again assuming a stuffed-nose voice. So first I had your sister go in
and fetch Canell, as if there were an emergency. I primed Canell to
back me up, and it was he who suggested the rouge. So when I came into
your father’s room, I arrived moaning over my aches and pains which had
developed so rapidly overnight. And sneezing constantly fortunately, 1
have a small sneeze so I can imitate it. . . Then Canell took over –
really, the man was quite convincing. He got alarmed over my rapid
pulse and flushed face. He made much of worrying about the condition of
my lungs and the strain on my heart. So between us, why, Jamson agreed
to take me south to Ista until I’m completely recovered. So there!” She
beamed from one to the other, quite delighted.
Mother! You are the living end.
Of course,’ she said patronizingly. Then she surprised both men by
sneezing. Oh, good heavens!” Hmmm,’ said Gallian with mock severity,
that’s what happens when you tell stories. You get what you pretended
you had.” He’s sent someone looking for you, too. So.
There was a polite tap at the door. Gallian went immediately to answer
it, opening only wide enough to be seen.
Yes, tell Lord Jamson that I’ll be there directly.
I’ll wait with Lord Paulin until you can get the letter, Galli,’ she
said, pouring herself some wine. This is to fortify myself against my
cold and any relapse I might have taken . .
Another small glass for yourself, Paulin? To toast my debut as an
actress?” I wish you’d thought of that ploy earlier.” So do I,’ she
said with a little sigh. But I hadn’t such an overwhelming need to
before. Those poor people! Who will take over from Chalkin once you
get him out? And what will happen to him, for that matter?” That has
to be decided.
We were just discussing that, Mother,’ Gallian said.
There’s Vergerin, the uncle on the father’s side.” But Vergerin
gambled his succession rights away,’ Thea said sternly.
You heard that, too?” Paulin asked.
Well, you know that Bloodline,’ Thea said. Always gambling. On the
most ridiculous things, too, and for the most bizarre wagers. But to
gamble on the succession?” Her expression showed her disgust over that
wager.
Perhaps Vergerin learned a lesson,’ Gallian remarked a trifle
condescendingly, Paulin thought.
Perhaps,’ Paulin said. If we find him alive.” Oh, no!” Thea’s hand
went to her throat in dismay.
If the Council votes to impeach Not if, Gallian, when,’ said Paulin,
raising his hand in correction.
When they do, how do they go about getting Chalkin out of Bitra Hold?”
Gallian asked.
I think that will require thought and planning,’ Paulin replied.
But go now and see your father, Gallian. Mustn’t keep him waiting.
He might change his mind.
Not when Mother’s health is at stake,’ Gallian said and, with a final
grin, he left the room.
Promise me, Paulin, that Gallian’s chance at succession won’t suffer
because of this?” asked Thea, earnestly gripping his arm.
I do promise, Thea,’ he said, patting her hand.
Four days later, when Lord Jamson and Lady Thea had been safely conveyed
to Ista Hold, the rest of the Lords, Ladies Holder and the Weyrleaders
convened an emergtncy meeting at Telgar Hold and formally impeached Lord
Chalkin for dereliction of his duties and responsibilities to Benden
Weyr, for the cruel and unusual punishment of innocent holders
(lantine’s drawings were submitted as well as the proceedings of the
recent trials), for refusing to allow the Charter to be taught so that
all would know their rights as well as their responsibility (Issony gave
testimony on that account) and for denying these rights to his holders
without due reason.
Gallian soberly voted Yea’ in his turn, having duly exhibited his
authorization to act in all matters concerning High Reaches Hold.
So, now what do we do?” Tashvi asked, clasping his hands together with
an air of relief at a difficult decision completed.
Obviously, we inform Chalkin and remove him,’ Paulin said.
No other trial?” Gallian asked, startled.
He just had it,’ said Paulin. Judge and jury of his peers.” It would