Modesitt, L.E - Imager Portfolio 08 - Rex Regis by Modesitt L.E

Author:Modesitt, L.E [Modesitt, L.E]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

32

Quaeryt was at the headquarters holding before seventh glass on Lundi morning, meeting with Khaern, Calkoran, and Zhelan in the small study that had become his.

“Matters aren’t looking good, sir?” asked Calkoran in his accented Bovarian, if with a knowing smile.

Quaeryt smiled back. “Why do you say that?”

“You’re here earlier than in weeks.”

“As a matter of fact, there may be some problems.” Quaeryt paused. “I’m going to ask the three of you not to mention a word of what I’m about to say to anyone else, and I do mean anyone. Nor are you to discuss it with each other unless you are absolutely certain that no one can overhear anything you may say. Is that clear?”

“Yes, sir.” All three spoke as one.

“As you know, Submarshal Myskyl was dispatched to the north of Bovaria last fall. He sent dispatches reporting on his progress in meeting with High Holders until the beginning of winter. Lord Bhayar has received no dispatches since then. He has sent dispatches and couriers north, but they have not returned. Nor has he received any couriers sent from the north. Yet we have good information that Submarshal Myskyl is headquartered at a high holding near Rivages, and that his regiments are there as well, and that they conduct maneuvers on a regular basis. Lord Bhayar has ordered first company and your company, Subcommander Calkoran, to accompany me and whatever imagers I choose on a mission to investigate these circumstances. We are to leave tomorrow morning. I will provide the order and direction of riding tomorrow morning.”

“Not Eleventh Regiment, sir?” asked Khaern.

“Eleventh Regiment is required for duties here in the area of Variana. Lord Bhayar will be providing written orders for the regiment, which you will receive tomorrow. I do approve of those orders, however.” Unlike some.

“Begging your pardon, sir,” offered Zhelan quietly, “but this stinks like month-old fish in midsummer.”

“It does, one way or another,” replied Quaeryt. “It could be as simple—and nefarious—as a small group of Bovarians waylaying dispatch riders going in both directions in order to create confusion and distrust among our forces. Or it could be something else entirely. Our task is to discover what the problem is and resolve it, if we can, and to send word back to Lord Bhayar if we cannot. We can guess or speculate on the reason for the lack of dispatches, but since we do not know, please keep all that among the four of us until we do. You’re to tell the men that the two companies are being dispatched on scouting missions and that you will be receiving complete orders tomorrow. I cannot see this taking less than a month, and possibly two. You may convey that as well.”

“You don’t want to say much, sir,” observed Khaern.

“No, I don’t. And I’d prefer that you say nothing at all. Tell your men the same, and tell them that since we will be likely traveling in areas where we’re less than welcome, and where others might be

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