The Seventh Sigil by Margaret Weis

Author:Margaret Weis
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781466801820
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates

22

People like Alan who are unusually lucky are said to have made a pact with the devil. If that’s the case, I’m sure Alan will find some way to cheat the devil of his due.

—Sir Henry Wallace

On their arrival at the guesthouse, they found a note from the grand bishop saying that he could spare them a few moments at the hour of one of the clock. Since that hour was not far off, Henry went to change his clothes. He had brought along his finest court apparel and he was soon resplendent in green velvet pantaloons with white stockings, an embroidered satin coat over an embroidered weskit, a white cravat trimmed with lace and lace trim on his cuffs.

He checked to make certain he had the queen’s writ with him, went over in his mind the pack of lies he was going to tell the grand bishop, then looked at his pocket watch. Almost time to go.

He knocked on the door of Alan’s room and opened it to find his friend was not there. He discovered him outdoors in the courtyard, chatting amiably with a couple of priests. Henry summoned “Mr. North” and Alan, keeping up his role, made his excuses to the priests, saying he had to attend upon his master.

“What did you find out?” Henry asked, when the priests had bowed and departed.

“Quite a bit, actually,” said Alan. “Can we talk here?”

“I shall take a stroll about the plaza while I wait for Dubois. Hold my coat,” said Henry. “The day’s frightfully warm.”

“I would be thrilled to hold your coat, my lord,” said Alan. “Holding your coat will be the highlight of my day, my lord.”

“Go to hell,” said Henry, grinning.

“I will go in an instant, my lord,” said Alan, grinning back. “If you will show the way.”

Henry sat down upon a bench and fanned himself with his hat. Alan took his proper place behind Sir Henry, drawing near to make his report.

“I steered the conversation to these monks of Saint What’s It.”

“Saint Klee,” said Henry. He frowned slightly. “We already have information on the monks from Dubois.”

“Forgive me if I do not entirely trust the grand bishop’s most trusted agent. I was convinced that Dubois exaggerated their powers, but apparently he was telling the truth. If anything, he underestimated them. These monks are the very devil when it comes to martial magicks. Though it is true that they don’t kill a fellow unless they have to.”

“They will spare us to see our necks in a noose,” said Henry drily. “Let us hope to God Simon’s invention works. You make those ready while I’m in my meeting. I’m not sure how long this will take. Montagne will probably keep me waiting to show me what a great man he is.”

“Take your time,” said Alan lightly. “I’ve seen several extremely attractive nuns. Oh, for God’s sake, Henry, don’t look at me like that. I’m only teasing. Here’s Dubois coming to see why you are late.”

Dubois had emerged from the guesthouse entrance and was standing in the plaza, peering about impatiently.

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