Madness in Solidar (28 page)

“Of course. It will not be this week. We will have to investigate them all to determine what needs to be done, and in what order makes the most sense.” Alastar took the paper, quickly looking over the locations. All four seemed to be fairly close to the East River Road … or not too far from it.

“We understand that.” Elthyrd cleared his throat. “Then there is the tariff matter. Not only I, but others have heard that you have talked to some of the members of the High Holders' council.”

“I have, but my purpose was to meet them, since I knew none of them, not to influence any specific decision.”
Except through my presence.
“Because I am not from L'Excelsis, I thought it necessary. High Holder Guerdyn was the only one who actually brought up the tariff matter. He seems to assume that the factors would back whatever the High Council decided.”

“You mentioned that before.”

“I did. I thought it was important.”

“I also heard that you visited the army headquarters on Samedi.”

Alastar understood what Elthyrd was suggesting—that anything outside of Imagisle that Alastar did, and perhaps even what happened on Imagisle, would come to his attention. “I was requested by Rex Ryen to meet with Marshal Demykalon.” That might not have been technically true, but it was close enough. “The marshal had me watch a demonstration of a new lighter and more accurate cannon that could be used to great effect anywhere. He said that they had developed a version for warships as well.”

The factor offered a wintry smile. “That's one of the more informative things you've said. I take it that even the strongest imager could not withstand a cannon shell?”

“Nor could any pirate vessel, if Rex Ryen had enough tariffs to build the ships to carry them. As for imagers … that's not something any imager would wish to test, not any that I know,” Alastar said dryly. “It is fair to say that, if any imager could, there would certainly only be a few, at most.”

“You're in a rather intriguing position, Maitre. It will be interesting to see how matters turn out.”

It's all too likely to be far too interesting.
“We all do what we can.”

“If there's nothing else…”

“Not unless…”

Elthyrd shook his head and rose.

Alastar stood and inclined his head. “Thank you. I appreciate your understanding and that of the factors' council.”

Elthyrd smiled as Alastar left the study.

As Alastar rode back toward the east bridge and Imagisle, he considered just how much friendlier Elthyrd had been … and the fact that Elthyrd had brought up the tariff matter, although he had ignored Alastar's comment about the need for warships to carry the new cannon.
Maybe the factors aren't in such lockstep with the High Holders.
But then, it could be for another reason … one not any more helpful to Alastar and the Collegium.
And that's far more likely.

 

16

Alastar was at the stables Meredi morning immediately after breakfast and before the group surveying the route of the new avenue departed. He stood in the light wind, more chill than he'd thought, given the clear skies and bright morning sunlight, waiting less than a quint before Alyna arrived.

She smiled pleasantly. “You look like you're waiting for someone. Cyran or Petros?”

“You, actually, and I suspect you know that.”

“I was the other possibility, but it would have sounded self-centered to include myself.”

Again, Alastar caught a glimpse of humor in her eyes and expression. “After you've finished today, will you be able to sketch out the new route and where the sewers should be?”

“If you don't want too detailed a map, I can have something by tomorrow afternoon.”

“I'd appreciate that. Please be careful. I have the feeling that the people along the route may get more and more unhappy as time passes.” Alastar paused. “I know you and Cyran can more than take care of yourselves, but it would be best if you could avoid having to do so.”

“Avoid what?” asked Cyran as he walked toward Alastar and Alyna.

“Having to use force on anyone who gets upset about the new avenue.”

“You two are better at that than I am.” Cyran grinned. “I'll take my lead from Alyna.”

Alyna raised her eyebrows, slightly darker than her light brown hair, with an expression that suggested Cyran would scarcely take his lead from anyone.

Alastar repressed a smile. “I'll leave you two to work it out. I'm certain you'll manage.” He turned and began the walk back to his study.

As was often but not always the case, Dareyn was already in the anteroom.

“Good morning, Dareyn. How are you doing this morning?”

“I can tell winter's coming.”

“It's more than a month away.”

“That's by the calendar, sir, not by the weather.”

“You may be right. It was colder out this morning than it looked,” Alastar admitted. “Desyrk should be in his cottage. Send a messenger informing him he's to be here to meet with me at half past seven.”

“If he's not there?”

“I need to know immediately.”
He should be, if he has any sense.
“One other thing. What do you know about Bettaur's background?” From Bettaur's demeanor, speech, and bearing, Alastar had his own ideas, but he wanted to see what others knew. All the Collegium records showed was that he had been admitted six years earlier.

“Nothing, sir. He came before I began to assist Maitre Fhaen.”

“Did Maitre Fhaen seem to take more of an interest in Bettaur?”

“Not that I—” Dareyn paused. “Come to think of it, he did meet with him more often than with the other thirds. Not a lot more, and it wasn't regular-like.”

Almost as if someone had requested information about Bettaur, and that means someone important.
“Is there anything else?”

“I can't think of anything more, sir.”

“Thank you.” The first thing Alastar did after settling behind his desk was think about Bettaur.
Should you talk over his background with him?
He shook his head. Bettaur was safe enough from meddling in the detention cell, and talking to him right after disciplining him would undermine the very punishment he'd received, but he made a mental note to do so once Bettaur finished his two weeks in the disciplinary cell.

After that Alastar began to go over the possibilities for dealing with Ryen … and Marshal Demykalon. He didn't like any of them, especially since it was clear that Ryen expected Alastar to change the Council's likely decision and build an avenue through a populated area in a way that was already upsetting all too many people and that Demykalon would appreciate any excuse to target his new cannon on Imagisle. If the Collegium didn't accomplish Ryen's ends, the rex was rash enough to allow Demykalon to do just that—and that might even temporarily strengthen Ryen's position with regard to the High Holders and factors, assuming he was mad enough to turn the army on the High Holders. Over time, however …

Alastar shook his head, but then caught sight of the founder's sabre.
Is it there as a reminder that at times force is the only solution?

Promptly at half past seventh glass, Desyrk walked into the study and sat down in the chair across the desk from Alastar, even before the Maitre could finish gesturing to the chairs.

“Good morning, Maitre. You requested my presence. I am here.”

“Good morning. Have you thought over what occurred between Bettaur and Taurek?”

“I have.”

“What are those thoughts?”

“I understand your concern for Taurek. I believe you are being unrealistic. Boys, and men, have always followed the strongest. By protecting students like Taurek from what occurs naturally, you will not save him, but only weaken the Collegium more. I've seen that over the years.”

Alastar didn't care for the implication that Desyrk had seen more, nor for the tone of voice, but he replied, keeping his voice even, “Infants will freeze if you expose them to the elements. Smaller children will starve if they have to compete with older children for food. By the logic of your argument, we will have no Collegium left. What you are ignoring is the fact that the physical ability of young imagers develops before their imaging skills do. What you are also ignoring is how few imagers there are. Your approach would kill off those imagers who are slower to develop in one way or another at a time when we need every imager. In addition, you fail to understand that, if Taurek had not been handicapped by partial supervision, and been left unsupervised totally, he would have been free to deal with Bettaur directly, and Bettaur would likely be the one dead or crippled.”

Desyrk's face expressed puzzlement and doubt.

“Taurek is physically stronger. He is already a slightly more accomplished imager. He can protect himself adequately, even if he does lack certain personal skills, against any of those who tormented him. What he couldn't protect himself against was manipulation by a group.”

“You can't protect them from each other,” declared Desyrk.

“I don't think you understand. Without the support of the other thirds Bettaur gathered, he would not have fared well against Taurek. You allowed that group to pick on Taurek until he felt he had no choice. What exactly did you think would happen?”

Desyrk did not respond.

“What did you think would happen?” Alastar asked once more.

“Men always have had groups. Young men are no different…”

“It depends on the group.” Alastar knew that trying to get Desyrk to understand was likely to be futile, but he felt he had to try. “The whole purpose of the group Bettaur formed was not to improve the group. It wasn't to make them better imagers. It was simply to get Taurek into a difficult situation and to reinforce Bettaur's dominance. If you will, Taurek was the designated enemy whom Bettaur used to unify the group and reinforce his control. And you're absolutely correct. Young men without strong supervision do this all the time. That makes it neither correct, nor the best way in which they should develop.” Alastar looked at Desyrk, taking in the almost clenched jaw, the fingers gripping the wooden arms of the chair in which he sat, and overall stiffness. He waited to see if Desyrk would say anything.

The Maitre D'Structure remained silent.

“Do you have any questions?”

“Just one.” Desyrk's voice was even. “Might I ask when I might expect to be returned to my position, or one similar?”

Possibly never, with that attitude.
“I've canceled all your instruction sessions for the remainder of the week. That will give you some time to reconsider the matter in light of what I have just told you. It will also provide me and the senior imager with time to consider in what other capacity you would best serve both your interests and those of the Collegium.”

“I see.”

Alastar doubted that. “There's little more to be said now. I'll let you know on Lundi.” He stood.

“Thank you, sir.” Desyrk's voice was almost without emotion as he rose.

Alastar watched as the Maitre D'Structure departed, then waited for several moments.

How can he think that way?
Alastar shook his head. Most people did think that way, unable to look beyond the letter of the rules or what they believed. That was exactly the problem.
And the fact that Maitre Fhaen and his predecessor weren't able or didn't see the need to show the Maitres of the Collegium the costs and dangers of thinking that way.
A wry smile crossed his face.
And how do you know your way is better?
Alastar didn't.
But what Desyrk was doing wasn't working.

He walked out of the study.

“Maitre Desyrk didn't look pleased when he left,” ventured Dareyn.

“I doubt that he was. I couldn't find a way to get him to understand that allowing bullying or cliques created by students is not in the best interest of the Collegium.”

“That might be because he comes from a military family. Army officers don't like those who stand up to authority. The most successful junior officers are those who develop friendships with others and never say anything against senior officers where anyone can hear. They never disobey, and they never question.”

“And they always maneuver to make those who are different or who question stand out unfavorably?”

“So it's said.”

“Was Desyrk's father an officer, too? Someone said his brother is.”

“His father was a major.”

Alastar nodded slowly, then shook his head. Deciding what to do with Desyrk could wait, especially since Alastar knew he wouldn't be as dispassionate as he needed to be if he made any decision at the moment. “I'll need my horse and two escorts for a ride in half a glass. I need to look at places where the sewers need repairs.”

Dareyn smiled knowingly and nodded.

A little over half a glass later, Alastar rode out over the east bridge, a chill wind, stronger than earlier in the day, at his back. Accompanying him were Akkard and Belsior. At the east end of the bridge he turned the gelding north on East River Road. Factor Elthyrd had listed four locations where sewer repairs were necessary. Alastar had decided to start with the one farthest from Imagisle—on Nordroad two blocks north of the Boulevard D'Este.

Two quints later, Alastar and the thirds reined up on the east side of Nordroad, little more than a block south of Hagahl Lane. While there was a definite odoriferous stench, it did not seem nearly so strong as the one that had engulfed Imagisle. Part of that might have been because of the cold wind. Alastar surveyed the area. To his left was an imposing three-story dwelling constructed of yellow brick, while across Nordroad to his immediate right were two matching dwellings faced in gray stone. Each had black shutters and black double doors festooned with gleaming brass door handles and boot plates. Not a single dwelling was other than well-kept and stylish.