From Across the Clouded Range by H. Nathan Wilcox Read Free Book Online Page B

an
interest, but my studies have always taken priority. I have not
made promises or even courted any girls while I have been
here.”
    “ That is my understanding
as well,” Di Valati Alsance assured Ipid. “I asked after Dasen when
I learned of this meeting. I can confirm that he is entirely
dedicated to his studies. He has not been seen in the regular
company of any of the women studying the matronly side of the
Order.”
    “ Thank you, Petr,” Ipid
said and relaxed noticeably. “I am sorry that I jumped to
conclusions. But what then could be your opposition to Tethina? I
know that you have not seen her in a long time, but I have kept a
regular correspondence with her and can assure you that she is an
extraordinary girl.”
    “ That may be, but how can
you think we are still a good match? The Order has given us
entirely separate paths. I mean, has she ever been to a city? Has
she been trained in proper etiquette? Can she socialize with the
aristocracy? With the wives of your business partners? Can she
manage a house? Can she even read? Taking her from the village and
throwing her into this world would be like throwing a pig from a
tree and expecting it to fly. You are only setting her up to fail
in the most dramatic possible way.”
    Each question seemed to strike Ipid.
By the time Dasen tapered off, his father looked truly troubled.
“She can definitely read,” Ipid mumbled to himself, “and she is an
adequate writer with a clear hand. Some of the other things you
mention will . . . undoubtedly be a challenge.”
    Ipid thought for a moment. When Dasen
drew a breath to continue, he held up a hand to stop him. “Dasen,
you make a valid argument. Yet I think you underestimate Tethina.
Believe me, she is definitely not the typical village girl. She is
the strongest, smartest girl I have ever known, with the possible
exception of your mother. I must admit she is not likely to fit
into society but neither will she be cowed by the challenges of
this new life. Nonetheless, you are correct that it would be cruel
to throw her into it without some preparation.” Ipid sighed deeply
then mumbled to himself.
    There was another pause. Ipid’s lips
moved as if calculating in his head. When his attention returned,
Dasen tried to speak, but Ipid held up a hand to stop him. A small
smile crept onto his mouth. “As I’m sure Di Valati Alsance would
agree, the Order provides a solution to every problem, and I think
I have found one here.” After another moment of contemplation, he
turned to Dasen. “Dasen, you were right to think that I came here
to take you from the university. It was my plan that you be joined
to Tethina and then return here to represent our growing interests
in Liandria. I knew that you would oppose me on this, which is why
Petr is here. I feared that your commitment to study was such that
you might choose the Church over your duty to your family. However,
Di Valati Alsance agrees that your place in the Order is not with
the Church.”
    Heart pounding, Dasen spared a look at
the di valati. He met Dasen’s eyes and nodded solemnly. Dasen felt
his hopes crash. He struggled to keep himself from shaking. That
had been his exact plan, and he had been certain that the Church
would accept him. He was the perfect candidate for the Hall of
Understanding, had proven himself in every way. But, apparently,
his father’s money could even buy the Church. There was no escape
from his ambitions.
    “ However,” Ipid continued,
“you have also shown me my mistake. It would have been cruel to
pull Tethina from the only life she has known and force her into
this new one without any support. Like a flying pig indeed. So here
is my proposal. It is six months until the winter term begins. You
and Tethina will be joined as we discussed. We will leave
immediately. The ceremony will be held as soon as possible, but you
will take your time returning to Liandrin. You will make several
stops along the way back, including extended