Free Working God's Mischief by Glen Cook

it some thought. Don’t just blurt something.”
    â€œShoot.”
    â€œWhy isn’t Lumiere with his mother? Why doesn’t his mother know where he is?” And, as she was about to explode, “Why does Raymone dislike his mother so much?”
    *   *   *
    Brother Candle did not expect to work miracles. Socia’s character had been under construction for years. A fresh recollection of Sister Claire only provided a small hammer.
    Because he was who he was and his opinion mattered, Socia made an effort. But, even with the best intentions, she could not make herself into the perfect mother for the next Count of Antieux.
    She shone much brighter at organizing the convoy for the journey to Khaurene.
    Socia snarled, “I’ll never thank you for telling me I’m like Raymone’s mother. It makes me feel awful.”
    â€œI understand, girl. You are what you are. But you have to make the effort. For Lumiere’s sake.”
    â€œMaster, if there was any way…”
    â€œMaybe if you’d had a father and mother yourself…”
    â€œStop. I can’t be a traditional mother. I hurt because I have that lack. But I will do my best.”
    â€œThat’s all I ask. Raymone’s mother never tried.”
    Socia indulged in a rant against her own failings.
    â€œReally, girl, all you need to do is show the child that he means enough for you to make an effort. Whatever your feelings, remember that you’re not alone. Raymone is there. Have him remind you that though there are good men who had bad mothers there aren’t many bad men who had good mothers.”
    â€œThere you go again. No matter what I do, I can’t win.”
    â€œAren’t you getting more fanciful by the minute.”
    *   *   *
    Bernardin Amberchelle returned to Antieux sixteen days after his last conversation with Brother Candle. Three injured men carried him. He was the worst injured of the four.
    Brother Candle heard it first as a rumor. Something dire had happened. He hastened to the Garete family citadel.
    Furtive villains with a Society look were sneaking and lurking already.
    *   *   *
    â€œThere you are!” Socia growled when, in accordance with instructions, Brother Candle joined her in Count Raymone’s audience chamber. He found the mix there curious. In addition to those functionaries to be expected in a crisis there were representatives from the religious minorities and the magnates of trade. And, close by the Countess, an especially grim Kedle Richeut, who beckoned Brother Candle.
    Socia finished saying something to Alfeas Machin, the region’s premier vintner, and turned to Brother Candle. “Raymone came out on the short end.”
    â€œIt was a trap?”
    â€œNo. But the effect was the same. The big dummy forgot that Serenity was the bull sorcerer of the Collegium before he bought the Patriarchal Throne. He tried to capture the man instead of just killing him. A serious advantage for Serenity, who had no reason to hold back.”
    The old man could think of no response.
    â€œBernardin says Serenity’s gang was wiped out. Serenity was hurt but escaped. Our survivors weren’t in any shape to chase him.”
    â€œAnd Anselin?”
    â€œHe wasn’t there. Oh, fun!”
    Bishop LaVelle had arrived. He was dressed in state and attended by lesser priests. He headed for the Countess, pushing people out of his way. He showed no deference to the Countess, no doubt considering her “just” a woman.
    On the other hand, Brother Candle did not see the all-consuming arrogance characteristic of LaVelle’s predecessors.
    The bishop commenced some sort of declaration.
    Socia said, “Kedle, it is time.”
    Kedle smacked the bishop in the back of the head with an axe handle. His companions found themselves facing swords, spears, and crossbows. Socia said, “Put them into the