Working God's Mischief (Instrumentalities of the Night) by Cook Glen

Author:Cook, Glen [Cook, Glen]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates
Published: 2014-03-10T23:00:00+00:00

24. Alten Weinberg: St. Miniver, Martyr

“What is this place?” Hecht asked.

He had been tangled in a dream featuring Helspeth and himself absent all constraints, with all the time they wanted, and no one would ever know. Then he wakened, paradise gone sudden as a candle snuffed. He was in a big place where the ceiling was lost in shadow. There were limestone pillars. A rack of votive candles stood to his left.

A church. The only light came from the candles. Those had not been lighted by Chaldareans presenting special appeals. Every candle was aflame.

Hecht was surrounded by Shining Ones.

Hourli said, “Aldi will be here soon.”

Hecht’s mind cleared. He was seated on the marble bench occupied by the assisting priest when he had no active role during services. He asked, “What is this?”

“This is the chapel where you and your lover will meet. It should be the last place anyone will look for you. We have time to talk.”

Hecht suffered an absurd urge to defend his conduct toward Helspeth. No defense was necessary. He had done the right thing.

“For the wrong reasons,” Hourli said. “You aren’t controlled by your conscience. You just don’t want to get caught. You would be here with her every night if you believed the secret would stay safe. But you know that nothing happens in a vacuum. That someone always knows. If that someone said anything to someone else, the scandal would be loose.”

Yes. That was why he did not surrender to the endless aching beat of his desire. People would be hurt. People for whom he cared.

Hourli said, “But that is incidental. For now.”

The scrutiny of the Shining Ones intensified. They leaned in slightly. “You have me at a disadvantage.”

“Possibly. We brought you here because it has been impossible to talk otherwise. When I do get to see you there are constant interruptions. It’s irksome.”

“It is frustrating. When you’re in charge everyone wants some of your time. Usually, they want it right now.”

“And that is why we have stolen time. We can handle our business without you missing much sleep.”

That caused smirks. Must be an inside joke.

Hecht understood. It was obvious enough. Those candles were not flickering. Shadows refused to dance.

The Shining Ones had stopped time. Almost. It moved on at an imperceptible pace. An observer outside the time bubble would see nothing because those inside would be moving too fast.

Hourli nodded slightly. “Close enough. It takes a great deal of power to manage this, Commander. We can do so only a short while.”

“Then talk to me.”

“We have been as industrious as ants, preparing for your spring campaign. You will find the weather clement most of the time. Most of the roads will be in good shape. Princes and nobles will be well disposed and helpful, so long as you treat them well in turn. We got started too late to improve last year’s harvests but the spring lambing, kidding, and calving will be the best in living memory. Most of the ewes and cows will drop twins.

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