Part 44 (2/2)
The Emperor froze and the raptor stirred uneasily.
The Mother Supreme knew that she had penetrated his armor.
”And how know you this?” he asked quietly.
She paused before answering, wondering if he had his scribe hidden behind the throne. ”Men come to us for the rite of confession.” She paused again before adding, ”A rite that Your Imperial Majesty has avoided for many years.”
And as we now see, with good reason, Varodias thought, but he gave a short bark of laughter. ”We lead an exemplary life,” he said.
”Be that as it may. I suggest this hermit be eliminated for both our sakes.”
”And create a martyr. Revered Mother? We think not. You may be an expert in the politics of the here- after, but when it comes to the here and now . . .” His right hand fanned out and he let the words die away.
”Very well,” Arnulpha said, ”let us discuss the here and now. Your Imperial Majesty is no doubt aware of my feelings on the subject of the Discipline.”
”We are aware that the Church considers the practice of Magic to be a contravention of its teachings.”
”Magic is the ant.i.thesis of everything the Empire be- lieves in,” the Mother Supreme said bluntly. ”The Church has always endorsed science and the progress that comes with it. The Discipline clings to the past and promotes superst.i.tion.”
”This is an old argument. Serenity,” Varodias said with a trace of impatience.
”Indeed,” Arnulpha agreed with a sly smile, ”but I wonder at Your Imperial Majesty's lack of concern when the Discipline conspires with the Isphardis to bring Magic to your very borders.”
Varodias looked at her for a long moment. ”Would you care to elucidate?” he asked as casually as he could.
244 The Mother Supreme's eyebrows rose and the half- smile returned. ”Surely Your Imperial Majesty is aware of the secret Concordat between the Discipline and the Oligarchs to bring the practice of Magic to Isphardel?”
”Naturally,” Varodias lied. ”We are somewhat sur- prised that the knowledge has reached you. Another confession we suppose.”
”Not this time,” Arnulpha said enigmatically. ”I am sure, however, that you feel as I do that this cannot be allowed to come to fruition and for that you will need our help.”
”It would seem so,” the Emperor allowed.
”Can the Church count on some protection in the here and now?” Arnulpha asked pleasantly.
”We shall iterate our orders to our commanders,”
Varodias replied flatly.
The Mother Supreme looked up skeptically, eyes nar- rowed. She relaxed and sat back as if she had changed her mind. ”Now, about the endowment of the Church on the Alien Plain,” she began.
Varodias raised a hand to cut her off. ”One thing at a time. Reverend Lady. We have many matters to con- tend with and our time is limited. We regret, but this audience is at an end.” He turned to the gyrfalcon and began to pet it.
Arnulpha took a deep breath and got to her feet. She would get no more from him at this point. She knew him well enough for that. She would not, however, re- tire in defeat.
”Have a care, Majesty,” she said. ”If your troops fail in their duty, I shall not hesitate to excommunicate you.” She turned on her heel and clumped out.
Varodias glared at the broad back as if retreated and then, when the doors were closed behind her, ”Scribe!”
”Yes, Majesty.” The man scuttled out from behind the throne and bowed deeply.
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