Page 66 of The Study of Magic
“Valek?” Rasmussen asked. “He’s been busy in MD-5, when would he have time to go around stealing Criollo? My supply also went missing. Strange.”
Kitvivan laughed without humor. “Come on, Ras. You can’t be that naïve. He has his spies everywhere. They’re working in the garrisons, in our manor houses. You can’t trust anyone except your advisers. Bruse also said there’d be more Criollo.”
“My Criollo disappeared as well, but I don’t miss it,” General Hazal said. “I don’t know why, but I’m thinking clearer without it.”
“Me, too,” Chenzo said. “Nolten offered me more, but I stuck it in a drawer and forgot about it.”
“Is Nolten sick?” Rasmussen asked Chenzo. “My adviser had to go to the infirmary last night.”
“Yes, poor guy. The ones that got sick were all sitting at the same table in the soldiers’ mess hall.”
“You think Valek could have poisoned them?” Tesso asked.
“While that’s something he would do, my adviser said there were seven of them at the table and only four got sick,” Franis said.
Before anyone else could comment, Commander Ambrose and General Ute entered. All conversation ceased. The icy expression on the Commander’s face didn’t bode well for a pleasant meeting.
“Generals, please have a seat,” the Commander said, taking his place at the end of the oval table while the others sat along the expanse—four on either side. Valek’s seat next to the Commander remained empty. Dinno and Franis glanced at it with unease.
A light touch of magic brushed Valek’s face.
“Where are our advisers?” Kitvivan asked, although it sounded more like a demand. “You said we could have one with us.”
“They’re waiting in the hall until I call for them,” the Commander said.
“Why? Where’s Valek? Is he busy searching our suites for Criollo?” Tesso asked.
“Valek wasn’t invited. And neither are your advisers. Not yet. This is just between us. I’d like to introduce you to our newest general,” the Commander said. “Please welcome General Ute.”
The silence stretched. Ute tried to make eye contact with the others, but they stared at the Commander. She kept her expression neutral, but Valek noticed her death grip on the arms of her chair.
“Is something wrong?” the Commander asked.
“Yes,” Tesso said. “We didn’t discuss your selection. If you’re going to promote a new general, you would naturally have consulted with us as we’ve been with you since the beginning. You’ve had a rough time of late, so aren’t thinking clearly. Not giving us the courtesy to be a part of the process is one example. We all understand.”
Everyone except Ute gave the Commander sympathetic and encouraging nods. Ute sat very still, as if caught in the jaws of a trap. Valek wondered if all the generals had voted to decide who would be the spokesman and Tesso was shafted or if he volunteered.
“And it can be easily fixed,” Tesso continued with a generous tone. “There are plenty of talented candidates. I think we should nominate those we feel would be able to handle the job.” He inclined his head toward Ute. “Colonel Ute can certainly be on the list. Once complied, we can discuss everyone’s qualifications and vote.”
The Commander leaned forward. The room held its breath. “When I promoted you to general, Tesso, did I consult with the other three generals at the time?”
Rasmussen, Franis, and Chenzo shook their heads.
“Did I consult with anyone when I promoted Dinno? Kitvivan?”
All nos.
“Then why would you expect me to consult you now?”
“You’ve been compromised and are not thinking clearly,” Tesso said. “This is why you promoted us, Ambrose, to help you. Let us help.”
The Commander paused for a long moment. “I agree, you’ve been most helpful in the past and I owe you an explanation of what happened in MD-5.
“Back in the middle of the hot season, Brazell sent me Criollo as a gift. I enjoyed the dessert and ate a piece at least three times a day. However, we later learned it’s a Sitian drug that reduced my resistance to foreign thoughts and suggestions. Adviser Mogkan, a magician from Sitia, created a magical power ring so he could reach me from MD-5. He suggested I travel to MD-5, and as I drew closer, he was able to take complete control of me. Valek and his team rescued me and killed Mogkan. I woke from the compulsion, and I haven’t eaten any Criollo since the middle of the cold season. I can assure you; I’m thinking clearly. Are you?”
Not sure how to react, they glanced at each other, looking for guidance. Magic pressed on Valek. Stronger this time.
“I can say that I am,” Hazal said. “I haven’t eaten any Criollo in two weeks, and it’s made a difference.”
