example Alastar intended to set. He wrote a different note to Petros.
When he finished, he took the notes out to Dareyn. âThese are to the senior imagers, including Obsolym, and to some of the Maitres DâAspect. The notes are to be delivered personally. For your information, Iâve summoned them to meet me here tomorrow morning at eighth glass. Iâd also like you to send word to Maitre Petros to have thirteen mounts ready for me and those imagers by a quint past eighth glass tomorrow.â
âIt is Solayi, sir.â
âThatâs why Iâm delaying the meeting until eighth glass.â
âWill you be needing anything else, sir?â
âNot for the moment. At eighth glass, Iâm going to see how Maitre Cyran is doing in overseeing weapons training with the junior thirds.â Alastar also wanted to continue his review of the imager assignments with Desyrk, but whether he could fit that in depended on how long he watched Cyranâs students and whether Desyrk would be punctual in leaving at noonâsince noon on Samedi was the beginning of end-day, which lasted until services began in the anomen at sixth glass on Solayi evening.
When he returned to his study, Alastar took out his copy of the master ledger, updated and returned weekly by Arhgen, to go over the Collegium accounts to see where spending might be cut, and just as important, what was being neglected. He had jotted down several areas where he needed to look into changes in Collegium spending when Dareyn knocked on the door, then opened it slightly.
âThereâs a courier from the Chateau DâRex, Maitre.â
A courier from the rex most likely meant trouble, and Dareynâs absolutely calm tone of voice suggested the old secondus had the same opinion.
âHave him come in, if you would.â
Dareyn opened the study door wide, stood back to let the courier enter, and then closed it, leaving the courier alone with Alastar.
The courierâa young man in the yellow-trimmed green jacket and trousers of a chateau guardâstepped into the study. âMaitre ⦠sir?â
âYes? I take it you have a message for me.â
âYes, sir.â The guard swallowed.
Alastar had a good idea what was coming. âYes?â
âRex Ryen would appreciate your immediate attendance at the chateau, sir.â
âWere those his exact words?â Before the stunned guard could reply, Alastar held up his hand. âYou donât have to answer that. As soon as I can get a mount saddled, we can ride back together. That might be for the best. If youâd wait out front for me, Iâll join you shortly.â
âYes, sir.â The courier didnât sound happy.
Believe me, young man, youâll be far happier arriving with me. Alastar stood and walked to the door, opening it and gesturing for the courier to precede him. âDareyn, send word to the stables that Iâll need my horse saddled, and two escorts to accompany me.â
âYes, sir.â
Alastar turned to the courier. âIâll meet you in front as soon as my mount arrives.â
The courier nodded, almost glumly, then turned and walked from the anteroom out into the corridor, then toward the main entry.
âDid the courier say what the rex wanted, sir?â
âDoes he ever let anyone know? Iâm just expected to attend him instantly.â Alastar offered a crooked smile. âIt could be anything. Oh ⦠and would you send a messenger over to Cyran to tell him where Iâm going to be?â
âYes, sir.â
Less than a tenth of a glass later, Alastar mounted the gray gelding and rode away from the central green on the Collegium beside the courier, with the two imager thirds behind them.
âWhatâs your name?â Alastar asked the guard.
âLlasel, sir.â
âHow long have you been a guard and courier at the chateau?â
âI was a page for three