Oh. I see. Norkan thought about it. Might I ask why Atan Engessa would be better qualified to carry out your instructions than I would, your Majesty?
Because Engessa can run faster than you can, and hell be able to put our commands to Androl in language far more acceptable to him. Theres also the fact that using Engessa hints at a military reason for the decision, and that should smooth Androls feathers all the more. You can explain our real reasons to Betuana when you get back.
You know something, Oscagne? Norkan said. He might just work out all right after allif we can keep him from making too many blunders right at the outset.
Oscagne winced.
Sparhawk touched Vanions shoulder and motioned with his head. The two of them drifted back to the rear of the throne-room. Ive got a problem, Vanion, Sparhawk muttered.
Oh?
Ive racked my brains to come up with an excuse for us to get out of Matherion for long enough to retrieve the Bhelliom, but I havent had a single idea that a child wouldnt be able to see through. Ehlanas not stupid, you know.
No, that she isnt.
Aphrael wont say anything definite, but I get the strong feeling that she wants us to sail on the same ship with Emban and Tynian, and Im starting to run out of excuses to keep delaying their departure. Any ideas?
Ask Oscagne to help you, Vanion shrugged. Hes a diplomat, so lying comes second nature to him.
Nice idea, but I cant really tell him where were going and what were going to do when we get there, can I?
Dont tell him, then. just tell him that you need a reason to be out of town for a while. Put on a gravely mysterious face and let it go at that. Oscagnes been around for long enough to recognize the symptoms of official reticence when he sees them.
Why didnt I think of that?
Probably because your oath keeps getting in your way. I know that youve sworn to tell the truth, but that doesnt mean that you have to tell the whole truth. You can leave things out, you know. Leaving things out is one of the prerequisites of the office of Preceptor.
Sparhawk sighed. Back to school, I see. I think Im doomed to spend my whole life getting instructions from youand being made to feel inadequate in the process.
Thats what friends are for, Sparhawk.
Youre not going to tell me, are you? Sparhawk tried very hard to keep it from sounding like an accusation.
Not yet, no, Princess Danae replied, carefully tying a dolls bonnet on her cats head. Mmrr did not appear to care for the idea, but she endured her mistresss little game with a look of resignation.
Why not? Sparhawk asked his daughter, flopping down into one of the blue armchairs in the royal apartment.
Because something might still come up to make it unnecessary. Youre not going to find Bhelliom until I decide to let you find it, father.
You want us to sail with Tynian and Emban, though?
Yes.
How far?
It doesnt really matter. I just need Tynian with us when we first set out, thats all.
Then you dont really have any set destination in mindwith that ship, I mean?
Of course not. I just need Tynian to be along for a couple of days. We can go out to sea for a couple of leagues and then sail around in circles for two days if you want. Its all the same to me.
Thanks, he said acidly.
No charge. There. She held up the cat. Isnt she darling in her new bonnet?
Adorable.
Mmrr gave Sparhawk a flat look of pure hatred.
I cant tell you why at the moment, your Excellency, Sparhawk said to Oscagne later that same day when they were alone in one of the hallways. All I can say is that I need a reason to be away from Matherion with a group of nine or ten of my friends for an indeterminate period of timeseveral weeks or so. It has to be significant enough to convince my wife that its necessary, but not so serious as to worry her, and I have to sail on the same ship with Emban and Tynian.
All right, Oscagne agreed. How good an actor are you, Prince Sparhawk?
I dont think anybodyd pay money to watch me perform.
Oscagne let that pass.
I gather that this ploy is primarily intended for your wifes benefit?
Yes.
Then it might be best if the idea of sending you off someplace came from her. Ill maneuver her into ordering you off on some inconsequential errand, and you can take it from there.
Id really like to see you try to maneuver Ehlana.
Trust me, old boy. Trust me.
Tega? Sarabian asked his foreign minister incredulously. The only superstition they have on the Isle of Tega is the one that says that its bad luck not to raise the price of sea-shells every year.
Theyve never mentioned it to us in the past because they were probably afraid wed think they were being silly, your Majesty, Oscagne replied urbanely. Oscagne looked decidedly uncomfortable in the blue doublet and hose Sarabian had ordered him to wear. He couldnt seem to think of anything to do with his hands, and he appeared to be very self-conscious about his bony legs. The word silly seems to strike at the very core of the Tegan soul. Theyre the stuffiest people in the world.
I know. Gahenas, my Tegan wife, can put me to sleep almost immediatelyeven when were... The Emperor threw a quick look at Ehlana and left it hanging.