Free The Witches of Ne'arth (The Star Wizards Trilogy Book 2) by Joseph Schembrie

teenager-in-terrestrial-years leading a project of grown men.  But many Britanians saw Archimedes as Roman and would never accept his leadership.  Anyhow, to exploit a child just to get back at Matt – well, this was a new low.     
    As Bok was escorted out, Prin and Andra entered the hangar and greeted Matt with effusive hugs.  Prin  quickly resumed his pose of unflappability and launched into a recapitulation of project status, which Matt was already aware of.  It was difficult to stop Prin once he got rolling. 
    Andra waited for her husband to run out of breath. “I've someone for you to meet, Matt.  A new recruit, a very quick learner.  I've never seen anyone pilot so well, better even than Geth.”
    “As good as yourself?”
    “You might be surprised.”
    “That's great, but what we really need are navigators, mechanics – “
    “She's a star at everything.  You'll see!” 
    Before he could reply, Andra waved at the doorway.  A young woman approached.  She was almost as tall as Matt and though not much older, her hair was so light that it almost seemed gray, a color that matched her well-tailored clothing.  She met Matt's gaze confidently, but with none of the awe that so many recruits demonstrated upon first encountering the Wizard.  Matt sensed uneasily that of the two of them, he was the one who was more intimidated. 
    Puzzled at his own reaction, he interrogated himself:  was it because she was attractive?  He felt that Carrot was prettier, so that wasn't it.  Still, there was something about the set of her eyes, the cut of her bangs and the curl of her chin, that evoked unease.  And – a sense of recognition, though he wasn't sure why.
    Andra made introductions:  “Matt, this is Savora.  Savora, this is Matt.”
    Savora bowed deeply.  “An honor to meet the Wizard.”
    Matt returned the bow.  “Uh, good to meet you too.”
    Andra continued:  “Savora appeared at our classroom door the day you departed on your most recent tour.  Her father is a merchant and she's been to Londa where she's been tutored in math and science  Well, it was late in the semester and I didn't want to take any more students, but she insisted that I test her – and she's been at the top of every class ever since.  Truly heaven-sent, I've already placed her on First Crew roster!  By the way, Matt, what do you think of her uniform?”
    Savora gave a fashion twirl, and Matt replied self-consciously, “Very, uh, nice.”
    “Savora made the outfit herself,” Andra said.  “She's quite the seamstress.  She's made uniforms for all of us.”
    “I realize shirt and pants are considered peasant's dress,” Savora replied.  “However, they are quite practical for activities aboard a ship.”
    “I appreciate all your effort,” Matt murmured.  He was preoccupied with a vision of Carrot walking in just then and seeing him staring at Savora's figure.  In suppressed panic, he gazed aside. 
    Prin interjected:  “Matt, the Leaf has sent an observer.”
    “An observer?”
    “A colonel named Krobart.  He wants to meet you and fly in the ship.  I know you're tired from your journey, but I'll have to lay off workers soon unless our funds are replenished, and we're not going to receive more funding from the Leaf unless Krobart gives approval.”
    Matt frowned.  “Ral said that the Leaf promised full support.”
    “Oh yes, in the beginning they were quite in awe of us.  We bring tons of silver and a ship that can fly!  However, now they realize they hold all the silver and by attaching conditions to the funds, they might gain control of the ship too.”   
    “Prin comes from a senatorial family,” Andra said.  “He knows about these political stratagems.”
    “Stratagems!” Prin snorted.  “More like children's games!  Everywhere you go, the world is under thrall to petty political games fit only for the most childish – instigated by men who end up ruling the world because only they