Sweetening me up, are you?” she said with an almost coquettish smile,
hand half outstretched to the sheets.
You are my best teacher, Sallisha,’ he told her and extended his hand
until her fingers closed around the contract.
This won’t make me approve your butchery of pre-Pernese history,
Clisser.
It’s not intended to, but we can’t have you in danger on – – the plains
of Keroon – I did promise to come back They will understand.
There are some really fine minds there You will find them wherever you
go, Sallisha, you have the knack.” Then he hauled out the larger sheaf
of papers, the new syllabus. You may find this much easier to impart
to your students.” She eyed it as she would a tunnel snake.
High Reaches and Fort Holds So,’ Paulin asked Thea and Gallian in the
comfortably warm High Reaches solarium where the High Reaches Lady
Holder received her guests, is there any way we can get him to change
his mind?” Thea shrugged. Not by reasoned argument, that’s for
certain. He was indignant that “a Lord Holder’s right to deal with his
own folk” had been set aside for the two trials. Not that he objected
to the sentences “That was only right and just, and they should have
been sent to the Islands as well, for they’ll only make trouble of a
different sort now,”‘ Gallian added, mimicking his father’s thin,
wheezing voice. If he would only give me authorization to deal with
all Hold matters . . . and he raised his hands in helplessness.
He’s too sick . .
Wait a minute. He is sick,’ Paulin interrupted, and your weather here
is only aggravating the respiratory problem, isn’t it?” Thea’s eyes
widened as she jumped to a conclusion.
If he was sent to Ista or Nerat to recuperate, why he’d have to
authorize Gallian – -, she began.
Precisely – – What happens when he recovers and finds out what I did
knowing, as he’s made sure I do, his views on impeachment,’ Gallian
said, and finds out I’ve gone against him? I could very likely lose my
chance of succession.
IT hat not likely, dear. You know how he carries on about your
stupid” younger brothers,’ said Thea reassuringly, laying a hand on her
son’s arm. You just know when to stand up to him. You’ve always had a
flair for dealing with people.
As for the nephews She threw up her hand in despair.
Then her face clouded. I really am worried about these constant chest
infections. Frankly, I don’t think he’s going to last much longer.” She
sighed in regret. He’s been a good spouse..
Can you get your medic to recommend the warmer climate?” Paulin asked
sympathetically.
He’s been doing so constantly,’ Thea said, setting her mouth in a firm
line. I’ll make it so. Somehow! 1 couldn’t live with myself if I
didn’t. For his sake as well as those poor wretches.
Gallian looked uncertain.
Don’t worry, lad,’ said Paulin. You’ve already got full marks in my
book for cooperation. And, as long as I’m Chair, you’ve my support. The
Conclave doesn’t necessarily have to abide by the deceased’s wishes as
to successor. But we’ve got to take action now.
Even waiting until Turn’s End is dangerous. We rescued those people,
their rights were upheld in a duly assembled court, and Chalkin’s in
some state of mind over that.” Paulin’s laugh was mirthless. We can’t
let him take his vengeance out on them, or we’ve spent a lot of time and
effort to no avail. With this thaw setting in, he’ll be able to move
about. And I think we all have a good idea that he’ll retaliate in some
fashion.
Thea shuddered, her comfortably plump body rippling under her thick
gown. I won’t have that on my conscience, no matter what my Lord
Jamson says.” She rose. Jamson spent such a poor night, I’ll catch him
now, before he can put up any more objections. One thing’s certain, he
doesn’t want to die. He likes Richud more than Franco.
I’ll suggest Ista Hold. I wouldn’t mind the winter there myself. In
fact .
and suddenly, she straightened her shoulders, I think I’m gomig dowd