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

light didn’t reflect from me … if it avoided me … or sort of slid around me … then no one could see me.” Lystara smiled shyly. “That was right, wasn’t it?”
    â€œIt was indeed,” declared Alastar. “Did Dareyn see you come in?”
    â€œOh, no. I waited in the outside corridor until no one was around, and then I slid the light around me, except it wasn’t like that. I made a shield just for light, one that slid it around me. That’s much easier.”
    Alastar managed to keep his jaw in place. Few thirds could manage that kind of concealment, and not even all Maitres D’Aspect. “I think you’ve inherited your mother’s skills in imaging techniques.”
    â€œMore likely your father’s,” said Alyna. “He was six when he first imaged things.”
    â€œYour technique, my age,” replied Alastar.
    â€œFather…” Lystara did not say more.
    â€œWe should go home,” said Alyna. “You’re both looking pinkish in the eyes.” She glanced at her husband. “You haven’t eaten since breakfast, have you?”
    â€œI was a bit tied up with High Holder Cransyr.” Alastar offered an embarrassed smile. Alyna always focused on his eyes to determine his state of health … and nourishment. “You’re right. We should go.”
    Dareyn looked up as the three left the Maitre’s study. “My eyes must be getting old. I didn’t see Maitre Alyna and young Seconda Lystara enter the study.”
    â€œWe came the other way,” said Lystara. “We didn’t want to bother you.”
    â€œIt’s all right if we’re the ones intruding on the Maitre,” added Alyna with a smile. “Good evening, Dareyn.”
    â€œThe same to you.”
    Once they were in the corridor, Alastar leaned toward his daughter, “Nicely phrased.”
    â€œThank you, Father.”
    Alastar straightened. You only thought the problems with Lystara were subsiding. Still … he smiled.

 
    4
    Later on Jeudi evening, well after Lystara had gone to sleep, Alastar and Alyna sat in the matching armchairs in the sitting room adjoining their bedchamber. A single oil lamp, set on the side table between their chairs, provided the only light.
    â€œShe does take after you, dearest,” said Alyna gently. “She’s going to be far taller than I am, physically stronger, and she began imaging younger than I did.”
    â€œI could image coppers, but nothing like concealments,” offered Alastar.
    â€œYou might have been able to, if you’d known what she knows when you were that young.”
    â€œShe’s far more precise than I was,” protested Alastar. “That description of her concealment…”
    Alyna laughed softly. “So she takes after both of us. That’s likely to mean trouble.”
    â€œShe couldn’t have been the one using concealments around the factorage. She’s never been free of supervision long enough…”
    â€œAlso … it was her overhearing others talking that inspired her to try. I believe what she said. She’s not that devious.”
    â€œYet,” added Alastar dryly.
    â€œYou still are rather skeptical of women, dear.”
    â€œNot of you. Not of Tiranya, and not of a few others, like Seliora or Thelia … or Linzya.”
    â€œYou’ve just named most of the maitres who are women.”
    Alastar found himself flushing. “You do have a way of bringing me up short.”
    â€œOnly in private, and only when necessary.”
    â€œFor which I’m thankful.”
    â€œSometimes that comes later,” she added playfully.
    Wanting to change the subject, if slightly, Alastar mused, thoughtfully he hoped, “I wonder how Quaeryt and Vaelora managed with two daughters…”
    â€œYou only mentioned one.”
    â€œThere are references to two daughters, but