Saga of Recluce #13 - Ordermaster by L. E. Modesitt Jr

Author:L. E. Modesitt Jr. [Modesitt, L. E. Jr.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2010-10-25T09:56:41+00:00

One of the serving girls from the kitchen stepped into the chamber carrying a tray. She inclined her head. "Lord-chancellor, Lord Kharl."

The platters both contained ascalyn-veal thinly sliced, marinated in a mint sauce, braised quickly, and served with a browned butter sauce and fried pearapples. A large basket of bread came with the meal. Kharl had only tasted ascalyn once, and that had been at the consort feast of Charee's cousin Vertya.

Once the server had left, Hagen raised his goblet. "To better days."

"To better days."

They both ate silently for a time. Kharl found the veal far better than he had remembered it, but he suspected that his memory had been accurate, and that the preparation at the Great House was far better.

Hagen broke off a chunk of the brown bread. "You'll have to leave within a few days, as soon as the Seastag is loaded. She ported yesterday. She was on a short-leg voyage to Nylan, Lydiar, Renklaar, and Worrak."

"How else do you think I should prepare? Is there anything else I should know? Can I tell Erdyl?"

"You can tell young Erdyl. He has said nothing to anyone, except that he is learning what he can at the Great House. There is little else that we can provide, except that Lord Ghrant will have to proclaim you as an envoy. That will be as late as possible, the day before you depart on the Seastag. But you cannot be recognized as an envoy without the audience and proclamation. It will be a short ceremony." Hagen added, "There is one other thing. I shouldn't have to tell you, but we all overlook things. The Hamorians will not wish you in Brysta. I would not put it past them to attempt some action against you."

"How would they find out if the ceremony is just before I leave?"

"We have spies in Swartheld, and they have spies here. Most spies know that it is difficult to kill a mage who is forewarned or alert. I would doubt that you will have much difficulty in such a fashion, but. .. many spies are good at indirection. I know you can detect poison ... but that ability does little good if you do not realize that even food prepared by close friends can be poisoned without their knowing it. Crossbow bolts kill if you do not see them coming. Even cliffs have been toppled on mages, I've been told." Hagen shook his head.

"Are you trying to tell me not to go to Brysta?"

"No. I want you to come back ... And one last thing, Kharl. About that beard ..."

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.