Part 12 (1/2)

THE UNICORN PEACE t 63

ital and she hasn't taken the usual route of buying up the neighboring estates, which is what I suspect Lord Darius would do.”

She gave Jarrod a speculative look and followed it with an open smile. ”I haven't been able to trace the source of her backing and that, I confess, intrigues me.

I thought for a while that the Holdmaster was plunder- ing the Paladinian treasury when Naxania wasn't look- ing, but there are two major problems with that supposition. The first is that there isn't a moment when Naxania isn't looking and, having made friends with Lord Darius, I cannot believe that he is capable of do- ing anything that devious.” Her slightly hoa.r.s.e chuckle came again. ”It's disconcerting, if somewhat rea.s.suring in a strange way, to come across a completely honor- able man. Even fifteen years with Naxania hasn't cor- rupted him and that's saying a lot.”

”This is all very interesting,” Jarrod said, ”but I don't see what it has to do with the Discipline.”

Olivderval's humor vanished. ”Do I have to remind you that the Discipline has but one vote and that Is- phardel has considerable influence?”

It was Jarrod's turn to smile. ”Ah, but you seem to be forgetting that the rulers of Paladine and Arundel are members of the High Council of Magic. You should not underestimate the power of the Archmage. If we were to campaign openly against you, where would you stand? Songuard might vote with you if you promised them the return of Bandor; the Empire will vote against, no matter what you do. Even if you got Talisman's vote, you would still lose by four to three.”

”The Discipline has a long history of not intervening in political matters,” Olivderval said sharply.

”But as you so aptly pointed out, my dear Oligarch, this is too important a matter for us to sit on our dig- nity.”

64 ”I see.” Otivderval gave him a long weighing look.

”And what would it take to gain the Discipline's sup- port?”

Jarrod relaxed a little and raised his gla.s.s again. Let her wait, he thought as he drank. He let the silence lengthen and then he looked up.

”I think a Concordat between Isphardel and the Dis- cipline would be appropriate.” he said. ”Mind you, I can only speak for myself. Ragnor is the one who could make that kind of decision and then in consultation with the High Council.”

Olivderval sat back and he saw her body relax. She was confident in her abilities to haggle, and it showed in her posture. ”I understand, of course, but it might be instructive to find out what you would feel comfort- able recommending to the Archmage.”

Jarrod pursed his lips as if considering, though he had, in fact, thought about this eventuality. ”Isphardel might agree to pay the t.i.the in return for the extension of weather control to its territories,” he suggested.

Olivderval's muscled tensed, though her hands re- mained calm and her face showed nothing. ”We are talking about a great deal of money,” she said, ”and about the establishment of Discipline outposts on Is- phardi soil.”

”And on Songean soil, too,” Jarrod agreed. ”But I should think that the guarantee of predictable winds for your s.h.i.+pping and an amelioration in your climate would be worth it.”

”And in return, we should be a.s.sured of your sup- port?”

”And in return, I will undertake that no pressure will be brought to bear on either Naxania or Arabella. They will be encouraged to make their decisions in accor- dance with their consciences and their national inter- 65.

ests. My own vote will, of course, depend on the will of the High Council.”

Olivderval sat and looked at him. Then she devoted some attention to her gla.s.s.

”I think you're bluffing,” she said at last. ”Besides, that's not a decision that I can take on my own. We both have councils to report to.”

”I quite understand,” Jarrod said politely. ”This is a difficult and complex matter.” He put down his gla.s.s and stood to indicate that the meeting was over.

”Here, take this,” Otivderval said, holding out hers.

”I need both arms to get me out of a chair these days.”

He obliged and she heaved herself erect. She collected her cloak, and he escorted her to the door. She turned at the threshold and looked up at him with an unex- pected grin.

”Ragnor's taught you well,” she said. ”I used to enjoy jousting with him when I was at Celador. I can't be sure that the others will approve this Concordat, but it's a very shrewed strike because it has a spurious appearance of parity. I can't say that it has been a pleasure doing business with you, but it's been stimu- lating.”

She turned to leave, thought better of it and turned back. ”Oh, by the way,” she said, ”I'm having a little party three days from now and I shall expect you to attend. My apartments, the nineteenth hour and don't eat anything that day.”