Path of the Magi (Tales of Tiberius) by Richard J Stuart Read Free Book Online

we played our cards right, we might just get you into the Military Academy in the Engineering program.  You’re certainly bright enough, and while I know your father doesn’t like to exploit his military career, I think a word or two in the right ear wouldn’t be inappropriate for a student of your ability.”
    “The Engineering corps?  That would be great,”  Tiberius said.  Any way into the army would suit him.
    “I thought you’d like that,” his father said, giving one of his rare smiles.  “Good, honorable military career.  Not something flashy like those knights who go around jousting.  This is what wins wars.  Checking supply lines, reducing fortifications, building bridges.  I know you’re not much interested in printing, but this is a career for a gentleman.”
    “Yes, sir,”  Tiberius said, happily.  
    “It will make that girl of yours happy, too.  Good respectable career being in the corps of engineers.  You get tired of the army moving you around all the time, you can always settle down and start your own firm.  Good engineers are always in demand.”
    “It will require just a bit more work, I’m afraid,” Mr. Johnson said.  “You need to keep up with your mathematics.  But not with me, you need an advanced math program.  A specialized program, or better still, a tutor.”
    “I’m going to have a word over at Standbury’s Academy, first thing next morning,” Julian said.
    “Well, actually, I’ve taken the liberty of making a few inquires on my own,” Mr. Johnson said.
    “Oh?” Julian said, slightly pleased and surprised.
    “Yes.  I thought of Standbury’s of course, but I had the good fortune to run into Mr. Dallen this morning.  He said he’d be happy to tutor the lad.  On full scholarship, too.  Very generous of him, I might say.”
    Julian nearly started out of his chair.  “What?!  Are you mad!”
    Mr. Johnson started in turn.  “Why, whatever is the matter, Julian?  I thought you’d be pleased?!  Mr. Dallen’s the finest mathematical mind in the nation.  He’s written a number of treatises on mathematics.  He hardly ever takes on students, but as you’re an old friend of his…”
    “Friend is hardly the word!  I forbid him to study with that madman.”
    “Yes, well, if you feel that way about it,” Mr. Johnson stammered.
    Tiberius was wondering, what, if anything, he should say.  Standbury’s sounded just fine to him.  But they all had an even bigger surprise when his mother walked into the room.  She hardly ever interfered with any family business matters, but from the look on her face, Tiberius could see she was bent on interfering now. 
    “Julian, don’t be ridiculous.  Tiberius will take his math lessons from Dallen.”
    “But … Don’t you see the danger?”  his father stammered.  “You of all people…”
    “You know Dallen is a good man.  He’s going to teach Tiberius math.  Ti’s a bright, good, churchgoing boy.  He knows to stay out of anything unholy.”
    “Yes, but…”
    “I won’t hear of anything else.  We’re not going to send Tiberius to Standbury’s when there’s better and free education waiting for him with Dallen, just because we’ve both seen our share of witches and magic.”
    “But dash it all…”
    “Julian!”
    Julian faced both an immovable object and the realization that he was in the wrong.  Whatever prejudice and distrust he had of Dallen and his sorcerous ways, he couldn’t deny the man had done great good and was in position to help his son.  Defeated, he turned to face young Tiberius.
    “Oh, very well.  Your mother is right, son.  You start with Dallen when he’s ready.  But mind you, you stick to your math lessons and don’t get involved in any of his wizard tricks, you understand me, boy?”
    “Yes, sir.”  It was all he could say.   
    The next morning, Tiberius found himself mounted on one of the family horses, dressed in his Sunday best, and riding down the