L. E.Modesitt - Imager’s Intrigue

Dyana took her seat at the north end of the oval table, then let several moments pass before she spoke. “All of you know the situation facing the Collegium, and I see no point in detailing it. There are two matters that merit this meeting. First is the selection of a replacement for Maitre Dichartyn, which should not take long, and second is a discussion of the Collegium’s position with regard to the options open to the Council. That may take slightly longer.”

I noted that there was absolutely no humor or irony in the second charge to us.

“The head of Collegium security reports directly to the Maitre and is appointed by the Maitre. I would like to hear any thoughts you may have.”

After a moment, Draffyd spoke. “I’m certain you have evaluated all possibilities, but in the unlikely event you might consider me, I must decline.”

Dyana smiled. “So noted.”

Jhulian smiled as well. “I doubt that my expertise would serve the Collegium well in a security capacity. Also, my involvement in such matters, if it ever surfaced, would create great difficulties that it would be best that the Collegium not face.”

Maitre Rholyn cleared his throat. “In practical terms, I face the same problem as Master Jhulian. My elimination effectively narrows the choice to Master Rhennthyl and Master Schorzat. Rhenn is certainly talented, and there’s no doubt that few, if any of us, are as strong an imager as he is. But his expertise in handling security, particularly…ah…covert matters, has been limited. Would it not be better to have Schorzat move into handling all of the security duties, with Rhenn as his assistant?”

The faintest smile flickered across Maitre Dyana’s face.

“I must decline,” Schorzat said quickly. “All my knowledge is at Rhenn’s disposal, but I could not have survived what he and Maitre Dyana did, and whoever succeeds Maitre Dichartyn must have that ability. The head of Collegium security, especially now, can show no vulnerability. The only two imagers ever to survive direct hits by bombard shells are Maitre Dyana and Maitre Rhennthyl.”

“The position calls for a Maitre D’Esprit,” Rholyn pointed out.

“Rhenn’s abilities exceed those of a Maitre D’Esprit,” Jhulian replied.

That he was the one to reply surprised me, but it made a sort of sense, since he was the Collegium’s justicer and expert in legalities.

“It was felt that he should have a minimum of ten years with the Collegium before being granted the rank, even in a concealed status,” Jhulian continued.

“Because we are clearly under attack,” continued Dyana, “the luxury and grace of allowing Rhenn more time to widen his understanding of the Collegium itself and its relations with the Council is no longer possible.”

Schorzat nodded, in relief, I thought.

“There is no doubt, is there,” asked Dyana, turning to Draffyd, “of his abilities?”

Draffyd laughed softly. “When barely a tertius, with only moderate shields, Rhenn was shot with a sniper’s rifle as a result of the Ferran assassination teams who had killed more than a score of junior imagers. He had the presence of mind, and the ability, to image a block into his chest to slow the bleeding. While with the Civic Patrol, he has weathered the explosion of the Puryon Temple in the taudis and assassination attempt after assassination attempt.”

“I might add,” interjected Jhulian, “that with more than five years as a Civic Patrol captain, he has a solid knowledge of the laws of Solidar. That is far more than his predecessor had when he assumed the position. Rhenn also served, if briefly, in the security detachment of the Council Chateau.”

“He also has access to intelligence sources that were not available to his predecessor, as I have already discovered,” added Maitre Dyana.

Rholyn smiled warmly. “I am very glad to know how thoroughly you have looked into the situation, and I will certainly do my best to provide what ever information and support that Rhenn may need.”

“I know that you will,” replied Maitre Dyana pleasantly, but there was cold iron behind the warm tones of her voice.

It was more than clear that no one wanted the position, including Rholyn, but that he didn’t want me to have it. That was likely because he knew I had some contacts among the High Holders and that I would not have to rely on him totally.

“Now…the pressing issues are what stand the Collegium should take with regard to the Council, how much we should make known of our position, and to whom in the Council should that information be conveyed.”

“We have always conveyed our support of the Council,” observed Rholyn.

“That is a given,” replied Dyana.

“Might I raise an observation and a question?” I didn’t want to, but I wasn’t certain anyone else would. I didn’t give any of the others a chance to object, not that they would have. So I said quickly, “Over the past few years, we’ve seen a conflict growing between the freeholders and the larger and wealthier factors and the High Holders. It’s become almost open civil war at times, especially over water rights, grain shipments, and the like. There are only a few more High Holders than the minimum required for the balance of power to shift to the factors and freeholders, that is, in terms of who becomes the Councilor in charge of the Executive Council. My question is: Can we afford to ignore this by merely observing?”

“Exactly what do you have in mind, Rhenn?” asked Rholyn dryly. “Having enough ‘accidents’ occur that there are fewer than a thousand High Holders? That would certainly change matters.”

“Actually, I had something else in mind, perhaps letting it be known that the Collegium is opposed to any change in the Council through violence…perhaps strongly opposed.” I smiled. “A good number of High Holders are already borderline and may not be able to retain lands and assets sufficient to meet the requirements for being a High Holder. The more successful factors involved in fabrication and the larger freeholders are beginning to out-compete them in many areas. So long as the change occurs through economic and social forces, it should be allowed to occur.”

“How can you track down the perpetrators of violence?” asked Rholyn. “Either side has the resources to hire agents.”

“We don’t have to. Just let the Collegium’s position be known. Sooner or later, either a High Holder or a freeholder complaint, with evidence, will find its way to us. If it’s a legal issue, I’m certain that Maitre Jhulian will find a way to bring it before the High Justiciary of Solidar. And if it’s evidence of another kind…well, as you noted, illness and accidents befall us all.”

“You’re rather cavalier about it,” suggested Rholyn.

“I’m not at all cavalier about it,” I replied. “I’ve watched, and I’ve experienced personally the use of unchecked High Holder power to destroy families and individuals. I see no virtue in standing back and allowing High Holders to fight change with their powers and resources until this civil war gets to the point where everyone on both sides is either poisoning or shooting. That will only weaken Solidar and encourage Ferrum and others. What I’m suggesting is a quiet message that says that everyone can compete economically and legally, but that the Collegium is highly opposed to the use of violence by either side.”

“Even if you’re prepared to do the same?”

“I bow to your expertise in debate, Maitre,” I replied, “but since the enemies of the Collegium have already shown that they are willing to strike at individuals, it’s not as though I would be the one who first employed the technique.” I managed a smile. “As Master Dichartyn once pointed out, if it looks like an accident or a natural death and there is no evidence to the contrary, then it must be an accident or a natural death.” That wasn’t quite what he’d said, but it was close enough.