboat,
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notafterfailingattheexercisehe’djustgivenme.Ijustfollowedhimoutofthebuilding.
MasterDichartynwalkedbrisklyalongtheeastsideofthequadrangle,rightintothefangsofthewind,awindthathadgottenevenstrongerandcolder.Wecrossedtheopenspaceatthenortheastcornerofthequadrangleandtookthestonelaneanotherhalf
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millenorthpastthewalledherbandvegetablegardens,nowmostlyfallow,untilwecametoasetofthreepiers.
Fiveprimesstoodonthesouthernmostpier,clearlywaitingforMasterDichartyn.Theriverboatdidn’tseemallthatsmalltome—notatalmostfifteenyardslong.Ithadonlyonedeckandthesteamenginewasintherear,justforwardofthe
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paddlewheel,inaraisedandcoveredenginehouse.Thewheelhousewasroughlyinthemiddleoftheboat.
Ilookedoutattheriver,runningasroughasI’dseenit,withwhitecapsonthewaves.
MasterDichartyngesturedforustocrossthenarrowplanktotheboat,thenfollowedafterme,becauseI
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trailedtheotherfive.Abeardedsailorvaultedoffthebowanduntiedthelinefastenedaroundanironcleat,thenjumpedbackaboardbeforetheboatswungdownstreamwiththecurrent.Thepaddlewheelbegantochurnastheboatheadedoutintotheriver.Onceitclearedthecalmerwateraroundthepier,itbegantoroll,thenpitchasthepilotturned
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upstreamintothecurrent.Spraysleetedoverthebow,andsomesplattereddownlikefatraindropswhereIstoodwiththeothers,justforwardofthewheelhouse.
Oneoftheprimes,achubbyfellowwholookedbarelyoutofgrammaire,wasturningpalebeforetheboatwaseventenyardsawayfromthepier,andanotherjuststoodfrozen,hisright
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handclutchingtherailingsotightlythathisfingerslookedlikeaclaw.Ihadtospreadmyfeetabittokeepmybalanceastheboatcontinuedbothtorollandpitch.
“Thefirstexerciseistoimageacubelikethis,”beganMasterDichartyn,holdingupablackwoodencubeperhapsthreedigitsonaside,“andtoimageitonthecenterofthethirddeckplankinboard.This
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one.”Hepointedwiththetipofhisboot.“Youfirst,Geoffryn.”
“Yes,sir.”Thechubbyprimeclosedhiseyesandseemedtotenseallover.
Amistyshapeappearedontheplank,thensolidifiedintoamuddyblackoblongbox.
“Acube,Geoffryn.”Dichartyn’svoicewaslouder,risingoverthewindandthe
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engine,buthedidnotsoundangry.“Doyourecalltheshapeofacube?”
“Yes,sir.”
“Jakhob,youtry.”
“Yes,sir.”Thethinprimewhohadbeenclutchingtherailjustlookedatthedeckplank.Hisimagedcreationwasalmostacube,ifslightlyangledandmuddyblack,anditappearedabovethenext
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plankinboard,possiblybecausetheriverboatwasrolling.
Thenextthreeprimesmanagedtoimagecubes,generallyclosetothecenterofthedesignatedplank.
“Rhenn?”
Ididn’tlikedoingimaginginpublic,butthosewatchingcouldn’thavebeenanymorecriticalthanMasterCaliostrus
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hadbeenwhenI’dbegunasanapprentice.First,Ivisualizedthecube,shimmeringandblack,andthenIaddedthepositioning.
Thecubeappeared,almostmirror-like,rightonthemiddleoftheplank.Asitdid,Irealizedthatitwasashadetoolarge.Abruptly,itshimmered,thenreappearedasthecorrectsize.Ididfeelatracelight-headed,andhadto
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putmyhandout,steadyingmyselfontherailing.
“Youusedtoomucheffort,”observedMasterDichartyn.“Youshouldhavepaidmoreattentiontothesizethefirsttime.”
“Yes,sir.”Still,Iwaspleased,evenifhedidn’thappentobe.Mycubelookedbetter,andhadbeenimagedinexactlytheright
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position—eventhefirsttime.
“Now...you’regoingtotrythesamething—exceptIwantyoutobalanceyourcubeontherailingonthefarsideoftheboat.”
Threeoftheotherprimescouldn’timageanythingthatfaraway,andonecouldonlycreateablob.Thelastonemanagedadecentcubeontherailing,asdidI,buttheyboth
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slidoffintotheriverwhentheboatrolledasthesteersmanmadeaturn.
“Takeusback!”MasterDichartynfinallyordered.
Thatafternoon,Gherardtookmeonaquicktourofthevariousshopsandlaboratories,aswellasshowingmeworkshopsinthelargegraybuildingnorthofthequadrangle.ThenIwent
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backtomyquartersandbeganreading.
AlreadyitwasclearthatMasterDichartyn’sassignmentsvariedwidely.
IhadtostayuplaterthanIshouldhaveonMeredinight,butIdiddiscoverthattheboxwasmadeoutofametalcalledaluminum.Thesciencebookdescribeditasalightwhitishblueductileand
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malleablemetallicelementalmostneverfoundinpureforminnature,butcommoninnaturalchemicalcompounds.Itwasextremelydifficulttorefine,requiringspecialtechniquesinvolvingpotassium,andthepricewassomethinglikeahundredandfiftygoldcrownsapound.ThelittleboxI’dimaged,ifI’ddoneitcorrectly,mighthavebeenworthtencrowns
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orso.NowonderMasterDichartynhadpocketedit—exceptIknewthathewouldn’thavemadeoffwithit,eveniftheCollegiumruleshadn’tprohibitedusingimagingforpersonalgain.
Thesciencebookwasdifferent,almoststrange,becauseitmixedthingsI’dlearnedyearsbeforewiththingsI’dneverheardorthoughtabout.Onesection
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hadadetailedsetofplansforasteamengineofthetypeusedontheironway,butthenextdiagramwasofaminingwaterpump,andbeyondthatwastheaxleassemblyforacarriageorcoach.Buttherewerealsoanatomicaldrawingsofhumanbeings,verydetailed,andclearlytakenfromdissectionsofcadavers.
Thebookonhistoryand
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governingwasthethickestofall,andtome,thehardestreading,evenjustleafingthroughit.ThebookledoffwiththeFiveRightsofCitizens:
Allcitizens,whethertheybemenorwomen,areofequalstaturebeforethelawandassuchmayholdanddisposeof
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property;unlessanauthorityhasreasonandevidencetothecontrarythatissufficientforindictmentinacourtofjustice,theyarepresumedinnocent.
ThelawsoftheCounciltakeprecedenceoveranyandalllocaloradministrativeregionallaws,ordinances,orrestrictions,butnolawenactedatanylevelmayidentifyasacriminaloffense
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anyactionalreadytaken,norencumberpersonsorseizetheirpropertywithoutjustcompensation,savetaxesleviedonallandapprovedbytheCouncil.
Noindividual,whetheracitizenoranalien,maybeimprisonedwithoutformalchargesbeingpostedandwithoutbeinginformedofthosecharges.
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Allcitizens,unlessunderindictmentforacrimeorimprisonedforsuch,havetherighttotravelunfetteredthroughoutallregionsandterritories.
AllcitizenshavetherighttopetitiontheCouncilforredressofanyharmfulactiontakenbyanylevelofgovernment,includingtheCouncilitself,andallsuchpetitionswillbemadepublic.
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Afterthat,thereweresectionsoneverything,butasIriffledthroughthepages,justtryingtogetasenseofwhatwasthere,someparagraphsstoodout.
AminimumofthreeCouncilmembersmustbefromareas
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withinfiftymillesofeithereastorwestcoasts...andnomorethanthreeCouncilmemberscanbefromwithin200millesofL’Excelsis,withtheexceptionofthesolerepresentativeoftheCollegium...misrepresentationofdomicilemandatesimmediateremovalfromtheCouncil,lossofamaster’sposition,andafineof1,000golds.Inthecaseof
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aHighHolder,suchaviolationwillalsoincludeforfeitureofone-fifthofalllandsandassets...
WithfifteenCouncilmembersinall,thosenon-imagersfromL’ExcelsiscouldnevercomprisemorethantwentypercentoftheCouncil—somethingthatI
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rememberedvaguely—butthepenaltiesIdidn’trecalleverseeing.
Norefuseorwaste,includinganyliquids,fromafactorageormanufacturingfacility,norfromanyagriculturalorcommercialactivity,norfromanywatercraft,shallbeallowedtofloworbeplaced
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intoanywaterway,norshallanyhumanrefusebesoallowed...whetheritbefromanindividual,atown,oracity...
Accordingtothat,ifIreaditright,evenacowcouldn’tpissinastream,notwithoutbringingafinedownupontheowner.
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Ratesforfreightonanyironwaymustbeleviedonthebasisofweightandcubicdisplacement.ThoseratesmustbeapprovedbythetransportationsubcouncilandbytheCouncilbeforetakingeffectandmustbepostedforonemonthbeforebeingimposed.Changesmaynotbesubmittedmorethanoncea
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year...FreightorcargoaccompaniedbyaCouncilrepresentativeorarepresentativeoftheCollegiumImagohaspriorityoverallotherfreight...
Thatwassuggestiveinmorewaysthanone,butofwhatIwasn’tsure.
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Imagingisasmuchanartinarrangingperceptionasinchangingreality.
IwokeearlyonthefollowingMardimorning,andafterIbathedinthecommunalshowerroom—withwaterthatIhadthefeelingwas
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neverlessthanchill—andshavedanddressed,Isatatthewritingtableinmyroom,lookingatthetwocylinders.
Morethanaweekhadgonebyquickly,eachdayfollowingasimilarpattern.Breakfast,examinationandinstructionbyMasterDichartyn,whichcouldbeoverinhalfaglassordragonforasmanyastwo,followedbysomesortofimaging
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exercises,lunch,someotheractivityinvolvingobservationorinstruction,rangingfromwatchingexperimentsinthechemistrylaboratoriestowatchingorlearninghowtohandlemachineryineitherthewoodworkingshop,themetalworkingshop,orthemodelshop.Then,whenIwaswornout,Ihadtoreadandstudy.
OnLundi,thedaybefore,
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I’dhadtoadmittoMasterDichartynthatIstillhadn’tfiguredouttheskillofplacingasmallcylinderintheemptyspaceinthemiddleofthelargercylinder.Itshouldn’thavebeenthathard,becausesomeoftheyoungerprimeshadbeendoingsomethinglikeit,ifunintentionally,duringtheimagingexercisesontheboat.
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MasterDichartynhadjustlookedatmeasifIweretrulystupidandthengoneontoaskquestionsaboutwhatI’dread,andwhatIhadn’t,intheNaturalSciencebook.He’dstartedbyaskingmehowmuchairweighed.I’dneverthoughtaboutairweighingsomething,butsinceabarometerworkedbymeasuringthechangeintheweightoftheair,IsupposeI
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shouldhave.
Airweighingsomething...hadhisquestionbeenasrandomasithadseemed?Butifairweighedsomething,thenIreallywasn’ttryingtoimagesomethingintowhatI’dthoughtofasanemptyspace.Whywasiteasytoimagesomethingonatable?Becausetheaircouldbemoreeasilymoved?OrbecauseIdidn’thavetoworktoholdit
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upasitwasbeingimaged?
Ikeptthinkingaboutit,allthewaytobreakfast,wherewehadoatporridge,alongwithraisinsandbread,andtwothinstripsofbacon.
Iconcentratedontheideaofimagingaraisinintothemiddleofaspoonfuloftheoatporridge.Asmallgoutofporridgespoutedup.
“Don’tletthemasterscatch
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youplayingwithyourfood,”murmuredThenard.
Someoneelsesnickered.
Iforcedmyselftoeatthemouthfulofporridge.Theraisintastedfine,butshouldIhaveswallowedit?Ilookedatthehandfulofraisinssprinkledontopoftheporridge.Whycouldn’tIimageoneofthemintomyspoon?Wouldn’titbeeasier
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thantryingtocreatearaisin?
Carefully,Itookanotherspoonful,onewithoutraisins,andthenconcentratedontheraisinonthetopoftheporridgefarthestfromme,visualizingitdisappearingandthenreappearingontopoftheporridgeinmyspoon.Theoneraisinvanished,thenreappearedonthespoon’sporridge.Icouldfeelmyforeheadbeginningtosweat,
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but...I’ddoneit.
Thatraisedanotherquestion.Icouldfeeltheenergyittooktodoimaging,butwhyhadn’tIwhenI’dfirstbeguntoimage?OrwasitthatwhatI’ddonewassoslightthanitjusthadn’ttakenthatmuchimaging?Butthen,therewasthefire...Orhadn’tInoticedtheeffortthenbecauseI’dbeensoangryandthensoinvolvedin
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tryingtohelpthechildrenoutofthehouse?
Later,asIwalkedacrossthequadranglethroughthemistingraintowardMasterDichartyn’sstudy,Icouldn’thelpthinkingaboutwhatI’ddone...andwhatitsuggested.Byusingimagingtomovesomething,I’dalsoprovedthatitwaspossibletoremovethings,atleasttosomedegree.Ifoneremoved
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thecartridgefromapistolaimedatone,orifoneremoved...Iwinced.Iwasn’tcertainIwantedtoexplorethosepossibilities,notimmediately.ButIwasbeginningtounderstandexactlywhytheCollegiuminsistedonsuchstrictrulesandsuchsecrecy.
Aswasusual,MasterDichartyn’sdoorwasclosed,andIsatdownonthewooden
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benchandbegantoreadthesixthsectionoftheNaturalSciencebook,whichdealtwithmetalsandvariousalloys.Icouldn’thelpbutwonderhoweffectiveimagingmightbeincreatingsomeofthem,atleastinsmallquantities.
Beforelong,thestudydooropened,andoneoftheolderimagers,asecondusorevenatertius,departed.
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“Rhennthyl?”
Iimmediatelyclosedthebook,stood,andhurriedintohisstudyandtookmyplaceonthestill-warmseatusedbythepreviousimager.
MasterDichartyncamerighttothepoint,asusual.“Onlyafewofyouwilleverworkinthelaboratories.SowhydoestheCollegiuminsistthatyoustudyscience
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andworkandpracticeinthelaboratories?”
IgavethebestanswerIcouldcomeupwith.“Sothatwe’llbebetterimagers?”
“That’strueasfarasitgoes.”
Ididn’tknowwhattosaytothat.
“Yourbrainknowsmorethanyourecallatanyone
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point,”hewenton.“Ifyouhaveafriend,whenyoumeethim,youdon’tthinkabouteverythingyouknowabouthimatthatmoment,doyou?”
“No,sir.”
“Butallyouractionsandallyourwordstakeintoaccounteverythingyouknow,evenifyoudon’ttrytorememberitall.Whatallthisstudyaboutmetalsand
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scienceisdesignedtodoistoprovidethesamekindofknowledgeinordertoimproveyourimagingskills.”
Thatmadesense.IcouldseethatIwasalreadydoingthat.
“Doyouhavethetwocylinders?”
“Yes,sir.”
“Let’sseewhatyoucan
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do.”
Ihadthetwocylinders,butIhadn’teventhoughtaboutthem.Still,wasairanydifferentfromporridge,exceptthinner?ItookoutthelargercylinderandproppeditinplacesidewaysonMasterDichartyn’swritingdeskwithtwobooksthathadbeenonthefarcorner,thenheldthesmallercylinder.CouldIjustmoveit?Idecidedtotry.
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Thesmallcylindervanishedfrommyhandandappearedinthemiddleofthelargerone,hangingthereforjustaninstantbeforeclunkingdownontothebottomsideofthelargercylinder.
MasterDichartyn’seyesflickedfrommyhandtothecylinderandthenbacktomyhand.Henoddedslowly.“Iwonderedwhenyou’dmake
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thatconnection.Someneverdo.They’retheoneswhoremainseconds.”
“Seconds?”Iblurted.
“Rightnow,youhavetherawtalentofatertius,butyoudon’thavetheunderstandingnecessaryforasecondusofyourability.We’regoingtohavetoworkonthat.”
“Yes,sir.”WhileIdidn’tmindthework,Ididn’tmuch
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careforthewayinwhichhe’dexpressedthewords.
“Whyisthereanabsoluteprohibitiononanimagerusinghisabilityforanysignificantfinancialadvantageforhimselfpersonallyorforanyotherindividual?”
I’dreadthatsection.SoIansweredquickly.“Thatwouldgivehimorheran
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unfairadvantageoverothers,andthatwouldcreateangeragainsttheCollegium.”
“That’sverytrue,Rhenn.It’salsoveryincomplete.Canyouthinkofotherreasons?”
“ItmightcreateconflictwithintheCollegium.”
“That’salsotrue.I’dlikeyoutothinkaboutthatforawhile.Let’slookatitfromanotherperspective.You
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mentionedthatyou’dusedimaginginpaintingyourownwork,butwhatifyouusedyourtalenttocopyanentirepaintingofamaster?”
“Itwouldn’twork,sir.There’stoomuchdetail.”
Dichartynsighedandgaveawearysmile.“That’sabadexample,then.Let’stakesomethingsimpler,agoldcrown.Youcouldprobably
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imageonenow.Doingsowouldleaveyouweakanddizzy,ifnotinfarworseshape,and,evenifIsaidyoucould,youshouldn’ttryit,butintimeyouwouldbeabletoimageahandfulorsoofthem,atleastintherightplace.They’dberealgold,notcounterfeit,andnoonewouldbethewiser.Whywouldthatbewrong?”
“Besidesthefactthatthe
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rulesoftheCollegiumforbidit?”Ihadtothinkaboutthat.“Idon’tknowthatIcananswerthat,becausethatsortofimagingiswork,andifIimagedrealgoldpieces,what’sthedifferencebetweenpaintingaportraitandreceivinggoldsandcreatingthegolds.Imean...someoneminestheore,andsomeonesmeltsit,andsomeonecoinsit,andtheyall
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getpaid.Sowhereisthatanydifferentfrommyimagingagoldcrown?”
ThistimeIgotacoldlook.Ijustwaited.Ireallydidwanttoknow.
“Didyougetanumberofextraassignmentsinthegrammaire,Rhennthyl?”
“Yes,sir.”
“Icanseewhy.Letmesee
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ifIcanmakethisclearwithadifferentexample.”Hefrowned.“You’veheardoftheCyellaRuby,haven’tyou?”
“TheonethatsitsonthescepterofthePriest-AutarchofCaenen?Yes,sir.”
“He’stheHighPriest.WhatabouttheStoraciEmerald?”
“Yes,sir.”
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“Whatifyouimagedanexact,anabsolutelyperfectduplicate?”
“Sir?HowwouldIevergetcloseenoughtoseetheoriginals?”
Hegavemeanevencolderlook.
“There’dbetwo,”Isaidslowly,tryingtothinkwhathewanted.
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“Yes,therewouldbe.”Hepaused,thenasked,“Whatmakesthemsovaluable?Whatwouldhappenifyouimagedtwo...orthree?”
“Oh!Theywouldn’tbesovaluablebecausetheywouldn’tbesorare.”
“That’sonething.Howwouldtheownersfeelaboutbeingrobbedofthatvalue?Andifthevaluableobjecthas
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somereligiouscontextorvalue...doestheduplicate?Whocouldtellwhichonehappenedtobetheonewiththatvalue?WhatmighttheCaenenansdo?”
“Theycoulddo...anything.”Ofthat,Iknewenoughtobesure.
“YouneedtothinkaboutwhattheimagersoftheCollegiumimage—you’ve
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seensomeofwhatwedo—andwhywe’resocarefulaboutwhatweallowtobeimaged.Also,notallthingsimagedturnouttobetrueduplicates.Itrustyoucanseewhatdifficultythatmightcreate.”
“Yes,sir.”Ipaused.“Whatlawswouldpunishsomeonewhocouldimagewhogotcaughtbymakingabadcopy?”
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“Ifthatpersonhappenedtobeanadult,olderthaneighteen,andthecrimewasamajoroffense,heorshewouldbeexecuted.Committinganymajorcrimethroughthemeansofimagingisacapitaloffense.Youngerthanthatandthey’dbesenttousfortraining.Someofthemdon’tsurvivetraining,butimagersarerareenoughthatit’sworththeeffort.Someof
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theyoungonesdon’tknowit’sacrime,andsomedon’tseethattheyhaveanychoice.”
Ifeltcoldinside.Iwasolderthaneighteen,andIhadbeenwhenthefireandexplosionhadkilledMasterCaliostrus.
“Thatshouldgiveyouenoughtothinkaboutfornow.Today,I’mgoingto
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takeyouovertothemachineshopforsomeinstruction.Thenyoucanhelpwithcleaningduties.”
ThatsoundedlikeanassignmentI’dratherdowithout,notthatIhadanychoice,especiallyafterwhatI’djustlearned.
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Deathalwayscreateseither
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guiltorfear,whethereitherisacknowledgedor
accepted.
I’dbeenattheCollegiumthreeweeksandthreedays,andonthatMeredimorning,Mariseighteenth,Iwasshivering,evenundermy
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covers.Iforcedmyselffrombedandpeeredthroughthewindow.Outside,fatflakesofsnowweredriftingdownfromadarkgraysky,althoughnotmorethantwoorthreedigits’worthofsnowhadpileduponthequadrangle.Springwassupposedtoarriveinaweekorso,butitfeltlikewinter.Ipulledontherobethathadcomewiththeroomand
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trudgedoutanddowntotheshowersandbathingrooms.Ididlikebeingcleanandclean-shaven.Ijustdidn’tcaremuchfortheprocess,andnotinwinter-coldweather.
Onthewaybackfromtheshower,asIclimbedthestepsfromthelowerlevel,Iheardheavyfootsteps.WhenIsteppedawayfromthelanding,Isawtwoobdurate
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guardsintheirblackuniformscarryingastretcher.Theyheadeddownthehallwaytoanopendoortwodoorsbeforemine.BeforeIreachedthatdoorwaytheyhadenteredandthencomeout,carryingafigurecoveredwithablanket.Oneofthemclosedthedoorone-handed,bracingthestretcheronhiskneeforamoment,andthentheystrodetowardme.I
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flattenedmyselfagainstthestonewallofthecorridor,notthatIreallyneededto.Neitherlookedatme,butmostobduratesignoredthoseofuswhowerestilllearning.
Standinginthecorridorbetweenthenow-closeddoorandmineweretwoimagers.AlthoughtheylookedtobeseveralyearsyoungerthanIwas,theywerebothseconds,andhadsaidlittletome.
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FromwhatIcouldsee,theywerebothupsetandtryingnottoshowit.Thetallerone’scheeksweredamp,asifhe’dwipedawaytears.
“Whowasthat?Whathappened?”Iasked.
Thetwosecondslookedateachother,thenatme,beforeonereplied,“Mhykal.OnhiswaytotheBridgeofStones.”
AllIknewaboutMhykal
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wasthathewasanimagersecondus,thathewasofaverageheight,afewdigitsshorterthanme,andthathehadn’tbotheredtospeaktomewhenwepassedinthecorridororonpathsofthequadrangle.Peoplethatyoungjustdidn’tdieintheirbeds.Whentheydidn’tanswer,Iaskedagain,“Whathappened?”
“Whoknows?Ithappens.
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Notoften.We’renotallowedtosay.Askyourpreceptor.”
Askmypreceptor?BeforeIcouldsaymore,onehadretreatedtohisroom,andtheotherwasheadedforthestairs.
Ireturnedtomyroomanddresseddeliberately,tryingtomakesenseoutofwhatIhadseen.Animagersecondwasdead,andhisbodywascarted
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off.Nooneactedasifitwerestrange.Sad,butnotstrange.I’dheardthatmorethanafewwould-beimagersdied,buthearingthat,andseeingitthewayIjusthad—thatwasanotherthing.
Afterfinishingdressing,IstuffedmybooksinthecanvasbagI’dbeenissuedandthenmademywaydownstairsandthroughthesnowtothedininghall.I
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managedtofindEtyenandsatacrossfromhim.
“Therewereobsinthequartersthismorning,and—”
“Iheardthat.Mhykal,theysaid.Icouldhaveguessedhe’dbeone.Hewasalwaystalkingaboutwhathecoulddo.”
“Likeyou?”quippedLieryns.
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“No.Morelikeyou.”
“Me?”Lieryns’svoicealmostsqueaked.“Iwouldn’tbethatstupid.”
“WhywouldMhykalbeone?”Ipressed.
“Youcangetinrealtroubleimagingbyyourself...leastuntilyou’reathirdoramaster.Therearelotsofthingsthatcanhappen.BebestifyouaskedMaster
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Dichartyntoexplain.”
Lierynsandanotherprimenodded.
Iateslowly,butgoodasthefriedham,hotbiscuits,andwhitegravywere,IhadtroublefinishingwhatI’dservedmyself.Afterbreakfast,IhadtowaitalmostafullglassforMasterDichartyn.IreadthenewsheetI’dpickedup,
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glancingoverthetopstorythatmentionedtherecalloftheSolidaranambassadortoCaenen,andthentookoutthehistorytextandstartedrereadingthepagesI’dalreadyreadthreetimes.
“Youlookworried,Rhennthyl.Troublewiththeassignment?”
“No,sir.”Istraightened.“Sir...beforewestart...
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mightIaskaquestion?”
“Briefly.”
“Sir...Iwascomingbacktomyroomaftermyshower,andtwoobdurateguardshadastretchercomingoutofaroom...andtherewasabodyundertheblanket.Thetwosecondstherewouldn’ttellmewhathappened.Theysaidthattheycouldn’tandthatIshouldaskyou.”
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“That’ssomethingyou’llprobablyseeagain...unfortunately.”MasterDichartynlookedacrossthedeskatme.“Aboutathirdoftheimagerswhoarrivehereasprimesdiebeforetheycompletetheirsecondustraining.Closetofortypercentofthemoretalentedonesdie.”
Fortypercent,andhe’dalreadytoldmeIwas
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talented?
“Wouldyouliketoguesswhy?”
ThatwasthelastthingIwantedtodo.
“There’sasayingaboutimagers.Thereareboldimagers,andthereareoldimagers.Therearenooldboldimagers.Whileit’snottotallytrue,it’scloseenough.Tellmewhy.”
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Whenheputitthatway,Ididhaveanidea.“Imagerswhoareboldtrythingsthataredifferent,orindifferentways,andtoomanythingscangowrong?”
“Wealloccasionallyhavetotrytoaccomplishdifferentthings.It’samatterofapproach.TheCollegiumbelievesagraduatedandcautiousapproachisthebestone.Wetrytobuildonwhat
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youalreadyknoworhavebeentaught.Someyoungimagersthinktheyknowbetter.Sometimestheydo,butmostofthetimetheydon’t.Iftheykeeptryingthingswithoutenoughknowledgeandsupervision,soonerorlatersomethingwillgowrong,oftenverybadly,inoneoftwoways.Theyeitherkillthemselvesdoingwhatthey’vebeentoldnotto
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do,ortheygetkilledwhentheygooutinL’Excelsisandstartboastingorcarryingon.”
“Can’tyoudosomething?”
“Whatelsewouldyousuggest?Wecautionyou.Wetrytoshowyouhowtodothingsintheproperways.Areyousayingweshouldhaveatertiusoramasterspendeverymomentofeverydaywiththoseofyouwho
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aretalented?OraccompanyyoueverytimeyouleaveImagisle?Wedon’thaveenoughmastersorthirdsforthat.Besides,anyonewhoreallywantstodosomethingboldlystupidwillfindaway,and,frankly,wecan’taffordtohaveimagerswhoarestupidorpubliclyarrogant.There’stoomuchatstake.”
MasterDichartynfeltthatwayabouttheCollegium,but
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thatwasn’tmuchhelptomepersonally.
“Now...tellmehowthefoundingoftheCollegiumchangedthehistoryofSolidar.”
Ipushedawaymyangerathisnear-indifferenceandtriedtothink.Accordingtothehistorybook,becauseimagerscouldcreatecertainchemicalcompoundsand
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metals,theCollegiumgainedgreaterandgreaterpowerbysupportingtheemergingmerchantclass,untilthelastabsoluterulerandrexofSolidar,Charyn,cededpowertotheCouncilonceherealizedthattheimagersnolongersupportedhimandwerepreparedtobackaviolentchangeingovernment,ifnecessary.So,beingwiserthanmostrulers,
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CharynrequestedapositionasheadoftheCouncilforlife,asa“transition,”andeveryoneheavedasighofrelief.Now,thebookdidn’tputitquitelikethat,andIhadthefeelingithadbeennowherenearthatneatandsanitary.“TheCollegiumallowedagrowthofcollectivepoweroftheimagers...”
IjusthopedthatMaster
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Dichartynwouldn’tbetoocritical,butIwasstillworriedaboutwhathappenedtoMhykal.I’dlitalampthroughimaginginmysleepandkilledtwomenwhilenotreallytryingtodoso.CouldIdosomethingstupidenoughtokillmyself...andnotevenknowit?
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Loveisbothanameandan
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act;toooftenthenametriumphs.
OnSolayi,thetwenty-ninth,Istruggledtogetoutofbedintimeforbreakfast.Therewasnorequirementtogotobreakfast—oranyothermeal,forthatmatter.Butforme,
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thereweren’tanyalternatives.EvenifIhadbeenpermittedtoleaveImagisle,I’dearnedsomethinglikefoursilverssinceI’dbeenattheCollegium.Thatmighthavepaidfortwocheapmealsofftheisle—andneitherwouldhavebeenasgoodaswhatIwasgettingfed.Atthenoonandeveningmeals,weevenhadwine,agradethatwasagoodplonk.
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Atbreakfastanddinner,evenduringtheweek,Iseldomsawmorethanafewmasters,andtheywerethosewhohadvariousdutiesonthatparticularday,norweretherethatmanyoftheolderthirdsorseconds.Onweekendstherewereevenfewer,butthatmadesense,becauseeventhejuniorimagerscouldleaveImagisle—exceptforprimesinmy
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position.
Iwasoneoftheolderimagersthere,exceptforMaitreDichartyn.Hewasseatedatthemasters’tablewithMaitreChassendri,andshewasthemaitreoftheday.Isatdownattheprimes’table,lessthanhalffull,andarathersleepy-eyedandgroggyLierynsstaggeredinandsatacrossfromme.
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“Tooearly,”hemumbled.
“Butit’salongtimetolunchonanemptystomach.”
“Wouldn’tbehereotherwise.”
Iglancedaroundthedininghall.Therewereonlytwentyorsoatthesecondsandthirds’table,andperhapsfifteenattheprimes’table.“Youdon’tgoanywhereonweekends?”
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“Nowheretogo.MypeopleliveoutnearRivages.Ironwayonlygoespartway,andit’snearlyadaytripeachway.Besides,they’reallforesters.”
“Youdon’thavemuchtotalktothemabout?”Iasked,beforepouringteaintomymug.
“Neverdid.Lessnow,andeveryoneelseintown,they
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alllooktheotherwayiftheyseemecoming.Oh,they’lltalkifyougreet’em,andthey’renicertomethantheyeverwerewhenIwasjustLeam’syoungest,buttheyalllooksouncomfortable.”
“Theyrespectyou,then.”
“Morelikefear.You’llsee.”Lierynslookeddownintohismugoftea,inhalingslightlyandlettingthewarm
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vaporcaresshisface.
“Howdidyoudiscoveryouwereanimager?”
“Mydahadtoomanypitchersofplonkonenight,andhecamestormingin,triedtobeatupCallia,andheranintoadoorthatwasn’tthere.Ourcotneverhaddoors,justcurtains.Didn’ttakehimlongtofigureitout,seeingasonlyCalliaandI
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werethere.MaandtheotherswereatAuntNuela’s—she’djusthadherthird.Anyway,drunkashewas,thatstoppedhim.”
“Itdid?”
“Oh,hewantedtoflogmeintoribbons,butthemastersdon’tlikeit,andthere’safinders’feeforlettingtheCollegiumknowaboutimagers.It’sagoldmost
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places,maybemoreifwe’renotbeaten.MasterGhaendsaidthatitwascheaperthanholdinghearingsortrialsforpeoplewhokilledyoungimagers.Mydawasmorethanhappytoclaimit,andIusuallybringthemasilverortwowhenIvisit.”Lierynsshrugged.“It’seasierthatway.Besides,I’vegotafeelingthatLlysirajustmighthavethetalent.She’snine
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now.”Hetookamouthfuloftherubber-likeomeletandchewedslowly.“Anyoneelseinyourfamilyshowupasanimager?”
Ishookmyhead.“NotthatIknow,andthewaymymother’sfamilykeepstrackofthebloodlines,Ithinkthey’dknow.”
“Maybetheydoknow.Maybetheydon’tsay.Some
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folksdon’twantitknown.Theysayit’samarkoftheNamer.”
WasLierynsright?HowcouldIknowifpeoplenevertalkedandI’dneverknownenoughtoask?“You’recheerfulthismorning.”
Heyawned,thenshookhishead.“Youeverhaveagirlfriend?”
“Onceortwice.Thefirst
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married...someone.Theother...Idon’tknow.”Thatwasn’ttotallytrue.I’denjoyedthecompanyofafewovertheyears,and,forsomereason,theonlytwoI’dthoughtofinresponsetohisquestionwereRemayaand,surprisingly,Seliora,yetI’donlydancedwithSelioraontwoorthreeoftheSamediget-togethers.“Whataboutyou?”
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Lierynsshookhishead.“ThefirsttimeIwenthome,hermothermetmeatthedoorandsaidthatshewas...indisposed.She’sbeenindisposedeversince.Forme,anyway.You’llbefortunateifyourformergirlfriendwillevenlookatyou.”
Thathadn’tbeenoneofmygreaterconcerns.Evenso,IhadtowonderifI’dhavethat
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problem...orifI’devenhaveanotherwomanfriend.ThatwassomethingelseI’dfindout.
Afterbreakfast,Idonnedtheheavygraycloakandbegantowalkalongthewestsideoftheisle,onthegraystonewalkjustabovethegraystoneriverwalls.CouncilHillwastwoandahalfmillesaway,butthedaywasgrayandhazyenough
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thatIcouldbarelymakeoutthewhitewallsoftheCouncilChateau,andtheylookedtobealightershadeofgrayinthedistance.Thegrayeverywherewasgettingtome.IwonderedhowdifferentithadlookedinthedaysbeforeCharyn,whenL’ExcelsisandSolidarhadbeenruledbyarex.Hadanyoftheearlyrulersbeenimagers?Noneofthehistory
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booksI’dreadhadsaid,onlythattheearlyimagers,especiallythoseservingRexRegis,hadbeenanecessaryadjuncttothepoweroftherex.Butthen,noneofthebooksmentionedtheNamer,either,orRholantheUnnamer,oreventhemarkoftheNamer.
Iamblednorthpasttheworkrooms,thearmory,andanareaofdwellings,both
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largeandsmall,seeminglyplacedwithcareinapark-likesetting.Northofthehouseswasasmallparkthatcoveredthenortherntipoftheisle.Althoughithadbenchesandasmallhedgemaze,Isawonlythreepeople—ayoungwomanwithtwosmallchildren,barelymorethantoddlers.Ikeptfollowingthestonewalkbackdowntheeastsideoftheisle.
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JustbeforeIreachedtheBridgeofHopes,Isawanimager,withbroadshouldersandlightbrownhair,walkingacrossthebridge.Onthefarside,waitingforhim,wasamagnificentblackcoach,trimmedinsilver,withamatchedpairofblacks.Standingbesidetheopendoorofthecoachwasayoungwoman,withlongwhite-blondhairflowingout
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fromasilverandblackscarf.Evenatthatdistance,Icouldtellthatshewasyoungandbeautiful.Ijuststoodandwatchedastheimagerneared.
Sheleanedforwardandkissedhimonthecheek,butbriefly,andwithacertainstiffness.Thenhehelpedherintothecoachandfollowed.Icouldn’thelpbutwondernotonlywhotheimagerwas,buthowhe’dmanagedtohavea
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ladyfriendsoclearlywealthy.PerhapstherewasmoreappealtobeinganimagerthanI’drealized.
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Thosewhodonotunderstand
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imagingassumethatanyruleoftheworldcanbecircumventedorchangedwithenoughskill;thatissoerroneousthatitcannotevenbetermedwrong.
OnJeudi,thethirty-thirdofMaris,attheendofbreakfast,
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whenI’dbeenattheCollegiumforoverthreeweeks,MasterPoincarytstoodandannounced,“AllmembersoftheCollegium,exceptthosewithspecificexceptionsfromme,willassembleinthegalleryofthehearingroomoftheJusticeBuildingattheeighthglassthismorning.”Thenhesatdown.
“That’stroublefor
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someone,”murmuredEtyen.
“Morethantrouble,”addedThenard.
AccordingtotheManual,hearingsweremandatedonlyforseriousoffensesagainsttheCouncilortheCollegium,buttherewasnothingwrittenthatindicatedthatthehearingswerepublicandthatallimagerswererequiredtoattend.
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“Doyouknowwhoitisorwhattheydid?”Iasked.
“No,”saidsomeonedownthetable.“Weonlyfindoutatthehearing.”
IfyoudidsomethingagainsttheCollegium,couldsomeonejustappearwithguardsorwhateverandwhiskyouofftoacellandahearing?Couldtheydothattome,forimagingthe
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explosionthatkilledMasterCaliostrusandOstrius?Itriednottoshiver,andinsteadlookeddownattheremnantsoftheegg-friedtoastonmyplatter.
Islowlyfinishedthem,aswellasmytea,thenmademywaytoMasterDichartyn’sstudy,whereIsatonthebenchinthehallandbegantoleafthroughthemanual.
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“Rhennthyl?”Gherardstoodinthemiddleofthecorridor.“MasterDichartynispreparingforthehearing.HeaskedmetotellyoutoreadtheeighthsectionofNaturalScienceandthefirstsectionofPracticalPhilosophy.Hewillseeyoutomorrowmorning.”
Iwentbacktomyroomandstruggledthroughfivepagesofthephilosophybook
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beforemakingmywayoutintothemistyfogthatcoveredthequadrangleandthentotheJusticeBuilding.Thegalleryconsistedofwoodenhigh-backedbenchessetontiersthatrosebehindalowwallthatseparatedthehearingareafromthegallery.Thebenchesflankedacentralsetofsteps,comingdownfromtheupperentryonthesecondlevelofthebuilding.
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Thelowerlevelwasverysimple.Attheeastendwasadaisayardhigh,andfromthemiddleroseasolidblackdeskwithahigh-backedchairbehindit.Thefloorwasofseamlessstone,butawalkwayofblackstone,seeminglywithnojoinsseparatingitfromthegraystonearoundit,ranfromthearchwayatthewestendofthechambertothefootofthe
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dais.Attheendofthedais,abovewheretheblackstoneended,wasablackrailingtwoyardslong,supportedateachendbyblackposts.
Bythetimealltheimagershadfiledin,thegallerywasclosetofilled.Frommybestcount,therewereclosetotwohundredimagersthere,rangingfromprimesjustoutofgrammairetograyingmasters.
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“IsthismostoftheCollegium?”IlookedtowardThenard,seatedonmyright.
Heshrugged.“ThisisonlythethirdhearingI’vebeento.That’sintwoyears.Therehavebeenaboutthesamenumberateachhearing.”
Outside,thebellsbegantoringtheglass.
“Allrise.”Thewordscamefromadark-hairedmaster
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standingbythewest-endarchwayfacingthedais.
Aswestood,thejustice—orhearingofficer—walkedinandthensettledhimselfbehindthedeskonthehighdais.Heworealonggrayrobe,liketheCounciljustices,excepthiswastrimmedinbothblackandred,insteadofjustblack.
“Youmaybeseated,”
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announcedthebailiff.“Floryn,ImagerTertius,stepforwardtothebar.”
Floryndidn’thavemuchchoiceaboutsteppingforward.Hishandsweremanacledbehindhim,andathickblackblindfoldcoveredhiseyes.Twolargeobduratesinblackescortedhimforwarduntilhestoodbeforetheblackrailing.Iwonderedabouttheblindfold,butonly
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foramoment.Itwouldbehardtoimageanythingifyoucouldn’tsee,andthepositionofthemanaclespreventedhimfromliftinghishandstoremovetheblindfold.
“Whostandstodefendtheaccused?”askedthejustice.
“Ido.”MasterDichartynsteppedforwardandstoodbesidethesmalltableontheright,facingthedais.
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“WhopresentsthecasefortheCollegiumagainsttheaccused?”
“Ido.”ThethinblondmanwhosteppeduptothetableontheleftwasamanI’dseenatmeals,seatedatthemasters’table,butwhomIdidnotknow.
“Statethechargesagainsttheaccused.”
“Theaccusedfacesthree
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charges.ThefirstchargeisthatofcounterfeitingthecoinofSolidar,towit,byimagingagoldcrownthatwasnotpuregoldandbyattemptingtousesuchtopurchasegoods.Thesecondchargeisthatofemployingimagingtoobstructacivicpatrollerinthecourseofhisduties.Thethirdchargeisthatofattemptedmurderintheuseofimagingagainstamaster
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oftheCollegium.”
Afterthereadingofthethirdcharge,Icouldhearseveralindrawnbreaths,particularlyfromarowofthirdsseatedbelowus.
“Howdoestheaccusedplead?Guilty,NotGuilty,NoPlea,orForMercy?”
“ForMercy,YourHonor,”offeredMasterDichartyn.
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ThejusticelookeddirectlyatFloryn.“Floryn,yourdefenderhasofferedapleaofForMercy.Doyouacceptthatplea?”
“Yes,sir.”
EvenIcouldsensethedefeatandresignationbehindthosetwowords.
“Seattheaccused.”
ThetwoguardsledFloryn
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tothetableontherightofthechamber,behindwhichweretwochairs.Aftertheyseatedhimintheoneawayfromtheblackstonewalkway,theytookpositionbehindhim,whileMasterDichartynseatedhimselfintheotherchair.
“Proceed,AdvocatefortheCollegium,”statedthejustice.
Theblondmasternodded
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tothebailiff,whoannounced,“Sandyal,ImagerTertius,tothebar.”
Alankyandsandy-hairedimagerwholookedtobeclosetomyagewalkedfromthewestarchwayforwardtothebar.
“Sandyal,”beganthejustice,“doyouunderstandthatyouarerequiredtotellthewholetruth,andthatyour
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wordsmustnotdeceive,eitherbyelaborationoromission?”
“Yes,sir.”
“Proceed.”
“Sandyal,”begantheCollegiumadvocate,“youhadaconversationwithFlorynonSolayi,thetwenty-ninthofMaris.WouldyoupleaserecountwhatFlorynsaidhewasgoingtodo?”
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“Yes,sir.Wehadtheafternoonoff.Wehadtobebackforchapel,buttheafternoonwasours,andFlorynsaidthathewantedtohavesomespicedwineandpastriesatNaranje.ItoldhimthatIdidn’thaveenoughcoin,andhesaidthathe’dtakecareofwhateverwebought....”
Sandyalmusthaverecountedeverydetailofthe
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afternoon,andittookmorethanhalfaglass,butthegistwasthatFloryndidn’thaveanycoinandthatheimagedagold.Theservinggirlthoughtitfeltwrongandputitinawater-tester.Itcameupfalse.Shetoldtheownerofthepatisserie,andhesummonedthepatrollers.Becauseshehadalsosaidthatitcamefromayoungimager,theysummonedthedutymaster.
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Thesummonsdidn’treachthemasterbeforeapatrollerarrived.Florynrealizedsomethingwaswrongandranoutofthepatisserie.Thepatrollerfollowed,andFlorynimagedsomethingthattrippedthepatroller.”
“Didyouseewhathappenedafterthat?”
“No,sir,exceptthatFlorynranacrosstheboulevard—the
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BoulevardD’Imagers,sir—anddownanalleyway.Ijustwaitedthereinthepatisserie.Ididn’thaveanycoins,and...IthoughtFlorynwasgoingtopay.Hesaidhewould.”
“Ihavenofurtherquestions.”TheadvocatelookedtoMasterDichartyn.
“Ihavenoquestions.”
“Youmayleavethechamberfortheanteroom,
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ImagerSandyal.”
Sandyalinclinedhishead,thenturned.
“WhatwillhappentoSandyal?”Iwhisperedashewalkedbackdowntheblackstone.
“He’srestrictedtoImagisleforthenextyear,andthenthey’llreviewit.”
Ididn’thearwhosaidthat,
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butitwasn’tThenard.
“MasterFerlyntothebar.”
Theangularmasterwhostrodedownthecentralblackstonewaydidn’tlookallthatmucholderthanIwas.Hehaddarkmahoganyhairandasharpnose.
“MasterFerlyn,”askedthejustice,“doyouunderstandthatyouarerequiredtotellthewholetruth,andthatyour
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wordsmustnotdeceive,eitherbyelaborationoromission?”
“Yes,YourHonor.”
Ferlyn’sanswerstotheadvocate’squestionsparalleledwhatSandyalhadsaid.
“Didyouseewhathappenedtothecivicpatroller?”
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“Yes,sir.Florynimagedatimberrightbeforehisknees.Thepatrollerwasn’tthreateningFloryn.HewastryingtokeephiminsightuntilIarrived...”
Thatalsomadesensetome.
“...whenIcaughtsightofhiminMilliners’Lane,Floryntriedtouseimagerytoblockmyvisionofwhatwas
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happeningaswellasmakingapersonalattackonme.Thedetailsareinthedocumentationpresentedtothecourt.Irequestthatthosedetailsnotbestatedinopencourt.”
ThejusticelookedtoMasterDichartyn,butMasterDichartyndidnotobjecttothatrequest.Foraninstant,Iwonderedwhy,butthenrealizedthattherewasa
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greaterdisadvantagetoFloryninhavingthedetailsmadepublic.
AfterMasterFerlyn’stestimony,statementswerereadfromtheservinggirlandfromthepatroller,andthepatisserieowner.
Thenthebailiffcalledout,“Vanjhant,ImagerSecondus.”
Inmoments,thechubby
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andblondyoungimagerwasstandingbeforethebar,havingbeenexhortedtotellthetruth.
“Vanjhant,youlistenedtosomethingthatFlorynsaidseveralweeksago.Iwouldlikeyoutorecountwhatyouheard.”
“Yes,sir.”Vanjhantlickedhislips.Thenheswallowed.“Wewereleavingthedining
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hall,anditwasn’tthatgoodthatday.Leastwedidn’tthinkso.Morrysetwaswishingthathecouldhavearealpastry,andFlorynsaidthatwasnoproblem,thatallyouhadtodowasimageafewsilversoragold,wheneveryouwantedto,andgooutacrossthebridgeandbuyone....Chastynsaiditwasn’tthateasy.Florynsaidthatsolongasthegoldwas
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ontheoutsideanditwasheavyenough,anyonewouldtakeit...”
Theadvocateaskedseveralmorequestions,thendismissedVanjhant.Afterthat,threemorejuniorimagerswerecalled,andallconfirmedthatFlorynhadmadesimilarstatements.
“Arethereanyadditionalwitnesses?”askedthejustice.
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“No,YourHonor.”Thewordsfrombothmasterswerenearlysimultaneous.
“Yourstatement,masterdefender.”
MasterDichartynstood.“Icannotcontestthefactsinthiscase.Floryndidinfactimageagoldthatdidnotcontainthepropergoldcontent.Hadthecoinbeenoftheproperweight,atmosthewouldface
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adisciplinaryhearing,assumingthathisduplicationofacoinwouldeverhavebeennoticed.Hislifeisatstakebecausehisabilitieswerenotequaltohisself-confidence.Aswithmanyyoungpeoplewhorealizethattheyhavemadeaterriblemistake,hepanicked.Heattemptedtostopapatrollerfromfollowinghim,buthedidnotuseimagingina
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fashionintendedtodoanypermanentharmtothepatroller.ThesameistrueofhisuseofimagingagainstMasterFerlyn.Becausehisactionswerebasedonpoorjudgment,andbecausehisactionsshowedclearlyhisdesirenottocreatepermanentharmorinjurytoanyone,Irequestthathereceivemercy,andthathebesentencedtofiveyearsintheduplication
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sectionofthemachineworks,andthatheberestrictedtoImagislefortenyears,andthatanyviolationofeitherconditionresultinimmediateexecutionofthesentencethatwouldotherwisebeimposed.”
ThewayMasterDichartynputit,therequestformercyseemedfairenough.CertainlyFlorynwouldnotbegettingofflightly,butitwasclear
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thatthealternativewashisdeath.
“Yourstatement,AdvocatefortheCollegium.”
Theblondmasterstood.“Mycolleaguehaspresentedaneloquentargument,andonethat,inothercircumstances,Iwouldinfactendorseandsupport.WereFlorynanImagerPrimusorSecondus,withperhapsa
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yearorsoattheCollegium,Iwouldnothesitatetodoso.Hadhebeenhereeventwo,orperhapsthreeyears,IwouldprobablysupportapleaofForMercy.ButFlorynhasbeenattheCollegiumforoverfiveyears,andhisactions,asshownbythestatementshemadetoalllevelsofyoungimagers,embodyathoughtlessnessandarecklessnessthat,in
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time,couldthreatentheveryCollegiumitself.Thiswasnottheimpetuousandisolatedactofayoungimager,excitedovernewabilitiesandunawareoftheconsequences.Theseactswerethoseofanarrogantandself-centeredmanwhocouldonlyconsiderhisownpleasure,andwhocreateddisruptionandbroughtdiscreditupontheCollegium—allforafew
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mugsofspicedwineandtwopastries.Forthosereasons,ImustaskthatthepleaofForMercyberejected,thatFlorynbefoundguiltyofthechargesleviedagainsthim,andthattheappropriatesentencebecarriedout.”TheCollegiumadvocateinclinedhishead,firsttoMasterDichartyn,thentothejustice.
“Floryn,ImagerTertius,tothebar.”
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Thetwoguardshalf-urged,half-liftedFlorynfromhischairandescortedhimbacktothebar,facingthejustice.Thentheyretreatedseveralpacesandwaited.
Thejusticestood.
“Allrise!”orderedthebailiff.
Istood,feelingqueasyasIdidso.
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“Floryn,ImagerTertius,thiscourtfindsasfollows.First,thefactsandtestimonyconfirmthatyoudidinfactcommittheoffenseswithwhichyouhavebeencharged.Second,givenyourlengthofstudyattheCollegium,acceptanceofapleaofForMercyisnotwarranted.Third,thepenaltyforconvictiononeachofthethreechargesisdeath.”
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Florynwinced,asifstruck.
Silencefilledthespace,fromthecourtareaallthewayupthroughthegallery.
Florynshuddered,thencollapsedontheblackstonefloorbeforethedais.Hetwitchedseveraltimes.Thenhewasstill.Thetwoburlyguardssteppedforwardandpickedupthebody,liftingiteasilyupandontotheir
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shoulders,andthencarrieditout.
Therobedmasterlookeddownfromthedais.“ThesentenceoftheCollegiumhasbeenenforced.Justicehasbeendone.Sobeit.”Afteramoment,heturnedandwalkedoutthroughthesmallerarchwayattherearofthedais.Then,allofthosebelowturnedanddeparted.
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Ijuststoodthereforalongmoment,evenastheimagersaroundmebegantoleave.
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Guiltprovidesfarmore
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effectivemotivationthangreed,forgreedcanattimes
besatiated.
OnJeudinight,aftertoomanyglassesstudyingandworrying,Iwasparticularlygladformyprivatequarters,becauseIdidnotsleepwell,
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notwithdreamsoffacingahearingforthedeathofMasterCaliostrusrunningthroughmynightmares.NotwiththevisionoftheCollegiumadvocaterecitinghowIhadimagedmyportraituristmastertodeathbecauseIhatedhisson.Ialsohadvisionsofsomemasterimagingpoisonorsomethinglikeitintomybody,andbeingunabletodoanything
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atallagainstsuchanattack.
WhenIwokeonVendrei,farearlierthannormal,withtheearly-springlightbarelyseepingfromcloud-coveredskiesthroughleaded-glasswindows,morequestionsrushedthroughmybrain.HadinfactthejusticeimagedpoisonintoFlorynashehadstoodbeforethebar?Wasthattechniqueanotherreasonforalltheanatomydrawings
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intheNaturalSciencevolume?
Ishookmyhead.Thattechniquecouldbeappliedtoeverything,ifanimagerhappenedtobecomestrongandtalentedenough.Butthen,ifthatwereso,ofwhatusewereobdurates?
Breakfastattheprimetablewasasquietlyboisterousasusual.Thatbotheredmeas
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well,butIsaidnothinganddidmybesttoenjoythehamrashersthatwentwiththeomeletcasserole.Therewerenolettersinmybox,notthatIexpectedany,andItrudgedthroughthemistingdrizzlethatsifteddownonthequadrangleasImademywaytoMasterDichartyn’sstudy.
Thedoorwasopen,andhewaswaitingforme.“DidGherarddeliveryour
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assignments?”
ThatwasapleasantwayofaskingwhetherI’dreadthem.
“Yes,sir.Thephilosophyishard.”
“Ifitweren’thard,itwouldn’tbephilosophy.”Heclosedthestudydoorbehindme.“Youlooktired.Areyouallright?”
Ratherthananswerthat,
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becauseIwasn’tcertainhowIwasanddidn’twanttosay,Isaid,“MightIaskyouaboutthehearing,sir?”
“Youmayask.Imaychoosenottoreply.”
“WhydidFlorynnotspeakforhimself?Isthatforbidden?”
MasterDichartynshookhishead.“Itisnot,andmostaccuseddospeakfor
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themselves.Florynhadagreaterchanceformercyifhedidnotspeak.Itwasnotagreatchance,butitwastheonlyhopethathehad.”
“MightIaskwhy?”
“Iwoulddenythattomostjuniorimagers,Rhennthyl,butIwillansweryouontwoconditions.First,youarenevertorepeatmyanswertoanyone,andafterthis
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meeting,noteventome.Second,youwillmakeanhonestattempttoexplaintomewhyIamallowingyouthisliberty.”Helookedatme.“Doyouacceptthoseconditions?”
TherewasmoretherethanIknew,butIalsoneededtoknow.“Yes,sir.”
“Floryn’slifewasatstake,butwhathedidnot
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understandisthathisandeveryimager’slifeisatstakeeverymomentofeveryday.Now...itisnotarroganttobelieveinone’struecapabilities,butitisarrogantforanimagertodeclarethosecapabilitiespublicly,anditisunacceptablyarroganttooverstateone’scapabilities,particularlywhenweexistonthesufferanceofthepeople.Florynwasincapableof
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speakingwithoutrevealinghisarrogance,andarrogancefromjuniorimagersdoesnotsetwellwithmasters,particularlynotwithMasterJhulian,whowasservingasjustice.ItriedtocoachFlorynastohowheshouldspeak,buthisangerwassogreatthatanythinghesaidwouldhaveensuredhisdeath.”
“Washeatalentedimager,sir?”
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“Almostastalentedasyoumaybecome,ifyouworkhardatit.”Hepaused.“WhyhaveIletyouaskthis?”
Theanswerwasobvious.Itwasalsopainful.“BecauseIcouldbecomearrogant,asFlorynwas.”
“Notquite.Youwouldneverbeasblatantly,flagrantlystupid,andyouarenotthetypetoboast.You
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couldbethetypetoboasttoyourselfandtoactinanger,butinsubtleandcoolarrogance,whenyoufeelyourselfwrongedordisregarded.Howdidyoufeelwhenyoudidnotwinthejourneyman’scompetitionlastIanus?”
“Wronged,”Iadmitted,evenasIwonderedhowheknewthat,becauseI’dnevermentionedittoanyoneatthe
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Collegium.“Myworkwasbetterthanthosethatwon,andseveralmastersadmittedasmuchindirectly.”
“Thenwhydidyounotwin?”
Iwantedtoblurtoutthattheyhadplayedfavorites,buttherewasmorebehindit,andMasterDichartynwouldnothaveaskedthequestioniftherehadnotbeen.“Iwould
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guessthatpartofthecompetitionwastodeterminewhowouldfollowthetraditionsandtheunspokenrulesoftheirguild.”
“Ifthatwereso,thendidyoudeservetowin?”
“Ideservedtowinonartisticmerit,sir,butnotiftheprizesweretobegivenonblindcompliancewithunspokenrules.”
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MasterDichartynnodded.“Youdon’tliketoadmitthat,doyou?”
“No,sir.”
“Whathappenedtoyouthereisthesameeverywhereelse.Allgroups,whethertheguilds,theCouncil,theHighHolders,ortheCollegium,havebothformalrules—andthesecanbespokenorwrittenorboth—and
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unspokenrules.Theunspokenrulesmustbeobservedanddeducedbyeachmemberofthegroup,andinlargepart,acceptanceandsuccessdependonrecognitionofandmasteryofthoseunspokenrules.Youngpeopleusuallyunderstandthatsuchrulesexistwithintheirowngroups,butmanyhaveahardertimeacceptingthatothergroupshavesuch
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rulesandthatatleastsomeofthoserulesmaydiffergreatlyfromtherulestheyhavealreadylearned.Oftentheygetmostangrywhentherulesofthoseolderandmorepowerfuldonotfollowtheirpreconceptions.”
“Floryndidn’tlikeit?”
“Hecamefromapart-taudisbackgroundwhereonehastoboastandoverstateto
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berespected.Hecouldneverovercomethatearlytraining.”
“WhatearlytrainingdoIneedtoovercome?”
MasterDichartynlaughed,somewhatsadly.“Icannotsaywithcertainty.Iwouldjudgethatyouneedmoretoovercomeyourrebellionagainstearlytraining.Youmayhavebecomeanartistbecauseyoudislikedthe
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constantcountinganduseofcoinsasameasureofsuccess.Yetthatisthemeasureofsuccessincommerce,andyoumustacceptthefactthatsuchisthecasewithmostpeople.TaxesandtariffsoncommercesupportallofSolidar,aswellastheCollegium.Mostpeoplecanreckononlywithnumbers,andtheymeasuretheirworthbycomparingtheir
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possessionsandcoinsagainstthoseofothers.”
Iwouldhavetothinkaboutthat.
“Rhennthyl...Ihaveanotherquestion.Alltechniquesandquestionsaboutimaging,beyondtheverybasicexercisesthatyou’vealreadyhad,arehandledinprivatediscussionsandexerciseswithamaster.
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Whydoyouthinkthisisso?”
“Youwanttoseewhatwecandowhennooneelseisaround.ThatwouldkeepothersfromgettinghurtifIdidsomethingreallywrong.”
“Youcouldhurtme.”
“No,sir.Idon’tthinkso.Youwouldn’tgiveustheinstructionandtoolsifyoudidn’thavesomewayofprotectingyourself.”I
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paused.“Idon’tknowifIunderstandaboutobdurates,notafter...yesterday.Imean...howcanthey...protectagainst...”
Hejustsmiled.“Therearetwokindsofimaging.Theprocessisthesame,buttheeffectsarenot.Ifyoutrytochangethewaysomeonelooksortheirphysicalbeingthroughimaging,itwillnotaffectanobdurate,andif
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you’restrongenough,theslightestsuggestionwillchangeamalleable.Mostpeoplewon’tbeaffected,andtheeffectusuallywon’tlastunlesstheimagerisamaster,generallyahigher-levelmaster.Thatisnotthesameasifoneusesimagingasaweapon,ifyouwill,buttodothat,onemustbeabletosee...”
Iunderstood.Theobdurate
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guardsmighthavebeencloseenoughtobeaffectedbypersonalshapingimaging,iftheywerenotobdurates,andtheblindfoldprovidedtherestoftheprotection.“Areimagersobduratestosomedegree?”
“Almostalways,butthereareafewwhoarenot.Youaredefinitelynotoneofthose.”Heclearedhisthroat.“Now...ifwemightreturn
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tomyquestion.Arethereanyotherreasonswhyweinstructyoualonewithoutotherspresent?”
“Youwanttokeepcontrolofthesituation?”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Itcouldbethatwithmoreimagersaround...”
Thistime,heshookhishead.“No,oneofthereasons
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fortheisolationisforyourprotection.Icanprotectmyself.Youcan’tyet.Whatifanotherjuniorimagermadeamistake?”
“Oh...Ishouldhavethoughtofthat,sir.”
“Afteryouthoughtofmybeinghurt,youshouldhave.Oneoftheproblemsthatyoungmenhaveisthatwhiletheycanthinkofwhatmay
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happentoothers,theydon’tthinkhowtheiractionsorthoseoftheirpeersmayresultingreatinjurytothemselves.Thinkofitthisway.Afterthehearing,didn’tyouworrythatsomedaysomemastermightchargeyouwithsomeoffense?”
“Ah...yes,sir.”
“Didyouthinkaboutthefactthatifyouavoideddoing
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unwiseorprohibitedactsyouwouldn’thavethatworry?”
Ihadn’t,notreally.
“Yousee?”Heraisedbotheyebrows.
“But,sir...mostofushavedonethingsweregretorworryabout,sometimesbeforeweknewbetter...”Iwasn’tquitesurewhatIwassuggestingwaswise,butIhadtoknow.
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Henoddedslowly.“Thatistrueformanyofyou,generallyforthemostgifted,suchasyou.Youarereferringtotheunfortunatedeathofyourpreviousmaster,areyounot?”
Ijustsatthere,stone-cold.Ishouldn’thavesaidanything,andyet...
“You’resurprised?Ireceivecopiesofallthe
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patrollerreportsinL’Excelsis.Welookatthemcarefullywheredeathsandstrangeoccurrencesareinvolved,particularlywhenayoungerpersonisinvolved.Itisoftensuggestive.Veryfewofthemosttalentedimagersdonothaveadeathoraninjurytoanotherthathascomefromtheirdiscoveryordevelopmentoftheirability.Theonlyquestioniswhether
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theyworryaboutitorsufferforit.Thosewhodonotsuffer,orunderstandthattheyshould,areusefulonlyfortheArmyortheNavy,orforthemachineworks,fortheyhavenorestraints.I’mgladyoubroughtthematterup,andevengladderthatyoudidindirectly,atleastindirectlyforonewhoisnotexperiencedinindirection.”
“Youknewandletme
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becomeanimager?”
“Hadyounotcometous,Rhenn,”MasterDichartynsaidquietly,“withinthemonth,youwouldhavebeenfounddeadonthestreet.Youhadthewisdomtounderstandwhatyouhadbecome,andthestrength,evenwiththeworryyoucarried,tocrosstheBridgeofHopes.Whydoyouthinkitiscalledthat?”Hissmilewaswry.“Hopeis
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alwaysanexpectationbeyondanticipatedreality,isitnot?”
Putinthatlight,Ihadtoagreewithhim.Inodded.
“Youhavelearnedwhatsomeneverdo.Whatyouhavenotlearned,butwill,isthatyouwillalwaysbearthecostsofwhatledyoutobecomeanimager,onewayoranother.”
Ihadthefeelingthathe
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mightberight.
“NextVendrei,atthenoonmeal,MasterPoincarytwillincludeyournameamongthoseimagersbeingpromotedfromprimustosecondus.”Hesmiled,butthesmilevanishedalmostimmediately.“Nowthatwehavetakencareofthoseissues...defineaphilosophicalpropositionforme,byitsstructure.”
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IhadtothinkaboutwhatIhadread,butsomeofthedreadIhadcarriedforweekshadlifted.Someofit.
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Thosewhobelieveconsider
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themselvesblessed;thatistheirconsolationandtheir
burden.
ThefirstSolayiinAvryl,thefirstofthemonthandthelastdayIwasactuallyrestrictedtoImagisle,Mothercametovisitme.Theafternoonwas
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partlycloudy,butthemorninghadbeensunny,andtheairwaspleasant.HercoachcrossedtheBridgeofHopesrightatthefirstbellofthesecondglassoftheafternoon.Iwaswaitingjustoffthebridgeontheisleside,becausethatwaswheretheManualstatedvisitorsshouldbemet.
Charlsyneasedthecoachintothewaitingarea,buthe
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avoidedlookingdirectlyatmeasIsteppedforwardandopenedthedoor.
Mothersteppedout,andIofferedherahand,becausetherewasnomountingblock,althoughthegraygranitecurbingwassomewhatraisedabovethepavingstones.Sheworealongblackskirtandboots,withashortmaroonjacketoveracreamblouse,withapalegreenscarfand
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maroonberet-stylehat.Inherownway,shemadeitalllookgoodtogether.
“You’relookingwell,Rhenn.”Hersmilewaspracticedassheinspectedme,andwideraftershesawnoobviousfaultsinmydressanddeportment.“Thegraydoessuityou,althoughitisabitsevere.Theclothofthewaistcoatandtrouserslookstobechoicewool.”
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“Ihadn’tnoticed,notexactly.”
“Well...yourfatherwillbepleasedtoknowthat.It’sagoodgradeforimagers,veryfine,butnotostentatious.”
“MasterDichartynwillbepleasedtohearthat.”AssoonasIspoke,IwishedIhadn’tsaiditthatway,andIquicklyadded,“Hefeelsimagersshouldneverbearrogantor
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ostentatious.”
“Youshouldlistentohim.Nooneshouldbe.”Shesmiled,andatwinkleappearedinhereyes.“I’veevensuggestedthattoyourfatheronceortwice,butdon’ttellhimthatItoldyouso.”
“Iwouldn’tthinkofit.”Icouldn’thelpbutenjoythethoughtofhersuggestingthat
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hewasarrogant.
Westrolleddownthewalkwaytooneofthestonebenches.Motherproducedasmalltowelfromsomewhereanddusteditoff.“Itneverhurtstobeprepared.”
“You’repreparedforeverything,”Isaidwithasmile.
“Onecanneverprepareforeverything,butwhenone
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preparesforwhatonecan,it’smucheasiertodealwiththeunexpected.”
“There’ssometruthinthat,”Iconceded.
“Soniceofyoutoadmitthat,dear.”
Iwinced.“I’msorry.”
Shestraightenedherselfonthebench.“RouselandRemayawillbearrivingon
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Jeudi.WillyoubeabletocomefordinneronSamedi,orwilltheyneedtocometoseeyouhere?”
“I’llbeabletocomeonSamedi.ThisismylastweekendtoberestrictedtoImagisle.”
“Good.I’llsendCharlsynwiththecoach.Whattimewouldbegood?”
Ididn’twanttospendtoo
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longwithRouselandRemaya—orFather—butIdidn’twanttoseemungrateful.“I’vealwaysbeenfreebythethirdglassoftheafternoon.”
“Shouldhemeetyouhere?”
“Icouldmeethimontheothersideofthebridge.Thatwayhewouldn’thavetocrossandturnthecoach.”
“That’ssettled,then.Itwill
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besogoodtohaveeveryonehome.YouknowthatRemaya’sexpectinginlateJuyn?”
“Iknewitwassometimethissummer.”
“Sheisalovelyperson.”
ThatmeantthatRemayawasfarsuperiortoherPharsibackground.“Iknewthatfromthebeginning.”
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“Thatmaybe,dear,butshe’sfarbettersuitedtoRousel.Sheenjoystalkingabouttradeandwool,andshelikesitasmuchashedoes.”
Motherdidhaveapointthere.
“Oh...Iforgottotellyou.Ishouldhavewrittenyou.Wehaveyourpainting—theoneyouenteredintheartcompetition.MasterReayalt
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haditsenttous.Wouldyoulikeit?”
TheguildmasterofthePortraitureGuildhadsentmystudyofthechessgame?Butwhoelsewouldhave?“Ifyoudon’tmind...couldyoukeepituntilI’mabitmore...settled.”
“We’dloveto.IknowjustwhereI’llhangituntilyou’rereadyforit.”
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“I’dappreciatethat.”
“Tellmeaboutbeinganimager...whatyoucan,thatis.Iknowthattheremustbemattersyoucannotdiscuss.Whatdoyoudo?”
“Studyandpractice,mostly.IsuspectI’mgettingclosetoauniversityeducationinscience,chemistry,andphilosophy.”
“Don’tmentionthe
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philosophytoyourfather.He’llliketherest.Whatelsedoyoudo?”
“Thereareexercisesinimaging,andI’mexaminedalmosteveryday,exceptSolayi,bymypreceptor.That’sMasterDichartyn.Intheafternoon,Imightpracticesomethinginthelaboratoriesorworkrooms,orstudy.I’mjustbeenadvancedtoimagersecondus,and
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startingtomorrow,I’llhavetolearnmoreofwhatimagersdo,butIhaven’tbeenassignedyet.”
“Whatdoesbeinganimagersecondusmean?”
“Igetalittlelargerstipend,andIcancrossthebridgestothecitywheneverIhavethetime,solongasIdon’tmissanyinstructionorduties.”
Shenodded.“That’sgood.
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Areyougettingenoughsleep?Whatareyourquarterslike?Doyouhavetosleepinabunkroomlikethesoldiers?”
Ishookmyhead.“Weeachhaveourownrooms.They’renotlarge,butthey’recomfortable,andthefoodisgood.Notsogoodasathome,butfarbetterthanatMasterCaliostrus’s.”Wasmyparents’dwellingreallyhome
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anymore?Haditeverbeen,really,afterI’dleftthegrammaire?
“I’mgladtohearthat.”Therewasalongpause.“Dear...thismaybepresumptuous,butcanimagersmarry?”
Icouldn’thelpsmiling.“Theycan,butgenerallytheyhavequartersonImagisleoramongotherimagers,unless
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they’reverywealthy.”
“Idon’tseewhy...”
“It’scompulsory,butI’mtoldthatthequartersforthosewhoaremarriedarequitecomfortable.Thosewhoareolderandhavefamiliesliveinhousesonthenorthendoftheisle.”Ididn’tfeelrightaboutexplainingthereasonsbeyondwhatI’dsaid.
“Oh...I’veseenthem.
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They’rewellkept,andstylish,butatracesmall,Iwouldthink.”
AllIcoulddoinresponsewasshrugandsay,“SinceI’mnotmarried,Iwouldn’tknow.”
“Doimagersusuallymarryotherimagers?”Afteramoment,sheadded,“Thatcan’tbe.Therearen’tanywomenimagers,ornotvery
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many,arethere?”
“Therearesome.I’veseenthreemasterswhoarewomen,andperhapstenorfifteenwhoareprimes,seconds,orthirds.”
“Thenwhenyoucan,youshouldgetoutandmeetsomeeligiblewomen,someoftheproperbackground.”Shepaused.“YourealizethatRouselwasextraordinarily
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fortunate,don’tyou?”
WhatshemeantwasthatmostPharsigirlswouldnotmeetherstandardsorfitinherworld,butIonlysaid,“I’mveryawareofthat.Icanonlyhopetobethatfortunate.”
“Agoodbackgroundmakesitfareasier,asI’mcertainyouknow.”
Inodded,andafterthat,we
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talkedoffriends,andfamilyandhowmyauntIlena—Mother’ssister—refusedtotraveltoL’Excelsis,evenontheironway.
Then,abruptly,shestood,andIfollowedherexample.
“Imustbegoing,dear.Ithasbeenlovelytoseeyou,andtoknowthatyouaredoingsowell.Ihadmydoubts,butIdothinkthis
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imagerbusinessisforthebest.Yourfatherwillbehappytoknowthat.”Sheleanedforwardandkissedmycheek.“WewillseeyounextSamedi.”
IwalkedherbacktothecoachandwatchedasCharlsyneasedtheteamandcoacharoundthenarrowroundaboutandbackoverthebridge.ThenIwalkedbacktomyroomandread—ortried
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toread—anothersectionofPracticalPhilosophy.Manyoftheargumentsthereseemedanythingbutpractical,suchasthesectionthatread:
Theultimatephilosophicalprincipleistheadvancefromdisjunctiontoconjunction,creatinganentirelynewentityotherthantheentitiespreviouslyexistingindisjunction...
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Afterstrugglingthroughthat,Iclosedthebookandmademywaytothedininghall,whereIdidappreciatethecomparativereliefoftheeveningmealonSolayi.Then,IandalloftheimagersattheCollegiumwenttowhatthemasterscalledchapel,butitmeanttheservicesheldatAnomenD’Imagisle.TheywereaglasslaterthanthoseatAnomenD’Este,tofitthe
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Collegiumschedule,Isupposed.Asatallservices,westoodthroughout—exceptforahandfulofgrayingimagersemeritus,whohadtwospecialbenchesontheleftbelowandforwardofthepulpit.Asmallchoirofimagersofferedthechoralinvocation,andtheysangwell.
ChoristerIsolawastheonlywomanchoristerofthe
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NamelessthatI’deverseen,althoughI’dheardthattherewereothers,becauseonecouldnotknoworpresumewhethertheNamelesswasmaleorfemale,orindeedbothatonce.Hervoicedidcarry,andhersopranoinvocationfollowingthechoralone,wordlessasitwas,wasfarmorepleasantthanthatofanyotherchoristerIhadeverheard.
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Thensheopenedthemainpartoftheservice.
“WearegatheredheretogetherthiseveninginthespiritoftheNamelessandinaffirmationofthequestforgoodnessandmercyinallthatwedo.”
Theopeninghymnwasunfamiliar—“SaveUsfromNaming”—butthatdidn’tmatterbecauseIbarelysang,
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withjustenoughsoundsothatIwasnotmerelymouthingthewords.
Aftertheconfessionandoffertory,ChoristerIsolasteppedtothepulpitforthehomily.“Goodevening.”
“Goodevening,”camethereply.
“Anditisagoodevening,forundertheNameless,alleveningsaregood.”She
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pausedforjustamomentbeforegoingon.“Weallknow,andyouallhavebeentaughtsincechildhood,thesinofpridethatcanaccompanynaming,andwehaveallheardthestoriesaboutachievementsandthepurityofRholantheUnnamer.WhoamongushasnotshiedawayfromthepossibledisgraceofbearingthemarkoftheNamer,but
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howmanyofyouhavethoughtdeeplyaboutthegreatnessandmajestyofthoseaspectsoflifethatarewithoutaname?Wecomeintotheworld,bornofwomanandmanthroughtheagonyofawoman,oftensopainfulthatnowordscandescribethatbirthing.Likewise,therearenowordstodescribedeath,forthosewhopassthroughitcannot
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speakofittous.Foreachofus,thesearethebeginningandtheend,asweknowthemhereonTerahnar,andtherearenowordsthatwilldojusticetoeither.
“Wordscannotdescribethemostmagnificentofsunrisesorsunsets,oreventhegreatestpaintingofthegreatestrepresentationalistorthemostbeautifulofstatues,orthemoststirringand
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harmoniousofmelodies.Wordsareallthatwehavetoconveytoeachotherwhatweseeandwhatwefeel,butnevershouldweacceptabeliefthatwordstrulyorfullydescribetheworldcreatedbytheNameless.Evenlesssothanwordsdonamesdescribewhatis...”
ChoristerIsolawentonfromthere.Ithoughtitwasoneofherbetterhomilies,
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andonethatmademethink.
Onthewaybackfromchapel,ImatchedstepswithSannifyr,anothersecond,notnecessarybecauseI’ddislikedtheyoungerprimes,butassoonasI’dmadesecondus,theyshiedawayfromme.Sannifyrdidn’tsayanything,andIdidn’treallyknowwhattosaytohim,either.Thewalkbacktoquarterswasfairlylong,
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becausetheanomenwasatthepointonthesouthernendofImagisle,butthenightwasn’tthatcold,especiallycomparedtothosewhenI’dfirstcometotheCollegium.
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Deductionislimitedby
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knowledge,andknowledgeislimitedbypreconceptions.
OnLundimorning,whenImademywaytoMasterDichartyn’sstudy,thedoorwasopen.
“Youcancomein,Rhenn.”
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Ieasedinsideandclosedthedoor,takingmyseatoppositehim.
Heleanedbackandfingeredhischin.“HowmanypeoplearethereinSolidar?”
Therehadtobemillions,butIdidn’trecalltheexactfigure.“Fortymillion?”
“Thelastenumerationshowedaroundfiftymillion.Howmanyarein
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L’Excelsis?”
“Therewereovertwomillionin750A.L.”
“HowmanyimagersdoyouthinktherearehereattheCollegiumandinL’Excelsis?”
“IfI’vecountedcorrectly,therearesomewhereovertwohundredandforty,sir.”
“Addanotherfiftyorso,
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andthat’scloseenough.Itdoesn’tincludethosewhocanimagejustatinybitandhaven’tbeendiscovered,orthosewhohaveneverdiscoveredtheirtalent,butmostpeoplewiththeabilitygetfoundoutsoonerorlater.Laterisseldombetter,andveryfewsurvive.LetusjustsaythattherearefivehundredimagersinallofSolidar.Whatisthatratio?”
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“Onehundredthousandtoone,sir.”
“Now...doesthattellyouwhycautionisnecessaryineveryimageraction?”
“Yes,sir.”ItalsotoldmethatFloryn’sgreatestfailingwastellinganyoneanything.
“Whatelseshouldittellyou?”
Whatelsecouldtherebe?
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“Therecan’tbeverymanyintherestoftheworld,either.”
“Whynot?”
I’dhadamomenttothink.“Iftherewere,we’dknowaboutit.TheCollegiumseeksoutimagers.IfyoucanonlyfindfivehundredinSolidar,andwehavemorepeoplethanothercountries...”
“You’remakingseveralassumptions.Whatarethey,
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andaretheycorrect?”
“Itwouldbehardtohideimagersinotherlands,butifyoucouldfindoutsomuchaboutme,howcouldtheyhideimagersfromyou?”
“Thatassumeswewouldbeallowedtolook.WhileplacesliketheAbiertoIslesareopenenough,andsoisStakanar,FerrumandJarioladon’tlikesnoopyoutsiders
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andhaveratherunpleasanthabitsofmakingthemdisappear.TheTiempransbanimagingandimagers,andthesameistrueofCaenen.You’realsomakingassumptionsaboutpeople.Whatarethey?”
“Oh...thatpeoplearethesameeverywhere.”
“Arethey?Iftheyare,whatmakesthemthatway?”
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“Sir...IknowIhaven’ttraveledfar,butIhaveseenpeoplewhohavecomefrommanyplaces,andtheyallseemtoloveorhate,orwanttobebetter...andIthinkwe’reallbornwithsimilargeneralabilitiesandwants.”
“Isimagingsomethingpeoplearebornwith,orsomethinglearned?”
Iwasdefinitelyunsure
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whatMasterDichartynsought...orwhy.“Idon’tknow,sir,butIwouldsayit’ssomethingpeopleareeitherbornwithornot,butthattheyhavetolearnwhethertheyhaveitandhowtousethatability.”Ipaused.“Doesithaveanythingtodowith...Imeanthereseemtobemoremenwhoareimagers.”
“That’strue,andwomenimagersalmostalwayscome
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fromfamilieswhereanolderbrotherhasthetalent.Whythat’sso,wedon’tknow,buttherearetraitsthatworkthatway.Veryfewwomenarebald,comparedtomen.But...backtothequestionathand.Iftheimagingskillcanariseinanypeople,whyaretheremorepracticingimagersinSolidarthanintherestoftheworld?Ifyoucantellmethat,itwillprovidetherestof
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theanswertothefirstquestionIaskedandthatyoudidnotanswercompletely.”
Ihadtothinkforseveralmoments.ExactlywhathadIfailedtoanswer?
“I’llgiveyouahint.WhyaremostbullsgeldedandwhyistheCyellaRubyvaluable?”
Afteramoment,Ianswered.“Imagersare
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scarcebutmoreplentifulinSolidarbecauseweprovidevaluableandrareservicesandpeoplearemorewillingtohaveimagersaroundsolongastherearen’ttoomanyofus?”
MasterDichartynnodded.“Wehavecreatedaninstitutionthatnotonlyfulfillsneeds,butalsohasestablishedareputationforbeingtrustworthyincarrying
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outthosedutiesforSolidarandfortheCouncil.Withoutuniqueservices,wehavenovalue,andwithouttrust,ourvaluecannotbereliedupon.Andifthereweretoomanyofus,thennoonewouldtrustus.BecausetheOligarchofJariolacantrustnoone,whatwedoiseithernotdonethere,ordoneinamorecostlyfashion,andanyimageriseitherexecutedorexiled.In
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Ferrum,theyusemachinesandexileimagersbecausetheycannotquantifyhowtovaluetrust.”
Abruptly,helookedup.“Wehavenotgoneoveryourphilosophyreadings,butIneedtomeetwiththeothermasters.”Hepaused.“ThePuryonbelieversofTiemprehavefaithinanomnipotent,beneficent,andjustgod.Writemealogicalproofof
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whythisiseithersoorwhyitcannotbeso.Haveitreadyformeinthemorning.Thatshouldprovidesomepracticalapplicationofwhatyou’vebeenstudying.”
“Yes,sir.”HowwasIgoingtoprovethatlogically?Andwhywasaphilosophicalproofapracticalapplication?
“We’llmeetoutsidethedininghallafterlunchtoday,
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andI’lltakeyoutoyourworkassignmentfromthere.”Hestood.
SodidI,scoopinguptheunopenedbooksandhurryingoutofhisstudybeforehim.
Ihadalmosttwoandahalfglassesbeforelunch,but,asIcrossedthequadrangleunderthefirsttrulywarmsunlightindays,IhadnoideahowIwasgoingtoproveor
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disprovethestatementMasterDichartynhadgivenme.
“Whereareyougoingsoearly?”calledJohanyrfromthestonewalkintersectingtheonewhereIwalked.Hewasalsoasecondus,aboutmyage,Ithought,withshort-cutcurlybrownhairandmassivelybroadshoulders,asifhewerebettersuitedtobeastonemasonorthelike.We’dtalkedbrieflyovermeals,and
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IhadthefeelingI’dseenhimsomewherebefore,butIcouldn’trecallwhere.
“MasterDichartynhadameetingwiththeothermasters,buthegavemealogicalprooftofigureout,andIhavetohaveitallwrittenoutbytomorrow.”
“Someofthesecondsareaskingifyou’retryingtomakethirdbeforesummer
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andmasterinayear.”Helaughed,butthesoundwashard.“Youdon’tspendmuchtimewiththeothers,exceptatmeals.”
Whathewassayingwasawarning...ofsomesort.“I’msorry.Idon’tmeantobestandoffish.”Igesturedtowardabenchsomefiveyardsaway.“Doyouhaveamoment?”
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“Morethanthat.Ididn’tevengettoseeMasterGhaendthismorning.They’reallupsetaboutsomething.”Hetiltedhishead,lookingatmespeculatively.“MasterDichartynistheonlyotherMaitreD’EspritbesidesMasterPoincaryt.Didhesayanythingtoyou...anythingatall?”
“Heneverdoes,”I
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answeredaswewalkedslowlytowardthegraygranitebench.“Hejustasksquestionafterquestion.Thismorning,hestoppedinthemiddleofaquestionandsaidhehadameetingwiththeothermasters,thentoldmemyassignmentandjustaboutthrewmeout.”Thatwasn’tquitetrue,butIdoubtedanyonecouldhavemistakenhisabruptness.
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“Sohewasworried?”
“Ithinkso.He’sneverbeenquitethatabruptbefore.”Istoppedbythebench,gesturing.“Wemightaswellsitdown.”
“Mightaswell.Youweresaying...?”
“Idon’ttalkaboutitmuch,butIwasajourneymanportraiturist.Iwasevengettingmyowncommissions,
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andIwasthinkingitwouldn’tbetoolongbeforeIcouldbecomeamaster,ajuniormaster,andopenmyownstudio.ThenIimagedalittlepartofaportrait,justalittlepart,exceptitwasgreen,andonethingledtoanother...andthegirlIwasinterestedinmarriedmybrother,and,allofasudden,Ican’tbeanythingbutanimager.”
“Green?Whygreen?”
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“Greenpigment,truegreen,isalmostasexpensiveasliquidsilver.Theydon’tletjourneymenuseitoften,andonlywhenamasteriswatching,andIwasn’tamasteryet.”
“Youwereclosetobeingamasterportraiturist?”Johanyr’sfacesoftenedslightly,butstillboreatraceofincredulity.
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“SeveralmasterssaidIwasgoodenough.I’dspentfiveyearsasanapprentice,andthreeasajourneyman.”Ishrugged.“Idon’tmeantobestandoffish,butthechangehastakensomegettingusedto.WhenIstartedasaprime,Iwasfiveorsixyearsolderthanmostoftheothers.Wedidn’ttalkaboutthesamethings.”
“Icanseethat.”He
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nodded.
“I’mjusttryingashardasIcanjusttocatchup.There’ssomuchIstilldon’tknow.”
“Sarcovytsaysthatyou’regoodatimagingthings.”
Imanagedalaugh.“HowwouldIknow?IknowI’mgoodenoughtobeasecond,butsinceImadesecond,I’veneverseenanyoneelseimageanything.Beforethat,Inever
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sawanyonebutaprimeeventry.MasterDichartynsaysthat’sformyownprotection.”
“Itsoundslikehe’stryingtogetyoucaughtupwithwheretherestofusare.”
WhatJohanyrsaidmadesense.“That’swhatI’mguessing.Ireallydon’tmeantobeunfriendly...it’sjustbeenhard.”Thatmuchwas
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certainlytrue.
“Noneofusknew,”hepointedout.
Itriedtolookembarrassed.“It’snotsomething...”Ishrugged.“It’smyfault,but...”
Thatgotasympatheticnod...ofsorts.“Weusuallygettogetherforawhileintheevening,ahalfglassbeforetheeighthglass,downinthe
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commonroom.Youmighttryit.”
“Ididn’tevenknow...Imean,I’veseenthecommonroom,butonlyintheday...”
Hislaughatmyconfusionwasgenuine,andwhenweparted,IfeltthatI’dmanagedtoavoid,forthemoment,anotherpitfall.ButIwasgoingtohavetobeverycarefuluntilIcouldfigureout
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howtodevelopprotectionsofthesortthatMasterDichartynhadmentioned.
IstillalsohadtofigureoutandthenwriteuptheproofforMasterDichartyn.
WhenIgotbacktomyroom,ittookmemorethanaglass,andseveraldraftstowritewhatIdid.AtlunchImadeapointofsittingacrossfromJohanyrandDiaztand
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makingaspecialefforttobefriendly.Ifeltthattheywerewarmer,butIdidn’tknow,notforcertain.
AfterIleftthetable,MasterDichartynwasalreadyinthehallwayoutsidethedininghall.
“We’reheadedtothematerialssectionoftheworkshops.You’vealreadyfiguredoutsomeaspectsof
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substitution.Nowyou’llgetachancetolearnanotherandputittowork.”Heturnedandstrodequicklydownthecorridorandoutthroughthedoors,movingasquicklyasI’deverseenhim.
Aswewalked,hesaid,“ThematerialsfortheworkshopscomeovertheBridgeofStones.That’swherethenamecomesfrom.Alltheworkshopshave
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outsideandinsideentrances,andeachworkroomislead-lined.Thatissothatnoimagercanaffecttheworkofanother.Thatisparticularlyimportantforsome...efforts.”
Iwasbeginningtosweatbythetimewereachedthelargegraystructureahundredyardsnorthofthequadrangle.Thebuildingheldthevariousworkshops,notthatI’dbeen
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inmorethanahandfulofthem.Thedoorwhereweenteredwasonthemainlevelonthewestsideofthebuilding,besidearaisedloadingdock,behindwhichwasasetofslidingwarehousedoors.Theywereclosed.
Aswesteppedintotheworkshop,aspacenotmuchlargerthantenyardsbyfifteen,Icouldseethatthe
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lengthoftheroomwasfilledwithbarrels,fourlinesofthem,stackedontopofeachotherthreedeep.Foursmalltoplesswoodencratesweresetonaworkbenchayardorsofromthenearestlineofbarrels.Thatwasit—exceptfortheolderimagerinsomewhatdingygraywhohurriedthroughthedoorattheothersideoftheworkshop.
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“Grandisyn,thisisRhennthyl.He’sthenewimagersecondItoldyouabout.”MasterDichartynturnedtome.“ThisisGrandisyn.He’saseniorimagertertius.Heknowsmoreaboutimagingmaterialsthanmostmasters.Iwillleaveyouinhishands.”Withthat,hehurriedaway.
“You’refortunatetohavehimasapreceptor,”
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Grandisynsaid.“Fortunate,buthe’llmakeyouworkandthinkandthensome.”
“Ihavenoticedthat,sir.”
“JustGrandisyn,Rhennthyl.”
“Rhenn,please.Whenpeopleusemyfullname,IalwayswonderjustwhatIdidwrong.”
Helaughed.“Icanseethat.
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Mypapadidthesame.”Afteramoment,hebegantoexplain.“Yourtaskwillnotbeeasyatfirst,butitissimple.Allyouhavetodoisimagesomeofthesealuminumbars.”Grandisynliftedabarofasilverymetaloutofthewoodencrateontherightend,whichhadthreeofthesmallingotsinit,theonlycratethatdid,thenpointedtothebarrelslinedup
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alongthewall.“Itshouldbeeasierifyouconcentrateonimagingfromthebarrels.They’refilledwithhigh-gradebauxite.MasterDichartynsaidyoumighthavetoworkatfiguringitout,butthatyoucoulddoit.Takeyourtime.”Hegavemeasmile,thenhastenedoff.
Iwasstillholdingthesmallaluminumbar,possiblyworthseveralhundredgoldcrowns,
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andIwassupposedtoimagemoreofthem?Inaway,fromwhatI’dread,itmadesense.Refiningitwascostly,andthatmadeitveryvaluable,butwhyweren’twerefininggold?Orplatinum?
Iwasn’tquitesurewhatIwasdoing,butIconcentratedontheimageofthebar,theshininglightmetal,rightontheworkbench,andtriedtovisualizeavaguelink
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betweenthebarrelsandthebarIwasattemptingtoimageintoexistence.
Aseriesofdullclanksfollowed.
NotonlydidIhaveabar,somewhatlargerthantheoneI’dbeenshown,buttherewasalineofaluminumfragmentsonthestonefloorrunningspiderweb-fashiontowardthebarrels.
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Obviously,myvaguelinkneededtobefarlessdirect.
Ikepttrying,andbytheendofthefourthglass,Iwasexhausted,andmyheadwaspounding.Buttherewasawoodenboxfilledwiththemetalingots,someofwhichhadbeenrefashionedfromalltheloosefragmentsI’dcreatedbeforeI’dfiguredouthowtoimagewithoutcreatingpatternsofaluminum
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runningfromthebarrels.Yet,intheend,refashioningfromthefragmentshadbeenfareasier.
Ifinallyjustsatdownonthestoolthathadbeentuckedawayunderthebench.Iwasjusttootiredtodomore.WhenI’dfirstimagedthatsmallpartoftheFactoriusMasgayl’sportrait,Ihadhadnoideahowexhaustingimagingwouldturnouttobe.
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Beforelong,Grandisynwalkedinandcrossedthefloortothewoodencrate.Helookedatthecrate,andthenatme.“Hmmmm.Wemayhavetofindotherthingsforyou.I’llbetalkingtoMasterDichartyn.Youlookdonein.Gogetsomerest.”
Ididn’tneedanymoreencouragement.
Backinmyroom,Islept
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formorethanaglassandthenhadtohurrytothedininghallfordinner,whereIendedupatthebottomofthetableamongseveralthirdsIdidn’tknow,butIdidmybesttobecheerful.
AfterdinnerIwentbacktomyroomandreadsomemore,butIwascarefultomakemywaydowntothecommonroomaboutahalfglassbeforeeight.The
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commonroomwasinthelowerlevelonthenorthendofthebuilding,littlemorethananarrowspacesomefifteenyardslongandsevenwidewithtablesandbenchesspacedirregularly.Thewalllampswereinfrequentandwickeddowntominimallight,sothattheimpressionwasofgloom.IfoundJohanyrandseveralothersinacorner,withchairspulled
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aroundanewishlookingtableofadesigncenturiesold.Itshouldhavebeenbattered,butwasn’t.Ittookmeseveralmomentstorealizewhy.
“Rhenn...pullupachair.”ThatwasDiazt.“Weweretalkingaboutwhat’sgotthemastersallstirredup.”
IliftedachairandsetitbetweenJohanyrandShannyr,thensatdown.My
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feethurt,andIstillhadatraceofaheadache.
“Onlyhalfthemasterswereatdinner,andneitherMasterDichartynnorMasterPoincarytwasthere,”saidashortmuscularsecondus.
“Theyusuallyaren’t,”Shannyrsaid.Noonelookedinhisdirection.
“ThenewsheetssaidaCaenenanshorebatteryfired
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ononeofourmerchanters.”
“Whywouldtheydothat?”askedShannyr.“Merchantersdon’tcarrycannon.”
“WhatwouldthathavetodowiththeCollegium?”Iinquired.
Diaztlaughed.“TheCollegiumhassomethingtodowitheverythinginSolidar.”
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“MasterDichartyn’syourpreceptor,isn’the?”askedJohanyr.
“Yes,buthedidn’tsayanything,excepthecutmysessionshortthismorning,andthenletGrandisyntellmewhattodointheworkrooms.Heleftinahurry.”
“Theywerealllikethattoday.”
“Didheletanythingslip,
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evenindirectly?”pressedJohanyr.
“TheonlythinghesaidwasthatbothFerrumandJariolahadnastyhabitsinmakingsnoopystrangersdisappear.”
“Itoldyouitcouldn’tbejustCaenen!”declaredShannyr.
“DoestheCouncilhaveanyproblemswiththe
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Oligarchthere?”Iasked.
“There’snotacountryintheworldthatdoesn’thaveproblemswiththeOligarch,”someoneelsesaid.Icouldn’ttellwhowiththequietnessofthewordsandthedimness.
“There’snotacountryinallofTerahnarthatdoesn’thaveproblemswithSolidar,”repliedJohanyr.
“Becauseofimaging?”I
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suggested.“Wedon’thavethatmanyimagers.”
“Nooneelsehasanywherenearasmany.”
“Youcan’thavemanyimagersifyoukillmostofthemaschildren,”addedShannyr.
Diaztclearedhisthroat.“Westilldon’treallyknowwhathasthemworried.Ithastobesomethingimportantto
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haveallthemastersmeetingtwiceinoneday.”
“Itcan’tbejustfiringonamerchanter,”saidDiazt.
Intheend,nooneaddedanything,andIhadtowonderwhoknewwhat,ifanything.Still,I’dbeenthere,andIhadthefeelingthatI’dbetterdropinatleastafewtimesaweek.
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Toeveryman,hiscauseisthe
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onemostjust.
OnMardimorning,IspentaglassoutsideMasterDichartyn’sstudyreadingPracticalPhilosophybecauseitwassoboringthatitseemedbettertoreaditwhenIcouldn’tdomuchelse.At
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thosetimeswhenmyeyesthreatenedtocross,Ispentafewmomentswiththenewsheet—Tableta—buttherewasnothingofgreatinterest,exceptforthemassiveavalanchenearMontD’ImageandthespeculationthatsomehowtheimagerCollegiumtherehadbeeninvolved.Also,accordingtothecaptainoftheAegis,aCaenenangunboathadfired
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onhisship,butmissed.
Whenanotherimagerleft—IrecognizedthetertiusasEngmyr,whomI’dmetatthediningtable—MasterDichartynbeckonedmetoenter.Helookedlesstensethanhehadthedaybefore,andhewassmilingasIclosedthedoorandtookmyseat.
“Grandisyntellsmethat
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youimagedaweek’sworthofaluminumingotsintwoglasses.Howdoyoufeel?”
“Iendedupwithaterribleheadache,andIalmostfellasleepinthecommonroom.”
“Taketimeinbetweenimagingthisafternoon,andseeifyoucanfindabetterway.Tryseveralways.Evenifyoucan’t,takingtimebetweeneacheffortwillleave
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youlessexhausted.”
“Sir...besidestestingimagers,whatisaluminumusedfor?”
“Itsrarity,exceptthatit’snotrare,exceptinpureform.It’sjustthat,exceptforimaging,it’ssodifficulttorefineandprocessthatitisvaluable.SotheCollegiumprovidesacertainamounttotheCouncil,andtheysellit
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discreetlytoenhancerevenues.”
“But...aluminum?”
“It’sunique,Rhennthyl.Ifyouevertrytoimagegold,you’llunderstand.Imagingactuallyrequiresenergyfromyouandfromeverythingaroundyou.It’saprocessofcombiningenergyandmaterial.Apowerfulimagerhastheabilitytodrainthelife
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fromeverythingnearby,includingyou,unlessyouhaveshields.”
ItriedtoconcealthechillIfelt.“Sir...Iwantedtoaskaboutthat.”
“Inamoment,I’lltellyouhowtobeginthinkingalongthoselines,andwhyyouarenevertomentionittoanyonebutamaster.Anyone.Butfirst,aboutgoldand
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platinum.Tobeginwith,they’rerare.Second,they’reveryheavy.Theheavieranythingis,theharderitistoimage,particularlyametal.Ittakesgreatskillandenergy,andthefewergoldfragmentsororethatthereisnearby,theharderitis.Somewould-beimagershavekilledthemselvestryingtoimagetheimpossible.”
“Liketryingtoimagegold
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intheirchambers?”
“Exactly,butimagingcertainmetals—eveninthemidstofrawore—canleadtodeath,andthatdeathislingeringandexcruciatinglypainful.Ittakesseveralweeks,andtheimager’shairfallsout,andhebecomeslikealeperallover.”
“Sir...ifImightask,whydidn’tyoutellmethis
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earlier?”
“Youweretoldwhattoimageandwhere.Youweregivenquietcautions.Ifayoungimagerwon’tlisten,wekeephimhereonImagisleandsoonerorlater,he’lldestroyhimself.”
Icouldn’thelpswallowing.
“Now...aboutshields...it’ssimplyanotherformofimaging.Youimagean
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invisibleshield...butonethatonlystopsimaging.”
“If...if...someonepointedapistolatme...”
“Youcould—andshould—imageaharderinvisibleshieldbetweenyou.Holdingtheshieldmightforceyouseveralstepsbackwardwhenthebullethitit,butthat’sbetterthangettingwounded.Bythesametoken,thatsort
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ofshieldwon’tdomuchagainstacannonshell.”
Icouldunderstandthat.
“Don’tholdahardshieldlong,notnow.Itwillexhaustyou.Animagingshield...withalittlepractice,you’llbeabletoholdthatinyoursleep.”
“HowwillIknowwhetherIhaveitright?”
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“I’llstarttestingyou.Beginningtomorrow.”
Beforehecouldaskmore,Isaid,“Sir?DoestheCollegiumhavespecialenemies?”
Hesnorted.“Doyouneedtoask?”
“Ithoughtthatwemust,butI’veneverseenanythinginthenewsheets,andnooneIknowhasevertalkedaboutit,
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andyouhaven’t,either.”
Hesighedsoftly.“Youdeducetoomuchwithoutknowingenoughtounderstandtheimplications.Thinkaboutthis.WhileatImagisleorthefewotherimagerenclavesacrossSolidarandwhileinL’Excelsis,weallweartheuniformoftheCollegium.Withoutthoseuniforms,whatwoulddistinguishusfrom
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anyoneelse?Wedon’tlookdifferent;wedon’thaveawayofspeakingthatwoulddistinguishusfromothersofSolidar.”
“So...someofusarespies?FortheCollegiumortheCouncil?”
Hestiffened.“Wheredidyoucomeupwiththat?”
“I’vebeenthinking,sir.Amastercankillsomeoneina
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waythatdoesn’tlooktobetiedtoanyone.IfFlorynhadbeenwalkingdownthestreetwhowouldhaveknownhowhedied?YousaidthatIwouldhavebeenfounddeadonthestreethadInotcomehere.YousaidIcoulddevelopshieldsagainstabullet,butnotagainstcannon.Thosesuggestthatanimagercandothingsotherscan’t,butnotthingsthatwouldhelp
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muchinanysortofbattle.YoualsosaidthatimagersprovidedvaluetotheCouncil,andithastobemorethanaluminumingots.”
Awrysmileappearedonhisface.“Iknewyouweregoingtobedifficult.”
Icouldfeelachill,andIwastheonetofreeze.
“Oh...youdon’thavetoworry,notyet.Thatwill
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comelater,afteryoufinishyourtraining,andthatwilltakeawhile.”
ThatIwouldfinishmytrainingwasarelief...inaway.
“Idothinkthatyouneedtoworkonyourshields,startingnow.Tryimagingsomethinglikeaninvisiblefogbetweenyouandme.”
Itried,andIfeltanunseen
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pressureonmychest.
“That’snotworking.Tryacurtain,ablackcurtainthatstopsalllight,exceptthatthecurtainisonethatyoucan’tsee...”
Wehadtoworkuptoanactualvisualwall,andthenworkbackdowntoaninvisiblemuslinscreenbeforeImanagedtofigureitout.Bythattime,almostaglasslater,
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Iwassweatingallover.MasterDichartyncouldhavepointedoutthatimagingwassometimesfarmoreworkthananyonethought.Hedidn’thaveto.Theeffortspokemoreeloquentlythanhecouldhave.
Hedidraisehiseyebrows.“Now...let’sseeyourlogicalproof,Rhennthyl.Iassumeyoudidtheassignment.”
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Ihandedhimthesinglesheetwiththefewcarefullywrittenlinesonit.
“Notverylongforaproof.”Hisvoicewasnoncommittal.
WhatIhadwrittenwassimple,butIhadn’tbeenabletothinkofanythingbetter.
Ifthereisanall-powerfulgod,nothingisbeyondthatgod’spower.Ifthatgodis
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beneficent,thentherewillbenoevilintheworld.Ifthatgodisjust,thegodwillnotallowinjusticetobefallthegoodandtheinnocent.Yetthereisgreatevilintheworld,andmuchofitfallsuponthejustandtheinnocent.Ajustgodwouldprohibitorlimitinjustice,atleastagainsttheinnocent,butinjusticecontinues,sothatifsuchagodisomnipotent,that
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godcannotbejust.Therefore,ifthereisagod,thatgodcannotbeomnipotent,beneficent,andjust.
MasterDichartynlookedupfromthepaper.“Thiscouldbewordedbetter.”
“Yes,sir.”
“Doyoubelievewhatyou
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wrote?”
Ihadn’tlikedwritingtheproof,andI’dlikedtheconclusionless,butIhadtobelievethattherewassometruthinthematter.“Mostly...sir.”
“Mostly?”
“Well...ifpeoplearen’tmarionettes,pulledbystringsheldbytheNameless,theyhavetobeabletomakesome
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decisions.Thatincludesbaddecisions.Baddecisionscancauseevil.”
“Thenyou’rearguingthatyourproofisincorrectbecauseagoodandbeneficentgodhastoallowfreewill.”
Ididn’tlikethatanybetter.“Idon’tliketheideathatsomanypeoplecanbehurtbythosebaddecisionsandthat
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sometimesbadpeoplearerewardedfortheircrueltyandevil.”
“Whatdoyourfeelingstellyouaboutyourlogicalproof?”
“Itisn’tlogical?ThatImadeamistake?”
Helaughed.“No.Yourreactionwasthatyouweren’tlogicalorthatyoumadeamistakeinlogic.Behindyour
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reactionisafeelingthatwhateveris‘true’mustbeabletobeexpressedlogically.Men,inparticular,haveatendencytoconfusecorrectlogicwithanaccurateassessmentofasituation.Becarefulofanysituationthatyouhavetoreasonthroughlogically,becauseifyouhavetoworktoreasonitout,you’reprobablymissingsomething.”
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Again...Ihadtothinkaboutthatforamoment.
“Anotherproblemisthatwewanttheworldtobelogicalandunderstandable,andwewantpeopletoactinawaythatfeelsrightandmakessensetous.That’strueofmostpeopleinmostcountries.Therearedifficultiesinthat,though.Canyoutellmewhattheyare?”
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“Whatmakessensetousdoesn’tmakesensetothem?”
“Precisely.Wehavedifferentbeliefsaboutwhatwefeelisrightandmakessense.Wetakeforgrantedcertainbeliefsortruths.Otherculturestakeforgrantedothertruths.Accordingtoourtruths,theirbehaviorisnotright,andaccordingtotheirtruths,ourbehaviorisnotright.”
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Thatcertainlymadesense.
“Sowhichisright?”heasked.“Intheabsolutesense,thatis?”
“Ican’tsay,sir.Idon’tknowtheirtruths.”
“That’sthelogicalanswer,Rhennthyl.It’salsoanansweryouwillneedtokeeptoyourself.Why?”
“Becauseeveryonearound
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mebelievesourtruthsareright?”
Henodded.“Peopledonotliketheirbeliefschallenged.Theywantcertainty,andtheywanteveryonetofollowtheirway,becausetheyareconvincedthattheirwayistheonlyrightway.Oh,thereareafewopen-mindedpeopleabout,butfarfewerthanclaimtheyare.”
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Icouldseethataswell,perhapsbecauseIcouldrecallalltoowellmyfather’sbeliefinthesuperiorityofalifespentasafactor.
“Letmeaskyouanotherquestion.Wearealwayscautionednottoattachtoomuchweightorsignificancetoaname.Butisn’tcallingtheonewhocannotbenamed‘theNameless’justaconvenientwayofsaying
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we’refollowingtheruleofnotemphasizingnameswhiledoingjustthat?”
“Sir?”
“Isn’t‘theNameless’asmuchanameas‘Dichartyn’or‘Rhennthyl’?”
Onceagain,Ihadtothinkaboutthat.Hewascertainlyrightandyet...
“Rhenn?”
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“Sir...howcanwetalkaboutanythingwithoutnames?Wenamemetals,thecolorsoftherainbow,theobjectsineverydaylife.”
“Whyarethosedifferentfromtheonewhocannotbenamed?Orfromyou...orme?”
Ifinallygraspedatananswer.“They’renotalive.”
“Whataboutanimals?We
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oftennamethem.They’realive.Whatdoesbeingalivehavetodowithnames?”
Icouldfeelthattherewasadifference,butIcouldn’tfindanywordstoexpresswhatIfelt,andIfinallyshrugged,helplessly.
“Metals,objects,minerals...theycannotchangewhattheyare.Allfundamentalsubstancescanonlyexistin
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threeforms,likewater,whichwecanseeassteam,avapororgas,orasaliquid,orasasolid,asice.Thenatureofmostobjectsislimited,whereasweexistassolids,exceptwebreatheair,whichisacombinationofgases,andbloodandotherliquidsrunthroughus.Wearelessfixedthanthehardphysicalworldinwhichwelive,andyetnamingsuggestsafixity
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whichisnottrue...”
Butwasituntrue?Idoubtedsomepeoplecouldeverchange.
“...Namesareanecessaryconvenience,buttheyrepresentonlyasmallproportionofwhatanyoneis,andthemorealive,themorepowerful,themoretalentedanyonemaybe,regardlessofwhethertheyaregoodorevil,
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thelesstheirnametellsofthem.”
IunderstoodeverythingMasterDichartynhadsaid,butthemorequestionsheasked,themoreIwonderedwhyhecontinuedtopressmeonsomanymatters.
“Tomorrow,we’llgooverthenextsectioninthesciencebookandsectionsnineandtenintheHistoryandPolitics
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ofSolidar.”
Inoddedpolitely.
“We’realmostdonehere,butthere’sonelastthing.”MasterDichartynstood.
“Yes,sir?”Ialsorose,wonderingwhatelsehecouldsay.
“YoucantelltheothersecondsthattherewasastrangefireattheCollegium
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atWestisle.That’stheCollegiumoutsidetheharborofLiantiago.Thatwaswhatweweremeetingabout.We’vedecidedonacourseofaction,butthatisallyouaretoknoworshouldknowatthispoint.”Hesmiled.“Goodday,Rhenn,andpaceyourselfattheworkshop.”
“Goodday,sir.Yes,sir.”
Ihadthoughtaboutsitting
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outsideandreadingsomeofthehistoryandpolitics,butitwasmistyandcold,notthatitwasactuallyraining,andsoItookeverythingbacktomyroomandstartedinonsectionnine—theonedealingwiththeadministrativedistrictsofSolidar.
Thatreadingwasdull,sodullthatIwasoneofthefirstatthedininghallforlunch,butJohanyr,Shannyr,and
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Diaztwererightbehindme,andwesattogetheratthelongsecondtable.
“DidMasterDichartynsayanythingtoyou?”askedJohanyr.
“HesaidthatIcouldtellyouthemastersweremeetingoverastrangefireattheCollegiumatWestisle,andthatthey’vedecidedwhattodo,andthatwasallIneeded
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toknow.”
“Hesaidthat?”askedDiazt.
“Closetowordforword.”
“Whatdidyouaskhim?”inquiredJohanyr.
Ishookmyhead.“Ineverhadachancetosayanything.Hewasn’thappywithmyworkintheworkrooms,andhewasn’thappywithmy
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logicalproofs,andhedidn’tlikethewayIhandledsomeoftheimagingexercises.Iwasn’tabouttoaskhimanything.”
DiaztandJohanyrexchangedglances.
“Notgood,”saidDiazt.
“Thatheknewwhatweweretalkingabout?”Iasked.
Therewasapause,enough
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toshowthatmyconcernwasn’tallofwhatbotheredthem.
“Theymusthavelisteningtubesinthecommonroom,orsomeonetoldhim,”Diaztsaid.
“Orboth,”addedShannyr.
“Hewasdeliveringamessage,”Isuggestedblandly,tryingtogetmoreofareaction.“Butwhywould
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hecarewhatwetalkabout?Wecan’thavebeentheonlyoneswhonoticedthatthemasterswereworriedandmeeting.”
“It’snotthat,”saidJohanyrinalowervoice.
“What,then?Warningustokeepourspeculationstoourselves.”
Theotherthreeallnodded.
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Ididn’tthinkthatwasall,butIonlysaid,“Therearen’tenoughofthemtolistenallthetime.”
Johanyrshookhisheadsadly,asiftosuggestIdidn’tknowwhatIwastalkingabout.
Ishruggedhelplessly.
Diaztdidgrin,butonlybriefly.
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Preparationisalwaysanact
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offaith.
OnMerediandJeudi,inadditiontomystudiesandhalf-improvingmyabilitytoimagethealuminumbarswithoutexhaustingmyself,Iworkedontryingtodevelopstrongerbutinvisibleshields
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againstimaging.Ididn’tmeetwithMasterDichartynatall,butGherardgavemereadingassignments.AllhesaidwasthatMasterDichartynwasaway.Thecommonroomwasdesertedbothnights,andIdidn’tseeJohanyrandtheothersanywhere.Eventhougheveryonewaspleasantandcheerfulatmeals,thatworriedme,becauseitsuggestedthattheythought
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I’dbeentheonetoreportwhatthey’dsaid.Attheveryleast,itdidn’tshowmuchtrust.
OnVendrei,IwaitedhalfaglassbeforeMasterDichartynsummonedmeintohisstudy.
“Whatisthedifferencebetweenaquafortisandaquaregia?”
“Aquaregiaisthestronger,anditcandissolveevengold.
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Aquafortiswilldissolvesilver,butnotgold...”FromthereImanagedtorecallmostofwhatwasinthesciencetext.
Afterthat,hehadquestionafterquestion,allaboutaspectsofscience.
Abruptly,hestopped.“Youknowwhat’sinthebooks.Afterwefinishhere,goovertothelaboratoriesandfind
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MaitreChassendrioroneofherassistants.Tellherorthemthatyouneedtobeshownandtolearnthepreparationofbothaquaregiaandaquafortis.”
“Yes,sir.”
“WhyistherebutoneimagerontheCouncil?”askedMasterDichartyn.
“Isn’titpartofthereasonwhynomorethanthree
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councilorscanbefromL’Excelsis?”
“Yesandno.HerepresentsalltheimagersinSolidar.Also,foradministrativepurposes,ImagisleisnotpartofL’Excelsis.It’sinthebook,butevenifyoudidn’tcatchthat,youshouldhaveknownbetter,Rhennthyl.”
Reprimandedtwiceinonesentence.Ihatedfeeling
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stupid.“Oh...becausetherearenopatrollersontheisle,andbecausetheCollegiumhasitsownjusticingsystem?”
MasterDichartynnoddedandaskedagain,“Whyonlyoneimager?”
“Idon’tknow,sir.Idon’trecallanythinginthebookaboutthat.”
“Thereisn’tanythinginthe
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book.I’maskingyoutothinkaboutit.Isthatsoveryhard,Rhennthyl?”
IwasdefinitelynotimpressingMasterDichartyn.SoIgambledandsaidwhatIthought.
“That’sallthatisnecessary.NoonecanmaketheCollegiumdowhatitwillnot.”
“Yougiveustoomuch
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credit.”Buthesmiled.“It’smoreaccuratetosaythattheCouncilhasgreatrespectfortheCollegiumandwouldprefertoworkwiththeCollegium.IftheCouncil’simageropposessomething,theCouncilreconsidersthematter.”
“WhoistheimagerontheCouncilnow,sir?”
“MasterRholyn.He’svery
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goodwithwordsandthinkswellonhisfeet.”
AfteramomentIrecalledRholynhadbeentheadvocatefortheCollegiumatFloryn’shearing.
“I’dliketotestyourshields.Areyoumaintainingimagingshields?”
“Ithinkso.”
AbruptlyIcouldfeel
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myselfpressedbackinthechair.
MasterDichartynshookhishead.“Youcandetectsomeone,butyouneedasecondlevelbehindthem.”
“HowdoIdothat?”Iwasn’tcertainwhathemeant.
“Youneedtotrainyourmind,justasyoutrainedyourhandsandfingersasanartist,toreacttosituations.The
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momentyourshieldsfeelanyimagingpressure,thosesecond-levelshieldsneedtospringforward.”
Ididn’tevenhavethefaintestideaofwheretobegin.
“I’llpressatyourshieldsgently,andyouerectastrongerset...”
Oncemore,Iwassweatingandexhaustedwhenhe
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finallysaid,“Enough.Youneedtoworkonthemmore.Nowthatyou’reasecondusandfreetotraveloffImagisle,youneedtheabilitytoprotectyourself.”
“Sir,Idon’twanttosoundpresumptuousorlikeatroublemaker,butwhathappensif...well...ifI’minapositionwhereshieldsaren’tenough?”
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“I’dsaythatyou’dprobablyactedunwisely.”Dichartynlaughedgenially,butthelaughdiedawayquickly.“Still...therearetimeswhenruffianswillattackasingleimager,particularlyayoungerone.Wedolosesomewhoarenotcareful.Therulesfordefensearesimple.Youmusthaveexhaustedeverypracticalwaytoavoidattacking,andit’s
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preferablethatyouleavenotracesofwhatyouhavedone.”
“HowcanIavoid...”Ipaused.“ShouldIpracticeimagingrainorshadowsorfogormist?”
“I’dtryitatnightinsecludedcornersofImagisle.You’llgetasplittingheadacheifyoutryrain,fog,ormistinyourroom,andyou
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won’tseetheshadowsrightinside.Forthoseefforts,youhavemypermission,butonlywhennooneisnearby.”
“Thankyou,sir.”
“You’llfaceothertrials,aswell,Rhenn.Ican’tsaywhattheyareorwherethey’llcomefrom,andit’sbestthatIdon’ttrytoguess,becausethosetrialsaredifferentforeveryimagerandifIgive
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youdetails,then...it’slikenaming—you’llfixateonthose.Icanonlysaythatifyourlifeistrulythreatened,nomatterwhereyouare,youhavetherighttouseanyimagingabilitytodefendyourself.Obviously,it’sbetternottokillattackersunlessabsolutelynecessary,andeverysituationfacingyouhasaweaknessthatcanbeexploited—ifyouthink
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quicklyenough.”
TheimplicationwasthatIwellmightbeinjuredordeadifIdidnotthinkswiftly.
“Now...offtothelaboratories.”Hegesturedtowardthedoor.
Ipickedupmybagandbooksandslippedout,closingthedoorbehindme.Iwasn’tsure,butIthoughtIheardhimmutterunderhis
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breath.Itmighthavebeen“...Namelesssaveme...”
Inreflection,asIwalkeddownthecorridortowardthedoorontothequadrangle,IponderedonephraseMasterDichartynhadsaid.Whyhadhesaid“nomatterwhereyouare”?Didhemeanthatabsolutely?
Howcouldyoudisablesomeoneeffectivelyand
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reliably—usingimaging?Youwouldneedsomethingsopainfulandyetsosmallthatitwouldbeeasytoimage.Anditwouldneedtobecomprisedofsubstancescommoneverywhere.Onthewayacrossthequadrangletowardthebuildingthatheldthelaboratories,itcametome.Commonlye—imagedintosomeone’seyes.Theycertainlywouldn’tbeableto
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seeoreasilymove,anditwasmadeofrelativelycommonsubstances.
Withthatrevelation,I’dhopedtovisitthekitchenandscullerybeforelunch,butMaitreChassendriwasinthelaboratory,and,forsomereason,shedecidedtopersonallyinstructme.IfI’dthoughtthatMasterDichartynhadbeenpicky,hisstrictnesswaslenientcomparedtohers.
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“No!Donoteverplacethebeakerinanypositionwherethefumescanrisetotouchyouoryourskin...”
“Theglassmustbeabsolutelydry!”
Iwouldn’thavesaidthatIwasshakingbythetimeIescapedfromMaitreChassendri’stenderinstruction,butIfeltthatwaywhenIwalkedintothedining
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hallforlunch.
Johanyrwaved,andIwalkedoverandtooktheseatacrossfromhimandDiazt.
Iusuallydranksomethingcoolatlunch,butIwasmorethanreadyfortea,asmuchtosettlemystomachastowarmme.Thebeefragouthelpedaswell.
“Whatwasyourmorninglike?”DiaztaskedJohanyr.
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“MasterGhaendwaspoundingawayatthestructuraldifferencesofmaterials.”
Imanagedtokeepfromsayinganything,butmerelynodded.MasterDichartynhadmovedmepastthat,andJohanyrhadbeenattheCollegiumfarlongerthanhadI.
“OldSchorzatwasn’teven
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around,”offeredDiazt,“butheleftwordthatIstilldidn’tunderstandsectionfiveofthesciencebookwellenough.I’llhavetogobackoverthat.”
“WhatsortofquestionsdoesMasterDichartynaskyou?”Johanyr’stonewasidle,buthewatchedclosely.
“ThismorninghewasaskingabouttheCouncilandwhyitwasstructuredtheway
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itwas.Hewasn’thappythatIhadn’tmemorizedtheactualstructure.”
AfaintsmilecrossedDiazt’sface.
“Whataboutscience?”
“Hesentmetothelaboratoriestolearnsomebasics.Igotsomeverydirectinstructionandtoomanywarningsabouthandlingbeakersandhowtoclean
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equipment.”Ishookmyhead.“Whataboutyou?”
“Ididn’thavetogotothelaboratories.”Johanyrlaughed.“That’salwaysgood.Sometimesthestenchesthereturnmyguts.”
“HasMasterDichartynsaidanythingmoreaboutwhathappenedinWestisle?”askedDiazt.
“Hewasgonefortwodays,
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buthehasn’tsaidanything.”
“Youaskhim?”
“I’vealreadylearnedthat,whenhesayshedoesn’twanttotalkaboutsomething,hegetsunpleasantifyoubringitupagain.Idon’tthinkIcanaffordtomakehimangry.”
“No...Iwouldn’tthinkso,”saidJohanyrinamusingtone.“Therearemorethanafewyoudon’twanttoanger,
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andit’ssometimeshardtotellwho’sreallyimportanttoyourgettingalongandstayingattheCollegium.”
“I’mworkingatunderstandingthat.”
“We’recertainyouare.”Johanyrsmiled,thenstood.“Ineedtogettotheworkshops.”
“Me,too,”addedDiazt.
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I’ddefinitelygottentheirmessage,andIreallywouldhavelikedtovisitthesculleryafterlunch,buttherewasn’ttime.IhadtogettotheworkroomtoseeifIcouldworkoutanevenlessexhaustingwaytoimagethosealuminumbars.
Theworkroomwasempty,exceptforthebarrels,butitlookedtomethatmostofthemhadbeenreplacedwith
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otherbarrels.SoIsatdownonthestoolandthoughtaboutimaging,andbegantotryyetanotherwayofdoingit.Ahalfglassorsolater,Grandisynbarelylookedin,thenjustnoddedandduckedout.
RightaftertheCollegiumbellsstruckthefourthglass,Iheadedforthesculleryonthelevelbelowthemaindininghall.Thestepsleadingdown
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werethesamegraygranite,andjustascleanasanyotherstaircaseorcorridorI’dseenonImagisle.I’dtakennomorethantenstepsdownthelowerhallwaywhenanolderwoman,anobduratefromhermutedblackshirtandtrousers,appeared.
“Sir,youcan’tbelookingforanyonedownhere.Nobodyherebutusobsculls.”
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“Then,you’retheonesI’mlookingfor.Mymastergavemeaproject,andIneedalittlecommoncaustic.”
Shejustlookedatme.
“Lye,thesodayoucleanwith.Ionlyneedalittle,ahalfcup?”
Afteramoment,shenodded.“Wecouldsparethatlittle,butbestyoubecareful.Itburnsfearfulwhenit’swet.
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Youjustwaithere,sir.”
Istoodintheundergroundhallway,half-wonderingifshe’dreturnwithamaster.
Whenshereturned,alone,shehandedmeabatteredandchippedcrockerymugalittlemorethanhalffilledwithoff-whitelumpycaustic.“Hereyouare,sir.”
“Thankyou.”Iinclinedmyhead.“Wherewouldyoulike
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metoreturnthecup?”
“Youcankeepit.Thereareenoughthatgetbrokeorchippedthatwegotplenty.”
“Iappreciateit.”Withanod,Iturnedandheadedbackupstairs,andthenoutside.
Whiletryingnottolookovermyshoulder,becauseIworriedthatsomeonemightfollowme,Iwalkedtothewestriverwall,andthen
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southacrossthecausewayleadingtotheBridgeofStones,andtothepark-likegroveofancientoaksbetweenthecausewayandthegroundsoftheAnomenD’Imagisle.Theoakswereshowingtracesofgreenandhadnotleafedout,butthetrunksweremassiveenoughthatIfeltlargelyconcealed,atleastfromcasualobservers.
ThenIgottowork.
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Imagingthecausticwasn’tallthatdifficult.Imagingitinsmallquantitieswasharder,andimage-projectingsomeofwhatwasinthecupwasevenharder.Image-projectingithead-highontheoaktrunkswasyetmoredifficult.ButIpersevered...becauseIknewIhadnorealchoices.
ItwasclosetosixbeforeIwasconfidentthatIhadmasteredwhatIcouldwith
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thecaustic,butthatwasonlyhalfofwhatwasnecessary.Ineededtoworkonshieldsmore.Iwouldn’tbeinmuchshapetoimagelyeintosomeone’seyesafterI’dbeenhitwithabulletorbashedwithacudgelorrunthroughwithastiletto.AccordingtoMasterDichartyn’srules,effectivelyIhadtobeabletowithstandanattackinordertoproveself-defense.After
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whatI’dseenwithFloryn,Idefinitelywantedtobesureitwasself-defense.Thatmeantfarbettershields.
Atthesametime,IwasexhaustedbythetimeItooktherestofthecupoflyetomyroom.Thatleftjustenoughtimetowashupandhurrybacktothehallfordinner.WhenIwalkedin,IcouldseeDiaztandJohanyr.Ididn’treallywanttositnear
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them,butIdidn’twanttocreatetheimpressionIwasavoidingthem.TherewasaseatemptytotheleftofShannyrsothathewouldbebetweenmeandJohanyr.SinceDiaztwasseatedtoJohanyr’sright,neithercouldpressmeatthetable,andIwouldn’tbeobviouslyavoidingthem.
TherewasamomentarylookofsurpriseonShannyr’s
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faceasIstoodbehindthechairnexttohim,waitingforthemastersattheheadtabletoseatthemselves.
Oncewewereseated,Iaskedhim,“Howwasyourday?”
“Likeanyother.Iwenttoworkatthearmorymachineshop,hadlunch,andwentbacktowork.”
Ithadn’toccurredtome
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thatmanyoftheseconds,perhapsmostofthem,hadfinishedalltheirinstructionandwereworkingfortheCollegium.Itshouldhave,butithadn’t.“Isupposethey’llassignmesomewhereonceIgetcaughtuponwhatIhavetolearn.”
“Couldbeworsethanthearmory.Theyhadmeintheengineroomofoneoftheriverboats.Wetandcoldmost
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ofthetime.”
Ishudderedatthethoughtofbeingcrampedintoariverboatengineroom.“Whatdoyoudointhearmory?CanIask?Imean...”
Shannyrlaughed.“Youcanask.Icaneventellyou.Iimagethespecialpowderforthepercussioncapsthatthefour-digitnavalgunsuse.”
“Youimageitrightintothe
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cap?”
“That’sright.There’snometaltouchingmetal,nochanceofaspark,andnoexplosions.”
AnotheroneofthosespecialservicesprovidedtotheCouncilbytheCollegium,Irealized.Howmanywerethere?
“Whataboutyou?”heasked.“Whenyou’renot
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underinstruction?”
“Makingmetalbars.”
Hewinced.“That’swork.”
“Icanonlydosomany,andIhavetorestalot.”Ipaused.“YouknowI’mnewhere...Iwasthinkingaboutgirlfriends.Iusedtohaveone,andsomeimagersaremarried...”
“They’retheluckyones.”
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Shannyrshookhishead.“Lotsofwomenwillgiveyouafling,evenmarriedones,butnotmanywanttomarryanimager.”
“Whyisthat?”
“Wescare’emabit.Thatinterests’em,buttheywon’tmarrysomeonewhoscaresthem.”
Icouldseethat,butIhadtowonderifthathappenedtobe
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truewithallimagers,orifthathadjustbeenShannyr’sownexperience.
“Youwanttohavefunwiththewomen,whenyou’refree,don’tstayaroundImagisle.TakeahackouttoMartradonorouttosomeofthebistrosonNordroadorSudroad...”
Ilistenedpolitely,althoughIcouldseethatIknewfarmoreaboutwherethewomen
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wereinL’Excelsisthanhedid.
Thatnight,afterdinner,Ihadanotheridea.Iwentoutsideandimagedrubber,athinlayerofit,alongtheinsideofasmallclothbag.ThenIpouredsomeofthecausticIhadleftintothebag,whichItiedshut.Forawhile,anyway,untilIwasmoreconfidentinmyabilities,Icouldcarrythatwithme.
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ThenItriedtopracticeshields—andshadows—untilIwastrulyexhausted.Theshadowsweren’tverygood,andIwasmorethanreadytoclimbthestairsandcollapseintomybed.
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Thoseinafamilymaywell
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sharethesamedwelling,butnotthesamehome.
BothVendreiandSamedimorningswerehardbecauseMasterDichartynkeptpressingmeonmyshields.NomatterhowmuchIimproved,hekeptinsisting
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thatmyeffortswerenotadequate.Thenheofferedanonslaughtofquestions,notonlyonwhatIread,butonhowitallrelatedtotheCollegiumanditsroleinSolidar.IkeptthosequestionstomyselfandtoldJohanyrandhisgroupofsecondsonlyafewoftheeasierandmorepurelyacademicortechnicalones.
OnSamediafternoon,I
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waswaitingontheeastsideoftheBridgeofHopesagoodhalfglassbeforethree.Thedaywassunny,withthefaintesthaze,buttherewasahintofchill,andIworemycloak.OntheroughlytriangularspacewheretheboulevardintersectedtheEastRiverRoadstoodaflowersellerwithaweatheredface,butapleasantexpression.
“Flowers,sirimager?
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Flowersforalady,afriend,orfamily?”
Foramoment,Icouldn’thelpsmiling.“No,thankyou.”
Thetemptingaromaoffowlroastingovercharcoalonacartacrosstheboulevardwaftedaroundme.Forallthat,itmightaswellhavebeengrayandgloomy,giventhewayIfelt.Ishouldn’t
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have.Iwashealthyandhadaprofession,ifnotwhatI’dexpected,thatearneddecentcoins.MotherandRouselcertainlywantedtoseeme,andprobablyRemayadid.EvenFatherdid,Isuspected,evenifhe’dneveradmitit.
Twowomen,oneinbrightgreenandtheotherinscarlet,eyedmespeculativelyastheyneared,butIwasn’tinthemoodforeitheroftheir
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favors,evenifIcouldhaveaffordedthem.Aftertheypassed,amotherinawornbrowncoatdraggedtwochildrentowardthewallseparatingthesidewalkfromthenarrowboulevardgardensinordertoputasmuchspacebetweenthethreeofthemandmeaspossible.Wassheamalleable,ordidshejustfearimagers?
Asthetimenearedthree,
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thecoach,withitsglisteningbrownbodyandpolishedbrasswork,appearedontheBoulevardD’Imagers.Beforelong,Charlsynpulledupnexttothecurb,butwellshortoftheflowerseller,easilyreininginthetwomatchedchestnuts.
“Goodafternoon,Charlsyn.”
“Goodafternoon,sir.”
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Iclimbedinandclosedthecoachdoor.BecauseofallthecoachesandridersontheBoulevardD’Imagers,Isurmised,CharlsyntookMarchandAvenuebacktoSudroad,andthentotheMidroad.Itwasclosetohalfpasttheglassbeforethecarriagepulledupatthesideporticoofthehouse,whereMother,Rousel,andRemayawerewaitingasIsteppedup
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undertheportico.
“Goodwoolinthatcloakandwaistcoat,”observedRousel,ifwithagrin.
“Motheralreadynoticedthat.Didshetellyou?”
“Shetoldmetolook,”headmitted.
“Youlookdashinginthatgray,”addedRemayawithasmile.Shehadbecome
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rotund,andevenchubbyintheface,buthereyessparkled,especiallywhenshelookedupatRousel.
“Muchmorebusinesslikethanwhenhewasanartist,”addedFatherfromthedoorwaywherehestood.“Comeoninside,allofyou,especiallyyou,youngwoman,”headdedtoRemaya.“Thebreezeisn’tgoodformygrandson.”
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“Shemightbeagranddaughter,”saidKhethilafrombehindFather.
“Grandson!”yelledCulthynfrominsidethefamilyparlor.
Rouseljustlaughed.“Heorshewillbewhatheorsheis.”
Inmoments,everyonewasintheparlor,andNellicawaspassingatraywithspicedwine,orchilledwhiteorred.
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Afterslippingoutofmycloak,Itookthewhite.
Fatherhadsettledintohisfavoritechair.Hedidn’twaitforanyoneelsetositdownbeforeheasked,“Whatcanyoutellusaboutthisimagerbusiness?”Asalways,everythingwasbusiness.BeforeIcouldanswer,headded,“YouknowthatlastweekendayounggraycoatwaskilledneartheNord
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Bridge.”Heshookhishead.“Shouldn’thavebeenthere.”
Ihadn’tseenthatineitherTabletaorVeritum.“Iwouldn’tgoanywherelikethat.”
“Iwouldhopenot.”
“TheCollegiumatImagisleislikeaguildforimagers.”Isettledintothestraight-backedchairacrossfromhisupholsteredneedlepoint
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armchair.“WhenIstarted,Iwasanimagerprimus.NowI’masecondus.Mostimagersaretertius,Isupposejustlikemostcraftersarejourneymen.Therearefourclassesofmasters.”
“Names...names...whatdoyoudo?”
“Chenkyr...”murmuredMother.
“Itisn’twhatyou’recalled
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thatmatters,”herepliedamiably.“It’swhatyoudoandwhatyouearn.”
“I’mstilllearning,”Ireplied,“inthemornings,anyway.Ihavetolearnmoreaboutscienceandaboutgovernmentandhistory.Intheafternoons,Iwork.”
“Whatdoyoudo?”Ahintofexasperationcoloredhiswords.
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“Imagerthings.Ican’ttellyou.”
“Can’torwon’t?”
“Chenkyr...”Mother’svoicewasfirmerandlouder.
“Icould,butI’mnotallowedto.SinceIdon’twanttospendtherestofmylifedoingimagingdrudgeryintheworkshops,Iwon’t.IgetfedbetterthanatMasterCaliostrus’sandhavea
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chanceatearningacomfortableliving.”Ismiledpolitely.“Howisthewoolbusiness?”
“Verywell,”interjectedRouselcheerfully.“We’vemorethantripledsalesandshipmentsoutofKherseillesthisyear.Thatwon’tlast,butwiththeshippingembargoleviedonCaenenbytheCouncilandbyFerrumandJariola,we’redoingwell.”
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“IfshipmentstoCaenenareembargoed...?”Iasked.
“WejustshiptofactorsintheAbiertoIsles.TheyselltoCaenenanfactors.Wehadtoadvancethemalittlecredit,buttheCaenenanssendtheirownbottomsthere.”
“Whywon’titlast?”
Rouselshrugged.“Ihadafeelingthingswouldgettensewiththedualgodders.SoI
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openeduptradewithsomeclothfactorsintheisles.Theyusuallydon’tdealthatmuchinwool,andIhadtogivethem...someconsiderations...lastyear,butnooneelseshippingoutofKherseilleshadanyarrangementsinplace.They’reallhurryingandscrambling,butfornow,we’redoingnicely.Morethannicely,andI’vegotanarrangementforsomehigh-
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qualityCaenenancottoncomingbacktheotherway.Wedidn’thavethatevenbeforetheembargo.”
“TheCouncilwon’tobject?”Iasked.
“Howcanthey?”Rouselgrinned.“We’renotsellingtoCaenenans.We’resellingtoAbiertans.Wecan’tcontrolwhotheysellto.”
“Youcan’tstoptradewith
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laws,”addedFather.“Evenembargoesandwarshipsaren’teffective.Peoplewanttobuywhattheywanttobuy,andtheywanttopayaslittleaspossible.”
“Unlessit’srare,andthentheybiduptheprice.”Ipaused.“Isthereadifferenceinthetariffratebetweenwhatyou’dpayifwoolwentdirectlytoCaenenandwhatitcostsgoingthroughAbierto?”
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“You’restillsharpenoughtobeafactor,”saidRousel.“There’sonlyaonepercenttariffbetweenSolidarandtheisles,andwehaveareciprocalagreement.”
“Andthedifferenceinshippingcosts?”
“Thelandedpriceperhundredweightisalmostthesame.”
Ihadtowonderwhythe
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Councilbotheredwiththeembargo.
“Canwetalkaboutsomethingelse?”askedMother.“Haveyoumetanyoneweknow?”
“NotthatIknowof.Therearen’tallthatmanyimagersinallofSolidar.”
“Whatdoesthathavetodowithanything?”demandedCulthyn.
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“It’smathematics,stupid,”repliedKhethila.“Iftherearen’tmanyimagers,thennotmanyareborn—”
“That’senough...Iunderstand,andI’mnotstupid.”
IlookedtoRouselandRemaya,sittingonthesettee.“Seewhatawaitsyou?”
“We’llmanage,”hereplied.
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“Arethereanywomenimagers?”askedRemaya.
“Onlyafew.”Forestallingtheinevitable,Iquicklyadded,“Ihaven’tmetanymyage,buttheremightbeoneortwo.”
“Ihopeyoudo.”
Behindhersmileandthekindnessofherwords,Icouldsensethepity.I’dneverwantedherpity,andIquickly
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asked,“HowareyoufindingKherseilles?”
“It’scharming,”sheanswered.“Itisnottoolarge,andwehavealovelysmallvillaonthehillsoverlookingtheharbor,withapleasantbreeze...”
Aftermorechatter,mostlyaboutKherseilles,Motherrose.“Dinnerisready.”
Aspeoplebegantomove
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towardthediningchamber,Mothereasedupbesideme.“We’regoingtohaveadinnerhereonthethirty-fifthofAvryl.Ithinkyou’dlikethepeople.”
“Whoisshe?”Icouldn’thelpgrinning.
Motherdidhavethegracetoblush.“She’snice,andquitepretty,butveryshy.Youactuallyhavemether
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youngercousin.”
“Ihave?”
“Quiteanumberoftimes.”Herfacehadamischievousexpression.“AeylanaD’Weidynishercousin.Youpaintedherportrait.Herfatheristherenownedcabinetmaker,andhisbrotherTomazisthelargestproducefactorinL’Excelsis.Tomazisalsoafriendofyourfather,
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andwe’veinvitedthemfordinner.”
“Andtheshyyounglady?What’shername?”
“HernameisZerlenya.”
Icouldn’tsaythatI’dmetorrememberedanyonenamedZerlenya,andthatwasprobablygood,becausefewofthegirlsorwomenI’dmetovertheyearshadimpressedme.Onlyahandfulhad—
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Remaya,Kalyssa,Larguera,andSeliora—andIhadn’theardanythingaboutKalyssainyears,andLarguerahadmarriedsomeheirtoabreweryfortuneorsomethinglikethat.
“I’llbehere,andI’llbeascharmingasIcan.”
“Morecharmingthanthat,please,dear.”Hersmilewasaffectionate.“Now...enjoy
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thedinner.It’soneofyourfavorites—theapple-stuffedporkcrownroast.”
Itwasoneofmyfavorites,andIdidenjoyit.Theconversationatdinnerwaspleasant.EvenFatherstoppedbeingthebusinessmanandtoldstories,includingoneI’dneverheardaboutthetimewhenhe’dfirstbeenbuyingwoolanddidn’tknowthatsangorawasconeyhair.
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WhenIleftandCharlsyndrovemebacktotheCollegium—ortheeastsideoftheBridgeofHopes—itwasclosetotheeighthglassoftheevening.IdidrealizeonethingwhenIsteppedoutofthecarriagejustshortoftheBridgeofHopesthatnight.Forsomepeople,homeisalwaysthere.Forothers,whilethestructureandthefamilymaystillbethere,and
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theymayallstillcareforyou,it’snolongerhome.Iwasoneofthose.WasitthatIwasanimager?OrhaditbeenthatwayfromthetimeI’dwantedtobeanartist?
Iwalkedacrossthebridgequickly,alertforwhateverorwhoevermightbearound,butIsawnoone,exceptafewfiguresingrayfromadistance.AlthoughArtiemawasfull,thefainthazedulled
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herluminouslight.TothewestthequarterdiscofErionseemedredderthanusual,asifthelesserhunterweresomehowlyinginwaitforthegreaterhuntress.WasthatbecauseIfeltthatsomeone,ormorethanasingleperson,waswatching?YetnooneappearedasInearedthequartersbuilding.
Ihadtimetoworkonmyshields,andthatIcoulddo
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safelyinmychamber.I’dalreadydonethereadingassignedbyMasterDichartyn.
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Thegreatestcurseisto
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inheritwealthorpositionwithoutability.
TherewasnothingtokeepmefromleavingImagisleonSolayi,exceptnooneIwantedtoseeandnodesiretospendmyfewsilversinL’Excelsismerelyforthe
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sakeofspendingthem.Besides,Iwasstillworriedaboutmyimagingshields,especiallyafterhavinghadthefeelingofbeingwatchedthenightbefore.So,afterbreakfast,whichIatenearseveralthirdsatatablewithlessthantenpeoplescatteredalongalengththatcouldholdclosetoahundred,Iwalkedbacktomychamberandreadmyassignments,tryingto
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thinkofthekindofquestionsMasterDichartynmightask.Aftereveryfewpages,Istoppedandworkedonmyshields.
Bylatemorningtheovercasthadlifted,andIdecidedtotakeabreakfromtheindoorstudyingandtrytoworkonfogandshadows.Afterleavingmyroom,Imademywaydownthestepstothemainlevelandthen
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acrossthequadrangleandsouthwardtothegrovenorthofthechapel.Oncemore,notonlywassomeonewatchingmetheentireway,Ifelt,butheortheykeptwatchingwhileIstruggledwithconcealmentprojections.Fogprovedtobeeasiertocreate,butittendednottolastlong,vanishingshortlyafterthesunstruckit.Itdidlingerintheshadows,butIhadtrouble
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makingitthickenoughtocloakme.WhatIcreatedmightworkatnight...maybe.
Shadowsweresomethingelse.Afterperhapsaquarterglass,Ifiguredouthowtocreateshadows—animagingshieldthatblockedsunlightwithoutbeingvisible—butthatdidn’thelpmuch,becauseinanylightbrightenoughtocreateshadows,I’d
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stillbevisible,andthatmeantIneededanotherapproach.Evenafteralongglassofexperimentation,Icouldn’tthinkofone.
WhenIwalkedbacknorthtothedininghallfromthegrove,justbeforethetenbellsofnoonbegantostrike,IsawDiaztandJohanyrtalkingsometenyardsoutsidethemainentrance.Johanyr’svoicewaslowand
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intent,buthestoppedforamomentandglaredatme,thensnorted,beforereturninghisattentiontoDiazt.
WhathadIdonetomakehimangry,excepttrytoavoidhim?Orhadtheybeentheonesobservingme?Iftheywere,therewasn’tmuchIcoulddoaboutit.SoIwentinsideandsatnexttoShannyr,who,unlikeDiaztandJohanyr,gavemea
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friendlysmile.
“Johanyr’snotinaverygoodmood,”Isaidquietly.
Shannyrshookhishead.“He’snot.Hasn’tbeensinceVendrei.Stewinginhisownsweat.MasterGhaendtoldhimthathe’dnevermaketertiusifhedidn’tstudy.Alsosaidthatifhedidn’tlearnmore,he’dhavetogotoworkwiththesecondslikeme.”
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Shannyr’stonewastotallywithoutrancororbitterness.
“MasterGhaendsaidthat?”
“No.MasterGhaendtoldhimhecouldn’tplayatbeingastudent,andthathe’dhavetolearnorgotowork.IheardJohanyrtellingDiaztthat.Hewassoangrythatanyoneintenyardscouldhaveheard.”
“Whydoesn’thejuststudy?”Ihadanideawhy,
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butIwantedtohearwhatShannyrsaid.
“HewasbornJohanyrD’Ryel.Mighthavesomethingtodowithit.”
“HecomesfromtheHighHolders,andhe’sanimager?”
“Doesn’tmatterwhereyoucomefrom.”Helaughedsoftly.“Me,I’moneofthefortunateones.TillIcame
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here,neverknewwhenI’deatnext.MawashappytoknowI’dgetfedandhappiertogetthegold.”
“Youdon’tmindworkinginthearmory?”
“Why’dImind?I’dbeslavingforsomefactor,luggingbarrelsandthelike,orI’dalreadyhavebeenpress-gangedintotheNavyorconscripted.”Hesmiled.
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“Muchbettertoworkasacommonimager.Diaztdoesn’tseethat.Hethinkshe’ssomuchsmarterthanFloryn.He’sjustthesame,butnotassmart.”
“DidDiaztcomefromthetaudis?”
“Thehellhole.”
ThatwastheworstsluminL’Excelsis,exceptthat—unlikethetaudisbelowSouth
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Middle—itwasn’tactuallyinthecity,butoffthehighwaythatSudroadturnedintosomefivemillessouthoftheAvenueD’Artisans.“He’sbetteroffhere.”
“Hedoesn’tthinkso.Heranaganglet—kidsdoingstufffortheelversandstealingfromthesansespoirs.”
“Hewasincontrol,andhe
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doesn’tlikeitwhenotherpeopleare.”Ipaused,thenadded,“ItsoundslikeJohanyrdoesn’tmuchlikeit,either.”
“Nomatterwhoyouare,”Shannyrsaid,“there’salwayssomeoneelsetougher.Sawthatgrowingup.”
“Orbrighterorbetter-connected...orwhatever.”
“Youmisspainting?”he
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asked.
“Sometimes,”Iadmitted.“But,inaway,imaging’slikethat.Idon’tknowthatI’dhaveeverdiscoveredIcouldimageifIhadn’tbeenaportraiturist.Didyouever...”Iwasn’tquitesurehowtoaskwhetherhe’dworkedatanything.“...wanttodoanythingbesidesbeanimager?”
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“Fieldworkorthemines—thosewerethechoicesoutinTacqueville.Didn’tcaremuchforeither,butIwasworkingaditchcrewwhenIimagedalousycopperforMa.SobadthatsheknewI’dmadeit.Hadn’tseenthatmany.”Shannyrlaughed.“Armory’sbetteranyday.”
Diaztwasthetypewho’dratherrunaganginthehellholesofSolidarthan
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answertoanyoneintwicethecomfort.Butweren’tmorethanafewpeoplelikethat?
WhenIleftthetableandShannyr,DiaztandJohanyrwerestandingbeyondthearchway.NeitherlookedatmeasIpassed,andIevenofferedapolitesmile.Behindme,though,Icouldhearafewmutteredwords.
“Stuff’stooeasyforhim..
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.”
“Rodie...gottobearodie...”
Me?Arodent,asnoop,reportingbacktotheseniorimagers?Thatdidn’tmakesense.WhywouldIgiveupbeingaportraituristtobecomeanimager,andthenaninformerforMasterDichartynoranyothermaster?Ialmostturnedand
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snappedbackthattheywereimbecilesandmasterimagersdidn’tneedtoadies,butmygutstoldmethatwouldonlymakemattersworse.
Besides,ifIdidn’treact,theycouldn’tbesureifI’doverheardthem.
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Arrogancemakesaman
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stupid,
andstupiditycanmakehimevenmorearrogant.
OnSolayieveningandatbreakfastonLundi,JohanyrandDiaztstoodoutsidetheentrancetothedininghall
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andlookedhardatme.Ijustsmiledback.Theydidn’treturnthesmile,nordidtheychoosetositanywherenearme.IsatwithShannyr.Hewasgoodcompany.
Afterbreakfast,whenIwasfinallyadmittedtoMasterDichartyn’sstudy,hedidn’ttestmyshieldsatall.Instead,heconcentratedonaskingmequestionsabouttheCouncilandgoverning.Oncehe’d
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determinedthatI’dreadthepageshe’dassigned,hesmiled.
“InJariola,theOligarchrulesabsolutely,buttheoligarchyvoteseveryfiveyearswhethertoreplacehimornot,andhecanbereplacedatanytimeifforty-sixofthefiftymembersofthecouncilvotetoremovehim.Forty-fivemembersofthecouncilarethewealthiestHigh
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HoldersinthelandandtheotherfivearethehighprophetofKhanahlandfourothersappointedbytherulingoligarch.TheAbiertoIslesaregovernedbyanassembly,andthemembersareelectedbyavoteofallpropertyholders,whetherthoseholdersaremenorwomen,regardlessofwheretheyliveorwereborn,andtheassemblyelectsaspeaker
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whomakesday-to-daydecisions.InCaenen,thehighpriestoftheirDualityistherulerofthecountry.Youknowhowwearegoverned.Whichmeansdoyouthinkismoreeffective,andwhy?”
Myimmediatereactionwastopreferoursystem,buttosaysowouldjustinvitemorequestions.“I’dsaythattheCaenenansystemistheworst,becausetheyaregovernedby
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oneman,andthereisnoeffectivewaytoremovehim—”
“Killinghimwouldremovehimeffectively,butIdon’tthinkthat’swhatyoumeant.Bemorecarefulinyourchoiceofwords.”
“Therearenoacceptedrulesforremovinghimintheeventthatheprovesabadruler.”
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“Thatistrue,butwhatisabadruler?”askedMasterDichartyn.“Iftaxesarehighuponthecraftersandlowuponthelandholders,isitnotlikelythatthelandholderswillpraisehimandthecrafterswilldeclarehimabadruler?”
“Yes,sir.”
“Goon.”
“I’dsaythattheJariolan
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systemisthenextleastdesirable,becausepowerisheldinthehandsofsofewmen,andthatisnotgood—”
“Foralltherhetoricandcommontalk,governmentisnotaboutgoodandbad,Rhennthyl.NorwasthatwhatIasked.Whatisitabout?”
“Creatingthelawsandrulesunderwhichpeoplelive.”
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“Whyisgovernmentnecessary?”
“Thingsdon’tworkwellamongpeoplewithoutsomeformofgovernment.”
“That’strue.Whynot?”
“Peoplewouldtrytodowhatevertheycouldgetawaywith.Unlessyouhadgoldsandpower,youcouldn’ttrustanyone.Eventhen...”
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MasterDichartynnoddedslowly.“Effectivegovernmentssetrulesandlimitsonhowpowerisusedinacountry.Now...thatmeanssomewhohavegreaterpowermustacceptlimitsontheirpower.Whywouldtheydoso?”
“Because,otherwise,thosewithlesspowerwillbandtogetherandrestrainoreliminatethem?”
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“That’sonepossibility.Canyouthinkofanother?”
Atthatmoment,Icouldn’t.
“IfyouwereHighHolderAlmeida,wouldyouwanttospendtensofthousandsofgoldsonmaintainingaprivatearmytodefendyourlandsorwouldyouratherpayafewthousandgoldsintaxestoagovernmentthatgenerallyprotectedthem?”
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“Ifthegovernmentrulesweren’ttooburdensome,I’dpreferthetaxes.”
“SodomostHighHoldersofSolidar.Whatdoesthattellyouaboutgovernment?”
“Itprovidesabalanceofpoweratalowercostforthewealthyandgreaterorderandfreedomforthosewithlittlepower.”
“Aneffectivegovernment
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does.Ifmostpeoplewanteffectivegovernment,whydogovernmentsvarysomuchfromlandtoland?”
“Theyhavedifferentideasaboutwhatiseffectiveandhowtomakethingswork?”
“DoyouthinkthatachoristeroftheNamelessandapriestoftheDualitywouldthinkofpowerinthesameway...”
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MasterDichartyn’squestionsseemedendless.Iwasalltoohappytoleavewhenhefinallydismissedme,despitehisassignmentoftheadditionalreading.
Again,atlunch,Johanyrhadpositionedhimselfwherehecouldwatchme,althoughIdidn’tseeDiazt.Iwalkedovertohimandasked,“Howareyoudoing?Ihaven’tseenyouaround,exceptoutside
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thedininghall.”
Hedidn’tsayanythingforamoment,clearlytakenabackbymyaddressinghim.Thenhereplied,“I’mfine.Therearesomethingsthathavetobesettled.”
Ididn’tfeellikesayinganythingtorespondtotheimpliedthreat.“I’msurethingswillsettleoutifyougivethemtime.”
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“I’mnotverypatient,Rhenn.”
“Mostofusaren’t.I’mnot,either,butI’velearnedthatsometimesrushingthingscreatesmoreproblemsthanitsolves.”
“Don’tthreatenme.”
“I’mnotthreateninganyone,”Isaid,managingtosmile.“It’snotwise,andit’snotpolite.Ihopeyoufeel
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betterlater.”Inoddedcourteouslyandturnedtowardthedininghall.
Icouldstillfeelhiseyesonmyback,andIstilldidn’tunderstandwhyhewassoangry.Wasitjustthathewasangryandneededatarget?Icertainlyhadn’ttoldanyoneaboutwhathethoughtorhisnastinesstome,excepttellingShannyroncethatJohanyrdidn’tseemhappy.
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ItookachairbetweenGherardandWhaltarandacrossfromShannyr.
WhaltarwasspeakingtoGherard.“...gotNaquinSamedinight...warnedhimabouttheNordquarter,buthesaidthatwaswherethegirlswere...”
“Didsomeonegethurt?”Iasked.
“Naquin.Hewasathird.
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Theyfoundhisbodyonthestreetyesterdaymorning.”Whaltarshookhishead.“Havetobetwiceascarefulifyou’reagraycoat.”
Ididn’tquiteknowwhattoadd.Ihadn’tknownNaquin.
“HowisMasterDichartyntreatingyou?”askedGherard,clearlywantingtochangethesubject.“Someofthoseassignmentslookeddifficult.”
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“Thereadingisn’ttoobad,”Iadmitted,“butthequestionsheasksaboutwhatI’vereadmakethereadingseemeasy.”
“Mostofthethirdshaven’tmadeitasfarasyouhave,”Gherardsaid.
“I’msurethatthey’redoingbetterelsewhere.”Idecidedontea,filledmymug,andtookalongsip.“That’swhy
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they’rethirds.”ThelongerI’dbeenattheCollegium,themoreIwonderedwhyGherardwasstillasecondus.“Ifyoudon’tmind...”
Gherardlaughed.“Idon’t.You’vewaitedlongerthanmosttoask.Ihavetroublereading.Thelettersdon’tmakesensetome,andI’llneverbeagreatimager.Icanrememberanythinganyonetellsmewordforword,and
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MasterDichartyntellsmethatIhaveagoodfeelforincomingimagers.”
Putthatway,hispositionmadesense.“IsPetrynstillhelpingthere?”
“No.He’sasecondnow,andanotherjuniorprimetookhisplace—Beleart.Youknow...youscaredtheNameroutofPetryn.”
“Idid?Iwastheonewho
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feltscared.”
Allthreeofthemlaughed,andShannyrjustshookhishead.
TheyallthoughtitwasfunnythatI’dfeltscared?DidIreallyprojectthatmuchconfidence?Ididn’tthinkso.Icertainlyhadn’tknownthatmuchaboutimagingwhenI’darrivedattheCollegium.
Afterlunch,whenIwentto
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theworkshops,Grandisynescortedmetoanotherworkroom,onealsowithbarrels,andshowedmeasmallbarofmetalnobiggeraroundthanthebodyofapenandnomorethanadigitinlength.
“Ifyou’rereallygood,yououghttobeabletodofourofthese,butifyougetreallytiredaftertwo,stop.Wearenotcertainofthe
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concentrationintheore.”Hepaused.“Doyouunderstand?”
Iunderstood.IrememberedwhathadhappenedtoMhykal.
Afterheleft,Ifingeredthesilverymetal,whichseemedasheavyasgold.Platinum?
Intheend,Imanagedthreesmallbars,anddecidedagainsttryingforafourth.
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Thattooklessthanaglass,andGrandisynsaidIwasfreetogo.WhenIreturnedtomyroom,Itookashortnap—andI’dnevertakennapssinceI’dbeensmall,notuntilIcametotheCollegium.
Atdinner,JohanyrandDiaztsatattheendofthetable,withtwoothersecondsI’dbarelymet.Johanyrneverlookedinmydirection,butDiaztdid,anddidsomore
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thanafewtimes.
“WhatdidyoudotoDiazt?”askedClenard,oneoftheoldersecondswhowasafriendofShannyr.
“IaskedJohanyrhowhewasdoing.Hewasn’thappythatIspoketohim.”Mywordscameoutashadeironic.
“That’sbecausehelikestoaskthequestions,”Shannyr
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addeddryly.
“Whatdoyouworkat?”IaskedClenard.
“Ihelpthemachinists.It’seasiertoimageblanksthantocastthem,andthentheymachinethemdown.Don’thavetohaveafurnace,either,butitworksbestforsmallparts....”
EverytimeIthoughtI’dlearnedmostofwhat
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happenedattheCollegium,Ifoundoutsomethingmore.ButatleastIhadagoodconversationatdinner.
Afterward,ItalkedabitwithShannyr,thenwalkedthroughthedeepeningtwilightacrossthequadranglebacktothequartersbuilding—oneoftwo,I’dalsolearned.Again,Ihadthefeelingofbeingwatched,butIdidn’tseeanyone.Iwasn’t
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imaginingthings,andthatsuggestedthatwhoeverwaswatchingandfollowingwasaverygoodimager.
WhenIgotinside,Ihurriedupthestairs.NomorehadIsteppedoffthelandingonthesecondlevelandintothecorridorleadingtomyroomthanIheardheavystepscomingupthestairsbehindme.Imovedawayfromthestaircase,butlookedback.
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“Ifitisn’tthepainterboy.”Diaztsteppedoutofthestaircaselandingandstopped.Hecarriedametalbar.
WalkingdownthehallwayintheotherdirectionwasJohanyr.Heheldsomesortofblade,asabreperhaps.Hedidn’tsayanything.Imovedtowardhim,becauseIdidn’twanttobethatclosetoDiazt.Myfingersbrushedmytrousers.Istillhadthebagof
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caustic,butIcouldn’tverywellattackfirst.MasterDichartynhadmadethatveryclear.Werethetwoofthemtryingtoprovokemeintoattacking?Thatway,I’dbetotallyatfault—ifIevensurvivedwhateverdefensesandretaliationtheyhadinmind.
Icouldhearseverallowsounds—doorboltssnickingclosed.DidJohanyrandDiazt
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haveallthesecondscowed?Atthatpoint,Irealizedthatmostofthewalllampsinthecorridorhadbeenwickedoff—orimagedout.
“Howareyoudoingthisfineevening?”Johanyr’svoicewassarcastic.“It’sdarkoutnow,andthat’sthebesttimeforrodents.”
“I’mnorodent.You’rejustlookingforexcuses.”
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“Allrodiessaythatthey’reinnocent.”
“Sodoallinnocents.”ImovedslowlytowardJohanyrinordertoavoidthemetalbarDiaztcarried,althoughIcouldn’tmovetoofarbeforeI’dbeinrangeofthesabre.
“You’renoinnocent.Wedidn’thaveanytroublebeforeyoushowedup.”
“Youmeanthatnoone
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complained,”Isuggested.
Hestiffened.
ThenIstaggeredbackassomethingslammedintomyshields.BeforeIcouldrecovermybalanceanotherblaststruckmefrombehind,andIstaggeredintheotherdirection.
Icouldn’tseewhatthey’dimagedatme—butitwassomethingthatwasdesigned
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nottoleaveanytraces,becausenothinghaddroppedtothestonefloor.Iwouldhaveheardit,evenifIcouldn’tseeitinthelowlight.
“Rodie’sgotshields...howsweet.”ThatwasDiazt.“Thatwilljustmakeitsomucheasier.”
Ididn’tknowwhathemeantuntiltheironbar
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slammedagainstmyshields,andIricochetedoffthewall.Bybeatingonmyshields,theycouldwearmedownandstillpunishme,andleavefewifanybruises.
Johanyrstruckwiththeflatedgeofthesabre.Thatrockedme,butnotenoughtounbalanceme.
“You’dbetterstop,”Isaid.
“We’dbetterstop?You
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haveastrangeviewofthings,rodie.”
Theironbarhitmyshieldsagain,andIhadtotakeseveralstepstowardJohanyrtokeepmybalance.Hestruckwiththesabre,andIwasforcedbacktowardDiazt.Theyweren’tgoingtostop.Thatwasalltooclear.
Imanagedtosquaremyfeetandlookstraightat
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Johanyr.Iconcentratedonimagingcaustic,justlikethatinthebag,behindhisshields,rightinhiseyes.
Therewasamomentofresistance—thatwaswhatitfeltlike—andthenheblinked.“Killhim!Diazt!Ohh...”Hecollapsedonthecorridorfloor.
Theironbarstruckthebackofmyshieldswithsuch
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forcethatIstumbledandhadtotakethreeorfourstepsandcouldbarelystandbeforeIwhirledtofaceDiazt—imagingevenmorecausticintohiseyes.
Thebarflewtowardme,andIducked,andthenDiaztwasscreaming,butonlyforamomentbeforehewentlimp.
MasterDichartynandMasterGhaendbothappeared
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fromsomewhere.
GhaendlookedtoDichartynandnodded.Twoobduratesinblackhurrieddownthehallwaytowardus.
“Whathappened?Whatdidyoudo?”demandedMasterDichartyn.“Sparemeanynicetiesaboutaccidentsandthelike.”
“Theycorneredme,andeveryoneonthefloorlocked
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theirdoors.Icouldheartheboltssnickshut.ThentheyclaimedthatIwassomesortofspyandthattheCollegiumhadnouseforrodentslikeme.Theybegantoimagethingsatme—”
“Whatdidyoudo?”MasterDichartyn’squestionwashardandurgent.
“Iimagedlye—caustic—intotheireyes.”
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“Throughtheirshields?”
“Yes,sir.”
“Ghaend!Getthemtotheinfirmaryandstartwashingtheireyesoutwithclearwater.Havethestaffkeepdoingitforatleasthalfaglass.Getsomewaterandalittleofthebasicelixirinthem.”
“Yes,sir.”
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Eachofthehulkingobdurateshoistedoneofthetwofallenimagers,andbeforeIcouldsayanything,MasterDichartynandIstoodaloneinthecorridor.
“Youcomewithme,Rhennthyl.”
“Yes,sir.”
Ifollowedhimbacktohisstudy,hopingthathiscoolnessdidn’tpresageeven
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moretrouble,butfearingthatitdid.Ididn’tunderstandwhyJohanyrandDiazthadcollapsed.Icouldunderstandburningorpainintheireyes,butthey’dbarelyutteredanythingbeforetheyfell.
MasterDichartynsaidnothinguntilhehadclosedthedoortohisstudybehindusandoffhandedlyimagedthewalllampintoburningbrightly.“Goaheadandsit
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down.Youprobablyneedtogetoffyourfeet.”
Isat.Mylegswereshaking.Ididn’twanthimtostartinwithmorequestions.SoIspokeonwhathadbeenbotheringmeonthewalkfromthequarters.“Idon’tunderstandwhytheycollapsed.Iwasonlytryingtoblindthemsothattheycouldn’tattack.”
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“Thinkaboutit,Rhenn.Wherewereyou?”
“Inthecorridor.”
“Yousaidallthedoorswereshut.What’sbehind—”
“Oh,shit...”
“Exactly.Wheredoyouthinkthatcausticcamefrom?Youpulledsomeofitoutoftheirownbodies.Ifthey’relucky,they’lllive,butthey’ll
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neverseewellenoughtoimageagain.”
“Whatwillhappentothem?”
“TheybesenttoMontD’Image.It’sapleasantplace,ifisolated,andiftheyrecover,theycantakedutiesthere.Ifnot,theycanliveonastipendinthevillageadjoiningtheCollegium.MasterGhaendandIboth
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thoughtthatthiswouldhappen.Neitherofthosetwohasbeenexactlyamodelimager,andyouthreatenedthemboth.”
“Ithreatenedthem,sir?”
“Whetheryouknowitornot,andyou’dbetterlearntoacceptandtrainit,notonlydoyouimage,butyouhaveatalentforprojectingwhateveryoufeel—orwanttofeel.
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Thattalentmeansthat,giventime,youcanbeveryeffectiveinmanagingpeople.Letmeaskyouthis.Whenyouwanttobealone,doesanyoneeverbotheryou?Whenyoufeelfriendly,doesanyonenotrespond?”
Ihadn’tthoughtaboutthat,butIwasstillthinkingaboutJohanyrandDiazt.WhyhadMasterDichartynletthemgosofar?Ialmostblurtedthat
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question.Almost.Instead,Iasked,“Wasitatestofsorts?OrwillIfaceahearing?”
“Self-defenseisalwaysallowed,andyoudidattemptnottokillthem.Therewillbenohearing.YouwillberestrictedtoImagisleforthenextfewweeks,notaspunishment,butasprotection,ofasort,andyouwillspendoneglasseveryeveningpracticingwithshieldsand
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imagingagainstonemasteroranother.That’sanotherformofprotection,bothforyouandforothers.”Hesmiledsadly.“Youneedtolearnafewlesslethalwaystouseyourabilities.”
Whyhadn’thetaughtmethosebefore?
“Because,unlessyoucouldprotectyourselfinsomewayoranother,ortalkyourway
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outofit,doingsowouldhavebeenawasteofeveryone’stime,becauseyou’dhavebeencrippledordiedinthefirstconfrontation.Tonight,wewouldhavesteppedin,ifyou’dmanagedtoholdthemoff,orevenifyou’dreactedwell,butnothadtheskill.Youmovedsoquicklythatallwecoulddowashelpthem.”
“Youknewtheywereplanningsomething?”
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“Itwasobvious.Youknew,didn’tyou?”
“Yes,sir.Ididn’tknowwhen,butIhadthefeelingthatitwouldn’tbelong.”
“Wehaveashademoreexperience,Rhenn.Now,gatherallyourgear.You’removingovertothewingwiththeotherthirds.”
“Theotherthirds?”
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“Whatdoyouthinkdistinguishesasecondfromathird?Oronefactor,anyway.”
“Theabilitytouseshields?”
“Let’smakeitmoregeneral.Secondsdon’tbecomethirdsatyourageunlesstheyhaveveryusefulskills.Somesecondswillneverdeveloptheirskills
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beyondacertainpoint,buttheywilloftenbecomethirdslateronwhentheyhavemorelifeexperience.”
“SecondslikeShannyrorthirdslikeGrandisyn?”
MasterDichartynnodded.“Andothers.ExperienceintheCollegiumisalsovalued,andsometimesitismorevaluablethanimagingskillsalone.”Hesmiled,briefly.
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“AnothermatterwhichI’msureyou’llappreciateisanincreaseinyourweeklystipendtoahalfgold.”
Fivesilversaweek?Thatwasmorethanallbutthebestmasterportaituristsmade,andcertainlymorethanjourneymenmade.
“Youwillmorethanearnit.”Herose,andhiswordswereapromiseclosetoa
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threat.
Igotupmoreslowlythanhehad.
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Tertius
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Themoreexaltedthe
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position,theheavierandyetless
obvioustheburdenofresponsibilityandthegreatertheexpectationsofothers.
OnethingInoticedimmediatelyaboutmynewquarters.Theywerelarger
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andactuallyconsistedoftworooms—onethatwasbothparlorandstudyandasecondsmallersleepingchamberthatheldamuchlargerarmoireaswellasaseparatechestofdrawers.TheotherthingwasthatIwastotallyexhausted.IcouldbarelyputawayclothingandbooksbeforeIcollapsedontotheunmadebedbesidethecleanlinensIwastootiredtouse.
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ThenextmorningIwasupearly,arrangingmynewquarters.Theywerenotonlymuchmorespacious,butthebedalsohadalargerheadboardofgoldenoakwithsimplecarving.Inthesittingroomwereanarmchairforreadingandadeskchairinfrontofawritingdesk.
OnceIwashed,shaved,anddressed,Isteppedoutintothecorridorandstartedtoward
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thestairsdowntothemainlevel.
Anolderthirdcameoutofthenextdoorwayandsmiled.“You’reRhenn,aren’tyou?”
“Ah,yes.”Iwassurprisedbythefriendlinessinhisvoice,becauseeveryoneintheotherquarterssectionhadbeenfarcooler.
“Claustyn.IheardthatyoutookcareofJohanyrand
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Diazt.”
“Iwasjusttryingtodisablethem.Ididn’tdoaverygoodjobofit.”
Claustynlaughedheartily.“ThewayIheard,youdidaverygoodjobofit,andthemastersweremostrelieved.”
“BecauseJohanyrwasdisabledwhenhewasattemptingtoinjuresomeonebadly?”
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“Andbecauseyou’rethesonofanotedfactorius.”
Unhappily,thatmadesense.Inthepast,Isuspected,mostofJohanyr’svictimshadparentsoflittlestatus,andJohanyrhadassumedthatmyinabilitytoremainasaportraituristhadmeantthatmyfamilyhadeffectivelyabandonedme.Thatassumptionhaddoubtlessbeenstrengthenedbythefact
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thatIhadnothingofvaluewithme,nogolds,nopillowsorbeddingoranythingthatIcouldhavebrought.IhadnodoubtthatasthesonofHighHolderRyel,hehadbroughteverythingpermitted.Becausehisassumptionwasincorrect,themasterscouldsimplyreporttohisfatherthathissonhadbrokentherulesoftheCollegiumandattackedanotherimager,one
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whowasthesonofanotedfactor,andhadbeeninjuredbymyattemptstodefendmyselfagainstanunprovokedattack.
Ialsorealizedsomethingelse.MasterDichartynhadknownexactlywhatwaslikelytohappen,andheandMasterGhaendhadwaitedjustlongenoughtomakesurethatneitherJohanyrnorDiaztwouldbeabletoimageagain.
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“Hashebeenaproblemforawhile?”
Claustynshrugged.“Forlongenough.HighHolderRyelisnotontheCouncil,butanumberofthoseontheCouncilarebeholdentohim.ThefactorsontheCouncilarenot.”
Thatwouldmakemypersonalsituationmoredifficultinthefuture,
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althoughIcouldnothaveexplainedwhy.SoIjustreplied,“Theyattackedme,andIreallydidn’thavemuchchoice.”
“That’sallthebetter.”
ClaustynandIwalkedtothedininghalltogetherandsatwithseveralotherthirds—Reynol,Menyard,andKahlasa.
Kahlasawasplumpwith
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brightlightbrowneyesandcurlysandy-blondhair,andshewasthefirsttospeakafterwesatdownnearthefootofthetableandClaustynintroducedme.“Youreallywereaportraiturist?”
“Ajourneyman,notamaster.”
“Couldyoupaintmyportrait?”Herlipsandfaceconveyedanexpressionthat
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washalfgrin,halfsmile.
“Icould...ifIhadpaints,brushes,supplies,canvas,andthelike,butIcouldn’ttakecoinsforit.IfIdid,theguildswouldbringitbeforetheCouncil,andIdoubtthat’ssomethingtheCollegiumwouldlookfavorablyupon.”
Reynollaughed.“TheCouncildoesn’tlookfavorablyuponmuch.”
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“Theyfavormoregoldsinthetreasury,”suggestedMeynard.
“Butnotthosetakenintaxesfromtheirguildsorpeers...”
Allinall,itwasoneofthemoreenjoyablemealsI’dhadattheCollegium.Aftereating,ImademywaytoMasterDichartyn’sstudy,wherethedoorwasopen.
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“Comeonin,Rhenn.Howareyoufeeling?”
“Fine,mostly.IwassotiredIcollapsedlastnight.”Iclosedthedoorandslippedintothechairacrossthedeskfromhim.
“That’snotsurprising.Holdingshieldsandimagingbehindleadcanbeverytiring.Asyourtechniqueimprovesitwillgeteasier,
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butworkinginarestrictedareaisalwaysmoredifficult.”
“AreJohanyrandDiaztallright?”Ididn’twanttoask,butfeltthatIshould.
MasterDichartynshookhisheadslowly.“Johanyrwilllive.He’slikelytoremainwithsuchpoorsightthathecanbarelymakeoutshapesandlightanddark,andhewon’tregainallhisstrength,
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buthecanhaveaproductivelifeinMontD’Image,ifhechooses.Diaztdiedshortlyafterhewastakentotheinfirmary.”
Iswallowed.“Ididn’tintend—”
“Thatwasmostobvious,Rhenn.Youallowedthemtopummelyourshieldsviciously,andyoutriedtotellthemthattheyhadno
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groundsfortheirattack.Whenyoudidattack,itwasonlyaftergreatprovocation,andyourintentwasonlytodisable.Hadtheyattackedyououtside,theybothwouldhavelived.Inthatsense,theychosetheirownfate.”
IhadastrongsensethatJohanyrhadlivedandDiazthaddiedbecauseofwhotheirparentswereandwerenot.Ialsohadanothersuspicion
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thatIwantedtovoice.“Shannyrkeptyouinformed,didn’the?”
“Didhe?”MasterDichartynraisedhiseyebrows.“Doesitmatternow?”
ThatwasasmuchofanacknowledgmentasIwaslikelytoget.“No,sir.”
“Yourealizethatyourdutieswillchange?You
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won’tbegoingtotheworkshopsanymore.Instead,you’llbeworkingwithClovylforthenextfewweeks.He’saseniorimagertertius,andhewillteachyoutheuseofvariousweapons,butmostimportant,howtodefendyourselfwithoutimagingandwithoutweapons.You’llmeethimintheexerciseroomatthefirstbelloftheafternoon,every
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dayexceptSolayiandSamedi,andyouwillspendtwosolidglasseswithhim,ifnotmore.Beforeyoudo,youwillobtainsomeexerciseclothingfromthetailoringshop.Youwillneedit.Thenattheseventhglassyouwillreturnhere.EitherIoranothermasterwillbehereeverynightfromLunditoVendrei,andwe’llbeworkingharderondeveloping
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differentkindsofshieldsandotherimagingtechniques.You’llalsoneedthose.”
BeforeIcouldthinkmuchabouttheimplicationsofhiswords,hewenton,asifnothingsignificanthadoccurred.“Now...whatistheprimarypurposeoftaxationandtariffs?”
“Toraisefundstosupportgovernmentservices.”
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“Isalltaxationusedforsuchpurposes?”
“No,sir.”
“Whynot?”
Again,thetexthadn’tmentionedmuchaboutotherusesoftaxation,butMasterDichartynexpectedananswerbeyondthat.“Becausegovernmentsarecomprisedofmen,andmendonotalwaysdowhattheysaythey
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willorwhatmaybebestforthosetheygovern.”
“Thatwilldo,butonlyfornow.Forwhatotherpurposesmighttaxationbeused?”
“Somerulersandothersingovernmentshaveusedtaxestoincreasetheirownpersonalwealth.Othershaveusedtariffstoprotectthecommerceandtradeoftheirpeople.”
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“Howdoesincreasingthecostofagoodthroughtariffsprotectcommerce?”
“Itoftendoesn’t.Itbenefitssomepeopleandhurtsothers.”
“Canyouprovideanexample?”
Atthatmoment,IwasgladIhadlistenedtoFatherandRousel.“Caenenimposesatariffonourtextiles,andthat
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increasesthecosttotheirpeople....”
MasterDichartynkeptthequestionscomingforclosetoaglassbeforehestoppedandlookedatme.“That’senoughfornow.Readtheappendixtothehistory,theonethatoutlinesthedevelopmentofCouncilprecedentandprocedures.You’llneedtogotothetailoringshopbeforelunch.Wearoneofthe
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exercisesuitsyougettherewhenyoumeetwithClovyl.Also,inadditiontotheexercisesuits,you’llneedspecialblackandgraygarbidentifyingyouasamessenger.”Hesmiled.“OneofthedutiesofimagerthirdsistoserveassilentguardsintheCouncilchambers.”Hesmiled.“Youmightcarryoneortwomessagesinthecourseofaday,buttheuniform
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allowsyoutowalkanywhereintheChateau.Youwon’tbeassignedthereforanothermonth,dependingonyourtraining,butyouruniformswillbereadywhenyouare.”
“Whatexactlyarethedutiesofsilentguards?”
“Youuseallyourskillsinwaystoprotectthecouncilorsandtheirassistants,inafashionthatnoonewilleven
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knowexactlyhowtheyarebeingprotected.”
“Peoplefaint,ortrip,orslip...thingslikethat?”
“Aswellasafewothersthatareevenlessobvious.”MasterDichartynfrownedmomentarily.“You’llalsohavetolearntheproceduresbywhichtheCounciloperates,becauseanyoneintentondisruptingCouncil
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businesswillalsoknowthoseandtimetheiractsbasedonwhatishappeninginthechambers.Thatiswhyyouneedtostudytheappendix,butthatonlyprovidesthebarestoutline.”
“Doesthathappenoften?”
“Disruptionsseldomoccur.Attemptsarequitefrequentbecauseourdefensesaresoinvisiblethatalltoomany
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whoopposeSolidarthinkthattherearenone.”
Thatseemedstrangetome.Itwasalmostlikeencouragingattempts.
“Icanseethatpuzzlesyou.IwouldlikeyoutothinkaboutthatandprovidemeanessaytomorrowexplainingwhytheCollegium’ssecrecyinthisiseitherwiseorunwise.”Hestood.“Now...
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offtothetailor’sshop.I’veleftwordthatyou’retobefitted.”
Irosequickly.“Yes,sir.”
AsIwalkedawayfromMasterDichartyn’sstudy,IsawGherardcomingtheotherway.“Goodmorning.”
“Goodmorning,sir.”Hisvoicewaspleasant,andheinclinedhisheadslightlyashepassedmeandheaded
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towardthestudyI’djustleft.
Sir?I’dbeenRhennthelasttimewe’dspoken.Whywashebeingsodeferential?Dideveryoneknowwhathadhappened?Orwasitmyadvancementtotertius?
IwasstillponderingthosequestionswhenIreachedthetailoringshop,butIwasn’tgivenmuchtimeformusing.
“Ah,yes,youmustbe
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Rhennthyl,thenewthird,”beganthegraying,thin,andstoopedimagerwhogreetedme.“Mustsayyoulookinnocentenough.Alwaysanadvantageinwhatyou’llbedoing.Offwiththatwaistcoat.Weneedtomeasureyou,yeswedo....”
BeforeIcouldsaymorethanafewwords—atleastthatwasthewayIfelt—Iwasheadedbacktomynew
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quarterswithanarmfulofexerciseclothesandthepromisethatmyothergarmentswouldbereadyforafittingonthefollowingMeredi.
Backinmyrooms,Iinspectedmorecloselytheexerciseclothes.Theyweregrayandconsistedofloose-fittingtrousersandathickcollarlesstunicmadeoutofsoftbutheavycotton.Ialso
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endedupwithlace-uphighankleboots.
Atlunch,Ididn’tseeClaustyn,butIsatwithReynolandKahlasa.ImostlylistenedwhileReynoltalkedabouthispositionasoneoftheassistantbookkeepersfortheCollegium.
“...andbeforeIleaveondetachedassignments,Imakesureeveryentryintheledgers
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isuptodateanddocumented.Jezryk’safinefellow,andtheheartwoodofanytree,butyoushouldseetheentrieshe’sleftformetomakewhenIreturn.Now,sharingapositionisfine,androtatingcollateraldutiesisanevilwealllivewith,butfairisfair...”
Ihadthefeelingthatonedidn’tinquireaboutdetachedduties,butsincehewas
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talkingaboutbookkeeping,aftertakingamouthfulofafowlragout,Iasked,“Isitbecausehe’suncertainabouthowtomakethoseentries?”
Reynollaughedagain.“No...it’sbecausethosearetheonesthatrequiresupplementarydocumentationinthemasters’reviewledgers,andthattakescareinwriting.”
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“He’sgoodatwhatelsehedoes,”Kahlasasaid.
“Whenareyouleavingagain?”Reynolaskedher.
“Notuntilthetwenty-seventhofMayas.Thereweresomedifficulties.”
“Whenyou’redealingwiththeCaenenans,therealwaysare.”Reynolturnedtome.“Doyouknowwhatyournewassignmentwillbeyet?”
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Ishookmyhead.“MasterDichartynjustsaidIhadsometrainingaheadofme.”
“There’salwaystraining.”Reynolnodded.“HaveyouheardaboutthenewbistroonBeakers’LaneofftheEastRiverRoad?It’scalledFelters.Youbothmightlikeit.”
“Beakers’Lane?”askedKahlasa.
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Iknewthat,evenifIdidn’tknowthebistro.“That’sthesecondlanesouthfromBoulevardD’Este.”
“Thankyou.Istilldon’tknowallIshouldaboutL’Excelsis.”
“Whereareyoufrom?”
“Shastoilya.Noonehaseverheardofit....”
“Howlonghaveyoubeen
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here?”Iasked.
“Notquitefouryears.IttookmeawhiletogetadjustedtotheCollegium.”
“ShewasaNamelesschoristerintraining,”Reynolinterjected.
“Doyouhavetotelleveryone?”Kahlasa’svoicecarriedatoneofmockirritation.
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“Doallthewomenimagershavetheirownquarters?”
“Wehavethenorthendofthelowerlevelofthetertiusquartersbuilding,andthat’sallthewomenwhoaren’tmaitres.Whenwe’rehere,ofcourse.”
Fromwhatthetwoofthemsaidinpassingduringlunch,IhadthedefinitefeelingthatimagersdidfarmorethanI’d
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realized—andinmanymoredifferentlocales.
Aftereating,Ihurriedbacktomyquartersandchangedintotheexerciseclothes,thenhurriedbacktotheexerciserooms.Ihadtolookatacopyofthemap,becauseIdidn’trememberwheretheywere.Istillmadeittothefoyeroutsidetheroomsbeforethefirstafternoonbellrang.
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Amuscularfigureinthesamesortofexerciseclothesappeared.Helookedclosertomyfather’sage,althoughhewasfartrimmer,buthisblackhairwasstreakedwithgray.
“You’rethelatestsavioroftheseconds?”
“I’mRhennthyl,sir.AreyouClovyl,sir?”
“Mostpolite.IcanseewhyJohanyroverstepped
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himself.”Henodded.“Haveyoueverbeenphysicallytrained?”
“No,sir,exceptforgrammaire.”
“You’regoingtohaveadifficultfewmonthsahead.Thereasonforthisissimple,butIwon’tmakeyouguess.ThedutiesMasterDichartynhasplannedforyouwilltakeagreatamountofphysical
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strengthandconditioning.Youunderstandthatimagingiswork,don’tyou?”
“Yes,sir.”
“Thenlet’sgetstarted.”Heturnedabruptlyandwentthroughthemiddledoor.
Ihurriedafterhim,closingthedoorbehindme.
Hegesturedtotheexercisemat.“You’llseemoreofthat
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thanyou’dlike.Afterthefirsttwoweeksorso,you’lljointheotherthirdsintheirworkouts,butrightnow,allyou’dendupdoingishurtingyourselfandgettingfrustrated.I’mgoingtoshowyouaseriesofexercises,andyou’retodothemexactlyasIshowyouthem.Exactly.”
“Yes,sir.”
“Thefirstsetislimbering
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andstretching.That’ssothatthelateronesdon’thurtyou...”
WhenClovylsaidexactly,hemeantexactly.Attheendofthefirsthalfglass,Iwassoakedinsweat,andhe’dcorrectedmeascoreoftimes.
“Yourlegsstaystraight!”
“Keepyourheelsonthefloor!”
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IwastryingtodothebestIcould,butI’dneverevenseenanyoftheexercisesheshowedmeandthenorderedmetodo.
“Youneedabreak.”Hisexpressionwasclosetodisgust.“Followme.”
IwouldhavelikedtosaythatIscrambledofftheexercisemat,butmymovementsweremorelikea
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staggertomyfeetasIwalkedafterhimandthroughadoorwayintotheadjoiningexerciseroom.
Whatlookedtobeacloth-coveredmannequinhungfromaropeattachedtoanironceilingbracket.Certainareasweremarkedinred,andseveralinmaroon.Clovylwalkedovertothedummyandpointed.“Theredmarkstheplaceswhere,ifyoustrike
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amanhardenough,youwilldisableorkillhim.WhenIamfinishedtrainingyou,youshouldbeabletoknowexactlyhowandwheretostrikewithoutlookingandwithouthavingtothinkaboutit—eitherthroughimagingorwithhandsoranythingelse.Youwillalsohavethestrengthtodoso,evenifyouhavejustrunamilleatfullspeed.”Hepaused.“Whydo
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youthinkthisisnecessary?”
“BecauseI’llbeassignedtoplaceswhereImaynotbeabletoimageorwhereitwillnotbewisetodoso,andIwon’thaveanyweaponsathand?OrevenifIcanimage,Iwon’thavetimetothinkaboutwhere.”
Clovylnoddedsolemnly.Thenhesaid,“That’senoughofabreak.”
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Thefirstsetofexerciseshadonlybeenwarm-upscomparedtowhatfollowed,andItotteredbacktothequartersbuildingslightlybeforethefourthglass.Myexerciseclothesweresoaked,andsowasI.WithachillspringbreezeblowingacrossthequadrangleIwasshivering,evenbeforeItookatoo-coldshowertocleanup.AfterIdressed,Itriedtoread
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theappendixtothehistory,buttheproceduresweresodullthatIfellasleep.
Iwokeatthefifthbellandmanagedtoreadsomemore...andIthoughtImightremembersomeofwhatIread.
Atdinner,Kahlasaintroducedmetotwootherthirds—DierkylandSonalya.Theyaskedmeabout
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portraiture,andIaskedthemaboutexercises.Theylaughed.
Attheseventhglass,IwasoncemoreoutsideMasterDichartyn’sstudy.
Hearrivedshortlyandopenedthedoor.
“Clovylsaysthatyourcoordinationandskillaren’tbad,butthatyourconditioningneedswork.For
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him,that’salmostacompliment.Howdoyoufeel?”
“I’mtired.”
“You’dbettergetusedtoit.OrasMaitreDeloitynsaidtomewhenIwasaboutyourage,‘Welcometotherealworld,whereyouneverhaveenoughtime,energy,orgolds.’”Hepaused.“You’retootiredtodealwithshields
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tonight.Sowe’llworkonprecisionimagery.”Heliftedawoodenringaboutfifteendigitsacross,andthensetfoursmallwoodencylindersonhisdesk.“I’mgoingtoholdthisringup,andIwantyoutoimageoneofthecylindersintotheopencenterofthering.”
“Yes,sir.”ThatIcoulddo,butIhadafeelingthatworsewascoming.
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Heheldupthering.
Iconcentratedandimagedacylinder.Onevanishedfromthedeskandappearedinmidairinthemiddleofthering.MasterDichartynreachedoutandcaughtitwithhisfreehand.“NowI’mgoingtomovetheringbackandforthslowly.Youstillhavetoputitinthemiddleofthering.”
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Itwasgoingtobealongglass—thatIknew.
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Thedifferencebetweenan
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explanationandanexcuse
lieswiththeonereceivingit.
I’dhadtowritetheessayonthereasonfortheCollegium’ssecrecyinprotectingcouncilorsafterworkingwithMaster
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DichartynonimagingskillsonMardinight.Thatwasmorethanalittledifficult,because,first,IwassotiredthatIcouldhardlythinkand,second,IknewnothingabouthowtheCollegiumactuallyhandledprotection.BecauseIcouldnotkeepmyeyesopenanylongerafterwritingtheessay,Iwenttobed.Then,I’dhadtogetupearlyonMereditoreadtheappendix
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onCouncilproceduresandprecedents.Ihadtoreadittwice,andIdoubtedthatIunderstoodafractionofwhatIread,becauseitseemedsoarcane.WhileIwaitedoutsideMasterDichartyn’sstudy,Ievenreadthefirsttenpagesoftheproceduralappendixagain,butIstillwasn’tsureIunderstooditanybetter.
Oncehesummonedme
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intohisstudy,MasterDichartyndidn’twasteanytime.“Letmeseeyourpaperonimagersecrecy.”
Ihandeditoverandsatinthechairoppositehimwhilehereadit.
Finally,helookedup.Hedidnotlookpleased.“Thisisnotagoodessay,Rhennthyl.Therearemistakesingrammarandinlogic,and
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yourscriveningissloppy.”
“Yes,sir.Iknow,sir.”
“Ifyouknow,whydidyouturninsomethingsobad?”
“Ididn’thaveenoughtimetodoitbetterlastnight,andIwassotiredthatIcouldn’tthinkstraight,sir.”
“Youwillredothisandhandinamoreacceptableefforttomorrow—amuch
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moreacceptableeffort.Now...ontoyourreadingassignment.WhatistheostensiblepurposeofacallforquorumintheCouncilandwhatistherealpurpose?”
ThefirstpartIrecalled.“AcallforquorumismadetoassurethatamajorityoftheCouncilispresentsothatimportantbusinessmaybebroughtbeforetheCouncil.”
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“Thatisindeedtheproceduralpurpose.Whatistherealpurpose?”
Ihadnottheslightestidea.“Idon’tknow,sir.”
“Don’tyouthinkthatmostmembersoftheCouncilwouldbepresentiftrulyimportantmattersweretobediscussed?”
“Iwouldthinkso,sir.”
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“Thenwhywouldanyoneneedtorequireacallforquorum?”
“Tokeepsomeonefrombringingupsomethingelse?”
“Thatispartlycorrect.It’smostgenerallyused,however,todelayproceedingssothatmemberscanpersuadeothersorreconsiderstrategy,orsothattheentireCouncilcanavoid
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makingadecision.”
Avoidmakingadecision?Couldn’ttheyjustnotvoteordecide?“Wouldthatbetoavoidevenbringingupsomethingthattheywerenotreadytodecideupon?”
“IthinkIjustsaidthat.”MasterDichartyn’svoicewassharp.
“I’msorry,sir.WhatIwastryingtosaywasthatthey
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mightuseiteventoavoidtheappearanceofavoidingmakingadecision.”
“That’smoreaccurate,farmoreaccurate.”Thesharpnessfadedfromhisvoice.“Now...isapointoforderaproceduralstallingtacticoravalidobjection?”
“Ah...both?”
“Rhenn...youdon’tseemallthatcertainaboutwhat
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youread.Whynot?”
“Ireadthatsectiontwice,sir,andpartofitathirdtime.”
“Surely,withthatmuchperusalyoucouldrememberwithmorecertainty.”
Whatdidhewant?IwasdoingthebestIcoulddo.
MasterDichartyn’sfaceturnedevenmorestern.
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“Rhennthyl...youmayhavetalent,butyoudefinitelydonotunderstandonebasicthingabouttheCollegiumandtheworld.Noonecareswhetheryouaretired,whetheryouhadahardday,orwhetheryouhavetroublethinkingstraight.Infact,ifyouletanyoneknowwhenyoufeelthatway,itmaywellresultineitheryourdeathoryourimmediateretirementto
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MontD’ImagewithyourfriendJohanyr.”
Ididhideaswallowatthat.
“Beingafully-trainedimagerisoneofthemostdifficultprofessionstomaster,andfailuretomasteritwillmeaneitherthatyouwillendupinthemachineworksorthearmoryorsomelesserpositionorthatyouwillbeinjuredordie.”He
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pausedforamoment.“Ihavethefeelingthatyoudonotwishtospendyourlifedoingsomethingbeneathyourpotential.AmIwrong?”
“No,sir.”
“Thenyouwillneedtouseyourtimemoreeffectively.Ifyoucannotthinkafteralongdayofeffort,youneedtoriseearlieranddoyourreadingandassignmentsthen.Short
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napsalsohelp.Longnapsareworsethannonaps,becausetheydisruptyoursleep,andyouendupmoretiredthanever.”
“Yes,sir.”
Afterthat,hewasslightlylesssharp,buthisquestionswereasprobingasever,andIfeltlikeIknewalmostnothing.
Finally,hestopped
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examiningmeontheproceduresappendixandsaid,“Readtheappendixagain,andthinkmoreaboutit.Ialsowantyoutoreadthenextsectioninthesciencetext,theoneaboutanatomy.”Hepaused.“MasterDraffydoverheardsomethingaboutyourwantingtopaintportraits.”
“No,sir.Notexactly.SomeofthethirdsaskedifIcould
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painttheirportraits.IsaidthatIcouldn’tdothatforcoins...butIsupposeIcouldletthemgivemesuppliesandbrushes.WouldtherebeanywhereIcouldsetupasmallstudio?”
“Youwanttodomore?Youjusttoldmeyouwerehavingtroubledoingwhathasbeenassignedtoyou.”
“Ididn’tmeanrightnow.It
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wouldtakeweekseventoobtaineverything,andIwouldn’teventhinkoftryingitunlessIwasdoingwellenoughthatyouapproved.ButIwantedtoknowifitmightbepossible.Ifitisnot,Iunderstand,andIwillnotbringupthematteragain.”
MasterDichartynfrownedforamoment,thensuddenlysmiled,andnodded.“Ihadn’tthoughtofthat,butitmight
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bewellforyoutokeepthatskill.Itcouldbemostuseful,andsomeofthemastersherehavenoteverhadportraits...”
Thatwasthebestpartoftheday.
Ihadtogobacktomyquartersandrewritemyessayonsecrecyandthenporeovertheproceduralappendixyetagain.Lunchwasoneofthe
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fewmealsIcouldbarelyeat—astrongliverandonionragoutwhosesmellnearlyturnedmygutsinsideout.Eventhebreadtastedlikeonionsandlivertome.Ihurriedtogetintomyexerciseclothing.Clovylworkedmehardforaglasswithexercises,andthentookmeonarun—twiceallthewayaroundImagisle,closetofourmilles.Hewasbarely
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breathinghard,andIwaspantingandgaspingandsweat-soakedwhenItotteredtoahaltoutsidetheexerciserooms.
Thencamemyfirstinstructioninhand-to-handfighting,whereClovyldemonstratedamove,andIhadtomimicitexactly.Exactly.
Afterhisinstruction,which
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lastedwellpastthefourthglass,andleftmealmostassweat-soakedastherunhad,Ishoweredagain,andtookashortnapandthenreadthenextsectionofthesciencetext,theoneonhumananatomy.Dinnerwasbetter,ariceandcheesedishwithsomesortoffowl.
ThenIhadtoreturntoMasterDichartyn’sstudybytheseventhglassandworkon
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imagingwithandpassingitemsthroughmovingobjects.Atthatpoint,mymusclesweregettingsore,verysore,andItriednottothinkaboutthefactthatIhadamonthofthissortoftrainingaheadofme...ifnotmore.
IdidforcemyselftohangupmyclothesandputeverythinginmyquarterswhereitshouldbebeforeI
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climbedundermyblankets.
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Thosewhospeakof“good
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people”withgreatconvictionaretobefeared.
Thenexttwoandahalfweeksfollowedthesamepatternofthatfirstfulldayasanimagertertiusintraining,adaythatcouldwellhavebeencalledaDayoftheNamer—
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exceptthateachdayexceptSolayiswasmoredifficultthanthedaybefore,anditwouldhavebeenrepetitioustoattributethetrialsofeachtotheNamer.Alongtheway,Imanagedavisittothebarber,promptedbyMasterDichartyn.BythetimethemorningofVendreithetwenty-seventhofAvrylhadarrived,IhadtoadmitthatIwasdevelopingmusclesI
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hadn’trealizedIhad,andIcouldcertainlyrunfartherandfaster,andIwassotiredeverynightthatIhadlittletroublefallingasleep.Themuscularsorenesshadalsoabated,andClovylhadgrudginglyadmittedtheafternoonbeforethatmyskillsindefendingmyselfhadimproved.
“Youmightbeabletotakedownmostcommonfootpads
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now,butyourknifeworkneedswork.”Clovylhadshrugged.“You’regettingthere,butdon’tgogettinganyideas.”
MosteveningsIworkedwithMasterDichartynonshieldsandspecializedimaging,includingthedifferencesinhandlingpowdersandliquids,andevenairitself.
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Aftermuchmorereadingandrereading,andmorethanafewpointedquestionsfromMasterDichartyn,IdidunderstandtherulesandproceduresoftheCouncil,finally.“Betterthansomeofthecouncilors,”headmitted.
Still,thatmorning,heaskedmeanotherquestionthatI’dneverheard,justanotherinaseeminglyendlessseriesofsuch.“Do
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youknowthe‘goodpeople’fallacy?”
“Thatwasn’tinanythingI’veeverread,”Isaid,addingquickly,“Idon’tthink.”
“Thatwasn’tabadrecovery,”herepliedwithasmile,“butI’dsuggestsayingsomethinglike,‘Thereareanumberoffallaciesinvolvinggoodpeople.Whichonedidyouhaveinmind?’Of
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course,tosaythat,you’dbesthaveafewinmind.”
Ididn’thaveanyinmind,andheknewit.
“Thefallacyisthatsomeonewhoisgoodcannotdoevil.Igetrathersuspiciouswhensomeonetalksaboutanotherasbeingagoodperson.Amanmaydogoodineverysmallwayoneveryday,andyetbeapartofgreat
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evil.Evenalandcannotbeaccuratelyjudgedbythenumberofgoodorbadpeoplewithinit.Alllandshavegoodandbadindividuals.Thegoodnessorevilofalandisdeterminedbywhatthatlanddoesasawhole.Ahandfulofevilleaderscanpursuehatredanddestruction,whilethemajorityofso-calledgood-heartedsoulsdonothing.Lessfrequently,butstill
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occurring,aretheinstanceswheregood-heartedleadersleadapopulacewhoseindividualsarepredominantlyselfishandcruel,andtheactsofsuchalandundersuchleadersarepraiseworthy.Alltoooften,theterm‘goodpeople’isusedasanexcuse,asinthephrase‘buttheyweregoodpeople.’”
Icouldseethat,andI’devenheardwordslikethat
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frommyparents.
“HowwouldyoujudgeSolidar,Rhenn?Isitagoodlandorlessthangood?”
“Comparedtowhat,sir?IknowonlywhatIhavereadaboutotherlands,andIhaven’tevenmetthatmanydifferentkindsofpeopleinL’Excelsis.I’veneverreallymetaHighHolderormanyfromthetaudisorother
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countries.”
“That’safairanswer.Nothelpful,buthonest.Shallwesay...comparedtowhatyouthinkitcouldbe.”
Iwasn’tatallcertainwhyMasterDichartynpressedsuchquestions,althoughIcouldunderstandhiseffortstogetmetothinkandtopointouterrorsinmyfactsorthinking.“Ideally,any
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countrycouldbebetterthanitis,ifpeopleactedaswellastheycould,buttheyoftendonot.Solidarislikethat,butIdon’tseethekindsofcrueltiesthatIreadaboutinplaceslikeCaenen.”
“Howdoyouknowwhatyoureadisaccurate?”
“Idon’t,notforcertain.Butthereportersaren’tlockedupforwhattheywrite,
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notoften,anyway,andthatwouldindicatetherehastobesometruthinwhattheywrite.”
“Thereissometruthinwhatyousay,butyourlogicisweak.WhatifthereportersknowwhatisacceptabletotheCouncilandwhatisnot?Thenwhat?”
“I’dsaythatwhatisacceptablecouldnotbe
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totallyinaccurate,because,ifitwere,thenwordwouldgetaround.It’shardtohidesomethingthat’swrong.”
“Thefirstpartofwhatyousaidisabsolutelycorrect.Thesecondpartishalftrue.Canyoutellmewhyitisonlyhalftrue?Basedonyourownlifeandexperience?”
Foramoment,Ihadnoideawhathemeant.ThenI
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did—MasterCaliostrusandOstrius.Imanagednottoshowanyreaction.“Somethings,perhapsisolatedeventsthatfewcareabout,canbehidden,butlargeandrepeatedpatternsofevilcannotbekeptsecretforever?”
“That’safairapproximation,althoughIwouldbeleeryofusingtheterm‘patternsofevil.’Evil
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canbeintheeyeofthebeholder.SomeofwhatiseviltousisnottotheCaenenans,andtheotherwayaround.Patternscontrarytothesensibilitiesofapeoplecannotberepeatedwithoutbeingnoticed.”
ThatwasawayofexpressingitthatIwouldn’thavethoughtof.
“Howmuch,then,doyou
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thinkthattheCouncilcontrolswhatappearsinthenewsheets?”
“Idon’tknow,sir,butIwouldguessthatthereisverylittledirectinterference.”
Henodded.“I’dlikeyoutothinkaboutthatandwriteapaperonit.You’llhavesometimebecauseI’llbeawayforthenextfewweeks,beginningthisafternoon.”He
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reachedtothesideofhisdeskandliftedablack-boundbook,whichhethenhandedtome.“ReadthefirsttwosectionsbeforeLundi.”
Iopenedtheheavytometothetitlepage—Jurisprudence.NowIwasgoingtohavetolearntheactuallegalcodeofSolidar?
“WhileI’mgone,youwillworkonlearningmoreabout
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thelawsandhowtheyworkwithMasterJhulian,butathalfpastseventhglassinthemorning,startingonLundi.Hisstudyisattheendofthehallontheright.YouwillmeetwithMaitreDyananextMardieveningandonwhateverothereveningsshesets.Sheaskedthatyouwaitoutsidethedininghallforher.”
“Yes,sir.AmIstill
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restrictedtoImagisle?”
“No,butIwouldsuggestyouavoidthemoredangerousareasofL’Excelsis.Clovylsaysyoushouldbeabletohandlecommondangers,butnotlargegroups,ormorethanapairofhiredbravos.Whatdidyouhaveinmind,ifImightask?”
“IthoughtImightcallon
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myfamily,andperhapseatamealinabistro,thingslikethat.”
“ThoseIwouldrecommend.YouneedtoseeL’Excelsisagain.”
Ididn’trealizehowstrangethosewordswereuntilafterIlefthimtogostudy.
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Toooftenfriendsfallaway
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whenonerises.
ForthefirsttimesinceI’dleftmyparentsafterthefire,Ihadmorethanafewcoins,andthatmeantIcouldtakeahackouttovisitmyparentsonSamedi.SinceMasterDichartynwasgone,Icould
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alsoleaveImagisleearlierthanonmostSamedis.Evenso,becauseIenjoyedtakingmytime,itwaspasttheninthglasswhenIwalkedacrosstheBridgeofHopes.Thesunwarmedtheair,heraldinglatespring,andtherewasjustenoughofabreezeforcomfort,andnotenoughtoblowawaythefragrancesfromthespringflowersbloominginthenarrow
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gardensflankingtheBoulevardD’Imagers.Thereweren’tmanycoachesforhire,butIfoundoneandarrivedatmyparents’housejustbeforenoon.Icouldonlyhopethatsomeonehappenedtobethere,becauseIhadn’tknownI’dbeabletocomeintimetodispatchanoteandreceiveareply.
Nellica’seyeswidenedwhensheopenedthedoor
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andbeheldmeinallmysubduedimagerglory.
“Isanyonehere,Nellica?”
“YoursisterandMadameChenkyr,sir.”Hereyesavoidedmine.
“Ifyou’dtellthemI’mhere.”
“Yes,sir.Ifyou’dcomein,sir.”Nellicausheredmeintothefoyerandhurriedoff.
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InmomentsKhethilaappeared,wearingaseveregreenthatmadeherfacelookfartoopale.“Rhenn!Youdon’thavetowaitinthefoyer.You’restillfamily.Comeintotheparlor.”
“AreyoustillreadingMadameD’Shendael?”IofferedteasinglyasIfollowedher.
“Fatherdisapproves,”she
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saidstrongly,beforeglancingaroundandloweringhervoice.“IhavehertreatiseonCivicVirtue.”
“Iwasn’tawarethattherewassuchathing.”Itriedtokeeptheironyoutofmyvoice.
“Neitherisshe.Sheclaimsthosewhoprofessacivicvirtuearecloakingtheirself-interestinmorality.”
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“Shedoesn’tbelieveinvirtue?”Ikeptmyvoicepleasantlycurious.
“Sheespousesvirtueasanindividualvalue.”
“Soweabandonvirtuewheneverwe’rewithothers?”
“Rhenn!”Definiteexasperationcoloredhervoice.“That’snotitatall.Virtueormoralitycannotbepracticedbyagroup,butonly
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byanindividual.Eachindividualisdifferentfromeveryotherindividual,butagrouppressureseachindividualtobethesame.Otherwise,thereisnogroup.Thesameistrueofasociety.Thevaluesofthestrongestormostpersuasivebecomethevaluesofthegroup.Thelargerthegroup,thefewerthevaluesthoseinthegroupshare.Intime,groupsbecome
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mobs.”
“Ithinkyourlogicislackingthere.”
“ShesaysitbetterthanIdo.”
Ihadn’treadMadameD’Shendael,butKhethila’sinterpretationsuggestedthatMasterDichartynandMadameD’Shendaelhadconsideredthesamequestionsandpossiblyshared
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someofthesameviews.Logically,thatshouldn’thavesurprisedme...butitdid.
Atthatmoment,Motherbustledoutofthekitchen.“Rhenn!Whatapleasantsurprise.Wewereabouttohaveasmalllunchinthebreakfastroom.Youwilljoinus,won’tyou?”
“Ihopedso.”Iofferedagrin.
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Motherstudiedme.“You’velostweight.”
“Alittle.”Ihadn’t,notreally,butClovyl’sexercisesandrunninghadturnedanysoftnessI’doncehadintomuscle.
“Aren’ttheyfeedingyouenough?”
“They’refeedingmeverywell,Mother.”Istartedinthedirectionofthebreakfast
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room,hopingtoforestallanymoredetailedinterrogation.
“Helooksstronger,”suggestedKhethila.
“Laborersneedtobestrong,notimagers.”
“Imagingdoesrequirestrength,morethanonemightthink.”Isteppedfromthebackhallwayintothebreakfastroom,whereNellicahadaddedanother
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placetothetable.Evenwiththetwowalllampslit,thebreakfastroomwasgloomy,becausethewindowswereontheeastwallandallowednosunlightpastlatemorning.Lunchhadbeenclearlyinformal,withtheplatessetongreenplacemats,ratherthanononeofthelinentableclothsusedforguests—orfamilywhenoneormoremenwerepresent.“Where’s
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Culthyn?”
“He’swithFather,”Kethiliareplied.“Fathersaysheneedstolearnthebusiness.”
“That’swhywe’rehavingleftoverfowlinpastry,”Motheraddedfrombehindme.“NeitheryourFathernorCulthyncaresmuchforit.”
SinceI’dalwayslikedfowlincrustandsauce,Ihadno
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objections.Then,asIturned,Isawmychessstudy,mountedinafarmoreornateframe,onthealways-shadedsouthwall.Foramoment,Ijustlooked.ItwaseverybitasgoodasIremembered,ifnotbetter.
“Itgoeswellthere,”Mothersaid.
WhatIrealizedaswell,andwhatshehadnotsaid,was
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thatitwasplacedsothatshecouldseeitfromhercustomaryplaceatthetable.Itwasbehindwheremyfathersat.
“Itdoes,”Ifinallysaid.“Thankyouforreframingit.”
Motherlookedpuzzled.“Thatwasthewayitarrived.”
“Oh.”Whohadhadreframedit,andwhy?Ithadbeeninasimpleblackframe
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forthecompetition,aswasrequired,sothatnopaintinghadanadvantage.“Imusthaveforgotten.”
Khethilagavemeasidewaysglance,asiftosuggestthatwasn’tsomethingI’dforget.Shewasright,butwhatelsecouldIhavesaid?
Onceshewasseated,Motherlookedatme.“Youcouldhavesentanote,saying
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youwouldbecoming.”
“Ihonestlydidn’tknowthatIwouldhavethisafternoonfreeuntilitwastoolate.”
Motherjustraisedhereyebrows.
“Iwasgivenmoretraining,andwhileitwasgoingon,Icouldn’tleaveImagisle.IfinisheditmorequicklythanI’dbeentolditwouldtake.
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ThisisthefirsttimeI’velefttheCollegiumsinceIhaddinnerwithyouthelasttime.”
“Evenifyoudidn’tletusknow,itwasgoodofyoutocomeherefirst.You’llstayfordinner,won’tyou?”askedMother.
“Nottonight.”Icouldhave,butitwasthefourthSamediofthemonth.Ihadn’tseen
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anyofmyfriendssinceI’dbecomeanimager,anditwasacertaintythatsomeofthemwouldeitherbeatLapininaorattheGuildHalllaterintheafternoon.“I’llbemorefreefromnowon,sinceIwon’tbespendingquitesomuchtimeintraining.”
“Yourfatherwillbedisappointed.”
“Icanstayforawhileafter
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weeat.”
“Hesaidhe’dbelatertoday.”
“Doestheextratimeoffmeanthatyougotadvancedagain?”askedKhethila.
Ismiled.“Ididgetnicerquarters—tworoomstomyself,asittingroomorstudy,andasleepingchamber.”
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“Perhapseverythingisturningoutforthebest,”saidMotherbrightly.“Butyourfatherwillbesorrytohavemissedyou.”
“Ithinkyou’vementionedthatbefore,”Isaiddryly.
“Rhenn...Iknowyoutwodonotseetheworldinthesameway,butthatdoesnotmeanthathedoesn’tcareforyou.”
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“Iknow.”Istillhadthefeelinghe’dcareformemorehadIchosentobecomeawoolfactor,butIwasn’tabouttosaythat.IturnedtoKhethila.“Whatareyougoingtodonow?”
“I’mlearningtobeanassistantclerkforFather,theonewhomakesallthedailyledgerentries.”
Therewasahintofafrown
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fromMother.“Untilshefindsaproperyoungman,anyway.”
“WhathappenedtoArmynd?”
Khethilalaughed.“HediscoveredIwasreadingMadameD’Shendael.Hedidn’tputitquitethatway,butwhenhesaidthatitwasclearwehadintereststoodifferentforharmony,that
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waswhathemeant.”
Motherfrowned,ifbriefly,andIknewshe’dhopedforthematch,asmuchforKhethila’scomfortasanything.
Imanagedapleasantsmile,althoughwhathadalreadyhappenedconfirmedthatanyoneKhethilafeltinterestedinwouldnotbesomeoneforwhommy
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parentswouldcaremuch.“Doyoufindworkingatthefactorageinteresting?”
“Youjusthavetobecarefulandthorough,”mysisterreplied.“What’sinterestingisthewayinwhichcertainnumberpatternsshowupintheaccounts.I’mstudyingAstrarth’sTheoryofNumbersonmyown,andseeingifanyofwhathepostulatesshows
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up.”
“Hasit?”
“Notyet,butI’veonlybeenworkingontheledgersforthelasttwoweeks.Rouselthinksit’sagoodideathatIknowmoreaboutbusiness.”
“SodoesyourFather,”addedMother.
“HowarethingsgoingwithRousel?”Iaskedquickly.
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“HeandRemayaaredoingwell.”Mothersmiledbriefly.“Hewritesoccasionally.”
Khethilashiftedherweightinherchair,eversoslightly.
“AndhowisthewoolfactoringgoinginKherseilles?”IlookedtoKhethila.
“Icouldn’tsay,becausesofarI’monlydoingtheledgersforthefactoragehere,andnot
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themasterledgerthatmergesbothaccounts.”
MotherlookedsharplyatKhethila,whosmiledpleasantly.
Inshort,mattersweren’tgoingquitesowellinKherseilles,butKhethilawasn’tabouttosayorwasguessingfromwhatshe’dseensofar,andMotherwasn’tabouttosayanything
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negativeaboutRousel...orallowanyoneelseto.
“Doyouknowwhatyou’llbedoingasanimager?”Motherasked.“Canyoutellus?”
“TheysayImayhavesomedutiesworkingfortheCouncil,butveryminoronesatfirst.Noone’sgivenmeanydetails,butIhavehadtolearnalltheCouncil
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procedures.”
“YourfatherwouldbeverypleasedifyoubecameaCounciladvisor.”
“That’snotgoingtohappenanytimesoon,”Irepliedwithalaugh.“HowisAuntIlena?”
“Asstubbornasever.I’mthinkingofvisitingherinJuyn,onthewaytoKherseilles...”
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Fromthatpointon,Ijustaskedquestionsandlistened.AlthoughIstayedalmosttothefourthglassoftheafternoon,neitherFathernorCulthynappeared,andItookmyleave.Thelateafternoonremainedpleasant,andwhileitwasmorethantwomilles,IwalkedtheentiredistancetotheGuildSquare,takingmytime.
BecauseIdidn’tsee
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anyoneIknewaroundthesquare,ImademywaytoLapinina.WhenIsteppedintothebistro,thecoupleatthetablenearestthedoorlookedaway.RogarisandSagarynsatataroundtableforfour,andIsteppedtowardit.
“Howareyoutwocoming?”
Sagaryn’seyeswidenedas
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theytookinthegraywaistcoat,shirt,andtrousers.“Isthatyou,Rhenn?”
“Thesame.”
“You’re...animager?”
Inodded.“MightIjoinyou?”
“Oh...yes...”Rogarissaidhastily.
Sagarynnodded,atracereluctantly,butIeasedinto
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theseatacrossfromthem.
Staelaappeared.“Whatwouldyoulike,sir?”
Ilookedupather.“I’mstillRhenn,Staela.”
Herexpressiondidn’tchangeatall.“Yes,sir.”
“JustaglassoftheCambrisiowhite,ifyouhaveit.”
“Yes,sir.”
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“Wedon’tseeimagersuphereveryoften,”Rogarisoffered.
“You’rethefirst,”addedSagaryn,takingaswallowofdarkbeer.
“I’mprobablytheonlyportraituristwho’sendedupanimager.”
“Thatwellcouldbe.”
“Howareyoutwodoing?”
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RogarisglancedatSagaryn,whoremainedstone-faced.“Thesameasalways.”
“HaveyouheardanythingaboutMadameCaliostrus?”
“She’sallright.Hehadsomesortofassuranceannuityorsomething...somepatronpaidforit,andthemasons’guildisrebuildingtheplace.”
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“Luckyatthat,”addedSagaryn.“Youknowanythingaboutit?”
“No.”Ishookmyhead.“Henevertalkedcoinswithme—excepttoexplainwhyhe’ddockedmypay”
Staelareappearedwithaglassofamber-whitewine,whichsheplacedbeforemewithfargreatercarethansheeverhadwhenI’dbeena
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journeyman.“YourCambrisio,sir.It’sfour.”
AlmostassoonasI’dputasilveronthetableshescoopeditupandhadsixcoppersbackbeforeme.Thenshewasgone.Itookasipofthewine.Itwascool,andnotthatbad,butIrealizedthatwhatI’dbeendrinkingatdinneratthedininghallwasjustasgood.
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“HowisMasterJacquerltreatingyou?”IaskedRogaris.
“Nothing’schanged.”Hesippedthedarkredwine.
“Andyou?”IturnedtoSagaryn.
“Thesameasalways.”
Neitherspokeforatime.NordidI.ThenIlookedtoRogaris.“HowisAemalye?”
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“She’sfine.”
“AreyoustillplanningtogetmarriedayearfromthisAgostos?”
“Somethinglikethat.”
Afterafewmorequestions,Ismiledandstood,leavingmostoftheCambrisio.“Itwasgoodtoseeyouboth.Takecareofyourselves.”
“You,too,”replied
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Rogaris.
Sagarynonlynodded.
ItwasjustpastthefifthglassasIsteppedoutofLapinina,wonderingwhyIhadcomeatall,whenavoicecalledfrombehindme.
“Rhenn!”
Iturned.
TherestoodSeliora,besideataller,red-hairedwoman.
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ThistimeSeliorawaswearingarichgreenskirtwithablackblouseandamatchinggreenjacket.Shesmiledatme.
“Seliora.”Icouldn’thelpbutsmileback,especiallyafterthecoolnessofSagarynandRogaris.
Shetookanothersteptowardme,andanother,stoppingalmostcloseenough
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thatIcouldhavereachedouttoembraceher.Ithoughtaboutit,butdidn’t.
“I’mgladtoseeyou,”shebegan,herwordswarm.“Youjustdisappeared,andnooneheardanything.Iheardthatyoucouldn’tfindaposition.Iworriedaboutyou.”
Iwasgladsomeoneworried,butIdidn’twanttosaythat.“Icouldn’tleave
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Imagisleforquitesometime,”Iexplained,adding,“Youknowthat’swhereIwent?”
“Icanseethat.Thegraylooksgoodonyou.Ithought...”
“Youthoughtwhat?”Ilookedather.“Foretelling?”
Sheflushed,butkepthereyesonme.“Isawyouingrayalongtimeago.Ididn’t
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knowwhatitmeant.Sometimes...it’slikethat.”
Ididn’twanttopressher,andmysmileturnedwry.“Itwaseitherbecomeawoolmerchantortrytobecomeanimager.”
Shetiltedherhead,andhereyessparkled,almostimpishly.“Icouldn’tseeyouasawoolmerchant.Ithinkyouweren’tmeanttobeone.
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Areyouanimageryet?”
“Iftheyacceptyou,you’reanimagerrightaway.You’rejustaverylowimagerwho’srestrictedtotheisleuntilyoulearnmore.”
“Idon’timagineyou’llstaylowlythatlong.”
“I’vebeenadvancedsinceI’vebeenthere.”Icouldsaythatmuchwithoutbeingboastful.
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“I’mnotsurprised.”Shesmiled,tentatively.“Willyoucometothedancewithme?”
“I’dbepleasedto...ifyoudon’tmindbeingescortedbyanimager.”
“Rhenn...”Sheshookherhead.
“I’msorry.IwentintoLapininatotalktoRogarisandSagaryn,andtheybarelysaidadozenwords.Staela
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keptcallingme‘sir,’asifI’dneverbeeninherbistro,andI’vebeencomingthereforalmostfiveyears.”
“I’mnotthem.”Shesmiledoncemore.
“I’mveryglad.”
“Oh...Rhenn...”Sheturnedandgesturedtothetallredhead.“ThisismybigcousinOdelia.”
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“I’mpleasedtomeetyou.”IinclinedmyheadtoOdelia.Shewasdefinitelytall,withinafewdigitsofme,notheavy,butmuscular.WaseveryoneinSeliora’sfamilymuscular?
Odeliasmiledbackpolitely.“I’venevermetanimager.”
“Threemonthsago,”Ireplied,“neitherhadI.”
Selioralookedatme,andI
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offeredhermyarm.“Shallweproceed?”
“Yousoundsoformal.”
“Itcomeswiththegray.”
Shegiggled—asoundsototallyfalsethatIknewshewasjesting—andIlaughed.
“That’smuchbetter.”
Odeliasteppeduponmyleft.Iwouldhaveofferedmyotherarm,butthatdidn’tfeel
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right,andshedidn’tseemtomindaswemadeourwayacrossthepavementtotheGuildHall.InthewestArtiemawasabouttoset.Iwonderedifwerejustcoincidence,orifthesilveredmoonhappenedtobeapatronessofSelioraorOdelia.Butthattoowassilly.
Theguardwhostoodinsidethehalllookedatmygrays,andthenatSelioraand
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Odelia,thenresolutelyturnedhishead.
“Yousee,”Imurmured.
“Itdoesn’tmatter.You’rewithus,andwe’restillguildmembers.”
“Ipaidmyfeesforthefirsthalfoftheyear,”Iaddedwithasmile.“Doesn’tthatstillmakemeaguildmember?”Ididn’tthinkGuildmasterReayaltwouldagree,buthe
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wasn’tanywherearound,and,besides,Seliorawasquitecorrect.Shecouldbringanyoneshepleased,althoughtherewereusuallyfewoutsiders.
Themusiciansweregettingreadytoplay,andOdelianoddedtoSelioraandslippedaway.
“Kolasynisovertherewithhisfriends,”Seliorasaid,“but
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hewon’tbelong.”
“Odeliagetsherway?”
“Wealldo.”Sheofferedthatcharmingbutmischievoussmile.“You’llsee.”
By“all”Iassumedshemeantallthewomeninherfamily,butthatwasn’tsomethingIwasgoingtoask.MaybemeetingheragainunderArtiemawasn’texactly
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acoincidence,althoughthatwasjustasuperstition.
Themusicstarted,andIplacedmyrighthandgentlyonthesmallofherbackandtookherrighthandinmyleft.Webegantodance.SeliorawasafarbetterdancerthanIwas,eventhoughFatherhadinsistedthatIlearnthebasics—evenprovidingadancingmaitre,MadameD’Reingel—mylastyearingrammaire.
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Whenthemusicianspaused,sodidwe.
“Youdancebetternow,”sheobserved.
“Idon’tknowwhy.Ihaven’tdancedsincethelasttimewewerehere.”
“Didyouthinkofme?”
“Yes.Morethanafewtimes.”Thatwascertainlytrue.
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Sheofferedafalsepout.“Youtellallthegirlsthat.”
“Onlyyou,”Ireplied,immediatelywishingIhadn’tphraseditquitethatway.
“Youonlylietome?”Sheflashedthemischievoussmile.
“No.You’rejusttheonlyoneIthoughtof—exceptwomenI’mrelatedto,likeMotherandKhethila.”
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“Idon’tknowasI’dliketobeconsideredasister.”
Ijustgroaned.“Ican’tsayanythingright,canI?”
“Atleastyourecognizethat.”Thistimeshelaughed,softly,butnotcruelly.
Themusicstartedupagain,andIdecidedthatsilencewasthebetterpartofvalor.Weswirledoutintothedoublehandfulofcouplesdancing.
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“You’restronger,too,”shesaid,afterItwirledandliftedher,thensetherbackonthefloor.
“That’spartofthetraining,”Iadmitted.
“Itsuitsyou.”
“Whathaveyoubeendoing,besidesdesigningandembroideringandneedlepointingchairfabricdesigns?”
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“Wedon’tdotheneedlepointbyhand.Wehaveseverallooms,includingasmalljacquardloom,butIhavetopunchoutthecardsonceIworkoutthedesign.I’malsotheonewhokeepsitrunning.Fatherisn’tallthatmechanicallyinclined.”
“Howtightcanyougettheweave?”
Shelookedupatwith
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anothersmile.“Howtightdoyouwantit?”
Ialmostflushedatherwords.“IguessIrecallmoreofwoolthanIthought,orenoughforyoutopullitrightovermyeyes.”
Shesqueezedmyfingers,justslightly.
Wedancedandtalkeduntilthemusiciansstoppedplayingfortheevening.Then,Iletgo
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ofherhand,reluctantly,Irealized.
“DoyouthinkIcouldpersuadeyoutocomenextmonth?”shemurmured.
“Youcould.IhaveSamediafternoonsandnightsandSolayiafternoonsoff.”IrealizedIdidn’twanttowaitamonthtoseeheragain.“I’veheardthere’sanewbistrocalledFelters...”
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“It’squitegood,Kaelynsaid.Ihaven’tbeenthere.”
“NextSamedi?”AfterIasked,IrealizedIwassupposedtogotomyparents’fortheirdinner,butIknewI’dfarratherspendtheeveningwithSeliora.
“I’dloveto,butFatheristakingustoseehissister.”
“Theseventh,then?”
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“I’dlikethatverymuch....”
“Atfifthglassatyourplace?”
“Thatwouldbegood.”Atwinkleinhereyesaccompaniedthenextwords.“Myparentswillexpecttomeetyou.”
“I’dbepleased.”Iwonderediftheywouldbe,though.Ididn’tknowifall
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PharsifamilieswereasacceptingasRemaya’sfamilyhadbeenofRousel.
Ididendupspendingsilvers—onahacktodriveherandOdeliabacktothelargebuildingonthecornerofHagahlLaneandNordroadthatwasclearlyhomeandbusinesstoherandherfamily,andthentotakemebacktotheeastsideoftheBridgeofHopes.
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IwasstillsmilingwhenIwalkedintomyquarters.
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Lawisnecessarybecause,
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withoutit,noonewillinglyreinsinself-interest.
ThroughoutthedayonSolayi,asIstruggledthroughthepagesofJurisprudence,mythoughtskeptdriftingbacktoSamedi.WhyhadSagarynandRogarisbeenso
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distant?We’dbeenfriendlyforyears,andIcertainlyhadn’tchangedthatmuch.Yetthey’dbeenedgyanduncomfortable,asiftheyweresuddenlyafraid.WastheirreactiononeofthereasonswhyMasterDichartynhadsaidthatIneededtoseeL’Excelsisagain?But...MasterDichartynhadsaidthatIprojectedwhatIfelt,andI’d
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onlyfeltfriendlytothem.Didthatmeanthattheyweresoafraidthatitdidn’tmatterthatIwasfriendly?YetSeliorahadseemedhappyforme,andOdeliahadbeenmorethanpleasant.
Thedininghallwasnearlydesertedatthenoonmeal,butIdidseeReynol,andweatetogetherandtalkedpleasantlybeforeIheadedbacktomyroomandtheheavypagesof
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Jurisprudence.
BythetimeIrubbedmyeyesandcollapsedintobedonSolayinight,IthoughtIunderstoodmostofwhatI’dread,butIwasn’tsocertainwhenIwokeafteranightfilledwithdreamsofadvocatesandjuristsutteringphrasesthathadnomeaningatalltome.
OnLundi,afterbreakfast,
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andafterhalfaglassspentreviewingtheassignmentsinJurisprudence,Ileftmyquartersandheadedacrossthequadrangle,wonderingwhatMasterJhulianwouldbelikeinperson.
Twoseconds—WhaltarandoneIdidn’tknow—werewalkingtowardme.
“Goodmorning,”Ioffered.
“Goodmorning,sir,”
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returnedWhaltar.Theothersecondusmurmuredthesame.
Icouldhearafewlowwordsaftertheypassed.
“He’stheone...tookDiaztdown...”
“...wasalwaysfriendlytome,”saidWhaltar.“Neverpushedhiswayaround.”
“...goodtoknow...
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helpstohavefriendslikethat...”
Friendslikewhat?
IonlywaitedsomethinglessthanaquintofaglassbeforeMasterJhulianopenedhisstudydoorandbeckonedformetoenter.HisstudywasalmostidenticaltothatofMasterDichartyn,savethathehadtwochairssetbeforehisdesk.Itooktheonecloser
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tothewindow.
MasterJhulianwasmoreslenderthanIhadthought,andhishairwasalmostwhite-blond,butIhadonlyseenhimfromadistance,eitherinthedininghalloratthehearingforFloryn.
“Rhennthyl,”hebeganafterclosingthestudydoor,walkingtothewindow,gazingout,andthensettling
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himselfbehindhisdeskonachaircoveredbyawideandworngraycushion,“MasterDichartynhastoldmeaboutyou.Hestatesthatyouarerelativelydirectandgenerallyhonest.Iwillattempttobebothwithyou.”Heclearedhisthroatbeforecontinuing.“Iwouldpreferthatyouaskmeaboutthosethingsyoudonotunderstand.Otherwise,youwillwastemytimeand
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yoursbecauseIwillassumethat,ifyouhavenoquestions,youwillknowthematerial.”Hesmiledpolitely,waitingformetoreply.
“Yes,sir.Iwilltrytoasksuchquestions,butsomeofwhatisinthetextissocomplexthat...well...eventhoughI’vereadallofitseveraltimes,I’mnotsurethatIunderstandenoughtoaskaquestion.”
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“Thatisafairstatement,Rhennthyl,andif...ifyoutellmewhereyouhadtrouble,evenifyoucannotarticulateexactlywhatyoudonotunderstand,thatisacceptable.PleasebeginbyexplainingwhatjurisprudenceisandwhyitisofparticularimporttoSolidarandtheCollegium.”
“Jurisprudenceisthestudyofthelawitself,intermsof
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bothitsprecedentsincaselawandintermsofthephilosophicalbasisbehindbothlawsenactedbytheCouncilandthosederivedthroughtheexampleofcaselaw.”
“Closeenough.Whatrootsoftraditionaljurisprudence,indeedoflawitself,didtheestablishmentoftheJuristicCourtsofSolidardeny?”
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Iactuallyknewthat.“ManyscholarsoutsideofSolidarclaimedthatthelawhistoricallyhadfourbasicroots—eternal,natural,human,anddivine.BecausetheNamelessdoesnotdistinguishbyappellation”—thosewordswerenotmine,butfromthetext—“butbyfunction,thefirstjudgesoftheJuristicCourtsdividedalllegalprecedentsandexisting
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codesintotwobasiccategories,thoseofhumanandnatural...”Iwentonexplaining.
“Whatistheproblemwiththeideathatlawsaretopromotegoodandrestrainevil?”
Ididn’tseeaproblemwiththatidea,andyetMasterJhulianwassuggestingthattherewas.Ihadtothink.
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“Theideaisn’tbad,sir,butitseemstomethatonecouldhaveproblemsindefiningwhatisgood.”
“Oh?”
“Eachperson...well,mostpeople...wouldtendtoseegoodaswhatbenefitsthemandevilaswhatdoesnot.WhatbenefitstheHighHoldersmostmightnotbenefitthecommonfolk
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nearlysomuch,andwhatbenefitsthefactors—”
“Allofthatistrue,withoutadoubt...but...whatisthespecificproblemthatthisconflictengenderswiththeformalfundamentalsoflawitself?”
Theterm“formalfundamentalsoflaw”joggedmymemory.“Oh...oneoftheformalrequirementsof
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lawisthatthelawsofthelandmustbeimpartialandapplyequallytoall,andiflawsdefinegoodtobenefitonegroupattheexpenseofanother,theycan’tbeimpartial.”
“Jurisprudencedoesn’tdiscussthis,takingitasagiven,butwhymustlawsbeimpartial?”
Itookachancewithmy
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answer.“Theydon’thavetobe,sir.That’stheideal,butthereareothercountriesthathavelastedwithoutimpartiallaws.”
MasterJhuliannoddedandgavemeawrysmile.“MasterDichartynsaidthatyoumightoffersome...insights.Letmerephrasethequestion.WhymustthelawsinSolidarbeasimpartialaswecanmakethem?”
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“Becausepeoplearehappierwhenthelawsarefairandwillobeythemmorereadily?”
Hejustlaughed.“Peopleareprobablylesshappywithimpartiallaws,buttheywillobeythembecausetheyseethatothersdonotgainwhattheyknowareunfairadvantages.Rememberthateachmanperceivesanadvantagetohimselfasfair
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anddeservedandanyadvantagetoanotherasunfairandundeserved.”Hesmiled.
Ididn’tliketheexpressionbecauseIsuspectedadifficultquestionwasabouttofollow.
“Withalltheemphasisonfairness,whydidtheCouncilallowtheHighHolderstoretaintherighttolowjusticeontheirholdingsoutsideanycityorlargetown?”
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I’dreadaboutlowjustice,whichbasicallyreferredtotheprocessofdealingwithpettytheft,assaultwithoutweapons,criminaltrespasswhennootheroffensewasinvolved—crimeslikethat—andI’dwonderedwhytheHighHoldershadretainedthoserightsandtheabilitytoconfineoffendersforlessthanhalfayearortoapplycorporalpunishmentwithin
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limits.UntilI’dreadthetext,Ihadn’tevenrealizedthatsuchrightsexisted.“Idon’tknow,sir.”
“Thenguess.”
“Ah...becausewhoelsecouldenforcethatonlargeholdings?”
“That’spartlytrue,butthereisanotherreason.OnwhosesideweretheHighHoldersinthetransitionfrom
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rulebyrextotherulebytheCouncil?”
“Theysupportedtheguildsandfactors,didn’tthey?”Ipaused.“Wasthattheirprice?”
“Whetheritwastheirprice,orwhethertheguildsandfactorsfeltthatthattheycouldonlypushsofar,ithadtobesomethingalongthoselines.Also,theguildsandthe
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factorshavealwaysbeenmoreconcernedaboutwhathappensinthecitiesandlargertowns.”
Thatalsomadesense.
“Backtotheessentialquestionsoffairness,sincewedooperatelargelyinthecities.Thereisanotherreasonwhyweasimagershaveagreatinterestinassuringthatthelawsarefairand
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impartial.Inpointoffact,thepenaltiesforimagerswhobreakeitherthelawsofSolidarortherulesoftheCollegiumarefarstricterthananyreceivedbyothers.Whyisthisunfairnesstoouradvantage?Orlesstoourdisadvantage?”
Ihadnoidea.
“Whentimesarebadandthingsaregoingbadly,people
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donotseekthecauses.Theyseeksomeonetoblame.Whodotheyblame?Thefirsttargetisalmostalwaysthegroupthatappearstobefavored,thathasmorethantheydo,andwhosenumbersaresmall.Onlyifthoseinthatgrouparepowerfuldotheyseekanothergrouptoblame,butevensotheirresentmentandangerremain.”Helookedtome.
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“Bysubjectingourselvestostricterrulesandbynotdisplayingovertlyourprosperityandpower,weattempttoavoidbeingatarget?”
“Asyouwilldiscover,anyonewhoattacksanimagerisanenemyoftheCollegium,andyet,asyouwilldiscover,whilemeasuresaretakentoassurethatsuchattackersorthosewhohired
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themdonotsurvive,theCollegiumseldomactsinawaysoastocreateanimpressionofmightasaninstitution.Evenso,whileweoccasionallyarenotsuccessfulinfindingtheattackers,weseldomfailindiscoveringthosewhohiredthem,althoughitmayoccasionallytakeyears.Consequently,mostattacksarenotplannedbythosein
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L’Excelsis.Buttherearesome.”Hepaused.“WhatdoesthismeaninthecontextofthequestionIaskedyou?”
BythetimeIleftMasterJhulian,thereweresomanythoughtsflyingthroughmyheadthatnothingseemedquiteasithadbeen.Equallydisturbingwerethetwoshortpapershe’dassigned,alongwiththereading.HowwasIgoingtoproveordisprove
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thatnaturallawwasacontradictioninterms?Orthatthesecondformalrequirementoflaw—thatlawsmustbeknowableandunderstandabletoallwhoarecapableofunderstandingthem—wasinconflictwiththefirstrequirement?
AndwhydidIneedtoknowallthat?JusttobeasilentguardfortheCouncil?Thatdidn’tseemlikely,butit
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alsodidn’tseemlikelythatIwasbeinggroomedtobeajuristoradvocatefortheCollegiumeither.
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Atrueimagerseesbeyondthe
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eyesandhearsbeyondthewords.
OnMardinightatdinner,IwassittingwithKahlasaandMenyard,exhaustedinbothbodyandmind,becauseClovylhadcontinuedtoincreasetheseverityand
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intensityofmyphysicaltraining,bothintermsofexerciseandrunningandinlearninggreaterphysicalself-defenseskills.Inordertogainweaponlesscombatskills,Iwasnowsparringwithseveralotherthirds,allofthemolderandmoreexperienced.NotonlywasIexhaustedandbruised,butthathadcomeontopofanotherlongmorningwith
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MasterJhulian.
“Youlookalittledazed,Rhenn,”Kahlasasaid.“Youhaven’tsaidmuchthisevening.”
“I’msorry.It’sbeenalongday.IhadmyfirstsessionwithMasterJhulianyesterday,andhegavemetwoessaysandmorethanfiftypagesofreadingintheJurisprudencebook.Today,
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hecriticizedthoseessaysandtoldmetorewritethem,andaddedanotherlongerone,andfortypagesmore.”Iwantedtotakealongswallowofwine,butIonlysipped.IhadtoworkwithMaitreDyanalater,andIdidn’twantmysensesorabilitieswine-dimmed.
Menyardlookedasblankasmymindfelt,butKahlasanoddedknowingly.
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“AndClovylhasmedoingahalfglassofexercisesandrunningsixmillesbeforeweevengetintoeverythinghe’stryingtoteachme.”
ThatsurprisedKahlasa.“They’repushingyouhard.That’snotgood.”
“You’retellingmeitdoesn’tfeelgood?Ihurtmostofthetime.”Ifinishedmylastbiteofthecrumb
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pudding.
Sheshookherhead.“You’renottheonlyone.They’resteppinguptrainingonseverallevels,andthey’recuttingshortreturnleavesforfieldimagers.Thatsuggeststroublesahead.”
“ThenewsheetsreportedthatemissariesfromtheHighPriestofCaenenandfromtheOligarchofJariolawere
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meetinginCaenalastweek,”Menyardinterjected.“TheAbiertanshavebeenrefittingsomeoftheirmerchanterswithheavyweapons,andboughtseveraloldcruisersfromFerrumthatthey’realsorefitting.”
“TiempreandStakanarhavesignedapactformutualdefense,”addedKahlasa.
“Doanyofthemreally
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thinkthey’llendupgaininganything?”I’dreadaboutallthepactsandthearmingandrearming.TiempreandStakanarborderedCaenen,andbothworriedabouttheHighPriestandhiseffortstospreadthegospelofDuality.Mythoughtwasthatthegospelwasmerelyafronttogethispeopletosupportawarofexpansion,butmaybeI’dbeentoosteepedinthe
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morepracticalreligiousapproachoftheNameless.ThentheOtelyrnanLeague,composedofthesmallernationsonthecontinentofOtelyrn,hadagreedtoallowtheTiempranforcesrightsofpassageonmajorhighwaysandwaterways.ThathadincensedtheHighPriestofCaenen,andonethingwasleadingtoanother.ButIstilldidn’tunderstandwhy;wars
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almostalwayscostthewinnermorethanthewinnergained,andtheloser—anditsleaders—couldloseeverything,includingtheirlives.Butmostleadersclearlydidn’tbelievethey’dbethelosers.
“TheHighPriestwantstosavetheworldfromthedamnationoftheNamelessandanyotherfaithinconflictwithDuodeus,andmakeaprofitwhiledoingso,”
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suggestedKahlasa.
“AndFerrumwantstomakeahigherprofitbysellingarmstobothsides,andtheedgyneutrals,”saidMenyard.
“Andourfactorswanttoselltoeveryone,Isuppose?”Iadded.
“Ofcourse,butthesethingscangetoutofhand,”repliedKahlasa.“That’swhythe
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Collegiumispreparing.”
“Forwhat?”
Shejustsmiled.“Forwhatevermaybenecessary.Rightnow,Idon’tknow,butMasterDichartynwilltellyou,andMasterSchorzatwilltellme.”
“Andneitherofyouwillbepleased,”addedMenyard.“I’mjustgladIdon’thavetodowhatyoutwodo.”
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“Whatdoyoudo,”Isaid,“ifImightask?”
“I’manequipmentdesignerandimager.Veryspecialequipment.Atsomepoint,MasterDichartynmaysendyoutome.I’veworkedwithmostofhisimagers.”
“DoyoutwoknowwhatI’mbeingtrainedfor?”
“No,”repliedKahlasa.“Exceptingeneral.You’re
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beingtrainedbyMasterDichartyn.He’sinchargeofCollegiumandCouncilsecurity,buthenevertellsimagersintrainingwhattheirfinalassignmentswillbeuntilthey’rethroughtraining,oruntilhe’ssurethattheywillgetthroughtraining.He’sinchargeoftheCouncilguardforce,theCollegiumsecuritysection,thecovert/overtsection,andimager
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reception.”
Icouldn’thelpbutfrownatthelast.“Reception?”
“WhatbetterwaytofindoutwhatwedothansendanimagerspyintotheCollegium?”
Putthatway,itmadesense.Idecidedagainstaskingaboutthecovert/overtsection,notbecauseIdidn’twishtoknow,butbecauseI
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knewIwouldn’tlearnanymore.
AsIleftdinner,IthoughtaboutatermKahlasahadused—“fieldimagers.”ThefactthatshecameandwentfromtheCollegiumsuggestedthatshewasoneofthem.ThehandbookontheCollegiumdidn’tmentionspecifics.Itjustsaidthatimagershadawiderangeofduties,bothatthefourCollegiaand
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elsewhere.ButKahlasadidn’treporttoMasterDichartyn,andthatmeantfieldimagersweren’tdirectlyconnectedtoMasterDichartyn.
Ialmoststartedoutthedininghalldoorstomyquarters,outofforceofhabit,thenstopped.Itwasstillbeforeseven,andIwassupposedtowaitforMaitreDyana.
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Everyonehadleftthecorridor,andthefirstbellwasstrikingwhenIsawherstepthroughthereardoorandwalktowardme.Ijustwatched,politely,assheapproached,takinginheriron-grayhairandbrightblueeyes.Sheworeimagergrays,butinaddition,shehaddrapedherselfwithabrilliantbluescarfthatmatchedhereyes.Theskinonherface
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waspaleandsmooth,youngerthanherhairwouldhavesuggested,andsheofferedapleasantsmile.
“Rhennthyl...you’reDichartyn’sprotégé.”Shenodded.“Icanseewhy.Youlooklikeawell-manneredyoungfellow,couldbeajuniorsonofaHighHolderoramerchantheiror,withabeard,astrugglingartist.That’snotsosurprising,since
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you’vealreadybeentwoofthose.”
ExceptI’dneverhadabeard.I’dtried,once,butitcameincurlyanditchy,eventhoughmyhaironlyhadaslightwaveinit.
“There’sasmallconferenceroomofftheentrance.Thatwilldo.”
Sheturned,andIfollowedher.Shewalkedbriskly,for
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allthegrayhairandheralmostfragileframe.WhenIenteredtheroomwiththeovaltableandsixchairs,shewasstandingbythewindow,lookingoutintothetwilight.Shesaidnothing.
Iclosedthedoorandmovedclosertotheconferencetable.Finally,shelookedatme.Thoseblueeyeswereascoldaslapis,yetseeminglywithoutjudgment.
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Iwaited.
“Good.Idetestunnecessarychatter.Conversationisusefulonlyincertainsettings,andforcertainpurposes.MasterDichartynhasrequestedthatIattempttoteachyouhowtoimproveyourshields.Idonotknowhowyoudevelopedyourshields.So...Iwillmakeseveralbriefattacks,andwewillproceedfrom
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there.”
“Yes,maitre.”Iinclinedmyheadslightly.
Thefirstattackwasmorelikeajab,solightthatmyheaviersecondaryshieldsdidnotspringintoplay.Thesecondwasharder,buteasyenoughtorepulse.ThethirdwasstrongenoughthatIwasforcedbackwardastep.Thefourthandlastwasaimed
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moreatmyshields,butwaspowerfulenough—eventhoughoff-center—thatIhadtomovebackoncemore.
MaitreDyanalookedatmesadly,asthoughIwereatruantgrammairestudent.“Finesse,dearboy...finesse.You’llexhaustyourselfinafractionofaglassdefendingyourselflikethat.Thelastattackwasatanangle.Youusedyourentire
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shieldtostopit.Almostallattackscomefromanangle,ifasmallone.Whenyoucan,letyourshieldscollapsealittle.Lettheattacksslideoff.Theobjectistoprotectyourselfwiththeleasteffortpossible.Imagersaretoofewinnumberasitis.Wedon’tneedtolosemorebecauseyouspenttoomuchenergydefendingyourselfunnecessarilyvigorously.”
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Shewaitedforaresponse.
“Yes,maitre.”
“We’llstartoveragain.ThistimeI’llstandoverhereandimageforceatyou.Itwillbedirect.Pleasemakeanefforttoslideitpastyou...”
Iwouldn’thavesaidmyeffortswereatotalfailure,butmysuccesseswerefewandfarfromcomplete.
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Astheoutsidebellsstruckeight,MaitreDyanaraisedherhand.“Thatwillbeallforthisevening.NowthatI’vegottenyourattentionandyouunderstandyourdeficiencies,dearboy,tomorroweveningIwillexpectabetterperformancefromyou.”
Sheofferedabriefandperfunctorysmile,thennoddedandwalkedpastme,leavingmestandinginthe
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conferenceroom,sweatingandexhaustedoncemore.SofarasIcouldtell,theseeminglyfrailmaitrehadnotevenraisedadropofperspirationwhilewearingmeout.
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Thebesttradersweightheir
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wordsascarefullyastheirgoods.
Theweekendedasitbegan.NomatterhowhardIworkedforMasterJhulian,Clovyl,andMaitreDyana,andnomatterhowmuchIimprovedorlearned,therewasalways
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moretolearnanddo.BySamedi,IwasmorethanreadytoleaveImagisle,evenforadinneratmyparentswithafactorIhadn’tseeninyearsandhisdaughter,ayoungwomanI’dnevermet.
Ididn’tleaveatninthglassorevennoon.Instead,asthetenbellsofmiddaystruck,IwasseatedinmystudyporingoverJurisprudence,thesectiondealingwithtort
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claims.Accordingtothetext,theCouncilitselfwasimmunetojuristicclaimsofdamages,asweretheJuristicCourts,andallbranchesofgovernment.Individualcouncilors,oranyoneinanybranchofgovernment,couldbesubjecttoasuitundertortlaw.Atthatpoint,Iclosedmyeyesandrubbedmyforehead.
Afterseveralmoments,I
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openedmyeyesandlookeddownatthelistingofactsforwhichanofficialwasnotliable,followedonthenextpagebyalistingofthosewherehemightbe.Islippedaleatherbookmarkinplaceandclosedthebook.
IstillhadanotheressaytowriteforMasterJhulian,thisoneonthetheoreticalandpracticallimitsofsovereignimmunityasexercisedbythe
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Councilandthegovernmentoverwhichitpresided,andIhadtoexplainwhythefirstCouncilhadcreatedthemalfeasanceandmisfeasancesectionsoftheJuristicCode.
I’daskedMasterJhulianwhyimagersneededtoreadaboutlaw,andhisanswerhadbeendirectandtroubling.“Allimagersneedtoknowsomeofthis.AnyonewhoworkswithMasterDichartyn
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needstoknowmorethanIcanteach.Ihavetoprepareyoutokeeplearning.”Thenhe’dsmiled.“AfterI’msatisfied,MasterDichartynwillexplainwhywhatyouarelearningisapplicable.That’sbecause,unlessyoudolearnit,youwon’tkeepworkingwithhim,andyouwon’tneedtoknowwhy.”
FromthetimeI’dfirstcometoImagisle,I’dknown
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thattherewasadarkersidetotheCollegium,butwitheverydaythatpassed,IwasgettingthefeelingthatIwasgettingclosertoit.Finally,IbegantorereadthepagesinJurisprudence.Istayedatmydesk,moreorless,untiljustbeforethefourthglass,whenIhurriedoutofmyquarters.
Evenso,Iwasatmyparents’doorathalfpastfour,whereNellicaushered
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mein.
“Sir...everyonewillbemeetingintheformalparloratfive.”
“Isanyonethere?”
“No,sir.”
“ThenI’llslipintothefamilyparlorandwaitthere.”
Shewasn’ttotallypleased,butshedidn’thavetobe.Isettledintooneofthe
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armchairs—notmyfather’s—butIdidn’thavetowaitlongbeforeCulthynappeared,aslightlysullenexpressiononhisface.
“What’sthematter?”Iasked.
“FathersaysI’mnotinvitedtodinner.Khethilaisn’teither.”
“Whereisshe?”
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“ShewenttoBrennai’sfortheevening.Brennai’sherbestfriend.Thisweek,anyway.”
“You’recynical.”
“That’swhatMothersays.”Helookedatme.“Whatdoyoureallydoasanimager?”
“Atthemoment,I’mstudyingthelawsofSolidarandL’Excelis.”
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“You’regoingtobeanimageradvocate?That’sfreezing!”
“Weallhavetostudylaw...andscience,andhistory,andphilosophy.”
“Oh...Canyoudoimaging?Canyoushowme?”
“Notyet.Icandoit,butthemastersdon’tletusdoitoffImagisleuntilwe’remoreexperienced.”
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“Comeon,Rhenn.Noonewouldknow.”
Iofferedasmile.“Iwould,andsoonerorlater,sowouldMasterDichartyn.He’smypreceptor.He’sveryperceptive.”
“Whatgoodisbeinganimageriftheydon’tletyouimage?”
“Culthyn,”Isaidslowly,“imagingismoredangerous
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thanIeverknewordreamed.That’swhyalmostathirdofallimagersdieintraining.”
Thatstoppedhim,butonlyforamoment.“Youhaven’tdied.”
“That’sbecauseI’vepaidattentiontothosewhoknowbetterthanIdo.”
“That’salessonyoustillneedtolearn,Culthyn,”announcedMotherasshe
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enteredthefamilyparlor.“Offtothekitchen.Yourdinnerisonthetableinthebreakfastroom.Don’tbotherNellicaorKiesela.Whenyou’redone,uptoyourrooms.”
“Yes,Mother.”Helookedtome.“Someday,willyoushowme?”
“Iwill.Itmightbeawhile.”
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Afterheleftthroughthearchwayintotherearhall,Motherasked,“Showhimwhat?”
“Imaging.Rightnow,I’mnotsupposedtoimageoffImagisle.”
“Icanseethat.”Shenodded.“Zerlenyaandherparentsaremostanxioustomeetyou.”
“Rhenn!”Myfather’s
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voiceboomedacrosstheparlor.“You’reevenearly!”Helookedatme.“YoulookmorelikeaguardofficereverytimeIseeyou.”
“Helooksjustfine,Chenkyr.”
“That’swhatImeant.Hestandstaller.”
Shortly,therewasanotherknockonthefrontdoor,andthethreeofusmovedtothe
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formalparlorwhileNellicausheredtheguestsintothehouse.
Inmoments,Tomazwassteppingtowardme.Hewasashortandstockymanwithanengagingsmile.“You’reRhenn,Itakeit,andanimagertoboot.Wageryourfatherneverplannedonthat.”
“No,sir,hedidn’t,buthe’sfortunatetohaveRouseland
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Culthyntocarryon.”AfterI’dsaidthat,IrealizedIshouldhavementionedKhethila.
“Oh!”Tomazturnedandgestured.“ThisismydaughterZerlenya.”Hebeckonedagain.“Zerlenya,comeandmeetRhennthyl.It’snoteverydayyougettomeetanimagerthatyouknowpersonally—orhisfather,anyway.”
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Zerlenyasteppedforward,offeringatentativesmile.Shewasthin,almostpainfullyso,butshehadwidecheekbones,andaclearpalecomplexion,withtight-curledjet-blackhairthatwouldhavedroppedtomidshoulderhaditnotbeensweptupandcurledintoaswirlatthebackofherlongneck.Hereyeswerepalegray,andintheoff-whitegownandshoulderscarf,she
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gavetheimpressionofabeautifulswan,ifonereadytotakewingattheslightestdanger.
“I’mpleasedtomeetyou.”Iofferedasmilewithmywords.
“Fatherhasspokenofyou.I’venevermetanimager.”
“Youhavenow.I’maveryrecentimager,though.”
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“Whatcanyouimage?”
“SofarI’vemanagedacopyofmybrother’swife’scomb,abox,andallsortsofsmallobjectsintraining,includingametalbarortwo.”
“Thatdoesn’tsoundterriblydangerous.”Hervoicewasthinandbright,thekindthatcouldbeheardacrossaroom.
“Ihopenot.Timewilltell.”
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“Italwaysdoes.”
Ijustnoddedtothat.
“Doyoulikebeinganimager?”
Ihadn’treallythoughtaboutthat,unlikebeingaportraiturist.I’dwantedtopaint,butsinceI’dneverconsideredbeinganimageruntilIdiscoveredIhadthetalent,ithadn’tbeenaquestionofliking,butof
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doingthebestIcould.“Ihadn’tthoughtaboutit.It’snotanoccupationyoudreamaboutasachild.”
“Butdoyoulikeit?Father’salwayssayingthatyoucannotbegoodatsomethingunlessyoulikedoingit.”
“Doyoubelievethat?”
“Ido.That’swhyUncleWeidynissogooda
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cabinetmaker.”
“Ihaven’tmethim.I’veonlymetAeylana.”
“Oh...yes.Youdidtheportrait,didn’tyou?It’sverypleasant.”
Icouldn’thelpbutbristleinside.Whensomeonereferstoaworkofart,evenonethatisnotsuperb,as“nice”or“pleasant,”itmeansthattheydon’tknowartorthatthey
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thinkit’sterrible.“Sheseemedtolikeit.”
“I’msureshedid.”
“Shewasverygoodatthesittings.”
“She’sverygood,andverywellmannered.”
Beforelong,Nellicarangthedinnerchimes,andwerepairedtothediningchamber,wherewestood
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behindourchairs.Thedinnersettingswerenotstrictlyformal,becauseFatherwasflankedbyMadameTomazandZerlenya,whileMotherwasflankedbyTomazandme,butwithjustsixitreallydidn’tmatter.Anyonecouldconversewithanyoneelse.
Fatherrestedhishandsonthebackofhischairandofferedtheblessing.
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“Inpeaceandharmony,”weallmurmuredwhenhefinished,thenseatedourselves.
Fathercarvedthesideofbeefwithhisusualdispatchandefficiency,andbeforelong,platesandgobletswerefull.
“Howistheproducebusinessthesedays?”
“Slow...soslow,
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Chenkyr.We’realmostthroughourstoredstocksofrootvegetablesandthelike.ThespringvegetablesandfruitsfromtheSouthwon’tbeinforanothermonth,threeweeksifwe’refortunate.Youcansellclothatanytime.”
“Ah...myfriend...Icansellatanytime,butIhavetobuythewoolandarrangetheweavingalmostayearinadvance,andpaymuchin
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advance,andifIjudgewrong...”Fathershruggedexpressively.Healwaysshowedmoreemotionwhenhetalkedaboutbusiness.
“Youcanalwayssellwool;itdoesnotspoil.”
“Theprice.Itisalwaysthepriceatwhichonebuys,notthepriceatwhichonesells.”
IlookedatZerlenyaandofferedahelplessshrug.
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Aghostofasmilewasherreply.
“Fatherismostathometalkingbusiness,”Iadded,“whereverheis.”
“Businessiswhatsupportsthehome,”saidTomazenthusiastically.“Whyshouldn’twetalkaboutit?We’renotHighHolderswhotalkaboutmusicnoonecanunderstandorbooksnoone
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hasread.”
Khethilawouldhavedisputedthat,butIdoubtedthatTomazhadeverseenacopyofMadameD’Schendael’sbook.IlookedtoZerlenya.“Doyoufollowtheproducebusiness?”
“Itwouldbedifficultnotto.Fatherinsistsweknoweverything.”
“Andwhynot?”replied
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Tomaz.“Ifanythinghappenedtome,theNamelessforbid,ifyoudidn’tknowthebusiness,howwouldyouallgetby?Evenyou,Zerlenya,knowmorethanIdidatyourage,andagoodthingitis,too.”
“Areallofyourchildrenfollowinginthebusiness?”askedMother.
“AllbutThurlyn,”
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answeredMadameTomaz.“He’sanensignintheNavy.He’sstationedontheRexCharyn.He’salwayslovedthewater...”
Fromtheretheconversationremainedfirmlyfixedintheareasofthemundane,andnoonesaidanythingaboutimagersandImagisle.
Oncetheguestshadleft,
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nearlytwoglasseslater,Motherclosedthefrontdoorandturnedtome.“WhatdidyouthinkofZerlenya?”
“She’sverynice.”
“Youdidn’tlikeher,then.”
“Sheispretty,inanetherealway.Idon’tthinkshe’dbehappywithme.”
“That’snotthequestion,”interjectedFather.“Could
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youbehappywithher?”
“Itisthequestion,Father.Imagerscannotmarrythosewhoarenothappywiththem.”
“Marriageisn’tjustaboutlust.”
“No,it’snot,”Iagreed.“Ididn’tsaythat.It’sjustthatit’sveryimportantthatanimagerandhisorherspousegetalongwell.More
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importantthanwithothercouples.”
Theremusthavebeensomethinginmyvoice.Theyexchangedglances.
Afteramoment,Mothersaid,“Youknowbest.”
HertonesuggestedthatIknewanythingbut.“It’ssomethingthatalltheseniorimagershavestressed,Mother.Imightnotknow,
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butIhavetotrustthattheydo.”
“Isee.”Thistime,therewasresignationinhervoice.“Ihopeyoufindsomeone.”
SodidI,IreflectedasIleft.
AtleasttheyprovidedCharlsynandthecoachfortheridebacktotheBridgeofHopes.Forbetterorworse,ArtiemahadsetandErion—
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thegrayishredlesserhunter—stoodalmostatitszenith,rulingthenightsky.
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Onecannotlovetrulywithout
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lovingtrulythewordsofone’slover.
ThesecondweekwithMaitreDyanawasevenmorerigorousthanthefirst,butIfeltthatIwaslearningagreatdeal,especiallyinhowtofocusimageryandtousethe
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leastamountnecessary.Butshestillkeptdemandingmoreandmorefinesse.
“Dearboy,youarebutoneimager,andattimes,youcouldfacefarmorethanaruffianortwo.Withoutprecisionandfinesse,youwillbelost.”
Precisionandfinesse!HowoftenIheardthosewords,butIcouldtakeconsolationinthe
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results,evenifmyperformancewasseldomtothelevelshedemanded.ThesamewastrueofmyworkwithClovyl.Icouldfeelmyskillsimproving,steadily,ifnotdramatically.
WithMasterJhulian,Ihadnosuchconsolation.AssoonasIlearnedoneaspectofthelaw,wepressedontothenext.Theassignmentthathadconcernedmethemosthad
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beenonmurder,asdefinedintheJuristicCode.MasterJhulianhadexaminedmeingreatdetailonthat.WhenIhadaskedwhy,hisresponsehadbeendirect.
“Contrarytoyourunstatedbelief,Iamnottryingtomakeanomologistoutofyou.Iamtryingtoinstilltheknowledgeyoumayneedtosurvive.Becauseanyunexplaineddeathinthese
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timestendstobelaidatthefeetoftheimagers,itisimportantforeveryimagertounderstandwhatmurderis,inbothrealandlegalterms,andtomakesurethatheorsheisneverinvolvedinsomethingthatcouldbetermedmurder,eitherbythenewsheetsorthecivicpatrollers.”
BecauseIfelteverywordmeantsomething,Icommittedthephraseto
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memoryandwroteitdownassoonasIreturnedtomyroomthatVendrei.“Neverinvolvedinsomethingthatcouldbetermedmurder”wasaphrasethatcouldcoveramyriadofmeanings—andsins.
BythetimeIreturnedfromthedininghallafterlunchonSamedi,IwasmorethanreadytoleaveImagisle.I’dbeenlookingforwardtothat
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afternoonandevening,particularlyafterthelongeveningtheweekbeforeatmyparents’house.Ihadwrittenthemashortnotethankingthemfortheirthoughtfulnessandkindness,andthewonderfulfood—whichithadbeen.Idoubtedthatwouldmuchappeasemymother,whodefinitelywantedhereldestsonmarriedtosomeonefromthe“right”
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background,certainlynotanotherPharsigirl,andbeforeallthatlong...andnevermindtheimagerbusiness.
ReadyasIwastodepartImagislerightafterlunch...Ididn’t.Instead,IsatdownandattemptedtoorganizemythoughtsonmyfinalessayforMasterJhulian—ananalysisoftheapplicabilityoftheJuristicCodeto
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imagers.TwoglasseslaterIhadthreepagesofnotesandanoutline—aswellasaprofounddesiretoleaveImagisleassoonaspossible.SinceIhadthefeelingthatImightbemeetingSeliora’sparents,Ididwearmybestuniformandmakesurethatmybootswerewellblackedandshining.IhadalsosqueezedinanotherhaircutonJeudi.
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Outside,thedaywaspleasant,ifovercast,withaslightbreezeoutofthenorthwest.Ididhavetowaitalmostaquarterofaglassbeforeahackerstoppedtopickmeup.
“NordroadandHagahlLane,ontheeastside.”
Henodded,andIsteppedupintothecab.Theinsidewasclean,butthreadbare.
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WhenIdescendedontothepavementclosetoahalfglasslater,IfoundthatthebuildingthatservedSelioraandherfamilyasfactory,factorage,anddwellingwasfarlargerandmoreimpressiveinthedaylightthaninthelamplitgloomoflateevening.Thewallsrosethreestories,andtheyellowbrickwastrimmedwithgraygranitecornerstones.Eventhewood
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oftheloadingdocksatthesouthendwasstainedwithabrownoilandwellkept,andtheloadingyarditselfwasstone-paved.Theentranceonthesidestreettothenorthwastheprivatefamilyentrance,andithadasquareandpillaredcoveredporchthatshieldedastonearchway.
Thehackerlookedatme,andmygrays,thenatthestoneentryway,buthesaid
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nothing.Igavehimtwocoppersextra,thenmademywayupthesteps.Inthemiddleofthewideeight-paneldoorwasanancientandornatebrassknocker.Boththeknockerandtheplatehadseenmuchwear,butbothwerebrightlypolished.Igavetheknockeroneheftyblow,thenpreparedtowait,butthedooropenedimmediately.
Odeliastoodthereinthe
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modestfoyer,dressedinapalegreendressanddarkergreenshawlthatsetoffhercoloringwell.“Docomein,MasterRhennthyl.”Shegrinnedatme.
“Thankyou,Odelia,butIwon’tbeamasterforsometime.”
TheonlyexittothefoyerwasthepolishedoakstaircasebehindOdelia,andsheturned
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andgesturedtowardit.“Everyone’swaitingupstairs.”
“ThenI’llletyouleadme.”Iadded,“Who’severyone?”
“BesidesSeliora?UncleShelimandAuntBetara,ofcourse,andthere’sHanahraandHestya—they’rethetwins,mysisters—andMethyr,Seliora’syoungerbrother.Bhenyt’soff
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somewhere.Then,there’smymother.You’llrecognizeher.”
“She’sAegina?”
Odelianodded,adding,“Andthere’sShomyr.He’sSeliora’solderbrother,andheverymuchwantstomeetyou.”
IfoundmyselfsquaringmyshouldersasIfollowedOdeliaupthesteps.
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Thestaircase,ampleasitwas,withitscarvedbalustradesandshimmeringbrassfixtures,openedatthetopintoalargefoyerorentryhall,aspaceagoodeightyardswideandtendeep.Thewallswerepaneledinlightgoldenoak,andthefloorwasanintricateparquet,mostlycoveredwithalushcarpetofdeepmaroon,withaborderofintertwinedgoldenchains
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andbrilliantgreenleafyvines.Setaroundthefoyerwerevariouschairsandsetteesofdarkwood,upholsteredinvariousfabricdesigns.Atthefarendwasapianoforte.
Thegroupstandinginaroughcircleattheedgeofthecarpet,besidealongsettee,allturnedasOdeliaannounced,“RhennthylD’Imagisle.”
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IhadbarelypickedoutSeliora,inacrimsondresswithablackjacket,whenabroad-shouldered,black-beardedyoungmanahalfheadshorterthanIwassteppedforward.“I’mShomyr.I’mSeliora’sbrother,andshe’ssaidsolittleaboutyouthatIwantedtomeetyou.”
Saidsolittle?
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“Now,now,Shomyr,you’llhaveconfusedhimtotally.”Adark-hairedandwirywomaningreensilktrousersandamatchingjacket,whocouldeasilyhavebeenSeliora’soldersister,movedtowardus.“Thelessmydaughtersaystous,generallythemoreshe’sinterested,andthelessweknow.”HersmilewasidenticaltoSeliora’s.
Iinclinedmyhead.“I’m
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verypleasedtomeetyou,MadameD’Shelim.”
“Betara,please.Please.We’renotthatformalhere.”
Theycouldhavefooledme,giventhefurnishingsinthatgrandupperentrancehall.
Selioraeasedforwardandaroundtheothers.Shetookmyarmgently,asiftosuggestacertainrestrained
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possessiveness.“Rhennisverytalented.He’sanoutstandingportraituristaswellasanimager,andhisfamilyownsAlusineWool.”
“Ah...you’reChenkyr’sboy,then?”askedShelim.
“He’smyfather.MybrotherRouselrunsthefactorageinKherseilles.”EvenasIexplained,IwonderedhowSeliorahad
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known.I’dneversaidmorethanmyfatherwasawoolfactor,andthereweremorethanafewinL’Excelsis,andevenmorethroughoutSolidar.
“Howdidyougettobeanimager?”Thequestioncamefromthesingleboyinthegroup,standingbesidethered-hairedtwins,wholookedtobetwoorthreeyearsyoungerthanKhethila.
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“Methyr,”someonemurmured.
“WhenIdiscoveredIcouldimage,IwalkedacrosstheBridgeofHopesandtoldtheimagers.TheytestedmeanddecidedIwasanimager.”
“Itcouldn’thavebeenthatsimple,”suggestedShomyr.
Imanagedashortlaugh.“Itwasjustthatsimple.Everythingthatcameafter
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thatwasn’tatallthateasy.Theydidn’tletmeleaveImagisleforoveramonth.”
“Arethereareanygirls?”askedoneofthetwins.
“Some.OneofthemaitresI’vebeenstudyingwithisawoman,andthereareothers.”
“Canimagersmarry?”ThatwasOdelia,andthequestionwasdeliveredwithagrin.
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IcouldfeelSeliorastiffenjustslightly,andIhadadefinitesensethatthequestionhadn’tpleasedher.“Theycan.That’sifanyonewantstomarrythem.”
Thatbroughtsmilestoseveralfaces,includingtothefaceoftheolderandtallerredheadedwomanwhohadtobeOdelia’smother.
“Generally,theyusually
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liveonImagisleafterthey’remarried,”Iadded.
“Whatexactlydoimagersdo?”pressedShomyr.
“Whateverourdutiesare.”Ipausedforamoment.“I’veworkedatcertainthings,butrightnowI’mbeingtrainedforapositionattheCouncilChateau.”
“WiththeCouncil?”askedShelim.
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“Ihaven’tbeengivenallthedetails,butyoungasIam,Isuspectit’sfarmorelikeworkingforthem.”Itriedtokeepmytonewry.
“Doimagersmakelotsofcoins?”askedMethyr.
“Morethanjourneymen,andagreatdeallessthanyourfathermakes.”
Atthat,Betaranoddedslightly,andtherewasa
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quicksetofglancesbetweenSeliora’sparents.Beforeanyoneelsecouldaskanotherquestion,Betaraspokeup.“RhenncameheretotakeSelioratodinner,nottoseeallofus.Ithinkwe’dbestletthemgo.”
SelioragavehermotheraquickglancethatIwasn’tabouttotrytodecipher,thenturned.Sinceshewasstillholdingmyarm,weturned
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andmovedtowardthesteps,andthendownthem.
Moresurprising,therewasahackwaitingoutside,andayoungsterstandingonthesteps.HegrinnedatSeliora.
“Thankyou,Bhenyt,”shesaid.
“Mypleasure,”hereplied,noddingtousboth.
“Felters,sir?”askedthe
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hacker.
“Ifyouwould,”Ireplied,lookingatSeliora.
“BhenytisOdelia’syoungerbrother,”shereplied,takingmyhandasshesteppedupintothecoach.“Ijustthoughtitmightbenicenottowaitforacoach.Youwereverygallant,”sheadded.
“Thankyou.”HadIhad
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anyrealchoice?
OnceweweresettledinthecoachandmovingsouthonNordroad,Iturnedtoher.Icouldn’thelpbutnoticethat,despitethesimilarityincolorstowhatshehadwornthenightwehadtrulydancedforthefirsttime,thedressandthejacketlookedfresh—andhadprobablyjustbeentailoredanddelivered.“Howdidyouknowwhomyfather
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was?”
Shelaughed.“Ididn’t.Mamawastheonewhowantedtoknowaboutyourfamily.ShehadyouinvestigatedassoonasOdeliaadmittedI’dspentalloflastSamediwithyou.”
“IsOdeliayourguardian?”
“We’reclose,butshelikesyou.”
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“YouknowI’mnotlikelytoaskformoneyoranythingelsefrommyparents.Sowhydotheymatter?”
“Themoneydoesn’tmatter,eventoMama.Shewasimpressedthatyoumadejourneymanandthenbecameanimager.Shesaysthatyoucomefromsolidstock.”Seliorasqueezedmyhand.“Icouldtellthat.”
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“Howcouldyouknowthatfromameetingajourneymanartistafewtimes?”
“Youwerealwaysneat,clean,andwithshorthairandnobeard,andafterIsawthestudyyoupainted,Icouldtellyouhadtalenttogowiththatambition.Iworriedthatyouhadtoomuchambitionforaportraiturist.”
“Toomuchambition?”
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“Ididn’tsaythatright.”Shetiltedherheadslightly.“Toomuchhonestyforaportraituristwiththatmuchambition.”
Afaintscentofflowersemanatedfromher,nottoomuch,alightscent.
Beforethatlong,thecoachstopped,westeppedout,andIpaidandtippedthehacker.
Felterswasensconcedin
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whathadbeenagraystonerowhouseonthesouthsideofthelanethatangledoffEastRiverRoad.Theoversizedlampsthatflankedthedoorwerealreadylit,althoughthesunhadnotquiteset.
Theharried-lookingserverwhogreeteduslookedatSeliora,thenatme.
Ididmybesttomentally
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pressfriendlinessuponher.“Fortwo,please.”
“Ah...thisway.”
Weendedupatasmallwindowtable,crowdedbetweentwomuchlargertables,oneoccupiedbythreeoldermeninsuitsofacutIdidnotrecognize,andoneempty,butthesmallertablewasfinewithme.
“Whatwouldyouliketo
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drink?”askedtheserver.
IinclinedmyheadtoSeliora.
“DoyouhaveawhiteSanellio?”
Theservernodded.
“Cambrisio,white,”Iadded.
Theserverleftaslateonwhichthethreespecialtiesoftheeveninghadbeenwritten
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insmallscript—ChickenAsseroiles,PorkSamedi,andFlankSteakEspecial.
“Areanyofthesefavoritesofyours?”Iasked.
“IthinkI’dlikethechicken.You?”
“Thesteak.I’mpartialtobothmushroomsandparsley.”
Whenthetwogobletsof
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winecame,rightaftertwocouplesweresettledinatthetablebehindme,Iorderedforus,addingacrabbisqueasanappetizerandchoosingthewalnutandshavedappleandcheesesalad.Theywereprobablywinter-keptapples,butitwasworthatry.
Aftertheserverleft,Selioralookedatme.“Youdon’thavetoimpressme.”
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“Ijustwantedtohaveagoodmealwithyouandenjoyit.That’snotsomethingIgettodooften.”
“Ifyoudoitoften,youwon’tbeabletoaffordanythingelse.”Butherwordsweresaidwarmly.
Iliftedmywinegoblet.“Toyouandtoadelightfulevening.”
Sheliftedhers.“I’llreturn
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that.Toyou...andtheevening.”
TheCambrisiowasgood,butlookingatSeliorawasbetter.
“Whydidyouaskmetodance,thatfirsttime?”Iasked.
“Iwantedto.RogaristoldOdeliathatyouweretooseriousforme.”
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“Hedidn’tknowyouwell,then.”
“Doyou?”Ahintofmischiefcoloredherwords.
“No,butIknowthatthere’smoretoyouthanmeetstheeye...andI’minterestedinlearningmoreaboutyou.”
Forjustamoment,hereyesflickeredpastme,lookingoutside.
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“Whatisit?”
“Nothing.Someonegoingpast,buthewaslookingthisway.”
“Doyouknowhim?”
Sheshookherhead.“FromwhatIsaw,he’snotsomeoneI’dwishtoknow.”
Theserverarrivedwiththesalads.Itookabite,gingerly.“Thesaladisgood,especially
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thecheese.”
AfaintsmilecrossedSeliora’slips,butshenodded,beforesaying,“Itis.”
“Whydidyousmile?”
“Notthatmanymenwouldworryaboutthesalad.They’deithereatitorignoreit.”
Ishrugged.Iwasn’tabouttosayI’dwantedittobegoodforher.“Ienjoyagood
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meal.”
“Youcouldn’thaveeatenthatwellatMasterCaliostrus’shouse.”
Ihadn’t.“Whydoyousaythat?”
“Lastsummer,IwaswithOdelia,andOstriuswastalkingtoherescort—theonebeforeKolasyn—abouthowheskippedasmanymealsashecould.”
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“Hecouldaffordto.Icouldn’t.Itwasn’tthatbad.”
“Ilikethataboutyou.”
“What?”
“You’renotthecomplainingtype.Youdowhat’snecessaryuntilyoucanmakethingsbetter.That’swhyyou’lldowellasanimager.”
“Complainingdoesn’tdo
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anygood,”Ipointedout.“Ifthepersonyoucomplaintoisthekindwhowouldlisten,they’vealreadydonewhattheycan,andanyoneelseeitherwon’tlisten,doesn’tcare,orcan’tdoanything.”
“Mostpeoplearen’tthatpractical.”
I’dneverthoughtofmyselfasthatpractical.Howpracticalwastryingtobea
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portraituristwhenyoucamefromafamilyofwoolfactors?
Theserverreappeared,tooktheemptysaladplates,andplacedtheentreesinfrontofus.Icutintotheflanksteak,andthenateseveralbites,enjoyingthecombinationofmushrooms,butteredparsley,andseasonedtenderbeef.“Howisyourchicken?”
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“Verytender,andtasty.ItremindsmeofAuntAegina’s.”
“Odelia’smother?”
“Yes.She’sagoodcook,betterthanMother.Thatmightbebecausesheenjoysit.”
“Yourmothereatsbecauseshehasto.”
“Younoticed.”
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“Shehasacertain...determination,likesomeoneelse,Isuspect.”
Selioraflushed,justatouch.Thenshestiffenedandlookedupandoutthewindow.“Thatman...outthere,inthedarkbrowncloakandasquarebeard.He’swalkedpasttwice,andhe’slookedatyou.”
“Atyou,I’mmostcertain.
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You’retheoneworthlookingat.”
“You’rekind,buthewasn’tlookingatme.”
IfSeliorasaidthemanwasn’t,thenhewasn’t,butwhywouldanyonebelookingatme?FromwhatI’dseensofarsinceI’dbecomeanimager,noonegaveimagersmorethanapassingglance—andthatmoreto
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avoidusthananythingelse.“There’snotmuchIcandoaboutitnow.”
“Isupposenot.”
“Enjoyyourchicken.”Ialmostaddedthatsheshouldenjoymylookingather,butthatwouldhavebeentooforward.
“Andwhatelse?Youwereabouttoaddsomething.”
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“Thecompany,ifyoucan.”
“I’menjoyingthatverymuch.”
“I’mglad.”
Afterseveralmorebitesandanotherswallowofwine,Iasked,“Doyoulikedesigningthepatternsfortheupholstery?”
“ThedesigningIlikeverymuch.”Seliora’ssmileturned
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wry.“Workingwithsomeclientsissometimeslessenjoyable.”
Ikeptaskingherquestionsthroughtheremainderofdinnerandthroughdessert—anapplecreamcustard—andtheteathatfollowed.
Finally,asmuchasI’denjoyedthedinner,boththefoodandthecompany,therewerepeoplewaitingoutside,
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andtheserverkeptlookingatus.
“Isupposewehadbettergo.Iwouldn’twanttobeaccusedofkeepingyououttoolate.”
“Youwouldhavebeenanyway,evenifwe’dleftaglassago,”shereplied.
Allinall,thedinnercostfoursilvers,countingwhatIleftfortheserver.
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Westeppedoutofthebistroandwerewalkingtowardthepairofhackswaitingforfares,whenSeliorastiffenedagain,glancedtomyright,andthentuggedmyarm.
“Overthere,”shewhispered.“It’sthesameman.”
Iturnedmyheadandsawtheglintinthebeardedman’s
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hand,andthenwhatlookedtobeasparkorflash.Iwastooslowintryingtothrowupshields,andsomethingsmashedintomyshoulder.Despitethepain,Iwasfurious.Iconcentratedonimagingcausticintohiseyesandinsidehischest,aroundhisheart,orwhereIthoughthisheartwas.
Therewasasingleshriek,andhepitchedforwardonto
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thepavementofthesidewalk.
Istoodtheredumblyforamoment.
Selioralookedatme.“You’rebleeding.”
BeforeIcouldspeak,she’dstartedtoopenmywaistcoatandshirtandhadjammedsomethingintothewound.
“You!”Hervoicepenetratedthenightasshe
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pointedtowardtheleadhackerofthosewaitingoutsideFelters.“We’reheadedtotheBridgeofHopes.Now.”
“But...that’s...”
“Someone’sshotanimager.Doyouwanttheimagersafteryou?”
Gettingintothecoachwasn’ttoohard.Ididn’tevenneedSeliora’shelp.
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Oncewesatdownonthehardseatofthecoach,sheresumedpressingthehandkerchiefagainstandintothewound.“You’restillbleedingtoomuch.Ican’tstopitall.”Sheturnedherheadandyelled,“Faster!”
Itriedtoimagesomethinglikeashieldaroundthewound.
“Whateveryou’redoing,
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Rhenn,keepdoingit.Thebleeding’salmoststopped.”Shedidn’tlessenthepressureonmyshoulder,though.Tokeepthepressureonthewound,shehadtobeveryclosetome,andifithadn’thavebeenforthepain—andthefear—Iwouldhaveenjoyedthatclosenessagreatdealmore.
Theridetowardthebridgeseemedtotakealongtime,
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andnotimeatall,inastrangeway,butbeforethatlongthehackercalleddown,“I’mnotsupposedtocrossthebridge,Mistress!”
“Crossit!”
“But...”
Asmallpistolappearedinherglovedhand,andsheleanedouttheopencoachwindow,pointingthepistol.“Crossit.”
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Theclatterofhoofsonstonewasalmostreassuring.
“Whereshouldhego?”askedSeliora
Iwashavingtroublethinking,andmaintainingtheshieldoverthewound,butithadtobetheinfirmary.Someonewasalwaysthere.“Theright...laneafterwecrossthebridge.Thesecondbuilding,andthefirstdoor,
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theone...staffandagreenleafonthedoor.”
Seliorashoutedthedirectionstothedriver,thenturnedbacktome.“Holdon.Keepdoingthat.”
Then,thehackerbroughtthecoachtoastop.
“Holdthisinplace,Rhenn.”Shepressedmyhandagainstthewaddedhandkerchiefandthewarm
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dampness,thenpushedopenthecoachdooranddartedout,snappingsomethingatthehacker.
Ikepttryingtostayawakeandalert,tryingtopushbacktheencroachingdarkness,asIhearddoorsopeningandvoices,butthen...darknesswasalltherewas.
...exceptadarkenedtwilightthatIwascarried
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through...
TheroomwhereIwoke,ifbecomingvaguelyawareofone’ssurroundingsmeantawakening,wassmallandgray,andIlayonahardandnarrowbedorpallet.Ihadavaguerecollectionofbeingcarriedsomewhere,andthensomeonestandingoverme,andpainsshootingthroughmyshoulder.
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Seliorawasstandingtherebesidethebed.Sowassomeoneelse,butshewascloser.
“You’rehere...”Myvoicewasbarelyawhisper.
“I’mhere.WhereelsewouldIbe?”Shereachedoutandsqueezedmyfingers—theonesonthehandofmyuninjuredside.
“Thankyou.”Ihadto
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squinttoseethefigurebehindher.“Master...?”
“Draffyd,”hesupplied.“Itookcareofthewound,butyou’llhavetoliestillforatime.Youwon’thaveachoice.You’restrappedtothebed,butthat’ssothatyoudon’tdoanythingtoripopenthestitchesandreopenthewound.Pleasedon’ttrytomoveagainsttherestraints.Later,we’llremovethem,but
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forthenextfewglasses,you’llneedtobestill.”
Ididn’tlikethatatall,buttherewerebothdullandsharppainsinmyshoulderandchest,andbothfeltlikeI’dbeenrunoverbyadrafthorsewithspikedshoes.
MasterDraffydturnedtoSeliora.“Youcannotstayherefortheevening.”
Shejustlookedathimasif
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toaskwhynot.
“InRhennthyl’scase,itwouldn’tbesafeforeitherofyou.Thereareimagerreasonswhythisisso.”
Sheturnedherheadbacktome.
IhadtothinkforamomentbeforeIrealizedwhy.WhoknewwhatI’ddoinmysleep?Orinadelirium.“He’sright...wishyoucouldstay
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...but...”
“We’llsendyoubackhomeinaCollegiumcarriage.You’llbequitesafe,”addedMasterDraffyd.“We’reverythankfulyouwerethere,andboththeCollegiumandRhennoweyouagreatdeal.”
“WhataboutRhenn?”
“He’llrecover.Yougothimherewhilehestillhadenoughblood.Ifhewere
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goingtodie,he’dalreadybedead.He’llbeveryweakforafewdays,buthe’llrecover.YoustaywithhimwhileIsendforthecarriage.”MasterDraffydnoddedtoSeliora,thenslippedoutoftheroom.
Shemovedcloser.“ThatmanoutsideFelters...Iknewhewasafteryou.”
“I...won’tdisputeyou...again.”
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“Youkilledhim,didn’tyou?”
Istartedtonod,buteventhathurt.“Yes.Ithinkso...anyway...triedtodisablehim...Hurttoomuch...”
Shebentoverandbrushedmyforeheadwithherlips.ShewassocloseIcouldseetherednessinhereyes.Shestilllookedlovely.
“...beallright...”
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“Iexpectit.Now...youbequiet.Youdon’tneedtotalk.Saveyourstrength.”Shesqueezedmyfingersagainasshestraightened,butshedidnotletgoofthem,notuntilMasterDraffydreturned.
“Thecarriagewillbeoutsideinafewmoments.”
“Sosoon?”sheasked.
“There’salwaysoneready,atanyglass.”
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Ihadn’tknownthat,notthatitwouldhavemadeanydifference.ThehackerhadgottenustoImagisleasfastasanyonecouldhave.“Thehacker...?”
“Ihadhimpaid,”saidMasterDraffyd.“TheCollegiumpaid,actually.Wealsogavehimagoodwilltoken.It’sworthagoldwhenherenewshismedallion.”Hepaused.“Ihearthecarriage
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outside.It’sratherlate,MistressD’Shelim,andI’mcertainyourfamilyhasbeenworried.”
“Theywillunderstand.”Seliorabentoverandkissedme,gently,butonthelips.“Takegoodcareofyourself.”Thenshesteppedaway.
Aftershelefttheroom,MasterDraffydsteppedcloser.Heheldasmallvial.
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“I’mgoingtogiveyousomethingtodeepenyoursleepalittle.You’llhavetoopenyourmouth.”
Idid,andhepouredclosetoacupfulintome.Despiteamint-likescentthatwasn’tunpleasant,theliquiditselftastedlikeacidicpeppermintlacedwithcheapplonk,andIcouldn’thelpbutgrimace.
“Ittastesterrible.I
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remember.Youdon’tforget.“Hestopperedthevialandslippeditintoapocketofhiswaistcoat,thenlookedbackatme.“Youwouldn’tbealivewithouttheyoungwoman,youknow?”
“Nor...withoutyou,either.”
“That’strue,butshehadthepresenceofmindtogetyouhere.Howdidshe
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know?”
“Igaveherdirections.”IrealizedthatIwasalittlestronger.Notmuch,butatrace.
Hefrowned.“Youwereawake?”
“Untilafterwecrossedthebridgeandgottotheinfirmarydoor.Iwasholdingashieldtightagainstthewound...untiltheendwhen
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Igottoolight-headedtoconcentrate.”
“Inthatcase,itdidtakebothofyou.Shesaidso,but...it’sstillamazing.”
Thatirritatedme,weakasIwas.“IfSeliorasaidso...it’strue.”
“No.I’mcertainshetoldthetruth.Imeantyourholdingashieldagainstawoundlikethat.Most
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wouldn’tthinkofthat.”
Iwouldn’thavethoughtofitwithoutSeliora’ssuggestion,butIwasn’tgoingtotellMasterDraffydthat.“Youimagedthebulletout,didn’tyou,andthenimagedsomesortofdressingorpatchinthere.”
“It’smorecomplicatedthanthat,butsomethinglikethat.”Hepaused.“What
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aboutthemanwhoshotyou?”
“He’sdead,Ithink.Iimagedcausticintohiseyesandchest...insidehischest,neartheheart.Thatwashard.Hescreamedanddroppedover.”Icouldfeelmyeyestryingtoclose.
“Youneedtorest.Don’tworry.Someonewillbewatching.”
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Iwasworried,butthatdidn’tstopmyeyesfromclosing.
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Noonesurvivesintheworld
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withoutwounds;theluckyandthedeterminedare
unfortunateenoughtosurvivemoreofthem.
WhenIwokeonSolayi,barelyafterdawn,withgraylightseepingintothegrayroom,Iachedallover,and
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myheadwaspounding.I’dbarelyopenedmyeyeswhenanobdurateinaplainblackuniformappeared,holdingatallglassfilledwithclearliquid.
“MasterDraffydsaidyouaretodrinkallofthis.”Heheldittomylips.
Idrank.SofarasIcouldtellortaste,theliquidwasjustwater,butwaterwithno
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tastewhatsoever.Waterornot,inlessthanaquarterglass,theworstofthepoundinginmyheadhadsubsidedtoadullache.Thatwasamixedblessing,becauseIwasstillstrappedinplace,andmostuncomfortable,aswellasabletothinkaboutit.
Beforeallthatlong,thankfully,MasterDraffydappeared.“I’mgoingto
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removeyourrestraints,butpleasedon’tmoveuntilItellyouto.”
“Yes,sir.”Iwouldhaveagreedtoanythingtogetclearofthestraps.
Iforcedmyselftolookdownashechangedthedressing.Thereweretwowounds,lessthanfourdigitsapart.Theareaaroundeachwasbruised.Bothwere
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suturedwithwidestitches.
“Sofar,sogood.You’llhavesomeinterestingscarsthere,Rhennthyl.”
Whateverheusedtocleantheareastung.Thenhisfacetightenedinconcentration,andIcouldfeelstinginginmychest,thenstabbingpainthatslowlysubsided.
“Youwerecarryingsomeshields,weren’tyou?”
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“Justoneswithtriggersagainstimaging.Itriedtoraisefullshields,butIwastooslow.”
Henodded.“Theshieldsyoudidhavesavedyourlife.Thosebulletswouldhavegonerightthroughyou,andtheexitwoundswouldhavebledevenmore.”
“Iwouldn’tbealiveifwehadn’tcomehere.”
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“No,butpleasedon’ttestyourluckagain.”
Ihadnointentionofthat—exceptIhadn’tbeentestinganything.
“Obernwillbehereandhelpyoucleanupandgetintoasetofdrysleepwearandgetyousomecleanbedding.Justlieherequietlyforatleastaglass.Afterthat,youcanmove,butonlyslowlyand
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carefullyandnotoften.Anddon’tusethearmonyourwoundedside.Notatall.You’llgetsomethingtoeatinawhile.”
“Yes,sir.WhenIcanreturntomyquarters?”
“Thatwon’tbeforseveraldays,possiblyaweek.”
AfterMasterDraffydleft,Obern—theverysameobduratewhohadgivenme
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thewaterearlier—reappearedwithlinens,sleepwear,andbedding,andbeforetoolongIwascleaneranddrier.Itriedtorest,buttoomanythoughtskeptrunningthroughmyhead.Whocouldpossiblyhavewantedmedead?ThemostlikelypossibilitiesweretheHighHolderRyelorsomeformerfriendsofDiazt,buthowwouldtheyhaveknownwhereIwas?Thatleft
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someonetowhomSeliorahadtalked...orsomeonethatOdeliahadtalkedto...or...someonetheyhadtalkedtowhohadtalkedtosomeoneelse...Thatwaspointless.GossipinL’Excelsiswenteverywhere.
Anotherthoughtstruckme.IfI’dreallywantedtogetclearoftherestraints,couldn’tIjusthaveimagedthemelsewhere?Thatthought
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alonetoldmethatIstillwasn’tthinkingasclearlyasIthoughtIwas.IalsorealizedthatIwouldhavebeensaferagainstanimager,becauseI’dhavegottenfullshieldswithoutthinking.Ineededmoreworkonshields,sothatIbarelyhadtothinktogetthem.
WhywasitthatIcouldfigureoutthingsafterward,whenitwouldhavebeenso
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muchbetterbeforehand?Ididn’thaveananswertothatquestioneither,butthenOberncamebackwithbreakfastonatray,actualegg-friedtoastwithasyrupandtea.Iateallofit.
Iwasfeelingbetter—untilIsawMasterJhulianwalkintomyinfirmaryroom.
“Goodmorning,Rhennthyl.”
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“Goodmorning,sir.”
“Youhadquiteanevening,Ihear.I’veheardquiteabitfromeveryoneelse,butitmightbebestifyoutoldmeexactlywhathappened.Talkslowly,please,andtakeyourtime.Stopwheneveryouwant.I’veaskedOberntobringyoumoretea.Thatwillhelprelaxyou,anditwillalsohelpthehealing.”Hepulledupthesinglechair
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besidethenarrowbed.“Wheneveryou’reready.”
“Ihadtakenafriend—Seliora—todinneratFelters...”Iwentthroughtheentirestory,includingSeliora’snoticeofthemaninthebrowncloak,andendedwhenIlostconsciousnessoutsidetheinfirmary.
“Didyoueverseethemanclosely?”
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“No,sir.Well...justforamoment.Hedidn’tlookfamiliar.”
“Didtheyoungwomanknowhim?Shesawhimmoreclearly,didn’tshe?”
“Shedidn’tknowhim.Iteasedherabouthimlookingather,notme,butshesaidshedidn’tknowhim.”
“Rhennthyl,keepthisinmind.Nomatterhowpretty
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thewomanatyourside,ifamanlooksinyourdirection,theoddsarethathe’slookingatyouorforyou.Don’teverforgetthat.”
Hisvoicewasfirm,almostcold.
“No,sir.Iwon’t.”
“Didyousayanythingtotheman?”
“No,sir.Seliorasawhim
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andwhisperedthathewasthere,andIturnedandsawhimraisethepistol.ThatwaswhenItriedtoincreasemyownshields.ButIneversaidanything.”
“Someoneinthebistrosawit,andtheysummonedthecivicpatrollers.Theyhadclosetothesamestory.”Hefrowned.“Yousaidyouimagedcausticathim.Hediedingreatagony.Hemight
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havebeenblinded,butthatdoesn’tusuallykillsomeone.Whatexactlydidyoudo?”
Istartedtoanswer,thencoughed,andalmostdoubledoverevenmoreinpainbeforeIcouldreply.“IguessIwasn’tclear,sir.Iimagedcausticintohiseyesandsomewhereintohischest.Atleast,thatwaswhatIwastryingtodo.”
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“Youdiditwellenoughtokillhim.”MasterJhulianheldupalong-fingeredhand.“There’snoquestionthatitwasself-defense,andthemanyoukilledwasalreadybeingsoughtfortwoothermurders,andisthoughttohavecommittedanumberofothers.Thecivicpatrollerswerehappynottohavetokeeplookingforhim.SoistheCollegium.”
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“Hekilledanotherimager?”
“Averyjunioroneoverayearago.Thatiswhatweknow.Therehavebeentwootherkillingsofjuniorimagersoverthepastthreemonths,andhisactagainstyoumightraiseseveralotherquestions,exceptforonething.Hewasdefinitelylookingforyou.Doyouknowwhy?”
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“TheonlythingIcanthinkofisthebusinesswithHighHolderRyel—youknow,withhissonJohanyr?”
“Oh...that?”MasterJhulianfrowned.“Thatispossible,butmostunlikely.TheHighHolderwouldnotwishtheretobeanytracestohim,andthatparticularassassinwasone...notsuitableforsomeonelikeRyel.NorwouldRyelactso
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quickly.”
“Atthemoment,sir,Ireallycan’tthinkofanyone...well,exceptDiaztcamefromthetaudis,Ithink,andIsupposeitcouldhavebeensomerelativeorfriendofhis.”Icouldn’tthinkofanyotherpossibilities,butthatmighthavebeenbecauseIwasstillmostuncomfortableatbest,andinsomeconsiderablepainatother
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times.
“Thatismorelikely,butstillunlikely.”Hestoodandclosedthesmallblackbookinwhichhehadbeenwriting.“Onceyoucanwrite,youwillowemethatfinalpaper.”Hesetabookonthechair.ItwasacopyofJurisprudence.“Itookthelibertyofretrievingthisfromyourdesk.Youroutlinesaretuckedinside.Iwouldsuggestthatyou
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considerthattherearetwomeaningsof’presumption.’Thelegaldefinitionisnotthesameaspersonalpresumption,andyournotesdonotreflectthat.”
“I’ll...keepthatinmind,sir.”
“Afteryougetsomerest.”Henoddedandslippedoutoftheroom.
Obernenteredimmediately
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withalargemugofsteamingtea.“Themastersaid...”
“Iknow.Ineedtodrinkit.”IfeltlikethereweresomanythingsIneededtodo...butIwasn’tfeelinguptodoinganyofthem.
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Attemptingtoteach
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forethoughtisathanklesstask.
MasterDichartyndidnotappearuntilLundimorning,sincehe’dbeenaway.HeshowedupinmyinfirmaryroomafterMasterDraffyd’sministrationsandmy
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breakfast.
“Goodmorning,Rhennthyl.”Hesettledontothechair.
“Goodmorning,sir.”
“Ihavealetterforyou.”Hesettheenvelopeonthebed,ashiseyestookintheJurisprudencebookI’dlaidasidewhenhehadcomein,althoughI’donlyrereadafewpagesaftereating.“Hard
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atwork,Isee.”
IhopedtheletterwasfromSeliora,butIcouldn’ttellfromthewriting.I’dneverseenherhand,butthescriptlookedfeminine,anditwasn’tKhethila’s,orMother’s.Iwantedtopickitup,butIdidn’t.“MasterJhulianremindedmethatIstillhaveanessayduetohim.I’mnotsupposedtodoanythinglikewritingfor
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anotherdayorso,butIcanreadandthink.”
“Thinkingisalwaysuseful,especiallyifyoudoitbeforeyougetintodifficulties.”Hefingeredhischin.“I’vetalkedtobothMasterJhulianandMasterDraffyd.”
Iwincedslightly,evenifhiswordshadbeendeliveredgently.
“Rhenn,becauseimagers
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workalone,ofnecessity,greatnecessity,weneedtopayattentiontowhatotherssay,whattheysee,andwhattheyhear.Evensomeonewhoistryingtodeceiveyouwillrevealmuchthathedoesnotintend.Thosewhofavoruswilldofarmore.”
“IshouldhavelistenedtoSelioramoreclosely.”
“Youshouldhave,andthat
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isalessonyouwillnotforget.”
Iknew.ThelessonsIrememberedbestweretheonesthathurt,inonewayoranother.
“Ihavesomeotherquestionsforyou.”
Afternoddingtohim,Iwaited.
“Youwerewounded,and
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inagreatdealofpain,weren’tyou?Yetyoustoodagainsttwobulletsandthenimagedcausticintotheattacker’seyesandheart.MightIaskhow?”
“Ididn’twanthimtohurtSeliora,andIwasn’tbytheNamelessgoingtoletthebastardescape,andIcouldn’thaverestrainedhimintheconditionIwasin.”
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“Quitealottothinkaboutinafewmoments,I’dsay.Didyou,really?”
“Notthatlogically,sir,”Iadmitted,“butIknewallthatevenasIwasimagingathim.”
MasterDichartynnodded.“Admirable...andeffective.Howdidyouknowthatcausticwouldcausehishearttoswellandstop?”
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“Ididn’tknow.Ijustthoughtitwould,orthatifitdidn’t,he’dbeblindandinsomuchpainhewouldn’tbegoinganywhere.”Besides,Ihadn’tknownanyotherquickwaytoreact,becauseIhadn’tpracticedanykindsofimagerattacks—justdefenses.“Willthiskeepmefrombeingafieldimager?”
“Ifyou’dbeentrainedforthat,no...butthat’snot
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whatyourpositionislikelytobe.Thisincidentwillhelpyouunderstandjusthowimportantwhatyou’llbedoingis,anditwillalsogiveyouafeelforthedangersandconsequencesthatnoamountoftrainingwill.Foryou,sinceyou’vesurvivedit,that’sprobablyforthebest,butwecertainlydidn’tintendforanythinglikethistohappen.”Hefrowned.
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“There’sbeenabittoomuchofthissortofthingrecently,butasMasterJhulianandIdiscussed,thisassassinwasafteryouandnooneelse.”
Assoreasmyshoulderwas,IwasstillirritatedthatMasterDichartynhadn’tsaidwhatIwasbeingtrainedfor.“SowhatwillIbe?AnimagerwhotracksdownthoseinL’ExcelsiswhomightharmtheCounciland
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theCollegium?Onewhokillsasnecessary?”
“Onlyiforderedto—orinself-defense,”heagreed.“Weworkaswhatyoumightcallcounterspies,althoughourgrouphasnonameanddoesnotofficiallyexistintherecordsoftheCollegium.We’realltechnicallyassignedaspartofCouncilsecurity.Thereareonlyaroundtenofuswhoworkascounterspies.
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There’snolimitonthenumber,butimagerswhomeettherequirementsareextremelyhardtofind.Theyshowuponlyeveryfewyears,andweloseclosetoathirdofthembeforetheybecomemasters.”
“Whatmadeyoudecideonme?”
“Anumberofthings.”Hesmiled.“Iwilltellyou.ThatI
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promiseyou,butnotnow.Sinceit’syourleftshoulder,andyou’reright-handed,youcanwritewhileyou’rerecovering.Writemeanessayexplainingwhatqualitiesyouthinkanimagercounterspyshouldhave.”
“Yes,sir.”
“Takeyourtime.Notforever,butsay,aweek.”Hepaused.“Oh...bytheway..
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.allthepaintsandoilsandcanvasesarrivedthismorning...aswellasalltheotherthingsyou’llneed.Oncewehaveastudiosetupintheworkshopareaandyou’reuptoit,I’llhaveMasterPoincarytsitforyou.Ifanyonedeservesaportrait,hedoes.”
“Isitalsothatit’ssafertohaveanimagerdoit?”
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“Thatcertainlyissomethingthatmakesiteasier,butthere’sneverbeenanimagertrainedasaportraiturist,andwe’revainenoughthatwe’dlikeanaccurateresemblance.”
Thatwasacomplimentofsorts.“Icanseethat.”
“KeepfollowingMasterDraffyd’sinstructions.Hesaysthatifallgoeswell,by
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JeudiorVendrei,youcanreturntoyourownquarters.You’llstillhavetoseehimeverymorning,butItrustyou’drathernotbehere.”
“That’strue,sir.”
Hesmiled,thenturnedtogo.Afterheleft,Irealizedthathehadn’tevenaskedmeifbeingacounterspywaswhatIwantedtodo.Ialsorealizedthathehadn’tneeded
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to.
OnlythendidIpickupthecream-coloredenvelopeandlookatitclosely.Onthefrontwasmyname—RhennthylD’Imager—andbelowit,simplyImagisle.Iturneditover.EventhoughIknewfromwhomithadcome,Icouldn’thelpbutsmileasIsawthename—M.SelioraD’Shelim,NordEsteDesign,Nordroad.
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Iopeneditcarefully,butthewaxsealstillbrokeandsprayedwaxacrosstheblanket.Ireadslowly,takingineachword.
MydearRhenn,
Itrustthatyouarerecovering.Ihopethatyouwillbewellbeforelong.Canyouhavevisitors?Ifyoucan,
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andifyoucanletmeknow,Iwouldliketoseeyou.
Untilthelastmoments,Ienjoyeddinnersomuch.Ihaveneverhadadinnersoexciting.YouwillunderstandifIsaythatIhopenevertohaveanother.Thenexttime,youmustcometoourhouseandhaveoneofMother’s
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specialdinners.
Ilookforwardtohearingfromyou.
Thesignaturewasasimple“Seliora.”
Icouldn’thelpbutsmile.TheletterwassolikeSeliora
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—directandwarm.Icertainlycouldhavevisitors,ifonlyafterIcouldleavetheinfirmary.AssoonasIcould,IwouldwritehertosuggestSolayiafternoon.
MyeyesdroppedtotheJurisprudencebook.Iwouldhavemorethanalittleotherwritingaswell,andthatwouldnotbenearlysoenjoyable.
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Somemenchangetheir
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principlesasfrequentlyastheirlinens,andothersnever
do;bothareinerror.
Thenextseveraldayswereslow,long,andtedious.MasterDichartyncheckedonmebrieflyeachmorning,asdidMasterDraffyd.Besides
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that,allIdidwassomewalking,withObernaccompanyingandwatchingme,somereading,someeating,andmorethanalittledozingandsleeping.OnJeudimorningMasterDraffydandMasterDichartynbotharrivedatthesametime.Thatcouldnothavebeencoincidence.
First,MasterDraffydexaminedmeandchanged
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thedressingonmyupperchestandshoulder.“It’salreadyhealingwell.Youcanleavehere,butstayonImagisleandkeepthedressingdry.Nostrenuousexercise,onlywalking,andnoexercisewiththatarmexceptforlightthings.Don’tpickupanythingheavy...”
Thewaymyshoulderfelt,Iwasn’tabouttoliftanythingmorethanapen.Certainly
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notanythingasheavyastheJurisprudencetext.
“...Ifthere’sanysuddenpainorsoreness,orrednessorswelling,comebackhereimmediately.IfI’mnothere,Obernoroneoftheotherswillfindme.Isthatclear?”
“Yes,sir.”
MasterDichartynwaiteduntilMasterDraffydleft.
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“You’reveryfortunate.Ineedtomakeonethingveryclear.Untilyou’refullyhealed,andIdomeanfully,youarenottoleaveImagisle.Doyouunderstandwhy?”
“Anyonewithenoughcoinanddesiretohiresomeonetokillmewon’tlikelystopatlosingonebravo.”
MasterDichartynnodded.“We—you,actually—willput
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astoptoit,butsinceyouwillnotbeableuntilyou’rewell,andthatislikelytobeatleastamonth,accordingtoMasterDraffyd.”
“Amonth?”
“Theoutwardwoundsandtheworstofthedamagewillhealinanotherweek,twoweeksattheoutside.Thenyou’llhavetoregainstrengthinthatarmandshoulder,and
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you’llworkwithClovylonthat—heknowswhathappened.He’llbetheoneworkingwithyoutorebuildyourstrengthandconditioning.MaitreDyanaandIwillteachyouafewmoretechniqueswhenthetimecomes.Fornow,youarenottodoanyimaging—exceptinemergencies,andIdohopeyoucanseeyourwaytoavoidingthose.I’llsee
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youtomorrowateighthglass.Iwon’tneedyouressay,butIwantyoutoreviewtheanatomysectionofyoursciencetext,especiallythesectiononthehumanchestandheart.”
Ididforcemyselftowalkbacktomyownquartersslowly,andIcarriedtheJurisprudencebookinmyrightarm.Icouldn’thelpbutworryoverhiswordsabout
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mybeingtheonetoputastoptomatters.
Whenthetimeapproachedtenthglassandlunch,Imademywaytothedininghallslowlyanddeliberately.Evenso,IsawthatClaustynhadgottenthereearlier.Hewavedformetojoinhimatoneendofthelongtable.WhenIreachedhim,sohadMenyardandReynol.
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Iwasmorethanhappytositdown.
“Wehaven’tseenyouforalmostaweek,”saidClaustyn.“Wordisthatsomeassassinattackedtwoimagers,andkilledone.Wasthatwhywehaven’tseenyou?”
Twoimagers?“Idon’tknowaboutanyoneelse.Ididgetshot—rightoutside
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Felters.Doyouknowwhotheotherimagerwas?”
“SomearesayingitwasJacques,”Reynolreplied.“Noone’sseenhim,either,butyouneverknowforawhilewhenthesethingshappen.TheCollegiumdoesn’tliketoacknowledgepubliclythatanyimagerwasattacked—orkilled,especially.”
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“Didhegetaway?”askedMenyard.
WhatcouldIsaytothat?Afteramoment,Ilaughed,gently.“Imanagedtodisablehim,orthatwaswhatItried.Hedied,though.”
“IfImightask,”venturedReynol,“howbadly...?”
“Twoshots.Hereandhere.”Ipointedwithmygoodhand.
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ClaustynandMenyardlookedateachother.
“Youimagedhimafteryouwerehit?”askedClaustyn.
“Ididn’tknowhewasshootingatmeuntilIgothit.”Thatwasn’tquitetrue,butcloseenough.
ClaustynnoddedandsaidtoMenyard,“That’swhy.”
“Whywhat?”Iasked.
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“WhyMasterDichartynisyourpreceptor.Heonlytakesimagerswhohavethatkindofreaction.Noneofuscanfigureouthowheknowsthat,butheseemstosenseitwheneveranewimagerwhohasthatabilityarrives.Doyouhaveadutyassignment?”
“Iknowwhatitwillbe,onceIrecoverandfinishmytraining.”
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“DidyoulikethedinneratFelters—beforewhathappened?”Claustynasked.“Wasitasgoodaspeoplesay?”
Obviously,somequestionswerepursuedonlysofar—anotheroftheunspokenrules.“Ihadamarinatedflanksteakstuffedwithbutteredparsleyandmushrooms.Itwasexcellent,andtheyhadaCambrisiothatwasvery
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good.”
“Wasitthatexpensive?”
“Itwasn’tbad...foursilvers,Ithink,butwehadsalads,anddessertandwine.”
“That’snottoodear,”reflectedReynol,“ifyoudon’tdoittoooften.”Hegrinned.“Wassheworthit?”
“Howwouldheknow?”askedMenyard.“Hegotshot
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beforehecouldfindout.”
Ismiled.“Shewasveryworthit.Shewastheonewhogotmetotheinfirmaryintime.”
“That’sveryworthit,”saidClaustyn,“ifnotexactlywhatReynolhadinmind.”Helaughed.
Sodidweall.
“Where’sKahlasa?”I
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askedafterseveralbitesofafowlcasserole.
“Shegotcalledbacktofielddutyearly,”saidReynol.“Shedidn’tsaywhy,butaCaenenancruisersankoneofourmerchantersonthehighseas—morethanfiftymillesofftheCaenenancoast.TheCouncilorderedablockadeofCaena,andtheFourthandFifthFleetsaresteamingsouthnow.That’swhatthey
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say,anyway.”
“WhataretheJariolansgoingtodo?”
“TheCouncilsentastrongmessagesuggestingthattheykeepoutofit,”Menyardadded.“ButtheirOligarch—KhasisIII,Ithink,ishisname—issupposedlymassingforcesontheirborderwithFerrum.That’sbecauseFerrumhasbeen
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armingCaenen,andhasbeenreceivingfavoredtrade.”
“Sowe’relookingatwarinCloiseraandinOtelyrn?”Iasked.
Claustynshrugged.“It’spossible.Wecontroltheseas,butwedon’thaveanarmybigenoughtofightinbothplaces.”
“Couldn’twehelpFerrumandjustblockadeCaena?”
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“That’suptotheCouncil,but...”Reynoldrewoutthewords:“Ferrumdoesn’tlikeSolidar,andparticularlytheCollegium,muchmorethanJarioladoes,andifweblockadeCaena,theHighPriestislikelytoturnonTiempretogetsomeoftheresourcesheneedsbecauseheknowswedon’twanttoinvadeCaenen...oranycountryinOtelyrn.”
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WhyTiempre?Ialmostasked,butthenrealizedwhy.Tiemprehadbannedimagersalmostacenturyearlier.Thathadendedupdrivingoutmanyofthewealthierandmorecreativetypes.MorethanafewhadcometoSolidar.IdoubtedthatTiemprecouldstanduptoCaenenandtheHighPriest’sreligioushordes,andIcouldn’tseetheCouncil
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sendingtroopstoOtelyrn.
“So...ifweblockadeCaena...we’llstartawarbetweenTiempreandCaenen,andifwedon’t,theCaenenanswillfeelfreetokeepfiringonourmerchantships?”
“I’dventuretosaythataboutsumsitallup,”saidClaustyncheerfully.“UnlesstheHighPriestchangeshis
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mind.”
“Thatdoesn’tseemlikely,”Ipointedout.
“No,”Menyardsaid.“Truebelievers—orthosewhodepictthemselvesassuch—seldomchangetheirminds.They’dratherdiefirst,and,iftheydochangetheirminds,someoneelseinthehierarchyislikelytoseethattheydie.”
“Didyougetthatfrom
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MasterDichartyn?”
“MasterJhulian.Forallhislegalknowledge,he’salmostascynicalasDichartyn.”
Intheend,ourdiscussionledtonothingmore,andafterwardIreturnedtomyquartersandwroteanotetoSeliorathankingherandaskingifshecouldvisitonSolayiafternoon...andtellingherwheretomeetme
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ifshecould.Afterthat,Iwroteashorternotetomyparents,tellingthemI’dbeeninjuredandthat,whileIwashealingwell,Iwouldn’tbeleavingImagislesoon.
Then,aftertakingthembothtotheadministrationbuildingtobesent,Iwalkedslowlybacktomyroom,oncemore,andstretchedout—gingerly—onmybedtorest.Jurisprudenceandthe
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twoessayswouldhavetowait.
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Achievingtrueexcellence
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risksallthatholdshappiness.
WellbeforethirdglassonSolayiafternoon,Iwassittingwaitingonthesecondgraystonebench—theoneshadedbytheoakthatwasfinallyleafingout—nearthe
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ImagislesideoftheBridgeofHopes.I’dbroughtthesciencetext,becauseMasterDichartynhadnotbeenpleasedwithmylackofvisualizationofanatomywhenwehadmetonVendrei.WhilehehadbeenslightlyhappierwithmyperformanceonSamedimorning,he’daskedmorequestions,andthenpointedlysuggestedthatIfinishmyessayforMaster
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JhulianinordertohavemymindcleartofinishtheessayIowedhim.
OnSolayimorning,IhadfinishedadraftoftheessayontheJuristicCode’sapplicabilitytoimagers.BecausetheCoderecognizedthediscretiongrantedtocivicpatrollers,anyoneactuallychargedwaspresumedguilty.Sincepatrollerstendedtodefertoimagers,theCode
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providedforareviewhearingonanymatterinvolvinganimager—providedtheCouncilapproved.ThatalsoexplainedwhyMasterJhulianandMasterDichartynhademphasizedthatimagersshouldneverbeevenremotelyassociatedwiththeappearanceofviolenceandmurders.SuchapetitiontotheCouncil,evenifrejected,mightwellraiseissuesbetter
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leftunexamined.
AsIcouldfeelthetimenearingthirdglass,Ifinallyclosedthesciencetext,becauseIwasnotreadingit.Myeyesweremerelyskippingoverthepageinfrontofmeandthenglancingtowardthenearerendofthebridge.Justmomentsafterthethirdbellrang,twofigurescameintoview,walkingcasually,butnotdawdling,
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alongthesouthsideofthebridge,Selioraandatallerfigure—Odelia.Selioraworealongflowingdress,apalegreen,withacreamsilkjacket.Odeliawasinabrightergreen.
Istoodandsteppedtowardthem.
Odeliasmiledbutdroppedbacktolethercousinmovetowardmealone.Seliora
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steppedforwardandtookmyhands.Shesmiled,anexpressionofbothconcernandwarmth.“YoulookbetterthanthelasttimeIsawyou.”
“Ifeelmuchbetter.”
SheinclinedherheadtowardtheshadedbenchIhadjustleft.“You’restillpale,andyouneedtositdown.”
Ididn’targue,andwesat
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downintheshade.Odeliatooktheotherbench,closeenoughtowatch,butfarenoughnottohear,althoughIdoubtedshewouldhavepassedonanything.
“I’mgladyoucame.”Icouldn’thelpsmilingather.
“Shouldyoubeup?”
“MasterDraffydsaidthatgentlemovementwouldhelp,butI’mnotsupposedtolift
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anythingheavywithmyleftarmorhand.”
“ItoldMotherwhereyouwereshot,”Seliorasaidslowly.“Shesaidmostpeoplewouldhavediedrightthere.”
“Ialmostdid.Ifyouhadn’tgottenmetotheinfirmarythatquickly,Iwouldhave.”
Shelookeddirectlyatme.“You’refatednottodieyoung.ThatiswhatMama
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said.”Thenshesmiled.“Shetoldmetotellyouthat’sfromthePharsiside.”
Ifrowned.“Ithoughtthatwasyourfather’sside.”
Selioraflushed.“Actually...there’sfullPharsionbothsides.”
Ilaughed.“Thatdoesn’tsurpriseme.Canyoutellfortunesaswell?”IwishedIhadn’taskedthequestion,
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because,belatedly,Irememberedthatshe’dalreadytoldmethatshe’dseenavisionofmeingraybeforeI’dbecomeanimager.
“IdobetterwithpeopleIdon’tknow.”
“Peopleyoudon’tknoworpeopleyou’renot...closeto?”Ihesitatedoverthewords.
“ThoseIdon’tcareabout.
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Whenyoucare,it’sdifficulttoseparatewhatyouwanttoseefromwhatyoudosee.”
Iwantedtoputmyarmsaroundher.Ididn’t.“Yourparentsweren’tupset?”
“Whywouldtheybeupset?”
“Becauseyouwerewithsomeonewhogotshot.Thatcouldbeupsetting.”
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“Papasaidhewashappyyouweregoingtobewellandthat...”Sheshookherhead.
“What?”IspokebeforeIrealizedshehadthatglintinhereye.
“Hedidn’twanthisdaughtertobeinterestedinamanwhowasn’tworthshooting.SomeoneshothimwhenhewascourtingMama.
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Itwasonlyinthearm,anditdidn’tevenbreakabone.”
“Didheeversaywhathappenedtotheman?”
Seliorashookherhead.“Hedidsaythatthefellowwouldn’tbotheranyoneagain.”
“Ithoughtitmighthavebeensomethinglikethat.Idon’tthinkI’llcrossyourfather.”
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“Benicetome,andhewon’tsayaword.”Shegrinned.“ButIthinkGrandmamahadmoretodowithit.Shedidn’tlikeanyoneinterferingwithherfamily.Shestilldoesn’t.”
“Didyougetthepistolfromher?”
Thatbroughtasheepishlooktoherface.“IboughtitwhenIwasfifteen.
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GrandmamaknewbeforeItookthreestepsintothehouse.Shespenteverydayforamonthteachingmetouseit.Shetoldmethatyouneverboughtanythingyoucouldn’tuseordidn’tlearntouse.”
“Ididn’tmeether,”Isaid.
“Shehasabadleg.Shealsotoldmethatshedidn’twanttomeetanyoneI
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thoughtmuchofinacrowd,andthefamilywasdefinitelyacrowd.”Therewasthefaintestpause.“Sheknowsaboutyou,though.”
“Oh?”Iwasn’tcertainIlikedthat.
“I’vetoldher.Shesaidthatifyouweretalentedandhonest,you’dneveramounttoanythingasaportraiturist.”
EvenasIwinced,Ihadto
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admitthatthegrandmotherI’dnevermetwasright.“Doesthatapplytofurnitureanddesigns?”
“Absolutely!We’retalented,butwe’renottotallyhonest.Wecheatanyonewhotriestocheatus...andwe’rebetteratit.”
Thatalsosurprisedmenotintheleast.
“Willyoubeabletocome
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todinnerbeforelong?”
“Iwantto,verymuch,butMasterDichartynhasconfinedmetoImagisleuntilI’mtotallywellandbetterabletotakecareofmyself.Thatcouldbealmostamonth.”Ismiled,iffaintly.“HealsosaidthatI’mtolistentoyou.”
Thelastwordsdidbringthefaintesthintofthat
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mischievoussmileIlikedsomuch.
“I’mgladtheythinkI’mofworthtoyou.”
“MasterDraffydsaidIowemylifetoyou,butIalreadyknewthat.”Ipaused,thenadded,“Ican’tthinkofanyoneI’dratheroweitto.”
“Rhenn...Iknowwhatyou’redoingmustbedangerous.Pleasedon’ttake
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risksyoudon’thavetotake.”
“That’swhatthey’retryingtoteachme.”Amongotherthings.
“Thenlistentothem.”
Ismiledbroadlyather.“ShallItellMasterDichartynyouorderedmetolistentohim.”
“Ifitpleasesyou.”Thewordswerenotquitecoy,but
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therewasahintofchill.
“I’msorry.Iwasteasing.Ididn’tmeantooffendyou.”
“Teasingisfair,”shereplied.“Condescensionisnot.”
IalmostsaidIhadn’tbeencondescending,thenthoughtbetter.“That’sfair,butIprobablydon’trecognizeitallthetimewhenI’mbeingcondescending.If
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condescensionisn’tfair,thenyouhavetoacceptmyapologiesforinadvertentcondescension.”Iofferedamournfulface.
Eithertheexpressionorthewordsbroughtalaugh,andIlaughedwithher,ifverygently.Toomanythingshurttoomuchforenthusiasticlaughter.
“HaveyouseenRogarisor
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anyoftheothers?”
“No.There’snoreasonto,andwe’vebeenbusy.IhadtocomeupwithanentirenewdesignforHighHolderEsquivyl.Hedecidedthattherenditionofthefamilycrestthatheapprovedtwoweeksagowasn’twhathewantedafterall.Orhisnewchildbridedecidedthat.”
“Didyoumeether?”
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“Shesimpersandbatshereyelashes,butshehasmorebrainsinthelittlefingershebeckonstohimwiththanhehasinhisskull.”
“HaveyouevermetHighHolderRyel?”
Seliorafrowned,thinking.“No,butyouneverknow.Why?”
“Justdon’tmentionmyname.That’sall.Hisson
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attackedme.”
“Whatdidyoudo?”
“Idefendedmyself.Actually,thereweretwoofthem.Theywerebothimagerswhowereseniortome.IpartlyblindedJohanyr—he’sRyel’sson,andhewastransferredtoMontD’Imagetorecover.Hewon’tbeallowedtoreturntoL’Excelsis.ButIcan’t
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imagineHighHolderRyelwouldlookuponanyoneconnectedtomeinanywayfavorably.”
“Didtheseniorimagerstrytostopthem?”
“Theydid,butIdidn’tknowthattheyweretryingtoprotectme.Ididn’tknowtheywereevenaround,andwhenitlookedlikeJohanyrreallymeanttoharmme,I
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triedtodisablehim.Idisabledhimabittoomuch.That’sanotherreasonwhyIcan’tleaveImagisleforawhile.IneedtolearnbettercontrolofwhatIdo.”
“Itisn’tjustthat,isit?”
I’dknownthatSeliorawasperceptive,butherperceptioncouldmakeithardforme.“No.Themastersthinkthatsomeoneishiringassassinsto
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killme,andtheydon’twantmetoleaveuntilI’mfullyrecoveredandI’velearnedsomemoretechniques.”
“HighHolderRyel?”
“Theydon’tknow,andonedoesn’tchargeHighHolderswithoutagreatdealofproof.”
Selioranodded.“Iwon’ttellPapaandMama.I’lljusttellthemthatallimagersrun
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theriskofbeingtargetsattimes...especiallythegoodones.”
“I’mjustajuniorimagerthird.”
“That’slikeajourneymanimager,isn’tit?”
Isupposeditwas.Inodded.
“Thatmakesyougood.Howmanyimagersbecome
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journeymeninlessthanhalfayear?”
ThingshadhappenedsofastIhadn’tconsideredthat.“Idon’tknow,butyou’reprobablyright.Ijustdidn’tthinkofitthatway.”
“Youhaven’ttoldyourparents,either,haveyou?”
“No.Iwon’tsayathingunlessIbecomeamaster.”
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“You’reasproudasanyPharsi,Rhenn.”Hersmilewaswarm,sympathetic,andsad,allatonce.“Theremustbesomeofthatbloodsomewhereinyourbackground.”
Icouldonlyshrug...slightly,andIstillhadtohideawince.
Shetookmyhandsagain.“Ican’tstaylong.Nottoday.
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We’rehavingabirthdaydinnerforGrandmama.”Anothersmilefollowed.“CouldwehaveapicnicherenextSamedi?”
“Areyousureyouwanttogotothattrouble?”
“Iwouldn’thaveaskedifIdidn’t.Youwouldn’tmindifOdeliabroughtKolasyn,wouldyou?”
“Ican’tseethatasa
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problem.IamallowedvisitorswhenI’mfree,andthere’snorestriction,exceptcommonsense,Isuppose.”
“Halfpastfourthbell?”
“I’llbehere.”
“SowillI.”Sheleanedforwardandbrushedmycheekwithherlips,squeezingmyhands.
Afteramoment,westood.
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ThenwewalkedtowardOdelia,whorose.
Whentheyheadedtowardthebridge,IjustsatdownonthebenchandwatchedthetwoofthemwalkbackacrossthebridgetoL’Excelsis,areminderofsortsthatthecityI’dgrownupinwasnowaforeignland,atleastinsomeways.
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Seekingfamecanbeas
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deadlyaspoison.
OnLundi,IhandedintheessayforMasterJhulian.Hereadit,thennodded.“Itisacceptable,andthatisallIcouldexpectfromanimagerwhoisnotalegalscholar.”
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Iknewtheessaywasn’toutstanding,butjustacceptable?
OnMardi,IhandedintheessayonthequalitiesofacounterspytoMasterDichartyn.Hetookhistimereadingthroughthefourpages.Thenhesetitdownonthewritingdesk.
“Youhavenotedinsomedetailtheobviouspoints,that
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animagercounterspyshouldbeaccomplishedintechnique,beinexcellentphysicalcondition,andbeabletoanticipatewhatmayhappen.”ThecoolnessofhiswordssuggestedthatMasterDichartynwaslessthanpleased.“Tellme,Rhennthyl.Besidesyourneedtorecover,whyareyoubeingconfinedtoImagisle?”
“Youhadindicated,sir,
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thatwastoprotectmeuntilIlearnedenoughtodefendmyselfanduntiltheCollegiumandIcoulddealwiththeperpetratoroftheattack.”
“Thatistrue.Whyistheperpetratoroftheattackseekingyou?”
“BecauseIdidsomethingthatoffendedorupsethim,orher.”
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“Thatisalsomostprobablytrue.Inconnectionwithyourassignment,whatconclusionshouldyoudraw?”
“Neverletanyoneknowwhatyouaredoing,havedone,ormightdo?”
“Thatisalsotrue,butthatisabehaviorpattern,notaquality,ifyouwill.Iwillgiveyouahint.HowdidyourfirstmeetinggowithMaitre
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Dyana?”
Ithoughtback.Herinitialappraisalofmehadbeenstrange,becauseshe’dsaidshecouldseewhyIwasMasterDichartyn’sprotégé.“ShesaidIcouldbeanynumberofthings.”
“Rhennthyl!Think...”
“Oh...thequalityofbeinganythingexceptanimageragent?”
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“Precisely.”Heshookhishead.“Thelastthingyouwantistobenoticed—ornoticedforwhatyoureallyare.Anytimeanyonenoticesyouasexcessivelycapableandbright,youendangeryourself,andsometimestheCollegium.”
Thatmadesense.Iwasn’tcertainIlikedtheideaofbeinginvisible,butIcouldn’targue.
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“Doyouwanttobemarriedsomeday—totheyoungladywhosavedyourlifeorsomeonelikeher?”
“I’dhopeso,sir.”
“Doyouwanttohavechildrenandliveforyearswithher?HowcouldthathappenifeveryoneinL’Excelsisknewthatyouwereafearedcounterspy?Nomatterhowgoodyoubecame
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asanimager,wouldyouwanttocarryheavyshieldsallthetime,neverknowingwhomightbelookingforyoueverytimeyousetfootoutside,oreveneverytimeyouawoke?Orworrywhetheryouwouldwakeup?”
Acoldjoltrandownmyspine.Inaway,Ihadbeenthinkingofmyselfasbecomingafearedand
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respectedcounterspy.
“Doyoueveragainwanttoseesomeonefiringapistolatyouamomenttoolateforyoutoshieldyourself?”pressedMasterDichartyn.
“No,sir.”Mywordstherewerefirmandheartfelt.
“Then...you’dbetterthinkabouthownottostandout.”Hesmiledwanly.“It’snotaboutslinkingand
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slouching,either.That’sanevenbiggersignofsomeoneuptonogood.Themostfearedcounterspiesaretheonesnooneknows,becausetheycouldbeanyoneinanyplace.Youwanttoappearsoperfectlyinplacethatnothoughtofoffenseoccurs.Callitfirstamongseconds.Likethelessermoon.”
Thatmadenosensetome.
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“Erionwasafearedhunter,atleastmythologically,butwhowritespoemstothelesserhunter?Exceptinadeprecatingfashion?YetnooneeverwishedtooffendErioninperson.”MasterDichartynsmiled.“SayyouhavethreeHighHoldersinaroom,andthreeassistants.Youwanttobetheassistantwho’sbothperfectandmostdeferentiallyconfident,so
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muchsothatnoneoftheotherassistantswouldthinkaboutoffendingyou,andnoneoftheHighHolderswouldeither,becauseyou’redeferentialandanassistant.”
Ididn’tliketheideaofbeingthebestsecond...atanything.
“Ittakesaveryconfidentandsuperiormantobeanimagercounterspy,because
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youhavetobebetterthananyoneelse,exceptthefewothersinyourgroup,andyoucanneverletanyoneknowhowgoodyouareorshowit.Youhavetobeabletotakeprideinternally,withoutneedingtherecognitionofothers.Mostmencan’tlivewithoutovertpraiseandrecognition.Lackofpraiseandrecognitioncanturnthemintotwistedangrysouls,
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convertsoftheNamer,ifyouwill,wantinganameandfamebeyondanything.”
Ihadtothinkaboutthat,andMasterDichartynletmehavetimetoconsiderhiswords.
“WhatifIsaidthatIcouldn’tdothat?”Ifinallyasked.
“I’dturnyouovertoMasterSchorzatforfield
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training.You’dmakeagoodfieldimager.Peoplesuspectwhofieldimagersmightbe,buttheycan’tevertracehowtheydowhattheydo.”Heshrugged.“Theydogetmorerecognition,butmoreofthemgetkilled.”
“YouthinkIcouldbegoodasacounterspy?”
“Ifyouworkatit,youcouldbeverygood.”He
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paused.“There’sanadvantageandadrawback.”
“Besidebeing...under-known?”
Helaughed.“That’sagoodwayofputtingit.Under-known.”Thesmilevanished.“Becausewhatwedotrainsimagercapabilitiesmoredeeplyandwidely,imagercounterspiesgetadvancedmorequickly,andthat
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includesfieldpay...butyourpublicgradeisleftlower,atleastinmostcases,untillater.Ifyouwork,youcouldbecomeaMaitreD’Aspectfairlysoon,butwhileyouwouldgetthepay,yourrankwouldn’tbeknownbeyondthemaitresoftheCollegium.You’dstillbeviewedasathird.WhenyoumasterMaitreD’Structure,youwillbelistedasaMaitre
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D’Aspect.Afterthat,youcanbelistedatwhateverlevelofmasteryyouwish.MosthaveremainedpubliclyasMaitresD’Aspectuntiltheyhaveleftday-to-daycounteringduties.”
Icouldseethat.
“Whatdoyouwanttodo?”
“Continuewithyou,sir,ifthat’sacceptable.”
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“I’dhopedyouwould...butitisamatterofchoice.”Hefingeredhischin.“Becauseofyourinjuries,andbecausewe’reshorthanded,I’mgoingtochangeyourtrainingschedule.Startingnextweek,you’llspendaglasswithClovyl,rightatfirstafternoonbell,andhe’llgiveyoujusttherightamountofexercisetohelpyouheal.Afterthat,
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you’llreporttoMaitreDyana.ShewillteachyouhowHighHoldersbehaveandsomeoftheirparticularcustomsandmannerisms,andwhattheysignify.”
“ShewasraisedaHighHolder,wasn’tshe?”
“Younoticed.Good.”Heliftedalongrolledtube—ratherlargepapersrolledtoformatubeayardlong—and
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handedittome.“ThesearetheplansfortheCouncilChateau.Bytheendofnextweek,Iexpectyoutobeabletodraweveryfloorfrommemory.Keepthemoutofsightinyourroom,anddon’ttakethemoutofituntilyoubringthembackaweekfromJeudi.”Thenhestood.“IwillseeyouthisJeudimorning.Wewillworkonsomeimagingskillsthatwillnot
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takemuchstrength.They’reamatteroftechniqueandknowledge.”
Afterleavinghisstudy,IcarriedtheChateauplansbacktomyquartersandbegantostudythem.Inlessthanaquarterglass,Iunderstoodwhyhe’dgivenmeaweek.Therewereroomsandpassagesthatnoonecouldeverhaveguessedwereeventhere.
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Itookmytimegettingtothedininghall,butMenyardandReynolweretheonlyonesIcouldseeofthegroupwithwhomIusuallyate.
“You’relookinghealthier,Rhenn,”saidReynol.
“I’mfeelingbetter.”
“Where’sClaustyn?”
Menyardshrugged“Onassignment.Fieldimagers
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don’tsaywhere,andwedon’task.Heleftsometimeyesterday.”
“You’llsaylessthanthat,”observedReynol.
“EvenifIwantedto,”Ireplied,“I’llhavefarlesstosay.Howcanonesayanythingaboutwhatneverhappens?Thatwouldbelikewritingahistoryofaplacethatneverexisted.”
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Bothofthemlaughed.
Atthatmoment,oneofthesecondssittinganemptyspaceawayfromReynolhandedoveraplatterofchops,andIcouldseeadishofstewedandspicedapplesfollowing.“Ihaven’tpickeduponeofthenewsheets.What’shappeninginCaenenorCloisera?”
Reynolshookhishead.
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“Weprobablywon’thearuntilsomeoneactuallyinvades,andthenewswillbeagoodweeklate,ifnottwo.”
“Who’sstronger,FerrumorJariola?”
Reynolfrowned.“That’shardtosay.Ferrumhasmoreheavyequipment,andthey’veevengotsomethingcalledalandcruiser—anarmoredthingpoweredbysteamthat
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cantraveloverlandwithoutrails.TheOligarchhasmoretrainedtroops...”
AsReynolwenton,Igotthefeelingthatawarbetweenthetwowouldbelongandbloodyandinnoone’sinterest,butwasn’tthattrueofmostwars?
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Thereisahiddenadvantage
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toimagingwhatappearstobenothing.
Jeudimorningwasdamp,raw,anddrizzling.IwasbackinMasterDichartyn’sstudy,morethanalittlecuriousabouttheimagertechniquesIwouldbelearning.Insteadof
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sayinganythingimmediately,helookedatmeandfingeredhischin,asignthatalecture,aquestion,orsomethingelsetomakemethinkwasabouttobedelivered.
“Rhennthyl...haveyoueverconsideredthegovernmentaluniquenessofSolidar?”
“Comparedtoothergovernments?”
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“AgainstwhatelsedidyouhaveinmindincomparingSolidarangovernment?”
Iwinced.Ihatedaskingstupidquestions.“Solidaroffersthegreatestrepresentationofcraftersinitsgovernment.”
“Withonlythreeguildrepresentatives?”
“Sir,youknowfarmorethanIdo,butnowherein
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anythingIhavereaddoesitmentionthatotherlandsallowanycraftparticipation.”
“Notascrafters.Butinmostlands,thosewhopossessacertainamountofwealthdohaveavoiceingovernment,andsomeofthosearethemoresuccessfulcrafters.”
“There’sadifference.Thewealthyindividualrepresents
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hiscoins,whilethecraftersrepresenttheinterestsofthosetowhomtheymustanswer—othercrafters.Also,thereisanimagerontheCouncil,andthecouncilorshavetorepresentdifferentpartsofSolidar.”
“Whatdoesthatmean,Rhenn?”
“TheCouncilhastorepresentmorethanthosein
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powerinL’Excelsis.”
“DoesthatmatterwhentheCouncilhaspowerinandofitself?”
Iforcedmyselftostopandthinkbeforereplying.“ACouncilmemberhaspowerbecauseheisamemberoftheCouncilthatgovernsSolidar.Asarepresentativeofaguildorasanimager,suchamembermaynothavehad
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powertoinfluencegovernmentbeforebeingselectedassucharepresentativeandmaynothavesuchpowerafterheceasesbeingaCouncilmember.Thosewithwealthcanalmostalwayspurchaseinfluenceinonefashionoranother.”
“WhatdoesthatmeanfortheaveragepersoninSolidar?”
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“IwouldjudgethattheaveragepersoninSolidarhaslesstofearfromgovernmentthaninotherlands,andmoreofthemhaveachancetovoicetheirconcernswithoutfearofretribution.”
“Mostcarefullyworded,Rhenn,andgenerallyaccurate.Now...whatgovernmentstructureintheworldhaschangedtheleastoverthepastfourcenturies?”
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“Ours.You’resuggestingourpowerandstabilityrestonwiderrepresentationofpower?”
“I’mtryingtogetyoutomaketheconnection.Whywouldthisbeso?”
“Becausewehavetospendfewercoinsinthingslikeputtingdownrevoltsandinhavingmorepatrollersinthecities?”
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“Orincollectingtariffsandtaxes,”addedMasterDichartyn.“Thiscreatesalong-standingandrealproblemfortheCouncil.SomebothwithinSolidarandinotherlandsdonotliketheexamplethatSolidarpresentstotheworld.Thoseherefeelthattheirownpowerislimitedbysuchdiversity.Theoutsidersunderstandthatourpowerrestsonthediversity
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ofourpoliticalstructurebecauseitallowsustotaxourpeoplelessanddevotemoreofthosetaxestomaintainingandexpandingourpower.TheyhavespentcenturiestryingtoundowhatthefirstCouncilbegan,bothbyexternalthreats,suchasattacksonourshippingandmerchants,andbyinternalattacks,suchasattemptedassassinationsofcouncilors
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andothersinSolidar.
“IfnoorganizationinSolidardidwhatwedo,Solidarwouldlongsincehavereturnedtodespotismormercantileoligarchycenturiesago—orwewouldhavebeenforcedtospendtensofthousandsmoreingoldseveryyearonnon-imagercounterspiesandsecretpatrollersandmore,andthatwouldhavedestroyedwhat
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Solidaris.IfanygroupundertheCouncil’scontrol—oranywhereinthegovernment—didwhatwedo,theywouldeventuallycontrolSolidar,withclosetothesameresult.Thatiswhythestandardssetforimagersaresohigh.Thatisanotherreasonwhyyouneedtoknowthelawsaswell,ifnotbetter,thananycityjusticeorcivicpatroller.Now...canyou
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explainwhywecandothiswithoutbeingcorruptedbypower—asaninstitution?”
Thatseemeddirectenough.“BecausetheCollegiumhasastructuretominimizethedangersofcorruption.”
MasterDichartynnodded.“Thatispartoftheanswer.Thesecondpartisequallysimple.Wealsocanneverholdpowerbecausethe
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peoplewouldnotstandforrulebyimagers,andweweedoutanyimagerswhodonotunderstandthat.Aboveall,youneedtorememberthat.Sometimes...letusjustsaythatonceortwiceinthepast,certainmastersfailedtorealizethatbasictruth,anddisasterforboththeCollegiumandSolidarwasnarrowlyaverted.”
Convictionranthrough
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everywordMasterDichartynhadspoken.Evenso,Iwasn’tcertainIwouldhavebeenconvincedhaditnotbeenfortheeventsthathadbefallenmeoverthepastmonths—fromthetotalchangeinattitudebyRogarisandSagarynandevenStaelatobeingshotbysomeoneIdidn’tknowforreasonsIalsodidnotknow.
“Now...youneedtowork
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onaparticularimagingtechnique.”Ashespoke,MasterDichartynplacedabowlofwateronthedeskandthenliftedashortglasstubefromsomewhere.Hesubmergedthetube,coveredtheendswithhisfingers,andthenheldupthewater-filledtube.“Youseethetube.Iwantyoutoimageair,justalittleoftheairaroundyou,intothemiddleofthetube.
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Notenoughtofilltheentiretube—thatwellmightbreakit—butenoughtocreateabubbleaboutonedigitwideinthecenter.”
Imageairintowater?I’dhadtoimagethingsintothemiddleoftheair,unsupported,buttheotherwayaround?Iwonderedwhy,butI’dlearnedthatIseldomgottheexplanationsuntilafterImastereda
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technique.
Ittookmealmostaglasstomanageitconsistently.
“That’senoughfornow.We’llworkondoingittoamovingtubetomorrow.”Atthatpoint,MasterDichartynsetdownthetube.“Now...besidesstudyingtheplansoftheCouncilChateau,youneedtosetupyourportraiturestudio.Grandisynhascleared
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outasmallworkroomwithnorthernlightandmovedalltheequipmentandsuppliesinthere,butyouneedtoarrangeitsothatitsuitsyou.Ifyouneedotheritems,justtellhim.”
Ialmostlaughed.I’dworkedfornotquitetenyears,tryingtogettothepointwhereIcouldbecomeamasterportraituristandhavemyownstudio,andnowthat
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Iwasanimager,IwasbeinggivenastudiowithalltheequipmentandpigmentsIwouldhavehaddifficultyaffording—almostasanasideandacover.
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Theexcellenceofthecuisine
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isbuthalfthemeal.
Inbetweensomerestingandmeals,ittookmetherestofJeudiandallofVendrei,besidesthetimewithMasterDichartyn,toorganizeastudiointheworkroomsetasideforme.Itwasagood
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thingnooneexpectedmetobeginpaintingimmediately,becauseanumberofitemsweremissing,includingagrinder,amortarandpestle,certainoilsandwaxes,andaburnerandoldpots,nottomentionachairforwhoeverwouldbesittingforme.Still,GrandisynassuredmethemissingitemswouldbetherebyLundi.Thatwasfinewithme.
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Samedimorning,afteranothersessionwithMasterDichartyn,IspentporingovertheplansoftheChateauandthentryingtodraweachfloorfrommemory.Ihadlunch,butwithsomethirdsIknewonlyslightly,beforereturningtomystudy.Itriedtotakeanap,butallIdidwasliethere.SoIalternatedstudyinganatomyandtheCouncilChateau.Bythetimethefour
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bellsrang,Icouldn’tconcentrateonplansortextsanylonger.Iwashedupandwalkeddowntothemainlevel,andthenoutandacrossthequadrangle.
Twoofthesecondsheadedtowardmeeasedontoanadjoiningpath.Irecognizedthesecondbehindthem,whodidnotavoidme.“Shannyr,howarematterswithyou?”
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“Well,thankyou.I’mgettingmarriedintwomonths.MasterDichartynhasapprovedquartersforusonthenorthend.They’resmall,butfarbetterthaneitherofuseverhoped.”
“That’swonderful!”Iwastrulyhappyforhim—andthem.I’dalwaysfeltthatShannyrwasagoodandsolidperson.“WouldIknowthelady?”
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“Idon’tthinkso.HernameisCiermya.Sheworksasadrafterforanavalarchitect.”
“You’reafortunateman.”
“Iamthat.”Hepaused.“Sir,someofthesecondsaskedmetoconveytheirthanksifIsawyou.”
“DiaztandJohanyrwerethathardonthem?”
“Wordis...someofthem
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hadsisters...andJohanyr...he’dthreatenthesisters...saythathecouldn’tberesponsibleforwhathappenedtotheirbrothers.”
“Themastersdidn’tknowthis?”
“No,sir.Ididn’tknowit,nottilllastweek.JohanyrandDiaztthreatenedtohurtthesistersiftheirbrotherssaidanything.”
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Ihadn’trealizedjusthowmuchofabastardJohanyrhadbeen...andhowclever,becausehisschemeshadallrestedonthreats,andtheimplicationofforce,andprobablyminimaluseofimaging.IalsorealizedhowcalculatingMasterDichartynhadbeen.He’dmadesureJohanyrcouldn’timage,butwouldlive,andthewayeventshadtranspired
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deprivedHighHolderRyelofanyofficialrecourse.Thatjustmadeitmorelikely,despitewhatMasterDichartynhadsaid,thatthedeadassassinhadbeensentaftermebyRyel...ormoreunfortunately,thatIhadsomethingworsetolookforwardto.“I’mgladIwasabletodosomethingaboutit,butIdidn’tknowthatwashappening.Ijustdidn’ttrust
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them.”Ipaused.“Ihopenooneistryingtotaketheirplace.”
“NotthatIknow.”Hesmiled.“ButIwon’tbeworryingaboutsuchmuchlonger.”
“That’strue,andyoushouldn’thaveto.”Ithoughtforamoment.“PoorGherard.”
Shannyrlookedsurprised.
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“Whoelseisthererightnow?”ShannyrhadkeptascloseawatchashecouldonthoseimagerswhowouldbesecondsformostoftheirtimeandlifeattheCollegium.MasterDichartynhadrewardedhim,andprobablythesamewouldbetrueofGherard.
“Thereisthat,I’dguess,sir.”
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“Youhavemythanks,Shannyr,andgivemybesttoCiermya.”
“ThatIwill.”Hegavemeabroadsmileandcontinuedon.
Iturnedeastwardandmademywaytothebenchesonthewestsideoftheriver,whereIsatdownononeshadedbythelate-afternoonsuntowaitforSeliora,Odelia,andKolasyn.
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Beforethatlong,threefiguresappearedonthebridge.Eachcarriedawickerbasket.Seliorawasattiredinamaroonskirt,acreamblouse,andashimmeringgrayvest.Assheneared,Irealizedthatshewasactuallywearingsplitskirts,farmorepracticalforapicnic.
Iboundedtomyfeet,surprisedthatIhad...andthatnothinghurt.
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Seliorahurriedtomeetme,settingdownthebasketshehadcarried.Shegavemeagentlebutbriefembraceandadazzlingsmile.“You’relookingmuchbetter.”
“That’sbecauseyou’rehere.”
Sheblushedeversoslightly.
“Itoldyouhewasgallant,”OdeliamurmuredtoKolasyn.
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“Oh...”Seliorahalf-turned.“You’venevermetKolasyn,haveyou?”
“No,Ihavenot.I’mpleasedtohavetheopportunity.”Iinclinedmyheadtohim.“BothOdeliaandSeliorahavespokenwellofyou.”
“Youhavetheadvantage,then.”Kolasynlaughed.“Theyrefusedtosayanything
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aboutyou.”HewasclearlyolderthanIwas,butIdoubtedhewasquitesooldasOdelia,whoIsuspectedwasagoodfivetosixyearsolderthanSeliora.LikeOdelia,hewasrangyandredheaded,slightlytallerthanshewas,andhehadashortandneatlytrimmedbeard.Hiseyesweredarkbrown,andhissmilewaspleasant.Icouldn’thelplikinghim.
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Seliorapickedashadedspot,butonethathadbeensun-warmedearlierintheday,sothat,whilethegrasswascool,itwasnotdamp,giventherainearlierintheweek.Then,fromherbasketcameablanketandanoilcloth,alongwithfourheavyglassesandtwobottlesofwine—awhitegrisioandaredCambrisio.FromOdelia’sbasketcameanarrayof
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coveredwoodenbowlsandbaskets,morethanIbelievedcouldeverhavefitintoit.ThenSelioratookthebasketthatKolasynheldandlaidoutcutleryandutensils,andfourenormousnapkins.
Wheneverythingwassetonthecloth,Selioralookedatmeandsmiled.“Itishereforustoeat,youknow?”
Kolasynwasdeftwitha
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corkscrew,andIhadaglassoftheCambrisio,asdidOdelia,whileheandSeliorahadgrisio.Therewasmorethanenoughfood,fromcrispyricefriesandalmond-stuffedpepperstoahoney-sourcrispybakedchickenandappleandcheesestrips,andawarmpeachandberrycobbler.
“Thisisexcellent.”IturnedtoSeliora,sittingnotquite
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besideme.“Thankyou.”
“You’rewelcome,butMotherfixedmostofit.Ididthechicken,andOdeliadidthericefries.Motherdideverythingelse.”
“IthankyouandOdelia,andifyouwouldconveymythankstoyourmother?”
“Wecandothat.”
Everythingwasgood,but
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thechickenandthecobblerweremyfavorites,andIdidhaveasmallsecondhelpingofthecobbler,butonlyaftereveryoneelsehadeatensome.
“Whatareyoustudyingnow?”Selioraasked.
“MoreabouttheCouncilandaboutimaging.Whataboutyou?”
Sheshookherhead.
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“Nothingchanges.Thepeopledo,andthedetailsdo,buttheworkdoesn’t.IjustfinishedadesignfortheupholsteryonasetofdiningchairsforaHighHoldernearMontD’Artewelle.It’srather...bright.”
Odelialaughed.Thedesignandcolorshadtobemorethanjustbright.
“Whatareyouworkingon,
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Kolasyn?”
“Ornamentalbronzefire-screencastings,andthefiretoolstogowiththemforahuntinglodge,aswellasanumberofgardenbronzes.”
Wetalkedforawhile,orratherIaskedabouttheirprojects,andthenlistened.AsIdid,itstruckmethatallofthemwereinvolvedincreatingthings—asIonce
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hadbeen—andnowIwasbeingtrained,inaway,tokeepSolidarandothersfrombeinguncreated.
Odeliastood.“IsitallrightifKolasynandIwalkovertotheriver?”
“Onthisside,nearthebridge,”Ireplied.They’dbesafeanywhere,butIdidn’tliketheideaoftheirbeingtoofaraway,althoughIcouldn’t
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havesaidwhy.IturnedtoSelioraandliftedmyglass,whichheldbutasmallremnantofwine.“Ican’ttellyouhowmuchIappreciatethis.”
“Ienjoyedputtingittogether.”
“I’mlookingforwardtothetimeIcanleaveImagisle,”Ibegan,“butthatislikelytobeagoodthreeweeks.”Itwas
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hardtobelievethatspringhaddepartedandthatitwouldbefullsummerbytheseventhofJuyn.
Selioranodded,butIcouldsensethattherewasmore.
“Whatisit?”
“FatherandAuntAeginaaresendingShomyrandmewithGrandmamaonatriptoKherseilles,Asseroiles,andthenforamonthatthebeach
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nearPointeNeimon.TheheatofthesummershereishardonGrandmama.Mamathinksthatwecanalsovisitanumberofthetextilemillsweorderfrom.They’rewithinaneasytripontheironwayfromPointeNeimon.”
“Aneasytrip?”EvenIknewthatwasn’tso.“Comparedtowhat?”
“ThetriptoAsseroilesand
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Kherseilles.”Hersmilewashalfwry,halfmischievous.
“Whenareyouleaving?”
Shesmiledfaintly.“WedepartnextJeudi.FatherwasabletoarrangeacompartmentontheExpress.”
SomehowIhadthefeelingthattherewasmoretoitthanthat.“I’mnotPharsi,butIhaveafeelingaboutthis
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trip.”
“SodoesGrandmama.Shesaysthatitwillbebetterthisway.”
Betterforwhom?
“Shealsosaysthatyou’remorePharsithanyouthink.”
“Soareyou,”Ireplieddryly.
Forthebriefestofinstants,Selioralookedstunned.Not
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hurt,buttrulysurprised.“Whydidyousaythat?”
“Becauseyouare.Youseethings.HowmanyPharsiswouldhavesensedenoughtolookoutthewindowatFelters?Youdidn’tseetheassassin.Youfelthimfirst.Isn’tthatright?”
ForamomentSelioradidn’tsayanything.“Whendidyounotice?”
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Ismiled,althoughIdidn’tfeelmuchlikeit.“Inaway,Isawitthen,butIdidn’trealizeorunderstandwhatI’dseen.”
“They’renottryingtoseparateus,Rhenn.Mamahadplannedtohaveyoufordinnerthisweek.Shedidmostofthis.”Selioragesturedatallthedishesandbowlsontheoilcloth.“That’sbecauseshelikesyou.As
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soonaswereturn,andyoucanleaveImagisle,Mamawantsyoutocomefordinner.Shesaidarealdinner.”
IcouldtellthatSeliorameanteveryword,butstill...“Whatdothey—oryou—see?”
“I’drathernotsay.”
“Isitthatbad?”
Sheshookherhead.“I’m
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tryingtokeepitfrombeingbad.Youhavetounderstand,Rhenn.There’sa...it’sacurseofsortsthatcomeswiththesight.Toooften,we’vefound,ifthingsarebad,butnottoobad,andwewarnsomeone,especiallysomeonewecareabout,intheireffortstoavoidwhatwesawmighthappen,theymakeitworse.”
Ididn’tlikewhatshesaid,especiallyaboutthingsbeing
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bad,butIcouldseehowthatcouldhappen.IfI’dbeenwarnedaboutJohanyr,Imightwellhavetriedtobelessharsh,andImighthavebeentheoneheadedtoMontD’Glace.“Youdidn’tknowabouttheassassin?”
“It’sharderwithyou.Itoldyouwhy.Mamajusttoldmetobeverycareful.”Shepaused.“Youhavetounderstand.Iwouldn’tbe
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tellingyouthisnowifyouweren’tanimager.”
“BecausepeoplethinkofPharsisandimagersinthesameway?”
Shenodded.“Peopledon’tlikethosewhodothingstheycan’tunderstand.”
I’dalreadyseenthat.“Doeshavingthesighthelpinyourbusiness?”
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“Sometimes.Attimes,Icanseesomeonewho’spleasedandevengetaglimpseofthedesign.MotherandGrandmamaarebetteratsensingwhatpeoplelike.”
“Betweenallthreeofyou,thatgivesyouagreatadvantage.”
“OnlybecausePapaandShomyrarefinecrafters.Thecraftofthefurnitureandthe
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designtogether...”
“AreallthemostsightedPharsiswomen?”
Seliorasmiledandtiltedherhead.“Mostly,butthat’sbecauseyouhavetotrustyourfeelings.Mostmenthinktoomuch.”
Itookherhandinmine.
“That’stheoneareawheretheydon’tthinkenough.”But
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shewassmiling,andherwordsweresoftandwarm.
“Andwomendo?”Igrinnedather.
“Whenwefindwhatweknowandfeelisright,wedon’tkeeplooking.Anywomanwhodoeshasn’tfoundwhat’sright.”Herlipsquirked.“There’salwaystheproblemthattherightmanwon’trecognizethatshe’sthe
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rightwoman.”
Herwordsshiveredthroughme,becausetheymademethinkofRemaya,whohadseenRouselandneverletgo.WhatifRouselhadn’tseen?WasSelioratherightwomanforme?OrwasImerelytherightmanforher?Thetwoweren’tnecessarilythesamething.I’dcertainlywantedtobewithher,but...howwouldI
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know?Reallyknow?AndwasIthinkingtoomuch?
“Yes.Youarethinkingtoomuch.”Shelaughed.
“Doyoureadthoughtsaswell?”
“Onlywhenthey’rewrittenonyourface.”
Ilaughed.Wemightbeclosetothesameage,butinonearea,atleast,shewasfar
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olderandwiser.SoIsaidjustthat.
“It’sagoodthingyouknowyourweaknesses,Rhenn,”shereplied.“Youdon’thavemany,andthatcanmakeyoumostvulnerable.Toomanymenwithfewweaknessesdeludethemselvesintobelievingtheyhavenone.”
“Oh...Ihaveweaknesses,
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andyou’redefinitelyoneofthem.”
Wetalkedforalongtime,notsayingallthatmuch,butenjoyingthebanterandtheearlyevening,anditwaswellpasttheseventhbellwhenIfinishedhelpingSelioraandOdeliapackeverythingbackintotheirwickerbasketsandthenwalkedtothebridgewiththem.
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There,ontheedgeofthebridge,Selioraturnedtomeandslippedherarmsaroundme,thenliftedherheadandlips.Wedidkiss,anditwasanythingbutbrief.
Whenwefinallyreleasedeachother,shelookedup.“Youwillcometodinnerwhenwecomeback.”Herwordswereanythingbutaquestion.
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“Ipromise.”
Istoodonthebridgeandwatcheduntilthethreeofthemcaughtahack,andIwasgladthatOdeliaandKolasynwerewithSeliora,competentasshewas.
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Awinkisnotasgoodasa
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well-chosenphrase;inintrigue,it’sbetter.
Thenextweekandahalfgraduallygotharderandharder,bothintermsofmylessonswithMasterDichartynandtheinterrogationsthatresulted
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fromthosestudies;theexercisesrequiredbyClovyl,whichweredesignedtoincreasemystrengthandstaminawithoutstrainingundulymyrecoveringinjuries;andthesessionswithMaitreDyana.
IthoughtaboutSeliora,morethanalittle,butgenerallyduringtheday,becauseIwassotiredatnightthatIfellasleepquickly.
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MaitreDyanahadmereadandmemorizeasetofhandwrittennotesandobservationsonHighHolders,andthenshewouldquizme.OnthefirstJeudiinJuyn,shetookthenotesback.“Bynow,youshouldunderstandthatconversationismorethanmerewords.Itisacombinationofinflections,innuendos,gestures,anddrywit.Fewnotbornintothat
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cultureevermastertheintricacyofconversingwellinthatstyle,butsomeonesuchasyoucouldcertainlylearnenoughtointerpretwhatliesbeyondthewords.”
“Especiallyasamerchant-bornyoungmanneverexpectedtobemorethananaide?”
Sheignoredmyquestion,clearlydeemingitrhetorical
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andunworthyofareply.“ThedifficultyfacedbytheHighHoldersisthatmanyofthemequateintricacyandcomplexitywithintelligence.Thedifficultyfacedbythosewhodonotunderstandintricacyandnonverbalcomplexityisthattheyoftencannotdistinguishbetweenmerecomplexityforthesakeofcomplexityandcomplexitythatmasksmotivesand
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intelligenceoftenfargreaterthanisusuallyencountered.”
Ithoughtforamoment.“ThemorepowerfulHighHolderswouldnotremainsowithoutbothwealthandintelligence,butthewebofcomplexitythatveilsallHighHolderscanshieldtheactionsofthemoreintelligentanddeadly,oftenuntilitistoolatetodiscernthepatternandresults.”
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“Dichartynbelievesyoucanseebeyondthecomplexity.”MaitreDyanaraisedherrighteyebrow,agesturefarmoreeffectivethanwordscouldhavebeen.
“Youhavegreatdoubts,butyou’rewillingtomaketheattempt.”Ismiledpolitely.“Ican’tdoagesturelikethat,butevenifIcould,wouldn’titbeoutofcharacterforaman?”
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“Foranymanthoughttobeinterestedinwomen.”
IhaddoubtsthatI’dbeterriblyconvincingasanyothertypeofman.
“Maintainthatpleasant,close-to-but-not-quite-supercilioussmilethrougheverything,youngRhennthyl,anditwillsaveyoumanywordsandmuchdifficulty.Donoteverforgetthaton
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theiractualholding,HighHoldersretaintherightsoflowjustice,andthatcanbequitepainful.”Herfacechangedslightly,inamannerIcouldnothavedescribed,butcouldcertainlyhavepainted,andtherewaspleasantinterest,behindwhichwasahintofcoldpredation.
“Isthattheexpressiononereceivesjustafterswallowing
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poisonorgettingaknifeintheback?”
“No.”Hervoicewassweetlypleasant.“Thatistheexpressionusedwhensomeonehasjustreceivedwordthattheyhaveruinedyou.It’sanexpressionoftriumphoversomeonewhousedtobeanequal.TheHighHoldersseldomkilleachother...orthosewhohavedonethemgreatwrong.That
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isfartookind.”
WhatwasleftunsaidwasthataHighHolderwhodidnotdisposeofanunderlingwhoneededitwasconsideredweak,aswasonewhoactuallyhadtoattempttokillanequal,ratherthanruininghimandhisfamily.ButitalsosuggestedthatHighHolderRyelmightwellhaveworseinmindformethanassassination...andovera
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longtime.
Herfacechangedagain.Now,behindthesmilelaycontemptuouspity.
“That’sdisposalofinferiors?”
“Good.”
ThatwasmyintroductiontotheconversationalpatternsoftheHighHolders,butMaitreDyanawasjust
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beginning.Attheendofoursession,shehandedmeabook.“Thisisanovel.Readit.Partofitisaccurate.Partisnot.WewilldiscussitonMardi.”
ThatwasontopofMasterDichartyn’slatestassignment—todescribewithasupportingprooftheeasiestwaystoentertheCouncilChateauandreachtheprivatestudiesofthecouncilors
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withoutbeingdetected.Ihadthefeelingthattheweekendwouldbelong,bothbecauseoftheworkIhadtodo...andbecauseIwouldnotbeseeingSeliora.
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Messenger/Guard
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Silenceisnotgolden;itis
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onlyatoollikeanyother.
Attheendofthefollowingweek,MasterDraffydexaminedmeandsaidthatIcouldgobacktoastrongerconditioningregime,andwhateverimagingMasterDichartynhadinmind.Ihad
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notreceivedaletterfromSeliora,butIcouldn’tsayIwastotallysurprised,notwhensheandShomyrwerestilltraveling.Ididreceivealetterfrommymother,expressingconcernandwantingtoknowifandwhenshecouldvisit.Iwrotebackthatbecauseofthenatureofmytrainingitwouldbeseveralweeksyet.Ijustdidn’twanttohaveto
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explain.SomeofwhathadhappenedIknewshouldn’tleavetheCollegium,andMotherdidn’trespondwelltomyrefusingtosaymuch.Ialsodidn’twanttomentionSeliora,notyet.Notuntilaftershereturnedfromhertrip.IthadtakenMotheryearstoacceptRemaya,andIwasn’tabouttoraisethatissueuntilIwasabsolutelycertainthatSelioraandI
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belongedtogether.
ThenextLundi—Juynsixteenth—IhadbarelysettledintothechairinMasterDichartyn’sstudywhenhesaid,“Yourmessengeruniformsarrived,didtheynot?”
“Yes,sir.Theyfitcomfortably.”
“Theyshould.It’stimeforyoutogotowork.You’llbe
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goingtotheChateaueverymorningforthenextthreeweeks.Intheafternoons,Clovylwillstillworkwithyou,andI’lloccasionallygiveyouinstructionandexercises.WhentheCouncilresumesmeetingofficiallyonthesecondofAgostos,you’llbethereallday,everyday,andsomeevenings.”Hepaused.“Butyouwillbeexpectedtocontinuethe
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physicalconditioning.Afteryoubeginfull-timeattheChateau,you’llbejoiningthegroupthatexercisesatfifthbelleverymorningbutSolayi.”
WhatcouldIsaytothatbut“Yes,sir.”ThenIasked,“WitheverythinggoingonbetweenCaenenandFerrumandTiempre,theCouncil’snotmeeting?”
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“TheExecutiveCouncilisstillthere.Effectively,theycontrolthegovernment.Thefullsessionsdealmorewithlawsandproblems.”Heclearedhisthroat.“AttheChateau,Baratynwillbriefyouonyourduties.He’sinchargeofthemessengers,boththeimagersandthenon-imagerswhohandlemostofthemessages.Alloftheimagersarelistedaspart-time
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messengersandsecurityaides.Theregularmessengersaren’tsupposedtoknowthatyou’reimagers,buttheyallknowyou’vebeentrainedtodealwithweaponsandattackers.NowforBaratyn—he’saMaitreD’Aspect,buthe’slistedontheofficialpublicCollegiumrecordsasatertius.”
“Yes,sir.AmIsupposedtoknowwhotheotherimagers
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are?”
“Youare,andthey’resupposedtoknowyou.Baratynwillintroduceyou.YouwearthemessengeruniformhereattheCollegiumonlywhenyou’reonyourwaytoandfromtheChateau.Allofyoutravelusingadutycoachthat’sgenerallyindistinguishablefromahack.Ifnecessary,youcantakeahackback,butonly
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sofarasWestRiverRoad.TheCouncilmembersknowthatsomeofthemessengersareimagers,and,soonenough,mostofthesharperoneswillbeabletopickyouout,buttheydon’tsayanythingbecausetheirsafetyrestsonyou.”
“WhatabouttheHighHolders?”IknewthattherewerefiveHighHoldersontheCouncil,andIwasglad
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thatRyelwasnotoneofthem.Hehadbeen,yearsearlier,butcouncilorswerelimitedtotwoconsecutivefive-yearterms.Iftheywishedandtheirappointingbodyagreed,theycouldreturnafterstandingdownforafullterm.
“EvenifRyelwereacouncilor,you’dbequitesafefornow,andalwaysintheChateau.Yoursituationisn’t
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thefirsttimethatsortofthinghasoccurred.HighHoldersneveractprecipitously.Oftentheywaitmonthsorevenyears.”
Thatdidn’treassureme.
“There’soneothermatter.Usuallysomenewmessenger,oroccasionallyarelativeofoneofthecouncilors,generallyayoungwoman,willaskifyou’rean
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imagerorinsistthatyoumustbe.YouaretosayyouareassignedtoservetheCouncil.Iftheygetveryinsistent,youmaysaythattheycanbelievewhattheywish,butthetruthisthatyouareassignedtotheCouncil.Thatiswhatyouaretosay,andallyouaretosay.Isthatclear?”
“Yes,sir.”
MasterDichartynstood.
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“Goputonyourmessengeruniform.I’llmeetyouatthewestduty-coachstationbehindthedininghallinhalfaglass.”
Iwalkedquicklybacktomyquartersandchanged.Themessengeruniformwasmadeofafinelightweightblackwool,trimmedwithagraypipingsofaintincolorthatitwasalmostwhite.Fineasthewoolwas,andthinasthepale
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grayshirtthatwentundertheshort-waistedjacketwas,IdidhopethatIdidn’thavetospendmuchtimeinthesun,notinthesummer.
MychangingwasswiftenoughthatIwaswalkinguptothedutycoachatalmostthesamemomentasMasterDichartyn.Hesaidnothing,butgesturedformetoenterthecoach.
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Becausehehadnotspoken,IwaiteduntilthecoachbegantomovebeforeIasked,“DoyouknowwhatishappeningwithourfleetsandtheCaenenans,sir?”
“Nomorethanisinthenewsheets,Rhennthyl.”
ThatwaslittlehelpbecauseneitherVeritumnorTabletacontainedanythingbutvaguespeculation.“Whatdoyou
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thinkwillhappen?”
“TheCaenenansandtheirHighPriestwilldosomethingfoolishoutofpride,and,hopefully,wewilldosomethinglessfoolishtokeepopenwarfarefromflaringup.”Hefingeredhischin,thenloweredhishand.
Iwaited.Sometimessilencewasabetterwaytogetaresponse.
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“Lifeisalwaysaboutpower.Whenmenornationstalkabouthonor,whattheymeanishowothersperceivetheirpower.Whenamanclaimshishonorhasbeenaffronted,whatheissayingisthatanother’sactions,ifunchallenged,maydiminishhispowerintheeyesofothers.Thesameistrueofnations.TheCollegiumdoesnotcareaboutthepopular
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perceptionsofpower,unlessthoseperceptionsactuallydiminishSolidar’spower.Oftenourdutiesrequireredressingthebalanceofpowerwithoutanyovertuseofmilitaryoreconomicforce.ThatisallIwillsayfornow,butItrustyouwillconsidermywordscarefullyasyouwatchtheCouncilandthosewhomovearoundit,pratingofhonorwhentheyarein
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realitymerelyseekingtohavetheCouncilincreasetheirpowerordiminishthatofanother.”
Ialreadyunderstoodthat.Awoolimporterbenefitedwhenimporttariffswerelowered,andIhadheardmyfatherrailonaboutthelackofhonorintheCouncilinnottariffingcertainfinishedfabrics,butthatwasbecausethosefabricswenttoother
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factors.
MyeyesstrayedoutsideasthecoachcarriedusovertheBridgeofDesires,nottheotherbridgeonthewestsideofImagisle,whichwastheBridgeofStones,becausethatwasusedalmostentirelyforheavywagonsandthelike.WerodewestpastthemodestspiresofCouncilAnomen,sonamedbecauseitwastheanomenclosesttothe
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CouncilChateau,notbecausethecouncilorsnecessarilyattendedservicesthere,andthendowntheBoulevardD’CouncilagoodmilleandahalftoCouncilHill,ringedbyawideavenue,withtheSquareofJusticeontheplazatothesouth.Eightavenuesorboulevardsradiatedfromtheringroad,butnoneofthemwereallthatheavilytraveled,notthewaythoseeastofthe
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riverwere.ThecoachturnedsouthonCouncilCircle,thencametoastopontheeastside,justoppositeasmallposterngateinthewhitealabasterwall.IgotoutandwaitedforMasterDichartyn.
Hewalkeduptotheblackirongate.Ifollowedhim.Theguardstandingbehindthechest-highgrillworkworeablackuniformsimilartomine,exceptforathinblack
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cottonwaistcoatratherthanafullcoat.Healsohadalargepistolinabeltholsterandatruncheon.
Henodded.“Anothermessenger,MasterDichartyn?”
“Yes.ThisisRhennthyl.Hestartstoday.”
Theguardstudiedme,thennodded.Irealizedthathewasanobdurate,butthatmade
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sense.Heopenedtheirongate.
Behindthewallandgatewasanarrowstonewalk—alsowhite,butwhitegranite—thatledtoanequallynarrowsetofstepsleadingupthesideofthelowhillonwhichtheChateausat.Evenso,thereweremorethanahundredstepsbeforewereachedastoneterracesurroundedbyawaist-high
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alabasterwall.BythenIwassweating,butIwasn’tbreathinghard,andthatIowedtoClovyl.NeitherwasMasterDichartyn,either,andhe’dsetaquickpaceupthesteps.Theterracehadbuttwoexits—thestepsandadoorinthewalloftheChateau.
“Thisisthewayyoualwaysenter—unlessyouhavespecificinstructionsotherwise.”MasterDichartyn
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openedthedoor,andwesteppedoutoftheglareoftheblazingsunintowhatseemedcoolgloom,althoughIknewthatwasonlybycomparison.
Insidewasanotherarmedobdurateguard.MasterDichartynnoddedinmydirection.“ThisisRhennthyl.He’sthenewestmessenger.”
“Yes,sir.”
Beyondtheguardwasa
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circularfoyerwithnarrowcorridorsleadingoutofitbothtotheleftandright.MasterDichartyntooktherightcorridor.Thewallswereplainwhitestone,oldbutspotless,eachblockpreciselycut,withbutthethinnestlineofmortaratthejoins.Thefloortileswereofpolishedgrayslate.Despitetheimmaculateappearance,therewasasenseofage,perhaps
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becausetherewerenoembellishmentsordecorations.
Theshortcorridorendedatawiderone,themaincorridorrunningnorthandsouthontheeastsideofthegroundleveloftheChateau.There,MasterDichartynturnedleft,stoppingatthefirstdoor,whichwasopen.
“Baratyn...I’vebrought
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youyournewmessenger.”
Thestudywassmallandwithoutwindows,althoughtherewasaventilationgratehighontheeastwall,andheldamodestdeskwithdrawersandawoodenfilecaseononewall.Twochairsstoodbeforethedeskandone,witharms,behindit.
“MasterDichartyn.”Baratynsteppedforwardand
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beckonedforustoenter.HewasafewdigitsshorterthanIwas,withshort-cutbrownhair,asquarishchin,andeyesthatseemedtochangecolors,frombrowntohazeltolightgreen,evenasIlookedathim.Likeme,heworethegray-trimmedblackuniform,exceptontheshortstiffjacketcollarsweretwosmallpewtertriangles—oneoneachcollar.“You’dbeRhennthyl.”
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“Yes,sir.”Iinclinedmyhead.
Henodded,thenturnedtowardMasterDichartyn.
“That’sall.RhennthylwillbeheremorningsuntiltheCouncilreconvenesofficially”
“Thatshouldbelongenoughtogethimsquaredaway.”
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EvenbeforeBaratynfinishedspeaking,theseniorimagerwasgone.
Baratynlookedtome.“Basylwillbehereinamoment.He’soneoftheseniorregularmessengers.He’llshowyouaround.Ifheaskswhereyou’refrom,tellhimwhereyourfamilylives.”
Iwassparedhavingtoanswerbecauseatthat
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momentwewerejoinedbyBasyl,athin,almostfrailman,agoodtenyearsolderthanmebyhislooks,withwidegrayeyesunderbrownhairsodarkitwasnotquiteblackandanarrowchin.“Yousentforme,sir?”
“Idid.Rhennthylhereisthenewsecuritysupportmessenger.”
“I’mpleasedtomeetyou,”
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Ioffered.
Henoddedpolitely.“Thesame.”
“I’dappreciateitifyou’dgiveRhennthylatouroftheChateau,particularlytheroutesandplaceshe’llneedtoknowasamessengeroncetheCouncilreconvenes.”
“Yes,sir.”Henoddedsomberly.“Areyouready?”
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“Yes.”
AssoonaswesteppedoutofBaratyn’sstudy,Basylgestureddownthelongcorridor.“Onthislevelarethestudiesfortheadvisorstothecouncilors.Theyhavethebiggerstudies,theoneswiththewindows.Thesmallerstudiesareforthestaff,likeBaratynandPelagryn.”
“Pelagryn?”
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“He’sinchargeofthemaintainers.Ofcourse,Chasylmarhasthenortheastcornerstudyonthislevel.”
“Ihaven’tmetChasylmar.”
“He’stheChateausteward,andhisstudyisthebigoneinthenortheastcorner.Thecornerstudiesarethebest,becausethey’vegotwindowsontwowallsandyoucangetabreezethere.Uponthe
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CouncillevelthethreeExecutiveCouncilmembershavethreeofthefourcornerstudies,andthemostseniorguildrepresentativehastheother—that’sCouncilorRamon.”
Basylledmeallthewayaroundthemaincorridoronthegroundlevel,pointingouteverything,fromwhosestudywaswhere,thewaitingroomformessengers,andwhere
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thestaffjakeswereandthetwocircularstaircases.Wetooktheoneinthenortheastcornerdowntothelowerlevel,whichheldthekitchen—andadumbwaiterthatrandirectlyuptotheupperpantryofftheCouncildiningchamber.Thentherewerestoreroomsforeverything,variousworkrooms,andotherspacesforthemaintainersandtheirequipment.From
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therewetookthenorthweststaircaseuptothethirdandtopmostlevel,whichheldthemainCouncilchamber,thesmallerExecutiveCouncilchamber,thecouncilors’lounge,theirdiningchamber,andallthestudies.
Basylstoppedatthetopofthegrandstaircasethatleddowntothefoyerholdingalltheartwork,whichhehadnotshownme,butwhichI
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recalled.“Howdidyouenduphere?”
“Iwasajourneymanportriaturist.Itdidn’tworkout.Aftermymaster’sdeath,noneofthemastersintheguildwantedtotakeonanotherjourneyman,especiallyonesoold.”
“You’renotthatold.”
“I’llbetwenty-fiveshortly,andthat’soldtobeginwith
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anothermasterinportraiture.”
“Yourfamily...theymusthave...mustknowpeople.”
“Myfatherisawoolfactor.HewishesIhadthattalent.Whataboutyourfamily?”
“He’satinkerofsorts.Hehasasmallshop.Peoplebringthingstohimtobefixedorsharpened.I’mnotthatgoodwithmyhands,but
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I’mquick,andIneverforgetanythinganyonetellsme.That’susefulforamessenger.”Basylnoddedslowly,thenturnedandledthewaydownthegrandmainstaircase—theoneIhadlastbeheldmorethantenyearsearlier.We’dbarelyreachedthebottomwhenBaratynappearedholdinganenvelope.
“Basyl...Ineedthisrun
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toChasylmar.He’snotinhisstudy,andIdon’thavetimetotrackhimdown.”
Theseniormessengernoddedandtooktheenvelope.“Yes,sir.”
“Youcomewithme,Rhennthyl.”
Baratyndidn’tsayanythinguntilwewereinsidehisstudy.“Ifyou’dclosethedoor...”
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Idid,thensatdownafterhe’dseatedhimselfbehindthedesk.
“YouansweredBasyl’squestionsaccuratelyandyetwithoutrevealinganything.”
Howhadheknownthat?“Wasthatatest?Aretherelisteningtubeseverywhere?”
“Ofsorts.Onlyinthecorridors.That’soneoftheotherthingswemonitor.You
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will,too,intime.Withwhatwedoandyouwillbedoing,everythingisatest.Butthen,mostoflifeis.Mostpeoplejustdon’trealizeit—ordon’twanttothinkaboutit.Atthemoment,evenwithyou,we’reshorthanded.”Helaughed.“We’realwaysshorthanded.Therearethreeofyouasmessengersandsilentguards...andme.Inanemergencywecancallon
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oneortwoothers,butthatincludesMasterDichartyn,andhe’snotalwaysavailable.Theothertwosecuritymessengersshouldbehereanymoment.Whilewe’rewaiting,doyouhaveanyquestions?”
“Howmanyregularmessengers?”
“Justfour.That’senoughtoallowoneortwotobesent
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offCouncilHill,ifnecessary.”
Attheknockonthedoor,Baratyncalledout,“Comeonin.”
Istood.Ididn’tlikebeingseatedwhenmeetingotherpeople,particularlywhentheywerestanding.Thedooropened,andtwomensteppedinside.Thesecondoneclosedthedoor.Bothofthemwere
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aboutmysize,andatleastseveralyearsolder.Theylookedalmostpolitelynondescript,yetIcouldsensethatbehindthatfacade,theywereformidable.WasthatthekindofimpressionthatMasterDichartynwasseeking—someonewhocouldblendintoanygroup,yetwho,ifyoulookedclosely,youreallydidn’twanttoencounterindarkcorners?
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“Rhennthyl,meetMartylandDartazn.Martylistheblondone.”
Martylsmiledpolitely.“Begoodtohavesomehelphere.”
“Especiallythewaythingslooktobegoing,”addedthedark-hairedanddark-eyedDartazn,whowasjustashadetallerthanMartyl.
“IhadBasylgivehimthe
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generaltour,”saidBaratyn.“Youtwocanshowhimalltheplaceshereallyneedstoknow.He’llonlybeheremorningsforthenextfewweeks.They’rerushinghistrainingsothathe’llbeasreadyaspossiblewhentheCouncilgoesbackinsession.”
Dartaznlookedatme,hisbrowsfurrowed.“YouusuallysitwithKahlasaand
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theotherfieldoperatives,don’tyou?AttheCollegium,Imean?”
“Ido.ThatwasbecauseIgottoknowClaustynwhenIbecameathird.”
“You’retheonewhotookabulletneartheheartandmanagedtoimage-shieldituntilMasterDraffydcouldtakecareofit.”
Ihadn’trealizedthebullet
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wasthatclose.“Twobullets,actually,butIdidn’tknowitatthetime.AndIpassedoutalittlebitbeforeIgottoMasterDraffyd.”
“Claustynhopedyou’dgofield,”addedMartyl.
“Thatwouldhavebeenmysecondchoice,”Iadmitted.
“Youthreecantalklater,”Baratynsaid,“attheCollegium,nothere.”
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“Yes,sir,”repliedMartylgenially.“Allthewallsbutthoseherehaveears.Wehearandunderstand.”
“Go!”ButBaratynwassmiling.
Weleft.
BythetimeIclimbedintothedutycoachattenbells,withMartylandDartazn,myheadwasswimmingwiththeeffortoftryingtoremember
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allthehiddennooksandpassages.
“WegetlunchattheCollegiumwhentheCouncil’snotinfullsession,”Martylexplained.“That’sbecausetheyclosedownthekitchenstogivethestafftheirsummerbreak.TheChateau’spracticallydesertednow.”
Thatwasfinewithme.I’dneedallthreeweekstoreally
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learnwhereeverythingwas—andthatwasinspiteofmystudyoftheChateau’splans.
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Implyingguiltinwritingis
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likeeatingfoodheldtoolong,providingneithersatisfactionnorsavor.
OnMardi,twoletterswerewaitinginmyboxwhenIcheckedafterlunch,butIwasrunningsolatethatallIdidwastoseethatonewasfrom
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Seliora.Ididn’topenit,becauseIwantedtoenjoyreadingit,andIdidn’thavetimeforthat.TheotherwasfromMother.Ihadimmediatelyrecognizedherhandwriting.Ididn’topenit,either,ifforverydifferentreasons,beforeIhurriedbacktomyquartersandchangedintoexerciseclothesandheavyboots.
Clovylwaswaitingoutside
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theexercisehall,withhisusualpatientsmile,asmilethat—Iwasconvinced—concealedahiddengleeinatthethoughtofhowhardhe’dmakemework.
“Goodafternoon,Rhenn.Youstillhavealotmorecatchinguptodo.”
Ifollowedhimtothechamber,whereIbeganontheloosening-upexercises,
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althoughmyeyesdidstraytothecornerthatheldthefreeweights.Itwasn’tthattheyweresoheavy,butmymusclesburnedafterIwentthroughthatroutine—andIstillhadtolookforwardtoanothertwoglassesofspecialtreatment.
Oncehehadworkedmeoverthoroughlyforslightlymorethantwoglasses,ClovyltoldmetostopbyMaster
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Dichartyn’sstudyafterIcleanedup.
Theoneadvantageofanafternoonshowerwasthatthewaterwasmerelycool,ratherthanice-cold,andbeforelongIwassittingonthebenchoutsideMasterDichartyn’sstudy.IfI’dknownthatI’dbesittingthereforclosetohalfaglassIwouldhavebroughtMother’sletter,butI’dbeenhurryingsomuchthatI
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hadn’tthoughtaboutthat.
Thestudydooropened,andasecondussteppedout.Istood,andhiseyesflashedtomeandthenaway.
“Goodday,sir.”Hefledasmuchaswalkedaway.
Iknocked.
“Comein,Rhenn.”
Onceinside,Ishutthedoorandsatdown,waitingtosee
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whatelseMasterDichartynhadscheduledforme.
“Clovylsaysthatyou’redoingwell,andthat,ifyoukeepatit,you’llbeclosetowhereyoushouldbebythetimetheCouncilreconvenes...whereyoushouldbeintermsofphysicaltrainingandconditioning.You’restilllackinginfinesseinyourimagery,butweneedtogetyousomeexperience.On
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Jeudimorning,you’retomeetmehereinthemorningathalfbeforefifthbell.We’llbegoingtotheprisonforanexecution.”
“Practice,sir?”
“Twokindsofpractice.Subtletyandeffectiveness.Thatnight,you’llhavetoworkwithMasterDraffyd.Mostly,you’lljustbewatchinghimdoadissection.
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Toomuchofyourknowledgeistextknowledge.That’snotyourfault,butit’ssomethingweneedtoremedy.”Hestood.“Youhavetoexcuseme,butmattersarepressing.”
“CaenenandJariola,sir?”
“Partly.That’smostlyMasterSchorzat’sheadache.Itdoesn’thelpmuchthatimagingisbannedinTiempre,andthatitspractice,
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ifdiscovered,ispunishedbyexecution.Ferrumdoesn’tbanit,butknownimagersfacegreatdifficulties.Thatmakesworkingineitherlandevenmoredifficult,theNamelessknows,althoughneitherFerrumnorJariolaisaplacewe’dnormallywanttobe.You’dthinkthatwewerethedisciplesofBilbryn.”Heshookhishead.
Bilbryn?Ittookmea
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momenttorecallthename.WhenSolidarhadbeenwarringstatesusingbronzeweapons,he’dbeentheimagerchampionofRexCaldor,andhisenemiescalledhimthegreatdiscipleoftheNamer,declaringhimevilincarnate.
“I’llseeyouonJeudi,”MasterDichartynsaid.
Ourmeetinghadbeenshort
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enoughthatIhadagoodglassleftbeforedinner,andIhurriedbacktomyquarters.Oncethere,Irecoveredtheletters,openingMother’sfirst,knowingfullwellwhatawaitedme.Iforcedmyselftoreadthewordscarefully.
DearRhennthyl,
Ihadhopedthatwewouldbe
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abletohostabirthdaydinnerforyouthisSamediandperhapsinviteZerlenyaoranothersuitableyounglady,ifyoudidnotfindZerlenyatoyourliking.Idohopethatyouarefeelingbetter,butIcannothelpbutworry,sincewehavenotheardfromyousinceyourlastletter.Idohopethatwehavenotdoneanythingtooffendyou.IhadonlyinvitedZerlenyabecause
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sheisabeautifulandintelligentyoungwoman,andyouhadmentionedthattherewerefewwomenatallonImagisle...
Ipausedinreading,thenshookmyhead.
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...andyouarenowreachingtheagewhereitwillbecomemoreandmoredifficulttofindsomeonesuitable,asthemostattractiveonesfromasuitablebackgroundwillalreadyhavebeenspokenfor....
Asuitablebackgroundwasapolitewayofsaying
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someonewhowasatleastfromthefactoringorfullmerchantclassandmostpreferablynotPharsi.
...Thatis,ofcourse,amatterwithwhichyoumustdeal,butwewereonlytryingtobehelpful.
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Thatwasdoubtlesstrue,butIdidn’tneedtoberemindedofit.
Wewouldstillverymuchliketohaveabelatedcelebrationofyourtwenty-fifthbirthday.IdohopethatthisfindsyouingoodhealthandthatyouwillletusknowwhenwemayexpectyouorwhenImay
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visityou.
ThelastthingIwantedtodowaswriteareply,butdoingsoquicklywouldreducetheamountofguiltMotherwouldattempttolayatmyfeet.Isetasidethestill-unopenedletterfromSelioraandwroteaquickreplytoMother,basedonthetruth,
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statingthatwhileIhadrecoveredphysically,IwasstillrestrictedtoImagisleuntilcertainaspectsofmytrainingwerecompleted,butthat,ifshewishedtovisit,shewasnowmorethanwelcomeoneitherSamediorSolayiafternoons,andshoulddropmeanotetoletmeknowwhentoexpecther,andthatIlookedforwardtoseeingher.
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ThenIfinallysatbackinmystudychairandopenedtheletterfromSeliora.
DearRhenn,
Atlast,wehavearrivedinPointeNeimon.ThetripwashardforGrandmama,butsheisingoodspirits.Shesendsherbesttoyou.SodoesShomyr.
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Wehavealreadytouredfourtextilemanufactories,andwehaveimprovedarrangementswithtwo.Theirfabricisexcellent.Oneotherissatisfactory.Theotherwewillnotuse,butitisgoodtoseewhateachcando.
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ItrustthatyouarewellandwillbefullyrecoveredandabletoleaveImagislebythetimewereturn.WehaveticketsontheExpressforthefourthofAgostos.Grandmamasaysthatweshouldinviteyoutodinneronthefourteenth.Ifyouknowthatyoucancomethenandletmeknow,IcanwriteMotherandtellhertoplanforit.Ifyoudonotknow,
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thenwecanworkoutatimeoncewereturntoL’Excelsis.
YouwouldfindPointeNeimonrefreshingandbeautiful.Idowishyoucouldbehere,butyoumustdowhatyoumust.Ionlyaskthatyoutakecareinyourduties,greatcare.
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AtthebottomwasanaddressinPointeNeimon,and,again,thesignaturewasjusthername,butthelasttwowordsbeforehersignature,andthekisswhenwehadlastparted,suggestedfarmorethanfriendship.
Ismiled.Ididhavetimetowritearesponse.
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Deathalwaysleavessome
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storiesincomplete;andsomearebetterleftso.
GettingupwellbeforedawnonJeudiwasnotexactlytomyliking,especiallywithwhatlayahead,asmuchasIknewthenecessity.IstruggledtoMaster
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Dichartyn’sstudy,earlyenoughthatIsatslumpedonthebenchforatimebeforeheappeared.
“Buckup,Rhennthyl.You’renottheonebeingexecuted.”
Ijumpedtomyfeet.“It’searly,sir.”
“Everymorning’searly.”Hisvoicewasdry.
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Iwalkedquietlybesidehimaswemadeourwaytothedutycoach,whichhaddrawnupoutsidetheadministrationbuilding.Hesaidnothingtotheblack-cladobduratedriver.
MistrosefromtheriveraswecrossedtheBridgeofStones,thehoofsofthetwohorsesclatteringonthepavement.Theroutetotheprisonwasfairlydirect—
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southontheWestRiverRoadtotheintersectionwiththeAvenueD’ArtisansjustafteritcrossedtheSudBridge,andthenmorethanamilleontheavenueandacrossthebridgeovertheironwaytracks,afterwhichthecoachturnedontoashortstreetthatendedatagatehouse.BehindthegatehouserosethegrayflintwallsofthePoignardPrison.
Thedutycoachhaltedby
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thegatehouse.Nosoonerhadwesteppedoutontotheancientcobblestones,dampfromthelightrainoftheeveningbefore,thantwomeninblueandblackuniformsemerged.Theonewiththefour-pointedstaronhiscollarsbowedtoMasterDichartyn.
“MaitreD’Esprit.”
“Warden...”
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Thewarden’seyesflickedtome,justforamoment,beforeheandtheguardescortedusthroughthegateandalongawindowlessstone-walledcorridoruntilwereachedanirondoor,whereanotherguardturnedablackwheeltounlockit.Westeppedintoasmallcourtyard.Iglancedup.Theskywasbeginningtolighten,justslightly,butIcouldstill
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seeclearlythereddishcrescentthatwasErion.Atthefarsideofthecourtyardwasascaffold.Therewerethreenoosesriggedfromanoverheadbeam.
Thewardensteppedaway,andtheguardremained,apacetooneside.
MasterDichartynleanedtowardmeandspokesoftly.“Themantobeexecutedwill
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beledontotheplatformontooneofthetrapswherethereisanoose.Hewillbehoodedandblindfolded.Theexecutionerwillputthenooseoverhisheadandadjustitproperly.Thentheexecutionerwillstepback.Hisnextmovewillbetopullthelevertoreleasethattrap.Assoonashestepsbackandputshishandonthelever,youaretoact.Ifyouimage
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properly,themanwilldieandstarttoslump,andtheexecutionerwillpullthelever.Theguiltymanwillbedeadordyingbeforethenoosebreakshisneck.
“Therewillbethreeexecutedthismorning.Ifyouaresuccessfulwiththefirst,tryanothertechniquewiththesecond,andanotherwiththethird.”
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LeftunsaidwasthatIhadpracticednoneofthetechniquesonlivingpeople—forobviousreasons.
Thefirsttechniquewassimplytoimageamoderateamountofairintotheconvictedman’sheart,venacava,andaorta.MasterDichartynhadpointedoutthat,giventhepressureoftheheartpumpingliquid,Iwouldhavetoimagesomeofthe
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bloodelsewherefortheeffecttobenear-instant.
Thefirstprisonerwasaheavysetman.Notonlywasheblindfolded,buthishandsweretiedbehindhisback,andhisfeetweremanacledsothathecouldonlytakeshortsteps.Twoguardshadtoholdhim,andathirdwrappedastraparoundhislegsbeforetheexecutionercouldputthenooseinplace.Assoonasthe
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executionersteppedback,Iconcentrated.
Theprisonergaveasuddenjerk,asifburnedallover,thenstartedtoslump.Theexecutionerpulledthelever.Theprisonerwasshudderingandtwitchingforthatlongmomentbeforehereachedtheendoftheropeandthenoosesnappedhisneck.
“Notenoughairinthe
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aorta,”observedMasterDichartyn.“Hewouldhavedied,butnotquickly.Trythatagain.”
Thesecondprisonerwasthinnerandshorter,andprobablyolder.Hedidn’tstruggle,justwalkedlistlesslytothenoose.ThistimeItriedtofollowtheproceduremorecarefully.
Theconvictedmanonly
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jerkedonce,thenslumped.
“Good.Hefeltonejoltingpain,andthatwasit.Trysomethingelsenow.”
Iwasn’treadyforthenextprisoner.Shewasawoman,tallandwithashapelyfigure,evenhoodedandintheprisondrab.
MasterDichartynsensedmyreaction.“Ifshe’supthere,whatevershedidmust
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havebeenhorrible.Otherwise,she’dbedruggedandusedasacomfortwomanbytheNavy.”
Thatdidn’thelp,becauseI’dneverheardofdruggedcomfortwomen.Iswallowedandtriedtoconcentrate.Fortunately,theconvictedwoman,whohadtakenherfirststepsalmostdemurely,literallyjumpedwithbothmanacledfeet,tryingeven
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whilehoodedandblindfoldedaformofsnap-kickatthelegofoneoftheguards.Shestruckhardenoughthathewentdown,butsodidshe,andanotherguarddashedforwardandwrappedaleatherstraparoundherankles.Thethreewerenotgentleastheyforcedthenooseoverherheadandaroundherneck.
“Concentrate.”Master
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Dichartyn’svoicewaslowandhard.
Ifixedmyeyesandconcentrationonthatpartofherskull—orthespotbeneathit—wherethepitricinehadtogo.Contrarytothatlong-agorumorpromulgatedbySeleus,itwasn’tswiftifimagedtotheheartorstomach—andmostphysicianscoulddetectthatkindofpoisoning.
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Justbeforetheexecutionertouchedthelever,Iimaged.
Shefoldedandslumped,buttheexecutionerwasready,somuchsothatIdoubtifanyonewhodidnotknowwhathadhappenedwouldhaveguessedthatshewasalreadydead.
“Thatwaswelldone.”MasterDichartyn’svoicewasagainlow.“Especiallyunder
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thecircumstances.”
Theexecutionersteppedforward.“Evilastheymayhavebeen,theyhadlivesandhopes,andwecommendthemtotheNameless.Lettheirexampleremindusallthatkindnessandhonestytoothersaretherootsofharmony.”
Foramoment,allwassilent.Thenthewarden
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crossedthecourtyardtous,andwithoutspeakingledusbackthewaywehadcome.
Whenwereachedthecoach,MasterDichartynnoddedtotheguardandthewarden.“Wethankyou.”
Bothbowedslightly,andthewardenreplied,“Asalways,weappreciatewhatImagisledoesforus,andwewishyoubothwell.”There
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wasaslight,butdistinctemphasisontheword“both.”
“Asdoweyou,”Ireplied,asI’dbeencoached.
OncewewereinthedutycoachandonourwaybacktoImagisle,MasterDichartynclearedhisthroat,thensaid,“I’dlikeyoutothinkofanotherwaytoaccomplishwhatyoudidthismorning,onethatisequally
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undetectable—ifdoneproperly.”
Imanagedapolitesmile,evenafterthelastthreewords,whichwereareminderthatIhadnothandledthefirstprisoneraswellasIshouldhave.“Yes,sir.”
“Youarenot,obviously,towritethisdown,butyouaretothinkitoutthoroughly.”
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Hepaused.“WhyamIaskingthis?”
“Iwouldjudge,sir,thatifeveryoneImuststopfromdoingharmseemstosuffereitheraheartstoppageorabrainseizure,theremightbemorequestionsthanIortheCollegiumwouldliketoanswer.”
Henodded.“OnLundinight,we’llworkonslowing
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anddisruptingstratagems.Mosttimes,thosearetobepreferred,butthey’reeasierandquickertolearn,andyourinjurieshavenecessitatedtrainingyouinadifferentordertoreadyyouintimetoassumeyourduties.”
Iwasgettinganever-strongerfeelingthatMasterDichartynwasanticipatinggreattroublesbeforelong.“Whowillstrikefirst?”
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Helaughed,andtherewasabitternessIhadnotheardbefore.“Whowillnot?”
Ihadtothinkforamoment.“TheAbiertans?OrtheFerrans?”
“TheAbiertansareafraidthatwewillannexthemtokeepthetraderoutesopen.Anycouncilorwhosuggestssuchwillbeatarget,andseveralalreadyhavesurvived
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attacks,notthattheyknowit.EspeciallyCouncilorReyner.TheFerransaresotouchyandarrogantthattheybelievetheirmachineswillallowthemtofightboththeOligarchandSolidar.Wedon’twantanyofthosewars,andifcouncilorsareattacked,wounded,orkilled,therewilllikelybewar.Animportantpartofyourjob—andthatofBaratynandallofyou
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workingwithhim—isnottogiveanyoneontheCounciltheexcuseforfightingawar.”
Beforeallthatlong,wewerebackattheCollegium,butIwasstilllateforbreakfast,andMartylandDartazn,evenReynolandMenyard,werealreadyfinished.Allthroughmyhurriedmeal,Ihadtowonderwhatthewomanhaddone
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thatwassohorriblethatshehadbeensentencedtodie.ThenIhadtorushtothedutycoachthattookthethreeofustotheCouncilChateau.
“Youwerelateforbreakfast,”MartylsaidasIclimbedintothecoach.
“IwaswithMasterDichartyn.Wefinishedlate—notlatelastnight,butlatewithwhatweweredoingthis
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morning.”
ThecoachpulledawayfromtheCollegium.Outside,itwasstillmisty,butgettingbrighter,andthatsuggestedahotandstickydaytocome.
“Prisonstuff?”askedDartazn.
Ijustnodded.Istillworriedaboutthewoman,thenIwonderedwhyIwasmoreconcernedaboutherthan
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aboutthemen.Therewasnoreasonwhyawomancouldn’thavekilledsomeone...orworse.“Ihadtodragmyselfovertomeethimbeforeweleft.Helookedasifhe’dbeenawakeforglasses.”
“Hedoesn’teversleepmuch,theysay,”repliedMartyl.
“IfIhadtodealwithwhat’sonhismind,”added
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Dartazn,“Iwouldn’tsleepmuch,either.He’sgottothinkofhisworkandsuperviseMasterSchorzataswell.”
Ihadn’tfullyrealizedthatMasterDichartynwasoverMasterSchorzat,althoughIshouldhave,becauseMasterDichartynwasinchargeofallCollegiumsecurity.
AfterreachingtheChateau,
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wemetwithBaratynjustbeforeeighthglass,ashadbeenthepractice,althoughthatwouldchangetohalfpastseventhglassoncetheCouncilreconvened.
“ThissessionoftheCouncil,wewillbemakingsomechanges,”Baratynsaid.“ThefirstoneisthatwhentheCouncilisinsession,oneofyouwillalwaysbenearthedoorwayfromthecouncilors’
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loungetotheprivatepassagewaythatleadstothechamber.Asalways,youwillsaynothingunlessyouaredeliveringamessageorifyouareaddressedpersonally.”
“EvenifyouwanttomakeCouncilorRamsaeltripandcrackhisskull,”addedMartyl,almostunderhisbreath.
“Especiallyifyouwant
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that,”Baratynriposted.“We’renotheretolikethem.We’reheretopreservethemsothatwedon’tendupwithsomethingworse.”
IknewRamsaelwasaHighHolderfromKephria,butI’dneverseenhim.Ihadthefeelingthatoneofthehardestthingswasgoingtobematchingcouncilors’nameswiththeirfaces.
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“Inaddition...atleastoneofyouwillbeavailabletoescortandact,ifnecessary,againstanyoneheretoseeacouncilor.”
Icouldseethat.AlthougheveryvisitorallowedintotheChateauhadtobeonalistcompiledfromnamesprovidedbythecouncilors—ortheiraides—therewasnoassurancethatthepersonwhoshowedupatthegatewasthe
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personactuallyexpected.AnyonecouldclaimhewasRaphaelD’FactoriusorJorgesD’Artisan.Thatdidn’tmeanthattheywere.
AfterBaratyn’sbriefing,Dartazntookmeonatouroftheoutergrounds,pointingoutalltheplaceswhereassassinsandintrudershadtriedtoclimbthewallsorhide.Needlesstosay,assoonaswehadgoneoutside,the
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sunbrokethroughthemist,andIbegantosweat.
Halfwayalongthewestside,hepointedouttheheavierfoundationwall.“Theycallthisthewalloflifeanddeath.ThenamedatesbacktoRexRegis.”
“Why?”
Dartaznshrugged.“Becauseitmeantlifeforsomeanddeathforothers.”
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BythetimeDartaznhadfinishedtakingmethroughtheupperandlowergardensandtheinnerwalksborderingthewalls,wewerebothperspiringevenmoreheavily.Wewerequitethoroughinstudyingandinspectingthefountaincourt,withthecoolcreatedtherebythevariousspraysofwater.ThenwereturnedtoBaratyn’sstudy.
“Rhennthyl...you’reto
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spendthenextglassstudyingalistoftheregularvisitorssothatatleastyouknowtheirnames.Afterthat,youcanjoinDartaznandMartylinfinishingtheinventoryofsecurityequipment.”
NeithertryingtolearnnamesofpeopleIhadneverseennorcomparingequipmentincases,racks,andboxestoalistingwasterriblyinteresting,andall
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threeofusweremorethanhappywhenitwastimetoreturntoImagisleforlunch.
Afterlunch,IfoundaletterfromMotherinmyletterbox.IreaditquicklyonmywaybacktomychambertochangeintoexerciseclothesformyafternoontorturesessionwithClovyl.
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DearRhennthyl,
YourfatherandIarebothgladtohearthatyouarerecovering,butsorrythatyouarebeinglimitedtoImagisleforthenearfuture.WehadhopedthatyouwouldbeabletoaccompanyustoKherseilles.WeareleavingonJeuditoseeRousel’sandRemaya’sson.TheyhavedecidedtonamehimRheityr,afteryourgreat-grandfather.
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Icouldn’thelpbutshakemyheadatherassumptionthat,ifIhadn’tbeeninjured,ofcourse,I’dbeabletoleaveImagisleformorethanaweek.
Wewillnotbebackformorethanaweek,sinceyourfather
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needstogooverthefactoringinKherseilleswithRousel,butaswarmasithasbeenhereinL’Excelsis,itisboundtobemorepleasantthere,anditwillbegoodtoseeourgrandson.Khethilawillbeatthehouse,andshewillbespendingeachdayatthefactorageinyourfather’sabsence,butwewilltakeCulthynwithus.
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Ismiledatthat.NeitherofthemwantedtoadmithowcompetentKhethilawasgettingtobe.Sofarasthehandlingofcoinswent,I’dprefertohaveherincharge,ratherthanRousel.Rouselcouldsellanything,butcoinshadalwayshadawayofdroppingoutofhiswallet.
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Iwillwriteoncewehavereturned,andwewillseeaboutthatdinner.Bythetimewearebackandyouarefree,itmaybewellintoharvest,butthen,itwillbecooler,andyoumightevenhavethenameofamarriageableyoungwomanthatwecouldinvite,inasmuchasyoudidnotseemtofindZerlenyatoyourtaste.
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Iwincedatthat,butjustlaidtheletteronmydeskasIenteredmyquarters.Ihadtochangequicklyandthenhurrybacktotheexercisechambers.
Afterthewarm-upsandtheweightsandtheconditioningrun,Clovylresumedthetrainingwithknives,thenfollowedthatwithasession
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withtruncheons—oranyrelativelyshortlengthofwoodorpipeorthelike.
Afteraquickdinner,atseventhbell,ImetMasterDraffydintheanteroomoftheinfirmary.
Hisfacewasgrave.“Thisisnotlikelytobeterriblypleasantforyou,Rhennthyl.Itwill,wetrust,makeyouabetterimager.I’mgoingto
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dissectoneofthebodiesfromthismorning’sexecution,inordertoshowyoutheexactplacementofcertainorgans.Iwillalsoaskyoutoattemptcertainpreciseimagingfromtimetotimeduringtheprocess.SomeofitwillimproveyourabilitiestoprotecttheCouncil.Someofitwillhelpyouprotectyourself.”
“Yes,sir.”Hiswords
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suggestedsomewouldimprovemyabilitytokill,andsometoheal,oratleastlimitbleedingortrauma,althoughhehadnotsaidthosewords.
Heturned,andIfollowedhimintotheinfirmaryanddownthecorridortoasmallroomwithatable.Ononewallwasarackofshimmeringinstruments.Onthetablewasafigurehalf
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coveredwithathingrayblanket.
Thebodythatlayfaceuponthetablewasthatofawomanwithlongflamingredhair,nakedanduncoveredfromthewaistup.Shehadbeenbeautiful.Evenindeath,therewassomeattractiveness,butherfacestillboreatraceofpainoragony.Then,thatmighthavebeenmyimagination.
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“Thisisthewomanexecutedthismorning.Fromherexpression,youreffortwasrelativelygood.”
Relativelygood?
Hepointedtothetopbackofthewoman’sshoulders.“Youcanseeheretheedgeoffaintwhitescars,andsomenewerwelts.She’sbeenbeaten.Ireportedthattothechiefofpatrollersandthe
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justice,butthelastbeatingtookplacebeforeshewasapprehended.Theweltsalmosthadhealedduringthetimeshewasheldforherhearing.”Heshookhishead.“Idon’talwaystrustallthepatrollers,butthedegreeofhealingsupportsthechief’sstory.Isupposewe’llneverknowwhathappened.”Hepointedtoherneck.“We’reusingherbodybecauseit
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requiresmoreprecision.I’dlikeyoutoimageasmallplugofwaxintohercarotidartery.”Hegesturedtoawhiteoblongofwaxonthenarrowshelfbeneaththeinstrumentrack.
Theinitialimagingwasn’ttoobad,norweretheonesthatfollowed,exceptIhadtopushawaythequestionsabouttheweltsonherback.
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Thedissectionwasanothermatter.IttookeverybitofwillpowertokeepmygutsfromturninginsideoutonceMasterDraffydliftedbackthescalpelandbegantopeelawayvariousareasofskin,muscle,andbonetoshowmemostclearlywhathehadinmind,illustratingwhereIcoulduseimagingforwhat,andhowitcouldbeeffectivelyusedandwhere..
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.andwhereitwasuseless,andwhy.
Healsocheckedtheaccuracyofmyimagingatalmosteverystepofthedissection.I’dbeenaccuratewiththewaxintheneckartery,andfarlessaccuratewithsomeoftheotherplacements,particularlythosedeeperinthebodyorinthespinalcolumn.
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ItwasclosetomidnightwhenImademywayfromtheinfirmary.Evenathoroughwashingdidn’thelptoomuchwithmythoughts.
AfterIreachedmyownstudy,Ifirstlitthelamp—withastrikerandnotbyimaging—andthenjuststoodthere.Finally,IsatdownatthewritingdeskandtookoutthelettersfromSeliora.Ineededsomethingtotakemy
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mindoffwhathadhappenedduringthecourseofaverylongday,especiallythebeginningandtheend.
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Allaskwheretherivergoes,
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butfewstudyhowitflows.
Therestoftheweekwentsomewhatbetter,althoughIhadtodeclinegoingoutwithMartylandDartaznonSamedibecauseIwasstillrestrictedtoImagisle.That
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nightandagainonSolayi,Ispentthetimewithmythoughtsandtheanatomysectionofthesciencetext,tryingtocomeupwithanothersilentanddeadlytechniqueforstoppinganattacker.Thatwasdifficultbecause,attimes,IcouldstillseeinmythoughtsthewomanI’dexecuted.
InmidafternoononSolayi,Iwalkedtothenorthendof
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Imagisle,pasttheworkshopsandthepark,andthenpastthecottagesanddwellings.Thereweremorethanafewdwellingsthatlookedtobespaciousandgracious.Isupposedthosewereforthemasterswithfamilies.Isatonashadedbenchoverlookingtheriverforatime.Eveninlatesummerunderaclearsky,thewaterwasgray.
Thatnight,ofcourse,I
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wenttoservices,andonesectionofChoristerIsola’shomilyonSolayididremainwithme,whenshewasspeakingofluckandfortune.
“...Goodfortunecanfallupontheevil,andeviluponthegood.Chanceandtimebefallusall.Donotrailagainstsuch,forsuchvainprotestscanonlymakemattersworseandyoulessable.DonotgranttheNamer
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morepoweroveryoubygivingnamestoyourmisfortunesordeclaringyourfortuneasifitwereanamedqualitythatisanintegralpartofyou...”
HerwordsmademethinkaboutRousel.HadInamedluckandcharmaspartofwhohewas?Butwerethosereallypartofhim,ormyappellations,offeredoutofenvy?
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Then,whenIlefttheservice,asIsawthewivesandchildrenoftheoldermarriedimagersalsodepartingwiththeirhusbands,IwasremindedthattheCollegiumwasindeedacitywithinacity,andIactuallysawMasterDichartynwithanangularbrunetteandtwodaughters.Icouldn’thelpwonderingaboutwhathesawinheruntil
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Isawhersmileathim,andhissmileinreturn.Iwasgladhedidn’tseemestudyingthem.
Lundiwaslikealltheweekdays,beginningwithahurriedbreakfastandarushtothedutycarriage.Themorningwaslong,becauseIhadbeentaskedwithwritingafaircopyoftheinventorywehaddonetheweekbefore.Thegoodpartwasthatlunch
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wasagoodragoutwithdarkbread,andthethreeofushadachancetotalkbeforetheyreturnedtotheCouncilChateau.
OncemoreIhadtohurrytogetreadyforClovyl,althoughIhadcometoenjoythoseafternoonsessionsandlearningskillsthatwerelargelyphysicalinnatureandtechnique.Icouldn’thelpbutthinkthat,hadIknownwhat
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hehadtaughtmewhenI’dbeenatgrammaire,myyearstherewouldhavebeenfarlesspainful.
LundieveningImetwithMasterDichartyn,andheactuallyagreedwithmy“new”technique—imagingaleyanintothebackoftheeye—buthepointedoutthatitwasnotnew,andthatpitricinewouldworkaswell,althoughaleyanwasharderto
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detect.Afterthat,itwasactuallyenjoyabletolearnaboutvariousdelayingordisablingtricks,manyofwhichweresoobviousafterbeingtold,butnotsomethingthatIwouldnecessarilyhavethoughtofwithoutprompting,thingslikeimagingoilandwaxontoasteporpavementunderabootorshoe,ortar,foraslowingeffectonsomeonerunning.I
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particularlylikedthepowderedchilisinthenose.
Whenwehadfinishedwiththat,hefingeredhischin,andIknewsomethingwascoming.
“Nowthatyouareabouttobecomeatrueworkingimager,Ineedtorepeatsomethings.Thereareotherunwrittenbutveryrealrulesforimagercounterspies.Iam
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certainthatMasterJhulianhasintimatedwhattheyare,butIwilllaythemoutdirectly.First,exceptincasesofpubliclywitnessedself-defense,anyoneyoukillorotherwisedisposeofmustappeartohavediedthroughanaccidentorinsomefashionthatcannotbesaidtobemurder.Second,suchremovalsmustalwaystakeplacewhenyouare
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unobservedandsomeoneelseispresenttohonestlytestifythatnooneelsewaspresent.Third,youwillreporteverysuchincident,andfailuretodosocouldresultinsevereconsequences.Fourth,youtellnoonebutmeortheheadmaitreoftheCollegiumwhatyouhavedoneinaccomplishingthoseduties,andsuchreportsaretobeonlyverbal.Youareneverto
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writedownanywheretheactionsyouhavetakenorthechargesthatyouhavebeengiven.Doyouunderstandthat?”
“Yes,sir.”
“Ihavesomereadingmaterialforyou.”Hesmiledwryly.“It’snottext.Ithastodowithoneofyourassignments.”
“Don’tIalreadyhavemy
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assignment,sir?”
“Youdo,butweallhavemultipleassignments.TheCouncilgenerallyonlymeetssometenglassesaweek,usuallyfromninthglassuntilsecondorthirdglassoftheafternoon.Inthelaterafternoon,notallofyouarerequired.Everyonehassomeadditionalassignments,andattimeswhentheCouncilgoesoutofsessionearly,Baratyn
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willdecidewhowillremainattheChateauandwhowillbereleasedtoworkontheassignmentsI’vegiven.”Hehandedmeseveralsheetsofpaper.
Iglancedatthem,thenlookedagain.ThefirstwasthecivicpatrollerreportonthedeathofMasterCaliostrus,anditcontainedthenamesandaddressesofallofCaliostrus’srelativesin
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L’Excelsis.ThesecondwasasheetlistinginformationonJohanyr,andthethirddealtwithDiazt.
“Someonewashiredtokillyou.Yourassignmentistoseeifyoucandiscoverwhohiredthatassassin.Onceyouhaveevidenceofthat,youwillreporttomebeforeactingagainstthatperson.Ifyouencounterotherassassins,youcandisposeof
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them,providedyoudosoeitherquietlyorinawell-witnessedinstanceofself-defense.ThemostlikelysuspectsarerelativesofthelateMasterCaliostrus,butDiaztalsohadfriendsfromthehellholewhoengageinsuchmattersasremovingenemies.Iwouldsuggestnotvisitingthere,becausetherewouldeitherbeagreatnumberofdeadtaudismenor
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we’dhavetofindandtrainanotherimagertoreplaceyou.”
Ihadn’tthoughtofvisitingthehellhole,oranyofthetaudis.“DoesthismeanI’mnolongerrestrictedtoImagisle?”
“Asoftomorrow,you’renot.Youcertainlyhavetheskillstodefendyourself,butwhatyoustilllackisan
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awarenessofeverythingaroundyou.Thatissomethingyouwillneedtopracticeallthetimeuntilitbecomesasnaturaltoyouasbreathing,untilyouknowallthatmayimpactyouwithouteverhavingtothinkaboutit.Onlytimeandpracticewillgrantyouthat.”Hesmiledsadly.“Pleasebecautious.AsItoldyoumonthsago,therearenoboldoldimagers.”
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NowthatIwasfinallyfreetoleave...noneofthepeopleIreallywantedtosee,exceptKhethila,werepresentlyinL’Excelsis,anditdidn’tmakesensetoseeheruntiltheweekend,becausetherereallywasn’tenoughtimetotakeahackoutandbackduringtheweek.
“Andoneotherthing—onSamedimorning,attheeighthglass,MaitrePoincarytwill
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beatyournewstudiosothatyoucanstarthisportrait.”MasterDichartynsmiled.“Thisisanexampleofbeingcarefulinwhatyouaskfor,Rhennthyl.Ifyougetit,youhavetodealwiththeconsequences.”
Thatmeantmoreworktosqueezeinsomewhere,becausethestudiowasn’tsetupformetoactuallystartpainting.Still...Ididlook
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forwardtoit.“Itwillbeagoodportrait,sir,butitmaytakealittlelongerwiththepressofcarryingoutotherassignments.”
“MasterPoincarytunderstandsthatalltoowell.”MasterDichartynstood.“Gogetsomesleep.You’llneedit.”
“Yes,sir.”Inodded.WouldIfindsleepthateasily
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afterallthathadhappened,andtheadditionalassignmentthatI’djustbeengiven?
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Whenyouseek,donotseek
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onlythatwhichyoucanacceptorbelieve.
BythetimeIwalkedacrossthequadrangletodinneronVendreievening,Iwastired,butnotoverlyso.Iwasjustgladthemajorityofmyintensivetraininghadcome
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toanend.I’dreceivedabriefletterfromMotheronMardi,andanotheronefromSeliorajustthatafternoon.MotherinformedmethatthethreeofthemwouldbearrivingbackinL’ExcelsisonLundi,thesecondofAgostos,andhopedthatIcouldcomeonthefollowingSamedifordinner—asmallfamilybirthdaydinner,sinceIhadmadeitmorethanapparentthather
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choicesoffemalecompanionsdidnotappealtome.
Seliora’sletterwascheerful.ShehopedIwaswellandapologizedthatdinnerwouldhavetobeonthefourteenthbecausehermotherhadalreadyplannedabirthdaycelebrationforAuntAeginaontheseventh.ShealsowrotethattheyallfeltthatI’dprobablybetiedup
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withmyfamilyontheseventh.Wasthatagoodjudgment...orPharsiforesight?Eitherway,itworkedoutbetterforeveryone,andIwroteherbackimmediately,sayingthatIunderstood,buthopingthatIcouldatleastcallonheronSolayiafternoon—theeighth.
AlthoughMasterDichartynhadn’tsaidanythingsincehe’dgivenmethe
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informationsheetsdealingwiththebackgroundonmyshooting,IknewIhadtostartworkingonthatassignmentaswell,butIhadtostartonMasterPoincaryt’sportraitfirst.Thatwaswhy,onSamedimorning,Iwasupbeforebreakfastandoveratmy“studio,”makingarrangementsandcheckingthelight.Afterhurryingovertothedininghallandeating,I
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returnedtothestudioandsetuptheeaselandthechair.
Asthefirstoftheeightbellsstruck,MasterPoincarytsteppedthroughtheopendoorofthesmallconvertedworkshop.HeworeexactlythesamegraygarbasIdid,withtheadditionofasmallsilverfour-pointedstarcircledinsilverandwornhighontheleftbreastofhiswaistcoat.Thesilvercircle
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onlytouchedthestaratthepoints,andthespacesbetweenitandthestarwereopen,showingthegraywoolofthewaistcoat.Hiseyestookineverythinginsinglesweepandcametorestonme.Despitethelinescarvedintohisface,hishairwasjetblack,asweretheheavyeyebrows.Thesquarishshapeofhisfacewasoffsetbyachinthatwasalmostelfinand
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aglintinhiseyesashemovedtowardme.“Rhennthyl.”
“MasterPoincaryt.”
“Youknowthatyou’rethefirstimagerthat’sbeenapainter?Thatseemsstrangetome,becauseimagingisavisualskill,asispainting.”
“Iwouldn’tbesurprised,sir,iftherewerepainterswithsmallimagingabilitieswho
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havekeptthoseabilitiestothemselves.”
Heofferedalopsidedsmile.“Betweenus,neitherwouldI.Didn’tyou,foratime?”
“Yes,sir.”IdecidedagainstexplainingthatitwasbecauseI’dthoughtmyabilitiessomodest.Igesturedtowardthechair.“Ifyouwouldn’tmindsittingthere,
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sir?”Ismiled.“Youwon’tbeportrayedassittinginanythingquitethatsevere.”
“I’dappreciateitifyoudidn’tshowmeinoneofthoseupholsteredthrones.”Hesettledintothechair,thenlookedatme.“Itfeelsstrangetobesittinghere.”
“Sir...Iwouldthinkthatyoudeserveaportrait.”
“Idon’t,buttheheadofthe
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Collegiumdoes.”Hesmiled.“That’swhatDichartynclaims.HesaysthathavingportraitsoftheheadsoftheCollegiumwillreinforcetradition.”
Thatgavemeanidea.“Sir,isthereanythingthatmightsuggesttheCollegium?”
“Onlythestar,andthatdoesn’treallysuggesttheCollegiumbyitself.”
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Thefour-pointedstarofSolidarwassymbolic,withthepointsrepresentingtheHighHolders,thefactors,theartisans,andtheCollegium.I’dworkoutsomething.Ialwaysdid.
ThefirstthingIdidwassketchMasterPoincaryt’sface.Rather,IdidaseriesofquickroughsketchesinpenciluntilIhadthesenseofwhatwouldbebothaccurate
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andflattering.
Thosetookalmosttheentireglass,andtherewasn’tmuchpointinaskinghimtostaylonger,becauseI’dneedtothinkabouttheentireportraitandsetupthedesignbeforehispresencewouldbenecessaryagain.“That’sallI’llneedfromyounow,sir.”
“CouldIlookatthesketches,Rhennthyl,soI
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won’tbetooshocked?”Hisvoicewasgentlyhumorous.
“Certainly,sir.Iwouldaskthatyourememberthattheseareverypreliminary.They’reasmuchtoenablemetosetupadesignthat’sappropriate.”Ibroughtoverthesketchesandbegantogothroughthem.“Yourprofilefromtheleft...theright...fullfacehere...”
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Afterhe’dlookedatthethemall,hestood.“TheCollegiumisfortunatetohaveyou.”Hesmiled.“Ifwearetohaveportraits,theyshouldbeaccurate.Myfamilymaynotagree,however.”Hepaused.“NextSamediatthistime?”
“Yes,sir,ifthatisconvenient.”
Afterheleft,Iputawaythe
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sketchesandthepencils,closedtheworkroom,andwalkedbacktomyquarters.ThenIheadedoutonwhatwouldprobablybealongSamedi,walkingacrossthequadrangleandthentowardtheBridgeofHopes.
I’dthoughtatfirstthattheeasiestpartoflookingintowhohadtargetedmewouldbetalkingtothoseIknewintheguild,butafterthe
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receptionI’dgottenfromRogarisandSagaryn,Ididn’twanttostartwiththem.ButwherecouldIstart?IrackedmybrainbeforeIrememberedtheoldmanwhohadlikedmystudy—theformerportraituremaster.Ifinallyrecalledhisname—ornames—andwhatMasterEstafenhadsaid.EveryonecalledhimGrisarius,buthewasreallyEmanusandhe
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hadsomeroomsofftheBoulevardD’Imagers.
Surely,itwouldn’tbethathardtofindhim.Peopledidnoticeoddcharacters,andGrisariuswasanythingbutusualinappearance.IalsocouldtalktoMadameD’CaliostrusorShienna.
AsIcrossedEastRiverRoad,atjustafterhalfpastnine,Iwasgladtherewasa
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fainthazeandaslightbreeze.Evenso,thedaywouldbehot,andthensome,bymidafternoon.Iwasn’tquitecertainwhethertowalkuptheBoulevardD’ImagersortakeahacktoseeMadameCaliostrus.Inoticedamantalkingtotheflowerseller,thesameweatheredwomanwhoseemedtobetheremosteverySamediI’dcrossedthebridge.Ididn’tlookintheir
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direction,exceptforthatfirstglance,butIdidlisten.
“...don’tsomeoftheimagersbuyyourblooms?”
“Notmany.Mostofthosewhocrosshereareyoung,andtheydon’thavethatmanycoins.Theydon’tunderstandthepowerofflowers.”
“Herecomesone,”saidthemaninalowvoice.
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“Youngsir...whataboutabouquetoraflower?Justafewcoppers...justafew...”
Icouldn’thelpthinkingthatI’dbeperverseandbuysome.Icertainlyhadenoughcoppersforafewflowers,anditmightbefuntotakesometoKhethila.Evenifshewasn’thome,Nellicawouldbe,andcouldarrangethem—andthey’dbeapleasant
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surprise.Istoppedandsteppedintotheshadeofthegreenandyellow,butslightlyfaded,umbrellathatcoveredtheflowerseller’ssmallcart.“Ijustmight.Howmuchforthetulips—theredandyellowones?”
“Threecoppersabunch,sir.Justthree.”
“I’lltakethem.”
AsIhandedherthecoins,
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shedidn’tconcealthesurpriseonherface—notsomuchthatIhadboughtthem,Ithought,butthatIhadn’thaggledovertheprice.
Themanwhohadbeentalkingtohereasedaway,butnotbeforeIcaughtabetterglimpse.Heworeawash-blueworkingman’sshirtandyellow-tanleathervest.Hisfeatureswereregular,andhisbrownhairwaswelltrimmed.
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Hisbeardwasalsoneatlytrimmed,buthiseyebrowswerebushy.Theonlydistinguishingfeaturewasthefactthatthebottomofoneearwasslightlyshorterthantheother,asifthelobeofhislefthadbeenremoved.
“Thankyou.”Iinclinedmyheadslightlytoher.
Buyingtheflowersmadeadecisionforme.I’dneedto
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takethemtoKhethilafirst.SoIhailedahack.“WestlaneoffofthecircleatPlazaD’Este.”
Thehacker,oneofthefewwomendriversI’dseen,lookedatthetulips,butsaidnothingbeyond,“PlazaD’Este,westlaneitis.”
WhenIfinallyreachedmyparentsandknockedonthedoor,Nellicaopenedit.“Oh.
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..MasterRhenn...there’snooneherebutMistressKhethila,andshewasn’texpectinganyone.”
Ieasedmywayin,closingthedoorbehindmesothattheheatofthedaydidn’tfloodintothefoyer.“JusttellherthatI’mhere.Ican’tstaylong,butIwantedtoseeher.”
BeforeNellicacouldeventurn,IheardKhethila.
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“Nellica?Issomeonehere?”ShecaughtsightofmeandrushedpastNellica.“Rhenn!Howareyou?Howbadlywereyouhurt?Didsomeonestabyouorsomething?”
Iextendedthesmallbouquet.“Ibroughttheseforyou.”
“Forme?Youshouldn’thave.”
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“You’retheonewho’sworkingwhileeveryoneelseisholidayinginKherseilles.”
Khethilatookthetulips,thenimmediatelyhandedthemtoNellica“Ifyou’darrangethem...inthemiddlepalegreenvase?”
“Yes,mistress.”Nellicasmiledandheadedforthekitchen.
“Tellmewhathappened.”
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Khethilamotionedtowardtheparlor.“It’scoolerinside,rightnow.”Shewaswearingaseverestraightdarkbluedresswithlongsleeves.
“Iseeyou’redressedforbookkeeping.”
“Ijustgothome.”ShedroppedintoFather’sarmchair.“Tellmewhathappened.”
“Actually,Igotshot.I’m
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finenow.Themastersdidn’twantmeleavingImagisleuntilIwascompletelywell.ThisisthefirstweekendI’vebeenofftheisleinalmosttwomonths.”
“Motherthinksyou’remadatus,ather,really,becauseyoudidn’tlikethatZerlenyabitch.”
Icouldn’thelplaughing.Shelaughed,too.
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“Ididn’tknowshewasabitch,”Ifinallysaid.“Ijustwasn’tinterested.AfterIgotshot,well,Iwasn’tinshapetogoanywhereforquiteawhile.”
“Sheis.Atthegrammaire,shewastheHighHolderofallholders,butshe’dplaysweetforanyboyshewasinterestedin,andwhenanyparentsoradultswerearound.Noneofuscouldunderstand
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whytheboysdidn’tseethroughher.”
“She’sattractiveenough,”Isaid.
“Thesweetest-scentedroseshavethesharpestthorns.”
SinceKhethilaandIagreedaboutZerlenya,andtherewaslittlemoretobesaidthere,Iasked,“Howareyoulikingkeepingtheledgers?”
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“It’smuchbetterthandealingwiththepeoplewhowanttobuythewool.Theyallwantitforlessthanitcostandcan’tunderstandwhyitcostswhatitdoes.Thefiguresintheledger,ifthey’reenteredproperly,remainthefiguresintheledger.Ilikemakingsureeverythingbalances.”Foraninstant,herexpressionchanged.
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“You’refarbetteratthatthanI’dbe,orthanRouselwilleverbe.”
Thistimeshefrowned,ifbriefly.
“IsRouselhavingtroublewithhisbookkeeping?”Thatwasaguess,butnotawildone.
“Ithinkso.”Sheshookherhead.“IhatedtellingFather,butsomeoftheaccounts
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didn’tworkout.Theycouldn’t.That’sonereasonwhyhewentwithMother.Hehadn’tplannedto.”
“It’salsowhyhecouldleave.Heknowsyou’llkeeptheaccountsherestraight.”
“OldChelinkdidfine,butwhenhedied...”
“Hedied?Whendidthathappen?”
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“InlateMaris...”
WetalkedforaglassorsobeforeIstoodandexcusedmyself,tellingherthatIhadsomeimagertaskstodo.ImanagedtocatchahacktwoblocksshortofthePlazaD’EsteandhadhimdropmeoffatthecornerofNorthMiddleandBakers’Lane,abouttwoblocksfromMasterCaliostrus’splace.Thereweresomepeoplealongthe
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lane,aboutwhatI’dhaveexpectedonasummerafternoon.Severallookedatme,thenlookedaway.Mostdidn’tpaymuchattention.
EvenbeforeIreachedthegatetotheplacewhereI’dspentnearlytenyears,Icouldheartheclinkofstoneworkandchisels,andthemurmursofworkmen.
“Mortar!Uponthetop
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course...”
Thegatehadbeenremoved.Insidethewalls,alargerversionofMasterCaliostrus’sdwellinghadmostlyrisenonthefoundationsoftheold,andthisonewasentirelyofstone.Theshedagainsttherearwallhadbeendemolished,andtherewasnosignofthegarden.
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Ieasedtowardthegray-beardedmaninchargeofthemasons.“Pardonme.”
Heturned,hismouthopen,asiftoupbraidme—untilhetookinthegray.“Imager...whatcanIdoforyou?”
“IwaslookingforMadameD’Caliostrus...”Ioffered.“Iknewherhusbandhaddied.”
“Youwon’tfindherhere.ShesoldtheplacetoMaster
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Elphens...”
Elphenshadmademaster?Evenasarepresentationalartist?Iwantedtoshudderandscreamatthesametime.Mystudyhadbeenfarsuperiortohismist-coveredgardenswithallthewronglighting,andhewasnowamaster—andIhadn’tbeenabletogetajourneyman’sposition.Andwherehadhegottenthecointopurchase
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theplace,letalonerebuildsuchadwelling?
“...Evenwithallthedamage,Ihear,shedidn’tdobadly.PlotthislargeishardtocomebyhereintheMartradondistrict.”
“Doyouknowwhereshewent?”
“Wordisthatshewentbacktowhereherparentscamefrom.”Hefrowned.
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“LittleplacenearRivages,don’trecallthename.ShegotsomemoneyfromanannuityorsomethingfromapatronofCaliostrus.Shesaidtherewasnoreasontostayhereandplentytoleave.”
“Youwouldn’tknowanyonewhomightbeabletotellmewheresheisnow?”
“MightbesomeoneatthePortraitureGuild.Idon’t
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knowanyone.”
“Isee.Thankyou.”Inoddedanddeparted.
Becauseitwasmorethanalittlewarm,Iusedmoreofmycointotakeanotherhack,thisonedowntotheGuildSquare.FromthereIcouldwalkdowntheBoulevardD’Imagersandmakemyinquiries.Ihadthehackerdropmeontheeastsideof
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thesquare.Asalwaysinlatesummer,thesidewalkswerelesscrowdedthanearlierorlaterintheyear,partlybecauseoftheheat,andpartlybecausethosewhocouldleftL’Excelsisinthehottestweeksoftheyear.
Afterlessthantwentyyards,myforeheadandshirtweredamp,andIhadthefeelingthatsomeonewaslookingatme.Iturnedasif
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tostudythedisplayitemsinthesilversmith’swindow,sothatIcouldlookatthosearoundme,butIcouldn’tseeanyoneclearlylookingatme,oranyonethatIknew.Thatdidn’tmeansomeonewasn’tlookingatme,onlythatIwasn’tskilledenoughtopickthemout.
Icontinuedon,walkingslowlytowardLapinina,comingabreastofthe
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coppersmith’s,exceptthathisshutterswereclosed.Hewasonholiday.AsIpassedthebistro,Iglancedinthroughanopenwindow.Therewerepeopleatonlytwotables,andIdidn’tknowanyofthem.Thecooper’splacewasopen,buttherewasnooneinIcouldseethere.
IcrossedSudroadandwalkedbacktowardtheboulevard,slowly,looking
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downthetwolanesIpassedtoseeiftherewereanyhiddenboardinghousesorthelike.Ikeptgettingthefeelingthatsomeonewasstaringatme,butwheneverIglancedaround,Icouldn’tdetectwhoitmightbe—orwhetheritwasjustmyimagination.
TherewasanotherbistroablockwestofthesquareontheBoulevardD’Imagers.Iknewsomeoftheolderartists
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wentthere,althoughIneverhad.ThenameonthesignboardwasAxotol.Ihadnoideawhatthatmeant,butIsteppedinunderthelightgreenawningtowardaservinggirl.
Shelookedatme,hereyeswide.Icouldalmostfeelthefear.Ithadtobetheimageruniform,becauseI’dneverseenherbefore.“Yes...ah...sir?”
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“I’mlookingforanartist,white-haired,withagoatee.He’susuallycalledGrisarius.”
Thegirljuststaredatmeblankly,asiffrozen.
Anolderwomanhurriedover.“MightIhelpyou,sir?”
“AnartistnamedGrisarius,orEmanus...white-hairedwithagoatee.I’mlookingforhim.Hehasn’tdoneanything
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wrong,buthemightknowsomething.”
“He’ssometimeshere.Notnow.YoumighttryReynardyl,threeblockstowardtheriver.”
“Doyouknowwherehelives?It’ssupposedlycloseby.”
“Icouldn’tsay.Hedoesn’ttalkmuch.”
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“Thankyou.”Iofferedasmile.
AsIsteppedbackoutintotheheat,Icouldheartheolderwomantalkingtotheyounger.
“...won’tdoanythingtoyouhere.Besttoanswertheirquestionsandgetthemout.Theystay,andpeoplewon’tcomein.That’llgetRastafyrinablackmoodfaster’nany
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imager...”
Reynardylwasalongandhotthree-blockwalkfromAxotol,andIalmostmissedit,becauseitreallywasn’tontheboulevardbutdownanunmarkedlaneoffthemainwalk,withasignboardsofadedthatIcouldn’treadituntilIwasalmostunderit.AlthoughtheplacewastwicethesizeofLapinina,therewasnooneinsideexcepta
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gray-hairedserver.
“Anywhereyouwant.”Hersmilewastired.
“I’mlookingforsomeone,anolderartistnamedGrisarius.Hehasawhitegoatee—”
“Hehasn’tbeenintoday...probablywon’tbe.It’stheendofthemonth.”
“Doyouhaveanyidea
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wherehemightbe?”
“Youmightfindhiminthepublicgarden,youknow,theonesouthoftheGuildSquare...lotofoldertypesthere.”
Ihadmydoubts,butitwasworthatry.“Thankyou.”Ipaused.“IfIdon’t,Iunderstandhehasroomsnearhere.Doyouknowwheretheymightbe?”
Sheshookherhead.
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Iwaitedamoment,stilllookingather.
“Well...sir,Ican’tsayasIknow,buthedidmentiongoingtoMamaLazara’sonce.”
“Isthataboardinghouse?”
“Yes,sir.”
“Doyouknowwhereitis?”
“Notthestreet,butit’s
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somewheresouthofMarchandnottoofarwestofSudroad.That’swhatMakostoldme.”
“Thankyou.”Igaveherapairofcoppersandheadedoutthedoor.SinceIknewwherethepublicgardenwas,andIdidn’tknowexactlywhereMamaLazara’sboardinghousewas,Iheadedbackuptheboulevardtowardthesquare.
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Itwastooshortadistancetotakeahack,andtherewerefewaround,andtoolongforthewalktobecomfortableunderthenow-swelteringafternoonsun.IwishedI’dstoppedforsomethingtodrink,butImarchedonward.WhenIreachedthepublicgardens,Istrolledalongeverypathway,checkingallthebenches.Therewereperhapsfiftypeoplethere,
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andoutsideoftwowomenwithinfantstalkingtoeachother,Idon’tthinkthatanyoneelseinthegardenswasunderthirty,andnotaoneboretheslightestresemblancetoGrisarius.AsIreachedthenorthgates,whereIhadbegun,Iagainhadthefeelingofbeingwatched.
SinceGrisariuswasn’tinthepublicgarden,andsinceI
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felttheobserverwasontheboulevardsomewhere,Iturnedandwalkedbackthroughthegardenstothesouthgate.Fromthere,IwalkedthreeblockssouthtoMarchand,crossedit,andcametothenextstreet,muchnarrowerandmeaner.ThefadedlettersonthecornerwallreadLEZENBLY.Therewasnoboardinghouseorpensionanywhereamongthe
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olderandmoderatelywell-keptstonedwellingssituatedonthetwoblocksthatlednorthtoSudroad.SoIretracedmystepsandheadedbacksouthwardonLezenbly.AttheendofthefirstblockonLezenblysouthofwhereI’dstarted,Isawawhite-hairedfiguresittingonashadedsideporch.SoIopenedthegateandwalkedaroundtotheside.
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“Grisarius?OrshouldIcallyouEmanus?”
Theoldermanjerkedinthechair.Ihadn’trealizedthathehadn’tbeenreading,butdozing,stillholdingthebook.HejustwatchedasItookthestonestepsandthenpulledupastraight-backedchairacrossfromhim.Myfeetached,andIwasmorethanalittlehot.
Theoldmansquintedat
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me.“Imager.Oughttoknowyou,shouldn’tI?”
“Rhennthyl.IwasajourneymanforCaliostrusbeforeIbecameanimager.IdidastudyinthejourneymancompetitioninIanusthatyouliked.Achessboard.”
Hefrowned,thennoddedslowly.“You’retheone.”
Thatsuggestedsomething.“Hassomeonebeenasking
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aboutme?”
“Notassuch.Staela—thebitchatLapinina—shewassayingthatsomeimagerhadstoppedbyamonthorsoago,saidhe’dbeenanartist,buthescaredoffabunchofpeople.”
“Thatwasme.”
Grisariusnoddedagain.
“IwenttoseeMadame
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D’Caliostrus.She’dsoldtheplaceandleft.Therewassomethingaboutanannuity.ThemasonworkingonthewallssaidElphenshadboughtit.”
“Ah,yes...youngElphens...”
“Howcouldheaffordtopurchaseit?Howdidhemakemastersoquickly?”
Acrookedsmileappeared
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abovethewispygoatee.“Mighthavetodowithhisfather.”
“Whoishisfather?”
“AHighHolderfromTilbora...Tillakorsomesuch.”
“Asononthebacksideoftheblanket?”
“Somethinglikethat.”
Ishookmyhead.That
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figured.“Thatmusthavebroughttheguildafewgolds.”
“Themasterswhovotedonhim,anyway.”Emanussnorted.
“IneverknewCaliostrushadapatronwhowouldhavepurchasedanannuityonhislife.”
“Heprobablydidn’t.That’salwayswhattheysaywhen
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someonemakesasettlement.”
“Butwho...why?”
“Rumorwasthatthefirewasn’tnatural-like.”Theoldartisanshrugged.“Itcouldbeanyone.Foranyreason.Thatsonofhiswastroubleallthewayround.CouldbethatthefirewasmeantforOstrius,andthesettlementwasbecauseCaliostrusgotcaught
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accidentally.Oritcouldbethatitwasjusteasiertosendthewidowpackingsothatquestionsdidn’tgetasked.You’reyoung,foranimager.You’llsee.”
“You’veseenagreatdeal,haven’tyou?”Ihopedhe’dsaymore.
“There’smuchtobeseen,ifyouonlylook.Mostpeopledon’tseethingsthatareright
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beforethembecauseitgoesagainstwhattheybelieveorwhattheywanttobelieve.”
“YouknowthatIcouldneverfindamastertotakemeonasajourneyman.”
“Thatdoesn’tsurpriseme.”Emanusofferedatwistedsmile.“Idon’tthinkithappenedthatway,butitwouldn’thavesurprisedmeifsomeonewentafter
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Caliostrusbecauseyou’dhavemademasterifhe’dlived,andhalftheportraituremastersinL’Excelsisdon’thaveyourtalent.”
“Wereyouforcedoutoftheguild?”
“Let’sjustsaythatitwasbetterthatIletithappen.Didn’thavemuchchoice,butIgottowatchthemessEstafenandReayaltmade
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whentheytookover.”
“Youweretheguildmaster?”
Henodded.“Ipridedmyselfonbeingfair.Mostpeopledon’tlikethat,andwhentheyfoundoutafewthings...LikeIsaid,itwasbetterthatIletthemtrumpupascandalthanwhatmighthavehappened.”Therewasawrysmile.“Whatmighthave
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happenedremainsmybusiness,andIcanatleasttakeconsolationthatIwasn’tthecauseofanyonegettinghurt.”
“Exceptyourself,sir.”
“That’sachoicewesometimeshavetomake.”Heshookhishead.“Thatwasalongtimeago,andthere’snothingthatanyonecandonow.”
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ItmighthavebeenmythinkingaboutJohanyrandthetacticshe’dused,butIcouldn’thelpasking,“Wasitsomeoneinyourfamilyyouhadtoprotect?”
“Whywouldyouaskthat,youngRhennthyl?”
“IwatchedaHighHolder’ssondosomethinglikethatnottoolongago.”
“Whatdidyoudo?”
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“Blindedhimenoughsothathe’llneverimageagain.”
“Andyou’restillalive?”
“Sofar.I’vebeenshotonce.”
Emanuslookedatme,thenleanedbackinthechair.“Whydidyouseekme?”
“Ithoughtyoumightbeabletotellmeifsomeonewashiringbravostogoafter
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me,orifIneededtolookelsewhere.”
“YouseemtothinkIknowmorethanIdo.”
“You’veseenagreatdeal,andfarmorethanIhave.”
“Youflattermewithmyownwords.”Emanuslaughed.“Estafen,Reayalt,andJacquerlwouldn’tgoafteryou,notonceyoubecameanimager.
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Caliostrus’sandOstrius’sdeathsbenefitedthem,andthey’dnotwishtohaveanyclouddrawntothem.”
Ifrowned,butwaited.
“Caliostrushadabrother.Thelal.Hewasatilesetter,journeyman.Likedtheplonktoomuch.Caliostrusgavehimsilvers.MadameCaliostrusdidn’tlikeit.IfIhadtowager,I’dsayThelal
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wasinvolved.EitherhimorthatHighHolder.”Hefrowned.“HighHolder’snotlikely.MostHighHolderswouldmakeyousufferforyears.”
“DoyouknowwhereImightfindThelal?”
“FromwhatI’veheard,IdoubtThelalknowswherehe’llfindhimselftonight.”
Afterthat,whileEmanus
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waspleasantenough,Ididn’tlearnmuchmore,andIbegantohavethefeelingthatsomeonewaswatchingus.So,finally,Istood.“Thankyou.Iappreciateyourtalkingtome.”
“Bestoffortune.”Hisfacequirkedintoastrangesmile.“Youmightrememberthattruthhaslittletodowiththeactsanddecisionsofmostfolks.”
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Ratherthanleavebythefrontgate,Iwentdowntheporchstepsandthenhurriedtothealleywaybehindthepension,makingmywayeastward.IwasbackonMarchand,almosttoSudroad,whenIcaughtsightofamanalmostablockbehindme.Icouldn’tmakehimoutclearly,becausehewasontheshadowedsideofthestreet.Iturnednorthwardon
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SudroadtowardtheGuildSquare,andkeptchecking.Hewasstillfollowing,holdingtotheshadows,butIcouldmakeoutthatheworealight-coloredvest.Istoppedtolookatacrystaldecanterintheglassblower’swindow.Hehaltedtotalktoamansellingkerchiefsandstrawhats.
Therehadtobesomewaytoseparatehimfromthe
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SamedicrowdsaroundtheGuildSquare.Ipassedonealleyway,butitwasadeadend.Thesecondoneranclearthrough,ifatanangle,toCarolis,andtheentirealleywaywascloakedinshadow.Iduckedintothealleyway,thenhurrieddownthenorthside.Ididn’thidebehindthefirstpileofbrokencrates,becausethatwasobvious,butinsteadslipped
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intoanichewheretherearwallsoftwobuildingsjoined.Oncethere,Icreatedabrownishshadowshieldthatmatchedthepaintedplasterwalls.
ThenIwaitedintheshadowsbehindtheshieldthatIhadimaged,asthemanpeeredthiswayandthat.Ialsoraisedshieldsagainstabulletorablade,butsincethebravo—orpossibleassassin
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—hadn’tdoneanythingbutfollowme,Ireallycouldn’tdomuchmore.Notyet.Hekeptmovingandpeering,butbeforelongwalkedpastme.Ashepassed,Igotagoodlookathim.Hewasthesamemanintheyellowishtanvestandwash-blueshirtwhohadbeentalkingtotheflowerseller,makingsmalltalkwhilehe’dbeenwaitingformetoleaveImagisle.He
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finallyvanishedintotheorangishlate-afternoonsunlightattheendofthealley.
Recallingtheconversationthathaddrawnmetotheflowerseller,Ididnotfollowhim,butretracedmysteps,stillholdingshields.IdecidedagainststayingoreatinginL’ExcelsissinceIhadnoideawhohadbeenfollowingme,orwhy,andnotwhenIreally
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didn’tknowwhattodonext.IwantedtotalktoMasterReayaltandMasterEstafen,butnotuntilItalkedtoMasterDichartyn.
OnthewaybacktoImagisle,Ilookedfortheflowerseller,thinkingshemightbeabletotellmemoreaboutthemanwhohadbeentrackingme,butthecart,thegreenandyellowumbrella,andtheflowersellerhadall
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left.BythetimeIreachedmyquarters,Iwastired,andmyfeetweresore...andIwasn’tsurethatIknewthatmuchmorethanwhenI’dleftthatmorning.
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Whatisseencantellone
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whatisnot.
Predictably,onSamedinight,IhadanightmareaboutsomeoneIcouldn’tseeclearlyfollowingmeeverywhere.Afterbreakfastthenextmorning,IcrossedtheBridgeofHopes,looking
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fortheflowersellerwiththeyellowandgreencartandumbrella.Icoveredafairarea,bothontheBoulevardD’ImagersandalongtheEastRiverRoad,butIsawnosignofher,orofanyotherflowerseller.Ieventriedlater,inmidafternoon,withnobetterluck.Apparently,flowersellersdidn’tfindmuchtradeonSolayi.Ialsodidn’tseethemanwiththeyellowvest,
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butintheafternoonIdidseeanumberoffamiliespicnickinginthegardensofftheboulevard.
EspeciallyafterwhatEmanushadrevealed,Ididn’twanttoapproachanyoneelseinthePortraitureGuild,notuntilI’dtalkedtoMasterDichartyn,buthewasn’taroundonSolayi,andIwasn’tabouttotrackhimtohisdwelling.
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OnLundi,IgotupearlierbecausethedutycoachtotheCouncilChateauleftatafifthpastseventhglass.Iclimbedoutofbed,washed,dressed,andmanagedtogulpdownbreakfastandstopbyMasterDichartyn’sstudy.Hewasn’tthere.Evenso,Iwasthefirstonetothedutycoach,butBaratynwasbutafewstepsbehindme,andthenDartaznandMartylfollowed.
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Oncewewereallinthecoach,Iasked,“WhatwillhappentodaywiththeCouncil?”
“Almostnothing,”repliedMartyl.
“Thatdoesn’tmeanwewon’tbebusy,”addedDartazn.“Allsortsshowupinsistingthattheyneedtoseeoneofthecouncilors,andsomeofthemdo.”
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“Othersarejuniorguildmembersormerchantswhoclaimthattheyhavetherighttovisittheirrepresentatives.”
“It’salongdaybecausetheywanttoseethosepeoplebeforeanythinghappens?”Iasked.
Iknewthattheyhadtherighttorequestameeting,thattheregularmessengersconveyedthoserequeststo
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thecouncilor,andthat,ifthecounciloragreedtoseethem,oneofthethreeofushadtoescortthemandlistentothewholeconversation,atleastuntilweweredismissedbythecouncilor.Butwestillhadtowaitoutsideinthecorridortoescortthemout.
“That’sright,”saidBaratyn.“Thatway,thecouncilorscanclaimtheylistenedbeforetheydidwhat
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theyweregoingtodoanyway.”
OncethecoachpulledupoutsidetheChateau,Baratynledthewaythroughthesidegateandupthenarrowsteps.Harvestseasonitmightwellbe,butearlyasitwas,themorningairwasashotandcloseanddampasonanysummermorning.IblottedmyforeheadwiththebackofmyhandonceIsteppedinto
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thecomparativecoolofthestonestructure.
“Martyl...gogetthevisitors’requestsheet.Dartazn,ifyou’dgetthenightguards’reports.”Baratynturnedtome.“Rhenn,forthemoment,justwaitinthemessengers’study.”
“Yes,sir.”Themessengers’studywasa
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spareroomwithtwobenchesandtwowritingdesksandchairsadjoiningBaratyn’sstudy.Ihadn’tspentahalfglassthereinthepastthreeweeks.
“Don’tworry.You’llbemorethanalittlebusy.There’salreadyaqueueoutside,allwithpassesorclaims.”Withanodhehurriedoff.
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Martylgrinnedatme,andDartaznraisedhiseyebrowsbeforetheybothleft.
Iwalkedtothemessengers’study.BoulyanandCelista—shewastheonlyfemaleregularmessenger—werealreadythere,sittingononeofthebenches.
“...can’tbelievethecrowdoutthere,andonlysixofthecouncilorsareeven
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hereyet.CouncilorEtyennprobablywon’tshowuntilMeredi...”
“OrJeudi.That’swhenthefirstfullCouncilmeetingis.”
Bothlookedupatme.ThenBoulyanspoke.“Palyarsaysthepetitionersouttherearealreadycomplaining.We’vecarriedrequeststoeveryonewho’shere.”
“They’remostlytraders,
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I’dwager,worriedaboutwhatallthetariffsandembargoesandblockadesaredoingtotheirbusiness.”FromwhatI’dseenathomeandfromwhatI’dheardandlearnedattheCollegiumandtheChateau,thatwasasgoodaguessasany.“Andthey’refromnearby.”Thatwasn’taguess.Mosttraderswouldn’ttakealongironwayjourneyonthechanceofseeinga
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councilor,andthosethatcouldwouldalreadyhavearrangedappointments.
Celistagrinned.“Youhavethatright.Thenexttwodaysarewhentheylistentoallthecomplaintssothattheycantelltheirguildsorthefactors’associationsthatthey’veheardfromscoresofgoodhonestcitizens.CouncilorHaestyristheworst.He’saHighHolder,buthelikesto
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thinkhe’safriendtomerchantsandcrafters,andheseesscoresofthem.”
“Allofwhomwanttofilltheirstrongboxeswithoutacareabouttheircompetitors,orhowmanysailorswilldieinkeepingtradeopen.”
“Verytrue.”Baratyn’svoicecamefromtheopendoor.“Butweallplayourpartintheprocess.”He
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lookedtome,extendingapasteboardsquare.“Yougetthesecondlot.TheywanttoseeReyner.MartylisalreadyescortingsomefactorstoseeCouncilorGlendyl.”
GlendylwasthefactoriusontheExecutiveCouncil,andhisbusinessproducedmostofthesteamenginesfortheironwayandtheNavy.
Itookthepasteboardand
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lookedattheneatscript—TuolonD’SpiceandKarmerynD’Essence.UnderthemwasthenameandsealofCouncilorReyner.
“Whenyou’vefinished,returnhereimmediately,”Baratynsaid.“You’lllikelyberunningallday.There’salonglineoutthere.”
“Yes,sir.”
Iheadedoutalongtheeast
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corridorandthroughthegrandfoyer,outthemainentrancepasttheguardsstationedthere,downthetwosetsofsteps,andthenalongthemainsidestonewalkway.Themixedmutteringsofthepetitionerscarriedoverthewall,suggestingalongqueue.WhenIreachedthevisitors’gatehouse,throughthegrillworkoftheheavyirongateIcouldseealine
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stretchingagoodhundredyards.IconcealedthefrownIfeltbeneathapleasantsmile.Withonlythreeofusactingasescorts,evenifeachmeetingtooklessthanaquarterglass,we’donlybeabletoescorthalf—orless—ofthosewaiting.GiventhedeliberationI’dseenfromMasterDichartynandhisexperience,hehadtohaveknownthat.
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WhileIcouldseetwoguardsstationedoutsidethegates,therewerethreejustinside,andanotherfourintheshadedalcovebehindthegatehouse.Basylwasleavingwithawhitepasteboardinhand,presumablyanotherrequesttomeetwithacouncilor.Henodded.
Oncehepassedme,Isteppedforwardandhandedthepasteboardwiththetwo
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namesandCouncilorReyner’snameandsealonittothereceivingguard.
Hetookit,studiedit,andturnedtowardthegate,callingout,“TuolonD’SpiceandKarmerynD’Essence,toseeCouncilorReyner.”
Twomensteppeduptothegate.Thetallerandblack-beardedonebrandishedaletterorsheetofsomething.
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“Hereweare.It’sabouttime.”
Theguardsopenedthegateandletthemstepthrough,aseachwrotehisnameontheentryledger.Istudiedthepair,watchingtheledgeraswell.ThetalleronesignedasTuolonD’Spice,theshorterandyoungerasKarmerynD’Essence.
“Themessengerwillescort
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youthereandback.”Theguard’svoicewasevenandfirm,butcarriedanoteofboredom,asifhe’dmadethesamestatementtimeaftertime.
“Thisway,honoredtraders,”Ioffered,gesturingtothesidewalkway.
“Abouttime,”mutteredTuolon.
BecauseIhadtoleadthem,
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Icarriedbacktriggershields,onesthatwouldspringfullifeithermovedtooclosetome.Baratynhadassuredmethattherewasminimaldangertomeonthewalktothecouncilor’sstudy,becauseallunescortedstrangersweresuspectanddetained.OncewewereinsidetheChateauandoutofthealreadyuncomfortablywarmsunlight,Iledthemthrough
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thefoyerandupthegrandstaircasepastthetwowingedangeliasofPierryltheYounger.Istillthoughttheirproportionswereridiculous,especiallyafterseveralmonthsofanatomystudies.Whenwereachedthetopofthestaircase,Ipausedtocheckoverthetwotraders.
Theyoungeronehadcomeupthestepsquietly,andthatbotheredme.Sodidthefact
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thatneitherwasbreathinganyfaster.Iedgedtooneside,andgestured.“Totheright,traders.”
“Goon!”snappedToulon.“We’renotheretoadmireemptystonewalls.”
IraisedfullshieldsbeforeIledthemdowntheeastcorridortothefourthdoorway,whereIstoppedandsteppedaside.Irappedon
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CouncilorReyner’sstudydoor.“MessengerRhennthylannouncingTuolonD’SpiceandTraderKarmerynD’EssencetoseeCouncilorReyner.”
“Youmayescortthemin,messenger.”
“Youcangonow,fellow,”saidtheheavysetanddark-beardedfactor.
“I’mtostaywithyouuntil
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youleave.”Ismiledpolitely.
“Mygoldspayforwhateveryoumake,fellow,andIsaythat—”
Atthatmoment,Iturnedslightlyanddidmybesttoimage-projectabsolutestrength.
Theothertrader’selbowwentintothebiggerman’sribs,andhesaidquietly.“They’reguards,Tuolon.To
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protectthecouncilors.”
“Mybusinessiswiththecouncilor,notforeveryonetohear.”
“Thatisforthecouncilortodecide,honoredtrader,”Ireplied.
BecauseIdidn’tlikeTuolon,IwaspreparedwithtwopossibleimagingsasIopenedthestudydoor.Astaught,Isteppedhalfinside,
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buttooneside,myeyesonthetwotraders.
“I’dappreciateitifyouwouldremain,messenger.”Reyner’slightbrownhairwasshotwithgray,andheworethepalebluestole-vestofacounciloroverathinbutfinecottonshortjacket.Hiseyesneverlookedinmydirection,butatthetallspicetrader.
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Tuolonbowed,andhishandswenttohiswaist.
Iimagedaninvisibleshieldbetweenthetwoandthecouncilor.Evenangledasitwas,alessonfromMaitreDyana,Iwasjerkedoffbalancebytheimpactofthebulletontheshield.
ThesmallermanhadnotevenlookedatReynerbutwaslungingatmewitha
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knife.Iwasn’tquitefastenough,andthebladehitmyshields.Thatstoppedhimshort,andthehesitationwasenoughformetoimagecausticintohiseyesandthelowerpartofhisheart.Hedoubledoverinagony.
Tuolonhadturnedthepistolinmydirection,butIimagedironintothebarrel,andmyshieldschanneledthemetaloftheexplosionacross
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hischest.Hetoppledforward.
“GuardstoCouncilorReyner’schamber!Guards!”
Ididn’tmovetowardthetallerfigureortheshorterone,whowasstillwrithingonthefloor,butjustheldmyshieldstoseparatethemfrommeandthecouncilor.
Reynertookoutaclothandblottedhisforehead.Heinclinedhishead.“Thank
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you.”
Theshorterfigurestoppedtwitching,buthewasstillbreathing.
“ThetalleronelookslikeTuolon.HeevenactedasobnoxiousasTuolondid.”
Twohugeblack-cladobdurateguardsburstthroughthedoor,followedbyBaratyn.Heglancedatthecouncilor,thenatme,thenat
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thepaironthefloor.“Takethembelow.”
Ininstants,bothfiguresweretrussedandcartedaway.
Thecouncilorblottedhisforeheadagain.“I’dheard...butnever...”Heshookhishead.
“Byyourleave,Councilor.”
“Youhavemyleave.”
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Baratynsaidnothinguntilwewereoutinthehall.“Yousensedsomething,didn’tyou?”
“Yes,sir...buttheydidn’tdoanythinguntilthedoorwasopen.”
Henodded.“Professionals.We’llbeseeingmoreofthem.”Hestudiedme.“Whatyoudidtakesstrength,andI’dwageryoudidn’teat
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enoughbreakfast.Godowntothekitchenandgetsomethingtoeat.Otherwiseyou’llbeshakingalloverinaglass.”
Ididn’targue.Ialreadyfeltunsteady.
“Whenyoufeelstronger,comefindme.”
“Yes,sir.”Iheadeddowntothekitchen,bythenortheastcircularstaircase.
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AsIentered,oneoftheserverslookedatme.“Sir...youcansitoverthere.I’llgetsomethingforyourightaway.”
Icouldhearherasshesaidtoanotherserver.“Mustbetroubleupstairs...comedownherethatpale...hastobethenewsecurity...”
“...timeswhentheCouncilcomesback,
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somethinghappens...don’tsayanything...”
Inmoments,therewasaplatterbeforeme,withasliceofbeef,anendcutalreadycookedenoughtoeat,withbreadandcheese,andamugofale.“Sorrythere’snotmorehot,sir.”
“Iunderstand,andIthankyou.”
Aftersheleft,Ibeganto
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eat,andwithinafewmouthfulstheshakinessvanished.Evenso,Iateeverythingontheplatterandfinishedtheale.Bythen,Ifeltnormal,andImademywaybackupthestairstothemainlevel.IknockedonBaratyn’sdoor,buthedidn’treply.SoIwenttothemessengers’study.Itwasempty,andIwasgladforthat,sinceIdidn’twantto
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explainwhathadhappened.
Basylwasthefirsttoreturn,andhesatdownontheotherbenchandnodded.“Busyoutthere...andhot.”
Inoddedback.“WarmerthanI’dlike,especiallyoutside.”
Icouldn’thavebeensittingtheremorethanatenthofaglasswhenBaratynpeeredin.“Rhenn...good.”He
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gestured.
Ifollowedhimtohisstudy,whereheclosedthedoorandturnedtome.“Don’tworryaboutit.There’sanattemptlikethatabouteveryothertimetheCouncilreturnsfromrecess.”
“Idon’tknowthatIhandleditthatwell.IthoughtIwasready.”
“Youwerereadyenough.
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Youkeptthecouncilorfrombeinghurt,andnooneknowswhatreallyhappened.Ifanyoneasks,thestoryissimple.Youknockedoneassassinintotheotherandwhenhefired,hispistolexploded.”
Thatwastrueenough,sofarasitwent.“Whatabouttheonewhowasalive?”
“He’sstillalive,buthewas
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justahiredblade.He’salreadyadmittedthathe’dbeenpaidtokilltheassassinifitlookedlikethey’dbecaptured.Hisfeewenttohiswife.Heclaimsshe’scrippled,andhewon’tsaywherehe’sfrom.Sofar.”Baratynstudiedme.“Youready?”
“Yes,sir.”
Hehandedmea
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pasteboard.Itookit.ThenameonitwasKhatyn,MasterD’Artisan,andthenameandsealbeneathwerethoseofCouncilorSebatyon,alumberfactorfromMantes.
Iwalkedbackouttothegatehouse,atadeliberatepace,butnotrushing.
MasterKhatynwasagray-hairedmanwhoonlycametomyshoulder,buthewaswiry
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andmovedwithaspringinhisstep.BeforeallthatlongIwasstandingattheseconddoorontheupperlevelinthewestcorridorannouncingMasterKhatyn.DespitemyfeelingsthatKhatynwasnotadanger,IwasmorethanreadyasIopenedthedoorandescortedhimin.
“Honoredcouncilor.”Khatyninclinedhishead,althoughhiseyesflicked
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towardme.
“Themessengerstays.Iprefernottohearanythingthatcannotbesaidbeforehim,”addedSebatyon.“Whatisyourconcern?”
“Myfamilyhasmadefinefurnitureforgenerations,butthosewhowishthefinestalsowishthefinestinwoods,andmanyofthosewoodsdonotgrowinSolidar.”
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“That’strue,”repliedthecouncilor.
“Honoredcouncilor,thereisanembargoagainstanywoodsfromCaenen.”Khatynshruggedhelplessly,asifhispointweremorethanclear.
“Thisisalsotrue.WeprefernottorewardCaenenwhentheCaenenansfireuponourships.They’vesunktwomerchanters.”
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“Honoredcouncilor,thewooditselfcostsbutafractionofwhatwemake,andevenofthetaxeswepay.Iwouldnotwishourmerchanterstobeendangered,butwhatharmisthereifIbuywoodfromanAbiertantrader,orfromaSolidaranwhoboughtitelsewhere?Thetimberisthere.Itisalreadycut.Itwillbesoldsomewhere.No
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additionalgoldsgotoCaena.”
“Canyounotmakefinefurniturewithotherwoods?”
“Icanmakefinefurnitureoutofmanywoods,honoredcouncilor,butwithoutthefinestofwoods,Icannotexpectittosell,nomatterhowgoodthecrafting.”
“Youareaskingmetoseekanexceptiontothe
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embargo?”
“Onlyfortherarefinewoods,sir.Withoutthose,muchofourworkwillnotsell,andwewillnotbeabletopurchasethefinewoodsfromhereinSolidarthatgowithimportedwoods.”
“Youaretellingmethatthereisnoway...”
Khatynshookhishead.“Therearesmugglers,butthe
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tariffagentsofSolidarknowthatanyrosewoodorebonycomesfromCaenen,andthosefinesandtheyearsinprisonwoulddestroyme.”
“Iunderstandyourconcerns,MasterKhatyn,butifIsupportanexemptionforyou,howcouldInotsupportoneforthespicemerchants,ortheessencetraders,orsatinropemakers?Beforelong,therewouldbeno
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embargo,andCaenenwouldsuffernothing.”
“Honoredcouncilor,”repliedKhatyn,“theysufferlittleornothingnow.Thosegoodsarestillsold,andwemustmakedowithless.Wearetheoneswhosuffer.”
“IcanonlypromisethatIwillmakesureyourpointsaboutthesufferingofthecraftersofSolidardocome
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beforetheCouncil.ThatisallthatIcanoffernow.”
“ThatisallthatIwillask,then.”Khatyn’ssmilewasironic.“Ithankyouforhearingmeout,honoredcouncilor.”
AfterIescortedKhatynbacktothemaingate,ItookanessenceimportertoReyner.Thecouncilordidnotevenacknowledgeme,except
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bytitle.ThesecondvisitwasfarmorelikethatofKhatyntoSebatyon,withawrittenpetition,thistimeagainsttheembargooftropicaloils.
Thatwashowtheremainderofthedayproceeded,escortingmastercrafters,traders,andfactorstovariouscouncilors.Alongtheway,Igotaquicklunch,andduringabriefrespiteinmidafternoon,Celistatoldme
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thatapetitionerheadedtoseeCouncilorGlendylhadslippedoutsidethecouncilor’sstudyandcrackedhisskullonthestones.IwishedI’dbeenthatquick-thinking,andwonderedwhetherDartaznorMartylhadmanagedthat.
Whenfourthglassrang,theChateauwasclosedtopetitionersandalloutsiders,butitwasagoodhalfglass
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laterbeforetheyhadallbeenescortedfromtheChateau,andclosetofifthglassbeforeMartyl,Dartazn,andItooktheunmarkeddutycoachbacktoImagisle.
“Alittlemoreactiontoday,”saidMartyl,“atleastforyoutwo.”
“Complainingorrelieved?”askedDartazn.
“Relieved.There’salways
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thechancethatmatterswon’tgoastheyshould.”
Theycertainlyhadn’twithme,butIjustnodded.“ThiswillgoonuntilJeudi?”
“Tomorrowwillbeaboutthesame,”repliedDartazn,“butMerediwillbeslower.”
“That’sifit’slikethelastfewyears,”addedMartyl.
AssoonasIgotbacktothe
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Collegium,latethatafternoon,IhurriedtoMasterDichartyn’sstudyandrappedonthedoor.Therewasnoresponse.Whilethatdidn’tsurpriseme,Ididwanttotalktohim.SoIheadedbacktothereceptionfoyer.
Ayoungimagerwasatthedesk,andhelookedupasIneared.“Sir?”
“AreyouBeleart?”
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“Yes,sir.”
“I’mRhennthyl,andIwaslookingforMasterDichartyn.Ineededtoconveysomeinformationtohim.”
“Yes,sir.Hedidn’tsaywhenhe’dbeback.”
“Ifyou’dtellhim.I’llkeeptrying.”
“Yes,sir.”
I’dbarelywalkedintomy
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chambersandseatedmyselfatthewritingdeskwhentherewasaraponthedoor.IdecidedonfullshieldsbeforeIopenedit.Averyfrightened,veryyoungfellowinimagergraylookedupatme.“Sir...ifyou’dnot...mind...MasterDichartynisinhisstudyandwillbeforashorttime...”
“I’llberightthere.”
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Theyoungprimetrailedmeallthewayback,thenslippedawaywhenMasterDichartynopenedhisstudydoor.
“Comein,Rhenn.”
StacksofpapersfilledMasterDichartyn’sdesktop.Icouldn’thelplooking.I’dneverseenmorethanapaperortwo.
“Yes?”Hisvoicewascurt,ashesettledbackbehindthe
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desk.Henoddedtowardthedoor.“Youhadsomethingurgent?”
Ileanedbackandclosedthedoor.
“Puzzling,sir,andyou’vealwaysstressedcaution.Iwasworkingonmyotherassignmentovertheweekend,sir...”IexplainedwhatI’ddoneandwhatI’ddiscovered,anddescribedthemanwho
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trailedme.“...andyou’dsaidthatIshouldeliminatesuspectsasIcould.I’dthoughtifIcouldmeetthisThelal...”
“I’mgladyoutalkedtome.Wedohaveanarrangementwiththepatrollersforcertainkindsofinformation.TheymaybeabletolocateThelalmorequicklythanyoucan,especiallyifheindeeddoeshaveaweaknessforthe
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plonk.I’llhavethemseewhattheycantellus.”Hepaused,andjotteddownafewwordsonasheetofpaper.“Tellmewhatyou’velearnedbytryingtotrackdownwhoshotyou.”
WhathadIlearned?“It’snoteasy,andittakestime.Andonethingleadstoanother.”
“Whydoyouthinkyou’ve
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beenassignedtolookintoyourownshooting?”
“BecauseI’llhaveagreaterinterestinit?”
“Partly.Alsobecauseifyoudon’t,thatindicatesacertainweaknessindealingwiththeunpleasant.Whenit’syourlifethat’sinvolved,you’remorelikelytolearnasmuchasyoucan.Ifyoudon’t,thenyou’renotmeant
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tobeamaster.Evenifyouare,youdon’tknowenoughyet.That’snotyourfault.Nooneofyouragedoes.”
AftertheexperienceattheCouncilChateau,IwasbeginningtofeelthatIdidn’tknowenoughaboutanything.
Thenhenodded.“Youweren’twiththemorningexercisegroup,Clovyltoldme.”
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Iswallowed.I’dtotallyforgottenaboutthatadditiontomyschedule.
“Don’tforgetittomorrow.”MasterDichartynsmiledfaintly.“It’smoreforyourprotectionthananyoneelse’s.Muchmore.”
“Yes,sir.”
“Onemorething,Rhennthyl.Youknowthattheworlddoesn’tstopwhenyou
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leavetheCouncilChateau?TherearestillpeopleinL’Excelsis,ifyouneedtotalktothem.”Heheldupahand.“NotuntilIgetwordfromthecivicpatrollers.Ijustdon’twantyoutogetintothehabitofthinkingthatSamediistheonlytimeyouhavetodealwithotherassignments.”
“Yes,sir.”
Howlongwoulditbe
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beforeIfullyunderstoodwhatIneededtoknow,whatwasnecessary,andhowtodoit?
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Bewaremeninpowerwho
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praiseprinciples;they’reeitherwithoutthemorlackinginperception.
MardiandMerediweremuchthesameasLundi...withtheexceptionofgettingupeachmorningaglassandahalfearliertojoinMartyl,
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Dartazn,Baratyn,andfourotherimagersI’dneverseenbefore—aswellasMasterDichartyn—foravigoroustwo-thirdsofaglassworthofexercisesandsparringledbyClovyl.Hefollowedthatbysendingusonathree-millerun.Ididn’tfinishlastintherun,butIwasn’tanywhereclosetobeingfirst.Dartaznleftusallwellbehind.
Jeudistartedthesameway,
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butonceIgottotheChateau,therewasaconsiderabledifference.Foronething,therewereonlyahandfulofpetitionerswaiting,andallofthemactuallyhadlettersfromcouncilorsgrantingthemappointmentsatspecifictimes.Theyallwerealsofarbetterdressedandgroomed,whichconfirmedmorethanafewofmysuspicions.
I’dnosoonerarrivedthan
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Baratynhandedmeapasteboard.“FactorAlhazyrhasanappointmentateighthglasswithCouncilorCaartyl.”
Inoddedandheadedforthevisitors’gatehouse.Ihadtowonderwhatafactorwantedindealingwiththerepresentativeofthemasonryguilds,butitcouldhavebeenthatCaartylwastheonlyoneoftheexecutivecouncilors
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whowouldgrantAlhazyranappointment.
Alhazyrwaswaiting,smilingpleasantly.Hesteppedforwardandthroughthegatewhenhisnamewascalled.Heworeathinsilveryvest—openandwithoutbuttons—overapalegreenlinenshirtandcarriedathinleatherfolder,tuckedunderhisleftarm.
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“Thisway,sir,”Ioffered.
Henoddedinreplyandfollowedme.Wehadclimbedtheouterstepsandwerecrossingthegrandfoyerbeforehesaidanotherword.“You’renew.”Hisstatementwasnotaquestion.
“Yes,sir.”
“There’snotmuchchangeinthestaff,Iunderstand.”
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“No,sir.”Ikeptaquickpace,butmanagedtoleadthefactorbysolittlethatwewereclosetoabreast.Shieldsornoshields,themoreIcouldsee,thebetterIfelt.
“Thatcanbeverygood,orverybad.”
Sincehehadn’taskedanythingclosetoresemblingaquestion,andweweren’tsupposedtovolunteer
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information,Ijustsaid,“Yes,sir.”ThenIgesturedforhimtowalkbetweentheguards—andtheangelicas—atthefootofthegrandstaircase.
Helaughedsoftly.
Asoneofthethreeexecutivecouncilors,CouncilorCaartylhadhisstudyinthenorthwestcorner.Whenwereachedthedoor,IrappedandannouncedFactor
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Alhazyr.
“Escorthimin,messenger.”
Iopenedthedoor,watchingAlhazyrtheentiretime.Heheldanamusedsmileonhisface,asiftoindicateheknewIwasmorethanameremessenger.OnceAlhazyrwasinside,Iclosedthedoorandtookapositionbesideit,readytodepartif
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thecouncilorwantedthat.Ihadn’tbroughtanypetitionerstoseeCaartylbefore,andwhileIknewhisface,Ihadn’tbeenallthatclosetohim.Iwassurprisedtoseethathehadstoodwhenthedooropenedandthathewasagoodtenyearsyoungerthanmyfatherandwiry,withjet-blackhairandahawknose.Hegavemeaquickglancebeforehiseyessettledon
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Alhazyr.
“Honoredcouncilor.”Thefactorinclinedhisheadrespectfully,butkepthishandsinplainview,theleftonestillholdingthethinleatherfolder.“IhavebroughttheproposalIhadmentionedearlier.Itrustitwillsatisfytheconcernswhichyouraised.”Hesteppedforwardandcarefullylaidtheleatherfolderonthe
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edgeofthedesk,thensteppedback.
Caartylsmiledfaintly.“Theywerenotmyconcerns,FactorAlhazyr,butonesraisedonbehalfofthosewhomIrepresent.”
“Thatspeakswellofyou.Notallinpowerwouldputtheconcernsofothersabovetheirown.”
“MostinpowerinSolidar
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mustdosoiftheywishtoretainpower.”
“Thatistrue,butitdoesnotmakeyourpositionlessadmirable,”repliedAlhazyr.
“Noryours,whenmostfactorsthinkonlyofthisyear’sgolds.”Caartylpaused,thenasked,“HowdomostfactorsfeelabouttheembargoonCaenenangoods?”
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“Thosewhoareaffectedcomplain.Fewbelieveitisagoodideaoreffective.ItonlyraisesthecostsofgoodsinSolidarwithouthurtingCaenen.”
“AndmakestheAbiertanmerchantswealthy?”
“That,too.”
Caartylnoddedatthefolderhehadnottouched.“Iwillstudythat.”
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“Thatisallwecouldask.”Alhazyrbowedagain.“Byyourleave,honoredcouncilor.”
Alhazyrsaidnothingtheentiretripbacktothegatehouse.There,heturnedtome.“Thankyou.”Thenheleft.
Ihandedthepasteboardbacktothereceivingguardandhurriedbacktothe
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messengers’study.IhadbarelyseatedmyselfononeofthebencheswhenBaratynpeeredin.
“Rhenn...hasFactorAlhazyrdeparted?”
“Yes,sir.”Baratynhadn’taskedthatallweek.WhowasAlhazyr?Whathadbeenintheleatherfolder?Itcouldhavecontainedanythingfromlettersofcredittowhoknew
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what.
“Good.Youtakethepostintheeastcorridoroffthecouncilors’lounge.Thatway,allofthemwillgetfamiliarwithyourface.Martylisalreadyatthepostinthewestcorridor.Whenthecouncilorsbreakformiddaymeal,sodoyoutwo,butafterward,switchplaces.Remember,ifacounciloroffersyouamessage,yousayyou’lltake
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careofit,butyoucan’tbeoutofsightofyourpost.Ifit’sfartherthanthat,usethespeakingtubetosummonmeoroneoftheregularmessengers.Mostofthecouncilorswon’taskyoubecausetheyknowthat,butsometimesthey’reinahurry,andtheyknowwe’llgetthemessageorpackagedelivered.Youonlytakemessagesfromthecouncilors
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themselves.Theiraideshavetobringlettersorpackagestotheclerknexttothemessengers’study.”
I’dbarelyreachedthecorridordoorwaytothecouncilors’loungeandturnedsothatIcouldwatchthecorridorinbothdirectionswhenCouncilorReynerhurrieduppastandenteredthelounge.Hedidn’tevenlookatme.
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Ashorttimeafterthat,oneofthecouncilors’aidesappeared—theyallworepalebluewaistcoatswithasilvertriangleembroideredovertheleftbreast.Hehurriedintothelounge,andperhapsahalfglasslaterleftcarryingashortstackofpapers.Twootheraidescameandwentinthesameperiod.ThenDartaznescortedafactorpastmetoCouncilorHaestyr’s
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study.
Fortherestofthemorning,thatwasthepattern—anoccasionalcouncilorcomingorgoing,andaidescarryingpapersandfoldersinandout,andascatteredpetitionerortwo.Ididn’tseeCaartyl,butsincehisstudywasontheothersideoftheChateau,hedoubtlessenteredthechamberbythewestentrance.
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Duringthelunchbreak,MartylandIgulpeddownariceandlambdish,andsomelager,andthenhurriedbackuptotheCouncillevel,whereImovedtothewestcorridor.Duringtherestoftheafternoon,Isawafewmorecouncilorsandafewlessaides.Aboutafifthofaglassbeforefour,theCounciladjournedfortheday,andthecouncilorsreturnedtotheir
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studiesorlefttheChateau.Forthenextglasswestoodbytoescortanyvisitors.Therewereonlytwo,andDartazntookboth.TheneachofusaccompaniedapairofobdurateguardsastheyinspectedandcloseddownallthepublicroomsandtheoutsidegardensoftheChateau.Afterthat,Martyl,Dartazn,andIcaughtthedutycoachbacktothe
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Collegium.
Oncewewereheadedback,Iasked,“DoyouknowwhattheCouncilwasdoingtoday?”
“No,”repliedDartazn.“Weseldomknowuntillater,notunlesssomethingspecialisscheduled,andwehaveextraduties.”
“Theheadclerk’sofficeprintsadigestattheendof
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eachweek.ItlistsanylawsorrulesthataffectSolidarorotherlands.Therewillbecopiesinthemessengers’studyonLundi.Copiesgotothenewsheets,too,”addedMartyl.
“Mostofit’sprettydull,andeventheexcitingstuffsoundsdullthewaytheyreportit,”saidDartazn.
Whenwesteppedoutof
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thecoachattheCollegium,anotherprimewaswaiting.“TertiusRhennthyl?”Hisvoicequaveredslightly.
“Yes?”
“MasterDichartynwouldliketoseeyouimmediately,beforeyougotodinner.”
“Luckyyou,”murmuredDartazn.Buthedidgrin.
Iwalkedquicklyacrossthe
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quadrangle,ignoringthelooksfromseveralprimesandseconds,andmademywaytoMasterDichartyn’sstudy.Thedoorwasclosed,butwhenIknocked,heopeneditimmediatelyandusheredmein.
Ididsitdown.I’dbeenonmyfeetmostoftheday.
MasterDichartyndidnot.Hestoodbytheopenwindow
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inthelightbreezethatdidn’tseemtocoolthelate-afternoonairatall.“Rhennthyl,wehaveseveralmatterstodiscuss.First,howoftendidthecouncilorshaveyouleavewhenyouescortedapetitionertotheirstudy?”
Ihadtothinkforamoment.“There’sonlybeenonetimesofar.”
“Whatdoesthattellyou?”
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Hiswordswereslightlysardonic.
“Theirmindsarealreadymadeup,andanyconsiderationstheymightentertainhavealreadybeendeterminedorwillbesomewherebesidestheChateau.”
“Didanypetitionerstateanythingyouthoughtwouldhavebeenofvalueto
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Solidar?”
“OnefurnituremakerpointedoutthattheembargoonraretimbersfromCaenendidnotmakemuchsensebecausethevalueofthelogswaslowandthevalueaddedinfurniture-makinghereinSolidarwasmuchhigher.”
“That’sprobablytrue,butembargoesarenotjustaboutvalue.They’realsotoolsto
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allowourshipstoboardorevenattacksuspectmerchanters...amongotherthings.Werethereanyconversationsthatpuzzledyou?”
“Therewasonetoday.AfactornamedAlhazyrvisitedCaartylandleftaproposal.Bothtalkedingeneralities....”Iwentontoexplain,endingwith,“...suddenly,theytalkedaboutthe
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worthlessnessofthetradeembargoagainstCaenen,andthenCaartyldismissedAlhazyr.”
“Hmmm...Iwouldhavethoughthe’dhavegonetoseeHaestyr.We’llhavetokeepwatchonthat.I’llhavetotalktoBaratynaboutit.”
“Aboutwhat,ifImightask,sir?”
“Whenpoliticiansand
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factorscongratulateeachotherontheirprinciples,almostanythingbutprinciplesareinvolved.Justkeepyoureyesopen,andyou’llseeintime.”
Thatdidn’tanswermyquestion,butthatwasMasterDichartyn’swayofindicatingthathewouldn’t.
“Moreinterestingly,yourinquirieslastSamedistirred
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upsomething.”
“Sir?”
“ThecivicpatrollerslocatedThelal.TherewasabrawlatAntipodesonLundinight.Someoneknifedhim.Hewasdeadwhenthepatrollersgotthere.EvenmoreintriguingisthefactthatEmanusdiedinhissleepthesamenightofthedayyouvisitedhim.”
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“Thatcouldn’tbenatural.”
“Itcouldbe,”repliedMasterDichartyn,“butit’sratherunlikely.”
“Couldithavebeenanotherimagerfromsomewhereelse?”
“It’sverypossible.Ifso,hemustbeveryaccomplished,andinthepayof,andprobablyattachedto,someforeignembassy.”
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Ididn’tfollowthatlogicatfirst,untilIthoughtaboutit.
“WhatwillyoubedoingonSamedi?”askedtheheadofsecurity.
“Iwasgoingtohavedinnerwithmyfamily—abelatedbirthdaydinner.”
“Whattimewereyouplanningonleaving?”
“Notuntilaboutfourth
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glass.”
MasterDichartynnodded.“I’dlikeyoutodepartearlier,sayaboutthirdglass.You’llwalkacrosstheBridgeofHopesanduptheBoulevardD’Imagersonthesouthside.Youwillbeholdingfullshields.Someonewillbefollowingwhoever’sfollowingyou.”
“Whatifsomeoneisn’t?”
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“Countyourselffortunate,buttherewillbe.Therecouldn’tbetwodeathsandsomeonefollowingyoulastweekwithoutsomeonebeingtherethisweek.”
WhileIhadmyownideasaboutwhatwashappening,IwantedtoseewhatMasterDichartynmightsay.“Doyouhaveanyideawhyallthisishappening?”
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“Ihaveseveral.ItcouldbethatsomeonehappeneduponsomethingandwantstolinkCaliostrus’sdeathtotheCollegium.Oritcouldbethatyouweresimplyoneoftheimagerstargetedbywhoeveristryingtokillimagers,andit’samatterofpride....”Heshrugged.
“WhataboutHighHolderRyel?”
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“Wecan’trulehimout,butHighHoldersareusuallymoresubtleandmorevicious.”
Icouldhardlywait.Peoplehadtriedtokillmealready,andotherswerefollowingme,andtheonlymanI’dtalkedtowho’dgivenmeanyusefulinformationwasdead—andtheHighHolderwasn’teveninvolvedyet?
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“Iassumeyoudon’twantmetotalktoanyoneelseuntilafterSamedi.”
“Thatwouldbebest.”Hegesturedtowardthedoor.“Youneedtochangebeforedinner.”
AsIhurriedbacktomyquarterstochangeintoimagergrays,questionsswarmedthroughmymind,andatthemoment,Ihad
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answersfornoneofthem.
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Violenceiseverywhere,but
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mostwillseeonlythatwhichtheymust.
VendreiwasslowerthanJeudi,withonlyahandfulofvisitorsandpetitionersforthecouncilors.Whoeverwasnotoncorridorpatrolhandledthosefew.Evenso,Ifound
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timedraggedwhenthecorridorswereemptymoreoftenthannot.WewereallpleasedwhenwereturnedtotheCollegiumlateonVendreiafternoon.
ThebrightestspotofthedaywasashortnotefromSeliorathatwaswaitinginmyletterboxwhenIcheckedjustbeforedinner.Sheapologizedforbeingsolateinreplying,butexplainedthat
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hergrandmamahadinsistedtheyleavePointeNeimonearlyinordertostopbyanothertextilemanufactory,thisoneinKephria,andSeliorahadfoundnoplacetopostaletteruntilshehadreturnedtoL’Excelsis.ShealsowrotethatshelookedforwardtoseeingmeonSolayiandthatshehopedIcouldcomeatthefirstglassoftheafternoon.
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Icouldn’thelpsmilingatthat.
WhenIfinallyclimbedintomybedonVendreinight,Iwasstillsmiling,thinkingofSolayi.ThatwasbeforeIrealizedIstillhadtogetupearlythenextmorningforClovyl’sexercisesession,andthenbeatmystudiotoworkonMasterPoincaryt’sportrait.
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IdidmanagetomakeittotheexerciseareaonSamedimorning—andnotbethelast.Dartaznwas.Onegoodthingwasthatitwasfarcoolerthatearly.Itriednottothinkaboutwhatthatmightmeaninwinter.Ofcourse,Dartaznoutranusallagain.
Aftershoweringanddressinginmygrays,Ihadbreakfastandhurriedouttotheworkroomstudio,whereI
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setupthecanvasandmaterials.ThenIbegantosketchdesigns.Ishouldhavedonethatearlier,butthereneverseemedtobeenoughtime.Thesecondoneseemedtofit,withthechairangledslightly,andMasterPoincarytlookingnotquiteforward.I’ddecidedtomakethebackgroundindistinct,bothforpracticalandsymbolicreasons.Justbeforethebells
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begantoring,hewalkedintothestudioandsatdown.IcouldseeimmediatelyI’dneedtoshifttheangles,andIchangedthefaintoutlinesonthecanvas.
Foralmostaquarterglass,neitherofusspoke,asIworkedonthegeneralshapeofhisface,concentratingonthebroadcheekbonesandwideforehead.
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“Rhennthyl,whatdoyouthinkoftheChateau?Isitclosetowhatyouhadexpected?”
“Itis,anditisn’t,sir.Iwastaughtsomuch...”HowcouldIsaywhatImeantwithoutseemingstupid?Ididn’twanttoseemungrateful,butIdidn’twanttolie,either.
“Butwhatyou’vebeen
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taughtalmostseemsmeaninglessorirrelevant?Isthatit?”
HowcouldIanswerthat?Finally,Ishrugged.“Iknowit’snot,butsometimes...”
“Watchingcorridorsandescortingpetitionersseemsmostuneventful,evenboring.”
“Attimes,sir,”Iadmitted.
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“Thatsuggeststhatyouarenotobservantenough,andthatyouarelettingyourmindliefallow.Becauseyouareanartist,Iimaginethatyoucoulddrawafairlikenessoftheotherimagerswithwhomyouwork,couldyounot?”
“Yes,sir.”Mywordswerecautious.
“Couldyoudescribeexactlyhoweachofthem
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walks,orcarriestheirhands,orwhatgesturesaresohabitualtothemthattheydonotevennoticethemselvesmakingsuchgestures?Orhowtheyweartheirgarments,asmuchaswhattheywear?Or,moreimportant,howtheyusewordsandargumentsandevenbodyposturestoinformordominateothers?”
“No,sir.”
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“Youshouldpracticethatskillwitheverypersonyoumeet,untilitbecomessecondnature.Ifyoudoso,youwillfindthattherearetimeswhenithassavedyourlife.Ifyoudonot,yourlifemaywellbethatmuchshorter.”
Icouldn’thelpfrowning.
“Rhennthyl...thinkofitthisway.Whatdistinguishesthosewhoaresuccessful
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fromthosewhoarenotiswhattheyknowandhowtheyapplythatknowledge.Becausetheworldisgovernedbymen,shouldyounotendeavortolearnasmuchaspossibleaboutmen?IfyoustudymenwiththesamediligenceasyouhavestudiedartandthetextswithwhichMasterDichartynhaspliedyouandexaminedyou,youwillgaingreatknowledge
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abouthowbesttoapplyallyouknow.”Hesmiled.“Thatismyhomilyfortheday,butIwouldaskyoutoconsiderit.”
MasterPoincarytwastruetohiswordanddidnotofferasingleotherpieceofadvice,onlythankingmeformydiligencejustbeforehedepartedandconfirmedthathewouldbepresentthefollowingSamediatthesame
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time.
AsIcleanedupthestudio,IrealizedsomethingaboutMasterPoincarytandhisadvice.He’donlygivenmeonesuggestion.Becausehehadofferednothingelse,Iwaslikelytorememberthatsuggestionfarmorethanifithadbeenburiedamongawealthofideas.Whathesaidcertainlymadesense,andIcouldcertainlypractice
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duringtheslowtimesattheChateau.
Aftercleaningupthestudio,Iwanderedbacktomyquartersbeforemakingmywaytothedininghallforlunch.Oncethere,IspiedReynol.
“CouldIjoinyou?”
Helookedtobothsides—wherebothchairswereempty—thenraisedhiseyebrows
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dramaticallyandgrinned.
“Ithinkyoumadeyourpoint.”Isettledintothechaironhisleft.“HaveyouseenMenyardlately?”
“He’soutvisitingsomecousintoday.That’sbecausehe’sinterestedinherbestfriend.Whateverhappenedtotheladywhosavedyourlife?”
“She’sbeenawayandjust
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gotback.I’llseehertomorrow.”
“ItmustbenicetoleaveL’Excelsisinthesummer.”
“Itwasamixedblessing.Shewasaccompanyinghergrandmotherandherbrother.”
“Thatcouldbeaverymixedblessing.”Reynolpassedaplatterofcoolfowlslices,andthenoneofrice
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fries.
Ipouredsomeoftheredwine.“Wouldyoulikesome?”
“Please.”
“WhatdoyouthinkaboutwhatmighthappeninCaenen?”Iasked.
“Haven’tyouseenthenewsheets?”
“Nottoday.”
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“TheHighPriestwasleadingsomeritualmeeting.HedeclaredthatwewerewhatevertheCaenenanequivalentoftheNamerwas,whenhedroppeddead.Apparently,hisheartstopped.”
“Oh...Isee.”Ihadagoodideahowthathappened.“What’slikelytohappennext?”
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“WeorTiemprewillbeblamed.”Reynolshrugged,thenadded,“Onewouldhopehissuccessorwouldseetheerrorofhispredecessor’sways.Sometimestheydo,sometimesnot.”
“HasanyoneheardfromKahlasaorClaustyn?”
“Wewouldhaveheardifsomethingwentwrong,unlessithappenedinthelast
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fewdays.”
“Oh?”
“Theirnameswouldgoupontheplaquesofthoselostinthelineofduty.Thosearethetabletsonthewalltotherightofthemainentrance.”
I’dseentheplaques,andthenames,butIhadthoughtofthemmoreasmemorialstomucholderimagers.Untilthatmoment,ithadn’treally
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struckmethatthenamesofthoseIknewnearmyownagemightappearonthethem.Afteramoment,Iasked,“WhataboutJariola?”
Reynollaughed.“ThedeathoftheHighPriestofCaenenwon’tmattertotheOligarch.He’sthekindthatthinksnothingcouldpossiblyhappentohim.Besides,itwon’t.Whentheirentiregovernmentiscomposedofa
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smallnumberofpeoplewhothinkexactlythesamewaywiththesameinterestsandprejudices,whatdifferencedoesitmaketoSolidarwho’snominallyincharge?TheOligarchdies,andthenextoneactsjustthesame.”
Again,Ihadn’tthoughtofitinquitethatway.
Intheend,wecametonorealconclusionsaboutwhat
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mighthappen.Afterward,Ipickedupcopiesofbothnewsheetsandsatonashadedbenchinthequadrangleandreadthem.Ididn’tlearnmuch.Afterthat,IwatchedtheyoungerimagerswalkingbackandforthandtriedtopracticewhatMasterPoincarythadsuggested.Itwasfarharderthanithadsounded.
Atslightlybeforethird
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glass,IcrossedtheBridgeofHopesunderaskythatheldahighsilveryhazethatmighthavekeptthedaycooler,exceptthattherewasnobreezeatall,andtheairwasstillandsodden.FollowingMasterDichartyn’sinstructions,IwasholdingfullshieldsandhopingthatIcoulddosoforaslongasnecessary.Despitethewarmthoftheafternoon,the
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streetswerecrowded,andsowerethesidewalks.IhadtowaitseveralmomentsbeforeIcouldcrossEastRiverRoad,weavingmywaythroughcarriagesandwagons,andtheoccasionalrider.
TheflowerladywiththegreenandyellowumbrellawasonthesouthsideoftheBoulevardD’Imagers,ifahalfblockfarthereast,near
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theeastentrancetotheboulevardgardens.Isawnosignofthemanwhohadbeenintheyellowvest—buttherewerescoresofpeoplemovingalongthebroadwalkborderingthegardens.
“Freshflowers...thebestforyou,sir.”Sheturnedtowardme.
“Howmucharethedaisiesthere?”
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“Foryou,sir,amerethreecoppers.”
Ididn’tfeellikehaggling,butIdidwanttoknowafewthings,andItriedtoconcentrateonobservingtheflowerseller.“Lastweekyouweretalkingtoamaninapaleblueshirtandayellowvest...”
“Italktothosewhobuyorthosewhomight.That’dbe
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scoreseveryday.”Shesmiled,buthereyesremainedtenseandworried,andhershouldersstiffened.“Lastweek?I’dfindithardtorememberwhoIsawthismorning.”
Ihandedoverthethreecoppers.“Ijustwonderedbecausehe’sabravo.Hecouldevenbeanassassin.”
Therewasthefaintest
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twitchatmywords.
“Iseeyoudoknowhim.”
“No,sir.Notbyname.EveryoneknowshimastheFerran.Hetalksjustlikeyouandme.He’sbeenonthestreetsherelonger’nme,andthat’slonger’nI’dliketocount.”
“Afterallthoseyears,nooneknowsmorethanthat?”
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Sheshookherhead.“Eventhestreetwalkersavoidhim.Theysayoneof’emlearnedsomethingabouthim,andshewashedupagainstthebargepiersdownrivertwodayslater.”
“ThenIwon’tpressyou.”Itookthedaisies.“Agooddaytoyou.”
AsIturnedawayfromher,steppingoutfromunderthe
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umbrellaandintothedirectsunlight,thefaintcrackandthesharpimpactagainstmyshieldswerenearlyinstantaneous.Iwaspushedaround,backtowardthecart.Asecondcrackfollowed.
Theflowersellersprawledbesidehercart,thedarkrednessofbloodwellingacrossthethinblouse.Sheshudderedseveraltimes,andwasstill.Imanagedtoturn,
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butIsawabsolutelynothingoutoftheordinary—exceptahandfulofpeoplestaringinmydirection.
Then,frombehindthewall,MasterDichartynandacivicpatrollerappearedandhurriedtowardme.
“Areyouallright,Rhennthyl?”
“I’mfine.”Iglanceddownatthedeadflowerseller,then
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backatMasterDichartynandthepatroller.Hewasolder,graying,andthatdefinitelybotheredme.“Didyouseehim?Whoevershother?”
MasterDichartynshookhishead.“Heshotfromthegardenontheotherside.Hewaitedforanopeninginthetraffic.”
“Youweretalkingtoher.Didshetellyouanything?”
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Thatwasthepatroller.
BeforeIsaidaword,IlookedtoMasterDichartyn.Henodded.
“Notmuch.Iaskedaboutthemanintheyellowvest.Sheonlyknewhisstreetname,andshedidn’twanttoknowmore.Peoplewhodiscoveredanythingabouthimendedupdead.TheycalledhimtheFerran.She
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didn’tknowwhybecausehetalkedlikeeveryoneelse.”
ThepatrollerlookedtoMasterDichartyn.“Yourmanherehasenemieswithexpensivetastesandwalletstomatch.”Heglancedaroundthestoneofthewidesidewalk,asifsearchingforsomething,thenhurriedwestwardwherehepickedupsomething.Ihadthefeelingitwasthebulletthathadhitmy
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shields.
“You’regoingtogetagreatdealofexperiencewithshields,Rhennthyl.”MasterDichartynkepthisvoicelow.
Whathedidn’tsaywasthat,ifIdidn’twheneverIleftImagisle,I’dsoonbedead.“Doyouthinkthiswas...linkedtoJohanyr?”Myvoicewasequallylow.
“No.Thisissomething
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else.Idon’tknowwhat.”
Fromhislackofexpression,Icouldtellhedidn’tlikenotknowing.
Theseniorpatrollerreturned.Helookedatme,thenatDichartynbeforeholdingupthebullet.Theendwassquashedatanangle.
Ididn’tsayanything.NeitherdidMasterDichartyn.
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“Nastybusiness,”thepatrollerfinallysaid,addingconversationally,“Idon’tthinkanyoneinheadquarterswouldlookintomattersmuchifthisFerranwerefounddead.”
“Possiblynot,”repliedMasterDichartyn,“butifhediednow,whoeverhiredhimwouldjusthiresomeoneelse.”
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Aswestoodthere,aCollegiumdutycoachpulledup.MasterDichartyngestured.“It’stotakeyoutoyourparents’house.There’snothingmoreyoucandohere.”
Ididn’targue.
Inthecoachonthewaytomyparents’,Ithoughtaboutwhathadjusthappened.WhywasMasterDichartynso
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convincedthattheFerranhadnotbeenhiredbyHighHolderRyel?BasedonwhatI’dlearnedfromMaitreDyana,thelikelyanswerwasthattheHighHolderregardedmeremurderastookind,buttherehadtobeotherreasons.Ijustdidn’tknowwhattheywere.
WhenthedrivertooktheSouthMiddleRoad,ratherthanstayingontheMidroad,
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Istartedtoworry,untilhetookSangloire,andthenthebacklanes,waystothehousethatI’donlyseenCharlsynuse.Thatfamiliarityraisedotherquestions,buttherewasnoonetoask.Thedriverdidwaitafterhepulledupoutsidethehouse,watchingasIwalkedupontotheportico.
KhethilaopenedthedoorbeforeIevenknocked.She
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rushedoutandthrewherarmsaroundme.“Rhenn!”
Atthatmoment,IrealizedI’dlefttheflowersbehind,butImanagedtogrinasIdisentangledmyself.“IdidseeyoulastSamedi,youknow?”
“It’sbeenalongweek,averylongweek.Comein!”
Iglancedbackandsawthecoachpullingaway.
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Khethilafollowedmyglance.“That’snohack.”
“No.IwasfortunatetogetarideinaCollegiumcoach.”
“IthinkI’veseenonelikethatbefore,”musedKhethila,“butIdon’trememberwhere.”
“That’spossible.”IclosedthedoorbehindusandmanagednottosighasIreleasedfullshields,leaving
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onlytheanti-imagertriggershieldsinplace.
“Therearcourtyardporchiscooler,andFatherandCulthynarealreadyoutthere.”
Sinceitwasshelteredandwalled,thatwasfinewithme,andIfollowedherthroughthehouse.Fatherwassittinginthemostshadedcorner,lookingoverwhatappeared
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tobealedger.
Culthynwassittingatthesmalltablewithadeckofplaques,playingatsolitaire.Helookedupafteramoment.
“HowdidyoulikeKherseilles?”IaskedCulthyn,takingtheothercornerchair.
“Itwaslikeanyotherplace.”Histoneconveyedboredom.
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“Didyoudoanythinginteresting?”
“Notmuch.”
IpausedasNellicaappearedandplacedacoolglassofsomesortofwhitewineonthesidetablebesidemychair.
Fatherclearedhisthroat,loudlyenoughtocatchCulthyn’sattention.
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“Well,Rouseldidarrangeformetodosailingacoupleoftimes.Itwascooleronthewater,andoncewesawaseasprite.”
“Theydon’tusuallygetclosetopeople.”
“Wewereprettyfaraway.”
“Notmanypeopleseethem,”addedKhethila.“Youwerefortunate.”
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“Fortunateindeed,”snortedFather.“Youthreatenthem,andthey’reworsethananecrimager.”
“Therehaven’tbeenanynecrimagerssincethebadoldtimes,”Culthynasserted.
“Notanyknownones,”Isaid.
Khethilaglancedatme,surprised.“Youaren’tsayingtherearesomeatthe
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Collegium?”
“Ofcoursenot.”NotthatIknew,anyway.“WhatImeantwasthatjustbecausesomeonehasn’tseensomethingdoesn’tmeanitdoesn’texist,especiallywhenyou’retalkingaboutsomethinglikeimaginglifeforceintoadeadordyingperson.Youcan’tdothat,anyway,butIsupposeotherthings...arepossible.”I
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realizedthatI’dalmostrevealedsomethingIshouldn’thave,andIkepttalkingtochangethesubject.“Peopleseethingsthattheydon’tunderstand,andtheyclaimit’scausedbysomething,usuallywhattheywanttobelieve.Therearecaseswherepeoplehavefallenintosuchadeeptranceeveryonethoughttheyweredead.Thentheywakeup.I
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suspectalltheoldlegendsaboutnecrimagingarebasedonmisunderstandingslikethat.”
Khethilaraisedhereyebrows,butdidnotquestionme.
“Youmakeitsoundsodull.”Culthyngatheredtogetherthedeckofplaqueslaidoutonthetableandshuffledthem,thenbeganto
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dealthemoutintothesixpilesforsolitaireoncemore.
“Mostthingsare,”Fatheroffereddryly,“untilyouunderstandthemevenmorefully.”Heclosedtheledgerwithathump.“Toanobservantman,thefiguresinanybusinessledgercantellaninterestingstory.”
Iwouldn’thavegonethatfar,buthedidhaveapoint.I
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alsohadaglimmerofanideawhyKhethilahadsaidithadbeenalongweek.LikeFather,shecouldreadbehindthefigures,butunlikeFather,shehadnorealauthorityinthefactorage.
Motherappearedattheporchdoor.“Dinnerisready.”
“I’mfamished!”Leavingtheplaqueshalfdealtonthe
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table,Culthynboundedupandintothehouse,pastMother,whohadsteppedbackasiftoavoidacharginggoat.
“Famished?”IlookedtoKhethila.
“HeheardaboutwhatyousaidtoRouselyearsagowhenhesaidhewasstarved.”
“Famishedisjustasbad.”ButIcouldn’tstopsmilingas
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weroseandfollowed,farmoresedately.
Onceinthediningroom,wewaitedforFather,whofinallyenteredandplacedhishandsonthebackofhisarmedchair.Helookedtome,standingtotheright.“Sinceitisincelebrationofyourbirthday,belatedasitmaybe,youshouldoffertheblessing.”
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Inodded.“Forthegraceandwarmthfromabove,forthebountyoftheearthbelow....”
“Inpeaceandharmony,”camethereply.
“Youstilloffertheartists’blessing?”askedCulthyn.“You’renotanartistanymore.”
“Actually,I’mstillpainting.Besides,thereisn’t
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animagers’blessing.”IpouredFather’swine,thenMother’s,thenmyown,beforesittingandthenhandingthecarafetoKhethila.
“Youcan’tpaint,canyou?”Culthynlookedsurprised.
“Icanpaint.Ijustcan’tgetpaidforit.I’mactuallydoingaportraitofoneofthesenior
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imagers.That’swhenIhavetime.”
Kieselacarriedinaplatterwiththreefowluponit.Eachwashalved,andthescentoforangeandspicesfilledtheair.
“Naranjeduck,”Motherannounced.“Rhenn’sfavorite,withcumin-creamrice.”
Ismiled.
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“Worthasmallfortunenow,cuminis,”Fatherannounced.
“Why?”askedCulthyn.
“ItcomesfromCaenen,mostly,”FatherexplainedasheservedhalfaducktoMotherandthentohimself.“Theystillsmuggleitin,butitcostsmore,andallthespicemerchantsraisethepriceevenwhentheyhavelarge
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stocks.”
“Couldn’tyougetitfromRemaya’sfather?”
MotherglaredatCulthyn.“Onedoesnottakeadvantageofrelatives,noraskforspecialfavorsthatwillcostthem.It’sunfairtoimpose.Besides,it’sill-mannered.”
Culthynsquirmedinhischair.
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Itookabiteoftheduck.Itwasexcellent,theorangeandthebittersandtheapplereductionallturningthemeatsucculent.Thecrispyskinwasgood,too.
“Thiswouldbeperfect,”Motheroffered,“ifRouselandRemayawerehere,and...”Shedeliberatelylefthersentenceunfinished.
“ButIdon’t,”Isaid,
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managingasmile,“andIwon’tforawhile,it’slikely.”Iwasn’tabouttomentionSeliora,notyet,althoughIsuspecteditwouldn’tbelong.
“He’sstillyoung,yet,Maelyna.”
“Notforthatlong.”SheglancedtowardKhethila,butsaidnothing.
Khethilaflushed.
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“So...whatdidtheCouncildothisweek?”askedFather.
Icouldn’thelplaughing.
“It’sthatamusing?”
“No,sir.It’sjustthatmydutieskeepmefromknowing,inmostcases,whattheCouncilisdoing.WhatIfindamusingisthatIspendmostofthedaywithintwentyyardsoftheCouncilchamber,
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andIdon’tknowmuchmorethanwhenIspenttheentiredayattheCollegium.”I’dalsolaughedatFather’svaliant,buttransparent,efforttogetthesubjectawayfromwhomKhethilaandImightmarryandwhen.ButIdidappreciatetheattempt.
“Justwhatisitthatyoudo,dear?”askedMotherquickly.“Idon’tbelieveyou’veeversaidorwrittenanythingabout
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it.”
“Weescortpetitionerstoseecouncilors.Wehelpmakesurepeopledon’tintrudeuponthecouncilors.Sometimeswecarrymessagesfromthecouncilorstoothercouncilorsortotheiraides,andwedootherthingsthatIcan’tmention.”
“Arethosescaryanddangerous?”askedCulthyn.
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Ilaughed.“Usuallythey’reboring.Onceortwicetheycouldhavebeendangerous.”
“Doyouseefactorspetitioningthecouncilors?”askedFather.“AnyoneImightknow?”
“It’spossible.Idon’tknoweveryoneyouknow.CouncilorEtyennisaclothfactor.Ididn’tencounterhim,butsomeoftheregular
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messengerswerejestingaboutthefactthathespendsaslittletimeaspossibleinL’Excelsis.”
“Thatdoesn’tsurpriseme,”Fatherreplied.“HehasthelargestclothwarehousesinSolidar.It’sawonderthathehasanytimetodevotetotheCouncil.”
“Doyouknowhim?”
“We’vemetafewtimes,
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andwe’veprovidedsomespecialwoolstohimonafewoccasions.Hewasneverearlywithpayment,butneverlate,either.”
“Whatishelikepersonally?”
“Heseemedpleasantenough,ifabitpreoccupied.Whoelsehaveyouseen?”
“Morethanafewspiceandessencefactorsandtraders,
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andafactornamedAlhazyr...”
“Oh,him.He’stheonewhowantstochangetheCouncilandputmoretradersonit—andeventwopubliccouncilors.Next,he’llbeadvocatingwomencouncilors.”Fathersnorted.
“Thatmightnotbeabadidea,”suggestedKhethila.“Theycouldn’tmanage
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thingsanyworse.”
“Solidarhasn’tdonebadlyundertheCouncil,”Fatherreplied.“WouldyouwanttoliveinJariolaorCaenen?Womenareserfsinoneandslavesintheother.”
“Father...”Khethilapaused,thenspokeslowlyanddeliberately.“IagreewithyouthatSolidarisafarbetterplacetolivethan
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almostanywhereelse.ItwasabetterplacetolivethanCaenenwasevenwhenwewereruledbyarex,butit’sbetternowwithaCouncil,andamorewidelyrepresentativeCouncilwouldbeevenbetterthanthat.”
“Morewidelyrepresentative?Isupposeyou’dwantthatMadameD’Shendaelmakinglaws,then?”Father’stonewas
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morethanmerelyironic.
“Whynot?She’sintelligentandaHighHolder.Shehasbeenknowntothink,unlikemostofthem.Butthen,Isupposethat’saflawforawoman.Notthinking,butlettingitbeknownthatwecanthink,likethatpoorMadameD’Saillyt.HerHighHolderhusbandbeatherandconfinedherforcontradictinghiminpublic,anddidwho
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knowswhatelsetoher,butwhensheshotthebeast,shewascondemnedandexecuted.”
“Likelystory,”Fathersnorted.“Youdon’tthinkshecouldn’thavegonetothepatrol?”
“No,”shecouldn’t,”Iinterjected.“Notifithappenedonhislands.TheHighHoldersretaintheright
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ofabsolutelowjusticeontheirownlands.Hecouldbeatherandconfineheronthegroundsthatsheassaultedhim.Shecouldonlyhaveavoidedthatifshehadmanagedtofleehislands,andthatmighthavebeendifficultifhekeptconfiningher.Evenso,she’dprobablyhavelosteverything,becausehecouldciteherfordesertion.”
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“Nohonorablemanwoulddothat,”Fatherhuffed.
“Chenkyr,dear,”Mothersaidsweetly,“fewmenareashonorableasyouare.”
ImanagedtokeepfrombreakingoutinlaughteratthewayMotherhadcorneredFather.
Inthatmoment,shestood.“Whowouldlikethefreshpeachcobblerandwhowould
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likethealmondcake?”
“I’dlikethecobbler,butwithasmallsliceofthecake.”Iofferedthewordswithagrin.
“IwillfollowRhenn’sexample,withaslightmodification,dear,”saidFather.“Iwouldpreferasmallsliceofeach.”
“Me,too,”saidCulthyn,“exceptcouldminebe
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bigger?”
Khethilashookherhead.“Justasmallsliceofthecake.”
Afterthat,Ilistened,sayingaslittleaspossibleasMotherrhapsodizedabouttheirvisitwithRemayaandRouselandhowbeautifulyoungRheityrwasandalreadyhowbrightheseemed.
Alittleaftereighthglass,I
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excusedmyself.
MotherhadarrangedforCharlsyntotakemebacktotheBridgeofHopes.Ididtaketheprecautionofraisingfullshieldsonthewalkfromthecoachtothequadrangle.AsIwalked,Icouldn’thelpbutthinkaboutMadameD’Saillyt.HadshebeentheoneI’dexecuted?Orhadthewomanwhohaddiedatmyimagingbeenanotherwoman
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condemnedforsomethingsimilar?Thesecondpossibility,Irealized,wasworsethanthefirst.
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Loveneverpresentsatrue
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image.
AfterbreakfastonSolayi,Ididtakesometimetowriteathank-younotetomyparentsforthedinnerandtheirthoughtfulness.Itwaslong,atleastforme,andItriedtomakeitwarm.Isetitonthe
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writingtablesothatI’dremembertopostitonLundi.ThenItookmytimeingettingreadytocallonSeliora.
ItwasstillbeforeonewhenthehackpulledupoutsidetheprivateentrancetotheNordEsteDesignbuilding.Ididn’twanttostandinthehotsunlightholdingfullshields,waitinguntilone,althoughIwaswearingthelighter-
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weightsummerimager’swaistcoatandathingraycottonshirt.SoIsteppeduptothedoorandliftedanddroppedthatancientandwell-polishedbronzeknocker,shapedmuchlikeastylizedupholsterer’shammer,Irealizedforthefirsttime.
YoungBhenytopenedthedoor.“MasterRhennthyl,sir.Pleasecomein.”
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“Bhenyt...didSeliorasendyoudowntoactasgreeter?Oryoursister?”Iwascuriousandcouldn’thelpwondering.
Hegrinnedatme.“Odeliaorderedmeto,butSeliorapaidme.”Then,abruptly,hegulped.“Iwasn’tsupposedtotellanyone.”
“Iwon’tletanyoneknow.”Iconcealedmyownswallow,
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wonderingifhewereslightlymal.“Leadon.”Isteppedinsideandlethimclosethedoor,thenfollowedhimupthestairstothesecondlevel.
Fortunately,Seliorastoodaloneintheupstairsentryfoyer,wearingflowingblacktrousersandacreamblousewithashortbutfilmyredvest.Herentirefacelitupasshesawme.Mineprobablydidaswell.Itookherhands,
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andthenfoundmyarmsgoingaroundher.
Herswerearoundme,butonlyforamoment,asshewhisperedinmyear,halflaughingly,“Thesewallshavebotheyesandears.”
Ididletgoofher,ifafterabriefkiss.Shewasstillsmiling.“Ihavesomuchtotellyou,butit’swarmhere,and...”Hereyesflickedto
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oneside,thentheother.
“Isee.”Ididn’tseeanyonepeeringintothefoyer,butthatdidn’tmeananything.
“There’sabitofabreezeonthethird-leveleastterrace...andit’smoreprivate.Everyoneelseisonthenorthterrace.”Shesmiled.“Iwillhavetotakeyoutherebeforeweslipaway.”
Isighed,moreforeffect
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thanbecauseIhadexpectedanythingdifferent.
“Itwon’tbethatbad.Everyonewillbegladtoseeyou.”Sheledmetothesideofthefoyerandthroughthearchwaythatledtoanarrowstaircase.
Fromthelandingatthetopofthestairs,weemergedfromanotherarchwayintoanarrowerhallorfoyer.
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“Everyone’ssleepingandpersonalchambersareuphere,”Selioraexplainedassheturnedandledmethoughanopensetofdoubledoorsontotheterrace,atile-flooredandcoveredexpansethatrantheentirewidthofthebuilding,closetotwenty-fiveyards,andextendednorthwardfromthedoorsagoodtenyards.Heavyirongrillwork,waist-high,
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enclosedtheterrace,whoseroofwassupportedbysquaremasonrypillars.Exposedasitwastotheaironthreesides,theterracewasfarcoolerthantheinteriorfoyerorthestreetsbelow.
Ataglance,Icouldseetheextendedfamilyhadgatheredingroups—Seliora’sparentsandauntaroundatableneartheironrailingontheeast;theyoungadultsinwooden
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chairsaroundatableholdingarrangementsofplaquesthatsuggestedagameofRegianinprogress,andtheyoungerchildrenlisteningtoastorybeingtoldbyagrayingwomantoooldtobeanauntorcousin,andtooyoungtobeSeliora’sgrandmother.“Idon’tseeyourgrandmama.”
Seliorafrowned.“Shewashere.Shemightbetakinganap.Shedidwanttomeet
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you.”Sheshookherhead.“Grandmamaalwaysdoesthingsherway.”Therewasamixtureofruefulnessandrespectinhertone,asshegentlyguidedmetothetablewhereherparentssat.
“Madame,”Ibegan,incliningmyheadtohermother.
“Betara,please.Youmakemefeellikemymother.”
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Iofferedasmile.“MyownmotherwouldgivemeaverylonglectureonbeingtooinformalandnotshowingrespectifsheeverfoundoutthatIusedyourgivenname.”
Betarasmiledinreturn.“Thenwewillmakecertainsheneverfindsout.”
“Sheisquitecapableofthat,”Shelimadded,withafondlookathiswife.
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“Iunderstandallthewomeninthisfamilyaremostformidable.”
BothBetaraandAeginalaughed.Shelimofferedawrygrin,buthiseyescrinkledinamusement.
“IunderstandyouarelearningyourwayaroundtheCouncilChateau,”offeredShelim.
“Aroundisaverygood
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description.There’sagreatdealtolearn.”
Betarahadbeenstudyingme.Thenshenodded.Shewasn’tagreeingwithherhusband,andIwouldhavelikedtoknowexactlywhatI’dsomehowconfirmedforher.
“Hiseyesareolder,”shesaidabruptly,lookingtoAegina.
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“Hehasseenwhatmostneverwill.”
Ihadn’tthoughtofitquitethatway,butitwastrue.Notmanymenofanyagehavelookedintothebarrelofagunthatwillalmostkillthem,andthatwasonlypartofwhathadhappenedsincetheyhadlastseenme.
“Youunderstand,Isee,”observedBetara.
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Iinclinedmyhead.“Isuspectso,madame.”Icouldnotmakethestatementwithoutthehonoroftheformality.
Afaintsmilecrossedherlips,butnotanunpleasantone.Ithoughttheremighthavebeenahintofsadnessbehindit.
“We’llbeontheeastterrace,”Seliorasaid.
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“I’llbringyousomethingtodrinkinawhile.”Betaralookedtome,thesombernessgoneasifithadneverbeen.“Whatwouldyoulike?WehavesomecoolSanietra,mostwines,orAlusangoldlager,orsomenaranjejuice.”
“TheSanietrasoundsverygood.”
“I’dlikethat,too,”saidSeliora,“butIcouldgetit..
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.”
“Nonsense.Youyoungpeoplehaveasummertocatchupon.”
“You’remostkind.”Iunderstoodtheunstatedbutinformalchaperoninginvolved.“Thankyou.”
Selioraturned,andImovedwithher.
Aswepassedthegame
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table,Odelialookedupfromtheplaquesofthegameandgrinned.“Enjoyyourselves.”
“Concentrateonthegame,”returnedSeliora,“orShomyrwilltakeeverycoinyouhave.”
Onceweleftthenorthterrace,Selioratookmyarm,muchmorepossessively,andguidedmealongthewidehallwayuntilwecametoa
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doorwaythatlookedlikealltheothers.Shepressedthedoorlever,pushedthedoorback,thenusedabrasscatchtoholditopen.Averyshorthall—lessthanfouryards—endedinanotherdoor,whichshealsoopened.Theeastterracewasmuchsmaller,nomorethanfiveyardsbyfour,almostasifithadoncebeenaroomandsomeonehadreplacedtheouterwallwith
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theironrailingandgrillwork.
Seliorabentandmovedastoneponytopropthedoorbetweentheshorthallwayandtheterraceopen,thensteppedtoonesideofthedoor.“Itgetstoohotandstillhereifwedon’tleavethedooropen.”Icouldseethat,becausetherewasnootherwayfortheairtoflow.
Then,shewasinmyarms,
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andtherewasnohesitationwiththeembraceandthekiss.
Afteralongtime,shelookedupatme.“Imissedyou.Iworried.”
Ikissedheragain,gently.“Imissedyou...andI’mhere.”
AfteratimelongerthanIhadhopedandshorterthanIwished,sheeasedoutofmy
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arms,andwesettledinoneachsideofthecirculartableontherightsideoftheterrace,sincetheterracehadnosetteesthatmightaccommodatetwo.Lookingeastward,Icouldseetheincline,filledwithbuildingsandhouses,thatformedthesouthwestpartofMartradon.IthoughtIcouldpickoutwhereMasterCaliostrus’sstudiohadbeen.
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“You’vehadalongsummer,haven’tyou,Rhenn?”
“Sohaveyou,”Irepliedlightly.“HowwasPointeNeimon?”
“Quiet...pleasantinadullway.Itwasmuchcoolerthanhere.Onewholeweekitrainedalmostalldayeveryday.WeplayedplaquesuntilIdidn’twanttolookat
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anotherplaqueagain.”
“Whataboutallthetextilemanufactories?”
Selioratiltedherheadslightly.“Grandmamawasright.Wedidneedtovisitthem.”Shelaughed,softly,throatily.“Ateveryone,sheentereddressedlikethewealthiestoffactorians.”
“Isn’tshe?”Iaccompaniedthegentlequestionwitha
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smile.
Seliorapaused.“Wedon’tthinkofitquitethatwaybecausewe’veavoidedthefactoringassociations.We’vekeptourselvesaspartofthewoodcrafters’andcabinetmakers’guild.”
“Thisbuilding,withalltheshopsandquartersandeverything—it’slargerthanmostfactors’warehouses.”
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Also,remainingascraftersavoidedtheprejudiceagainstPharsiswhotriedtojointhefactoringassociations.
“It’sallfamily.Almost,anyway.”
“Thatmaybetrue,butthenumberofpeoplewhoworkhere,fromwhatIcantell,islargerthanthoseemployedbymostfactors.”Igrinned.“Whenshewalkedintothose
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manufactories,Iimagineyourgrandmamaputthemallintheirplacewithoutsayingaword.”
Selioranodded.“Theyallknowher.Shedidn’tsayso,butpartofthetripwastogetthemtoknowwhoShomyrandIare.Shesaidwe’ddoanothertripinthelatefall,ifshefeltuptoit.”
“Wheredidyoustay?”
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“Atnotverygoodhotels,exceptatPointeNeimon.There,Grandmamahasfriends—oracquaintances.Theyhaveacottageonthewestsideofthepoint.Itoverlooksthewater.It’sveryrocky,andthewater’srough,eveninsummer.Itisbeautiful,though,andverypleasant.There’sonlyonesmallcovewhereit’ssafetoswim,andthewaterisn’tthat
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warm.Wecouldwalktoamarket.Therearen’tmanyhacks,butyoucanrentacarriageifyouneedone...”
Ilistenedandofferedquestions,justenjoyingbeingwithherandlookingather.
Thentherewerefootstepsonthehardwoodfloorofthehallwayfromthemaincorridor.
“Seliora...?”
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Betara’swordswereasmuchawarningasanannouncement.
“We’rehere,”Seliorasaid.“We’vejustbeentalking.”
Betarasteppedontotheterracecarryingasmalltray.Onitweretwoglassesofsparklingcrystal-clearSanietra,oneofmysummerwinesofchoice,althoughIhadn’thadanyforawhile,
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andasmallplatterholdingthinslicesofappleandpeach,alongwithtwonapkins.
“Ithoughtyoumightlikealittlelightrefreshment.”
“Thankyou,”Ioffered.
“Oh...Grandmamasendsherapologies.Shesaysthat,inthisheat,she’snotfeelingherbest,butshepromisesshe’llmeetRhennnextweek.”Betaralookedtome.
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“Youarecoming?”
“Iwouldn’tmissitforanything.”
Shelaughed.“Withallthathashappenedtoyou,letushopethatitdoesn’tcometothat.”Inmoments,shewasgone.
ItookasipoftheSanietra.Itwasascoolanddryasitlookedandslippeddownmythroateasily,leavingafaint
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hintofsweetlimeandlilacbehind.“Thisisgood.”
“Itis.”Afteramoment,shesaid,“Youhaven’tsaidwhatyou’vebeendoing.”
“Untilalittlemorethanaweekago,allIdidwasworkonlearningeverythingtheCollegiumthoughtIneededtoknowformydutiesattheChateau.”Ismiled.“ThenIwenttoworkanddiscovered
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thatmostofitwasveryroutine,escortingpetitionerstoseecouncilors,standingcorridorwatches,takingamessageortwo...”
Sheraisedhereyebrows.“Whatelse?”
Ididn’twanttoanswerthatdirectly.“Yousaidthatyourfamilyhadwaysoffindingoutthings.Canyouoryourmotherorgrandmamafind
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outaboutabravocalledtheFerran?”
“Washetheonewhoshotyou?”
“No...andyes.”
Shefrowned,thenasked,“Theyhiredsomeoneelsetogoafteryou?Youdidn’ttellme?”
“Icouldn’thavewrittenyou,and...well...Ididn’t
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wanttocomehereandannouncethatpeoplewerestillshootingatme.Atleast,itseemsthatway.Lastweekhe—that’stheFerran—followedmewhenIwastryingtofindoutwhohiredthefirstkiller.Iavoidedhim,butI’dfoundoutthatMasterCaliostrus’sbrothermighthavebeeninvolved.So,Isuspect,didhe,becauseThelal—thatwasthebrother
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—endedupknifeddeadinatavernbrawltwodayslater.”
“MasterCaliostrus?Whatdidhehavetodowiththis?He’sbeendeadformonths.”
“SomepeoplethinkthattheexplosionthatkilledMasterCaliostruswasn’tanaccident.I’veheardguessesthatitwasintendedforOstrius,oratMasterCaliostrusbecauseMadameCaliostruswas
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tryingtostopCaliostrusfromgivingcoinstoThelal.ShesoldtheruinedhouseandthelandtoElphens.Didyouknowthathemademaster?”
“Ididn’t.I’mnotsurprised.Healwayshadmorecoinsthanajourneymanshould.”
“HisfatherisaHighHolder,Iwastold.”
“Sinceheisnotone,Elphensmustbethesonofa
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mistress...orless.”
“Amistress,Iwouldguess,becauseHighHolderTillakwouldn’tshelloutsomanygoldsforabastardsonunlesshefeltsomethingspecialabouthimorhismother.”
Selioranodded.“Whatelse?Youstillhaven’ttoldmewhypeopleareshootingatyou.Whendidallthishappen?”
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“Idon’tknowwhy.Nooneelseseemstoknow,either.Yesterday,whenIwasonmywaytomyparentsforthatbelatedbirthdaydinner—”
“Youdidn’ttellmeitwasyourbirthday.”
“Ithappenedwhileyouweregone.Itwouldhavesoundedwrong...towriteandmentionmybirthday,especiallyafteryou’vebeen
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sogoodtome.”Ismiledapologetically.
“Oh...Rhenn.Youdon’t...”Herheadshakeconveyedamixtureofaffectionandexasperation.“Goon.”
“I’djustcrossedthebridgeandwasgettingsomeflowerstotaketomysister.IhadjustaskedtheflowersellerabouttheFerran,becausehe’dsaidafewwordstohertheweek
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before.Thatwaswhenhewastalkingtohersothathecouldfollowme—butIdidn’tknowthatuntillater.Yesterday,shetoldmethathewastheFerran,andrightafterthatheshotatusboth.Hekilledher.Therewasacivicpatrollernottenyardsaway,andhecouldn’tevenseetheshooter.NeitherdidI,butithadtobehim.”
“Areyousure?”
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Ishrugged.“It’seitherhim,orI’minevenbiggertroublethanIthought.”
“DoIunderstandthataweekagothisperson—theFerran—wasfollowingyouandyesterdayyouthinkheshotatyouandkilledtheflowerwoman?”
“Hewastryingtokillusboth.MebecauseI’mthetargetandherbecauseshe
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toldmeabouthim.”
“Whywouldanyonewanttokillyou?”
Ihadtoshrug.“Idon’tknow.NooneattheCollegiumdoes,either,butitmustbetiedtoEmanus—”
“RhennthylD’Imager.”Hervoicewasstern.“You’reonlytellingmebitsandpieces.Tellthewholestoryfromthebeginning.”
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SoIdid,leavingoutwhatmightrevealtoomuchabouttheCollegiumandmyrealduties.
Afterward,shelookedatmeandshookherhead.“IthastohavesomethingtodowithHighHolderRyel.AconnectionwithEmanusdoesn’tmakesense.Youonlytalkedtohimtwice,andthefirstassassintriedtokillyoubeforeanyonecouldhave
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knownyouweregoingtotalktohimthesecondtime.”
“Ijustdon’tknow.MasterDichartynisconvincedthat’snotthewayHighHoldersdothings.That’swhyIwantedtoknowifyoucouldfindoutabouttheFerran.”
“IcanaskMama.Idon’thavethosecontacts,butGrandmamais...involvedinmanythings.”
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I’dalreadygatheredthat.
Then,Iheardthefourbellsringing.“Ineedtogo.”Istood.
SodidSeliora,glidingaroundthesmalltableandputtingherarmsaroundme.Ididn’tneedanymoreencouragement.
Itwasabitbeforewesteppedapart.
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“You’recomingnextSamediathalfpastfour.”Herwordsweren’taquestion.
“IsaidIwouldn’tmissit.”
“Ifit’stoohot,we’lleatuponthenorthterrace.Weofteneatthereinthesummerandearlyharvest.”
“AndImightmeetyourgrandmama?”
“Shesaidshewouldmeet
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youwhenthetimewasright.Ithoughtshemeanttoday.”
Wewalkedslowlydowntothesecondlevelandthendowntothemainentryfoyer.SeliorastoodatthetopofthestepsasImademywaydownthelastsetofsteps.SomeonehadsentBhenytdownandoutintothestreet,because,bythetimeIsteppedoutofthedoorandwalkeddownthesteps,ahackwaswaiting,and
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Bhenytwasstandingbesidethestoop.
“Thankyou,Bhenyt.”
“Mypleasure,MasterRhennthyl.”
TheridebacktotheBridgeofHopeswasuneventful,butIdidholdfullshieldswhenIleftthecoachandwalkedacrossthebridge.
Dinnerwasalsowithout
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incident,andDartaznandIsatwithMenyardandReynol,andweallspeculatedaboutwhatmighthappenwithCaenenandJariola,notthattherewasanythingnewinthescandalsheets.And,ofcourse,wewenttoservices,where,aswasoftenso,ChoristerIsolahadsomeinterestingthingstosayinherhomily.
“...oneofthedeadlysins
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isthatofNaming.WealltalkaboutthesnareoftheNamerandpraisethelifeandworksofRholantheUnnamer,buthowoftendoweconsiderwhyNamingisindeedadeadlyvice?Therearetwokindsofhungerinlife.Oneisphysical.Thatisbasedontheneedforbodilynourishment,andeatingtoomuchbecomesthesinofgluttony.Theotherhungerinlifeisforself-
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worth.Allmenandallwomenneedtofeelthattheyandwhattheydoareofvalue.Butjustaseatingtostophungercanbecomegluttonywhencarriedtoexcess,sotheseekingofwaystoshowself-worthcanquicklyturnintoNaming.Aproudfactorbuildsmoreandmorefactor-agestoprovehisworth,andthenheengagesinpracticestoundermineotherfactors
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anddrivethemoutofbusiness.WillbeingthewealthiestfactorinSolis,orWestisle,orevenL’Excelsisprovetobeenough?AHighHolder,alreadywealthyandrespected,stillschemestobringdownandevenruinotherHighHolderstoproveheisamongthemorepowerfulHighHolders.Anation,suchasCaenen,orJariola,orinthepast,even
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Solidar,wantstoproveitspower—andthatisanextensionofself-worth—andusesthatpowertohumiliateordefeatotherlands.AlltheseareexamplesofNaming,seekingtoexaltone’snameandreputationaboveothers,notthroughhonesteffort,butbytryingtoundermine,ruin,ordefeatanddestroyothers...andthisiswhyNamingisthe
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greatestsinofall,becausetheunbridledhungerforgreateresteemcanneverbesatisfied...”
Icouldn’tsaythatIreallybelievedintheNameless,butsomuchofwhatsurroundedandinfusedtheservicesmadesense.CouldIbelieveinthedoctrinewithoutbelievinginthedeity?
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Seeminglyunrelatedtiny
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piecescompriseimages;whoeverseesthosepiecesasawholeearliest
comprehendsfirst.
Lundi,likeVendrei,wasaslower-pacedday,atleastafterthemorningexerciseandrun,andIdidhavetime
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toslipmylettertomyparentsintotheoutgoingpostinbetweenmydutiesattheCouncilChateau.BesidesescortingtwoverycondescendingfactorsfromEstisletoseeCouncilorDiogaynandcarryingsealedmessagesfromCouncilorReynertoCouncilorGlendyl,allIdidwaswatchthecorridorsandtrytosharpenmyobservationskillsonthe
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fewwhodidcomemyway.CouncilorGlendylhadaticinhisrighteyewhenhespoke,butnotwhenhelistened.CouncilorAlucionstillhadmassivecallusesonhispalmsandwalkedwiththeswayinggaitofamanwhomusthavecarriedgreatweightswhenhewasyounger—ashemighthave,sincehewastherepresentativeoftheStonecutters’Guild.
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CouncilorHaestyrwasyoungerthanI’drealizedandwascheerfultoeveryone,butIthoughthisgreeneyeswerecold.
BecauseLundiwassuchaslowday,wewerereleasedbeforefourthglass.I’dalreadydecidedthatIneededtotalktomorepeopleinthePortraitureGuild,ifonlytoseeifsomeonehadbeentalkingtothemaboutme...
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andbecauseIhadnoideawhereelsetocontinueintryingtotrackdownwhowasafterme.Seliora’sfamilywouldprobablyfindoutmorethanIeverwould,butIhadtotry.Rogarismighttellmesomething,iffornootherreasonthantogetmetoleave,becausehehadbeenclearlyuncomfortablethelasttimeI’dseenhim.Couldthathavebeenbecauseheand
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Sagarynknewsomething?
WhenwereachedtheCollegium,Ididn’tevenhaveachancetogettomychamberstochange,becauseafresh-facedprimewaswaitingforthedutycoach.“ImagerRhennthyl,sir?MasterDichartynwouldliketoseeyouimmediately,sir.”
BothDartaznandMartylshooktheirheadsasthey
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slippedaway.I’dhavewageredtheywerejustgladtheyhadn’tbeensummoned.IfollowedthedutifulyoungstertoMasterDichartyn’sstudy,wherethedoorwasopen.
“Comeonin,Rhenn,”hecalled.
Ienteredandclosedthedoor,thentooktheseatacrossthedeskfromhim.
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“Rhennthyl,therearesomeotheritemswhichtheCivicPatrolneglectedtomentiontome.”AlthoughMasterDichartyn’svoicewaspleasant,hiseyeswerecold.
“Yes,sir?”
“Isthereanythingyoucanaddtowhatyou’vetoldme—anythingatall.”
“Sir,IthoughtItoldyouwhatIknew,buttheremay
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bemorethatIthoughtItoldyouanddidnot.”Thatwasthesafestanswer.
Henodded.“PleaseletmeknowifyourecallmoreafterItellyouwhatelseIhavediscovered.TheroomsinthepensionwhereEmanuslivedweremodest,buthissavingswerenotenoughtopayforthemandfood.Ihadsomeinvestigationsmade.Hewasreceivingamonthlystipend
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fromtheBanqueD’Excelsis,butthefundscameblindfromthelocalbranchoftheBanqueD’Abierto,andwehavenowayofdeterminingthesender.”Helookedatme.
“IcannotsayI’msurprised,sir.Ididaskhimifhehadallowedhimselftoberemovedasguildmaster—”
“Hewasaguildmaster?”
“Didn’tItellyouthat,sir?”
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“Itcouldbe.Mattershavebeenlessthanserene.Goon.”
“Hesaidhehadbeen,andthathehadallowedascandaltobetrumpedupbecauseitwasbetterthatway,andnooneelsegothurt.Iaskedifhe’dallowedittoprotectsomeoneinhisfamily.Hedidn’tanswerexceptbyaskingwhyI’daskthat.Ithinkhewasprotectingsomeone.”
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“Thatmightwellbe.Theotherthingthatthepatrolfound,hiddeninsidealeathercasemadetolooklikeabook,wasaminiatureportraitofayoungwoman.SinceEmanushadnootherknownfamily,theyletmehaveitforthemoment.”Hehelduptheportraitofadark-hairedyoungwoman,setinasimpleovalebonyframe,nomorethanfivedigitsfromthetop
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oftheovaltothebottom,thenextendedit.“Doyouknowher...orrecognizetheartist?”
Istudiedtheunfamiliarimageofadark-hairedgirlperhapstheageofKhethila,alsolookingcloselyatthesurfacetexture.“I’dguessit’sclosetotwentyyearsold,sir,butIdon’trecognizeher.Thetechniqueisoutstanding.I’djudgethatEmanuspaintedit
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himself,becauseIdon’trecognizethetechnique,becauseit’sbetterthananyonepaintinginL’Excelsistoday,andbecauseit’sunsigned.Allworksthataresoldhavetobesigned.Thiswasnevermeantforsale,notwiththatframe.”Ipaused.“I’dsaythatheknewthegirlverywell.Thiswasn’tdonejustforgolds.Thedetailistoogood,almostloving.”
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“Almostloving...ofcourse!”Heheldouthishandfortheportrait.“Weneedtokeepthissafe.”
“MightIask?”Ihandedbacktheminiature.
“Youmay,butI’drathernotsayrightnow.IfI’mwrong,itcouldberather...embarrassingfortheCollegium.”
“Oh...thathastobehis
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daughter,”Iblurted.“That’swhy.”
ThatbroughtMasterDichartynupshort.“Whydoyousaythat?”
“Theportraitistwentyyearsold.Atleast,Ithinkitis.Grisarius—Emanus—hadtobemorethansixty.Igotthefeeling,fromalltheservinggirlsItalkedto,andfromwhenItalkedtohim,
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thathehadneverpursuedanyofthem.Yethewasfriendlytothem,andtherewerenorumorsaboutmalelovers.Thatmeanseitherawife,amistressorlover,oradaughter.Yousaidhehadnofamily,andnoonehasevermentionedafamily.Sincehewouldhavebeenoverfortywhenthiswaspainted,adaughterfitsbetterthanalover,especiallywhenhe
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talkedaboutnotwantingtoseeanyonehurt.Usuallypeopletalkaboutchildrenmorethatwaythanaboutlovers.”
AwrysmilecrossedMasterDichartyn’sface.“That’saratherinterestingspeculation.Whatelsemightyouthinkaboutthisdaughter?”
“She’sprobablymarried,
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andprobably,fromtheclothes,eitherfromaverywealthymerchant...no...thecloth...thathastobe,I’mjustguessing,fromaHighHolderhousehold.”
“Youthinkthatwaswhyhewaskilled?”
“No,sir.Ifthepaintingisofadaughter,andshewasclosetoeighteenwhenitwaspaintedtwentyyearsago,it
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couldn’tbeahusband’svengeanceoranotherlover’srevenge.Hewastoovisibletohaveavoidedakillerforsolong.Ithadtobesomethingmorerecent.”
“Sowhydoyouthinkhewaskilled?”
“Ihavenoidea,butithastotieintomyvisit.Otherwise,whywouldithappenthen,andinthatway?
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Arenegadeimagerdoesn’tcomecheap,andthatsuggestsaHighHolderorsomeonewithgreatwealthandconnections.”
“Itmay,”repliedMasterDichartyn,“butthere’snotashredofproof.”
“Youknowwhosheis,don’tyou,sir?”
MasterDichartynsighed.“Everyonceinawhile,
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Rhennthyl,Icanseewhyothersmighthaveareasontomurderyou.”Hepaused.“Ihavenottoldyouwhosheis.ThatshouldtellyouthatIhaveareasonfornottellingyou.Suchareasoniseitherformysafetyoryours,orbecauseitmightendangersomeoneelse.Whensuchanoccasionoccurs,keepthespeculationtoyourself.Andsparemetheoldcanardabout
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noquestionbeingstupid.Someare.”
“Yes,sir.”Thatspieltoldmehewasworried—morethanworried—andthatIshouldbeevenmoreconcerned,becauseitindicatedthatmorepeoplewantedtogetridofmethanIevenknew.“YourmessengerreachedmejustbeforeIwasgoingouttotalktoacquaintancesinthe
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PortraitureGuild.WhatwouldyourecommendIdo,givenwhatyouknowthatIdon’t?”
“That’smuchbetter.IwouldsuggestthatyoutalktomorethanafewpeopleaboutEmanus’sdeath—ifonlytoprotectthem.”
Ididunderstandthat.IfItalkedtooneperson,thatpersonwasatrisk.Morethan
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ahandful,anditwouldbedifficult...Ialmostsmiled,becauseIhadaverynastyidea.
“CanItellpeopleI’mfollowinguponsomethingfortheCollegium?”
“Whatwouldyoutellthem?”
I’dalreadythoughtthatout.“Wasn’ttheresomespeculationthatthefirst
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bravo,theonethatshotme,hadshotsomeotherjuniorimagers?”
“AndyouwanttotellthemthatyouthoughtEmanusmighthaveknownsomething?”
Inodded.
“Sincehe’sdead,hecan’tverywellcontradictyou.Butyou’llhavetousefullshields,andyou’llbeonyourown
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thistime.Idon’thavetotellyoutobecareful.”
“Iwillbe,sir.”
“Oh...takethedutycoachforyourfirststop.Thatway,ifanyone’swatchingthebridgetheywon’tseeyoucrossit.I’llhaveBeleartletthemknow.”Hiseyesflickedtowardthedoor.
Istoodimmediately.“Thankyou,sir.”
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“Bestoffortune.”
AsIwalkedbacktomyquarterstochangeintoimagergrays,IwonderedwhyMasterDichartynwassuddenlysointerestedinpeoplewhoweretryingtokillme...andwhothewomanwas.Shecouldn’tjustbeanyone,oritwouldn’thavematteredifIknew.Shealsowasstillalive,forthesamereasons.
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Afterchangingquickly,Ihurriedbacktotheduty-coachstandandfoundtwocoachesthere.
“ImagerRhennthyl?”askedthewiryobduratedriverofthefirstcoach.“I’mtotakeyouwhereveryouwanttogo,alleveningifnecessary.MasterDichartyndecideditwouldbequickerandsaferthatway.”
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Nottomentiongivingmegreaterauthority,butIforborementioningthat.“Iappreciateit.”
“It’snotaproblem,sir.”Thedriversmiled.“Whereto?”
“DaravinWay,offDuoesteLanetotheeastofPlazaD’Nord.It’saboutthethirddwellingfromthecorner,headingeast.”
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“Yes,sir.”
I’dalreadythoughtthatI’dbeginwithSagaryn,sinceChasys’sstudiowasthefarthestfromtheCollegium,andthenworkbackasIcould.Iclimbedintothecoach.ThedrivertooktheBridgeofDesires,thentheWestRiverRoadnorthtotheNordBridgebeforecrossingtheriverandheadingeast.Thatroutemadesense,
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becausetherewerefarfewercoachesandwagonsonitthanontheBoulevardD’Imagers.Italsomightthrowoffanyonelookingforme.
Evenso,itwasclosetoaquintbeforefifthglasswhenthedriverstoppedthecoachinfrontofthesmalltwo-storydwelling.Thistime,whenIusedthebronzeknockerontheoutsidestudiodoor,
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Sagarynwastheonewhogreetedme,ifasurprisedlookandanopenmouthamountedtoagreeting.Finally,hestammered,“Rhenn...Ididn’t...you’rethelastperson...”
“Itisn’tapersonalvisit,Sagaryn.I’mhereonimagerbusiness.”
“Chasysisn’there.”
“That’sfine.You’rethe
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oneIcametosee,atthebehestoftheCollegium.”Ithoughtthatwasacorrect,ifindirect,wayofputtingit.
“Ah...comein.”
“Thankyou.”IstillheldmyshieldsasIsteppedinsideandheclosedthedoor.
Inthestudiobeyond,Icouldseeaportraitontheeasel,barelyoutlined.“Newportrait,Isee?”
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“Yes.I’msureyoudidn’tcomeaboutthat.Notonimagerbusiness.”
“No.I’llmakeitasquickasIcan.YoumightrecallEmanus...theoldartistwhosometimescametothehall.TheyusuallycalledhimGrisarius.”
“Isawhim.Ineverspoketohim.”Sagaryn’seyebrowsknitinconfusionor
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puzzlement.
“He’sdead.It’sverylikelybecauseofwhatheknew.Idon’tknowifyou’dheard,buttherehavebeenseveralshootingsofjuniorimagersoverthelastfewmonths.Iwasoneofthoseshot,andwhereIwasshotwasknowntoonlyafewpeople,mostofthemconnectedtotheguild.Wedon’tthinkanyoneintheguildhadanythingtodowith
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theshootings,butwedothinkthatwhoeverdidmusthavetalkedtoseveralpeopleintheguild.”Ismiled.“SoI’mheretoseewhooutsidetheguildaskedyouaboutme.”
Therewastheslightestmovementatthecornersofhismouth,andforamoment,hiseyesflickeredawayfromme.Ijustwaited.
“Ah...it’sbeenawhile,
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maybeasfarbackasaroundthebeginningofMayas—itcouldhavebeentheendofAvryl.RogarisandDolemisandIwereatLapinina.IthinkitwasaJeudinight,andweweretalkingabouthowSelioraandhercousintookyoutotheSamedigathering,andhowtheguard’seyesnearpoppedoutwhenyouwalkedinwiththem.Therewasthisfellow,andhe’djust
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satdownatthenexttable,withanotherfellow.Hesaidsomethinglike,‘Wasthattheimagerwhousedtobeaportraituristjourneyman?’Rogarisaskedhimwhatbusinessitwasofhis,andthefellowsmiledandsaidthathe’dsuppliedthingstoCaliostrus,andthathe’drememberedthatyou’dbecomeanimagerbecausethereweren’tmanywho’d
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beenartists.”Sagarynshrugged.“Thatwasprettymuchit,exceptIdidheartheotherfellowmentionsomethingaboutNordEsteDesign—thefurniturepeople—andhowitwaswhereSelioraworked.Theystayedabitandthenleft.”
“Whatdidtheylooklike?”
“Thatwastwomonthsago,Rhenn.Bothofthem,they
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justlookedlikeanyoneelse.”
“Dideitheroneofthemwearayellowvest?”
“No.Onefellowhadasquare-cutbeard,old-style,youknow,thewaythesomeoftheoldrepresentationalistsdid.”
Asquare-cutbeard.Notmanymenhadsquare-cutbeardsanymore,andthemanwhohadshotmehadone.
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Thatcouldbeacoincidence.Oritmightnotbe.“Doyourememberanythingelse?”
Sagarynshookhishead.Ikeptasking,buthecouldn’taddanymore.
Beforethatmuchlonger,Ileft,andthedrivermadehiswaythroughsomebacklanesevenIdidn’tknowtogetustoSloedyrWay,whereRogarisopenedthebrown-
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painteddoortoJacquerl’sstudio.
“Rhenn...whatareyoudoinghere?”
Igesturedbackatthegraycoachwaitingforme.“Imagerbusiness.MightIcomein?Itshouldn’ttaketoolong.”
“Ihopenot.MadameJacquerlisservingquailtonightincelebrationofa
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newapprentice.”
“Isee,”Isaiddryly.“Thewealthysonofwhom?”
Hedidflinch,ifslightly.“Agrainfactor.He’stheyoungestson.Jacquerldiddriveahardbargain.”Rogarissteppedbackandgesturedformetoenter.
Idid,evenasIdoubtedthatJacquerl,forallhispoliteness,wouldtakeany
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otherkindofbargain.
“Whatisthisabout?”askedRogaris.
“YouknowGrisarius...orEmanus...theoldartist...”IgavehimthesameexplanationI’dgivenSagarynandthesameopeningquestion.
“Idon’trecallanyone...”Heshookhishead.
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“Sagaryndid,andhesaidyouandDolemiswerewithhim,twomonthsagoatLapinina.”
Rogarisfrowned,tiltedhishead,thenlookeddown.Finally,hespoke.“Oh...that,buttheydidn’treallyaskanyquestions.Well...we’dbeentalkingaboutgirls,andAemalye,andSagarynsaidthatyouwereluckytohaveSeliorainterestedinyou
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becausealotofimagershadtroublewithwomen.Oneofthefellowsatthenexttablemadeacommentaboutyoubeingoneofthefewartiststobecomeanimager,butitwasn’taquestion.Itwaslikehealreadyknew.”
“Didheaskanythingelse?”
“Hemadesomecommentaboutimagersnothavingmuchtimeforwomen,and
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SagarynsaidthatyouwerethetypenottoletonelikeSeliorapassby.Thatwasit.”
“Doyourememberwhattheylookedlike?”
Rogarisshookhishead,thenstopped.“Justonething...theonewhotalkedhadanold-stylebeard.”
“Whatabouttheotherone?”
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“Heneversaidanythingtous.”Therewasapause.“Iremember...hehadsortofthickbushyeyebrows,becauseIwasthinkingyoucouldalmostdefinehiminaportraitbythem.”
AndthatwasaboutallIgotfromRogaris.
AsthedriverheadedthecarriagetowardBeidaltPlace,justbeyondBakers’Lane,I
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thoughtoverwhattheyhadtoldme.Thesquare-beardedmanmighthavebeenthefirstassassin,andthebushy-browedfellowcouldhavebeentheFerran,buttherewascertainlymorethanonemaninL’Excelsiswithanold-fashionedsquarebeard—andmorethanafewwithbushybrows.
Thesameapprenticewhohadopenedthezinc-green-
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trimmedwhitedoortoMasterEstafen’sstudiothelasttimedidsoagain.Helookedattheimagergraysandturnedpale.
“I’mheretotalktoMasterEstafenonimagerbusiness.”
Hiseyesflickedpastmetotakeinthegraycoach,drawnbythepairofmatchedgrays.Ifanything,heturnedevenmorepale.“Yes,sir.Ifyou’dcomein...”
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Idid,andinlessthanafewmoments,therotundmasterportraituristappeared.Helookedatme,thennodded.“Imighthaveguessed.Whatsortofimagerbusinessisthis?”
“I’mpartofagrouptryingtotrackdownassassinswhohavekilledseveraljuniorimagers,MasterEstafen.Iwasfortunateenoughtosurvivetheattackonme,and
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theCollegiumthoughtImightbeofuseinlookingintothis,especiallysincetheguildappearstobeinvolved,atleastindirectly.”
“Theguild?Involved?Howcouldthatbe?Ifitis,shouldn’tyoubetalkingtoMasterReayalt?”
“Theguildmasterisnext,butyouwerecloser.ThereasonIcameisthatlast
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weekendItalkedtoEmanusbecauseithadbeenbroughttomyattentionthathemighthaveknowledgethatmightbehelpful.Thenextdayhewasdead,buthedidprovidesomeinterestinginsights.”
“Interestingdoesnotmeanaccurate,ImagerRhennthyl.Nonetheless,howmightIhelptheCollegium?”Hiswordsweresmoothandassured.
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“HasanyoneaskedyouaboutmesinceIbecameanimager?”
“Whywouldthey?”
Iofferedasmile.“That’swhatwe’retryingtodiscover.Severalmembersoftheguildwereapproachedandobservedbyonemanwhofitthedescriptionofoneoftheassassins.It’spossiblethatotherswereapproached,and
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sinceIdohavesomeknowledgeoftheguildIwasaskedtofollowuponit.”
Estafennodded,andIhadthesensehewasnotquitesotense.“Icanassureyouthatnoone,exceptMasterReayalt,hasevensomuchasmentionedyournametome.”
“Doyouhaveanyideawhysomeonewhohasbeenassassinatingjuniorimagers
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wouldbeinterestedinEmanus?”
“Ihavenoidea.Emanusmadeafewenemies,butthoseIknowofarelongdead,andevenweretheyalive,theywouldnothaveassociated,evenindirectly,withcommonkillers.”
Iaskedquestionsforalmostaquarterglass...andlearnednothingmore.Again,
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Itookmyleave,feelingIhadlearnedlittle,andreturnedtotheCollegiumcoach.
BythetimeIleftthecoachatGuildmasterReayalt’sdwelling,onthesouthendoftheMartradonarea,threeblockssouthoftheMidroad,thesunwasjustabovetherooftopsandcastingalongreddishlightacrossL’Excelsis.
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Reayalthimselfopenedthedoor,buthewasclearlysurprisedtoseeme.“Oh...ImagerRhennthyl,itisImager,isn’tit?IwasexpectingMasterSchorzat.”
“I’mcertainhe’llbehereshortly.I’mhereonadifferentmatter,anditshouldn’ttakeverylong.”Ipaused.“Bytheway,Ididn’tthankyouforsendingthestudyIdidtomyparents.
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Thatwasamostkindandthoughtfulthingtodo,andboththeyandIappreciatedit.”
“FromwhatIknowofimagertraining,itwasnotlikelythatyouwouldhavebeenabletorecoverthepainting,anditisquitegood.Oh...pleasecomein.Ifyouwouldn’tmind,wecouldjusttalkinthefoyerhere.”
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“Thatwouldbefine.”Withoutmuchpreamble,Ilaunchedintomyexplanationofmytask,butnotmentioningEmanus,endingwiththesamequestionI’dusedbefore.“Hasanyonemadeanyinquiriesaboutme?”
“No.Thatis,nooneoutsidetheguild.Elphensdidaskaboutyouafewdaysago,becausehethoughtthe
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workmenbuildinghisnewdwellingandstudiohadseenyouthere.Therehadbeenanimagerthere,hesaid.”
“Iwasthere.Ihadn’trealizedthatMadameCaliostrushadleftL’Excelsis,andIwantedtoaskhermuchthesamequestionasIjustaskedyou.”
“Ah...thatexplainsmuch.”
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“There’sanotheraspecttothisthatmayinvolvetheguild,ifindirectly.”
Hestiffenedeversoslightly.
“Emanus...orGrisarius...”Iwentontooffermyincompletestoryabouttheoldartist.
“Ihadnotheardthat,”offeredReayalt.“Itisregrettable,butperhaps
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understandable.”
“Whymightthatbe?”
“Emanusalwaysdidtaketoogreataninterestinmatterspolitical,andevensomedealingwithintrigue,butIthoughthehadlearnedhislesson.”
“I’dheardthattherewasmoretohisremovalasguildmasterthanjustsellingarepresentationalpainting.”
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“Mostdefinitely.Thatwasjustaconvenient,iftrue,reasontocoverupanindiscretionsothattheguildwouldnotbetarnishedbyuntowardgossip.”
“Doyouthinkhisdeathmightberelatedtothose...indiscretions?”
MasterReayaltshookhishead.“Icannotsaythatitisnotpossible,butitwouldbe
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highlyunlikely.Mostofthoseinvolvedarenowdead.”
“TheHighHolder...?”
Helookedatmesharply.“Itmightnolongermatter,butIstillseenoreasontogointothat.”
“Youdon’tthinkitcouldinvolvehisdaughter,then?”
“Mostcertainlynot.Shemaynot...beallthather
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peerswouldlike,butsheiswellaboveanyreproachorscandal,unlikehermother.How...”Heshookhishead.
“Ifthatisso,itpuzzlesmeastohowEmanusmightknowaboutassassins,andwhyanyonenowmightwishtokillhim,”Ioffered.
“Itdoesn’tpuzzleme,”repliedtheguildmaster.“Emanuswastrulybrilliant,
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aswellasthefinestportraituristofhistime.Hewatchedeverything,andcoulddeducewhatpeoplemightbedoingorhavedonefromthesmallestofintimations.Yetforallthatbrilliance,henevertrulyunderstoodhowdangerousthatknowledgewastohimself,andtotheguild.”
“Thatwaswhyhewasremoved?”
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“Essentially.”
Iaskedafewmorequestions,therepliestowhichofferednothingnew,andinclinedmyhead.“Thankyou.You’vebeenmostkind.IfyouorothersdohearofthekindofinquiriesI’vementioned,Iwouldappreciateknowingofthem.TheCollegiumdoesnotliketoloseyoungimagers,especiallywhenmosthave
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stillbeenintraining.”
“Icanseethat,ImagerRhennthyl.”
Hisglancetowardthedoorremindedmethathewasexpectingcompany,andfurtherinquirieswouldintrudeondinner.SoItookmyleaveandmademywaybacktothecoach,askingthedrivertoreturntotheCollegium,butbythelower
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partoftheBoulevardD’Imagers.
Sittinginthecoach,IconsideredwhatI’dlearned.SomeonehadbeenlookingformewellbeforeI’dbeenshot.ItwaslikelythattheFerranhadhiredthefirstassassinandbothwereworkingforsomeoneelse.BasedonwhatMasterReayalthadletslip,IwasconvincedthatEmanus’s
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daughter’smotherhadindeedbeenaHighHolder,andthatthescandalhadbeenhushedup.WhatthathadtodowiththekillingsofjuniorimagersIhadnoidea.Ihadn’ttalkedtoDolemisorAurelean,butI’dneverspentthatmuchtimewiththem,andAureleanwassowrappedupinAureleanthathewouldn’thavebeenabletotellanyoneverymuchaboutanyoneelse,
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andhewouldn’thaverememberedwhathe’dsaid—unlessitboreonhisfuture.
IstudiedthesidewalksasthecoachnearedtheBridgeofHopes,butIdidn’tseeanyonelookingevenvaguelyliketheFerran.Butthen,ifhewerethere,hewouldn’tbelookingasI’dseenhim.MasterDichartynwasn’tinhisstudy,andIhurriedtothedininghall,arrivingverylate,
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whenmostwerelingeringoverdessert.ButIdidsitwithDartaznandMenyard,andwediscussedthestateoftheworld,aboutwhichwe’dheardnothingnew.Sincewehadn’t,Isupposedthatwarhadnotyetbrokenout.
Afterward,Iagainstoppedbytheadministrationbuilding,butnoonewasthere.
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Numberscanmislead,
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butlesssoifoneunderstandswhatliesbehindthem.
OnMardimorning,itwasastruggletogetupintimetostaggerofftoClovyl’sexercisegroup,butIreachedtheexerciseroomsjustafterthesun’sfirstraysangled
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overtheeastsideofthequadrangleandjustbeforeMasterDichartyn.
“Rhenn!”hecalledfrombehindme.
“Yes,sir?”Istoppedandwaited.
“MeetmeinmystudybeforeyoutakethecoachtotheChateau.”
“Yes,sir.”
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Thatchangeinschedulerequiredmorerushing,andaveryhurriedshowerandbreakfastsothatIcouldgettoMasterDichartynandstillhavetimetomakethedutycoach.Howhemanagedit,Ididn’tknow,becausehewaswaitingbehindhiswritingdesk,lookingcalmandunrushed,neitherofwhichIfelt.
“Whatdidyoudiscover,if
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anything,lastnight?”
“SomeonewaslookingtofindmeasearlyasaroundtheendofAvryl.Thereweretwomen.TheymatchedthegeneraldescriptionoftheFerranandthemanwhoshotme...”ItoldhimwhatI’ddiscovered,andmysuspicionsaboutMasterEstafenandGrisarius.“Oh...IalsotalkedtoGuildmasterReayalt.Hesaidnoonehad
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askedaboutme...buthewasexpectingMasterSchorzatfordinner.”
“That’snotsurprising.They’recousins.”
“Idon’tmeantobeforward,sir,butReayaltbecameguildmasterandhadsomethingtodowithEmanusbeingforcedtostepdown—”
“MasterSchorzatisawareofthatandhasconfirmed
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certaincircumstanceswithhiscousin.Forthemoment,thatisallyouneedtoknow.”
“Yes,sir.”IwasalreadygettingalittlemorethantiredwithMasterDichartyn’ssecrecy.Sofar,ithadn’tdoneallthatmuchtoprotectme,andIcertainlyhadn’tdoneanythingtojeopardizetheCollegium.“ShouldImakemoreinquiriesorwaitafewdays?”
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“Doyouthinkthatyou’lllearnthatmuchmorefromtheothersyoucouldeasilytalkto?”
“Idon’tthinkso,sir.”
“ThenI’dsuggestyouwait.We’vetracedMadameCaliostrustoCleville—that’sasmalltownnearRivages.We’rewaitingonareport.”Hepaused,thensaid,“You’dbettercatchthedutycoach.”
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“Yes,sir.”Irose,inclinedmyhead,andhurriedoffinmymessenger/guarduniform.
TheonlyinterestingeventofthemorningwaswhenapurportedstonecutteronhiswaytoseeCouncilorAlucion“tripped”androlleddownthegrandstaircase.ThedutycoachcartedhimbacktotheCollegiumtorecover.Ididn’tgettoaskaboutthatuntillunch,whenBaratynsent
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Martylandmedowntothekitchen,wherewesatinthesmallalcoveandwithplattersofcreamedriceandfowl.
“Howdidyouknowhewasn’tastonecutter?”Itookamouthfulofthericeandfowl,bland,butprobablyfilling,tryingtoignorehowhotthekitchenareawas.
“Thelittlethings.Hetriednottosaymuch,buthewas
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toowellspoken.Hishandsweretoopaleandtoosoft,andheworesoft-leatherbootsthatwerealmostnew.”
“Hetriedsomethingbeforeyouevenreachedthecouncilor?”
“Hehadapistolhiddeninhisjacket.Iwaiteduntilwewereonthestairsandsuggestedthatheshouldn’ttakeitintoseethecouncilor.
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Hetriedtouseitonmeandlosthisbalance.”
Ididn’tpressonthat.“Whodoyouthinkhewas?”
“Jariolan,ifIhadtoguess.TheFerransusuallydon’tattackcouncilorsintheChateau,andtheCaenenansareusuallydarker.Besides,theirnewHighPriestissendinganenvoytoworkoutatradeagreement.That’s
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whatIoverheardHighCouncilorSuyrientellingGlendyl.”
“TheirmerchantersareallbottledupinCaena,andthey’velosttheirHighPriest,andwe’retalkingaboutatradeagreement?”
Martyllaughed.“It’sbetterthancallingitasurrenderagreement,isn’tit?They’llprobablyhavetolowertariffs
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onourgoodsandpaydamages.TheCouncilcaresmoreaboutgoldsandresults,notwhatthey’recalled.”
Mymouthwasfull,andInodded,thentookasipofthegrisiothathadcomewiththemeal.Thewinewasthebestpart.
“DidyouhearaboutSelastyr?”askedMartyl.
“Ishethetallblondthird
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whoworkswithMenyard?”
“Worked.HehadagirlwholivedwithheroldersisterandherhusbandneartheSudBridge.Hewenttoseeherlastnight.Whenhegotoutofthehack,someoneshothim.Hediedrightthere.”
“Noshields...then.”
Martylshookhishead.“Mostoftheimagerswhodo
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equipmentworkanddesigncandodetailimaging,buttheydon’tmanageshieldswell.And...Reynol,hemaybeanexpertwithledgers,buthewouldn’tknowashieldifheranintoit.”
“Arefieldimagersandsecurityimagerstheonlyoneswhocanhandleshields?”
“We’renottheonlyones,
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butwe’remostoftheoneswhocan.”
AlthoughI’dsuspectedtheanswerbeforeI’daskedthequestion,Iwasgladfortheconfirmation.“Itseemstomethatwe’velostalotofjuniorimagersthisyear.”
Martylnodded,thenswallowed,andtookasipofwinebeforereplying.“That’swhatBaratynsaid.Usually,
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mostoftheoneswhodiegetkilledbytheirownmistakes,andthat’smaybethreeorfourinawholeyear.”
IfI’dcountedright,fourhadbeenshotsinceI’dbeenattheCollegium,fiveifIcountedtheattemptsonme.Butthen,Iwonderedaboutthosekilledby“mistakes.”I’dseenthreeofthoseinhalfayear,andthoseweretheonesIknewabout.Themore
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Isaw,themoreIrealizedwhatIwasn’tseeing.“We’vehadsomethingliketwoorthreeattemptedattackshereeveryweek.Isthatusual?”
“That’saboutright.”
Twoorthreeaweek—andtheCouncilwasinsession,onandoff,forthirtyweeksoutoffiftyThatwasbetweensixtyandninetyattemptedassassinationsofcouncilorsa
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year.WasSolidarthathated?
“You’dthinkthatthey’dlearn,butitkeepshappening.”Martylshookhishead.“Someofthemarelocal,too.TheythinktherearetoomanyHighHoldersontheCouncilortoofewguildrepresentatives,orlikethatMadameD’Shendael,theythinkthatthereoughttobecouncilorselecteddirectlybythepeople.Canyou
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imaginewherethatwouldlead?”
Icould.
WhenwefinishedeatingwehadtohurrybackuptothemainleveltorelieveBaratynandDartazn.
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Donotconcentrateonsums
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whennothingaddsup.
Fortherestoftheweek,littleornothingbeyondtheroutineoccurredattheCouncilChateau.Thatdidgivemeachancetopracticemoreinthewayofobservationskills.IdidnotethatBaratynflicked
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hiseyesupforjustamomentbeforehegavedirections.
NordidIhearanythingfromMasterDichartyn.Infact,atthemorningexercisesessions,hescarcelyevenlookedinmydirection.Intherunning,hewasjustslightlyslowerthanIwas,butoverthreemilles,itgenerallymeantIfinishedagoodfiftyyardsaheadofhim.
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Then,justbeforeIlefttheChateauonVendrei,lookingforwardtoapleasantweekend,especiallyonSamedi,Baratynhandedmeamessage.
“It’sfromMasterDichartyn.”
Iopenedtheenvelopeandreadtheshortmessage.
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Inmystudyatfifthglass.
Underthesinglelinewasaspare“D.”
IhadjustenoughtimetogetbacktotheCollegiumandchangeintomygraysandgetacrossthequadrangletotheadministrationbuildingbeforethebellsintheanomentowertothesouthbeganto
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strike.
MasterDichartynwasstandingbytheopenwindowofhisstudyandmotionedformetoenter.Ididclosethedoor,butIdidn’tsitdownbecausehedidn’t.
“WefinallyhavethatreportonMadameCaliostrus.”MasterDichartynlookedbothsternandwearyatthesametime.“Sheand
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hersonMarcylwerekilledbackinearlyAvryl.Shewasstayingwithhersister.ThesisterandCaliostrus’sdaughtershadgonetomarket,andthehusbandwasatworkontheriver.Theboyandhismotherhadtheirthroatscut.Therewasn’tmuchofastruggle.”
“Thelal?”
MasterDichartyn’ssmile
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couldhavebeenashrug.“Mostofthegoldsweremissingfromthestrongbox.”
“Shedidn’tbelieveinbanks.ThatwasasorepointbetweenherandMasterCaliostrus.”
“TheotherthingisthatItalkedtotheCivicPatrolagain.”Heshookhishead.“Someofthewallstonesaroundoneofthewindowsin
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Caliostrus’sstudiowereblownout.”
“Paraffinandwaxeswon’tdothat.”
“No,andthatsuggestssomesortofexplosivewasinvolved.Thelalwasanironwaylaborerforatime.Hewasdismissedforsmallthefts.”
Allthatmadeasortofsense.IfThelalhadplanted—
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orevenjusthidden—theexplosivesinthestudio,waitingfortherighttime,I’dinadvertentlycommittedhismurderforhim.“But...whywouldhehideexplosivesinthestudio?”
“Whereelsecouldheputthem?Mostnights,hedidn’tknowwherehe’dbesleeping.”
“ThenyouthinkthatThelal
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doesn’thaveanythingtodowithmyshooting?”
MasterDichartynfrowned.“Thepatrollersdon’tthinkso,butIdon’tlikecoincidences.Everymaleinthathouseholdiseitherdead,ornearlyso,inyourcase.Thesurvivingdaughtersaremorethanahundredmillesaway.Areyoucertainthatyoudidn’tseesomething?”
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“Onceortwice,IoverheardMadameCaliostrusmentionthingslike‘yourworthlessbrother.’Shedidn’tlikehimaroundatall,butIonlysawhimonceortwiceayear,I’dguess.”
“Heknewyouwerethere,then.”
“Hehadto.Iwastheremorethantenyears.”
“Pleasethinkaboutit,if
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youwill...andtrytobemoreobservant.Ifyouhadbeenwhenyouwereaportraiturist...”Heshookhishead.
Icouldn’tchangethepast.“Isthereanythingelse,sir?”
“Shouldtherebe?”
Ifeltthatthereshouldbe,butwhat,Icouldn’thavesaid.“NotthatIknow,sir.”
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“Rhennthyl...nevermind.Youcango.”Hepaused.“I’llbegoneforafewdays.”
Ileft.MasterDichartynwasclearlyworriedaboutmorethanwhohadbeenshootingatme,becausethecirclesunderhiseyesweredeepanddark,buthedidn’twanttosay.Ordidn’tdare.
WasthatpartofwhatIhadtolookforwardtoasa
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counterspyimager?Icouldn’tsayIwasacounterspyyet.IwasjustahiddensecurityguardfortheCouncil,but,ifIeverwantedtobemore,wouldIhavetokeepmoreandmoresecrets?
IdecidedtogolookforDartaznorReynol.MartylwasgoingoffImagisleforadinnerwithrelatives,andMenyardhadmentionedatbreakfastthathewasleaving
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fortheweekend.Hedidn’thavetodealwithClovyl’sexercisesandrunsonSamedimorning.
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Whenyoufinally’thinkyou
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understandthingsismostlikelywhenyoudon’t.
OnSamedimorning,Clovyl’sexercisegroupwasmarkedlysmaller.Outofthetenorsowhoappearedregularly,theonlyonesIknewpersonally—orevenbyname—were
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Martyl,Dartazn,Baratyn,andMasterDichartyn.Theothersixrangedinagefromtheirlatetwentiestotwentyyearsbeyondthat,butallwerewell-muscledandtrim,andseveraloftheoldermenranfasterthanIdid,althoughnoonecameclosetoDartazn.Thatmorning,whileIknewMasterDichartynwouldnotbethere,neitherwasBaratyn,norweretwoothers.Given
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theirabsences,andthecirclesunderMasterDichartyn’seyes,asIstruggledtokeepupclosetoDartaznintherunthatendedthemorningworkout,Icouldn’thelpbutwonderwhattheymightbedoing.
Afterrecoveringfromtherunonmywalkbacktothequarters,Itookacoolbutthoroughshowerandshaved.ThenIdressedandheaded
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acrossthequadrangletothedininghall,whereImetMartyl.Dartaznjoinedusaswesatdownatthelongtable.Ipouredafullmugofteaandwaitedfortheplattersofsausageandfriedflatcakestoreachus.
“MasterDichartynandalltheseniorsweregone.Didhesayanythingtoyouyesterday?”askedMartyl.
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Dartaznlaughed.“Henevertellsanyoneanythingtheydon’thavetoknow.Notme,notyou,notRhenn.”
“Heonlytoldmehe’dbegoneforafewdays,afterpointedlyremindingmethatIshouldhavebeenmoreobservantbackwhenIwasaportraituristanddidn’tknowIneededtoremembereveryconversationwithintenyards.”Mywordscameout
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edgedwithvinegar.
Theybothlaughed.
“It’sonethingtotellmethataboutwhatIdonow...”Istoppedandjustshookmyhead.
“He’sdonethattoallofus,”Martylsaid.
“Something’safoot.”Dartaznpausedtotakeahealthyhelpingofsausages.
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Noneofusspokeforatime,perhapsbecauseweenjoyedthesweetberrysyrupontheflatcakesandbecausewewerehungryafterhavingbeenupandactiveforseveralglasses.
“Whatdoyouthinkishappening?”Ifinallyasked.“YoutwohavebeenimagerslongerthanIhave.”
“Mostotherlandsknow
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thatstartingawarwithSolidarisn’tthebestidea,”saidDartaznslowly,“buttheirrulersoftenfacepressurestodosomething.Thatcanleadtoattemptsatassassinations,sabotage,thatsortofthing.”
“ThatsoundslikeMasterDichartynhasgottenwindofsomething.”
“Itcouldbe...oritcould
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bethatthey’realloffmeetingtogooverwhatmighthappen.”
Wetalkedforatime,speculatingtonorealresult,andbeforelong,Martylrose.“I’mtomeetmyuncleattheironwaystation,andI’dbetterbethere.He’sneverbeentoL’Excelsis.”
Weallwalkedoutofthedininghalltogether,butthen
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IhadtohurryouttomystudiotoworkontheportraitofMasterPoincaryt—excepthedidn’tcome.Instead,Beleartarrivedjustaftereighthglasshadchimed.
“MasterPoincarytwon’tbeabletomakethesittingtoday,sir.HewillbeherenextSamedi.”
AfterBeleartdeparted,Iheadedbacktomyown
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quarters,Oncethere,Isatdownatmydeskandthoughtaboutthedayahead.AlthoughIwouldbehavingdinnerwithSelioraandherfamily,Ineededtotalktoafewmorepeople—perhapsevenElphensandAurelean.Itcouldn’thurttoseeifFatherorKhethilahadanyideasorsuggestions,orifeitherhadseenanything.
Idecidedtostartwith
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FatheratthefactorageandwalkedfrommyquartersovertheBridgeofDesirestoWestRiverRoad.Thatwasactuallyclosertomyquarters,buthadIbeentakingahackdirectlytomyparents’house,itwouldhavebeenmorecostly,notthatIlackedcoins.Infact,IhadmorefundsthanI’dhadinyears,andI’dactuallyusedthetinyone-roombranchoftheBanque
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D’Excelsisinanookoffthedininghall—justanunmarkeddoorbehindwhichwasasingletellercage—toopenanaccount.EvenwithwhatI’dspentonhacksandfoodoverthesummerandearlyharvest,Ihadslightlymorethanfivegoldsputby.UnlikepoorMadameCaliostrus,Ifeltbetternothavingtoworryaboutastrongbox.Ialsohadno
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doubtsabouttheBanque;itwasn’tabouttoshorttheCollegium.
AsIsteppedontothebridge,Iwasholdingfullshields.Thatmadeawarmmorningevenwarmer,butIcouldseecloudstothenorthandwest.Thatcouldheraldacoolerafternoon,oronejustashot—andsteamy.JustoffWestRiverRoad,Ihailedahack.
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“AlusineWool—southonWestRiver,ahalfmillepasttheSudBridge,onthewestside.”
“Yes,sir.Wecandothat.”
WhenIleftthehackinfrontofthefactorage,Itookamomenttostudyit.Thebuildingwasstillthesameoldyellow-brickstructurethatstretchedagoodseventyyardsalongWestRiverRoad.
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Theloadingdockswereoutofsightintherear,andthecoveredentrywascenteredonthemiddleofthebuilding.AsIclimbedthethreestepstothedoubleoakdoors,Inotedthattheyhadbeensandedcleanandthenrevarnished,andthedarkgreencasementtrimrepainted.
Inside,itwasdarker,andcooler,andItookseveral
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stepsfartherintotheopenareabeforetheracksthatheldtheswathesofvariouswools.Toonesidewasanothersetofrackswiththelighterfabrics—muslin,cotton,linen.Despitethenameofthefactorage,Fatherhadalwayscarriedawiderangeoffabrics,colors,andpatterns.
“MasterRhennthyl...we’dnotexpectyouhere.”Thebaldingmanwhostepped
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forwardwasEilthyr,whowasnowinchargeoftheday-to-dayworkonthefloor.
“IthoughtI’ddropby.”Myeyesflickedtotheraisedplatformattheback,fromwhereFathercouldsitathisdeskandsurveyeverything,notthathesattheremuchiftherewerepotentialcustomers.
Khethilawasatthedesk—
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lookingatme.Ihadaveryunsettledfeelingaboutthat.
“Yes,sir...yourfather...”
“MistressKhethilacanhelpme,I’mmostcertain.But...thankyou.”
“Yes,sir.”
AsIskirtedthesampleracks,Icouldheartheexchangebetweenthe
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warehouseman,whohadappearedfromsomewhere,andEilthyr.
“Theimager...?”
“That’sthefactor’seldest...usedtobeanartist.”
“...looksmorelikeacommando...wouldn’twanttocrosshim...”
“...takesaftertheoldman,thatway...”
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Ihadtosmileatthethoughtofmytakingaftermyfather.
KhethilawasstandingbythetimeIwalkedupthelowstepstothedesk.“Rhenn...Ididn’texpecttoseeyouhere.”
“I’dactuallywantedtoaskbothyouandFatheraboutsomethings,butIhavethefeelinghe’snotanywhere
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around.”
“NeitherMothernorFatherare.MothertooktheironwaytoseeAuntIlena,andFatherwentbacktoKherseilles.”
“Rouselmadeamessoftheaccounting,didn’the?”
Khethilalookedatme,hereyestoobright.“It’sawful.Heborrowedagainsthisinventory,andwhentheshipmentsfromtheAbierto
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Islestooklongertoarrive,theinterestwashigher,andheborrowedmore...”
“Fatherwon’tloseeverything,willhe?”Thatwasmygreatestfear.
Sheshookherhead.“No,butitcouldcostclosetotwohundredgoldcrowns.”
“Twohundred?”
“That’sifeverythinggoes
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wrong.FatherandIworkedoutawaytoamortizethedebtagainstthebuildingtherethatwilllowertheinterestonwhatRouselowes.”
“You’rerunningthingshere,aren’tyou?”
“Mostly.”Shegrinned.“Father’ssurprised.IdohavetobeverycarefulandalwayssaythatI’vecheckedwith
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him,andIdowhenhe’shere.”Afterapause,sheasked,“Whatdidyouwanttoknow?”
“I’dappreciateitifyoudidn’ttellanyoneoutsidethefamily,butpeoplehavebeenshootingatme,andIhadtowonderifyou’venoticedanyonelurkingaroundthehouseorcominginhereandaskingaboutme.”
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“Youtoldmeyou’dbeenshot.Ididn’ttellMother,youknow?”Shepaused.“Yousaidshooting.Hassomeoneelse...?”
“Someonehasbeenfollowingme,andtheydidshootatmeagain,”Iadmitted.“I’mfine.Theydidn’tcomeclosetohittingme.”Inaway,thatwasdeceptive,butIdidn’tfeelIcouldexplain.“Master
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DichartynthoughtIshouldaskeveryoneIknew,andmyfamily,ifthey’dseenanythingstrange.”
Khethilashookherhead.“Ihaven’tseenanythinglikethat,butIwillkeepaneyeout,justincase.”Sheglancedpastme,towardanoldermanwhohadenteredandwaswalkingtowardEilthyr.“You’resureyou’reallright?”
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“I’mfine.”Iglanceddownatthebookonthecornerofthedesk.Itdidn’tlookfamiliar.“What’sthat?”
Sheflushed.“It’smyguide...sortof.MadameD’ShendaelwroteavolumeonthebasicsofcommerceandfinanceforthewivesofHighHoldersandfactors.Shesaiditwasatreatiseforwomenwholosttheirhusbandsthroughillnessand
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accident,tohelpthemunderstandmatterssothattheywerenothelpless.”
“It’smuchmorethanthat,isn’tit?”
Thatbroughtagrin.
“Howdidyoufindit?”
“IfinishedherPoeticDiscourseandherCivicVirtue,andIwenttothebookshopnearthesquare.
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TheonlybookofhersIcouldfindwasthisone.”Shehelditup.ThenameonthespinewasAWidow’sGuide.“Ialmostputitdown,butsincetherewasn’tanythingelsethere,Istartedtoread.Ialmostburstoutlaughing,rightinthebookshop,bythethirdpage.TherearethingsintherethatFathernevereventhoughtof,butIdidn’ttellhimwhereIgotthem.”
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“Howmanybookshasshewritten?”
“Notthatmany.There’soneotherone,andIorderedit,butIdon’trememberthetitle.It’sabouttheroleofwomeninfosteringculture,Ithink.”
“She’squitethewriter.”
“Sheis,andshewriteswell.”
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“Iknow.You’vequotedheratmeafewtimes.”
“She’sworthquoting.”
Ijustsmiled.“Howlongwillyoubeinchargehere?”
“Fatherhopestobebackbynextweekend.IgavehimasetofguidelinesforRousel.Itoldhimtotellourdearbrotherthattheycamefromanoldtreatiseoncommerce.”
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“Buttheycamefromthat?”IgesturedtowardAWidow’sGuide.
Shenodded.“Canyoujoinmefordinner?”
Ishookmyhead.“Ihaveanengagement.”
“Whoisshe?”
“Someone...”Igrinned.
“Rhenn!”
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“Ifitturnsintosomethingreallyserious,you’llbethefirsttoknow.Cometothinkofit,youarethefirsttoknowthatthereisasomeone.”
“She’spartPharsianddark-haired,isn’tshe?”
“Whydoyousaythat?”
“You’veneverlookedatanyotherkind.”
“Yes...andthat’sallI’ll
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say.”
Shegrinnedoncemore.“Andshe’saspooras...asabookkeepingclerk?”
“Iansweryourquestions,andyou’llfigureitout.Besides,Ihavetotalktoafewotherpeople,hopefullybeforetheystartshootingatmeagain.”
Hergrinvanished.“Youwillbecareful?Promise?”
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“Iwill.”
Shegavemeanembrace,andIheadedforthedoor.
Outside,Ionlyhadtowaitabittohailahack,andbeforelongwewereheadednorthontheWestRiverRoad,thenovertheNordBridgeandeastontheBoulevardD’Este.
WhenIfinallyreachedMasterKocteault’sstudioand
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knockedonthedoor,Aureleanwastheonetoopenit.Hiseyeswidened.“Rhenn?You’reanimager?Ihadheardsomethingofthat.Idosupposethatisnaturalforonewithartisticpretensions...Imeanabilities.”
“That’strue.Youalwayshavebeenoutstandingatdeterminingpretensions...Imeanabilities,Aurelean.Butenoughofthetrivial.I’mhere
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onimagerbusiness.MightIcomein?”
“Oh,ofcourse.Imagerbusiness,howdroll.”Hesteppedbackandletmeenterandclosethedoor.“WhatcanIdoforyou?MasterKocteaultisnothere.”
Washeeverthere?“You’retheoneIcametosee,andit’srathersimple.Hasanyoneaskedyouaboutme,orwhere
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Imightbefound?Orforthatmatter,haveanystrangersshowedupatthehallwhohaveaskedquestions...anytimethatyoucanrecallsincelastspring?”
“Thatsoundsmorepersonalthanimager.”
“It’snot.Severalimagershavebeenshotat.I’monlyoneofthem,andotherimagersaretrackingdown
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theothers,buttheCollegiumthoughtImightknowbestwhomtotalktoamongtheartists.”
“Shootingatimagers,”musedAurelean,thesuperciliousnessgoneforamoment,“that’snotgood.”Hefrowned.“Idon’trememberwhenitwas,exceptitwasacoldSamediinspring,Ithink.Ididseetwopeopletalkingtooneof
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theapprentices—itmighthavebeentheonewhodrownedlastmonth,nowthatIthinkofit.Iremembereditbecauseoneofthemhadthesquare-cutbeardthatalltheposeurswhothinktheymightbeartistsusedtoaffect.”
“Thatwastheonlytimeyousawanythinglikethat?”
“Nameless,no.I’msuretherewereotherstrange
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things.Therearealwaysstrangeoccurrencesifoneonlylooks,butthatisthesoleoccasionthatIcanrecall.”
Inodded.“Thankyou.Ifyoudoseeanything,orrecallanything,youcoulddropmeanoteattheCollegium.”
“Icould,Isuppose.”
Ismiled.“Bytheway,evenifyoudidittoflatterMasterKocteault,itwasaverygood
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portraitofhisdaughter.”
Heactuallyflushed.“Why,thankyou.”
AfterIleftAurelean,IfoundanotherhackandhadhimdropmeoffatElphens’snewdwellingandstudio.Noonewasthere,althoughitwasclearhehadmovedin.IwishedthatI’dhadthehackwait,becauseIhadtowalktotheendofBakers’Laneand
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waitmorethanaquarterglasstofindanothertotakemedowntothesquare.Bythenitwaswellpastnoon,andIwasmorethanalittlewarm.
IslippedintoLapinina,butIdidn’tseenanyoneIknew,notsurprisingly,becausemostartistswouldnothavebeentherethatearly.Itookthesmallerofthetwovacanttables.
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Staelaapproached.“Sir?”
Ilookedupather.“WhetherI’manimagerornot,Staela,I’mstillRhenn.Whatdoyouhavethat’scooltodrinkandlighttoeat?”
Shewassilentforjustamoment.“There’saKienynwhitewebroughtupfromthecellar,andthechoppedfowlsaladisgood.”
“I’llhaveboth.”
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“Yes,sir.”SheslippedawaybeforeIcouldsayanything...orevensigh.
Withinmomentsshereturnedwithatallflutedglassofaslightlybubblyamberishwine.“TheKienyn.That’sthree.”
Iputasilveronthetable.“Forthewineandthesalad.”
Shescoopedthecoinupandlefttwocoppersbefore
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nearlyfleeing.
IsippedtheKienynandlistened.Noonewastalking.Theonlysoundforthatmomentwasthebuzzofaflythatcircledsomewhereabovemyhead.Icontinuedtosipandwait.Still,noonesaidanything.
OnlywhenStaelareappearedwiththegreensandchoppedfowlandIbegan
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toeatdidafewwordsbegantoflowaroundthesmallbistro.
“...behotlikethisforanothertwoweeks...”
“Morelikethree...”
“...thinkthisishot...oughtbeinCaena...”
“...theirHighPriest...changedhismindoncetheNavyblockadedhisports..
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.”
“...differentHighPriest...”
‘They’reallthesame...”
“...knowtheimager?”
“...mightbetheonewhowasanartist...”
“...tootall...toomuchmuscleforanartist...”
AsStaelatriedtoslipby,I
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motioned.“TheKienynisgood.Haveyoualwayshadit?”
“No...justthissummer.Wouldyoulikeanother?”
“Inamoment.”Igesturedtothechair.“Pleasesitdown.Idohaveafewquestionstoaskyou,andthey’reonbehalfoftheCollegium.Imagerbusiness.Nothingsecret.”
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Shedidseatherself,ifwithanairofresignation.
“Idon’tknowifyou’veheardthis,butsomeonehasbeenshootingatimagers,oftenyoungones,orthoseintraining.Iwasoneofthem.WhattheCollegiumwouldliketoknowiswhetheryouevernoticedanyonewhoseemedtobefollowingme,orwhoaskedaboutme,ortalkedaboutimagers.”
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“Sir...Itrynottopayattentiontowhatpeoplesay.Idon’tknowasIrecallanythinglikethat.”
Inodded.“Icanseethat.Doyourememberamaninasquarebeard—youknow,thekindthatyouseeinalltheoldpaintingsofartists,butthekindnoartisthastoday?”
Therewasonlyamomentaryfrownbefore
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Staelareplied.“Therewasonefellow.Someofthejourneymenpointedhimoutwhenheleft.Theylaughedandsaidhewasawould-beartist.That’swhyIremember.HeusedtocomehereonVendreinightsandSamediafternoons,maybeforamonththisspring.Hedidn’tsaymuch.Hejustlistenedtotheothers.Hewashereforawhile,thennevershowedup
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again.”
“Didanyoneevercomewithhim?”
“Therewasanotherfellowonceinawhile.Heworeayellowvestonetime.Ionlynoticedbecausehepaidfortheotherone’swinewithgolds.Hedidn’tseemtohaveasilvertohisname.Justgolds.”Shelookedatmedirectlyforthefirsttime.
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“That’sall.Honest.That’sallIremember.”
“Thankyou.IwouldlikeanotherKienyn.”
“Comingup.”
Staelawasn’tquitesostiffafterthat,butIcouldtellthatshestillwantedmetoleave.WhileIdidn’tgulpdownthesecondglass,Ialsodidn’tlingerovereverylastdrop,butIdidleaveherahalf
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silvertip.
TheonlyotherplaceI’devervisitedevenhalfwayfrequentlywasRozini’s,onthefarsideofthesquare.Iwanderedoverthere,andaskedseveraloftheservers,butnoonerememberedmeoranyoneaskingaboutme.Afterthat,Istillhadtimetokill,andIdidn’treallyfeellikegoingbacktotheCollegium.SowhenIsawthe
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bookstoresign,Iwanderedinside.
Asoft-lookingyoungmanwiththickspectaclesappearedalmostimmediately,emergingfrombehindacarrelofbooks.“MightIhelpyou?”
“Iwasjustlooking.”
“Wedon’tseemanyimagershere,sir.”
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Ismiled.“I’msureyoudon’t,butI’dwageryouseemysistereverysooften.”
“Yoursister?”Whilepolite,histonesuggestedtheimpossibilityofanimagerhavingsisters.
“KhethilaD’Chenkyr.Tallishyoungwoman,huskyvoice,likesbooksbyMadameD’Shendael.”
“She’sverywellread.”
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Again,thetonewascondescending,suggestingthat,whetherwewererelatedornot,noimagercouldpossiblybewellread.
“Sheisindeed,andI’mcertainshegotthehabitfromallthatIreadherwhenshewasyounger.”Ismiledpolitelyandturnedaway.
Beforelong,IdidfindtheshelfthatcarriedMadame
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D’Shendael.TherewerecopiesofbothPoeticDiscourseandCivicVirtue,butneitherAWidow’sGuide,northeotherbookwereontheshelves.BecauseI’dheardenoughofKhethila’squotesfromtheDiscourse,IpickedupCivicVirtue.Rightbehindthefrontispiecewasanetchingofawoman,andthescriptedtypefacebelowreadMadameJuniae
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D’Shendael.Therewassomethingabouttheetching,andIstudiedit,wonderingwhetherithadbeendonebyEstafen,butthesignatureinthecornerwasthatofTeibyn,whowasknowntobebetteratetchingportraitsthanatpaintingthem.
Iflippedthepageandcameacrossthededication:
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Tomymother,forreasonsmorethanenough.
Iwouldhavebeendisappointed,somehow,ifithadbeentoherfatheroranyman,perhapsbecauseofallthatKhethilahadsaid.
ThenIleafedbacktothe
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portraitetching.Atthatmoment,Irecognizedher.Theetchingshowedherasamaturewoman,butshewasthesamewomanasthegirlintheminiature...andthatrealizationleftmemoreconfusedthanever.HowcouldshebeEmanus’sdaughter?HighHolderstatusalwaysranthroughthemaleline—unlesstherewerenomaleheirs—andthenthe
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eldestdaughter,butonlyifshemarriedwithinaHighHolderfamilyandherhusbandtookthefamilyname.Inaddition,HighHolderswereanythingbutforgiving.OrwasthethreateneddisclosureofJuniae’sparentagewhyEmanushadlethimselfberemoved?Butwhywouldhehavebeenkilledyearslateroverthat?
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Itwasstillonlyjustpastsecondglass.SoItookahackbacktotheBridgeofDesires,walkedacrossitinthehotafternoonsun,backtomyquarters.Intheend,Ididtakeanothershower,becauseIwassohotandsweaty,andchangedoncemore.
MytimingwasmoreprecisethanduringmycallonSelioratheSolayibefore,andIsteppedoutofthehack
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justbeforethesinglebellproclaiminghalfpastfourstruck.Unsurprisingly,Bhenytwastheretoopenthedoorandescortmeuptothemainlivinglevel.
Seliorawaswaiting,aslovelyaseverinadresscomposedofaflowingfilmydarkgreenskirtandablackshort-sleevedtop,notterriblylow-cut,butcertainlynotexcessivelymodest,either.
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Shesmiled,thentookmyhands.
Wedidembraceandkiss,ifrelativelychastelyandquickly.
“Wedecidedwe’llneedtoeatontheterrace.It’sjusttoohotdownhereinthemaindiningroom.Wecangoupnow.”
Ifollowedherupthestepsandthenoutontotheterrace.
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Shewasright.Itwasdefinitelycoolerthere.Iglancedtothenorthwest.ThosesamecloudsI’dseenthatmorningstilllurkedinthesky,buttheydidn’tseemtohavemovedatall.
“Wehaveachoiceofdrinks.”Selioranoddedtowardasmallcabinet-liketablesetjustforwardofthenorthwall,westofthedoubledoors.Aservingmanina
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whiteshirtandadarkgreenwaistcoatstoodbehindit.
“Shallwesee?”Ismiledather,enjoyingbeingwithher.
WewalkedtotheportablesideboardwhereweagreedonwhiteCambrisio.
“Thetableontheeastthereisstillintheshade,”Seliorapointedout.
Notonlywasthetable
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shaded,butatthatcornerIcouldfeelalightbutcoolingbreeze.Aswesat,Irealizedweweretheonlyonesontheterrace,exceptfortheservingman.
“Theotherswillbehereshortly.Itoldthemallfive.”
“You’readeviouswoman.”
Shelaughed,musically“You’llfindI’mfarmore
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practicalandlessromanticthanyouthink.Onceeveryonearrives,wewon’thaveamomenttoourselves.”Sheloweredhervoice.“Ilikebeingwithyou,andIseethemalleveryday.”
“Howdidyourweekgo?”
“Aboutthesameasmostothers,exceptthatHighHolderUnsaeltfinallydecidedthathewantedanew
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diningsetforhishuntinglodgeoutnearTacqueville.Hehastokeepthesamecrest,buthewantedtoknowifwecouldmakeitabitlesstiredandmorevital...”
Foratime,Ijustlistened.
Abruptly,shelookedatme.“You’reveryquiet.Issomethingbotheringyou?HaveIupsetyou?”
“No.”Ididn’thavetoforce
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thesmilebecausemythoughtscertainlyweren’therfault.“I’vetalkedtoanumberofpeopletoday,andwhatIfoundoutwasn’texactlyencouraging.First,Istoppedbythefactorage.Father’sgonebacktoKherseilles,andKhethila’stheoneholdingthingsdown.Rousel’smadesomeverybaddecisions...”Iwentonandexplainedthat,andthenwhat
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I’dfoundoutfromAureleanandStaela.“...SomeonewasaftermeinAvryl,butevenafterthat,itsoundsliketheykilledanapprenticetokeepitquiet.”
“Ithadtobesomeonebesidesthefirstassassin,”shepointedout.“Hewasdeadwhenthedrowninghappened.Couldithavebeenanaccident?”
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“Itcouldhavebeen,butthatmakesmorecoincidentalaccidentsthanI’mcomfortablewith.Didyourmotherfindoutanything?”
“Shewantstotellyouherself.”
Iwantedtoknow,butIcouldunderstandthat.IheardstepsandsawShomyrwalkingtowardthesideboard.“Haveyouever
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readanythingbyMadameD’Shendael?”
Seliorashookherhead.“I’mnotthatmuchofareader,exceptbooksonloomsandengines.They’reworktoread,though.MadameD’Shendael...she’stheonewhohasthesalon,andshehadallthosehardtimes.”
“Whathardtimes?”
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“Shemiscarried,lostachild,andhermotherwasexecutedforkillingherfatherwhenshewasnineteen.”
Ialmostfrozeatthat.“Wheredidyouhearthat?”
“Oh,youhearthingswhenyoudealwithHighHolders,especiallyifyoupretendyou’renotlistening.”Shesmiled.“It’samazingwhatpeoplewillsaywhenthey
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thinkyou’rewellbeneaththemandsayalotofsimpering‘sir’sand‘madame’s.”
MoreofSeliora’sfamilybegantoappear—Odelia,andthenAegina,followedbyBetara,andShelim...andthenbyamucholderwomanwithsteel-grayhair,whohadtobeGrandmama.
BetaraandShelimwalked
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tothetablewhereweweresitting.EachcarriedagobletofeitherredCambrisioorperhapsDhuensa.
“Youdon’tmindifwejoinyou?”askedBetara.“GrandmamaDiestrawillbehereinamoment.”
SelioraandIjustsmiled,andBetaraandShelimsettledintothechairsacrossthecircularpolishedwhiteoak
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tablefromus.“Itismuchcoolerherethaninthediningchamber.Thedinnermightbeabitcooleraswell,sinceithastotraveltwoflightsofstepstogethere.”
ShelimstoodagainandpulledupanotherchairforDiestrabeforeIcould.
Noonespokeforseveralmoments.
“YouaskedSelioraifwe
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couldfindoutanythingaboutpeopletryingtoshootyou,”Betarasaidcasually.“Wethoughtitmightbebettertodispensewiththatunpleasantnessbeforedinner.”Shepausedtosipherwine,Dhuensa,Irealized.“GrandmamaDiestratalkedtoafew...acquaintances.”Awrytoneenteredhervoiceasshewenton.“Youmusthaveoffendedsomeonea
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greatdeal.Latelastspringacontractpricewasputoutonarecentlypromotedimagertertius.Theywouldn’tgiveaname,buttheymightaswellhave.Tengolds—that’sthepriceforataudischef.RumorhasitthatthemorteprixwasguaranteedbyArtazt—hewasataudischefinthehellhole—becausehisbrotherwaskilledbytheimager...”Shepausedandlookedatme.
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“Diaztwasfromthehellhole.Hewastheonewhodiedwhentheytriedtokillme.”
“Itgetsinterestingafterthat,”Betarasaidwithasmile.
Ididn’tlikethewayshesaid“interesting.”
“Thefirstassassinshottheimager,butwaskilledbyhim.Thatsuggeststhatwe’re
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talkingaboutyou,Rhenn.”
“Icouldn’thaveguessed.”
“Artaztwasn’thappy,andhewenttotheassassin’sfamilytodemandbackthegoldshe’dadvanced,butwhenheleftwiththegolds,hedisappeared.Hisbodywasfoundgarrotedinanearbyalley,andasilvercordwasknottedaroundtheropestilltwistedabouthisneck.Oh..
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.andthegoldswerestillinhiswallet.”
I’dheardaboutthesilverknot.ItwasthetraditionalindicationthataHighHolderwasdispleased,andthat,unhappily,stronglysuggestedthatHighHolderRyelhadsomethingfarworseinmindformethanasimpleexecution.
“Youdoseemtomake
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powerfulenemies,boy.”ThatwasGrandmamaDiestra.
“It’shardnottowhenpeoplearetryingtokillyou,”Ireplied.
“Ifyouweren’tanimager,you’dlongsincehavecrossedtheBridgeofStones,”offeredShelim.
“Weallknowthat,Father,”murmuredSeliora.
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“WhatabouttheFerran?”Iasked.
Betarashrugged.“He’slocal,buthe’snot.Thatis,he’sbeeninL’Excelsisforyearsandyears,buthewasn’tbornhere,andhehasnorelativeshere.He’sanassassin,butnoonehaseverseenhimwhenhe’skilledsomeone,andnooneknowswhohireshim.Butit’snotsomeonethatanyonein
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L’Excelsisseemstoknow.”
Allthatseemedtosaythatthreedifferentpeoplehadwantedmedead—orworse,inthecaseofHighHolderRyel—fordifferingreasons.Thegoodnewswasthatonewasdead,andthemannerofhisdeathmeantthathisfriendswerelikelytoforgetcomingafterme.Thebadnewswasthattwoothers,whowereclearlymore
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dangerous,werestillafterme.
“ThatwouldsaythattheFerranworksforspies...orisheone?”
“Evenspiesneedtools,”Betarasaid.“TheFerranisatool.”
Whosetool?Theotherquestionwasequallyconcerning.JustwhatwasIgettingintowithSeliora?
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Anyonewhohadafamilywithcontactsliketheirs...Iwantedtoshakemyhead,butIjustnodded.
“That’swhatwe’vebeenabletofindout,”Betarasaid.
“Thebestmeasureofamanishisenemies,”offeredGrandmamaDiestra.“You’relookingfairlytallforayoungman.”
Iofferedalaugh.“Solong
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asI’mverticalandtall.”
Thethreeolderfamilymemberslaughed.Selioraonlysmiled,andIwasgladforthat.
“You’reanimagerwhoworksattheCouncilChateau,”saidShelim.“DoyouknowwhattheCouncilisgoingtodoaboutthiscomingwarbetweenFerrumandJariola?”
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“No,sir.”
“Ifyouhavetocallmeanything,Rhenn,justcallmeShelim.”
“I’lltry...”Ipaused.“There’snothingthatwe’vebeentold,butIthoughtthattheOligarchwastheonewhowaspressingFerrum.”
Shelimshookhishead.“TheFerransneedJariolancoalfortheirironworks,and
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theywantitmorecheaplythantheOligarchswanttosellit.They’vegotamodernstandingarmy,andthey’retryingtogetKhasisIIIandhiscouncilangryenoughtodeclarewar.Thatway,Ferrumcaninvadeandclaimself-defenseandtakethecoalmines.They’recloseenoughtotheborderthatFerrumcouldjustannexthatpartofJariola....”
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Fromtherethediscussionprogressedontothesorrystateoftheworld.
“Iseveryonereadyfordinner?”ThatwasShomyr,whonowstoodinthespacebehindandbetweenhismotherandfather.Hegrinned.“Cookisthreateningtoturnthetenderloinsintojerky”
“You’rejusthungry”
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repliedShelim,“butwecancontinuethediscussionattable.”Herose.
Weallmovedtothelongtablesetinthemiddleoftheterrace.Thesunwasclosetosetting,lowenoughinthewestthatsomeofitslightwasalreadydimmed,andthebreezewasatracestronger.IwasseatedacrossfromSeliora,ifoneplacetowardthedoors.Icouldstilllookat
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herandeasilyhearwhatshesaid.
Thefirstcoursewasacoolduckandleekbroth,somethingI’dneverhadbefore,butwiththespices,itwasrefreshingandnottooheavy.Afterthatcamefreshthingourdstrips,steamed,inpastawithacreamsauce,but,again,alightone.Thentherewerethevenisontenderloins,marinatedinsomeliquor
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dilutedwithwhatIthoughtmightbeSanietra,andbraised,servedwithboiledandfrieddarkricewithannaranjesauce.
DessertwasaNacliananflan,withthinslicesoffreshpeachesontheside.
Thewholetime,everyoneatthetablediscussedwhatwashappeningintheworld—nottrade,notfurniture
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making.
SometimeaftereighthglasshadrungandArtiemahaddroppedbehindthebuildingsflankingtheriver,whileIhadenjoyedtheconversationandlearnedmorethanafewthings,itwasalsomorethanclearthatSelioraandIwerenotgoingtogetanyrealtimealone,andIwasgettingtired.Ithadbeenalongday.“Ishouldbegoingbeforelong,”
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ImurmuredtoSeliora.
“Beforeyougo,Grandmamawouldliketoseeusalone—justoverthereatthesmalltableontheeastside,wherewesatearlier.”
Ihadn’tevennoticedthathergrandmotherhadleftthemaintable.
Wewalkedover.
“Justsitthere,youngman.
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You,too,Seliora.”Hervoicewasfirm,withouttheslightesttraceoftheageinherfaceandframe.Evenifshehadn’tbeenSeliora’sgrandmother,Iwouldhaveobeyed.
Shelookedatme,exceptthatitwasmoreasthoughshelookedintome,throughme,andbeyondme—allandthesametime.So,ifwithlessintensity,didSeliora.
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Abruptly,theolderwomanshuddered,thentookalongdeepbreath.
IlookedtoSeliora.Shewaspale.
Diestralookedtohergranddaughter.
Selioranodded.
“Whatisit?”Ifinallyasked.
“Itisbetterthatwedonot
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saymuch,”Diestraspokequietly,butfirmly“HasSelioraexplainedwhy?”
“Yes.IfIunderstandcorrectly,Ifacedanger,ordangers,andifyoutrytoexplain,theoddsaremuchhigherthatIwillfaceevengreaterdangers.”
“Thatisso.TheCollegiumisnotyourenemy,butneitherisityourfriend.”
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“IthinkIalreadyunderstandthat.TheCollegiumactsonbehalfofSolidarandofallimagers,notnecessarilyonmybehalf.”
Thetwonoddedagain.
“Makenoenemiesthatyoudonothavetomake,butmakeenemiesratherthanshowweakness.”Diestrasmiledsadly.“Thatisthe
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finestoflinestodrawandthenarrowestofpathstowalk.”
Iunderstoodthataswell.
“Mostimportant,alwaystakecareforyoursafety,nomatterwhoorwhatpressesyoutowardhaste.”
Whatthatmeant,Ithought,wastoholdshieldsanywhereoutsideafamiliardwellingortheCollegium.
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Therewasn’tmuchtosayafterthat,sinceneitherSelioranorhergrandmamawouldhavesaidmore.So,afterIofferedmythankstoherparents,SelioraandIwalkeddownthesidestaircasealone.
Atthebottom,beforesteppingoutintothemainlevelfoyer,sheturnedandthrewherarmsaroundme,holdingmefirmlyand
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murmuring,“Idoloveyou.Don’teverforgetit.Nomatterwhatthetemptations.”Then,beforeIcouldquestionorprotest,herlipsfoundmine.
HowlongweclungtoeachotherIwasn’tcertain,butIfinallyasked,“NextSamedi...fordinner?Withoutfamily?”
Thatbroughtasadsmile.
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“ItmightbebestifweaskedOdeliaandKolasyntocomewithus.Wecouldcomebackherelaterandtalkontheeastterrace.”
“That’snotabadidea.”Notideal,butbetterthannotseeingher.
“Odeliawouldlikeit,andGrandmamawouldapprove.”
Afteranotherlongkiss,weleftthelandingandcrossed
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thefoyertothefrontdoor.
“Goodnight.”Ipaused.“FifthglassonSamedi.”
“Fifthglass.”Shewalkeddowntothestreetleveldoorwithme,thenunboltedit.
“Youstayhere.”
Shesmiledandbrushedmylipswithhers,thensteppedbackandopenedthedoor.
Ofcourse,therewasno
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hacknearby,andittookmealmostaquarterglass,withSeliorawatching,formetohailone.
Justashepulledup,almostatthesamemomentasIheardasinglecrack,ablowstruckmyshields,spinningmearoundandalmostknockingmeoffmyfeet.AsIstraightenedasecondstruckmyshields,butbracedasIwas,Ibarelyflinched.
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Iturnedquickly,regainingmybalanceandglancingaround.IthoughtIhearddistanthurriedstepsfadingaway.InthedarknessbeyondthecirclesoflightcastbytheoillampsofNordEsteDesign,Icouldseenosignofanyone.Neithermoonwasout,sinceArtiemahadsetearlier,andErionhadnotrisen.Inthatdimness,Ididn’texpecttodiscoverthe
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shooter,butfeltIshouldlook.IglancedbackupthestepstowhereSeliorastillheldthedoorajar.
“I’mallright,”Icalled.
ThenIwalkedtothehack.“Iwasabitclumsythere.TheBridgeofHopes,ifyouwill.”
Thedriver’smouthopened,thenshut.Finally,hesaid,“TheBridgeofHopes.Yes,sir.”
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Atthat,Iclimbedintothehack,stillholdingmyshieldsandmakingcertainthatSeliorahadclosedthedoor.
Whyhadtheassassinwaitedtoshoot?Andwhathadheused?
TheonlyexplanationIcouldcomeupwithwasthathewantedawitnessofsomesort.Eitherthatorhe’dhadtroublewithhisweapon,and
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thatdidn’tseemallthatlikely.
Ididn’tletdownmyshieldsuntilIwasbackinmyquarterswiththelockandboltsecured.IhopedI’dbeabletosleep.
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Acknowledgingneedsdoes
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notrequiredisavowingthem.
IwokeupearlyonSolayiandimmediatelywroteaquicknotetoSeliora,reassuringherthatIwasunharmedandfine.ThenIwrotealetterofthankstoherparents,even
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thoughI’dbeabletopostneitheruntilLundi.Almostnoneofthesecondsandthirdswereatbreakfast,andIatequicklyandalone,thenmademywaytothelibrary—inthebuildingadjacenttothedininghall.I’dbeenthereonlyahandfuloftimes,basicallytofindoutthingsformyessaysforeitherMasterJhulianorMasterDichartyn.
Thefrontfoyerwasdark,
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unlit,butthedoorwasunlocked.Thatbotheredmeforamoment.ThenIlaughed.Therewasn’tanypointinlockingit,notinthemiddleoftheCollegium.Itwouldbedifficultforanoutsidertostealthevolumes,andanyinsiderwhodidriskedsomuchthateventhedensestyoungimagerwouldthinktwice.
Inthedimness,ittookme
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closetohalfaglasstofindtheD’Shendaelbook—OnArtandSociety.Icouldhavelitthelamps,butsinceIdidn’tknowwheretolook,andthelibrarywasn’tthatdark,Iwouldhavespentevenmoretimelightingthanlooking,andthenI’dhavehadtosnuffthemall.Iglancedatthetitlepageandthededication.Itwasmerelyto“Thenamelessartistwho
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hasmadeuswhoweare.”
HighHolderornot,Ifeltsorryforher.
Itookthebookwithme,butIrememberedtowriteitdownonthecheck-outlistbeforeIcarrieditbacktomyquartersandbegantoread.Ileafedthroughthepages,skippingoverthem.Still,Ifoundmyselfcaughtbyanoccasionalsentenceor
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phrase.
Notonlydoesthevalueofarttoasocietyindicatethatsociety’stypeanddegreeofcivilization,butsoalsodotheusesofartwhicharevaluedandthosewhicharenot,andtheplacementofeachinthedailyfunctionsofthatsociety...
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Thefinestoflinesseparatesthemostinspiringandbeautifulofartfromthatwhichisself-indulgentanddecadent...
Allartispolitical.Thus,anartistmaysupportasociety,opposeit,orstandoutsideit.
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Thosewhosupportarenaïveorsycophantic;thosewhoopposearefools;andthosewhostandoutsidearehatedbyall...
AfterspendingmoretimethanIprobablyshouldhavereadingthebook,Iwenttolunch,thinkingthatatleastIcouldtellKhethilathatI’d
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readaworkofMadameD’Shendael.
Thedininghallwasevenmoredesertedatlunch.Idoubtedthatthereweremorethanascoreofimagers,andIthoughtIwastheonlythird.Aftereating,Idecidedtoriskmatters.Ireturnedtomyquarters,slippedthelettersintotheinsidepocketofmysummerwaistcoat,andsetout.RememberingSeliora’s
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cautions,especiallyafterthenightbefore,IraisedfullshieldsasIleftthequadrangle.Thedaywasfarcoolerwithscatteredclouds,someofthemadarkgraythatsuggestedarealpossibilityofrainlaterintheafternoon.WithinlessthanaquarterglassIhadwalkedovertheBridgeofDesires,hailedahack,andwasonmywaytoNordEsteDesign,hopefully
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toseeSeliora.
NooneshotatmewhenIgotoutofthehackandwalkedupthesteps...andliftedanddroppedtheknocker—twice.Iheardmuffledfootsteps,and,afterseveralmoments,Bhenytandthetwinsopenedthedoor.
“MasterRhennthyl,pleasecomein,”offeredBhenytformally.
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Ididn’twanttocorrecthim.Ijustsaid,“Thankyou.”
“He’shere,AuntSeliora!”calledHanahra,ormaybeitwasHestya.Theywerebothsmiling,asonlygirlswhoarealmostwomencansmileaknowingsmilethattheyfeelbutdonottrulyyetunderstand.
SeliorastoodontheedgeofthemaroonJoharancarpet
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inthesecond-levelentryfoyer—aloneexceptforBhenytandthetwins.Shewasdressedlessformally,inwhitelinentrousersandablouse,withanavybluelinenvest.Shestilllookedlovely.
Isteppedforward,stoppingshortofsweepingherintomyarms.
“Ithoughtyoumightcome...afterlastnight.Iwas
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certainyouwerehitbythebullets.Ifeltyouweren’twounded,butIstillworried.”
Iextractedthenotefromtheinsidepocketofthesummerwaistcoat.“Iwroteanote,butIdecidedthatdeliveringitpersonallywasbetter.Evenifyouweren’there,someonewouldbeabletoletyouknowIwaswell.”
Sheleanedforwardand
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kissedmycheek.
Someoneutteredasoundhalfbetweenagiggleandacough.
“Oh...sinceI’mhere,wouldyougivethistoyourparents.”Ihandedhertheotherletter.
Shetookitandturnedtotheentourage.“You’veallseenthathe’shere.Nowyoumaygo.”Eventhoughshe
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smiled,therewascoldironbehindthewords.
“Yes,AuntSeliora,”thetwinssaid,incliningtheirheadsandnotquiteskippingtowardthefarendoftheentryfoyer.Bhenytfollowed,thenduckedintoadoorwayontheleft.
“Thetwinscalledyou‘aunt.’IthoughttheywereOdelia’ssisters.”
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“Theyare,buttheyalwayssawmeasanaunt,andnowit’sahabit,evenforBhenyt.Methyrthinksit’sfunny.”Herfacetwistedintoawrysmile.“He’slikeallyoungerbrothers...difficult.”
“I’veneverseenorheard...Aegina’shusband.”Iwasn’tquitecertainhowtophrasethat.
“Hewasmurderedfive
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yearsago.”
IhadtowonderhowGrandmamaDiestratooktohavingoneofherdaughters’husbandskilled.
“Grandmamawasnotpleased.Neitherwereafewothers,whenshewasfinished.”
“Ah...whathappened?”
“Theirdwellingscaught
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fire.Theydied,buttheywereheroesbecausetheydiedsavingmostoftheirfamilies...exceptoneolderboywhowasinthefamily...enterprises.Hewasalsoahero.Grandmamapaidfortheirfunerals.”Shegesturedtowardthearchwaythatledtothestaircase.“Weshouldgouptotheeastterrace.Itwillbeempty,andsinceyou’vecomesofar,I’msure
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you’dliketorest.”Shegrinned.“I’dwagerthatitwon’tbeaquarterglassbeforeeitherAuntAegina,Odelia,orMotherarriveswithsomerefreshments.”
“Yourchaperonesarealwayssokindandthoughtful.”IlaughedasIaccompaniedhertothestairs.
Wedidenjoyalongerembraceonthelanding
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halfwayup.
Theeastterracedoorwasalreadyproppedopen,andIhadthesensethatsomeonehadleftnottoolongbefore,areminderthatSeliorabelongedtoafamilywheretherewerefewsecretsamongthem,butwherelittlewentbeyondthefamily.Thatrealizationconcernedme,becauseIwasbeingmadealmostpartofthefamily.
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Iturnedtoher.“IsKolasynaswarmlytreatedbythefamily?”
“He’saveryniceperson,kindandgood,”repliedSeliora.
Thatwasananswer.“Whyme?”
“Because.”Thatmischievoussmileappearedforamoment.
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Iwaited.
“We’relinked...somehow...andwehavetofindouthow.”
“Pharsifar-seeing?”
“Grandmama,Mother,andIallsenseit.”
Thatwasanotheranswer,andachillingone,inaway.
“Andthere’sthis.”Shewrappedherarmsaroundme
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andkissedme.
Ihadnotroubleresponding.Shehadaverydefinitepointthere,anditwentbeyondthatphysicalintensity.NotthatIdidn’tverymuchenjoythephysical.
Oncewewereseatedinthetwochairsflankingthesmallcirculartable,Selioraturnedtofaceme.“IhadBhenytseeifhecouldfindthebullets
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thismorning,assoonasitwaslight.”
“Didhe?”
Shehandedmeasmallfeltbagacrossthetable.“Grandmamasaysthatthey’refromasniper’srifle,butthatthebulletsarelongerandheavier.”
“Isthereanythingshedoesn’tknow?”ThebagfeltheavierthanIwouldhave
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thought,andIuntieditandeasedthebulletsout.Bothwereflattened,atanangle,andtheywerefarlongerandheavierthanthosethathadbeenfiredwhenI’dbeenattackedwiththeflowerseller.Afteramoment,Ireplacedtheminthebagandslippeditintomyinsidewaistcoatpocket.
“Grandmamabelievesthatyoudiewhenyoustop
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learning.Shehasnowishtomeetdeathanysoonerthannecessary.”
“Doyoufollowherexample?”
“Iwouldn’tdarenotto.”Thatmischievoussmilereappearedmomentarily.
“DoyouknowanythingmoreaboutMadameD’Shendael?”
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Seliorashookherhead.“Why?”
“Ihavethefeelingthatsomehow,she’sinvolvedinwhypeoplearetargetingme,butIcan’tseemtodiscoveranyreasonwhy.”IwentontoexplainwhatI’ddeduced.MasterDichartynmightnotcareformyrevealingthattoher,butIhadthefeelingthatSelioraandherfamilyweremorethancapableofholding
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secrets—andIneededallthehelpIcouldget,becauseIdidn’tseemuchofitcomingfromtheCollegiumatthemoment.
“GrandmamacouldfindoutaboutherparentsthroughAilphens.”
“Ailphens?”
“He’stheadvocateforNordEste.Sincethemotherwasexecutedtherewillbea
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recordsomewhere.”
Hermatter-of-factresponseunderscoredhowlittleIknewaboutcertainpracticalaspectsoflife.
“Rhenn...”Hervoicewasgentle.
“What?”
“Weallhavedifferenttalents.Inevercouldhavefiguredoutthatshewas
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Grisarius’sdaughter.Ourtalentscomplementeachother.”
“You’realsokindanddiplomatic.”
“Nottoherfamily.”Betarastoodinthedoorwaytotheterrace.“Ifshewants,shecanpeelvarnishofffinishedwood—andhide—withouteverraisinghervoice.”Shemovedforwardwiththesmall
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traythatshecarried,noiselessly.
“Mother...”Seliorawassmiling.
“IdidtakethelibertyofassumingyouwouldstilllikeSanietra,alongwiththesummeralmondbiscuitsandtheappleslices.”Thesmallplatterwiththedaintiesandfruitwentinthemiddleofthefrontedgeofthetable,anda
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glassofSanietra,withanapkin,besideeachofus.
“Thatwasaverygoodassumption,”Irepliedwithasmile.
“Grandmamawasverypleasedtomeetyou.”Betarasmiled,andIcouldseefromwhereSeliorahadgottenthemischievousexpression.“I’llletSeliorafillyouin.Enjoyyourselves.Itisabeautiful
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afternoon.”Withanod,sheslippedaway.
Iliftedthetallnarrowgoblet.“Toyouandabeautifulafternoon.”
Sheblushed,eversoslightly,assheliftedherowngoblet.“Toyou.”
Ihadn’trealizedhowdrymythroatwasuntiltheSanietracooledandmoistenedit.“Verygood...
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andtimely.Youandyourmotherdohaveasensethatway.”Aswellasinotherways.
“I’mstilllearning.”
“Yourmotherwasofferingareminder.”
“Mothercanbeverydirect.”
“Andyou’dprefertobealittlelessso.”
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Selioranodded.“Butthere’snohelpforit.It’sasmuchaboutthefamilyasaboutyou.Grandmamafeelseveryoneshouldeithercontributetothefamily—orstrikeoutontheirown.”
“Shedoesn’tliketheideaofthefamilysupportingthosewhodon’tcontributeatleasttheirshare.”
“Orasmuchastheycan,
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oncethey’regrown.”Ihadnoideawhereherwordswereleading.
“Contributionisn’tjusthowonecanaddtothegolds.We’renotbadlyoffthatway.”
Igesturedtothebuildingthatsurroundedus.“Icansee.Butyoudon’twantmentoknowthat.Wasn’tthatwhyyoumetmeatthehall...
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andwhyOdeliadoesaswell?”
Shenodded.“Also,flauntingwealthisaformofNaming.”
Icoulddefinitelyseethat.
“YoumusthaveguessedthatGrandmamacameoutofthetaudis.She’salwayssaidthatshe’sdonewhatshehadto,butthatshedidn’thavetolikeit...onlydoitwell.To
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thisday,shewon’tletanyoneelsetalktoheroldest...acquaintances.”
“That’sallyouhavetosay,Ithink.”
Selioraraisedhereyebrows.“Icanfinishit,butI’dbeinterestedinhowcloseyouare.”
“I’lltrytoputitin...generalterms.”ItookanotherswallowofSanietra.“Your
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grandmotherwantsthebestforherfamily,and,frankly,Ithinkyou’reherfavorite.Shealsoknowsthatit’sverydifficulttoretaingoldswithoutvariousformsofpower.Oneformisbeingabletoprovideagoodoraservicethatishighlyvalued,andthatissomethingthatsheandyourmotherandfatherhaveestablishedwithNordEsteDesign.I’dwager
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thatyourfatheristhebestfurniturecrafterinL’Excelsis,andpossiblywastheverybestwithoutaguildpatronormaster.Byemphasizingfurniturewithspecializedtextileupholstery,andwithhertaudiscontacts,theycreatedsomethingunique.”
Selioranoddedagain.“Isthatall?”
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“Doyouwantmetogoon?”
“No,butit’snecessary.JustrememberwhatIsaidtoyoulastnight...andthatIaskedyoutodancebeforeyoubecameanimager.”
Lastnight?IalmostnoddedsomberlyasIrecalledherwords.
“Inaverygeneralsense,powercancomefromtwo
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sources.Oneistheabilitytoapplyforcewithoutusingtheestablishedresourcesofasociety.Theotheristheabilitytouseforcesanctionedbysociety.Yourgrandmotherretainsthefirstability.She’skeptherchildrenfromthatsource,atleastpartly.Butshe’snolongeryoung.”IlookedtoSeliora,wonderingifI’dsaidenoughortoomuch.
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Herfacewasapleasantmask.
“Grandmamahasbeenconcernedforsometimewhatwillhappentothefamily,andherhopeisthatyou—andwhoeveryouchoose—willsaveit.”Ilaughed,ruefully.“That’squiteaburdentoputonyou...orOdelia.”
“Youdidn’tmention
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Shomyr.”
“He’stookind,Iwouldjudge,andMehtyr’stooyoung,andL’Excelsisstillrespectsmeninpower,atleastinofficiallysanctionedpositions.There’sonlyonehighwomanmaitreintheCollegium,andlookattheattacksMadameD’Shendaelhasundergone.”
“Youknewthis?”Her
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voicewassteady,butIcouldsense...something...behindit.
“Notuntilyousaidwhatyoudidaboutyourgrandmama.Then,allthepiecesfit.IthinkIwasfeelingsomeofit,butIhadn’tthoughtaboutitinthatwaybefore.Iwasjustinterestedinyou,evenfromthatnightlastFevierwhenyouaskedmetodance...”
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IlookedtoSeliora,seeingthebrightnessofunshedtears.“Tofallinlove,andthentofindthateveryonelookstoyou...you’rebraverthanImightbe.”Istoodandeasedaroundthetable,drawinghertoherfeetandputtingmyarmsaroundher.
Foralongmoment,shewasasstiffasifshehadbeencarvedfromancientoak.
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Thensheclungtome,shudderingsilently.Finally,sheliftedherheadandmurmuredsoftly,“Ididn’twantthat.Iwantedyou.Iwantyou.”
“Youandyourgrandmamaarealikeinoneway,”Isaidquietly,stillholdingher.
Shelookedupatme,questioningly,still,holdingme.
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“You’rebothhonest.Shecouldhavesaidnothing,justencouragedyou,madethingseasy.Youcouldhavesaidnothing.Neitherofyoudid.Forthat,Irespectyouboth.”IkissedSelioragently.
WhatIdidn’tsaywasthathergrandmamaknewhowtousehonestytothegreatesteffect...orthatImightneedSelioraandherfamilyeverybitasmuchastheyneeded
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me.Butthen,IdoubtedthatIneededtosayit.Selioraalreadyunderstoodthat,whethersheconsciouslyknewitornot.
“Youdon’tmind?”
“No.Notintheslightest.”Perhapsstrangely,Ididn’t.I’dalreadylearnedthathavingneedsdidn’tmakeapersonless—ormore.
Thekissandembracethat
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followedmywordsmadeanywordssuperfluous.
WehadbarelyreseatedourselvesandgainedameasureofcomposurewhenIheardfootstepsonthewoodenflooroftheshorthallwayfromthemainupperhall.
Selioragavemeawrysmileassheblottedhereyes.Ionlyhadtoswallowseveral
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times.
GrandmamaDiestrasteppedoutontotheporch,favoringoneleg.ShelookedatSeliora,thenatme.“Iseeyoutoldhim,girl.”
“No,Grandmama.Iofferedhimafewwords,andhetoldme.”
Shelookedatme.“Isthatright?”
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“Yes,madame.”
Shenodded.“Youtwoarerightforeachother.Thatdoesn’tmeanitwillworkout.Workingitoutmeansworkingitout.You’rerightforthisfamily,Rhennthyl,andthisfamilyisrightforyou.Willthatworkout?Idon’tknow.WhatIdoknowisthatinsideafamily,orbetweenahusbandandawife,secretsdestroytrust.So
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doesafailuretotalkhonestlyanddirectly,butnothurtfully.Marriagesandfamiliesarebuiltontrust.”
WhatcouldIsaytothat?
“Whatdoyouhavetosayaboutthat,Rhennthyl?”
“Seeingwhatyouwanttoseeisanotherformofdishonesty.Areyouseeingwhatyouwantorwhatreallyis?”
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Diestralaughed.“That’sagoodquestion.Self-deceptionwoulddestroyeverythingI’vebuilt,andI’mtoooldtobotherwithit.You’veseenthedangersofself-deceptioninothers.Whataboutinyourself?”
“I’mtooyoungtobeexpertinit,butitwouldbeeasyenoughtofallintothathabit.”
“Fairlyput.”Shenodded.
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“Whateveryoutwodecide,decideithonestly.”Withthat,sheturnedandleft.
Foramoment,SelioraandIjustlookedateachother.
“Isshealwaysthatdirect?”
“Whennoonebutfamilyispresent...always.Withoutsiders,sometimes.Shewastalkingtoyouasfamily.”
Itookalongslowbreath.
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“I’vebeenavoidingit,but...youneedtomeetmyfamily.It’snotyou;it’sme.Motherhasbeenaftermeto‘findtherightgirl’foryears.Butpartofmeworriesthatnoonewillberightsofarasshe’sconcernedbecauseshe’ssointoformandformality.SinceI’mtryingtobehonest,therearetwopartstothat.ThefirstpartisthatIdon’twanttofacedisapproval.The
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secondpartisthatIdon’twanttoputyouthroughanexaminationandsilentinquisition.”
Selioralaughed.
“Ididn’tthinkitwasfunny.”
Thelaughturnedintoagentlesmile.“It’snot.Iworriedhorriblywhenyouhadtomeetthefamily.Iwaslaughingaboutyourcallingit
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the‘silentinquisition.’Thatiswhatmothersoftendo.Sodosistersandcousins.I’vedoneittoOdelia.Mostmendon’tnotice,ortheypretendnotto.”
“Herpreviousescort?”
“Hewasn’tsuitable.”
“AfterwhatGrandmamaDiestrajustsaid,I’dhatetothinkwhatshe’dhavesaid...”Ishookmyhead.“She
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wouldn’thavesaidanything,wouldshe?Ijustwouldn’thaveeverbeenabletogetintouchwithyou,exceptbyliterallykidnappingyou,wouldI?Andthatwouldhavebeenanythingbutwise.”
“Youunderstandmorethanyouwanttoadmit.”Afterapause,Selioraadded,“Whendoyouthinktheexaminationoverdinnerwilltakeplace?”
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“I’dguessthatMotherwillwantitonthetwenty-eighth.SamedisareabouttheonlytrulyfreenightIhaverightnow,andI’dbesurprisedifFatherwillbebackbythiscomingweekend.MotherisinSolisvisitingAuntIlena.I’llhavetowriteheraboutit,andshewon’tgetaletterbeforeMardi,anditmightnotbeuntillaterintheweek...”
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Selioranodded.“You’llletmeknow.”
“Iwillindeed.”ThelettertomyparentswasoneletterIwasn’tlookingforwardtowritingintheslightest.
Selioraturnedandfacedme,lookingsolemn.Thenhergrinappeared.“Sincewe’vebeenorderedtobehonest,tellmewhatyoulikebestaboutme.”
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Thatwasscarcelyatrial.“Iwasstunnedandbedazzledbythefactthatyouaskedmetodance...andIstillam.Andwhatdoyoulikeaboutme?”
“Thatyoucouldtakethedisappointmentofleavingtheguildandrebuildyourlifewithoutself-pity...”
Wespentmorethanaglassinthatfashion,growingmore
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seriousaswetalked,beforeIrealizedthatIneededtogo,arevelationhastenedbyseveralrollsofthunderfromtheapproachingstorm.Ourpartingwasbrief,ifamorous,andIdidmanagetohailahackandclimbinsidebeforeraindropsbegantosplatteronthestonepavementofNordroad.
Igavethehackerathreecoppersextra,thenhurried
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fromthehacktowardthebridge,withtherainpeltingdownaroundme.Alongtheway,Ilearnedthatevenstrongshieldsdidn’tstoprain...ornotmuch,andIwonderedwhy.I’dhavetoexperimentwiththat—butnotdressedasIwas.
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Plaquesheldtooclosetothe
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waistcoatcanbesocloseasnottobeabletobeplayed.
OnceIreturnedfromservicesattheImagisleanomenonSolayi,Idraftedandthenre-draftedalettertoMother.ThenIwroteitoncemoreandsetitaside.OnLundi
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morning,afterexercisesandarunwhereIfinishedsomewhatclosertoDartazn,Istruggledbacktomyquarters,showered,shaved,anddressed.ThenIreadtheletteralasttime.
DearMother,
Forsometimenow,youhavebeensuggestingthatIneeded
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tofindayoungladywhowasintelligent,congenial,andsuitable.Inviewofyourwisdominthismatter,IhavequietlybeenpursuingthatobjectiveandbelieveIhavediscoveredsuchayoungwoman.Inasmuchasyouhavesuggestedthatyouwouldliketohavemeandasuitableyoungladyofmychoosingfordinner,Iwouldliketoaskifthatinvitation
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remainsopenformeandMistressSelioraD’Shelim.
Ratherthanwritetoomuchabouther,Iwillonlysaythatshecomesfromawell-offandcommerciallysuccessfulfamilyandisquiteintelligent.Shehasasolidknowledgeofthetextilefieldandnumerousmanufacturers,andIbelieve
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youwillfindhermostcharming.
Isigned,sealed,andaddressedit,thentuckeditintomyuniform—wewereallowedtoweartheCounciluniformstobreakfast—andheadedtothedininghall.Onthewayintoeat,Ipickeduponeofthenewsheets
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—Veritum—andscannedtheleadstoryonthediplomaticcommuniquésentfromtheHighPriestofCaenentotheCouncil—andclearlyleakedtothenewsheet.Partofthequotedtextread,“...westriveforavisionofDualitythatistruetoourfaithbutavisionthatalsoencompassespeaceandprosperityforallTerahnar...”ThestoryalsonotedthattheCaenenan
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forcesneartheborderwithTiemprehad“completedtheirtrainingmaneuvers”andwerereturningtotheirregularbases.
Anotherstorynearthebottomofthefrontsideofthesheetreportedonaseriesofexplosionsinnear-abandoneddwellingsintaudisinNaclianonearEstisle,LiantiagonearWestisle,andaparticularlylargeexplosion
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inthe“areaknownasthehellhole”nearL’Excelsis.Civicpatrollersfoundanumberofbodies,aswellasmaterialsandweaponslinkedtoa“certainforeigngovernment.”Theexactcausesoftheexplosionswereunknown,butthoughttobethe“accidental”detonationofunstableexplosives.
Atthatmoment,Dartazngestured,andIjoinedhim,
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Martyl,andNansyar,athirdIknewonlybynameandface.
“Iseeyouwerereadingaboutthestrangeandwondrouseventsintheworld.”
InoddedasIpouredsometea.“TheeventsinCaenawerestrangeandwondrous,butnotunexpected.I’dhopethatthecostwasn’tanothernameonaplaque.”
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“AsdoI,”addedMartyl,“butthat’ssomethingwe’lljusthavetowaitout.”
“Whatdoyouthinkaboutthetaudisexplosions?”
“Purehappenstance.”Dartazn’swordswereedgedwithironyoverlaidwithgentlesarcasm.“Whatdoyouthink?”
“Aboutthesame.”
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NansyarglancedfromDartazntome,andthentoMartyl.“Ihateitwhenyoucoverttypesdothat.”
“Weallhaveourlittlesecrets,”saidMartyl,withalaugh.“Youdon’ttelluswhatgoesoninthearmorylaboratories.”
Afterthat,wetalkedabouthowthecommuniquémightaffectthesituationbetween
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FerrumandJariola.AboutallweagreeduponwasthatthecoolingdowninOtelyrnwouldallowtheNavytomovemostofitswarshipstothewatersoffJariolaandFerrum.ThenwetookthedutycoachtotheCouncilChateau,whereIdidposttheletter,butwherenothingunusualorofimportoccurredonLundi...orMardi.
OnMeredimorning,
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though,rightafterwearrived,Baratyngatheredustogether.Hesmiled,notunkindly,asheglancedatthethreeofus.“WeareapproachingtheendofAgostos,andIimaginesomeofyouknowwhatthatmeans.”
Dartaznnoddedsolemnly.Martylshowednoexpression,andIjuststoodthere,nothavinganyideawhatBaratynmeant.
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“OnthelastFridayofAgostos,Vendrei,thethirty-fourth,istheannualHarvestBalloftheCouncil.Youwillbepresent,andinadditiontokeepingyoureyesopenandyourabilitiesready,youwillbeexpectedtodance,whennecessaryandifasked,orifyouseealadyinanembarrassingsituationandclearlyneedingapartner.Thistakesprecedenceover
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allotherpersonalandprofessionalengagements,unlessdirectlymandatedotherwisebyMasterDichartyn.Isthatclear?Good.Nowfortoday.TheCouncilwillbedebatingthecommuniquéfromCaenen,andtheExecutiveCouncilhasdecreedthatnovisitorsorpetitionerswillbereceived.”
AfterBaratyndismissedustoourassignments,Iturned
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toDartazn.“WhyisthisballonaVendrei?”
“I’mgladIwasn’ttheonlyonetoaskthat.Idid,twoyearsago.MasterDichartynwasnotkind.”Hesmiled.“ItwasoriginallyafunctiononlyforHighHolders,andhavingitonVendreimadethepointthatthecommonworkingandtradetypescouldnothaveattendedeveniftheysowished.”
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“EvenwhentheCouncilsthenhadguildandfactorcouncilors?”
Henodded.“TheExecutiveCouncilwascomposedofHighHoldersforthefirstcentury.Itwasalsoawayofemphasizingtheir...superiority.”
I’dforgottentheearlymakeupoftheExecutiveCouncil.“Thankyou.”
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Rightafteraveryshortbreakforabitetoeatjustafternoon,BaratynwalkedovertowhereIwaswatchingtheupperwestcorridor.
“MasterDichartynsentamessage.You’retoreporttohisstudyassoonasyoureturntotheCollegiumthisafternoon.”
“Yes,sir.Didhesaywhy?”
Baratynofferedawry
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smile.“Heneverdoes.”
Ihadn’tseenMasterDichartynsincethepreviousVendrei,butthatwasnosurprise.
OnceIgotbacktotheCollegium,Ididn’tgostraighttotheadministrationbuilding,butmadeaveryslightdetourthroughmyquarterstopickupthefeltbagSeliorahadgivenme.
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ThenIcontinuedontohisstudy.
Thedoorwasclosed,andIknocked.
“Comein,Rhennthyl,andclosethedoor.”
Idid,andthentooktheseatbeforehisdesk.
“Whathaveyoubeenupto?”MasterDichartynstilllookedtired.“Whathaveyou
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discovered?”
“WerealltheexplosionsmentionedinVeritumwhatyouusedtodealwithspies?”Iaskedinreturn.
“Rhennthyl...”
Iignoredthesterntoneanddroppedthebagwiththebulletsinitonthewritingdesk.Eventhroughthecloth,theymadeasatisfactoryclunk.“Thesewerefiredat
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meonSamedinight.”
“I’dappreciateitifyouwouldprovideasomewhatlongerexplanation,Rhenn.”
Idid,withoutdetailsaboutexactlywhereIhadbeenorwithwhom,justthatI’dbeenhailingahackonNordroadatthetimeI’dbeenfiredupon.
WhenIhadfinished,hetookthebag,easedthebulletsoutofit,andexaminedthem.
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Thenhelookedatmeagain.“Whatflattenedthem?”
“Myshields.Whatelse?TheFerran,ifthat’swhoitwas,isaverygoodshot.”
MasterDichartyngavealowwhistle.“IfI’mnotmistaken,thosearefromaFerransniper’srifle—butamidrangeweapon,withamoremassivebullet.It’sdesignedtopenetratemore
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thanflesh—unarmoredcarriages,forexample.Itisagoodthingyou’vebeenworkingonyourshields.”
Atthatpoint,Iwantedtostranglehim.Iforcedasmile.“Iunderstandyourposition,sir,andtheideathattherearethingsIshouldnotknowbecauseIhavenoneedtoknow.Iamveryjuniorinyourorganization.Thereisn’tanyoneanymorejunior.But.
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..ifyouwillpardonme,Iamgettingverytiredofbeingatargetandnotknowingwhy.”IwantedtopointoutthatIdoubtedmanyimagerscouldhavesurvivedthosebullets,andthatitmightnotbeabadideatogivememoreinformationifhewantedtokeepthattalentaroundtheCollegium.Ididn’t.Iwantedtoseewhathe’dsay.Besides,itwasclearthatwithholding
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informationworkedtwoways,andnottellinghimthatIknewwhathewasn’tsayingmightworktomyadvantage.Thewaythingsweregoing,silencecouldn’tworkanymoretomydisadvantagethanofferingmorethanheaskedfor.ForthesakeoftheNameless,andwithaquicksilentprayernottoletmefallpreytotheNamer,Ihopedso.
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“Rhennthyl...”Thatsinglewordcarriedgreatexasperation.
Iignoreditandrepliedpolitely,“Yes,sir?”
Helookedatme,attemptingintimidation.
Ireturnedthelook,notbotheringtolookaway.Ididn’tfeelantagonistic;Ijustdidn’tfeellikebeingsubservient.Ialsoheldfull
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shields,ifveryclosetome.
Afteramoment,henodded,thenspoke.“Youknowhowfewimagerswehave,andevenfewerhavethecapabilitiesyouandthoselikeyoupossess.Howcanwequestioneveryoneabouteverything?Evenifwehadenoughimagers,orcoulduseallthecivicpatrollers,doyouthinkthatthecitizensofL’Excelsiswouldputupwith
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itforlong?”
“No,sir.They’rewaryofusasitis.”
“Everyactionhasalinktosomething,andifwecanmakeourenemiesact,thenthatprovestheirdangerandalsoprovidesthatlink.Oneofourduties—mineandyours—issimplytobetargets,toofferourenemiessomeoneandsomethingat
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whichtostrike,sothatwecandiscoverthemanddestroythem.WhydoyouthinkMaitreDyanaandIhavespentsomuchtimeandeffortonbuildingyourshieldsandyourtechniqueswiththem?”
“SothatIcanbeatargetandsurvive,clearly.”
“Andsothatotherscanaswell,”hesaidgently.“Every
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singletimeyou,Martyl,Dartazn,orBaratyn,ortheothers,removesomeonewhoisadanger,youreinforcetheCollegium,andSolidar.Everytimeyousurviveanassassinationattemptyoudothesame.”
“Sir...won’tpeoplelearningthatmakethemevenmoreafraidofus?”
“Thinkaboutit,Rhenn.
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Howmanypeopledoesanassassindaretell?Andwhatdidthathackdriversee?Hesawyoufallorgetknockeddown.Yougotupandtookthehack.That’sdangerous?Theonlyonewho’slikelytofeelfearistheassassin.”
Hedidhaveapointthere.
“Isthatallyou’vediscovered?”
“I’vealsolearnedafew
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otherthings,sir.Diazt’sbrother—hewasataudischefinthehellhole—tookoutacontractonme...fortengolds.AfterIkilledthefirstassassin,hetriedtorecoverthegoldsandwasgarroted.Thegarroteropeheldasilverknot,buttherehavebeentwoattemptsonmesincethen,presumablynotfromDiazt’sfamilyorthesourceofthesilverknot.”
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“Wheredidyoufindthisout?”
“IpromisedIwouldn’ttellanyone,sir.Itwashardenoughtofinditoutasitwas,andI’dliketobeabletoaskagain,ifIneedto.”
“Ifthat’sthewayitis,that’sthewayitis.”Hepaused.“Youdidn’tpromiseanythingthatmightcompromise—”
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“No,sir.There’snocrimeorwrongdoinginvolved.”
“Howdidyou...”Heshookhishead.“AllIcansay,Rhennthyl,isthatyouhadbestkeepimprovingyourimagingabilities.”Hepaused.“Unlessyouhearfromme,you’retomeetwithMaitreDyanatomorroweveningatseventhglassinthecorridoroutsidethedininghall.Youneedtolearnaboutpoisons.
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Agreatdeal,beforeit’stoolate.”Hestood,stiflingayawn.
“Oh...oneotherthing,sir.Ididdiscoverthenameofthewomanintheminiature.Alateretchingisinoneofherbooks.”
“Youdon’tgiveup,doyou?”
“Wouldyou,sir?”
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Hegavemeawrysmile.“I’dappreciateitifyou’dkeepthattoyourself.Thefewerwhodiscoverweknowthat,thebetterthechancewehavetousethatknowledgetofindoutwho’sshootingatyou,andthoseotherjuniorimagerswhohavenotbeenfortunateenoughtohaveyourskills.”Hestifledanotheryawn.“Goodevening,Rhennthyl.”
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Therewasn’tmuchelseIcaredtosay.Inodded.“Goodevening,sir.”
ThenIwentbacktomyquartersandchangedintomyimagergraysbeforegoingtodinner.WhenIgottothedininghall,IfoundMartylwithMenyardandReynol,andwesatneartheheadofthetable.IwasmorethanalittlesurprisedtoseeMasterDichartynatthemasters’
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table,becausehealmostneverwastherefordinner,notthatI’dexpectedit,sincehehadawifeandchildren.WithhimwasanothermanI’dneverseen,perhapstenyearsolderthanIwas.
“Who’sthemasterwithDichartyn?”IaskedMartyl.
“Hehastobeanothermaster,butI’veneverseenhim.Hemightbefrom
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EstisleoroneoftheotherCollegia.”
“Oraregional,”addedReynol.
“Regional?”I’dneverheardoftheterm.
“Couldbe,”musedMartyl.“TheyreportperiodicallytoMasterDichartyn.”
“What’saregional?”Ifinallyasked.
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“AregionalrepresentativeoftheCollegium.Allthecitiesthatdon’thaveCollegiahavethem,andsomeofthelargertownsdo.They’re...well...let’ssaythattheyoperatesortoflikefieldtypesdo,exceptinsideSolidar.”
Foramoment,Ijustsatthere,holdingmywineglass.ThenItookasip.TherewasnothinginanyofwhatIhadreadaboutregionals,butthen
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therewasnothingaboutsilentguardsorcovertimagers,either.ThemoreIlearned,themoreIrealizedhowlittleI’dknown...andperhapsstilldid.
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Well-chosenwordscreate
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painthatlastslonger
thanthatfromaflogging.
WhenIreturnedfromtheCouncilChateauonJeudi,Ifoundaletterawaitingmeinmyletterbox.ItwasaddressedtomeinMother’s
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perfectscript,andshemusthavedispatcheditbyspecialmessenger,ratherthanbyregularpost.Afterlookingatitseveraltimes,Ibrokethesealrightthereinthecorridor,openedit,andbegantoread.
DearRhennthyl,
Iwasdelightedtoreceive
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yourletter,whicharrivedatthehouseinmyabsence,andIammostcertainthatyourfatherwillbeequallypleased,especiallyifyouhavefoundayoungwomanofsuitablebackgroundandintelligence.Knowingthatyouhavefoundsomeonesuitableinbackgroundanddemeanorwouldbringgreathappinesstobothofus.
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Ofcourse,wewouldbemorethandelightedtomeetheroverdinnerhereatthehouse,and,ifyouhavenoobjections,wewouldsuggestnextSamedi,thetwenty-eighth,atfifthglass.
Khethilawaspleasedthatyou
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stoppedbythefactorage,asamI.Itneverhurtstohaveamalerelativeofsuchimportappear.Uponreadingyourletter,whichIdidsharewithher,shementionedthatyouhaddeclinedaninvitationtodinewithher,andthatthereasonsforthatdemurralwereobviousinlightofyourletter.Likeyourfatherandme,shelooksforwardtomeetingMistressSeliora
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D’Shelim.
Theimplicationswereclearenough.WhileIknewSeliorawascertainlyuptothenot-so-silentinquisition,Iwasn’tcertainthatIwouldbe.
TheonlyothernotableaspectofJeudiwasmymeetingwithMaitreDyana.Shewasascomposed,as
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direct,andascontemptuousoffoolishnessandthoughtlessquestionsasever,aswhenIofferedaquestionastowhytherewassuchsuddenurgencyinmylearningaboutpoisons.
“Whyindeed?Dearboy,pleasethink.Youhaveshieldsasstrongasanyimager,andstrongerthanmost.Theycouldbefarmoreeffectiveifyouwould
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practicefinesseaswell,butyouareyoung,andfinesseisseldomappreciatedbytheyoungandstrong,notuntiltheyhavebeendefeatedbyoldageandtreachery,bothofwhicharefarmoreeffectivethanthoughtlessyouthandstrength.”
She’dasmuchasadmittedthat,wereIcareful,myshieldswouldprotectmeagainstdirectattacks.“That
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suggeststhatIwillbeplacedinsituationswhereIwillbevulnerabletosuchtreachery.”
“Brilliant.Positivelybrilliant.Now...mightwecontinue?”Withoutwaitingforaresponse,shepointedtothegobletslinedupontheconferencetableofthechamberwhereshehadinstructedmebefore.“Whatyouneedtodoisimagethetiniestbitofthewineor
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whateveryoususpectontoatestpaperstripandwatch.Thepaperstripsaretreated.Ifit’sacyanoticpoison...thestripwillturngreen,ifjoraban,amaroon...”
Icouldseeaproblemthere.
“Yes?”
“Ifthere’sjorabainredwine...”
“Youdon’tneedtoworry
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aboutthat.Youcanonlyputjorabainclearliquids.Itsnatureissuchthatittendstochangethecolorsofanything.But...”Sheshrugged.“...thatdoesmeanyouneedtobeawareofthepropercolorsofvariouswines.ThatisonereasonwhyHighHoldersaresuchexpertsonvintages.Thosewhoarenotoftensufferstrangeandfatalmaladies...”
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IhadnodoubtthatthecomingsessionswithMaitreDyanawouldbeevenmorepainful.
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Rain,shadows,andsunlight
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allconcealandreveal,
justindifferentfashions.
Vendreiwaswithoutincident,exceptingforanotherlongeveningsessionwithMaitreDyana.SowasearlySamedimorning,exceptthatwehad
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torunthroughaheavyrain,andmyexerciseclothesweresoddenbythetimeIreturnedtomyquarters.Evenso,Imanagedtogettobreakfast,eat,andarriveatmymakeshiftstudiowithenoughtimetogetmypaintssetupandevengetinalittleworkonthebackgroundoftheportraitbeforeMasterPoincarytarrivedpunctuallyatthefirstbellofeighth
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glass.
Recallinghis“homily”aboutobservation,Iwatchedasheenteredthestudio,notinghow,withoutseemingto,hesurveyedmeandtheentirespaceoftheconvertedworkroombeforetakinghisseat.Icouldseethatmightalsobeagoodhabittoform.
Ashesatdown,hesmiled.“Yes...Ido.Mostcovert
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imagerslearnthatearly,iftheysurvive.”
“I’mstillworkingonwhatyousuggested,sir.”
“You’restillyoungenoughthatsuchintensitycanbetakenforinterest.Asyougetolder,youwillhavetolearnobservationwithcircumspection,butbythen,youshouldbeabletopickuponwhatyouseeandsense
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almostwithoutthinkingaboutit.”Helaughed.“AmongtheHighHolders,observationisplayedasagame,ifonewithveryhighstakes.Theonewhocanlearnthemostwhilerevealingtheleastisusuallythewinner.”
Inthatsense,I’djustlost...butI’dlearnedindoingso.“Ifyouwouldturnyourheadtotheleft,justatouch,sir?”
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Ipaintedforasolidglass,alittletentativelyatfirst,becauseIhadn’tbeenworkingwiththebrushesallthatmuch,butIcouldfeelthetouchcomebackbeforelong.Imanagedtogetmostoftheareaaroundhisforeheadandeyes,aswellasfinishthenose,andgettheshapeofthejawsetwiththeunderlyingbase.
Asthefirstoftheninebells
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rang,MasterPoincarytrose.“Ihopeyouwillpardonme,Rhennthyl,butIdohaveameetingwithHighCouncilorSuyrienandCouncilorRholyn.”
“Yes,sir.Itrustitwillgowell.”
“Oneneverhasameetingwithoutknowingexactlyhowitwillgoandhowtoassurethatitdoes.”Hesmiled
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warmly.“Otherwise,whatisthepoint?”
Afterheleft,Ithoughtabouthispartingwords.He’dasmuchassaidthathewouldbecontrollingthemeetingbetweenRholyn,thecouncilorwhorepresentedtheCollegiumontheCouncil,andHighCouncilorSuyrien,theHighHolderwhochairedtheexecutivecommitteeoftheCouncil,andwho,in
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effect,spokefortheCouncilandallofSolidar.Thatalsosuggestedthatsuchameetingwasnecessary,andthat,attheleast,therewasnottotalagreementbetweenSuyrienandtheCollegium.Ihadnodoubtstherewouldbeagreementwhenthemeetingended.
Ispentalmostanotherfullglassworkingontheportrait,becauseIfeltIneededtodo
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so,butasIcleanedup,IrealizedanotheraspectoftheCollegium.MasterPoincarythadcomefromthecovertbranchnowheadedbyMasterDichartyn,andthatsuggestedtomethatMasterDichartynmightwellbebeingpreparedtobecomeMasterPoincaryt’ssuccessor.
TheCollegiumwasalmostcompletelydesertedbynoon,andIatewithReynol,who
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complainedabouthavingtodealwith“greatcomplexities”intheCollegiumaccounts,makingthingsbalancesothateverythingappearedinitsproperplacewhentheaccountswerepresentedtotheCouncil.
“TotheCouncil?”Itookamouthfulofsaoras,thinstripsofgoosefriedinspiceoil,thencoveredwithcheeseand
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bakedinapuffpastry.
“Absolutely.WeprovideservicestotheCouncil,forwhichwearepaid.ThearmoryhascontractswiththeNavy,thatsortofthing.Eventhe...well...letusjustsaythatalmosteverypartoftheCollegiumprovidesgoodsorservicestosomeone,andwereceiveanannualpaymentfromtheCouncilforresolution.”
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“Doesthatmeanresolutionoftheimagerproblem,bytrainingthem,andkeepingthemfrombeingaproblem,sotospeak?”
“It’snotspelledoutanywhere,anditdatesbackcenturies.That’sallIknow.Somethingsaccountclerksdon’taskabout.”Reynoldidsmile.
Isippedthewine,aslightly
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bitterwhiteplonkIcouldn’tidentify.“Whydoyouthinkotherlandsdon’thavesomethingliketheCollegium?”
“Whywouldtheywantthem?Halfofthemdon’twantimagersbecausetheirreligionorfaithorwhathaveyousayswe’reevilandunnatural.Theotherseithertoleratethemwithrestrictionsorquietlyforcethemoutor
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killthembecausetheydon’tfit.”
Ihadtothinkaboutthat.“Youmeanbecauseabsoluterule,likeinCaenen,canbeturnedupsidedownwithimagerswhocankilltyrantswithouteverbeingdetected?”
“Right.Butevenoutsideinfluenceworriesthoseinpower.InJariola,therearereallyonlyforty-five
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membersoftheoligarchy.That’shereditary.Whatifanimagerwentaroundkilling,overtime,thosememberswithagivenview?Thatcouldchangethings,andtheydon’twantchange.InFerrum,theybelieveinusingmachinesandforeigncontractworkerstokeepwagesandcostslow.Thatreducesthepoweroftheguilds—theyreallydon’thavethemthe
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waywedo—andincreasesthepowerofthefactors.Theydon’tevenhaveanythinglikeHighHolders,onlythewealthiestofmerchants.ACollegiuminFerrumwouldcertainlyreducethepowerofthemerchanters.”
“So,fordifferentreasons,neitherFerrumnorJariolacaresforimagers.WhataboutTiempre?”
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“They’recrazy.TheyhavethisideathatanytalentthatonlyafewpeoplehaveisthemarkofBius,theblackdemon,becausePuryon,theiroh-so-justgod,bestowsthepotentialforeverytruebelievertohavethesameabilitiesasanyother,ifindifferinglevels,iftheyonlybelieve.Soallimagersaredemons.”
“Howcantheybelieve
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that?Peoplearedifferent.”
Reynoljustlaughed.Ihadtoaswell.
Afterlunch,IfoundashadedbenchontheeasternsideofImagisleonthenorthendwheretherewasaslightbreezeoffthewaterandsatdowntotrytothink.
WhathadIdiscoveredaboutthosetryingtokillme,andhowhadIdiscovered
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whatIhad?Inthesimplestsense,Ihadobservedandtalkedtopeople.TheproblemnowwasthatIhadfewenoughpeopleleftwithwhomIcouldtalkthatIhadnotalreadycontacted.ButitcouldbethatI’dbeenlookingattheprobleminthewrongway.Anumberofjuniorimagershadbeenkilledoverthepasthalfyear,andnoneofthemhadangeredHigh
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HolderRyelortaudischefArtazt.SomehadbeenkilledevenbeforeI’denteredtheCollegium,andtherewerekillingsstillhappening,ifintermittently.Why?Justbecausesomeonedidn’tlikeimagers?
Foratime,Ijustsatthere,lookingattheriver,butIdidn’tcomeupwithanysortofanswer.Yet...therewassomething.Ijustcouldn’tsee
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whatitwas.
BecauseIhadaverystrongfeelingthattryingtorundownElphensorotherportraituristswasn’tgoingtotellmeanymore,Ifinallyreturnedtomyquartersandread,mostlyfromOnArtandSociety.Ididn’tknowthatIagreedwithmuchofwhatIread.JuniaeD’Shendael’scommentarydidsparkspeculation,particularlyher
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assertionthatthereasontherewerevirtuallynowomenartistswasbecause,historically,noonewantedtoinvestintrainingawomanwhenshehadafiftypercentchanceofdyinginchildbirth,andbeingsurroundedbymales,shewouldlikelyhaveahundredpercentchanceofbecomingpregnant.Afterhavingachild,she’dbeabletodevotelesstimetoartand
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wouldrequiremorefood,especiallyifnursing.
I’dhavetocautionKhethilaaboutnotquotingtooliberallyfromthatvolume.
Athalfpastfour,IwasinahackheadedforNordroadandHagahlLane.Ihadslippedasetofpoisontestingstripsinsidemywaistcoat,notthatIexpectedtobe
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poisoned,butforpractice.Averylightdrizzlehadbeguntofall,andIwishedthatIhadanumbrella,notforme,butforSeliora.
Iarrivedalmostaquarterglassearly,but,seeminglyasalways,Bhenytopenedthedoor.
“MasterRhennthyl,pleasecomein.”
“Areyouthepermanent
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doorman?”Iaskedjokingly.
“Iliketoseewho’scoming,and,besides,Mothersaysit’sawaytomeetpeople.”Hesmiled.“AuntSelioragivesmethings,too.”
Bhenytcarefullyslidthelockandtheboltinplace,andthenwewalkedupthesteps,wherehetookhisleave.
Iwaitedforatimeinthemain-levelentryhall,taking
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inthepaintingssetatintervals,aswellasthehangings.Ihadthefeelingaboutoneofthem,anelaborategeometricdesignofsilveranddarkgrayonarichgreen.Itwasfarnewerthantheothers.Ididn’trecognizeanyofthepaintings,allofthemlandscapesorcityscenes,althoughIthoughtoneofthesceneslookedlikeitmighthavebeenpaintedby
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Elphensorhisformermaster—exceptitwassignedbysomeonecalledArhenyt,whofromthestylemighthavebeenRhenius’sfather.
AlthoughIheardnosteps,IsensedsomeoneandturnedtoseeSelioraenteringthemainhallfromthearchwayleadingtothestairs.Sheworeablackdresswithabrilliantfilmygreenvest,trimmedinsilver,withasilveryscarf.
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“Doyouallmovesoquietly?”Igrinned.
“No.ShomyrandFathershakethestairsandthefloor.”Selioragavemeawarmembraceandagentlebutquickkissbeforesteppingback.“Haveyourparentsreturned?”
“IreceivedareplyfromMotherlateonJeudi,andalettertoyouwouldn’thave
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gottenheremuchbeforeIdid.”
Selioraraisedhereyebrows.“And?”
“Becausewe’rebeinghonest,youcanreadherresponse.”Ihandedhertheenvelope.
Sheextractedtheletter,slowlyreadingit.Thenshelookedupandsmiled,enigmatically.
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Iwasn’tabouttoaskwhatlaybehindtheexpression.Iknew.IalsoknewthatMotherwasinforsomethingshehadneverencountered,notevenwithRemaya,whowasahousecatcomparedtoSeliora’smountaincougar.
“You’resmiling,”Seliorasaid.
“IthinkI’llenjoyobservingnextweekend.”
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“Youcanbeevil,Rhenn.I’llbeascharmingasIknowhow.”
“AndyousayI’mevil?”
Thatgotmeanotherenigmaticsidelongglance.“Wheremightwebegoingtodine?”
“I’dthoughtthatthePromenademightbegood.”
“CouldwetryTerraza?”
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“It’sbetter,Itakeit?”I’dneverheardofit.
“Itis.Youalsodon’tpayforwhatyoudon’tget.”
“OdeliaandKolasyn?”
“Ithoughtwecouldmeetthemthere.”
Ijustofferedashrugandagrin.
Asweheadeddownthestepstothedoor,Seliora
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gestured.“Intheclosetatthebottomofthestairs,thereareseveralumbrellas.”
Afterfindingthecloset,ItookalargenavyblueumbrellaandthenhelditoverSelioraassheusedabrasskeytolockthedoorbehindus.Wehadtowaitabittohailahack,andforthatIwasgladfortheumbrella,notsomuchformeasforSeliora.
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Ifithadnothavebeenforthemistingrain—andtheexposure—Terrazawouldhavebeenalmostcloseenoughtowalk,onlyaboutamille,justaroundthecorneronanarrowlaneofftheBoulevardD’Este,notallthatfarfromMasterKocteault’s,Irealized,whenwegotoutofthecoach-for-hire.
Notonlythat,butOdeliaandKolasynalreadyhada
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table,acircularoneinthefarcorner,perhapsthebestintherestaurant.Thewomanwhoguidedusthereonlyglancedatmeperfunctorily,afteradmiring,ifmostcovertly,whatSeliorawore.
TerrazaitselfwasagoodthreetimesthesizeofLapinina,butonlyhalfthatofFelters.Thewallswereasimpleandcleanwhiteplaster,withbrickpillars
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showing,andthefloorwasacleandarkgraytile.Allthetableshadwhitecloths,andthewalllampswereofantiquebrass,frequentenoughsothatitwasn’tgloomy,butwarminfeeling.
OdeliasmiledasIseatedSeliora,thenmurmuredjustloudenoughforustohear.“Thatwasquiteanentrance.Everyonekeptlookingatyoutwo.”
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“TheywerelookingatSeliora,”Ipointedout,“notme.”
“Anytimeabeautifulwomanappears,escortedbyatall,muscular,andimpressive-lookingimager,peoplewilllook,”Kolasynreplied.
“That’snoreason,”Isaidwithalaugh.
“Forsomepeople,itis,”
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repliedOdelia.
Aservinggirlappearedwithtwobottlesofwine,oneredandonewhite.
“Iorderedtheirhousewines,”Odeliaexplained.“They’regood.”
Imanagednottolaugh.OdeliaandSelioraweredefinitelybetteroffnotbeingHighHolders,notfromwhatI’dheardaboutthewayHigh
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Holderstreatedtheirwivesanddaughters.
Idecidedontheredwine,althoughIcouldn’thavesaidwhy.Itwaslight,likeaDhuensa,buthadastrongerandfruitiertaste,yetIlikedit.IliftedtheglasstoOdelia.“Youwereright.Thisisgood.”
Shesmiled,andhereyesflickedtoSeliora.
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Thistime,IdidlaughasIturnedtomypartner.“Youtoldherwhattoorder?”
“Ijustsuggested.”Hervoicewaslowanddemure,andIcouldseethemischievousgrinstrugglingtoappear.
“Haveyouorderedeveryone’sdinneraswell?”MytonewaslightbecauseIwasactuallyenjoyingthe
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banter,andIcouldbarelykeepfromlaughingagain.
“You’reright,”interjectedOdelia.“Hedoeshaveasenseofhumor.”
Theservinggirlappeared.“Thespecialtonightislambtournedos,withmintyogurt,blueglacianpotatoes,andspice-steamedsummerbeans....”ShewentontolistmoreentreesthanIcould
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rememberfully,whichwasfine,becauseIwantedthelamb.
Onceshewasfinished,InoddedtoSeliora.
“ThegreensandfowlwiththeCambrisanreduction.”
“Theroastmushroomsandtheduckconfit,”addedOdelia.
“Thesameforme,”said
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Kolasyn.
“Greensandthelambspecial...pink,notred,”Isaid.
Aftersheleft,therewasamomentofsilence.IlookedtoKolasyn,perhapsbecausehehadsaidsolittleandIsomuch.“Youweretalkingaboutreasonswhypeopledothings.Dopeoplereallyhavereasons?”AsItalked,I
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slippedoutoneofthetestingstrips,holdingitwellbelowtheedgeofthetable,andconcentratedonimagingthetiniestdropofwinefromSeliora’snarrowgoblet.
Hesmiled,thenshrugged.“Ithinkso.Withpeople,there’sareasonforeverything.Thetrickistofigureoutthereason.Sometimes,theydon’tevenknowitthemselves,butif
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youcandiscoverit,thenyouhaveanadvantage.”
“Areyousurethateveryonehasareason?”askedSeliora,hervoicecarryinggenuineinterest.“Besidesjusthavingtoact?”
Iimagedanotherdropofwine,thistimefrommygoblet.
“Iftheydidn’thavesomereason,”Kolasynreplied,“no
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onewoulddoanything.Maybethey’rehungry,ortired...orjustdon’twanttoleaveadecisiontotheirwife...”
Ididgrinatthat.
Ialsogotaverygentleelbowintheribs.
ThetestingstripshowednothingabnormalineitherSeliora’swineormine.
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Atthatpointthefirstcoursearrived.
Betweenthefoodandtheconversation,lightasitwas,everyoneseemedtoenjoythedinner.IalsotestedthewineandthesparklingwaterthatOdeliahadaskedfor.
Then,justastheserversetthelemontartthatwasmydessertbeforeme,Selioraglancedtowardthefrosted-
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glassdoorofTerraza.Thatwasthesecondtimeshe’ddonethat,Irealized.Ileanedtowardherandaskedinamurmur,“Someoneoutthere?”
“Rhenn...”
“IfIknowwhat’sthere,”Irepliedinalowvoice,“I’llbefine.Idon’twantanyoneelsearound.”Islippedfrommychair.“Ifyouallwillexcuse
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meforamoment...Ineedtostretch.Someoftheexercisesandrunningmaybecatchingupwithme.Ishouldonlybeamoment.”
Seliora’sglanceallbutscreamed“Takecare!”
IwasholdingfullshieldsasIsteppedoutintothecontinuinglightdrizzle,andIhadthemangled,inawaythatevenMaitreDyanamight
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haveactuallyapproved.
Thefirstbulletbarelyshookme.Iturned,lookingthroughthemistyevening,thensawthemuzzleflashfrombesidethetrunkofatreelessthantwentyyardstomyleft,acrossthenarrowlane.Thejoltstaggeredme,butonlyforaninstant.
Iimagedoilacrossthestonesofthesidewalkbehind
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thetree,sinceIcouldn’tmakeoutanyfigures.RatherItried,becausetheoiljustformedamomentarytentinmidairbeforeslippingtothegroundastwomensprintedfromthetreeandupanalley.Oneofthemhadusedanimager’sshield.Animager’sshield?
Istartedafterthem,thenslowedasIheardhoofsonpavement,butIwentfar
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enoughtoseedownthealleyandmakesurethattheyhadindeedleftandthatthealleywasempty.ThenIwalkedbacktotherestaurant,realizingthattheshieldIhadencounteredhadn’treallybeensomuchstrongasdifferent,andthatifI’dhadamomentlonger,Imighthavegottenthroughit.Hadthatbeenwhythetwohadfled?
Onehadtobeanimager,
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theotherprobablytheFerran.WhatchilledmeasmuchasthepresenceofanunknownimagerwasthefactthatsomeoneknewwhereI’dbeandwhen.Theimager’spresencealsoconfirmedthatEmanus’sdeathwasnotaccidentalandhadapartinmatters,evenifinadvertent,butitstillmadenosensetome,exceptthatitdidsuggestthatEmanushadknown
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somethingthattheimagerbelievedInowknew.Butwhatcouldthatbe?
Beforereenteringtherestaurant,Iglancedaroundagain,butthestreetwasempty,notsurprisingly,giventherain.
“Doyoufeelbetter?”askedSelioraasIreturned,afterwendingmywayaroundseveraltables.
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“Thecoolerairhelped.”Ismiled,thensatdownagain,murmuringtoher,“Everything’sfine.They’vegone.”
Odeliaraisedaneyebrow,butIjustsmiled,beforetakingabiteofthelemontart.Itwaseverybitasgoodastherestofthemealhadbeen.Seliorahadathinsliceofalmondcake,drizzledwithchocolate.
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Surprisingly,atleasttome,thetotalforallfourofuswasonlyabitoversixsilvers,ahealthysum,butnotwhatitcouldhavebeen.
WhenweleftTerraza,OdeliagaveKolasynahugandakiss,andthenjoinedusforthehackridebacktoNordEsteDesign.IthoughtKolasynlookedabitdejectedashestartedtowalkdowntheBoulevardD’Este.
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OncewewerebackatSeliora’s,Odeliavanished,andSelioraandImadeourwayuptotheeastterrace.Throughthemistandtherain,wecouldbarelyseethreeblocks,andcertainlynotevenafractionofthedistancetoMartradon.Inthedarkness,theterracewascool,butnotuncomfortable,especiallynotafterthelongembracethatSeliorabestoweduponmeas
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soonaswewereclearlyalone.Wedidmovethechairssothatwesatsidebyside,withnotablebetweenus.
“IwasworriedwhenyouwentoutsideatTerraza.Whathappened?”
“Thereweretwoofthem.Onefired.Itriedtoimageoilsothatthey’dslip,butIcouldn’tseethem,andit
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didn’tquitework.TheyhadacoachortraporsomethingaroundthecornerandweregonebeforeIcouldgetclose.”
“Someonewithgolds,then.”
“Someonewhoknowsimagers,too.Theyneverletmegetamoment’slookatthem.”ThatwasasmuchasIwantedtosayaboutthat,at
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leastuntilItalkedtoMasterDichartyn.
“They’rewatchingyou,aren’tthey?Whatcanyoudo?”
“Becareful,andtrytolearnmore.Idon’tknowwhatelseIcando.Doyou?”
Herfingerstightenedaroundmine.“No.IwishIdid.”
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“HasyoursolicitorfoundoutanythingaboutMadameD’Shendael?Istillthinkthere’saconnection.”
“IhadtogothroughGrandmamaonthat.Yesterday,shesaiditwastakinglongerthanAilphensthought,buttheremightbesomething.”
“Didshesaywhat?”
Seliorashookherhead.
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“Sincewecan’tsolveanyofthoseproblems,notnowanyway,”Isaid,“tellmewhatyourbestmemoryisofwhenyouwerelittle.”
“Littleorreallylittle?”
“Let’sstartwithreallylittle.”
“ThatwasthetimethatGrandmamaandMothertookmetoExtelaonewinter.Idon’trememberwhythey
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went,buttheytookme,andIgottoplayinthesnow,realsnow,andtherewasthisfuzzyblackpuppy...”
Wetalkedformorethanaglass,beforeIthoughtIheardsteps,quietones.IturnedinthedimnesstolookdirectlyatSeliora.
Shesmiled,andnodded,andwegotup.
Afteratime,westepped
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apart.
“I’dliketoseeyoutomorrow...”
“I’dliketoseeyou,butitisthetwins’birthday,anditshouldbetheirspecialday.Also,perhapsyoushouldseeyourparents.Itmightnothurt.”
Shewasrightaboutthat,muchasIhatedtoadmitit.
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InthehackonthewaybacktotheBridgeofHopes,somethingKolasynsaidcamebacktome.“Withpeople,there’sareasonforeverything...thetrickistofigureoutthereason.”
Whatwerethesimplestreasonstokilljuniorimagers?Becauseitwashardertokillseniorimagers?Becauseifsomeonekilledjuniorimagers...
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Iswallowed.Coulditbethatsimple?Thatcold?Andifso,whyhadn’tMasterDichartynmentionedit?OrwasIsupposedtotellhim—again?
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Tothosewhofailto
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understand,themostfantastic
inliferemainsdisappointing.
ForalltheexcitementofSamedi,Ididsleepsoundlythatnight,wellenoughthatIdidnotwakeuntilwellafterbreakfast,possiblybecause
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thedaywassodarkandgray,althoughtherainhadstopped.SinceMasterDichartyndidn’thavetheduty,hewasn’taround,andIhadnowaytoreachhimeasily.Besides,whatcouldhehavedonetotrackdownanunknownimageronaSolayi?I’dcertainlylethimknowonLundi.SoIjusttookmytime,stillponderingoverthestrangeshieldusedbythe
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Ferran’saccomplice,andthinkingabouthowImightovercomeitshouldIagaincomeintocontactwithitswielder.
MenyardwastheonlythirdIknewwellatlunch,andIjoinedhimandseveralothers,butmostly,Ijustlistenedandate.Afterlunch,IcrossedtheBridgeofHopes,holdingfullshields,somethingthatwasnolongermuchofaneffort,
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andtookahackouttomyparents’dwelling.
Motheractuallywastheonetoopenthedoor.“Rhenn!Whatapleasantsurprise.”Hersmilewascertainlywelcoming.“Yourfatherwillbesopleased.”
Ifollowedherintothefamilyparlor,closingthedoorbehindme.KethilawaslounginginFather’schair,
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readingsomething,butitwasn’toneoftheD’Shendaelbooks.
“Dohaveaseat,dear.I’lltellyourfatherthatyou’rehere.”
Khethilaclosedthebookandmovedtothesettee.“Iwanttohearallabouther.”
“Inamoment,”Ireplied,notthatIwasabouttotellanyoneanythingmorethan
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theabsoluteminimum.“HaveyouyetreadOnArtandSociety?”
“Thebookshophasn’tfoundacopyyet.”
“I’vereadseveralchapters...”Igrinned.
“Youhaveit?”
“TheCollegiumlibrarydoes.Iwasabletoborrowit.”Iglancedtowardthebackhall
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leadingtoFather’sprivatestudy.“Don’tletFatherseeit.I’dsuggestnotquotingfromit.”
“I’lllikeit,then?”
“Itmightmakeevenyouthinkdifferently.”
“How?”
“Shesaysthatfinancialpressuresandchildbirtharewhytherehavebeenalmost
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nowomenartists.Alsothatartcaneasilybecomeamalepretension.”
“Shereallywrotethat?”Khethilafrowned.
“You’llhavetoreadityourself.”Ilookeddownthehall.“Father’sonhisway.”
Shegavemeamockglare,whichvanishedasCulthynhurriedinandploppedhimselfonthesetteenextto
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her.
OnceFatherarrivedinthefamilyparlorandseatedhimself,Mothersettleddowninherchairandlookedatme.Iignoredthelookandsatinthestraight-backedchairthatwasatanangletoboththesetteeandFather.
“Tellussomethingabouther,Rhenn,”Motherpressed.
“WhereshouldIstart?”I
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smiled.“Letmesee.Hereyesarestarsonamoonlessnight,herhairdarkerthanjetebony,herlipsredderthanflame,herskinfairerthanArtiemafullatharvest...”
“That’spoetrystuff,”complainedCulthyn.“Youmeanshe’sgotrealblackhairandredlips?Shecan’thavewhiteeyeslikethestars.”
WhenCulthyntalkedthat
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way,heremindedmeofRouselatthatage,anditwasn’tapleasantmemory.
“Youcouldbealittlelesspoetic,dear,”suggestedMother.
“Shehasblackhair,notquiteshoulderlengthwhenit’sdown.Hereyesareblack,theirises,thatis,andshe’saboutaheadshorterthanIam.”
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“Thatstillmakeshertallforawoman,”Fathersaid.
“Notcomparedtohercousin.OdeliaisalmostastallasIam.”
“Whatelse?”promptedMother.“Whataboutherfamily?”
“They’rewelloff.That,Icanassureyou.ShehasabrotherabityoungerthanCulthyn,andanotherbrother
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who’sabitolderthanIam,Ithink.”
“Youdon’tknow?”askedKhethila.
“Ididn’task.I’minterestedinher,notthem.”
Culthyngrinned.
“She’sinvolvedinthefamilybusiness,andtheymakecustomandquitecostlyfurniture,usuallyforHigh
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Holders.”
“Exactlywhatdoesshedo?”pressedFather.
“Believeitornot,it’srathertechnical,andshecanexplainitfarbetterthanIcan,andI’mcertainshewillbemorethanhappytodosonextweek.Oh,she’salsoaverygooddancer,farbetterthanIam,andshehasagoodsenseofhumor,andanice
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smile.”
“Isshefat?”askedCulthyn.“Youdidn’tsayshewaspretty.”
BothMotherandKhethilaglaredathim.Underthepressureoftwosetsofeyes,heshrankbackintothesofa.
“No,she’snotfat.You’llsee.”
“Yourdescriptionabout
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hersuitabilityleavesagreatdealofroom,Rhenn,”Mothersaid.
“I’vediscoveredthatsometimesit’sbestnottosaytoomuch.Selioraisveryopen,andI’msureyoucandeterminewhatyouthinknextweekaftermeetingher.”
“Seliora...thatsoundslike...”
“She’sPharsi...but
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they’velivedinL’Excelsisforatleastthreegenerations.”
“Remayaisalovelygirl,”Motheroffered.
Thatwasaconcessionithadtakenhertenyearstomake,althoughIwasn’tabouttocomplain,sinceIhopeditwouldmakematterseasierforSeliora...andme.
“Remaya’sawomanwithachild,notagirl,”Fathersaid
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withagrufflaugh.
Afteramomentwherenoonespoke,Culthynlookedatme.“Rhenn,youpromisedyou’dshowmewhatimagersdo.Youpromised.”
Ithoughtaboutthatforamoment.Itmightkeepthesubjectchanged,andIwasnolongerforbiddentouseimaging,butIhadtouseitappropriately,ofcourse.“All
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right.”Iglancedtothebookshelf,thensmiled.Atoneendofalineofbookswasabookend,amarbleLshapewithacrystalglobeanchoredtobothsidesofthegreenmarble.Therewasonlyonebecause,yearsbefore,Rouselhadknockedtheotheroffwhenhe’dthrownaschoolbookatme,andithadfallenandshattered.Istoodandwalkedtothebookshelf,
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lookingatthebookend.Therehadtobeenoughstoneandsandnearbyoutsidethehousesothatimagingwouldn’tbethathard.Iconcentrated,visualizingasecondbookend,identicaltothefirst.
Then,therewasone,sittingintheopenspaceoftheshelfbesidethefirst.
IturnedtoMother.“Abitlate,but...”
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Hermouthhadopened,justalittle.Ihadthefeelingthatshe’dneverbeenquitesurewhetherIwasreallyanimager.Father’seyeshadwidened.
“Isthatall?”DisappointmentcoloredCulthyn’svoice.
“Canyoudothat?”Icountered.
“No.”Theresponsewas
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sullen.
“Imagingislikeanythingelse.It’swork,andithastobepractical.”
“Youtakeallthefunoutofthings.”
“Culthyn.”Mother’svoicewaslikeiceinmidwinter.“Apologize.”
“I’msorry,Rhenn.”
“Ifyoudon’twanttogoto
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yoursleepingchamber,youwillbeciviltoyourbrother,”Fatheradded.“FromwhatI’veheard,therearen’tmanywhocandowhathejustdid.”
“Yes,sir.”
Beforeanyoneelsecouldspeak,Idid.“Father,I’dbeinterestedinlearningwhatyou’veheardabouttradeandshipping,especiallybetweenSolidarandFerrumor
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Jariola.”Ididwanttoknow,andIdidn’twanttheconversationheadedbacktomorequestionsaboutSeliora.
“Well...”Herubbedhisthumbsagainstthesidesofhisforefingers,thewayhesometimesdidwhenhewasthinking.“IheardfromPeliagrynthattherewasaskirmishorsomethingbetweensomeFerranshipsandoursinthenorthocean,
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andmostoftheirvesselsgotsunk.Afterthat,thefactorsintheislessentwordtoRouselthattradersinFerrialarerefusingtoacceptSolidaranwools.They’reafraidofconfiscationifmattersgetanyworse...thingsaren’tquitesobadwithJariola.Atthesametime,IreallyhavetroublewiththeOligarch.Thosetypesdon’treallyunderstandcommerceatall..
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.”
Ilistenedcarefully,andnotjustoutofpoliteness.
Later,wehadteaandcakesbeforeIleft,andMotherdidn’tpressmeagainonSeliora,butshedidmentionthreetimeshowmuchshewaslookingforwardtomeetingher.
Thateveningatservices,ChoristerIsolaoffereda
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phraseinherhomilythat,oncemore,stuckwithmeasIwalkedbacktomyquarters,perhapsbecauseofwhatCulthynhadsaidaboutmyimagingnotseemingtobesomuch.
“...Exaltingone’snameisavanityofvanities,foranameismerelyanephemerallabelthatwillvanishandbeforgottensoonafterwehaveturnedtoashesanddust.
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Eventhosewhosenamesarerememberedareforgotten,becauseallthatisrememberedisalabel.Toseektodogreatdeedsforethicalorpracticalreasonsisamarkofcourageorambition,ifnotboth;todosotomakeone’snamefamousisavanityoftheNamer.”
Icouldseethatwasanotherexampleofthenarrowestofpaths,asGrandmamaDiestra
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hadputit.ButIhadthefeelingthatallthepathsbeforemewerenarrow.
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Perfectioncanleadtogreat
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imperfection.
WhileItriedtorundownMasterDichartynonLundi,hedidn’tshowupattheCollegiumbeforeIhadtoleavefortheCouncilChateau.Then,asitoftenseemedatthebeginningof
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theweek,littlehappened,andwewerebackattheCollegiumwellbeforefifthglass.IactuallyfoundMasterDichartyninhisstudyandabletoseeme.
“Whatdoyouhavetoreport?”
“OnSamedinight,someonefollowedmeandtookanothersetofshots...”Iexplainedthedetailsofwhat
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hadhappened,aswellasmyfailureswiththeoilandthestrangeshield.
“Theoilwasagoodidea,”hesaidwithanod,“butthewayyoutriedtoapplyitshowsalackofexperience.Thinkofitthisway.Ashieldwilldeflectthingsthrownatit,butwhataboutthosethingsalreadythereorplacedbeforeit?”
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Icouldhavehitmyheadwithmypalm.Soobvious!AllI’dhadtodowouldhavebeentoimagetheoilonthestonesbeyondtheshieldsothatitwasinplacewhenheranoverit.
“That’showyoulearn.Bymakingandsurvivingmistakes.”
“Whatabouttheotherimager’sshield?”
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“Thatjustconfirmsthathe’saforeignimager.He’smorethanlikelytheonewhohiredtheFerran.That’salmostacertainty.”
“Butwhyaretheystillafterme?”
“Theythinkyouknowsomething.Doyou?”Thecornersofhismouthturnedup,buthiseyesweren’tsmiling.
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“Idon’tthinkso,butIthoughtofsomethingelse.You’veprobablyalreadyfiguredthisout.Thisyearthenumberofyoungorjuniorimagerswho’vebeenkilledismuchhigherthanever,andalmostallhavebeenshot.Butwhywouldanyonekillyoungimagers?TheonlyanswerIcouldcomeupwithwasbecausetheycan’tkillolderones,butthatmeanssomeone
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hasdecidedtokeepkillingtheyoungeronessothatintimetherewon’tbeanyolderones.”
“You’reright.That’sthemostlikelyconclusion.Wedon’thaveanyproof,butthesamethingwashappeningtoyoungimagersinLiantigoandNacliano.Unlikehere,theretheydidkillseveralassassinsandthekillingshavestoppedfornow.One
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assassinwascaught,andheconfessedthathe’dbeenpaidfivegoldsforeverykilling,buthecouldn’tidentifywhopaidhim.
“IthastobesomeonefromsomeplacelikeCaenenorJariolaorFerrum,ormaybeevenTiempre,”Isaid.
“Possibly,butthosearen’ttheonlylandsthatdon’tlikeimagers,andassassinations,
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evenfivegolds—orten—aheadarefarcheaperthanwar.”
WhatsurprisedmewasthatMasterDichartyndidn’tseemallthatupset.WasthatbecausesuchattackshadbeenmorecommonovertheyearsthanIknew?Andwhyhadn’ttheycaughttheassassinsinL’ExcelsiswhentheyhadinWestisleandEstisle?
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“Itseemsodd—”
“Thatwestillhaveassassinsatlarge?”Heshookhishead.“Youkilledone.I’vekilledone.Sohasanotherimager.ThreewerekilledinWestisleandtwoinEstisle,andtherehavebeennomorekillingsthereforovertwomonths.Whatthatprovesisthatwhoeverisinchargeoftheoperationishere,andthatthereis
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probablyonlyonepersonfromwhateverlandisinvolved,certainlynomorethantwo.Isthereanythingelse?”
Notaboutthat,becausehewasn’tabouttosay.“TheranksoftheCollegiumdon’tshowaMaitreD’Image,sir.Havetherebeenmany?”
“TheCollegium—andSolidar—isfortunatetohave
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oneeveryfewgenerations.Moreoftenwouldnotnecessarilybegoodforeither.AfterthegreatimagerofRexRegisrazedthewallsofL’ExcelsisanddestroyedathirdoftheBovarianpopulation,andthencreated,orre-created,theCouncilChateau,therewasacertainamountoffearofimagers.Supposedly,thatwaswhythefirstHallofImagerswas
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created,asmuchtoidentifywhereimagerswereasanything.Thathallwasactuallyrightaboutwherewearenow...”
I’dknownthatthefirstHallhadbeenthestartoftheCollegium,butitwasstrange,inaway,tobesittingwhereithadbeen.
“...thefeardieddownovertime,butneverabated,
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althoughitwashelpedwhenCyrandestroyedRexDefouandputhissononthethrone.Knowingtherearesofewgreatimagers—thosewhomwewouldtermMaitresD’Imagetoday—theCouncilwilldefertoone,knowingthattheyareinfrequent,notthattheyhavemuchchoice,butitisanotherformofbalance.Otherlandsknowthatonecouldrise,andthey
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donotwishtoprovokeSolidar.IntimeswhentheCollegiumdoesnothaveone,Solidarwillnotpressotherlandstoohard.NorwilltheCouncilevenwhenonedoesheadtheCollegiumattheheightofhispowers,becausetodosowouldinviteretaliationafterhisdeath...”
“IsthatwhytherearefourCollegia?”
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“Weusethetermasiftherewerefour.Thereisreallyonlyone,splitintofourdifferentlocations,butsuchaseparationrenderstheCollegiumlessvulnerable,especiallyintimeswhenitspowersareless,orlessapparent.”
“Whatabouttheregionals?DotheyreporttoyouortoMasterPoincaryt?”
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“YouareassumingthatIhavesomesortofposition,Rhennthyl.”
“No,sir.Fromobservation,Iknowyouhavesomesortofposition,eventhoughitappearsnowhere.IalsosuspectthatMasterPoincarytwasyourpredecessorinthatposition.”
Hechuckled.“Andyou,Rhennthylwithyour
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brashness,willeitherbedeadintenyears,ormysuccessor.Theodds,unfortunately,heavilyfavortheformerunlessyoucanlearngreaterskillsinforbearanceanddissembling.”Hepaused,thenadded,“Dissemblingisnotinherentlydishonest.Itistheskillofdisguisingwhatyoufeelandknowuntilyoucanactwiththehighestchanceofsuccess.Live
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dissemblersarefarmoreusefulthandeadheroes.HowareyourlateststudieswithMaitreDyanagoing?”
“Asyouwouldexpect,sir.I’mlearning,butnotsowellorwithasmuchfinesseasshewouldprefer.”
Hedidlaughatthat,heartily.Thenhesaid,“YoumustrealizethatMaitreDyanacomesfroma
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backgroundwheretheslightestmisstepcancausegreatpain,ifnotdeath.Demandforperfectionofskillsinallareascomesnaturallytoher.”
“Sir...you’vesuggestedthatmanyHighHoldersarenotamongthebrightest...”
“Thatdoesnotmeantheyarenothighlyskilled,andtheharnessingofawiderangeof
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finelyhonedskillstoalackofintelligencecanbedeadlytothosenearby.”
Ihadn’tthoughtofitinthatway.
“Youdohavecertainstrengths,Rhenn.Idon’tmeanasanimager,butbeyondthat.I’dlikeyoutothinkaboutwhattheyare,andwhattheyimplyforthewayyoushouldact.Unless
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somethingcomesupthatisurgent,IwillmeetyouhereafteryouleavetheChateauonJeudi,andwewilldiscusswhatyouthinkthosestrengthsmightbe.”Hestood.
SodidI.“Yes,sir.”
Withhalfaglassremainingbeforedinner,andrainoncemorethreatening,Ihurriedbacktomyquartersand
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thoughtaboutwhatMasterDichartynhadsaid.Besidesstrongshields,andtheabilitytopaint,whatweremystrengths?Intheend,Icouldcomeupwithonlyone,andthatwasmyabilitytocombinewhatIknewwithwhatIfelttocometoaconclusionthatwasusuallyright—oftenlongbeforeIcouldhaveprovedthecorrectnessofthat
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conclusion.
TheotherthingIrealized,again,wasthatIwasbeingusedasatargetandalureforwhoeverwastryingtoattacktheCollegium.Iwasnotbeinggivenanyadvancedtraininginattacking,orwaystoattack,butonlyindefense,andafteratime,ifonecannotattack,oneusuallyloses.
Afterdinner,andthenafter
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myexerciseswithMaitreDyana,Ifelttotallyexhausted.Shewasinstructingmeintheuseofimagingtodetectpoisonsinfood,andthatreinforcedmysenseofbeingtrainedasalure.TiredasIfelt,IstillforcedmyselftowritealettertoSeliorathankingherforawonderfulSamediandtellingherthatmyvisitwithmyparentshadgoneasexpected
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andthattheylookedforwardverymuchtomeetingher.
Theonlyproblemwasthat,onceIdroppedintosleep,IhadnightmaresabouthavingdinnerswithHighHoldersandtryingtodeterminewhatwaspoisonedandhow,especiallyafterIdiscoveredatinysilverknotsetbymycutleryataformaldinnerinanornatedininghallIdidnotrecognize.
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Observinganobserveris
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oftenboring,butvital.
OnMardi,theonlythingthathappenedofnotewasthatapetitionertriedtogettoCouncilorSuyrien.Dartaznhadtokillhim,andBaratynandthecivicpatrollersdiscoveredthattheassassin
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hadkilledthefactorwhohadtheappointmentandtakenhisplace.
Thatevening,MaitreDyana,inthemidstofattemptingtoinstillmorefinesseinmypoisondiagnostics,suggestedthathalfofdiagnosticswasobservationbeforethefact,andthatIstilltendedtorushbeforeIhadalltheinformation.
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“Patience,dearboy.Observationindetailwithpatience.”
Ifshewerestillalivetwentyyearsfromnow,Ithought,she’dstillbecallingme“dearboy,”whichIsuspectedwasamorepleasantwayofsaying,“Thinkbeforeyouact,idiot.”
OnMeredi,IreceivedfromtheCollegiumtailoraformal
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whiteandgrayuniformjackettobeworntotheCouncil’sHarvestBallthefollowingweek.Itriediton,and,unsurprisingly,itfitperfectly.Ihadtoadmitthatitlookedfarbetterthanthestandardgraywaistcoat.
Ofcourse,rightafterarrivingbackattheCollegiumonJeudiafternoon,ImarchedmyselftoMasterDichartyn’sstudio.
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AssoonasIsatdown,heasked,“WhydoyouthinkanassassintriedtokillCouncilorSuyrien?”
Thatcertainlywasn’tthefirstquestionIexpected.“Becausehe’stheheadoftheexecutivecommittee,andeffectivelyrunstheCouncil.”
“Thatisastatementoffactthatismeaningless.Whathashedonetocausesomeoneto
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wanttokillhim?”
“Idon’tknow,sir.FromwhatIhaveheard,heisopposedtochanginganything.”
“Thatistrue.Whatdoesthattellyouabouttheassassin—orwhoeverpaidhim,ifitturnsouthewashired?”
“Hefeelshehasbeenhurtbythepresentsystemor
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stronglywantschangeorboth.”
“Manypeoplefeelthatway.Theydon’ttrytokillacouncilor.”
“Eitherbloodorgoldsorbothareinvolved.”
“Better.Thinkaboutthis.You’vereadthenewsheets,haveyounot,withthestoriesaboutmorehostilitiesbetweenFerrumandJariola
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—andtheskirmishbetweenoneofourflotillasthatwaspositionedtokeepFerranwarshipsfromattackingJariolanmerchanters?”
“Yes,sir.”
“ThereisthepossibilityofwarbetweenFerrumandJariola.WhichlandislesspopularinSolidar?”
“Jariola,I’dsay.TheOligarchmakespeoplethink
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ofanoverbearingrex.”
“Whataboutamongthefactorsandmerchanters?”
Ithoughtaboutmyfather’sreactions.“They’reprobablyevenmoreinfavorofFerrum,andthey’renothappythattheCouncil’sattemptatevenhandednessiscostingthem.”
“Now,whileithasnotbeenmadethatpublic,”Master
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Dichartynwenton,“CouncilorSuyrienhassuggestedthatSolidarmayhavetosupportJariola,giventhebelligerentstanceofFerrum.Hehasalsostatedthathefearsthedangersofanationwhosepolicyisruledonlybyprofits.Canyouseeapossiblelinktotheassassin,atleastintermsofviews?”
“Yes,sir.”
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“Now...haveyouconsideredwhatIaskedofyouonLundi?”
“Yes,sir.”
“Thensummarizeyourconclusions.”Hesatbackandwaited.
“Well,sir...I’vethoughtaboutthisforalongtime,buttheonlysignificantstrengthsIseemtohaveareverystrongshieldsforsomeoneofmy
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levelandtheabilitytocombinewhatIknowwithwhatIfeeltocometoaconclusionthatusuallyseemstoberight—oftenlongbeforeIcouldhaveactuallyprovedthecorrectnessofthatconclusion.TheimplicationbehindthatisprobablywhatMaitreDyanakeepssaying,andthat’sthatIneedtobemorepatient.Atleast,inmostcases.”Icouldn’thelp
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adding,“Idon’tthinkI’mthesingle-handedherotypewhocanchargeintothetaudisandcapturescores.”
“Whataboutyourportraitureability?”
“That’sastrength,anditprobablyaddedtomyimagingability,but,outsideofprovidingportraitsfortheCollegium...”
Henodded.“Those
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probablyareamongyourstrongestpoints,andtheimplicationsarecorrectsofarasyouhavecarriedthem.Wealsodon’ttrain,asyouputit,single-handedheroes.Weoftenactalone,butit’sfarmoreeffective,andfarsafer,toactfromtheshadows...orindirectsunlightwitheveryonewatchinginafashionwherenoonerealizeswhatyou’vedone,andeven
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whentheydo,wherenooneconnectsittoyouortheCollegium.”Hesmiled.“Nextweek,attheCouncil’sHarvestBall,aboveall,observe.Observeandtrytocorrelatewhatyouseewithwhatyouknowandwhatyoufeel.Itmaysurpriseyou.”
“Yes,sir.”
“Whatareyoudoingthisweekend?”
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“Takingtheyoungladywhosavedmylifetomeetmyparents.”
Hefingeredhischin,thennodded.“Forallofoursakes,useyourshieldsandbecareful...andobservant.”
AfterIleft,Ihad,morethanever,thefeelingthatIwasthelureforamuchlargerpredatorthanI’dfirstimagined.
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Professionalinterrogators
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shouldstudymothers.
Fortunately,Samedimorningwasclear,cool,andwithalightbreezethatmadethelongrunthatfollowedClovyl’sexercisesandthesessioninphysicalself-defenseseemalmostpleasant.
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IfinishedsomewhatclosertoDartazn,butnotmuch.Ihurriedthroughcleaningupandeating,sothatIcouldgettothestudioandgetsomeworkdoneonsomeofthedetailsoftheportraitthatdidn’trequireMasterPoincarytbeforehearrived.
Hewasaspunctualasalways,settlingintothechair.“Goodday,Rhennthyl.”Hesettledintothechair.“I
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apologizeformyabsencelastweek.Thereweresomematterstodealwith.”
“Beyondtheinfiltratorsinthetaudis,sir?”
Asmilecrossedhisface.“Youknow,Rhennthyl,Ifindthesesessionsmostuseful.TheyprovideatimewhenIamawake,relativelyrested,andwithoutpeopleanddetailsclamoringforactions
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andsolutions.”Heturnedhishead.“Thisway?”
“Atouchawayfromme,justalittle.”Ipaused.“Good.”
Ihadtoadmirethewayhe’dhandledmyquestion.Justasmile,andwarmwordsonanothersubject,hintingthathewasn’tabouttodealwithmyquery.BeforeIliftedmybrush,Ijuststudiedhim
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again,lookingfromthecanvasandbacktohim.ThenIcaughtit.ThewayI’dpaintedhislefttemplewasasthoughinadifferentlightsettingthanthecheekbonebelow.Iconcentrated,tryingtovisualizeitjustso...andthenitwasjustthatwayonthecanvas.Ihadtosmile.Inaway,itwasironic.
Iworkedsteadilyforagoodquarterglassbeforehe
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spokeagain.
“MasterDichartynhasbriefedmeonthesituationinwhichyoufindyourself.Howwouldyoudescribeit?Honestly,butasdispassionatelyaspossible.”
“TheCollegiumhasbeengoodtome,sir.ThatIcannotdeny,andI’velearnedagreatdeal.Atthemoment,though,Idofeelmorelikethelurefor
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alargeandunknownpredatorlurkingsomewhereoutbeyondtheCollegium.”
“That’safairdescriptionofthesituation.Iwouldpointout,however,asIamcertainMasterDichartynhasalreadytoldyou,thatallimagersareinasenselures.OurdutyandresponsibilityistodrawsuchpredatorsinorderthattheydonotpreyonSolidaritself.”
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“Hehassaidthat,sir.”
“Good.Ifeltsurehehad.You’llbeattheCouncil’sHarvestBallnextVendrei,Itrust?”
“Yes,sir.Won’tyou?”
“No.Onsuchsocialoccasions,mypresencewouldhave,shallwesay,adampeningeffectontheatmosphere.ThechiefmaitreoftheCollegiummusttake
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carenevertoputhimselfinapositionwherehemightbeseentochallengeordimtheauthorityoftheCouncil.”
IrealizedI’dalreadyunderstoodthatwithoutactuallyhavingthoughtitthrough.Ijusthadn’tappliedittotheBall.
“TheBallisoneofthoseoccasionswhenyouhaveachancetoobserveandlearn
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withoutbeingobservedthatmuchyourself.Ifsomeoneisobservingyou,ofcourse,itissignificant,andsomethingtoconsider.”Hepaused.“HowlongbeforeImightseetheportrait?”
“Youcanlookatitanytime,sir.Ihaveyourfacemostlydone,andthegarments.”
“Afterwe’redonetoday.I
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dislikesurprises,especiallythoseIcanprevent.”
Hesaidnothingmorefortherestofthesession,clearlylostinhisownthoughtsandconcerns.Whenthefirstbellofninthglassstruck,helookedtome.
“Yes,sir.Ihavemorethanenoughtoworkonbeforethenextsession.”
MasterPoincarytstood,
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stretched,andthenwalkedtowardtheeasel,circlingitandthenstudyingtheunfinishedwork.Afteramoment,henodded.“Theywereright.You’reasgoodasmanyofthemasterportraiturists.”Awrysmilefollowed.“It’saccurate,andlifelike,butyou’reanimager,andit’snotasflatteringasthoseofMasterEstafen.Moreaccurate,butnotso
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flattering.”
“MasterDichartynhasalwaysstressedaccuracy,sir.”
Thechiefmaitrelaughed.“MasterDichartynalsoinformedmethatyouhaveacertain...shallwesay...wayofreducingegos.IwouldsuggestyounotemployitattheBall.”Hesteppedbackfromthe
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unfinishedportrait,lookedatitoncemore,thenturned.“Nextweek?”
“Yes,sir.”
Hewasalmostatthedoorbeforehestoppedandhalf-turned.“Rhennthyl?”
“Yes,sir?”
“Beingaluredoesnotmeanoneisdefenseless.Nordoesitprecludeaction.Just
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makecertainthatsuchactionisinyourbestinterestsandthoseoftheCollegium.”Withthat,hesmiledandleftthestudio.
Iendeduppaintingforalmostanotherglass,leavingjustenoughtimetocleanupandwalktothedininghall.Withgoodfortune,I’dbeabletofinishtheportraitinoneor,atthemost,twomoresessions.Itwasagoodwork
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—perhapsnotmyverybest,butbetterthanthatofmanymasters.
AfterlunchwithMenyard,Isteppedoutintothefoyerandwalkedtothemainentrance.Iglancedupattheplaques...andfroze.Anothernamehadbeenadded:Claustyn,MaitreD’Aspect,727–755A.L.
Hadhebeentheoneto
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removetheoldHighPriestofCaenen...orhadhejustbeenkilledaspartoftheoperation?
Menyardstopped.“Youdidn’tknow?”
“No.Idon’tusuallycomethisway,andI’mneverhereforlunch,exceptonSamediandSolayi.”
Wejuststoodthereforamoment.Icouldn’tsaythat
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Claustynhadbeenaclosefriend,buthe’dbeenwarmandwelcomingwhenI’dfirstbecomeathirdandchangedquarters,aftertheconfrontationwithJohanyr.He’dintroducedmetootherthirdswithgraceatatimewhenI’dneededandappreciatedthatkindness.Itmademethink.HadIbeenthatway?No...buttherehadn’tbeenanynewthirdsin
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thelastfewmonths,notnearmyquarters.
Still...thatwassomethingIneededtoremember.
MenyardandIleftthedininghallsilently,andIwalkedalongthewestsideofthequadranglebacktomyquarters.
Foratime,Ijustthought.ThenIdecidedtogotothelibrarytoseewhatthere
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mightbeonHighHolderRyel.Lurescouldlearn,Isupposed.
OnceIreachedthelibraryandbegantosearchthestacks,Ibegantorealizehowlittlewritteninformationtherewas.Oh,therewasalistingofalltheHighHolderhouses,butitwasacenturyoutofdate.TherewasalsoabookonthelimitsofHighHolderlowjustice,butafter
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skimmingthat,IrealizedthatitwasjustasimplificationofwhatMasterJhulianhadpoundedintome—orforcedmeintopoundingintomyself.Intheend,IspentalmosttwoglasseslearningthatIwasn’tgoingtofindthatinformationinabook.
Afterthat,Ireturnedtomyquarters,readabitmoreofOnArtandSociety,thenwasheduponcemore,and
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headedouttopickupSelioraforoursilentinquisition.
ItooktheBridgeofDesiresandhailedahackthere—itcouldn’thurttovarywhichbridgesIused.Then,afterwereachedNordEsteDesign,IpaidhimtowaitwhileIwentinsidetogetSeliora.Isupposedthathecouldhaveleft,butIhadthefeelingthatnohackerreallywantedtostiffanimager.
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Thetwinsweretheoneswhoopenedthedoor,andthistimeitwasHestyawhoyelledupthestairs.“He’shere,AuntSeliora!”
Hanahrajustgrinned.
“Howwasyourbirthday?”
“Good.”Theybothsmiledshyly,lookingaway,thenfollowedmeupthestairs.
Ionlywaitedamoment,
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afterthetwinshurriedaway,beforeSeliorasteppedthroughthearchwayfromthestaircase,wearinganotherdressIhadneverseen,thisonewithablackskirtemphasizedbynarrowpanelsofabrilliantbutdarkgreensilk.Thebodicewasalsoblack,butthesleeveswereofafilmysilkthatmatchedthepanelsintheskirt,andherscarfwassilver,trimmedin
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thesamegreen.Shealsoworeajadeitependantonasilverropenecklacewithmatchingearrings.
“Youlookstunning!”Andshedid,morethanstunning,infact.
“IthoughtIhadbetter.”Shesmiled.“Pharsigirlstryharder.”
Iwincedattheout-of-contextquote.
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Shebentforwardandbrushedmycheekwithherlips.“I’msorry.Iknowyoudon’tfeelthatway,but...let’sjustsaythatitwasadifficultweek.”
“SomeHighHoldertryingtobetoofamiliar?”
“Hisson...”
“DoIknowthename?”
“Idon’tknow.”She
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smiled,mischievously,andsomehowsadly,allatonce.“AlhyralD’Haestyr.”
“HisfatherisontheCouncil.”
“YoungAlhyralmadethatpoint...severaltimes.Ifinallytoldhimthathischoicewasbetweenhisfatherhavingnofurnitureandhimnothavingmeorhisfatherhavingfurnitureandhimnot
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havingme.ThenheaskedhowIcouldpossiblyturndowntheheirofaHighHolder,especiallyonesosupportiveofmerchants,crafters,andfactors.Isaidthatwastheonlyoption,becauseIwasnotraisedtodealwithHighHolders,andhewasnotraisedtodealwithPharsiwomen.Hepersisted,untilIpointedoutthatPharsiwomendon’tbelieveinsex
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withoutabindingcommitmenttomarry,andthatwealsodon’tbelieveindivorce,andthattherearenounhappyPharsihusbands.Somedeadhusbandsandunfaithfulfiancés,butnounhappyones.”
Iwhistledsoftly.“Andthatwasthepoliteversion.”
“Ididn’thavetousethepistol.”Shelaughed,softly,
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warmly,thenwrappedherarmsaroundme.“I’msogladyou’rehere.”
Ikissedher,andshereturnedthefavorwithardor—butonlyforafewmoments.“Idon’tthinkI’dbetterbetoodisheveledwhenImeetyourfamily.”
Shehadaverygoodpoint,andIescortedherouttothewaitinghack.
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Thedriversmiled,asiftosaythatnowheunderstoodwhyI’dpaidhimtowait.
Oncewewereinthecoach,Iasked,“HaveyouheardaboutMadameD’Shendael?”
“GrandmamasaidthatshehadonelastsourcetogowithwhatshegotfromAilphensyesterday.”
Ididn’tpressonthat,because,ifSeliorahadknown
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more,shewouldhavetoldme.
Wearrivedjustbeforefifthglass,andKhethilawastheonetoopenthedoor.Hereyeswidened,butshedidn’tgape.
“Khethila,thisisSeliora.Seliora,mysisterKhethila.”
“I’msopleasedtomeettoyou,”Khethilasaid.
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“AndI,you,”repliedSeliorawarmly.
“Pleasedocomein.Theformalparloristotheright.”Khethilasteppedbacktotheleft.
IletSeliorastepthroughtheopendoorfirst,thenfollowed.
“She’sgorgeous,Rhenn,”KhethilaleanedforwardandmurmuredinmyearasI
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turnedtoescortSelioraintotheformalparlor.“I’lltellMotherandFatherthatyou’rehere,”sheaddedinaloudervoice.
SelioraandIbarelystoodintheparlorlongenoughforhertoglancearoundtheroombeforeMotherandFatherarrived,trailedbyKhethila.
“Seliora,thesearemyparents.Father,Mother,this
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isSeliora.”
Seliorainclinedherheaddemurely.“I’mhonoredtomeetyouboth.Rhennhassaidsomuchaboutyou.”
“Nottoomuch,Itrust,”repliedFather.
“Enoughtoknowthatyou’rebothexceptional.Anyonewhohastheunderstandingtolettheirsonpursueartshowsgreat
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perception.”Herwordscouldhavebeenartificialorglib,butSelioraofferedtheminfullhonestyanddirectness,inawaythatcouldnotbedenied.
“Please,dositdown,”Mothersaid,hereyesbarelyleavingSelioraforamoment.“WouldyoulikeDhuensa,orredorwhiteCambrisio?”
IglancedtoSeliora.
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“TheDhuensa,ifyouplease.”
“Forme,too,”Iadded.
“I’dlikethewhiteCambrisio,andyourfatherwouldliketheDhuensa.”MotherlookedtoKhethila,andIunderstoodthatunspokencommand.Motherwasn’tabouttomissanything.
“I’llberightback,”
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Khethilasaid.“Don’tsayanythingtooexciting.”
Iunderstoodthataswell,butIdidn’tsayaworduntilSelioraandIwereseatedontheformalloveseat.“Where’sCulthyn?”
“Oh,he’soveratafriend’sfortheevening,”Motherreplied.“Wedidn’twanttoinflicthimonSelioraforherfirstdinnerhere.”
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Thatwordingwaseitheracceptingorencouraging.Thelatter,Ihoped.
“Hehasn’tgottenintotoomuchtroublethisweek,hashe?”
“Nomorethannormal.”Father’swordsweredry.“Heislearninghowtohandleaccountsandseemstolikeit.”
“That’sbecauseKhethila’s
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theoneteachinghim,dear.”Mothersmiled.“Seliora.That’sabeautifulname.Isitafamilyname?”
“Iwasnamedaftermygrandmother’sgrandmother.I’mtoldthatwasbecauseshehadblackhairandblackeyes,also.Itmeans‘daughterofthemoon’inoldPharsi.”
“Doyouhaveanybrothersorsisters?”
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“Twobrothers,oneolder,oneyounger.”
Atthatmoment,Khethilareturnedwithatray,quicklyofferingthegobletstoeachofus,andthentakingthecornerstraight-backedchair.
“Rhennhasn’tsaidmuchaboutyourfamilyorwhattheydo,”Fatherinjected.
Selioraglancedatme.“Rhenncanbevery
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protective,I’vealreadydiscovered.It’sanendearingquality.There’snosecretaboutwhatwedo.Mygrandmotherwastheonewhocreatedthefamilybusiness,andwe’reallinvolvedinitinsomewayoranother.It’sNordEsteDesign.”
Forthemostfleetingofmoments,therewasadeepsilence.
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“TheNordEsteDesign,onNordroad?”Fatherasked.
Selioranodded.
“Dear...I’mafraidIdon’tknowasmuchaboutthisasthemen.Whatisitexactlythatyoudo?”Motherventured.
Selioratiltedherhead,asifatalosstodescribeherwork.“I’mtheonewhopicksthefabricsforalltheupholstered
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pieces,andIsometimesnegotiatewiththemills.Forcustomfabrics,wehaveseveralpoweredlooms,andI’mtheonewhooverseesthem.Ialsomaintainandrepairthem.AndIdothecustomembroideryandfabricdesigns,andworkthemoutandpunchthejacquardcards.”
“Youdon’tactuallyembroider?”askedKhethila.
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“No.Wehandletoomanypiecestodoitbyhand.Well...therearesomeindividualpieceswemighthavetohaverepairedbyhand,whenitwouldn’tmakesensetosetuptheloomsforsuchasmallsectionoffabric.ThenI’dhirethatouttooneoftheseamstresseswecantrust.”
Khethilawasworkinghardtoconcealabroadsmile.
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“Howdidyoucometomeet?”
Selioraflashedasmile.“Wehaveindividualguildmemberships,becauseofthewaywe’resetup.ImetRhennatoneoftheSamedidances,andonethingledtoanother.Therewereinterruptions.Hecouldn’tleaveImagisleforatime,andIwasgoneforamonththispastsummer.Wehadtovisit
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anumberoftextilemanufactories.”
“Youmusttellusalittleaboutyourfamily....”
“Itisaratherlargefamily....”Selioracontinued,gently,sometimeshumorously,beginningwithGrandmamaDiestraandcontinuingdowntowardtheyoungest.“...andthetwins,they’reOdelia’syoungersisters.BecauseI
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seemedsomucholder,theydecidedthatIhadtobetheiraunt,nottheircousin...”
Thebellsignifyingdinnerwasreadyrang.
“Thisismostinteresting,butweshouldrepairtotable.”Motherrose,movingtomakesureshewastheoneguidingSelioratothediningchamber,throughthedirectdoorfromtheformalparlor,
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theonethatwassoseldomused.“Thisway,dear.”
Fatherfollowed,andKhethilalagged.SodidI,knowingshehadsomethingtosay.
Shedid,althoughherwordswerebarelyawhisper.“Pharsi...andfromaverywealthyfamily.Fatherwon’tbeabletosayaword.Howdidyoueverfindher?”
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“Ididn’t.Shefoundme.Pharsiforesight,thesamewayRemayafoundRousel.”
Foramoment,thatstoppedher.“Shereallyhasit?”
Inodded,addinginalowervoice,“FarmorethanRemayaoranyoneI’veheardof.”
AssoonaswehadgatheredaroundthetablewithSelioraatFather’sleftandmeathis
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right,andMotheronSeliora’sright,Motherspokeup.
“Wouldyouliketooffertheblessing,Seliora,orwouldyouprefertohaveRhenndoit?”
“Ifyouwouldn’tmindonefrommyfamily.”
“Thatwouldbelovely.”
Weallbowedourheads.
“Forthegracethatweall
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oweeachother,forthebountyoftheearthofwhichweareabouttopartake,forgoodfaithamongall,andmerciesgreatandsmall.Foralltheseweofferthanksandgratitude,bothnowandevermore,inthespiritofthatwhichcannotbenamedorimaged...”
“Inpeaceandharmony,”wereplied.
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“Thatwaslovely.Thankyou,”Mothersaid.“Ithoughtacoolsoupmightbebestforharvest,althoughitisratherlateinharvest.”
Thecoolsoupwaslimedvichyssoise,andservedasabackdropwhileSeliorafinishedtheShelimfamilyhistory,althoughinthePharsitradition,Iknew,itreallyshouldhavebeencalledtheMamaDiestrafamilyhistory.
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Afterthevichyssoise,Nellicaappearedwithservingdishes...andmoreservingdishes,aswellastwobreadtrays,butthemaincoursewasavealregis,wherethevealfiletsweresplit,filledwiththinspicyhamandapungentcheese,thenquick-fried,slow-heated,andcoveredwithanaranjecreamsauce.Richasitwas,IknewIcouldn’teatthatmuchofit.
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Seliorahadsmallhelpingsofeverything.Itookonlywhatappealedtome.
“Rhenn,youdidn’ttrytheglazedricefritters...orthetwice-bakedyellowsquash.”
“That’sbecauseIdon’thaveaninteriorlargeenoughforeverythinghere,”Iprotested.
MotherturnedtoSeliora.“Whatdoyouthinkofthe
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veal?”
“It’sexcellent.It’syourrecipe?”
“Mymother’s,actually...”
Ilistened,mostly.
Afterwehadfinishedeatingthemaincourse,KhethilarosefromthetableandnoddedtoSeliora.“MightIaskyourassistance,
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Seliora?”
Seliorasmiledandeasedfromherchair.“I’dbepleased.”
Oncethetwohadleft,Motherlookedtome.“Sheisbeautiful,Rhenn,trulybeautifulinthatwaythatonlyPharsiwomencanbe.”
“Sheis.”Ialmostrepliedthatshehadsavedmylife,butdecidedthatwas
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informationbetterleftforlater.“She’salsoverymodest,andverycareful.Iknewherformonthsbeforesheeverrevealedwhoshewas.”
“Howdidshemanagethat?”Fatherdemanded.
“Verysimply.BecauseofthenatureofwhatNordEsteDesigndoes,asshepointedout,theyhavetohaveguild
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members.SelioraisamemberoftheWoodworkers’Guild,althoughsheisactuallyatextileengineeranddesigner.Officially,ontheguildrolls,sheisanupholsterer.ShecametotheGuildHallonSamedis,alwayswithheroldercousin.Odeliaismostformidable.”Ilaughed.“Insixmonths,I’vehadonedinnerwithheralone,andthatwasina
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publicplace.Otherwise,there’salwaysbeenamemberofherfamilywithintenyards...”
“Asthereshouldhavebeen,”Motherreplied.“Idoapproveofthat,andofparentswhocaresoforsuchabeautifuldaughter.”Shepaused,asiftoaskaquestion,thensmiled.“Youarefortunate.”
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“Thatsheandherfamilywouldacceptanimagercallingonher?Iam.”Iwasn’tabouttoexplainthereasons.Itwasfarbettertoletherthinkwhatshedid.
Shortly,SelioraandKhethilareturned,anddessertarrived.
Smalltalkdominateddessert,appletartlets,withalemonglaze,followedbytea.
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Afterwefinished,andasilencepersistedforjustafewmoments,thekindofsilencethateveryoneshouldrecognizeasasignalforfarewells,andthattoomanydonot,Motherclearedherthroat,gently.
“YoumustletCharlsyntakeyoutwobacktoNordEste...or...”Motherstopped.
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“EverythingisatNordEste,”Seliorareplied.“Themanufactoryisonthestreetandlowerlevel,andourfamilyquartersareonthesecondandthirdlevels.”
“We’dbepleasedtoacceptthatoffer.”Iwouldhavebeenstupidnotto,formanyreasons,includingthefactthatMotherandFatherhadtohavepaidCharlsynextratostaytotakeus,andnotdoing
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sowouldhavemerelywastedtheircoinandcostme.
OncewewereinthefamilycoachonthewaybacktoNordEste,IturnedtoSeliora.“Youweremagnificent.”
Shesmiledruefully.“I’mgladyouthinkso.Withallthatfood,Iwon’tbeabletofitintoanythingIown.Howdidyoumanagegrowingup?”
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“Yousaw.Ijustdidn’teateverything.ButIdidmissitwhenIwaswithMasterCaliostrus.”Ididn’tsaymore,thinkingofbothofthem...dead,evenifitnowappearedasthoughmuchofitwasn’ttotallymyfault.Instead,Iasked,“WhatdidKhethilawanttoknow?”
“Girlthings.”Seliorasmiled,mischievously.“Shewantedtoknowifyouwere
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goodtome.Shealsosaidthatshe’dneverseenyousoprotectiveofanyone.”
Iletitdropatthat.SeliorawouldhavesaidmoreifI’dneededtoknow,andIdidn’twanttowastemyfewmomentsalonewithher.
Theembraceswereinthecoach...becauseevenIrealizedthatdiscretionwasthebetterpartofvalor—at
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leastsolongasIwasbeingforcedtoactasalureforwhoknewwhat.ButIdidwalkhertothedoor,andIextendedmyfullshieldstocoverusboth.IalsoobtainedherpermissiontocallonheronSolayi.
Afterthat,IhadCharlsyntakemetoImagislethelongway,totheBridgeofDesires.Ididn’tseeanyonestrange,andnooneshotatme,but
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whenIreachedmyquarters,Iwasn’tsurewhethernotbeingshotatorhavingweatheredthefamilyinquisitionwasthegreaterrelief.
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Thefashionofspeechtellsits
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truth,spellsitsfalsehoods.
TheonlythingthatmatteredmuchtomeonSolayiwasseeingSeliora,butIwasagainmostcarefulwithmyshieldsandaneyeonwhoandwhatmightbearound.
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Theonlythingatalloddwasacoveredwagon,similartoatinker’swagon,drawnuptoahitchingpostablockofftheBridgeofDesires.Ididn’tseeanyonearounditasthehackI’dhailedcarriedmepast,buttheycouldn’thavebeenfar,becausetheoldgeldinghitchedtothewagonwasn’tthatheavilytied.Thewagondidn’tfollowme,though,andtherewasnoonenearby
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whenIleftthehackinfrontofSeliora’s.
Sheansweredthedoor,wearingtrousersandasimplecreamshirt.Shestilllookedbeautiful,andItoldherso.
“Youjustseewhatyouwanttosee.”
“Notso.MasterPoincaryttoldmethatIwasthemostaccurateandunflatteringlyhonestportraituristhe’dever
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encounteredandthatIhadthenastyhabitofdeflatingegos.”
“They’renotwomen.”
Iwasn’tgoingtowinthatargument.“They’renotyou.”Iputmyarmsaroundher.
Foramoment,shereciprocated.“IalreadyhavesomeSanietraandfruitandbiscuitssetbyontheeastterrace.”
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Soweclimbedthesteps.Whenwereachedtheterrace,Iwashappytoseethatthechairsandtablehadbeenarrangedsothatwesatsidebyside,withsmallersidetablesflankingus.ThereweretwoglassesofSanietraandthinbreadswithfruitslicesonasmallplatter.
IalsogotafarwarmerwelcomethanIhadinthemainhall.
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Afterthat,whenwewereproperlyseated,Iasked,“Thedayafter,whatdidyouthinkoflastnight?”
“Yourparentsaresweet.Theydon’tunderstandyou,andtheyworryaboutyou.”
“Theyworryaboutthewrongthings,”Ipointedout,“andthey’dworrythemselvestodeathiftheyknewhalfofwhat’shappenedtome.”Not
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tomentionwhathadn’thappenedandmightyet.
Shesmiled.“I’mgladyoudon’tprotectmethatway.”
Thatbroughtmeupshort.Whydidn’tI?BecauseIknewSeliorawasstronger?“Itrustyoutounderstand.Also...yourfamily...yourbackground...youalldounderstandtheundercurrents.Myfatherknowsthey’re
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there,andhedoeshisbesttoavoidthem,withoutovertlyevenacknowledgingtheirexistence.”
ShepouredSanietraforus,thensaid,“GrandmamafoundoutsomeofwhatyouaskedaboutMadameD’Shendael.”
Iwaited.
“ShewastheonlychildofHighHolderShendaelandhiswifeHelenia.Accordingto
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Ailphens,everyonewassurprisedthattherewasevenonechild,givenallofShendael’syoungmalefriends...”
Ikeptmynodtomyself.
“...theestatewasreallyHelenia’s,butofcourseshehadtomarrytokeepherstatus.Rightafterthedaughter—that’sMadameD’Shendael—reached
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eighteen,Shendaelwasshot.Heleniawaschargedwiththemurder.Ailphenssaidthatsectionsofthepublicrecordsaremissing,exceptforthosedealingdirectlywithHelenia’sexecution.”Selioralookedtome.
“WhatdidGrandmamaadd?”
Sheshookherheadruefully.“Shendael’sonly
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malerelativediedonahuntingtripwhenhisrifleexploded.Thatwasactuallyrightafterthetrial.”
“HowdoyouthinkEmanusmanagedit?”Iasked.
“DoyouthinkhehadanythingtodowiththeseniorShendael’smurder?”
“No,butI’dwagerthathehadthatmalerelativekilledsothatnoonecouldcontest
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hisdaughter’sholding.”I’dalsohavewageredthatHeleniahadn’tbeentheonetofiretheshotthatkilledherhusband,butthatshe’dacceptedtheblametosaveherdaughter,notthatI’deverfindanyproofofanyofthat.
“Thatdoesn’texplainwhyEmanuswaskilled,”Seliorapointedout.“IfMadameD’Shendaelwereworriedaboutherfather...”
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“Hegaveupeverythingtoprotecther.Itcan’tbethat.”
“Ithastobeconnectedtoherinsomeway.”
Wetalkedabitmore,agreeingonthat,butwecouldn’tthinkofhow,atleastnotbasedonwhatweknew.Finally,Selioraliftedherglassandsipped,thenasked,“Whatareyoudoingnextweek?”
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“DidItellyouthatIhavetostandduty,sotospeak,attheCouncil’sHarvestBall?”
“Whenisthat?”
“Vendreinight.I’malsosupposedtowatchcloselyfortroubleandbereadytodancewithanywomanindistressorwhoappearstohavebeendesertedonthedancefloor,sotospeak.”
“Whatwomen?”
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Ishrugged.“Idon’tknow.I’veneverbeentoanythinglikeit.I’vebeentoldit’sforcouncilorsandtheirguests,andthatagreatmanywhoattendareHighHolders.”
“You’dbetterbeevenmorecarefulaboutanyyoungHighHolderwomen.”
“Evenmore?”
“Rhenn...isn’titobvious?Whatkindofmanis
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theonlykindthatawomanwhowantstoescapethatgildedprisoncouldmarry?Especiallyayoungerdaughterofmanyinanimportantfamily,oronefromadecliningfamily.”
Ihadn’teventhoughtofthat.Myfacemusthaveshowedit.
Sheofferedhersoftandwarmlaugh.“You’re
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handsome,intelligent,andmuscular,andtobeattheBall,evenasasortofguard,meansthatyou’reamorepromisingimager.Also,you’reoneofthefewthattheycanmeet.”
“But...noonehaseversaidthatwe’reimagers,andwe’renotallowedtoadmitit.”
Shelaughed.“Don’tthe
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councilorsknow?Andyouthinkthatsomeofthemwouldn’ttelltheirfamilies?”
Oncemore,shehadapoint.“Idon’tevenknowiftherewillbeanywomenofthatageandinclination.”
“Ifthere’safancyballandmen...therewillbe.Notthetypeyou’dprefer,butyoumaywellbethetypethattheyprefer.Don’tletthem.”The
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lastwordswereaswarmasthosethatprecededthem,butIcouldsenseclawswithinthem.
“Yes,mistress.”
Shemock-slappedme,herhandstoppingjustshortofmycheek,thentappingitlightly.
“BeyondtheBall,nothingishappening,exceptyou.I’dhopedwecoulddosomething
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nextSamedi.”
“Wouldyoumindattendingaweddingwithme—onSamedi?”
“Awedding?Issomeoneinthefamilygettingmarried?”Ihopedshewasn’taskingme.MuchasIliked,evenlovedSeliora,Iwasn’tcertainIwasreadytobemarried.
“No,I’mnotevenhinting.Youaren’tready.”Shekissed
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mycheek.“It’sFather’snieceYaena.Ifyoucouldmeetushereatalittlebeforenoon?”
“Icandothat,butIdon’thaveweddinggarb.”Idid,fromRousel’swedding,butasanimager,Icouldn’twearit,andIwasn’tcertainitevenfitanylonger.
“Yourgraysaresuitableanywhere.”Igotanotherkiss.
Intheend,wedidn’ttalk
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somuchasjustsitintheafternoonandbewitheachother.
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Everyonehasrules;butyours
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arealwayswrong.
OnLundievening,MaitreDyanadismissedmeafterlessonssayingthatshe’dtaughtmewhatIcouldlearnaboutpoisonsandimagingatthestageoflifeexperienceIhad,aninterestingwayof
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puttingit,Ithought.OnMardi,MasterDichartynsaidthathe’dbetoooccupiedtoseeme,exceptinadireemergency,foratleastaweek.IalsoreceivedashortletterfromMother.
DearRhenn,
Weallenjoyedmeetingyouryoungladyeversomuch.She
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ischarming,cultured,intelligent,andbeautiful.Icanunderstandyourcaution,but,asCulthynsaid,“Rhennshouldbeashamedofhimselfformakingeveryoneworrysomuch.”
IstronglydoubtedCulthynsaidanysuchthing,butitwasaconvenientfictionthrough
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whichMothercouldchidemeformakingherworryaboutmynotfindingasuitableyounglady.
Weallhopeitwillnotbetoolongbeforeweseebothofyouagain.WeareconsideringhavingalargerdinnerforsomeofourfriendsneartheendofErntyn,and
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trustyouwillbeabletojoinusthen.Iwillsendyoutheformalinvitationwhenwereceivethemnextweek...
NowthatIhadfoundasuitableyounglady,Mothercouldn’twaittodisplayhertoeveryone.ButIsupposethatwasminorcomparedtowhatelsewashappeninginthe
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world.
Accordingtothenewsheets,particularlyVeritum,thesituationbetweenJariolaandFerrumwascontinuingtoworsen.OnMeredimorning,theleadstoryfeaturedastatementbytheFerranministerofstatethatdescribedJariolaas“alandgovernedbyreactionarylandholderswhounderstandnothingofcommerceandless
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ofgovernment.”HewentontoclaimthatoligarchslikeKhasisIIIandcertainHighHoldersinotherlandsweremereparasitesonacountry’sproductivecapability,aswereworkerdroneswhowantedemployerstopayforeverythingwhileworkinglessandless.Fromthatalone,evenhadInotbeenforcedtostudyFerruminmoredepthbyMasterDichartyn,I
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wouldn’thavehadmuchtroubleindeterminingthatFerrumwaswhatIwouldhavecalledamercantileempire.
Otherthanthoseevents,notmuchofinterestoccurredduringtheweek,and,whileIwasinterestedinseeingwhathappenedattheCouncil’sHarvestBall,andlearningwhatIcouldfromobserving,Iwasfarmoreinterestedin
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seeingSelioraonSamedi,evenifithappenedtobeafamilywedding.
OnVendreimorning,assoonaswearrivedattheCouncilChateau,BaratyngaveusafinalbriefingontheCouncil’sHarvestBall.
“AsItoldyou,noteveryonewillbeacouncilororafamilymember.Eachcouncilorhasfiveinvitations,
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andeachinvitationisgoodfortwopeople,usuallyacouple,butitcouldbefordaughtersorsons.Inaddition,thereareinvitationstothejusticesoftheHighCourtofSolidarandanumberofotherfunctionaries,includingthemoreimportantenvoysfromotherlands.YouwilldoubtlessseeotherfacesyouhaveseenattheCollegium.
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Donotspeaktothemunlesstheyaddressyou.Yourfunctionistwofold,towatchforanythinguntowardandtostopitwithoutanyonenoticing”—hiseyesflickedtome,momentarily—“andtoserveasdancepartnersforladiesinneed,withdiscretion,orifasked.Youwill,ofcourse,weartheformalwhiteandgrayjackets.Youallhaveone,do
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younot?”
Afterdismissingus,hebeckonedtomeanddrewmeaside.“Oneotherthing,Rhenn...forpurposesoftheBall,whenguestsareannounced,inthecaseofunmarriedwomenyoumayhearsomethinglikeMistressMearjynD’Something-Alte.Thesuffix‘Alte’isaddedsothatallknowsheisthedaughterofaHighHolder.
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Youshouldnotethatwheneverpossible.”
“Yes,sir.”
“It’snotjustaformality.Ithasbeenknownthatsomeofsuchdaughtershaveaskedthosewhohaveservedasyouareservingtodance,anditiswellthatyouknowtheirstatus.Oh...thesuffixisalsousedforunmarriedsonsaswell,butthatshouldn’t
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proveaproblem.Theywon’tbeaskingyoutodance.”
Inshort,treatthemwithgreatrespectandcharm,Itranslated,unlessyouwanttobeonthebadsideoftheirsire,whichissomethingthattheCollegiumwouldprefernottooccur.Butthen,howcouldIbeonmuchworsefootingwithHighHoldersthanIwas?Icaughtmyselfonthat.Beingonthebadside
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oftwoHighHolderswouldbefarworsethanhavingonlyonewantingtodoworsetomethankillingme.
WelefttheCollegiumearlythatafternoon,becausetheCouncilhadadjournedatnoonsothattheycouldprepareanddressproperly.Fromthedutycoach,ontheothersideoftheringavenuecirclingCouncilHill,Inoticedthesamehigh-sided
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androofedwagonIhadseenonSolayievening.Itwasthekindthathadseveralsmallportholewindows.Thesinglehorsewasthesameoldgelding,andtheteamsterwasapparentlytryingtoadjustsomethingwiththetraces,althoughIcouldn’tbesure,butIcaughtmyselfwonderingwhatthatsortofwagonwasdoingthere,especiallytwiceinaweek.If
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ithappenedtobetherewhenwereturned,I’dletBaratynknow.
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Thedifferencebetweenan
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imagerandacounciloristhatthefirstunderstandsthelimitsoftheworld,whilethesecondonlyunderstandsthe
limitsofgovernment.
ThedutycoachbroughtusbacktotheCouncilChateaujustbeforeseventhglass,and
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Ididn’tseeanysignoftheoldwagonorofanythingelseoutoftheordinary.
TheCouncil’sHarvestBallbeganofficiallyathalfpastseventhglass,butaswehadbeenwarnedbyBaratyn,nooneevenbegantoarriveuntilaquarterbeforeeight.Momentsafterthefirstcarriagearrived,otherspulledupinthedrivebelowthemainentrysteps,adrivethat
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wasnormallyrestrictedtocouncilorsalone.Thenpeoplebegantowalkuptheoutsidestonestepsandinthroughthegrandfoyerpasttheceremonialguardsandfinallyupthegrandstaircase.Theytooktheirtimeonthegrandstaircase.
“CouncilorHemwytD’ArtisanandMadameD’Hemwyt!”Thedeepvoiceannouncingthefirstarrival
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boomedfromasmallbaldingmanstandingattheleftsideofthecenterarchwayintothegreatreceivinghall.
WhilepeopleenteredandweregreetedbythethreecouncilorsontheExecutiveCouncil,BaratynandIstoodagainstthewestwalljustinsidetheHall,whichwasonthesouthendoftheChateauandeffectivelyoccupiedthespaceabovethegrandfoyer.
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DartaznandMartylwerestationedalongtheeastwall.
“CouncilorEtyennD’FactoriusandMadameD’Etyenn!”
“TheHonorableSymmalD’JurisandMadameD’Symmal!”
InlessthanaquintglassIhadbeguntolosetrackofallthenames,andinanotherquint,IwassureIhadnoidea
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ofallthosewhowereattheBall.
“Inafewmoments,whenmostofthecouncilorsandtheirguestsarehere,”Baratynsaidquietly,afteredgingtowardme,“Iwantyoutomoveuntilyou’realongthewallaboutevenwiththemiddleofthedancefloor.”
“Yes,sir.”Inodded,then
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almostfrozeatthenamesIheardbeingannounced.
“DulykD’Ryel-AlteandMistressIryelaD’Ryel-Alte...”
ThenamessoundedliketheywereJohanyr’sbrotherandsister,somethingIdidn’tcareforatall,andImovedslightlytothelefttogetabetterlookatthecoupleastheysteppedthroughthe
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centralarchwayintothehall.Shewasblond,almostwhite-blond,andpetite,ifshapely,andworeagownofsilverandshimmeringblue,withaglitteringsilverscarf,trimmedinblack.HerbrotherwasayoungerandleanerversionofJohanyr.Althoughhewasofslightlylargerthanaverageheightandmovedgracefully,therewasalsoasenseofsmallnessand
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pettinesssurroundinghim,althoughIcouldnothaveexplainedwhyIfeltthat.
Theyvanishedintooneofthegroupsofyoungerpeopleontheeastsideofthehall,nearthesideboardsthatheldvariousvintages,withuniformedserversbehindeach.
“ShendaelD’AlteandMadameD’Shendael.”
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Thatnamecaughtmyattentionaswell.MadameJuniaeD’Shendaelcouldnothavebeensaidtobeundulyattractive,butratherhandsome,withastrongchinandnose,andmahoganyhaircutasshortasanywomanI’dseeninL’Excelsis.Herhusbandwaswiry,shorter,andblond.
“TheHonorableKlauzvolVhillar,envoyofFerrum,and
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MistressCyanaD’Guerdyn-Alte.”
TheFerranenvoycomingrightbehindMadameD’Shendael?Wasthatjustcoincidence?AndescortingaHighHolder’sdaughter,whensupposedlytheFerransweren’texactlyfondoftheHighHoldersasaclass?
“TheHonorableDhariosHarnen,envoyoftheAbierto
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Isles,andMistressDhenicaHarnen.”
He’dbroughthisdaughter,wholookedyoungerthanKhethilaandslightlyillatease.
“TheHonorableHerrysCharkovy,envoyofJariola,andMadameCharkovy...”
Apparently,theenvoyshadarrivedatthesametime,justafterMadameD’Shendael.
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GivenhercriticismsoftheCouncil,Iwonderedwhohadinvitedher,andIlookedtowardBaratyn.“MadameD’Shendael?”
Hegrinned.“CouncilorCaartylalwaysinvitesher.ItirritatesCouncilorSuyriennoend.”
Caartyl...therewassomethingthere,butIcouldn’tgraspitfora
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moment.Thenithitme.CaartylwastheguildmemberontheExecutiveCouncil,andhewastheonethatthestrangefactorAlhazyrhadvisited—avisitthathaddisturbedMasterDichartyn.
Inthebackground,theorchestra,setonatemporarydaisatthesouthendofthehall,oppositetheentryarchways,begantoplay.Baratynnoddedtome,andI
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begantoedgetowardmydesignatedstation.
AgoodhalfglasspassedasIwatchedthedancers,andthosemovingtoandfromthesideboards,orstandingandtalking,holdingwineglasses.DartazndancedpastseveraltimeswithanolderwomanIdidnotrecognize,perhapsarelationofsomesort.
Astheorchestrapaused
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betweendances,Icouldn’thelpbutnoticeaslenderwomaninblueandsilverwalkinginmydirection,casuallyhalf-twirlingtheendofalongblackandsilverscarf.Asshedrewcloser,IrealizedthatshewasIryelaD’Ryel.IalsohadthefeelingthatIhadseenhersometimebefore,butIcouldn’tplacewhereitmighthavebeen.HowcouldIhaveseenher?I
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keptapleasantsmileonmyfaceandwaitedforhertopass.
Shedidn’t.Instead,shestoppedandlookedatme,closely.“You’reRhennthyl,aren’tyou?”
“Yes,mistress.”
“Please...”Sheofferedasmilethatwashalfwryandhalftired.“I’mIryela,andyou’reanimagertertius,at
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least.”Hervoicewaspleasantenough,ifslightlyhigherthanIwouldhavepreferred.“You’realsotheonewhoputmybrotherinhisplace.”
Ieasedfullshieldsintoplay,ifsoclosetomyskinthatnoonecouldhavedetectedthem,withoutpunchingorslappingme.“Ibegyourpardon?”Ialsoscannedtheareaaroundme,butnooneseemedtobe
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payingmuchattentiontous.Thatdidn’tmeansomeonewasn’t—orwouldn’t.
“Johanyr...youmustrememberhim?”Atingeofamusementcoloredhersopranovoice.
“Yes,Iencounteredhimseveraltimes.”Thatadmittednothing.
“Encountered—afairwayofputtingit,perhapsbetter
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thanhedeserved.”Shesmiled.“Wouldyoudancewithme?”
Icouldn’tsayno.“Iwouldbehonored.”
Afaint,delicate,andpervasivefloralfragrancecamewithherassheslippedintomyarmswhentheorchestrabegantoplayandweeasedoutamongtheotherdancers.Hereyeswerea
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gray-bluethathergownandscarfintensified.
“You’reingreatdanger,youknow?”Hervoicewaslower,conversational,andasmatter-of-factasifshe’dtoldmethatitwouldrainonthemorrow.
“Ihavethefeeling,MistressIryela,thatImayalwaysbeingreatdanger.Pleasantasitis,dancingwith
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youcouldalsopresentadanger.”
“Oh,Idoubtthat.Certainlynomoredangerthanalreadyexists.Iwon’taskyoutokissme,nortomarryme.Atleast,notforatime,andpleasecallmeIryela.”
“I’mnotofHighHolderbackground,”Isaidwithalaugh.“NordoIhavethedancingexperiencetogowith
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it.”Shewouldn’taskforakiss,ormore,foratime?DidthatsuggestMaitreDyanawascorrect,thatherfatherwouldtakehistimeindealingwithme?Orwasitjustapartofamoreelaborateplanorcharade?
“You’remorethanadequate,andbetterthanmostofyourpeers,andfarmorehandsome.”
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“Andyouarefarmorebeautifulthanyours,asyoumustknow,andpossiblymoredeadly.”Butshewasn’tnearlythedancerthatSeliorawas.
“That’sacomplimentIhavenotheardbefore.Myfatherwouldbepleased,butitwouldbeapitytotellhim.Ialmostmight,exceptthatwouldpleaseJohanyrandDulyk,andthatwouldnot
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pleaseme.”
IryelawasplayingadeepergamethanIcoulddiscern,butitwasclearthatshehadapurpose,onethatIwasn’tevencertainIwantedtoconsider.“Brothersoftenviewmattersinadifferentlight.”
“Doyouhaveasister?”
“Ihaveone.I’mquitefondofher,asI’mcertainyou
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know.”
Shesmiled.“Youdomemuchcredit.”
“IsuspectIgiveyoulessthanyourdue,sinceyouweresoeasilyabletofindme.”
“YouassumethatIwaslookingforyou.Isthatnotratherpresumptuous?”
“Ithinknot,notifIassumethatitwasnotformy
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appearanceormystationormynonexistentwealth.”
“Moreandmoreinteresting.”
Moreandmoredangerous.“No...youaretheoneofinterest,forsoseldomdoesoneofgreatbeauty,position,andcharmeverappearinmyworld.”
“Moreflatteryyet.”Shelaughed.
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“Flattery,yettruth,asyouwellknow.”
“Iseenootherscomingtotakemefromyou,Rhennthyl.”
“Thatonlysaysthatnonedarecrossyourwill.”
“Werethatitwereso.”Therewasjustthetiniestedgebehindthelaughingwords.
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Whentheorchestrapaused,Ireleasedherandinclinedmyhead.
Shereturnedthegesture.“Ifyouwouldnotmindescortingmebacktomyyoungerbrother.”
“Mypleasure,mistress.”
“Iryela.”
“Mypleasure,Iryela.”
Herbrotherwasinasmall
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groupwithanotheryoungermanandawomanslightlyyoungerthanKhethila.“Iryela...wearehonoredatyourreturn.”
“AspleasedandhonoredasIam,dearestDulyk.”Shesmiled,sweetly,theninclinedherheadtome.“Thankyouforthedance,Rhennthyl.Ididenjoyit.”
“Mypleasure,Iryela.”I
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tookastepback,inclinedmyheadtoher,andeasedaway,butslowlyenoughtotrytooverhearwhatmightbesaid.
“...mostpolitelydone,dearsister,ifratherdirect...”
“...dobelieveincourtesy,Dulyk...andalwayswill...”
“Youaresorefreshing,sisterdearest...”
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IconcealedawinceasImovedbacktowardmystation.IryelalivedinafamilythatmadeevenCaliostrus’sménageseemwarmandwelcoming.
Inlessthanhalfaglass,theorchestrawouldstop,andCouncilorSuyrienwouldofferatoasttoalltheguestsoftheCouncil,butbeforethat,Ineededtoreturntomypost.
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“Doyouknowwhoaskedyoutodance?”askedafigureinformalblack—MasterDichartyn.He’dcaughtmebysurprise,becauseI’dstillexpectedhimtobeingrayorgrayandwhite.
“MistressIryelaD’Ryel-Alte,andsheusedmeassomesortofinsulttoheryoungerbrother,whoisherescorttonight—andpossiblyeventoherfather.”
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MasterDichartynnodded.“ThereisalwaysinfightingforsurvivalinHighHolderfamilies.”
“You’resuggestingImightusethat?”
“Iwouldsuggestnothingatthemoment.AnyconflictbetweenyouandHighHolderRyelhasnotyetbegun,andthelongerbeforeheannounceshisintent,the
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betterforyou.”
“Inwhatfashionwillheannounceit?”
“Letusjustsaythatyouwillknowwithoutanydoubt.”
Anotherofhisinfuriatinglyvaguestatements!Ihopedhewouldsaymore,butwhenhedidnot,IknewIwouldgetnothingfurther,andIasked,“Doyouhaveany
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instructions?”
“No.Youcanmovearoundmore.Justobservewhatyoucan.”HeslippedawaybeforeIcouldreply.
Ahead,Isawagirl—tallenoughtobeawoman,buttooyoung—watchingthedancers.Shewasalone.Well...thatwasoneofmyduties,andperhapsifwestayedtotheoutsideoftheswirlof
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dancersImightseeorlearnsomething.
“Mistress,mightIhavethehonorofadance?”
Hereyeswidenedjustslightlyassheturnedtome,butsherecoveredquickly.“Youmight.”Hersmilewaspracticed,butwithastiffnessthatwasslightlyawkwardandcharming.
Itookherintomyarmsand
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outintothedancers.Youngshemighthavebeen,butshewasafarbetterdancerthanI.
“Youdanceexceedinglywell,mistress.”
“Alynkya,AlynkyaD’Ramsael.”
Ilikedthefactthatshedidn’taddthe“Alte”tohername.“YourfatheristhecouncilorfromKephria,then.”
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“Heis.Mymotherwasindisposed,andsheaskedhimtobringme.”
Shewasevenyoungerthanshelooked,perhapsbecauseshewassotall,butIshouldhaveguessedbecausethecouncilorwasthetallestmemberoftheCouncil,byagoodhalfhead,ifnotmore.
“HowdoyouliketheBall?”
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“Idon’tknowmanypeoplehere.”
“DoyoulivehereinL’ExcelsisorinKephria?”
“Kephria,mostofthetime.”
IdancedwithAlynkyafortwodances,andthenherfatherarrivedanddancedwithher.Heonlysmiledatme,patronizingly.I’dhavetorememberthat,notasa
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grudge,butasafact.I’dalsohavetorememberAlynkyaandwishsheretainedsomeofthatyouthfulcharmanddirectness.Probablynot,givenherfather,butonecouldhope.
Nearoneofthesideboards,IcaughtsightofMadameD’Shendael.Shewastalkingtosomeone—theFerranenvoy.
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Ieasedcloserasthetwotalked,thentookapositionwhereIcouldostensiblywatchthedancefloor,butfromwhereIcouldoverhearmostoftheirconversation,orglanceintheirdirection.
“YouhaveoftensuggestedthatSolidarhaslittlemusic,Klauzvol.Whatyoudothinknow?”
“Thisisanicelittle
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orchestra,madame,butitisapitythattherearenototherslikeit.Forthecapitalofagreatnation...”
“Onecannothaveeverything,asyouhavesaidbefore.Ourartistsaresuperb...”
“Ah...thatisindeedtrue,butsoarethoseofFerrum,particularlyinFerrial...”
Iwantedtheopportunityto
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speaktoMadameD’Shendael,aswellastogetacloserlookattheenvoy,butIcertainlycouldn’tspeakdirectlytoher,orstare.SoIlookedatherforamoment,thenlookedaway.SeveralmomentslaterIdidthesame,whiletryingtoprojectacluelesscuriosity.
Afterthreeofmyattempts,sheturnedandglidedtowardme,trailedbytheHonorable
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KlauzvolVhillar.
“Youngman?”
“Yes,madame?”Ididturntoher,smilingpleasantly.“MightIbeofsomeassistance?”
“Youseemed,shallwesay,lessthanfullyinterestedinyourduties,whatevertheymightbe.”
“Madame,thatisdoubtless
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true.Iwasattemptingtosee,withoutbeingtooobvious,ifyoulookedliketheetchedportraitinthefrontofOnArtandSociety.Mysisterhasallofyourbooks.Idon’tknowwhethershe’sfinishedthatone,becauseshejustgotit.Eventhoughshe’sneverbeenmarried,shefoundAWidow’sGuideinvaluable...Ibegyourpardon.”
Shelaughed,asound
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somehowharshlymelodic,butnotmocking.“SoIstillhavereaders.”
“Yes,madame.”IneededtogetVhillarcloser.“Youhaven’tchangedthatmuchsinceEmanuspaintedthatminiature...”
Icouldsenseherstiffen...eversoslightly.
“That’slessthancommonknowledge.Howwoulda
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youngmansuchasyourselfknowsuchadistinguishedportraiturist?”
Vhillarkeptapleasantsmileonhisface,butedgedcloser.
“IwasajourneymanportraituristbeforeIcamehere.EmanuslikedachessstudyIdid,andofferedseveralcommentsaboutit.Wetalkedseveraltimes.”At
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thatpoint,Iextendedthefaintestimage-probe,andimmediatelysensedashieldreaction—ofthesamesortofshieldthatIhadsensedoutsideTerraza.Therecouldn’tbeanotherforeignshieldlikethat—notunlesstherewerefarmoreimageragentsinL’ExcelsisthanMasterDichartynknew,andthatwasdoubtful,butstilladisturbingpossibility.
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Hiseyeswidened,ifonlyfractionally,andIcouldsenseastrengtheningofhisshields,butIconcealedmysurprise,bothathisshieldsandhisreaction,althoughIhadhalf-expectedtofindhimanimager,forreasonsIcouldnothaveexplained.
“Youareratheryoungforthiskindofapproach,areyounot?”offeredVhillarwithoutanyhesitation.“Andsuch
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familiaritywithaladyyoudonotknowmightnotbeconsidered...seemly...byyoursuperiors.”Hissmilewaspleasantandpolished,aswashisvoice.
“Iconfessbrashness,madame...andsir,butonlybecauseofmyadmirationandthatofmysisterforMadameD’Shendaelforherwritingsandallshehasendured...tobringthosewordstolifeso
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thatotherscanreadthem.Admirationandthewishtohearthewordsofonesodistinguishediscertainlynotunduefamiliarity.”
“Suchartistryinflattery,”Vhillaroffered.“Suchcharmbeyondyouryearsandexperience.”
Ionlysmiled,lookingatJuniaeD’Shendaelandincliningmyheadpolitely.
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“Mythanksforyourwords,madame.”
“Hemeanswell,Ibelieve,Klauzvol,”repliedMadameD’Shendael.“Presumptuously,butwithhonestbrashness.Shallwedance?”
“Myhonor,madame.”Vhillarglancedatmequicklyasheswirledherontothedancefloor,butthelookwas
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onethatcommittedmyfacetomemory.
I’dhavetobemorethancareful.I’drevealedtoVhillarthatIknewwhathewas,andIdoubtedhewantedanyonetoknowthat,buthowelsecouldIhavediscoveredit?Then,itcouldbethatMasterDichartynalreadyknew,andthatwasareasonwhyhewashere.
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Iscannedthegreatreceivinghall,slowly,tryingtodosocasually,butIdidn’tseeMasterDichartynorBaratyn.Besides,Baratynwouldn’tunderstand,norwasIgoingtohavethetimetoexplainthecomplexityofthesituation.Ifhe’dbeentheonewiththeFerranoutsideTerraza—andIwasalmostcertainhewas—he’dalreadykilled,orarrangedthekilling
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ofclosetotenimagers,nottomentionatleastfourattemptsonme.Inaddition,hewasfriendlywithaninfluentialHighHolderwithtiestothoseontheCouncil—andthatHighHolder’sfatherhadmostlikelybeenkilledbecauseofhisconversationwithme.Andfromthatlastlookatme,itwasclearthatVhillarknewexactlywhoIhappenedtobe—andthatI
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knewwhoandwhathewas.
Istillcouldn’tseeMasterDichartyn,butIdidn’twanttochasehimdown,notatthemoment,withtheformaltoastabouttooccur.SinceVhillarwasanimager,thatwouldbeaperfectopportunitytocreatehavoc.Hemightnot,but...Iwassupposedtopreventthatsortofthing—ifIcould.
Imovedtowardthetable
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wheretheformaltoastwouldtakeplace,tryingtousethedeftbutpurposefulmovesofanassistantwhoneededtobesomewherebutdidnotwishtooffend.Ialsotriedtoprojectthatfeeling,andsomemusthavepickeduponitbecausepeoplemovedasidejustslightly.BeforelongIhadstationedmyselfbehindandtotheleftofthesmalltablebehindwhichCouncilor
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Suyrienwouldmakethetoast.Withmybacktothewall,Ilookedoutatthedancers.
AmongthosecloserwhowerewaitingtowatchthetoastwastheHonorableKlauzvolVhillar,withMistressCyanaD’Guerdyn-Altenowathisside.Hedidnotlookinmydirection,andtheywerepositionedsothattheequivalentoftwolinesof
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peoplewerebetweenthemandtheopenspaceseparatingthosegatheringtowatchfromthesmalltoastingtable.Ididn’tseeMadameD’Shendael.
Asthelastbellsofninthglassdiedaway,CouncilorSuyrienemergedfromagroupofHighHoldersandtheirwivesordaughtersormistressesandsteppedtowardthetable.Thesounds
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oftheorchestrafadedaway,followedbyadrumrollandthenaquicktrumpetcallIdidnotrecognize.
Auniformedserverbroughtthreebottlestothetable,stillcorkedandsealed.Thecouncilorsaidsomething,andtheserverquicklyremovedthefoilandcorkfromoneofthebottles,thensetagobletdownandpouredthesparklingwhite
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intoit.
Iwatchedthegoblet,hopingI’dguessedcorrectly.
Thewinesettled—thentrembled—andIknew,notthatI’deverbeabletoproveit.
Iconcentrated,tryingtoimagewhatwasinthetoastinggobletaway,andreplacingitwithwinefromthesecondunopenedbottle.
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Thistimethetremblingwasmorepronounced,butnooneseemedtonotice.Certainly,SuyrienD’Altedidnotashepickedupthegoblet,raisedit,anddeclaimed,“ForSolidar,fortheCouncil,andinthanksforafruitfulharvest!”
Thenheloweredthegobletandputittohislips.Atthatmoment,Iextendedashieldononesideoftheglass—the
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sidebetweenVhillarandthecouncilor.
Something,atinysomething,hittheinvisibleshieldandrebounded,unseenbymost,exceptfortheolderwomaninfront,overwhoseshoulderafinemistsprayed.Shemerelyfrowned,thenusedherscarftobrushawaythemistydrops.
“ForSolidar,forthe
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Council,andinthanksforafruitfulharvest!”camealowechofromthebystanders.
Notterriblyenthusiastic,Ithought,butIhadthefeelingthatHighHolderswerenotgiventomuchinthewayofpublicenthusiasms.
Icouldfeeleyesonme,butIcontinuedtosurveythecrowd.AsmyeyespassedthoseofVhillar,Icouldsee
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hiseyesnarrow.Abruptly,helookedaway,thenguidedMistressD’Guerdyn-Alteoutontothedancefloorastheorchestraresumedplaying.
CouncilorSuyrienhadleftthetoastingtable,asifgladtobedonewiththattask,andresumedhisconversation.Tooneside,perhapsfiveyards,IcouldseeCouncilorHaestyrmurmursomethingtoCouncilorCaartyl.They
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talkedforamomentortwo,thennoddedtoeachotherandreturnedtothosetheyhadescorted.
Ibegantomoveawayfromthetoastingtable,tryingtoconveythesensethatI’dfinishedanothertaskandstilltryingtolocateMasterDichartyn,whenavoicecalledtome.“Youngman.”
Iturned.Thesummons
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camefromMadameD’Shendael.Whatexactlydidshewant?Ismiledandmovedtoher.“Yes,madame.MightIbeofassistance?”
“Youmay.IfindIneedapartner.”
Shewasagooddancer,betterthanIryela,butstillnotquitesogoodasSeliora,andshesaidnothinguntilwehadgonehalfwayaroundthe
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floor.
“Waswhatyousaidaboutyoursistertotalnonsenseortruthusedtoapurpose?”
Obviously,shedidn’tbelieveinHighHoldercircumlocution.“Itwasquitetruthful,madame.Mysisterfoundanumberofthefinancialadvisementsofgreatuseinthefamilybusiness.Shewasalsofirstcaptivated
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byyourPoeticDiscourseandlaterbyCivicVirtue.”
“Idon’tbelieveyouansweredmyquestion.”
“IbelieveIanswereditaswellasIcan,madame.”
Shesmiled.“Thatisananswer,ofanotherkind.Whatisyourname?”
“Rhennthyl.”
“RhennthylD’Imager,I
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wouldimagine.No...Iknowyoucannotcomment.Arathersillyfiction,ifyouaskme.WhataboutEmanus?Wasthattrueaswell?”
“Yes,madame.”
“Itisrumoredthathewaskilledbyanimager,andthatyouvisitedhimshortlybeforehedied.”
Rumored?Mostlikely,Vhillarhadtoldheritwasa
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rumor,possiblyasawaytodiscredittheCollegium.“Ihadheardsomethingtothateffect,buthewaswellwhenIlefthim,and,frankly,madame,Iwaslookingforwardtotalkingtohimagain.Iwasshockedtolearnofhisdeath,andIdidnotknowofituntilseveraldayslater.”
Thatsurprisedher,andhersurpriseandherchoiceof
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wordsconfirmedwhatIalreadyknew,evenifIcouldnotproveit.
“Iamtrulysorryforyou,madame.”Thatwasarisk,butsomeoneshouldhaveexpressedsomesympathyforherfather’sdeath,especiallyafterallhehadsufferedforher.
Herlipstightened,asifshewereabouttoretort.Thenshe
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nodded.“Itissadwhenagreatartistdiesandisnotabletoberecognized.”
“Ihavestudiedtheworksofallthecurrentmasters,andnoneexhibitshisexcellence.IsupposethatwasonereasonwhyIwassopleasedwhenhepraisedmychessstudy.”Thatwasn’tquitetrue,becauseIhadn’trealizedhowgreatanartisthewasuntillater,whenI’dseenthe
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miniature,butthespiritofmywordswastrue.
Shewassilentforatimeaswecircledthefloor.Aswemadeoneturn,IcaughtsightofMartyldancingwithAlynkya,andtheyoungwomanlookedhappy.Icouldn’thelpbutcontrasthertobothIryelaandMadameD’Shendael,bothsurroundedbyintrigueandplotting.
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Thenthemusicended.
“Thankyou,madame.”
Shesmiled.Ithinktherewaspainbehindthesmile,butIdon’tknowthatanyoneelsewouldhaveseenit,exceptSeliora,hadshebeenthere.“Thankyou,MasterRhennthyl.Takecare.”Therewastheslightestemphasisonthelasttwowords.Iescortedherbacktoherhusband,who
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didnoteventurnassherejoinedwhateverconversationwasinprogress.
Afterthat,Imovedaroundthedancefloor,alwayswatching,butnooneelseseemedtoneedrescuing,andnooneelseaskedmetodance.MasterDichartynwasstillnowheretobeseen,andalthoughIglimpsedBaratynacrossthedancefloor,hewasheadedtowardthegrand
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staircase.ShouldIfollowhim?
Itwasnearingtenthglass,midnight,whentheBallwouldend.
Suddenly,ajoltofsomethingshiveredmyshields,andmyentirebodybegantotremble,untilImanagedtoerectasecondsetwithinthefirst.Stillshakinginside,Iturnedslowly.
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Fromagoodtenyardsaway,theHonorableKlauzvolVhillargavethefaintestofnods,andaknowingsmile,beforeturningaway,HighHolderGuerdyn’sdaughteronhisarm.
Iunderstoodwhatwasbehindthat.Vhillarclearlywantedtoluremeintotrouble,orsomethingtoprecipitateascandal.Or
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worse,hewouldjustleavesothathecouldstrikelater,andhewaslettingmeknowthat.Icouldn’tlethimdothat.Yet,whatcouldIdo?MasterDichartynwasnowheretobeseen,andIwasgettingtiredofbeingatargetandalure.Alure?WhathadMasterPoincarytsaid?Aluredidn’thavetobedefenseless,andIcouldactinthebestinterestsoftheCollegium.The
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Collegiumcertainlydidn’tneedahostileandrenegadeimagerlooseinL’Excelsis—envoyornot—andifIwaitedtodiscusssuchmatterswithMasterDichartynIwouldn’thavethechancetostopbeingalureandatarget.
NomatterwhatbothMaitrePoincarytandMaitreDichartynsaidaboutmyvaluetotheCollegiumasalure...theyweren’ttheone
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beingattackedtimeaftertime.Islippedawaywiththepurposefulstrideofamanheadedforthejakes,exceptonceInearedthere,Iturnedtothesteps.
“Sir?”askedtheobdurateguard.
“IneedtogetsomethingforBaratyn.”Itriedtoprojecturgency.
“Ah...”
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“Iwon’tbelong.”Iwaspasthimandheadeddownthesteps,quickly,butnotatarun.Onceonthelowerlevel,Itookthewest-sideservicedoorandeasedalongthenarrowmaintenancewalknexttothefootofthewall,usingacloakofshadows.Someonemightwellseesomeoneintheshadows,butnotmorethanadimfigureatbest.Ifoundtheornamental
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topiarythatIrecalled,theoneofferingthemostconcealmentclosetotheoutsidestonesteps,andsatdownbehindit,whereIcouldviewallthestepsdowntothedrivewherethecoachesandcarriageswerebeginningtoqueueup.
Iwaitedagoodhalfglassoutthere,watchingasguestsdepartedandworryingaboutwhetherBaratynorMaster
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Dichartynwouldcomelookingforme.ThatwasthelastthingIwanted.IwasNameless-tiredofbeingthetarget,andnooneseemedthatinterestedinsolvingtheproblem,onlyinusingmetoflushouttheguilty.Well,I’dflushedhimout,andI’dfiguredawaytodealwithhimaswell—ifitworked,Iremindedmyself.
Vhillarwasamongthelater
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gueststoleave,andhemovedcasually,yetdeliberately,hiseyesscanningtheareaoneachsideoftheoutsidestonesteps.Washeexpectingmetoact?Ihadthefeelinghewasconcerned.Heshouldbe.
Hepausedafterdescendingseveralsteps,thenspokeafewwordstoMistressD’Guerdyn-Alte.Afteramoment,heescortedherdownanotherfewsteps,
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beforestoppingtoexchangeafewwordswithanothercouple.Heglancedtowardtheouteropencarriagegate,andthenbacktowardtheeastsideoftheChateau.Thatworriedme.Whatbesidesmewasheseeking?Orwassomethingelseplanned?
Ishookmyhead.Forthemoment,IneededtoconcentrateonVhillar—beforehewastoofaraway
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formyimagingtoreachhim.
First,Iimagedcolorlessoilacrossthesteps,threedeep,directlybelowhim,andwellbeyondhisshields,andusedapartialshield—somethingMaitreDyanahadtaughtme—toblockanyreflectionsfromthelampsflankingthestonesteps.
Vhillartookonestepdown,thenanother,thenathird,
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beforehisbootsslipped,one,thentheother.HisarmsflailedasheletgoofMistressD’Guerdyn-Alte.Shejuststared,becauseI’dbeenaccurateenoughthatshehadn’tsteppedintheoil.
InthatmomentwhenVhillarlosthisconcentration,andhisshieldsfalteredforamoment,Idrovethroughthemandimagedair,lotsofit,intothemajorvesselsin
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hisbrain,thenimagedablastofairatthebackofhishead—enoughtodrivehimheadfirstintothestonefartherdownthesteps,angledsothathistemplewouldhitfirst.
MistressD’Guerdyn-Altehadfrozen,watchingashefell,butthenshescreamed.
Iimagedalltheoilaway.
Atthatpoint,Iwasmorethanalittledizzy,andallI
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coulddowassitintheshadowsastwoguardscamerunningdownthesteps.Othersbegantogather.
Afterseveralmoments,whenthedizzinesspassed,Islowlyeasedbackalongthewallandwelloutofsight.
Iwasalmosttothewest-sidedoorwhenIsawafigureintheshadowsoutsidetheChateau’slowerwall,moving
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tothewest.IdecidedtokeepmovingaroundtheChateaupastthewestservicedoorandtowardtheeast-sidedoorweusedasimagermessengers.WhyIwasn’tcertain,butitfeltasthoughIshould.Islippedthroughthenorthgardensandthenstruggledoverthewall,oncemoreusingaslightshadowshieldinadditiontofullshields,butIstilllostsightofwhoeverit
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waswhohadbeenintheshadows.
Atthatmoment,acrosstheringroadfromtheChateau,IsawthesameancientwagonI’dseentwicebefore,withthesameoldgelding,andthesameportholewindows.Thewagonwastiedupalmostdirectlyacrossfromwherethedutycoachhadstoppedandstoodwaiting,butataslightangletothedutycoach.
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ItwasalsolocatedinthedirectioninwhichVhillarhadbeenlooking.Mystomachtightened.
Ikeptmovingalongthewall,towardwherethedutycoachwaited,wishingthatI’dmadeagreaterefforttofindMasterDichartyn,buttherewasnohelpforthatnow.Finally,Istopped,agoodtwentyyardsaway,andbegantostudythewagon.There
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wassomethingaboutitandthewaythesaggingwagonbodywasangledslightlytowardthedutycoach.Saggingwagonbody?Whatwasinthatwagon?
Atthatmoment,ashadowyfigureappeared,ifindistinctly,intheshadowsatthenearendofthewagon.WasitthesamemanwhomIhadfollowedaroundtheChateau?Whatwasitabout
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him?CoulditbetheFerran?
Hehadwhatlookedtobealargetripod,onwhichwasmountedsomethinglongandthick,farlargerthanarifle,andhemovedclosertotheendoftheweapon,sothatitsshapeandhismerged.
Behindmeandtomyright,therewasaclickandaglowoflightastheeastmainleveldoorfromtheChateau
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opened.
Asthreefiguresemergedintothenightair,Iheardvoices.
“WhereintheNamelessishe?”
“...guardssaidhewentdowntheinsidestairs...inahurry...”
“Hurryornot...Dichartyn’sgoingtohang
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himout...”
ThelastandloudestvoicewasBaratyn’s.
Myeyesflickedbacktotheoldwagon,andtheentirewagonrockedeversoslightly.Oneoftheportholewindowsopenedinward,andtheshadowfigureleanedslightlyforward.
IknewIhadtoact.Iimagedfireandflameintothe
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wagon,andwhatevertheweaponbesideitmightbe,prayingtotheNamelessthatIdidn’tbelieveinthatIwouldbeintimebeforesomethingworsehappened.
Itriedtostrengthenmyshields,but...everythingexploded.
Shieldsandall,Ifeltmyselfbeingliftedandflung....
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Ifdeductionsrequireabsolute
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proof,thentheyarerenderedworthless.
WhenIwoke,Iwaslookingupatagrayceiling.Iwasbackintheinfirmary,andMasterDichartynandMasterDraffydwerebothstandingoverme.Myheadached,and
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variouspainswereshootingthroughmychestandback.
“Howbadisit?”Imanagedtoask.
“Forwhatyou’vebeenthrough,”repliedMasterDraffyd,“notallthatbad.You’lllive,althoughitmaynotfeellikeitwhenyoutrytomoveorbreathedeeply.Youmighthaveacrackedrib,andyou’rebruisedall
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over.Infact,you’llbeonyourfeet—verycarefully—onceweputyouinaribcorset.”
Hewasright.AsheandMasterDichartyngentlymaneuveredmeintothegrayishcorset,Ifeltlikemyentirechestandribcagewerepressinginonmylungs.ItwasfarmorepainfulthanthegunshotwoundsI’dtakenfromtheassassin,butthe
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veryworstofitsubsidedonceMasterDraffydhadlacedthecorsetuptightly.Itwasmorelikeacrossbetweenaflexiblebraceandacorset.
“How’sthat?”askedMasterDraffyd.
“It’sbetter...painful,butnotnearlysobad.”
“You’llstayheretonight,justtomakesure,butI’llletyougointhemorning.”
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“I’msupposedtoattendaweddingtomorrow,”Ioffered.
“Notyourown,Ihope.”
“No,sir.”
“Ifyoutakeacoachanddon’twalktoomuch—andstayoutofanyexplosions—youshouldbeallright.Butdon’ttakeoffthewoundcorsetwithouthelp.You’llhavetocomeheretowash
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up.”
“Yes,sir.”
“Notawordaboutthis,Draffyd.”MasterDichartynsaid.“I’dappreciateawordortwowithhimalone.”
Theyoungermasternoddedandlefttheroom,closingthedoorbehindhim.IknewthatMasterDichartynhadmorethanawordortwoinmind.
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MasterDichartynlookedatmeandshookhishead.“Youdidwrapupeverythinginaneatwaythatdidn’timplicatetheCollegium,albeitwithrathermessyconsequences.Fromtheevidenceremaining,it’sfairlycertainthattheexplosionyoutriggeredtookoutthreeassassins,andtheonebodywholeenoughtoberecoveredfromthatexplosionwasthatoftheFerran.But
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whydidyoukillVhillar?”
“Besidesthefactthathewastheonehiringtheassassins,youmean?”Iwantedtoshakemyhead.“Youdidn’tknow,sir?”
“HewasanagentofFerrumandaspy.Alltheirenvoysare,butthat’stobeexpected.Evenhiringassassinsistobeexpected.That’snotareasonforkilling
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him.Forexpellinghim,yes,butkillingenvoysleadstorepercussions.TheCouncilmayhavetorecallourenvoytoFerrialbeforesomethingsimilarhappenstohim.MaitrePoincarytwillwantanexplanation,andsodoI.Agoodexplanation.”
Ijustlookedathimforalongmomentbeforeasking,“Whowasthebody?”ThenIrealizedhe’dalreadytoldme,
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butI’dalmostforgottenthatinthesurpriseoflearninghedidn’tknowthatVhillarwasanimager.
“ThebodywasthatoftheFerran.Theotherswereshredded.”
Iwinced.“Whataboutthedutycoachdriver?”
Dichartynshookhishead.“Thathappens.ButwhyVhillar?”
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“Hewastheimager.”
Forthefirsttime,hismouthopened.“Vhillar,animager?”
“Mostcertainly,”Ireplied.
“Oh...andhowdidyouknowthat?”
“Itestedhisshields,andhetriedanimageattackonmeduringtheBall.HewastheonewhohiredtheFerran,and
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hetriedtopoisonSuyrienduringthetoast.Iimagedthepoisonedwineoutofhisglassandreplaceditwithsomefromaclosedbottle.There’sprobablyavacuumthere,andtheywon’tbeabletouncorkit.”
“So...thatwaswhyConstanzaD’Amerlenhadthatburnonhershoulder.”
“Ah...notexactly.That
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wasVhillar’ssecondattempt,andithitaninvisibleshieldintheair.Thesprayflewback.”
Hisfacehardened.“Rhennthyl...whydidn’tyouexplainthisorfindme?”
“Inevercouldfindyou,andtherewasn’ttimetoexplainthatthewinewaspoisoned.Yousee,thewinewasintheglassand
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unmovingexceptforthetinybubbles.Thegobletwasonthetable,andthenthewinetrembled,butnotthegobletorthetable.AndafterIblockedbothattempts,Vhillarlookedatme,buthedidn’tdoanythinguntiljustbeforeheleftwhenhetriedtokillme.Itriedtofindyou,butIdidn’twanttoleavethehallbecauseIwouldn’thavebeenabletowatchVhillar..
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.”Itriedtoexplain,butsomuchofitrestedonwhatI’dfeltabouthowthingswenttogether.“...andtherewasalsosomelinkbetweenJuniaeD’ShendaelandVhillar.Notanaffair,butsomethingelse.I’dwagerit’slinkedsomehowtoEmanus,andthat’swhyhewaskilled,butthat’sonlyaguess.”
“Your‘guesses’havebeenratheraccurateinthepast.I
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havethefeelingthisonemaybeaswell.”Histonewasdrylyironic.Hefingeredhischinbeforespeakingagain.“IfVhillarhadsucceededinpoisoningSuyrien,theblamewouldfallontheCollegium,eitherfordoingitorfailingtopreventit,andFerrum’sgreatestopponentontheCouncilwouldbedead,probablytobereplacedbyCouncilorHaestyr,whoisfar
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morefavorablyinclinedtowardthem.”
“CouncilorHaestyrsaidsomethingtoCouncilorCaartylafterthetoast.Caartyllookedmostunhappyforamoment.”
MasterDichartynwastheonetolookdispleasedatthat.“YourealizethatthereisabsolutelynoprooflinkingtheassassinstoVhillar,
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nothingexceptwhatyousawandfelt.”
Ihurt,andIwasgettingtiredofthecross-examination.“ThentalktoMadameD’Shendael,andaskherwhotoldherthatanimagerkilledherfather...pardonme,whotoldherabouttherumorthatanimagerkilledherfather.”
“Howdidyouknowthat?”
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“Sheaskedmetodance...”IbacktrackedandtoldhimaboutbothencounterswithJuniaeD’Shendael.“...andhowelsewouldshehaveknown?”
“Youarenotmakingmattersmucheasier,Rhennthyl.”
“MaitrePoincaryttoldmethatluresdon’thavetobedefenseless,andtoomany
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juniorimagershavealreadydied.”
“Hesaidthattoyou?”
“Yes,sir—aboutthelures,thatis.”
“Evenso,you’reaskingmetotakeagreatdealonfaith.”
Ijustlookedathim,again,foralongmoment,beforereplying,“IfImightsayso,sir,far,farlessthanyouhave
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askedmetotakeonfaithandwithoutfullknowledge.IfIhadknownmore,Imighthavebeenabletoactina...lessmessyfashion.Besides,EnvoyVhillartrippedonthestepsandsplithisskull.Mostregrettable,butaccidentsdohappen,andtherewasnopoisoninvolved...”IwassotiredIwantedtoyawn,butIwasafraidofjusthowmuchthatmighthurt.
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“ThenwhatwouldyousuggesttheCouncildowithregardtoFerrumtoexplainthedeathoftheirenvoy?”
“Sendaverypolitesealedcommuniquétotheheadoftheirgovernment”—IwassodizzyIcouldn’tremembertheofficialtitle—“tellingthemthattheCouncildeeplyregretstheaccident,andthatforthesakeofeveryoneinvolved,itshouldremain
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thatway,unless,ofcourse,Ferrumwouldlikeitknownthattheirenvoywasanimager,whichwouldraisethequestionofhowmanyothersmightbe.”
“Youhaveaverynastymind.Theycouldstilldenyit.”
“SendaletterfromMasterPoincarytsayingthatoneofthefunctionsofthe
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CollegiumistokeeprenegadeimagersoutofSolidar,andthatwhoelsewouldbetterknowwhowasanimager.Besides,eventhechargewouldcreateproblemsforthem.Peoplehalf-expectitfromSolidar,I’msure.Soanycounterchargeshouldn’taffectusmuch.”Ilookedathim.“Youshouldhavethoughtofallthat.Ordidyou?”
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“Idid,mostly,butIwantedtoseeifyouwerereallyasdeviousasMasterPoincarytthinks.”
“AmI?”Thatbotheredme.
“No.You’reworse,becauseyouhavetheabilitytoincorporatemoreofthetruthinwhatyoudo.”
Iclosedmyeyes,thenopenedthem.
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“Rhennthyl...afterthis,youcan’tstayattheChateau.”
“Whynot?”Iwastired,bone-tired,butIwasirritated.I’ddonemyjob,betterthanMasterDichartynhaddonehis,andhewastellingmethatIcouldn’tkeepdoingsomethingI’ddonewell?MaybeI’dbeenmessy,butI’dgottenitdone.
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“Thefirstreasonisbecauseyouaren’treadytosupervisepeople,butyouhavemoreimagingskillsthanBaratyn,possiblymorethanhewilleverhave.Youalsojumptoconclusions.Mostofthetime,sofar,you’vebeenright,butthehigheryougetintheCollegiumthemoreconvolutedandcomplexmattersyouwillhavetodealwithcanget,andthatwill
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increasethepossibilitythatyou’llbewrong.Masterscan’taffordtobewrongoften,especiallyindealingwiththeCouncilandHighHolders.Thesecondreasonisthatyoustillhavetroubledistinguishingwhentobepatientandwhennottobe.”
“Soyou’regoingtosendmeofftothearmoryorsomething?”Ialmostdidn’tcare—exceptIdid.
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“No.Ihaveanidea,butI’llhavetotalktoMaitrePoincarytaboutit.I’llhavetobriefhimtonightanywayafterthemessyoumade.Heshouldn’tfinditoutfromanyoneelse.”
Ialmostsnappedbackthat,ifhe’dtoldmemore,wewouldn’thavehadsuchamess.IfI’dknownaboutVhillar...
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Thenagain,thatwashindsight.Besides,expressingmyangerathimwouldn’thelpmeany,andhealreadywarnedmeaboutimpatienceonce.
“Now...getsomerest.I’lltalktoyouinthemorning.”
Afterheleft,Ididclosemyeyes,then.
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Trustdoesnotdemand
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details.
WhenIwokethenextmorning,everymuscleinmybody,orsoitseemed,feltstiffandsore.Gettingoutofbedwastorture,butIstaggeredtothejakesandbacktotheroom,whereIsat
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onthesinglestraight-backedchair.Ididn’tevenwanttothinkaboutclimbingupintothebed.Oneoftheobduratesbroughtmetea,andthenMasterDichartynarrived,stillinhisexerciseclothes.
“You’ddoanythingtoavoidexercises,wouldn’tyou?”Buthedidgrin.“Howdofeel?”
“Achy-sore,dullpain
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everywhere,exceptwhenImove,andthenit’snotsodull.”
“You’reyoung.You’llrecover.”
Sincehestillhadn’ttoldmewhatlayaheadofme,andhewasn’tvolunteering,Ihadtospeak,beforeheleft.“LastnightyousaidIcouldn’treturntotheChateauandthatyou’dhavetoconsider
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somethingelse.”
“Oh,that.”
Hewasbaitingme,butImanagedtosay,“Yes,that.Atmyage,knowingone’sfuturedoesmattersomewhat.”
“Notsomuchasyouthink,”heansweredwryly.“Mattersseldomturnoutasplanned,asyoushouldknow.Still...IdidtalktoMaster
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Poincaryt,andheagreed.It’sanassignmentthathasbeennecessarynowandagain.You’llbeassignedtothecivicpatrollersasCollegiumliaison.ThatwillallowyoutobecomeaMaitreD’Aspect,butyoualreadyhavethoseskills.Sothatwon’tbeaproblem.You’llalsobeinavisibleposition,whichmayworktoyouradvantageinothermatters.Thenagain,it
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maynot.Thatwilldependonyouinlargepart.”
Ididn’tcarefortheimplicationsofhiswordsaboutvisibility.TheyreferredtowhateverattackHighHolderRyelwascertaintoinitiateagainstme,andIcouldonlyhopethatIwouldbeprepared,becauseIhadastrongfeelingthatwhateverRyeldidwouldbypasstheCollegium.I’dalreadyseen
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enoughofHighHolderstounderstandthat.Buttherewasnopointinsayingso.Ionlyasked,“Isthisahiddenrank,orcanItellpeople?”
“Youcantellanyoneyouwantto—eventheyounglady—becauseweandtheCivicPatrolwantitknownthattheirliaisonisamasterimager.”
“WhyaliaisontotheCivic
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Patrol?Oristhatawayofshuttlingmeaside?Whycouldn’tIjustbeafieldoperative?”
Heshookhishead.“Thatwouldbeawasteofyourtalents.Besides,theliaisonpositionisafarbetterchoiceforyou.”
Ihatedhavingtodragthingsoutofhim,buthewasalsodemonstratingthatI
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neededtobepatient,Isupposed.“Beggingyourpardon,sir,butcouldyouexplainthat?”
“That’swhyI’mhere.First,youhavethebasicandevenmorethanbasicimagingskillstohandleit,anditwillgiveyouachancetoobserveasideoflifethatwillgiveyouthenecessaryexperience.”
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Thistime,whenhepaused,Ijustwaited.
“You’llbeappointed,effectiveLundimorning,butyouwon’treportforatleastanothertwoweeks.Thatwillgiveyoutimetohealsome.Also,thepatrolcommandercanmakesurethateveryoneknowswhatyoudidoutsidetheChateau.Patrollersareimpressedbyimagerswhorisktheirlivestosavetheir
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comrades.They’llbegladtohavesomeonelikeyou.Theotheraspectofthepositionisthat,whiletheycanonlyrequestofyou,thesameistrueofyou.Youcannotgivepatrollersorders.Doyouseewhythisisidealforyou?”
Iwasn’tsurethatIdid.GoingfromworkingintheCouncilChateautoeffectivelybeinganassistanttothepatrollers—thatwas
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ideal?Itriedtogathermythoughtstogether,andMasterDichartynsmiledfaintly,butletme.
Finally,Ireplied.“I’llbeabletouseimagingtohelpthem,andperhapsprotectapatrollernowandthen.I’llhavetofigureoutthingsbeforeIcansayanythingbecauseIcan’torderanyonetodoanything.ThatmeansI’llhavetobelogicaland
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preciseenoughthatthey’lldowhatIsuggest.”
Henodded.“It’snotademotionofanysort.It’sadifferentpath,anditisfranklyaharderone,buttherearesomeconsolations.AsImentionedbefore,thefirstisrank.Tobealiaison,youhavetobeatleastaMaitreD’Aspect.That’sbecause,withoutmasterstatus,nooneabovethestreet
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patrollerswillpaymuchattention.Thesecondisthatyou’lllearnagreatdealmoreaboutL’Excelsisandthewaythingstrulyoperate.”
“I’mreadytobeaMaitreD’Aspect?”Attractiveastheideawas,Ididn’twantarankthatIcouldn’tcarryout.
“Youhavealltheimagingtalentsalready,andthebasicknowledgeoftheCounciland
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theCollegium,aswellasgreatknowledgeofthefactoringandtradeandartisanclasses.Whatyoulackistheknowledgeofawiderrangeofhumanexperience.Withoutthat,thecombinationofyourinstinctiveabilitiesandyourimagingcapabilitieswillgetyouintogreaterandgreaterdifficulties.Iwon’tglossthisover.Ifyouarenotcareful,youcouldstillget
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intogreatdangerinthisposition,butMasterPoincarytandIbothfeelthatthisisbyfarthemostpracticalwaytogetyoutheexperienceyouneed.”
Istillwasn’ttotallyconvincedofthat,butIwasfullyconvincedthatitwastheonlytrueopportunityopentomeafterthenightbefore—andexperienceornot,Istilldidn’tseewhatelseIcould
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havedone.
“Whatdoyouthinkyoushouldtelltheothersaboutlastnight?”heasked.
Again,Ihadtothinkamoment.“Ishouldtellthemthatyoudiscoveredsomething,andIwasworkingwithyou.I’djustfinishedwhenIsawthewagon,andIrealizedthattheyweregoingtoopenfireontheothers,and
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IjustdidwhatIcould.”
“Youdon’tthinkyoushouldsayanythingaboutVhillar?”
“No.Itshouldremainanunfortunateaccident,andpeoplewilllayitatyourfeetorBaratyn’s,buttheywon’tknowforcertain,andthat’showitshouldbe.”
“Whatwillyoutellthemwewereworkingon?”
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“Theassassins,iftheyask.”
MasterDichartynnodded.“Yourealizethatitmustalwaysbethatway?Inothereventsaswell?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Becausethelessanyoneknows,themoreprotectionofferedtoimagersandthe
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Collegium.There’snoreasontohidetheexplosion.Thatwastooopen,andthat’swhyitshouldbemyfault.”
“Yourfault?”Thequestionwasbland,andthatconcealedandrevealedatthesametime.
“Yes,sir.IfI’dbeenmoreobservantandmorecareful,Iwouldn’thavehadtousefiretoblowupthewagon,and
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thatwouldn’thaveinjuredmeandkilledthedriver.”
“That’snottrue,youknow?”
“Yes,sir,butit’sbettersaidthatway,becauseitimpliesthatseniorimagerscouldhavehandleditbetter.Italsosendsamessagethatjuniorimagers,whenattacked,canoverreact.”
MasterDichartynlaughed.
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“Ihadn’tthoughtofthelastpoint.Exceptforyou,andperhapsMartyl,it’sprobablynotveryaccurate,butitwillhelpinthesetimes.”Hepaused.“Iheardsomethingaboutawedding?”
“Yes,sir.”
“Whattimewillyoubeleaving?”
“Halfbeforenoon,I’dthought.”
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“I’llhaveoneofthesparecoachesstandbytotakeyou.”
“Won’tthedriversbeupset...becauseofwhatIdid?”
“I’vealreadyspreadthewordthatyouputyourselfinfrontofeverythingwhenyoudidn’thaveto.Ialsotoldthemthatyou’dsurvivedfiveassassinationattempts,andthatyouweretheonewho
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killedfourofthefiveassassinshereinL’Excelsis.Thedriversunderstandthatanimagercanonlydosomuch.”
Ihopedso.
“That’sallfornow.I’llseeyouinmystudyatseventhglassonLundi.”
“WhatabouttheChateau?They’llbeshorthanded...”
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“They’llmanage.Theydidforayearbeforeyouarrived.”Heofferedapartingsmile.
AfterMasterDichartynleft,MasterDraffydcameinandexaminedme,thensaidIcouldgo.Icarriedthesoiledwhiteandgrayformalcoatbacktomyquarters,thendressedforbreakfast.I’dwashup,asIcould,later.
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Thesummergraywaistcoatwasatightfitovermyshirtandtheribcorset,butImanagedit,evenifittookmeawhiletobuttonit.
ThenIwent—orwalkedveryslowlyandstiffly—tobreakfast.
IbarelygotintothedininghallwhenMartylhurriedovertome.“Wewereallworried.Areyouallright?”
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“Mostly.Ijustgotoutoftheinfirmary,andI’llhavetowearabraceforawhiletoprotectmyribs.”
“Comeoverandsitwithus.Thewordisthatyouwon’tbeatthesecondsandthirdstableforlong.Isittrue?”
“I’dreallyliketositdownwithyouall.”AndIdid.Iwashungry,andtheflatcakesandsyrupandsausagelooked
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andsmelledwonderful.
AsIate,thereweremorethanafewquestions.
“DidJohanyr’ssisterreallyaskyoutodance?”
“WasthatMadameD’Shendaelyoudancedwith?”
“WhowastheotherHighHolder’sdaughter?”
“Whathappenedoutthere
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withthewagon?”
IansweredasmanyasIcouldtruthfully,andtheothersalongthelinesMasterDichartynandIhaddiscussed.
“Youwon’tbecomingbacktotheChateau?”askedDartazn.
Ishookmyheadgingerly.“MasterDichartynthinksIneedtodosomething
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different.I’mgoingtobetheCollegiumliaisontothecivicpatrollers.”
“You’regoinguptoMasterD’Aspect,aren’tyou?Iknewit!”saidMartyl.“You’regoingtobeoneoftheyoungestmastersever.”
“That’sbecausetheydon’tknowwhatelsetodowithme.”Myvoicecameoutwry.
“It’salsobecausethey
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can’tmakeanyonealiaison,”Dartaznsaid,“whodoesn’thaveshieldsthatwilltakebullets.Otherwise,they’dbedeadinamonth.”
MasterDichartynhadn’tmentionedthat,butitdidn’tsurpriseme,althoughitdidsendachilldownmyback.
Afterbreakfast,Imademywaybacktomyquarters.Ittookmeagoodglasstowash
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upandshave,becauseliftingmyarmseventoshoulderlevelwaspainful,andthenIhadtodressagain.Whatwithonethingandanother,Ididmakeittotheduty-coachstopbeforehalfpastnine.Thereweretwocoacheswaiting.
Thedriverofthefirstraisedanarmandbeckoned.“MasterRhennthyl?”
“Forbetterorworse,that’s
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me.”
“Thankyoufortryingtheothernight,sir.”Hesmiled.“Whereto?”
“NordEsteDesign.”Gettingintothecoachwasmorethanalittlepainful.Myfaceprobablyshowedit,becausewhenwegottoNordEste,thedrivervaulteddowntotiethehorsestothebronzehitchingpost,then
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camebacktogivemeahand.
“Thankyou.”
“Shouldyoubehere,sir?”
“IpromisedIwouldbe.”
Henoddedknowingly.
Imanagedtogetupthestepswithoutwincingtoomuch.Shomyrwastheonewhoopenedthedoor.“Rhenn...we’regladyoucouldbehere.”Hepaused.“Areyou
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allright?”
“I’dhavetosaythatI’mwalkingwounded,butI’llrecover.”Theinsidestepswereworsethanthoseoutside,oritcouldhavebeenthatclimbinganothersetwasharder.
WhenIsteppedintothesecond-levelentryfoyer,IcouldseeSelioraarrangingwhatlookedtobegiftsona
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sidetable.ShouldIhavebroughtone?Ihadn’teventhoughtaboutit,andIdidn’tknowthebrideorthegroom.
Suddenly,asifshehadsensedme,Selioraturned,thenhurriedtowardme.“Rhenn!I’msogladtoseeyou.”Assheneared,herfacefilledwithconcern.“Whathappenedtoyou?”
“Doyouwanttohear
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what’sgoodornotsogood?”
“Sinceyou’rehere,I’dratheryoustartedwiththebad.Butfirst...”Sheleanedforwardandkissedmegently.
Ididenjoythatforanall-too-briefmomentbeforeshesteppedback.
“I’mbruisedallover,andImighthaveacrackedrib.”
“You’dbettersitdown.
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Thenyoucantellmewhathappened.”
Itookoneofthestraight-backedchairsnexttoasetteefartherbackalongthewestsideofthatoverlargeentryhall.“Whataboutthewedding?”
“It’shere,uponthenorthterrace.Wehavetime.Nowtellmewhathappened.”Seliorasatattheedgeofthe
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settee,lookingatme,waiting.
“ItoldyouabouttheCouncil’sHarvestBalllastnight,remember?”
“Youdidn’tgetbruisesandacrackedribfromaladyholder.”
“No.IgotthemfromanexplosionthatIsetofftokeepallofusmorejuniorimagersfromgettingkilled.TheFerranhadsetupa
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wagon...”Iwentthroughthe“official”explanationquickly,mentioningonlymyconcernsaboutVhillarandthathe’dhadafatalaccidentjustbeforeIdealtwiththeexplosion.“...andIwokeupintheinfirmary.Threeassassinsaredead,andonewastheFerran.”
Shelookedintomyeyes.“There’smore.”
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“Thereis,”Isaid,“butIhavetoleaveitatthat.It’sbetterthatway,especiallyforyouandme.AndyoucantelleveryonethatIdidgettheFerran.”
Shereachedoutandsqueezedmyrighthand,gentlybutfirmly“I’mgladyoutrustmeenoughnottolie.”Sheheldupahand.“Iknowyoucan’ttellmeeverything,and,mosttimes,
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youshouldn’t,butpleasedon’tlietome.Justtellmethatthere’smore,thewayyoujustdid,butwe’llhavetoletitgo.”
“Icandothat.”AsIsaidit,Irealizedsomethingelse.Unlikemyparents,orMasterDichartyn,oranyoneelse,exceptmaybeKhethila,Selioratrustedme,trustedmeimplicitly.Foramoment,myeyesburned.Ihadtoswallow
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beforeIcouldsaymore.“Thankyou.”
Hersmilewarmedmeallthewaydown.
Wesatthere,withSelioraleaningforwardslightly,holdinghands,justholdinghands.
Afteratime,shesaid,“GrandmamasaidthatyouwouldgettheFerran.Iwasafraidyou’dbehurteven
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worse.Isawanexplosionsweepingoveryou.”
“That’sagoodwayofdescribingit.”
“Yousaidthatyouhadsomegoodnews?”
“I’mbeingadvancedtomasterimager—themostjuniormaster.MaitreD’Aspect—andI’llhaveanewposition.”
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“Withthecivicpatrollers?”
“Howdidyouknow?”
“Ididn’t,butIdidhaveavisionofyouinthemiddleofagroupofpatrollers,andIcouldn’tfigureoutwhythatwouldbe.”Shepaused.“That’snotanormalposition,isit?”
“No.It’susedtoseasontalentedanddifficultjuniormasterimagers.Master
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DichartynhopesitwillgivemeenoughexperiencesothatIcanmakebetterdecisionsbasedonthatexperience.”
Selioranodded.“Grandmamawillbesopleased—amasterimager.”
“Andyourparents?”
“Theywerepleasedfromthemomenttheymetyou,butOdeliahelpedwiththat.Shereallywouldliketomarry
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Kolasyn.”
Iunderstoodthataswell.
“Whataboutthewedding?Theonewithyourcousin,Imean.”IflushedasIrealizedthedoubleimplicationofmylastwords.
Selioralaughed,warmlyandkindly.“Wehavetime.”
Andsowedid.