Free Treachery's Tools by L. E. Modesitt Jr. Page A

correspondence has been my preoccupation with several matters. I do trust you will understand, once I explain. I do not expect forgiveness, only understanding.
    First is the matter of the porcelain manufacturing facility. Maarak has encountered some unusual difficulties. The nature of these difficulties is unprecedented, and I would like the opportunity to discuss them with you and with the Maitre.
    Second is the matter of Malyna. She appears to take most strongly after her aunt, and a distant, if unrecognized, great-great-aunt …
    Alastar managed not to laugh.
    â€œYou almost laughed,” said Alyna.
    â€œI see why you wanted me to read it.”
    â€œGo on. Finish it.”
    For these reasons, Malyna and I are traveling to L’Excelsis, and, while I could avail myself of the hospitality of others, I would prefer to be your guest, if this will not create any discomfort for you and your family. This journey will probably be the only one I will take to L’Excelsis at any time in the near or likely even the distant future. I would not be doing so if it were not necessary for the reasons I have mentioned, and several I have not.
    â€œThere’s a family trait I see here,” Alastar said dryly. “Several, in fact. He doesn’t like to ask for assistance, either. Unless you see a reason to the contrary, your brother could certainly have the guest suite upstairs and Malyna the spare bedroom.” He paused. “How old is your niece?”
    â€œTwelve. Almost thirteen. She is his youngest, and was not expected.” Alyna smiled. “You didn’t finish.”
    Alastar resumed reading.
    By the time you receive this, we will be close to halfway to L’Excelsis … I would not intrude unnecessarily, but some of the matters also bear upon the Collegium, beyond the obvious personal ones, of course.…
    When he finished, he looked up. “I can’t say that I’m not worried by this. Your brother, from all that I’ve heard over the years, seldom is ruffled by events. For him to undertake the journey here…” He paused. “We could foster Malyna.”
    â€œI’d very much like to…”
    Alastar understood that. He also worried about how Alyna might feel if Malyna didn’t wish to be fostered.
    â€œâ€¦ but it might not be for the best.”
    â€œYou want to meet her and talk to Zaeryl?”
    Alyna nodded. “Also … Lystara might be a problem.”
    â€œBecause she’s so precocious in her imaging? Your brother suggested that Malyna was like you. That would mean she’s talented.” Alastar could tell that his wife did not want to hope too much.
    â€œWe need to see.”
    â€œWe should tell Lystara.”
    â€œTell me what, Father?” Lystara appeared in the main doorway to the study.
    Appeared rather than stepped into the doorway, Alastar realized. “How long have you been able to handle concealments?” He realized his tone was harsh and added far more gently, “I’m not angry, only surprised.”
    â€œJust today, Father.”
    â€œWhy today?” asked Alyna.
    â€œSome of the thirds were talking about it this afternoon. Someone’s been using a concealment to visit the factorage. They said it was Father.” Lystara looked at Alastar. “I don’t think it was.”
    â€œToday it was,” Alastar admitted. “The other times it wasn’t.” He paused, then said, “Your mother and I would appreciate it if you would keep that to yourself for now … say for a month.”
    A slight frown creased Lystara’s forehead. “Is it important?”
    â€œIt is,” replied Alyna. “How did you learn about concealments? Just from listening?”
    â€œIt wasn’t hard. The other day Maitre Shaelyt was telling the junior maitres about light, and how what we see is just the light that reflects from things. I got to thinking that if the