[Galazon 01] A College of Magics by Stevermer Caroline

Author:Stevermer, Caroline [Stevermer, Caroline]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantasy, Alternate Universe
ISBN: 9781466819481
Publisher: Tor
Published: 1994-01-01T08:00:00+00:00

When Agnes had taken Jane off to show her where to wash her face and comb her hair, and when Tyrian had taken Reed off to see about preparing Queen Matilda’s room for human habitation, and when the ravaged tea cart had been removed, Faris turned to Brinker. “And now perhaps we should discuss why you sent for me.”

Brinker rose and began to pace, hands clasped behind his back. “Belatedly, it occurs to me that in summoning you, you might claim I have prevented you from completing your last term at school. I trust you won’t try to persuade yourself that I commanded you to interrupt your education.”

“Me, leave Greenlaw for a little thing like an urgent summons home? Don’t be silly.”

Brinker stopped pacing and studied her with disfavor. “I wonder now how wise I was to send for you. I have evolved a plan which may quite possibly win our independence from Aravill once and for all. Now that you are here, however, and I see how little effect your schooling has had upon your demeanor, I doubt that you are the proper person to employ. I may have summoned you in vain.”

“I suspected as much.” Faris smiled grimly. “You had a plan. It simply didn’t encompass my return.”

Brinker gave her another long, faintly bewildered look. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“Of course you don’t.” Faris drew the revolver from her belt and inspected it fondly. “Have you ever considered more direct methods? I have.” Brinker started to speak but she held up her free hand to stop him. “No, no. Don’t bother to say it again. You don’t know what I mean.” Very carefully she leveled the revolver at him. “I was taught never to point a gun unless I intend to use it.”

“Is this what you learned at Greenlaw? I am surprised at you,” Brinker said crossly.

Faris regarded him with something so close to affection that she was shocked at herself. “I hoped you would be. Now, let’s try it again. Why have you sent for me? If you don’t tell me this time, I’ll be forced to jump to conclusions.”

“I dislike your tone. Still, you have had a long journey and I suppose allowances must be made. Travel often makes me peevish, too. Very well. To put it bluntly, relations between Galazon and Aravill have changed since my marriage.”

Faris grinned. Before she could speak, Brinker added, “I think you should refrain from making any of the doubtless vulgar remarks that have just occurred to you.”

Faris stopped grinning.

“Relations have improved so much that Aravis has consented to receive a diplomatic mission from Galazon.”

Faris stared.

Brinker looked extremely pleased. “Precisely. A country doesn’t receive an ambassador from one of its own provinces. The bare existence of such an embassy would be tacit admission that Galazon is a sovereign nation.” He paused. Faris was still staring at him. He took advantage of her silence to add primly, “I thought you were the obvious candidate for the post. It is plain that I was mistaken.

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