Page 15 of The Study of Magic
“I don’t trust him to take it when he needs it. You know him best, so you can oversee his pain management.”
“But, the mission?—”
“We leave at dawn. I hope you sleep better tonight, Janco.” Valek left.
* * *
Janco bounded down the stairs the next morning despite his claim to be allergic to dawn. The good night’s sleep and pain powder had done their jobs. They ate a quick breakfast, thanked Myzel for her hospitality and the fresh supplies, and headed north.
They reached General Franis’s manor house by mid-afternoon on the sixth day of their journey. Stopping at the stables first to see to the care of their horses, Valek spoke with the MD-3 Stable Master. If the tall man wondered about the extra horse, he didn’t say anything. Soon after, one of the boys bolted for the main building, probably to warn the general of their arrival.
When the horses had been settled, Ari said, “We’ll stay in the barracks. They’re a good place to pick up on the local chatter.”
“But we expect to be invited to any fancy meals or celebrations,” Janco chimed in. “I’m a great dancer.”
“Of course you are.” Ari humored him.
“Really. My mother taught me.” He beamed.
Valek bid them goodbye with instructions to find him if they heard anything concerning.
“What’s your definition of concerning?” Janco asked.
Ari waved Valek away. “I got this.”
“I’m serious. Valek might be looking for something that we wouldn’t know is concerning because we haven’t been trained as one of his agents.”
Valek paused. Janco had a point. “In this case, it won’t be anything subtle. Would you like to train to be in my corps?”
“We’d rather train to become your seconds,” Ari said.
“No one has said that you can’t challenge me if you’re in my corps.”
The Commander had urged Valek to find a second in command and so Valek had issued a challenge. If anyone could beat him in a fight, they’d earn the right to the job.
“But we don’t want to be assigned to some remote town, working undercover. We want to continue working with you.”
“Ah. I’ll see what I can do.”
Valek considered their request as he headed to the manor. Their desires were in line with what he wanted, but would it be unfair to the other people who hoped to become his second? He’d be working besides his second or seconds on a day-to-day basis. It’d be better if he actually liked and respected them.
General Franis met him at the grand entrance. Not a good sign. The general’s manor was built the same in all the Military Districts. A four-story brick building shaped like a square U with three equal sides.
“Valek, it’s a pleasure to see you,” Franis said, shaking his hand. “What brings you here?”
“I’m here at the Commander’s request.” Valek glanced at Franis’s advisers, who hovered at the edges.
“Of course. Come on in.” Franis dismissed his aides and led Valek into the main foyer.
While the manors were all structured the same, each general had decorated them to their own styles. Each organized them differently as well. At age forty-five, Franis was the youngest of the generals and his aesthetic had a modern feel with sharp-edged geometrical artwork in bright colors, granite topped tables, and minimal decorations, adding to the drafty chill of the air.
They climbed to the second floor. Franis’s black hair was military short, but the top was a bit longer and styled. Tall and lean, he still had his youthful good looks. He wore a general’s uniform, which consisted of black pants and a black jacket with gold buttons. Each Military District had been assigned a color and purple was MD-3’s. Over Franis’s left breast were five embroidered purple diamonds.
When they entered the general’s office, Franis took off his jacket and hung it on a hook just inside the door. Underneath he wore a black shirt that had small purple diamonds stitched onto his collar—five on each side. His office’s decoration matched the rest of the house, except glass topped Franis’s desk.
“Would you like a drink?” Franis asked, gesturing to his sideboard filled with bottles.
Valek would love a drink. “No, thank you.” He needed to stay sharp.
