Page 16 of The Study of Magic
“Have a seat.” Franis settled behind his desk. Files and stacks of papers had been neatly arranged on the surface, with a cleared area in the middle for him to work. “Is this regarding the unpleasantness in MD-5? I’d no idea Brazell was plotting with a southern magician. He had joined Ambrose’s resistance later and wasn’t one of the original members.”
Valek thought it interesting that Franis was distancing himself from Brazell. As for his involvement, they’d found no evidence that any of the other generals were involved. Not yet.
“It is regarding the unpleasantness. The Commander has promoted your Colonel Ute to general of MD-5, and I’m here to deliver her papers personally.” He watched Franis’s expression closely.
Shock blanked the man’s face for a moment before he visibly collected his wits. “Ah, that’s…fast. Why the rush? Is it a temporary assignment until she proves herself or we find another who is more…suited?”
Valek noted he used the wordsuitedand notqualified. “The Commander has made up his mind. Where can I find Colonel Ute?”
”Ah. She’s…ah. On assignment, I think.”
“Think? She’s your highest ranked officer. Wouldn’t you know?”
“She works with my advisers. Let me…” He stood and pulled on a cord near the window. “I’ll find out. In the meantime, please make yourself comfortable. Ah, here’s Jasia. Please escort Adviser Valek to one of our guest suites so he can rest up after his long journey.”
“Yes, sir,” the young woman said.
She wore a page’s uniform, but she bore a striking resemblance to the general. One of his two daughters?
“Adviser? This way.” She swept a hand out, indicating that Valek should precede her.
Valek debated if he should go or remain here until he learned the location of Colonel Ute from Franis. He outranked the general, but it would generate more ill will if he reminded the man of his rank. In the end, he thought he’d get more cooperation if he went along with the fake hospitality. Besides, he had other avenues available.
He followed Jasia to a well-appointed suite of rooms. Thinking of Ari and Janco sharing a bunk bed in the barracks, he smiled at the lavish accommodations.
“Is there anything I can get for you? Tea and biscuits? Or something else from the kitchens?” she asked. “Our chef is one of the finest in Ixia.”
“No, thank you. Do you know where I can find Colonel Ute?”
Jasia probably knew more about what went on in the household than her father.
“Her office is on the ground floor, east wing. She splits her time between here and the garrison, which isn’t far. If she’s not here, you can find her there. Are you going to be inspecting the base?”
“If I have the time. Thank you, Jasia.”
She flashed him a smile. “If you need anything, pull that cord and someone will come to assist you.” She left.
Valek inspected the long rope of fabric that hung from the ceiling. The cords hadn’t been part of the original design, and the Commander wouldn’t be happy to know Franis had installed them. They had been used by the King. The Commander required his people to be self-sufficient and to avoid excesses. It had been years since the Commander had visited all the Military Districts. Perhaps it was time for another trip.
Setting his pack on the bed, Valek changed from his adviser’s uniform into a standard sergeant’s uniform with purple diamonds. He grabbed the papers for Ute and hurried to the east wing.
The door was ajar, and voices sounded inside. Valek paused to listen.
“…say why I needed to leave this afternoon?” a woman asked.
“No, sir, but it’s urgent.”
“Captain Wells?—”
“The general has orderedyouto personally handle it, sir.”
“I guess I ought to be honored. Okay, Lieutenant, please tell the general I’ll leave within the hour.”
“Yes, sir.” A man rushed from the office but stopped short when he spotted Valek. “Is there something I can help you with, Sergeant?”
“I’ve a message for the colonel.”
The man bristled and straightened. “All messages are supposed to come through the proper channels.”
