Part 47 (1/2)

She sat back and surveyed them again. ”Of course,”

she added, ”that would be the legitimate cover. No one could object to that. I gained promises from the western countries that they would protect us if need be, but we cannot expect them to do that if we are unwilling to protect ourselves. As I said, that would be the ostensi- ble reason for a militia, but the real danger comes from Umbria and we shall have to build an effective army to counter that.”

”And while we are at it,” Rully chimed in unexpect- edly, ”we ought to consider arming our merchant fleet.

All the Umbrian fortifications face north.”

Olivderval flashed him a look of grat.i.tude. ”Our ex- cuse could be an increase in piracy, preferable from the sh.o.r.es of the Magical Kingdoms,” she said approv- ingly.

”I don't know about this,” Manyas said nervously.

”This is a major undertaking, an expensive undertak- ing, and there is no profit in it.”

”Think of it as insurance against ruin,” Leonida said crisply. ”Any estimates of the costs, Olivderval?”

The Oligarch referred to the papers in front of her.

”A start-up cost of three hundred thousand ecrus for the training and equipping of a force of fifty thousand men.”

”Fifty thousand men! That's insane.” The agitated objection came from Festin Manyas.

”And that does not include monies for the develop- ment of cannon,” Olivderval pressed on relentlessly.

”We have acquired, by the way, the secret of the man- ufacture of cannon and I do not doubt that Isphardi ingenuity can improve upon the original.”

Hubbub ensued.

Ch3ipt6R 23

-^ arrod was relaxing in his main room and was feel- ing satisfied. Nastrus had just returned to Stronta and had reported that the Giants' Causeway had been cleared away as far as the Songean border, a prodigious amount of work for both Magicians and cloudsteeds.

The unicorn had been tired and proud and he had cer- tainly earned the right to feel that way. There was no more work to be done on the project, for this year at any rate. The weather would begin to close in by the end of the month, the more so in Songuard where it was uncontrolled. Indeed, there were reports of fresh snow on the mountain peaks. Nastrus would be return- ing to the Island at the Center soon for his annual visit and Jarrod knew that he would have to come up with a convincing reason to tempt him back. It was impor- tant that the Empire see the benefit of the enterprise, that the Discipline be seen to be helpful to them.

He stretched his slippered feet toward the fire and was contemplating a nap when there was a rapping at the door. He swiveled and saw the Duty Boy's head.

He gestured and the boy slipped into the room.

”Sorry to disturb you. Excellence, but there's a bun- glebird message that just came in.”

Jarrod beckoned and the boy came over quickly and handed him a tiny roll of paper. Jarrod smoothed it out and leaned it into the light so that he could decipher the writing. ”Child expected in a sennight. Come if 261.

you've a mind to.” It was unsigned. His heart gave a little lurch and his brain began to calculate. It would have taken the bird at least four days to fly here from Gwyndryth. That meant that it was due any day. The baby could already have been bom. A trip through In- terim was the only way to get there in anything like time.

”Any return message, sir?” the boy asked.

”Oh, er, no. It wouldn't do any good. I'd be obliged, though, if you would pack me some clean linen, hose, a couple of robes and my was.h.i.+ng things. Use the sad- dlebags. Fetch me my shoes first. I've got to see the Mage.”

Five minutes later,he was being ushered into Grey- lock's bedchamber. The Mage was sitting at his desk working at some papers.

”Sit yourself by the fire, Jarrod, I'll be with you di- rectly,” he said without looking up. ”There's some mulled ale in the hearth, help yourself.”

Jarrod sat and watched the fire, wanning his hands on the mug and taking small sips. He was excited and the hot liquid seemed to steady him. He heard sand being sprinkled on paper and sat up. Moments later the old Mage joined him, ladled out some ale and sat down opposite-

”What can I do for you?” he asked.

”I just got a message from Marianna,” Jarrod re- plied. ”The baby's due and I would like to be there.”