L. Modesitt - Imager's challenge

“That does seem strange.”

“Strange indeed,” Dichartyn said dryly. “Might I point out that in less than a year, the single greatest internal threat to the Collegium, in the presence of the late High Holder Ryel’s son, has been removed, that the head of the deadliest spy and foreign assassination conspiracy in centuries suffered a fatal fall, that an explosion destroyed all traces of the remaining conspirators, that the two most corrupt officers in the Civic Patrol have been stipended off, that disaster in the South Middle taudis was averted and the Tiemprans responsible apprehended, that the taudischefs who facilitated the Tiempran plot were both brought to hearings and executed, that the feared conscription team was given a warning that has resulted in the reduction in abusive behavior, that the most arrogant, dangerous, and powerful High Holder died in a tower collapse that was totally unforeseen, and that those High Holders most slavish in their support of that High Holder also perished.” Dichartyn paused, then added dryly, “It is a rather remarkable set of ‘coincidences,’ wouldn’t you say?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Do you honestly think that any right-minded master imager could possibly have predicted all those events, especially the collapse of a stone tower built to last centuries?”

“Sir, you made it absolutely clear on repeated occasions that you neither wished to hear of my personal difficulties with the late High Holder Ryel nor to have the Collegium involved in any fashion. I acceded to those wishes. High Holder Ryel also made it perfectly clear-after instances of arson in my family’s factorage, legal actions based on irrefutable but fraudulent records, numerous accidents and damages to equipment, and finally the death of my brother-that no accommodation was possible. Since none was possible, and since it was also made clear to me that any male heir would have to continue Ryel’s actions, the only course of action, assuming I wanted to save myself and my family, was to invoke the Nameless on my behalf. Obviously, the Nameless listened, because Ryel’s nephew was foolish enough to go racing on the highway with a defective trap, and Ryel and his son were unfortunate enough to stand on a tower hit by lightning or some such.” I shrugged. “Sometimes, fortune does favor those who are less powerful and wronged by the arrogantly powerful.”

Master Dichartyn laughed. “Your explanation is better than many I’ve heard, and publicly, the less said the better. I have absolutely no doubt that the other High Holders will become remarkably less strident in the days ahead. Maitre Poincaryt has stated that he will point out to the High Councilor that Ryel’s actions were excessive, and resulted in excessive repayment. You should be hearing what results from that repayment in time. However, right now, we need to walk down the hall and meet with Maitre Poincaryt.”

I rose, trying not to show my stiffness and soreness, and walked to the staircase with Master Dichartyn and then up and to the southwest corner and straight into the maitre’s private study.

Maitre Poincaryt was wearing grays that were frayed and stained in places, doubtless those he wore around wherever he lived when he did not expect visitors. He offered a wry smile and gestured to the chairs across the desk from him.

We seated ourselves, and I waited.

“You realize, Master Rhennthyl, that neither Dichartyn nor I would prefer to be here on a Solayi.”

“I can understand that, sir. I’d prefer not to be here.” And that was absolutely true.

“You will come to understand that even more in years to come, provided you survive the current year. Some more unrealistic and impractical than I might suggest that you be put on trial. That will not occur.”

I was half relieved to know that I wasn’t about to be hauled up before the Collegium on charges . . . or not on serious ones.

“Nonetheless, you will be punished in another and more lasting fashion, as are all imagers who must work outside the formal structures of the Collegium and the Council.” Master Poincaryt smiled wanly.

I waited, not knowing what was to come.

“There is always a price, Rhennthyl. Always. Those who do not understand Solidar and the Collegium have no idea. From this day forward, you will never be able to leave Imagisle without carrying the heaviest possible shields. Even if you choose to marry, you will always sleep alone and wake alone in a lead-lined room, because your power is so great that a nightmare could kill all those you love. Everyone, save a handful who know you well, will shy away from you. So, in time, will your children. If you have any perception at all, you will have to weigh every request, every word that is addressed to you. If you do not, you will come to regret any such lapses more and more with each passing day.”

I swallowed. Some of that I had considered, but not the totality.

“Now, in regard to High Holder Ryel, unlike Dichartyn, I will not be indirect. Only a powerful master imager could have accomplished what happened at Ryel’s estates yesterday. Since I did not do it, nor did Dichartyn, you had to be the one. Given the situation facing you, and the strictures we placed on you, you had no choice but to confront Ryel. I would have preferred a more . . . indirect method, but you did not involve the Collegium, nor is there anything remotely resembling proof. In fact, there’s Namer-little of anything left within an arc of three hundred yards south of the tower ruins. When I meet with High Councilor Suyrien, I will make certain that he understands the dangers involved in placing any imager in a situation where his family is threatened and he has nothing to lose. I will also point out that, at the moment, High Holders are held in even lower esteem than the Collegium, in part due to your efforts in dealing with the South Middle taudis. This has created other problems, which I will address in a moment.” He smiled ruefully before continuing.

“There is also the matter of the four other High Holders who perished in the frost-storm. Their families will doubtless grieve, at least in public, but I will suggest that the Nameless repaid them in kind for consorting with a High Holder who was so ruthless that he could not foresee the inevitable consequences of seeking absolute power over anyone and anything that displeased him. Even High Councilor Suyrien will find that an appropriate message, and he will convey it to all High Holders . . . for his own reasons.”

The absolute certainty held in Maitre Poincaryt’s words was far more chilling than any reprimand could have been. He was telling me what would happen and how the Council would handle it-and that there would be no questions whatsoever. What was more chilling than that was the total lack of surprise in and behind his words.

“That brings us to your future. Commander Artois has made a request of the Collegium.” Master Poincaryt looked to Master Dichartyn and then to me.

That scarcely surprised me. If I hadn’t made every senior Patrol officer wary or unhappy, I’d doubtless come close, and I didn’t want to think how the Navy and naval marines felt.

Master Poincaryt offered a smile that looked ironic, but I wasn’t at all certain. “His letter and his subsequent conversation with me have left no doubt that certain aspects of the . . . situation with the South Middle taudis were not precisely to his liking. This has left him in a position where he feels, with some justification, I might agree, that the Collegium is obligated to assist him in resolving the situation. And since you were instrumental in creating this situation, Master Rhennthyl, it only seems fitting that you be part of the resolution.”

“Exactly how, sir? I can’t imagine that the commander would ever wish to see me again.” Except at my early funeral.