Treachery's Tools by L. E. Modesitt Jr. Page A

considered for Maitre D’Aspect in the next year.”
    â€œAfter she has her child, you mean?”
    â€œYou are the one who pointed out the dangers of excessive imaging on women with child.”
    â€œWhat do you think?” Alastar immediately asked. “About Linzya?”
    â€œShe’s close to being ready, but she doesn’t think she is.”
    â€œLike someone else?”
    â€œI wasn’t in a position to insist. Not until you came along, and then I didn’t have to … and you know that, great and powerful Maitre.”
    Alastar winced. “Can you and Tiranya help there?”
    â€œWe’re working on it.” With barely a pause, Alyna asked, “Have you talked to Thelia about the factors … and why they’re upset.”
    Meaning that you haven’t and should … and that you don’t want to talk more about Linzya right at the moment. “Not yet. I’ll make a point of it tomorrow. I’ve also asked for a meeting with High Holder Meinyt. He’s likely to be the only councilor even close to being reasonable—not that they all don’t profess how reasonable they are and how unreasonable the factors are.”
    â€œAre the factors that much better?”
    â€œTheir range is greater,” replied Alastar, “from totally unreasonable to absolutely logical … if based on incorrect assumptions.”
    â€œThat sounds more like Lorien.”
    â€œHe’s been able to learn … at least a little. Too many of the High Holders have forgotten nothing and learned nothing. The factors, on the other hand, conveniently learn only what suits them.”
    â€œIs this going to be like it was with Rex Ryen?”
    â€œWhat do you think?” countered Alastar.
    â€œIf it’s about golds, and the factors and High Holders disagree, it could be worse, but in a different way.”
    â€œMore indirectly?”
    â€œMore personally, with fewer obvious ties.”
    â€œPoisonings? Accidents?”
    â€œAnd banque irregularities, perhaps failures, charges of manipulation of the exchanges, scandals, gossip … and in the end, High Holders trusting only High Holders, building up private armies, and withholding tariffs.”
    â€œWith the factors pressing Lorien to use the army against recalcitrant High Holders?”
    â€œIt seems far-fetched, but…”
    â€œYou think it’s possible,” concluded Alastar.
    â€œPossible, but not inevitable. You should talk to as many factors as you can before Zaeryl arrives. That way you will be able to present how the factors feel.”
    â€œAnd not just how we think they feel … or how Hulet claims they feel.”
    Alyna nodded. “You’re tired. So am I.” She rose from the armchair.
    Alastar did not argue, but immediately stood as well, glad that she had extended her hand to him … and then imaged out the lamp.

 
    5
    Vendrei dawned clear and still, with a silvery haze to the sky that suggested that the mid-harvest day would be hot. When Alastar and Alyna left the Maitre’s dwelling shortly after Lystara, Alastar found himself squinting against the early-morning glare.
    As they neared the line of cottages inhabited by married imager maitres, Alyna spoke. “I need to talk to Tiranya.”
    â€œAbout Bettaur and Linzya?”
    â€œWhat else?” She smiled. “That and a few other things.”
    â€œAnd I suppose Linzya insists everything is fine.”
    â€œDidn’t she already tell you that? How could it not be?” replied Alyna sardonically. “She’s married to the most handsome of maitres, the one that all the tertias swoon over and half the boys want to emulate. I’m certain he’s as accomplished in the bedchamber as anywhere else.”
    â€œYou still don’t care much for him.”
    â€œDo you?”
    â€œNo,” admitted Alastar, “but he’s been