Page 47 of The Study of Magic
“Believe so? This is too critical for belief.”
It was. He rubbed his head. “I have full confidence in my network. In myself.”
“What about visiting each general and finding their magician? Dealing with them one on one?”
“It would probably work for the first general we visit. After that, the other magicians will be warned that we’re hunting them and be ready. We need the generals here. I’ll figure out how to counter the magicians.”
“All right, I’ll write the orders this afternoon. When do you want them here? The northern generals will need at least ten days of travel time.”
Plus, the ten days for the orders to reach them. Valek considered. “Day thirty of the warm season. That will give them two days to get ready.”
“Which they will all complain about.”
“Even if you gave them a week, they’d still complain.”
“All right, Valek, the orders will be ready in a couple hours.”
“The messengers will be members of my corps. Kenda suggested providing extra security for the generals.”
“That’s a good idea, but we also need to increase the security for the castle complex. Do you have enough personnel?”
“I’ll check with Kenda. If not, I’ll pull some from the field.”
“Good. You’re dismissed.”
“Yes, sir.”
Valek headed to Kenda’s office, hoping to catch her before she left to taste the Commander’s lunch. He encountered her in the hallway right outside her door.
“Make it quick,” she said.
“Thank you for covering for me this morning, but I’ll taste the Commander’s food going forward.”
She poked him in the ribs. Fire ignited and ringed his chest. He sucked in a breath.
“You’re barely able to stand. If Alea magically influences one of the cooks to poison the Commander’s tea, your body is in no condition to fight off the effects.” She cocked her head to the side. Her straight, shoulder-length, brown hair covered half her face. “Besides, I taught you everything you know about tasting poisons.”
True. She’d joined his corps when she grew bored as a kitchen worker. Adept with all sizes of knives, she also had a vast knowledge of poisons, which she happily shared. With average brown hair, eyes, and looks, she blended in with any situation. Kenda had even managed to fool Valek a few times.
“But I’m not willing to risk your life,” he said. She was far too valuable.
“Then you know what to do.”
“Youdoknow, I’m the one in charge.”
“Yes, sir. Is there anything else?”
“The Commander is sending orders out in two hours, and we need messengers.”
“Already assigned.”
“We’ll need extra security in the castle.”
“Already in place.”
“Thisis why I can’t lose you.”
“Then you better start training the next taster.”
