“How was the ride?”
“Pleasant as four-glass rides go. Most of the time, there was a breeze, and that helped.”
“Except in the winter,” commented Fhaedyrk wryly. “It’s usually a gale then.”
“Are your winters here as bitter as in the north?”
“They’re often more bitter, or so we’re told,” replied Laekyna. “It has to do with the way the hills channel the winds.”
Quaeryt sensed that the meal was for light conversation and held the questions he had in mind. The main course was a meat pie, but the crust was so flaky and the sauce so light that it didn’t feel heavy at all.
“You must try the berry custard-it’s Laekyna’s special recipe.”
“My aunt’s actually.”
“This is your version, and it’s better.”
Quaeryt needed no urging. When he finished the last tasty spoonful of the custard, he turned to Laekyna. “That was excellent. I’ve never tasted better.”
Laekyna smiled, and blushed slightly. “Thank you.”
“I told you,” added Fhaedyrk proudly. After the slightest pause, he said, “I had not thought to find the assistant to the princeps to be a scholar.”
Quaeryt understood. He also saw that Laekyna was studying him as well.
“I’m from Solis, sir, and I was raised and educated there, but Lord Bhayar sent me here.”
“Might I ask why?”
“He expressed concerns about the number of soldiers it takes to keep order. I made the mistake of asking if the people of Tilbor were so different that they needed more order imposed by arms … or words to that effect. He said that I asked too many questions and sent me off.”
Both listeners smiled.
“What have you discovered?”
“From what I’ve seen, except for the hill holders, the people and High Holders of Tilbor are a most orderly group that want to get on with their own lives.” Quaeryt paused slightly. “Recently, it’s come to my attention that some of the scholars may not be what they claim. What is your opinion on that?”
“I would scarcely be in a position to judge that.”
“I can understand your reticence to comment, sir, especially given your … shall we say … strained relations with the scholars at the Ecoliae…”
“So far as I know, I have no relations with them.” Fhaedyrk’s voice turned cool.
Laekyna continued to hold a pleasant expression.
“Exactly.” Quaeryt smiled. “Nor would anyone in your position, especially, wish to have any relations with them.”
“My position?”
“Governor Fhayt was ambushed and nearly killed coming to visit you. The local scholars have attempted to have you killed at least once, and possibly more often.”
“You have quite an imagination, especially for a scholar.”
“Do I?” Quaeryt smiled again. “You also seemed to be one of the few High Holders who actually dared to put into writing in letters to Khanar Eleonyd reasonable observations about the source of Tilbor’s prosperity. You’re a very far-seeing and practical man. That’s one of the many reasons I requested a meeting with you.”
“How did you know about my letters, might I ask?”
“I read through the Khanars’ archives of the past several years when I first came to Tilbor. It took some time.”
“All of them?” asked Laekyna.
“I do not know what was not in the archives. There was an entire chamber. I read all that was there.”
Fhaedyrk laughed. “I doubt Khanar Eleonyd read a fraction of what you did.”
“Then did Khanara Tyrena?”
“I’m sure that she did,” said Laekyna. “Her father, despite all the rumors, relied on her heavily.”
Fhaedyrk and his wife exchanged a momentary glance.
“You have traveled a great way, master scholar. Why? Surely not merely to meet me.”
“Because you are a far-seeing and practical man, I wanted your thoughts on a matter.”
“Oh? Even the governor has not so openly sought my thoughts.”
“I’m not the governor. I’m just a scholar assistant to the princeps attempting to find ways to make Tilbor even more peaceful.”
“How might I have anything to do with that?”
Quaeryt decided, for the moment, to ignore the direct thrust of the question. “Let us assume, for the moment, that Lord Bhayar would like the scholars in Telaryn to continue to provide schools and teaching. Yet in Tilbor, there are rumors that certain scholars have more of an interest in supporting those who would rather cause unrest. What course of action might preserve the abilities of the scholars to teach while removing their involvement with those who are little more than brigands with lands?”
“You are most kind in your assessment of the hill holders.” The sarcasm was delivered gently.
“I am perhaps not impartial. I accompanied a patrol through the hills to seek poachers who were plaguing a High Holder. We attacked no one, not until we were attacked. I took a crossbow quarrel in the shoulder from men who appeared to be minions of a holder Waerfyl. Later, after I recovered, I accompanied another patrol following two wagons full of coal stolen from another High Holder’s mine-where a number of miners were killed. In both cases, the men of the hill holder attacked the lands and men of High Holders. That scarcely seems like a protest against Lord Bhayar. Then I recently discovered that certain scholars were involved in actions that might have been construed as undermining the Khanara.” Quaeryt looked to Laekyna.
She nodded. “There have been rumors of such. They were more than rumors. So what does this have to do with us?”
“I was curious as to whether you had any idea who was behind the attack on Governor Fhayt and why the only time any governor has been attacked when coming to visit a High Holder happened to occur on a visit to you.”
“I doubt there is any proof anywhere as to the identity of the attackers. Yet inquiries have suggested that a certain Sansang master has often been absent from the Ecoliae at the time of certain disruptions.”
Laekyna’s eyes hardened just a fraction as her husband spoke.
“Because I am a scholar, and because scholars have sometimes behaved unwisely, I find myself in an awkward position. I would like the scholars to be able to study and teach and be accepted, but it appears this would be difficult in Tilbor.”
“It would appear so.” Fhaedyrk turned to his wife.
“I cannot speak for anyone, master scholar, let alone my husband, but as a poor humble wife, I can see no course of action that would accomplish those ends while the Master Scholar and his princeps remain in charge of the Ecoliae. I will admit that, because my older brother was educated for a year or so at the Ecoliae, I believe Scholar Nalakyn is deeply committed to teaching and little more, and there are others of similar persuasion. Yet for any High Holder to remove either by force … many would find that repulsive and high-handed. For a High Holder even to suggest it … or mention it…” She shrugged.
“There are times when I give my wife liberty to speak her mind,” said Fhaedyrk, “but those are her thoughts.”
Quaeryt understood the situation all too well. “I understand. You are most considerate in letting her speak her mind. Well … you understand my concerns, and I do believe I understand yours. Oh … I might also add that the princeps was most impressed with your insight about the source of Tilbor’s wealth, and he asked me to convey that appreciation to you.”
“That was most kind of him.”
“He is much quieter than the governor, but there are depths under that calm.” Quaeryt smiled as he turned to Laekyna. “As is often the case.”
“Before you go … master scholar … you must try a taste of our best brandy.”
“I cannot imagine how good that must be, given the excellence of what you called simple fare.” Quaeryt shook his head. “I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed the meal and the afternoon.” And he had … and hoped they both understood that.